Knuckle-shot, handle-less slingshot frame

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handle-less slingshot frame with means for attaching a single, slingshot band with pouch. Frame with attached bands is worn on the fingers. When bands and pouch are drawn back over the handle-less frame, said frame operates as a class 2 lever. Upon release of ammo, said frame becomes a friction stop clip, retaining its position on the shooters fingers.

Claims

1-5. (canceled)

1-6. (canceled)

7-11. (canceled)

12. A slingshot, which includes a substantially planar, unitary frame; the slingshot frame includes a body having an upper end, a lower end, a left side, a right side, a forward section and a rearward section; the frame includes a finger hole of a size to allow two or more fingers of the user to be inserted; a thin portion of the frame is defined between the bottom of the finger hole and the lower end of the frame, which allows the frame to pivot on the users hand as a lever during use; a first band slot and guide hole above the finger hole, toward the left side of the frame; a second band slot and guide hole above the finger hole, toward the right side of the frame; the first and second band slots and guide holes for receiving and securing the left and right portions of a single, elastic launching band with ammo-holding area; a first fork top extending from the frame directly above the first band guide hole; a second fork top extending from the frame directly above the second band guide hole; whereby the ammo holding area, connected to the left and right sides of the band, may be extended upward then rearward, aligning the left side of the band over the first fork top and the right side of the band over the second fork top.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 shows front views of the Knuckle-shot, handle-less slingshot frames, in their preferred embodiment, sized to fit various fingers such as small, medium and large.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows top and side views of the Knuckle-shot, handle-less slingshot frame with single band that has been stretched, inserted and seated in guide holes.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows a side view of Knuckle-shot, handle-less slingshot frame; on fingers, of open hand, articulating to the rear and then forward in its draw and firing sequence.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0013] While the scope of the invention is susceptible to frames of different forms; the preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and described herein. It should be understood that the present disclosure is used as a preferred example of the invention. The illustrations and words used in detailed description are not meant to whatsoever limit the scope of the invention and its claims.

[0014] The present invention is a small, handle-less, slingshot frame that is worn on the fingers and contains the following features: A single, large, oval hole for the shooters fingers to pass through up to the base of their fingers; slots and guide holes for receiving a single continuous slingshot band (the band is not included in this application); fork tops to receive stretch slingshot band.

[0015] In its preferred embodiment the Knuckle-shot, handle-less slingshot frame, can be constructed of many materials such as fine plywood, polymer and metal. Said materials must be strong enough to hold up to the forces the firing cycle puts upon the frame itself. The outside form of said frame is generally an oval shape that is approximately, similar in height and width. Though one, homogenous frame; on the top of said frame are slingshot fork tops for slingshot bands to pull across. Within said frame is an oval hole for the fingers to pass through. Said oval hole is just larger than the exterior dimension of two fingers in width and approximately to 3/16 larger in height allowing for forward and backward movement and comfortable wear.

[0016] Also contained within the form of said invention is a fork area with tops for the bands to rest upon while being stretched for the firing cycle. Said slots and guide holes within said frame; allow for the insertion of a single, unbroken slingshot band. The shooter stretches a small section of the band and passes it through said slot; said band is then allowed to expand and rest in said guide hole(s). Said band is now free to be manipulated for centering by the shooter but is also captured within said frame. This is due to the said guide holes being larger than the diameter of said band but the expanded band is larger than said slots. The guide holes are located in a manner which keeps the center portion of the band out of the ammos path and lined up directly under the fork top centers. Said guide hole placement, provides safe ammo release and easy band draw across said fork tops.

[0017] In the middle of said frame is the large, single, oval hole for the shooters fingers. Generally, two fingers are used but can include the ring finger for smaller hands. Also, pointer finger and thumb can be utilized for a sideways, frame relationship to the target.

[0018] With said handle-less frame, on the shooters fingers and bands with pouch attached; the slingshot operates in the following fashion: Shooter places ammo in the pouch and pulls the bands back and across said fork tops which are centered above said guide holes. Choosing a target, the shooter pushes their frame hand, toward the target; the pouch is drawn rearward and the band(s) are stretched across said fork tops becoming the effort area of contact of the class 2 lever. The bottom area of said frame becomes the axle and fulcrum of a class 2 lever. The fork tops and frame mass, articulates toward the shooter and the middle of said frame rests against the shooters knuckles and becomes the resistance area of contact in the class 2 lever.

[0019] When the ammo is released, stored energy changes directions against said frame due to said band being locked in the frame.

[0020] Said frame flips forward, on said, axle fulcrum. The frame, contacts the back of the fingers. For a brief moment, contact of effort area and the pivot area of said frame, friction brakes against the fingers. This is surprisingly not painful! Though the shooter may choose to loosely close their hand, in an OK fashion; no effort is needed from the shooter, to retain the frame on the hand during any portion of the firing cycle.

[0021] The preferred embodiments of the Knuckle-shot, handle-less slingshot frame are:

[0022] FIG. 1-1, homogenous frame; 2, finger hole; 3, slot and guide hole for band insertion, location and manipulation; 4, fork; 5, bottom portion of frame that becomes axle and fulcrum of class 2 lever.

[0023] FIG. 2-1 Unbroken, single band installed in frame; free to move for pouch centering; 2, said fork tops, which bands will be pulled back and across these tops to the shooter; 3, band location in frame set by said guide holes is below the ammo path. 4, said bottom portion of said frame is axle in form. 5, said attached ammo pouch to band ends.

[0024] FIG. 3-1 Frame pivots to rear in drawn position; 2, frame pivots forward becoming a friction stop clip at finish of firing cycle; 3, bottom portion of frame's axle nature is depicted.

TABLE-US-00001 Patent Citations Publication Publication number date Assignee Title U.S. Pat. No. 1968 Sep. 3 Cecil H. Dantzler Catapult 3,524,439A U.S. Pat. No. 1975 Mar. 10 Peter Paul Ott Catapult Device 3,974,820A U.S. Pat. No. 2016 Nov. 10 Nathan Masters Modular Slingshot 9,726,451B2