The present invention relates generally to slingshots and, more particularly, to a handleless slingshot with a folding storage compartment.
Slingshots commonly are used for recreation and for hunting. Although slingshots have existed for centuries, the basic design and mechanics have remained constant over time. Quite simply, a traditional slingshot comprises a handle and a pair of arms extending divergently upward from the handle. An elastic band is attached between the arms. Typically, centered on the elastic band is a pouch designed to hold a projectile.
After a projectile is placed in the pouch, the pouch is pulled backwards, away from the arms, thereby extending and stretching the elastic band to create potential energy. When the pouch is released, the potential energy of the elastic band is transformed to kinetic energy which is transferred to the projectile through the pouch. The projectile then is thrust forward, out of the pouch, and away from a slingshot shooter and toward a desired target.
Various design enhancements have been made over the years in an attempt to improve the functionality and performance of slingshots. For example, such improved slingshot devices include arm and wrist braces to help stabilize shots, foldable designs to make devices more portable, aiming mechanisms to improve accuracy, multi-band designs to improve band life and increase shot speed and pulley assemblies to produce maximum projectile velocity with minimum force exertion by the user.
One such improved slingshot design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,323 to Saunders et al., the disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. Saunders discloses an arm-braced slingshot having a handle, a hook assembly, a pair of elastic bands, a pouch, an arm brace and a retaining clip. The arm brace comprises a generally U-shaped collar having an intermediate yoke portion which is dimensioned to be received in a peripheral recess of the handle. The distal ends of the collar are provided with an arm strap extending therebetween which extends over the user's forearm when the handle is gripped in the normal manner during use of the slingshot.
The slingshot disclosed in Saunders has been updated and improved over time with respect to the types of bands, pouches and connection mechanisms used with the slingshot. Modern variations of the Saunders slingshot design utilize flat bands, quick-snap band connection/replacement mechanisms and unique pouch designs, among other features. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,347,868 to Saunders, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference, discloses a collapsible locking slingshot having a quick-release interchangeable band system that uses clips that matingly engage grooves formed at the ends of the slingshot arms.
Despite all of the innovations in slingshot technology, slingshot portability and size remains an unsolved issue. Since most slingshots still include a handle, a pair of arms extending from the handle, an elastic band attached between the arms, and a pouch centered on the band and designed to hold a projectile, even collapsible and foldable slingshot designs can be bigger and less portable than desired. Because of the forces involved shooting a traditional slingshot, handles, braces and other mechanical features have become a necessity in order to counterbalance the forces generated during the process of shooting a slingshot and to thereby help achieve an accurate shot. However, these mechanical features add size and bulk, and thus decrease portability of the slingshot.
What is needed, therefore, is a slingshot that does not require a handle in order to shoot it. Preferably, but not necessarily, such a handleless slingshot includes a storage compartment that can store projectiles (such as steel shot) and/or other supplies. More preferably, the storage compartment is foldable such that it can be folded into the base of the slingshot to create a compact, portable unit. More preferably yet, such a slingshot includes a quick-release interchangeable band system that uses clips that matingly engage grooves formed at the ends of the slingshot arms. More preferably still, such a slingshot includes guard area which protects the web area of the hand when shooting the slingshot. Most preferably, such a slingshot moves the thumb and index finger pressure (contact) points forward of the band to increase stability and eliminate the need to grip a handle when shooting the slingshot. The present invention satisfies this need.
According to one aspect, there is provided a handleless slingshot, the slingshot including a body, a pair of integrated arms extending from the body, each arm having an upper portion with a groove formed therein, the groove configured to receive a clip to secure a band, and a lower portion formed as a wing, the wing extending outwardly from the upper portion of the arm and forming a gap between the wing and the upper portion, and a storage compartment hingedly connected to the body. The body includes a guard area formed and extending between each arm, and a pair of recesses formed in the body within respective gaps. The storage compartment is foldable from an unfolded position generally perpendicular to the guard area of the body to a folded position generally parallel to the guard area of the body. The recesses formed in respective gaps form a gripping portion for a user to manipulate and operate the slingshot.
According to another aspect, there is provided a handleless slingshot including a body having a guard area, and a pair of integrated arms extending from the body, each arm having an upper portion with a groove formed therein, the groove configured to receive a clip to secure a band, and a lower portion formed as a wing, the wing extending outwardly from the upper portion of the arm such that a gap is formed between the wing and the upper portion, wherein the guard area extends between the arms and rearward relative to the grooves. The handleless slingshot further includes a gripping portion formed by a recess in each gap between the upper portion and the wing of each arm, and a storage compartment pivotably secured to the body, the storage compartment pivotable between a folded position where the storage compartment is positioned between the first and second arms, and an unfolded position where the storage compartment extends substantially perpendicularly away from an underside of the body.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims.
The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.
It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description of the Invention,” relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.
As shown in
In the disclosed embodiment, wings 7 are angled downwardly so as to create a gap or channel 8 between the top surface of each wing 7 and the underside of each groove 5. Gap or channel 8 is formed to provide a location where a user may contact slingshot 1 with the upper ends of the user's thumb and index finger when shooting slingshot 1, as further described below. Recesses 9 formed on either side of body 2 between the top surface of each wing 7 and the underside of each groove 5 provide guides, or a gripping portion, to engage and position the user's thumb and index finger when shooting slingshot 1.
Body 2 of slingshot 1 further comprises in the disclosed embodiment a guard area 10 formed and extending between each arm 3. Guard area 10 protects the web area of user's hand (the area between the user's index finger and thumb) when slingshot 1 is held by the user during shooting (guard area 10 is cradled within the web area of the user's hand) and provides counter-torque when the band is drawn in preparation for shooting.
