Throw toy

Abstract

A throw toy including a ball, an elastic band, and an adjustable finger strap is provided. The elastic band preferably has a width greater than its depth. In one embodiment, the elastic band comprises a plurality of braids for increasing the strength of the throw toy. Preferably, the adjustable finger strap forms a loop configuration and can be adjusted by pulling a lower portion of the adjustable finger strap through a slot opening so as to fit the strap snugly on a user's finger. Furthermore, the adjustable finger strap may include an inner surface composed of loop fastener material and an outer surface composed of hook fastener material.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to throw toys. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ball that is thrown from a user's hand and returns to the user's hand by employing an elastic band and an adjustable finger strap. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Typical throw toys consist of a finger strap connected to a thin, round elastic string, which in turn is secured to a foam ball. The foam ball typically fits in the hand of the user. The user often connects the finger strap to their finger and proceeds to throw the foam ball from their hand downward such that the elastic string can bring the foam ball back toward the user's hand. This process is then repeated by the user for as long as the user prefers. [0005] A throw toy has many desirable characteristics. The device can operate as a toy allowing user's to generate entertainment and pleasure individually or in a group. In a group se...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] Preferred embodiments and methods permit use of a throw toy in a safe, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing manner. The preferred embodiments and methods permit a finger strap of the throw toy to be adjusted quickly and conveniently so as to conform to a user's finger size. In addition, an elastic band is configured such that it increases the throw toy's strength and durability.

[0012] In one embodiment, a throw toy includes a ball, an elastic band, and an adjustable finger strap. In this particular embodiment, the elastic band is connected to the ball by a knot disposed at a bottom surface of the ball. The elastic band extends upward from a top surface of the ball and is connected to the adjustable finger strap at an upper portion of the elastic band. The adjustable finger strap forms a loop configuration and can be adjusted by pulling a lower portion of the adjustable finger strap through a slot opening in the finger strap. Advantageously, the user's finger comes in contact with only an inner surface of the adjustable finger strap composed of loop fastener material, which is soft and fuzzy. As a result, the user is comfortable while using the throw toy.

[0013] In another embodiment, a method of throwing a ball includes adjusting an adjustable finger strap so that there is sufficient clearance to enable the adjustable finger strap to fit on a user's finger. In this embodiment, the adjustable finger strap is then placed on the user's finger. An upper portion of the adjustable finger strap is pulled toward a lower portion of the adjustable finger strap. The lower portion of the adjustable finger strap is pulled through a slot opening such that the adjustable finger strap fits snugly on the user's finger. In one embodiment, the upper portion of the adjustable finger strap is pulled such that an inner surface of the adjustable finger strap comes in contact with generally the entire circumference of a user's finger. At least a segment of the inner surface of the adjustable finger strap overlaps at least a segment of an outer surface of the adjustable finger strap so that loop fastener material connects to hook fastener material. Advantageously, this method provides for quick and easy adjusting of the finger strip to conform to a particular user's finger size.

Problems solved by technology

Many problems are inherent in traditional throw toys.

Such toys are difficult to control due to the elastic string and finger strap.

When a user throws the ball, typically between two and three feet from one's hand, the thin, round elastic string is not sufficient to ensure that the ball will return predictably to the user's hand.

As a result, the ball does not usually return directly to the user's hand.

This can result in frustration on the part of the user since the user is not able to use the throw toy as intended.

In addition, conventional throw toys are susceptible to breaking resulting in reduced user life.

The thin, round elastic string does not provide sufficient strength to accommodate the typical user.

If the ball is thrown with increased force or speed the elastic string can break or the string can become detached from the ball entirely.

Safety concerns have also limited the use of conventional throw toys.

In normal use, the thin, round elastic string can become wrapped around a user's finger and restrict circulation.

In addition, the finger strap is susceptible to coming undone.

As a result, the ball might be unintentionally thrown into other people causing injury or other people's property causing damage.

User comfort is a problem with conventional throw toys.

Skin irritation, rashes, and general discomfort can result from prolonged use of a throw toy with a conventional finger strap.

Additional problems result from both the finger strap and the elastic string.

This method does not allow for easy adjusting of the finger strap in order to provide for optimal fitting of the strap on a particular user's finger.

Since the elastic string consists of a thin, round piece of elastic material, it is susceptible to being twisted, turned, and maneuvered such that knots are common.

Knots in the elastic string can result in decreased user effectiveness and enjoyment of the throw toy.

In addition, the thin, round elastic string is not aesthetically pleasing to many users.

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