DEVICE AND METHOD FOR LAUNCHING A PROJECTILE

Abstract

A handheld device for launching a projectile and methods of use thereof are herein disclosed. The device includes an elongated shaft, a sling retaining member, and a sling. A portion of the sling slidably couples with the sling retaining member such that it uncouples, in use, when the elongated shaft is swung. The device can be used, in lieu of a golf club, to play the sport of golf in a unique manner.

Claims

1. A handheld device for playing golf, comprising: an elongated shaft; a sling retaining member coupled to a first end of the elongated shaft, the sling retaining member comprising a retainer and a finger; and a sling comprising: a sling pocket configured to retain a golf ball; a first string fixedly coupled to the sling pocket and retained to the retainer; and a second string fixedly coupled to the sling pocket and releasably coupled to the finger, wherein, in use, rotation of the elongated shaft results in rotation of the sling, with the second string slidably uncoupling from the finger to release the golf ball from the sling pocket.

2. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the sling retaining member comprises a central connection pin directly coupled to the first end of the elongated shaft.

3. The handheld device of claim 2, wherein the finger is coupled to or integral with the central connection pin.

4. The handheld device of claim 3, wherein the retainer is coupled to or integral with the central connection pin.

5. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the retainer is spiral-shaped.

6. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the finger is angled relative to the elongated shaft.

7. The handheld device of claim 1, further comprising a finger offset that positions a starting point finger of the finger in relation to a center of the elongated shaft.

8. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein, during said rotation of the elongated shaft, the first string remains coupled to the retainer.

9. A method of playing golf comprising the steps of: providing a handheld device comprising: an elongated shaft; a sling retaining member coupled to a first end of the elongated shaft, the sling retaining member comprising a retainer and a finger; and a sling comprising: a sling pocket; a first string fixedly coupled to the sling pocket and retained to the retainer; and a second string fixedly coupled to the sling pocket and releasably coupled to the finger, placing a golf ball in the sling pocket; and rotating the elongated shaft, the rotation resulting in rotation of the sling and slidable uncoupling of the second string from the finger to release the golf ball from the sling pocket.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, during the rotating of the elongated shaft step, the first string remains coupled to the retainer.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the retainer is spiral-shaped and the finger is angled relative to a center of the elongated shaft.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the present invention, showing a sequence of motion of the embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a detail view of a sling retaining member of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a detail view of an alternative configuration of the embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 5 is a detail view of another alternative configuration of the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The subject disclosure is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure such that one skilled in the art will be enabled to make and use the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, handheld projectile throwing apparatus 10 includes an elongated shaft 11 (that is fitted with a handle or grip 12 at one end thereof), a retainer 13 and a finger 14 (that together form a sling retaining member) that extends from an opposite end of the shaft 11, and a sling 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. Various lengths of shafts 11 may be provided, or it may be configured to be adjustable in length for various distance shots (similar to using different length shafts with golf clubs for different distances).

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the sling retaining member may further include a central connection pin 20 that directly couples with an end of the shaft 11. In certain embodiments, the finger 14 may or may not incorporate an offset from the central connection pin 20 with a finger offset 21, as shown in FIG. 3. Referring again to FIG. 3, the finger offset 21 may be integral or coupled with an opposite end of the central connection pin 20, and the finger offset 21 may be integral or coupled with the finger 14. In such an embodiment, the retainer 13 may be coupled intermediate the two ends of the central connection pin 20. In certain embodiments, the retainer 13 is spiral-shaped such that the sling is retained thereto, in use, but can be selectively removed (discussed in greater detail below).

[0023] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate alternative configurations of the sling retaining member. Rather than locating the retainer 13 at an intermediate portion of the sling retaining member (such as how configured in FIGS. 1-3), it may be, for example, alternatively located proximal to or as an extension of the finger 14. Further, preferably, the retainer 13 is provided as a spiral to enable easy and quick switching between slings of different lengths for use. As shown in FIG. 5, the retainer 13 may be embodied in other ways, such as a firm attachment point (in the example shown in FIG. 5, ring-shaped). Those with skill in the art will appreciated that other configurations are possible and in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] Attached to the shaft 11, via the finger 14 and retainer 13, is the two corded sling 15, 16, 17, 18,19 that includes a sling pocket 17. The sling pocket 17 is indirectly coupled to the retainer 13 at one end via a retained string 16 and, at the other end, to the finger 14 via a releasing string 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the retained string 16 includes a retained string jump ring 15 which slipped around the retainer 13, and the releasing string 18 includes a releasing string jump ring 19 which is slipped around the finger 14, in use. While the term “string” is used, it will be appreciated by those with skill in the art that the strings coupling the pocket 17 to the shaft 11 may take various forms, such as thin ropes, cords, cables, and the like.

