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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]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[0002]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.[0003]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 ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for hurling a projectile, such as a golf ball, with consistent accuracy and distance. The apparatus is simple to use and requires less instruction and practice for better results. It is designed to launch its projectile utilizing a simple overhead swing by the user, which makes for a consistally repeatable result that is safely accurate and transfers optimal energy to the flight of the projectile. The apparatus includes a shaft, finger, sling strings, and sling pocket, which allow users to quickly adjust the distance of their throw and have increased versatility and adjustability for players of different heights, strengths, and abilities. The invention is safer, more enjoyable to use, and can open up the whole game of golf to a wider range of people.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

Many older golfers quit the game because without proper vision they lose the necessary hand to eye coordination needed to hit the ball.

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.

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.

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.

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