The subject matter described generally relates to slingshot apparatuses and, in particular, to a slingshot apparatus for use in fishing and hunting.
Some of the most common items used by survivalists, hunters, and fishers include those that launch a high-speed projectile at a chosen target. These kinds of weapons allow a user to hit their target with high accuracy and force. Many weapons exist that are able to release a high-speed projectile with one simple motion; these include guns, crossbows, handheld catapults, and slingshots. However, those weapons restrict users to just one kind of projectile, such that a user would have to switch weapons entirely to change from shooting bullets to arrows. Many existing projectile launching weapons are additionally not well suited to the outdoor elements such as inclement weather conditions. If they are not stored properly and cleaned after each use, these weapons can suffer the effects of rust and grime on small metal parts like springs, which eventually destroy the weapon. Thus, a single, weatherproof tool that can propel multiple types of projectiles is needed to simplify the hunting, fishing, and survivalist situations.
The above and other problems may be addressed by a handheld slingshot-type weapon hereafter referred to as a hand cannon. The hand cannon uses stretched elastic to propel the chosen projectile, having a tubular body that is compatible with many types of projectiles. In a described aspect, the hand cannon is simple in its construction and consists of a single piece body with attached elastic.
Reference will now be made to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers are used in the figures to indicate similar or like functionality. Where similar elements are identified by a reference number followed by a letter, a reference to the number alone may refer to all such elements, any one such element, or any combination of such elements. One skilled in the art may recognize alternative embodiments of the described structures that may be employed without departing from the principles described.
Referring now to
To use hand cannon 300, a user holds handle 110 of hand cannon 300 in one hand to secure the apparatus. In the other hand, the user holds the chosen projectile and elastic propulsion band 305 with the chosen projectile resting on the inside of the propulsion band or in a conventional projectile pouch. The user then pulls the propulsion band 305 and chosen projectile away from handle 110. Extending propulsion band 305 builds elastic force such that the user can adjust the velocity and distance the projectile travel by adjusting how far they extend propulsion band 305. The user then aims hand cannon 300 at a target and releases propulsion band 305 and chosen projectile. Propulsion band 305 propels the projectile, and the projectile travels through projectile funnel 115 to projectile tube 105 toward the target aimed at by the user. In contrast to conventional slingshots, the projectile may, while passing though projectile tube 105, be slightly redirected by one or more incidents of contact with projectile tube 105, thereby making hand cannon 300 more forgiving of poor user aim based solely on a direction of pull of propulsion band 305. The aforementioned description of use may not be the only way in which the hand cannon can be used; other adaptations may exist.
Handle 110 is designed for ease of grip and control of the device. Handle 110 design includes grooves for the user's fingers and/or rough texturing. Handle 110 extends approximately perpendicularly from projectile tube 105. The length of handle 110 ranges from approximately 3 to 10 inches in different embodiments. In one embodiment the handle 110 is hollow to decrease the weight of the hand cannon and allow it to float in water. This embodiment is preferred for use of the hand cannon near water such as for fishing. In another embodiment, handle 110 is solid. In hollow-handled embodiments a compartment exists inside the handle for storage. The compartment is configured such that projectiles such as collapsible arrows and small bullet-type projectiles (i.e. ball bearings, BBs, etc.) fit within it. In several embodiments the handle has an attachment portion through which a loop 310 of cord or a lanyard can be attached such that the user can secure hand cannon 300 to their wrist or hang it for storage.
Projectile tube 105 of single piece body 100 has the form of a pipe, meaning that it is hollow with a circular cross section and is open on both ends. Projectile tube 105 functions to direct the projectile toward the length of projectile tube 105 can range from approximately 4 to 20 inches in different embodiments while the inner diameter of projectile tube 105 can range from approximately 1 to 3 inches. Different applications and desired projectile types may call for different dimensions.
Projectile funnel 115 of the single piece body is a hollow cone with a circular cross section and has one side connected to projectile tube 115. Projectile funnel 115 aids in directing the projectile toward the target. For example, if propulsion band 305 loaded with the projectile is released at an angle that does not align with the center of projectile tube 105, the wide mouth of the projectile funnel corrects this error and directs the projectile properly down the center of projectile tube 105. The cross section on the side further from projectile tube 105 has a first diameter that is larger than the second diameter on the side attached to projectile tube 105. The first diameter ranges from approximately 1 to 8 inches while the second diameter ranges from approximately 1 to 3 inches in different embodiments. Again, different applications and desired projectile types may call for different dimensions.
Attachment nodes 120 extend from single piece body 100 and allow propulsion band 305 to securely connect to single piece body 100. In one embodiment in which propulsion band 305 is tubular, attachment nodes 120 are rounded protrusions that the ends of the band are press fit onto. In another embodiment in which propulsion band 305 is a solid ribbon, attachment nodes 120 are loops the propulsion band can be tied to. Other embodiments of attachment including hooks, clips, or slots are possible. Orientation and number of the attachment nodes (e.g., dual horizontal, dual vertical or triple at 120-degree offsets) and propulsion band configurations may be different for different applications and embodiments.
Propulsion band 305 is a separate piece that can be attached or detached from single piece body 100. Propulsion band 305 in
The projectile pouch, not shown in the figures, is used to stabilize the projectile as it is being loaded and launched by the propulsion band. The projectile pouch attaches to, or is formed integrally with, propulsion band 305. The projectile pouch provides a surface on which the projectile can be braced as the propulsion band is pulled back and the hand cannon aimed. The projectile pouch is a conventional item used in other slingshot devices and, as such, can be found at many retailers. Again, the conventionality of the projectile pouch allows for it to be easily replaced in the case that it becomes worn or damaged by use.
Referring again to
The embodiment shown is only one potential embodiment of accessory combinations and placements along the hand cannon.
As used herein, any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Similarly, use of “a” or “an” preceding an element or component is done merely for convenience. This description should be understood to mean that one or more of the element or component is present unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.
Where values are described as “approximate” or “substantially” (or their derivatives), such values should be construed as accurate+/−10% unless another meaning is apparent from the context. From example, “approximately ten” should be understood to mean “in a range from nine to eleven.”
As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for a hand cannon apparatus. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the described subject matter is not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed. The scope of protection should be limited only by the following claims.
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