[0025] In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, the apparatus works similar to a handheld trebuchet. The sling is attached to the shaft by the jump rings slipping over the retainer and the finger. The user places a projectile 30, such as a golf ball, in the sling pocket 17. Holding the shaft 11 by the grip 12, a user raises the assembled apparatus 10 above their head with the finger 14 pointing straight up. The user faces the selected target, such as a fairway or putting green. The user then throws the projectile 30 with the apparatus 10 by bringing their hands forward and down in front of their body in a motion similar to casting a fishing pole (with the motion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 in a counter-clockwise direction). For a straight shot, the finger 14 should be pointed toward the intended target at the finish of the swing.

[0026] The user's hands act as a fulcrum, causing rotational acceleration down the shaft and its attached sling. The sling 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 starts rotating with the shaft 11 but rotates farther and, therefore, faster, transmitting its increased speed to the projectile 10. As the sling 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 rotates past the shaft 11, the releasing string jump ring 19 slides off the finger 14 and the projectile 30 is released from the sling pocket 17 and launched towards the target. The spiral-shape of the retainer 13 prevents the retained string 16 from slipping off the sling retaining member. The length of the strings 16, 18 coupled to the sling pocket 17 increases the mechanical advantage (and therefore can be adjusted, by replacing the sling on the sling retaining member with a sling with different length strings 16, 18, or provided at varying lengths in accordance with the present invention), and also changes the trajectory so that, at the time of release from the sling pocket 17, the projectile 30 travels at the desired speed and angle to give it the optimal range to hit the target. Adjusting the sling's release point is the primary means of fine-tuning the trajectory of the projectile's flight. This adjustment to the trajectory can be most easily made by changing to a sling 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 with a different string length, changing the angle of the finger 14 relative to the shaft 11, or combinations thereof.

[0027] As described above, various shaft lengths combined with slings 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 with varying string lengths will alter the distance and trajectory of the projectile's flight (similar to how golf clubs utilize different shaft lengths and club face angles to alter the distance and trajectory of a golf ball). These adjustments will allow the user to determine what is the optimal combination to provide the highest percentage possibility of hitting their desired target given the condition of their throwing position in relation to that target. The present invention can be used whenever a projectile, such as a golf ball, needs to be launched accurately for varying distances up to hundreds of yards.

[0028] Methods of using and making the present invention may include the following. First, attach the appropriate sling 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 to a pole 11 (which could be embodied as a golf club shaft) that has an integrated retainer 13 and finger 14, as described above. In certain embodiments, the pole 11 provided may be adjustable in length or have sections that are attachable/detachable from each other. Next, place a projectile 30, such as a golf ball, into the sling pocket 17. Make certain that the strings are not twisted or encumbered. To operate the present invention, one needs to simply determine their target, face their target looking directly at the target, raise the assembled apparatus 10 over their head, align the finger 14 so that it is pointing straight up and so along the target line and quickly bring their hands down in front of their body, much like casting with a fishing pole. An accurate result occurs as the finger is pointed at the intended target at the finish of the swing. The player then advances to where the ball 30 has landed and continues to play. If the ball is on the putting green, the user may putt following the rules and etiquette of normal golf. If the ball is in the fairway the user may pick up the ball 30 and repeat the process by launching from a position near to the landing point but no nearer the hole until the ball 30 is on the putting green or within putting range. All other Rules of Golf may apply but may also be amended as necessary to facilitate fairness and playability for a game of throwing played alongside regular golf.

[0029] While one or more preferred embodiments are disclosed, many other implementations will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and are all within the scope of the invention. Each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with other described embodiments in order to provide multiple features. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Other arrangements, methods, modifications, and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are therefore also considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the claims that follow.

[0030] While devices and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the apparatuses and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted. Moreover, the use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward or upper direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward or lower direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure.