US20220134199A1

US20220134199A1 - Device and method for launching a projectile

Info

Publication number: US20220134199A1
Application number: US17/452,918
Authority: US
Inventors: Timothy Charles Hawley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-30
Filing date: 2021-10-29
Publication date: 2022-05-05

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/198,634, filed Oct. 30, 2020, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for playing a game and, more particularly, to a handheld projectile throwing device that accurately launches a game ball and a method of playing a game utilizing the same.
Golf is very frustrating for the beginner or occasional player. It is difficult for inexperienced players to simply make contact with the ball using a golf club, let alone advance the ball accurately and consistently. This causes slow play and increases the time of play for every golfer that plays after the beginner tees off, thus decreasing the number of tee times a golf course can schedule and limiting course revenues. This frustration causes many who try the game to quit and never advance their skills to the point of playing an enjoyable round of golf.
Consequently, experienced golfers often do not wish to play with beginners and occasional players. Golf can only be played as a family activity if the whole family takes up the game and practices consistently. As players (and every person) age, their strength and range of motion diminish. Many people who have enjoyed the game of golf their whole lives quit playing when they reach a certain age because of their inability to hit the ball far enough to enjoy the game. Age can also affect vision. Many older golfers quit the game because without proper vision they lose the necessary hand to eye coordination needed to hit the ball. Furthermore, golfing requires a player to stand over the ball and strike the ball with a golf club. Anyone unable to stand, such as someone who requires a wheelchair, is excluded from playing the game of golf.
With conventional handheld throwing devices powered by the user, the flight trajectory, accuracy of the line of flight of the projectile relative to the target, and timing of the release of the projectile are all highly variable and dependent on the skill level of the user. Optimal projectile flight paths require considerable practice with these other existing devices. There is a danger to other players and spectators from the launched projectiles of these other devices unless the user has achieved the required skill level and is able to time the release of the projectile correctly.
With handheld throwing devices powered by the user, the user is encouraged to swing very fast to attain greater distance. However, with other devices, the faster an individual swings these other devices, the less accurate the outcome because any minor deficiencies to the swing plane are magnified by the increased power of the swing. Distance of the projectile is also in part a product of the trajectory. If the user of other devices does not swing on the perfect trajectory plane, the projectile will lose distance. Additionally, the timing of the release of the projectile from the other devices is unreliable. If the user does not time the release perfectly a great amount of distance is lost in the projectile's flight and the projectile becomes a danger to nearby people and property. An early release results in the projectile either being dangerously off-line or a shorter and less powerful swing. A late release results in the projectile either being dangerously off-line or landing forcibly a very short distance directly in front of the user sometimes burying itself into the ground, sometimes bouncing off the ground erratically.
As can be seen, there is a need for a handheld projectile launching apparatus with a repeatable and adjustable flight trajectory that is simple and safe to use by even a novice or individual with certain physical limitations that accurately advances a game ball with enough distance to competitively and enjoyably play a game utilizing the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and method for hurling a projectile. In accordance with the present invention, anyone who is able to throw an object, cast a fishing rod, or even wave “hello” is able to accurately launch a projectile, such as a golf ball, in the direction desired with enough distance to play an enjoyable game such as golf. This is an advantage to beginners as they can immediately play alongside experienced players and learn the lessons of etiquette and integrity that golf offers. This is also an advantage to golf courses because beginners will be able to keep up with the necessary pace of play required by the course and a larger population of people will be able to play thus increasing demand for the game and use of the course and its instructors.
Furthermore, the present invention does not damage the turf by taking a divot, so players using this apparatus do not damage the turf of the course. This apparatus is an advantage to intermediate players because by greatly increasing their ability to play from the fairway and hit greens with their approach shots, average players can learn the advanced lessons of strategy and mindset that golf offers. This is an advantage to elderly golfers as they can continue to enjoy the game and the social benefits that come with it. This is an advantage to people with certain physical disabilities, such as paraplegics and amputees, as it opens up the whole world of golf and all that it provides in the way of outdoor exercise, fellowship, and enjoyable sports competition. With the present invention, the game of golf can become an activity enjoyed by the whole family, regardless of age or experience with the game.
The present invention is more consistent, accurate, and provides greater distance of projectile flight, than other currently existing inventions that might be considered similar. Its use is simpler in execution so requires less instruction and practice for better results than anything that exists in its field. This device is safer and more enjoyable to use because of its accuracy and consistent results.
The present invention is designed to launch its projectile utilizing a simple overhead swing by the user. The user holds the apparatus above their head and then swings in a smooth motion bringing their hands directly in front of their body. When executed in this manner, the projectile is launched on the line that the user is facing. The faster the user swings on this line, the farther the projectile travels on this chosen line. The present invention will automatically release the projectile at a predetermined and adjustable point in the arc of the swing which then launches the projectile on a predetermined and adjustable trajectory. This makes for a consistently repeatable result that is safely accurate and transfers optimal energy to the flight of the projectile and sends the projectile on its optimal trajectory.
In its simplest form, the shaft, finger, sling strings, and sling pocket are the essential elements of the embodiment described herein. The grip, retainer, and jump rings add functionality and convenience to the device. Shafts of different lengths will allow the users to quickly adjust the distance of their throw. It could be beneficial, for a variety of reasons, if the shafts were of a collapsible construction or constructed of multiple shorter pieces that could be put together to make one long shaft, which will make it more portable. Interchangeable slings of various string length and various sling pocket shapes and materials will increase the versatility and adjustability for players of different heights, strengths, and abilities. Fingers of various lengths and at various angles to the shaft and at various distances of off-set will add functionality and adjustability of trajectory and ball spin.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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.

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

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

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

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

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Claims

What is claimed is:

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 comprising:

a sling pocket;

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.