A base of body 2 of slingshot 1 is formed with a body hinge mechanism 11 configured to receive a mating storage compartment hinge mechanism 12, storage compartment lid hinge mechanism 13, and pin 14, as further discussed below.
In the disclosed embodiment of the claimed device, body 2 of slingshot 1 is formed as a single piece of rigid molded plastic. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other suitable materials, preferably rigid, lightweight, and strong, may be used to form body 2 of slingshot 1 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, those skilled in the art will recognize that body 2 need not be molded as a single piece and may instead comprise individual pieces affixed to one another.
Slingshot 1 includes storage compartment 18, as noted above, and further includes a storage compartment lid 19. Storage compartment 18 is a generally elongated bowl-like member having a window 20 formed therein and a mounting base 21 at an end proximate to the body 2. Window 20 allows the user to see the contents of storage compartment 18 (such as the amount of lead shot or other projectile stored therein) without opening storage compartment lid 19. Mounting base 21 is formed at the upper end of storage compartment 18 and includes storage compartment hinge mechanism 12 formed integral therewith.
Also formed integral with mounting base 21 at the end opposite storage compartment hinge mechanism 12 is a latching mechanism. In one embodiment, the latching mechanism may be a clip 16. The clip 16 is configured to engage a cooperating latching mechanism 15 of body 2 of slingshot 1 in order to lock storage compartment 18 in an open position. In one embodiment, the cooperating latching mechanism may be a groove 15 formed in the body 2 of the slingshot. The latching mechanism and cooperating latching mechanism, for example, the clip 16 and the groove 15, are releasably engageable to secure the storage compartment 18 in the unfolded, open position, such that the storage compartment 18 extends substantially perpendicular to the body 2. The clip 16 may engage the groove 15, for example, by friction fit or interlocking fit. The clip 16 may be released from the groove 15 to move the storage compartment 18 to the folded position.
Storage compartment lid 19 is a generally flat, elongated member configured to engage and cover an open side of storage compartment 18. Storage compartment lid hinge mechanism 13 is formed at the upper end of storage compartment lid 19 and integral therewith. Storage compartment lid 19 and storage compartment 18 each may include a locking mechanism 22 formed thereon to provide a friction-fit engagement between storage compartment lid 19 and storage compartment 18 in order to keep storage compartment 18 closed. Locking mechanism 22 may also comprise a clip and groove, tab and slot, magnetic connectors, or any other locking mechanism as may be known to those skilled in the art. The locking mechanism 22 formed on one of the storage compartment 18 and storage compartment lid 19 corresponds to, i.e., matingly and releasably engages, the locking mechanism 22 formed on the other of the storage compartment 18 and storage compartment lid 19.
Storage compartment 18 and storage compartment lid 19 are pivotally (or hingedly) mounted to body 2 of slingshot 1 through body hinge mechanism 11, storage compartment hinge mechanism 12, storage compartment lid hinge mechanism 13, and pin 14. That is, in the disclosed embodiment, body hinge mechanism 11, storage compartment hinge mechanism 12, storage compartment lid hinge mechanism 13 are aligned coaxially and pin 14 is disposed therein. For example, each of the body hinge mechanism 11, storage compartment hinge mechanism 12, and storage compartment lid hinge mechanism 13 may include one or more openings aligned along a common axis, and the pin 14 may be inserted through the respective one or more openings of the body hinge mechanism 11, storage compartment hinge mechanism 12, and storage compartment lid hinge mechanism 13 to extend along the common axis. In this manner, storage compartment 18 and storage compartment lid 19 are able to pivotally rotate relative to each other to open storage compartment 18 in order to load supplies. In addition the storage compartment 18 and storage compartment lid 19 are able to pivot relative to body 2 of slingshot 1.
In the disclosed embodiment of the claimed device, storage compartment 18 and storage compartment lid 19 each are formed as a single piece of rigid molded plastic. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other suitable materials, preferably rigid, lightweight, and strong, may be used to form storage compartment 18 and storage compartment lid 19 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, those skilled in the art will recognize that storage compartment 18 and storage compartment lid 19 need not be molded as single pieces and may instead comprise individual pieces affixed to one another.
In a folded or stored configuration, shown in
In an open, or unfolded, position (as shown, for example, in
To shoot slingshot 1, storage compartment 18 and storage compartment lid 19 should be in the open and locked position. A user may then position guard area 10 of body 2 of slingshot 1 into the web of the user's hand between the user's thumb and index finger. The upper portions of the user's thumb and index finger should be in contact with groves 5 to correctly position slingshot 1.
When the band (not shown) is drawn, body 2 of slingshot 1 is torqued rearward, toward the user, and the guard area 10 engages the web of the user's hand to provide a minimal counter-torque. However, because the design of slingshot 1 moves the thumb and index finger pressure (contact) points forward of the band, slingshot 1 balances comfortably within the web of the user's hand without the need for the user to grip a handle when shooting the slingshot.
It will be appreciated that while storage compartment 18 is disposed in the vicinity of where a handle typically would be located in prior art slingshots when the user shoots the slingshot 1, storage compartment 18 need not be grasped or held by the user during shooting, and slingshot 1 may contact only the web of the user's hand and the user's thumb and index finger during shooting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if desired by the user, storage compartment 18 may be used as a handle when in the open, unfolded and locked position.
It will be further appreciated that storage compartment 18 is optional on some embodiments of the claimed slingshot. That is, for maximum portability, storage compartment 18 (and storage compartment lid 19) may be removed from body 2 and/or body 2 may be formed without body hinge mechanism 11. In this manner the slingshot will operate as described above with the slingshot contacting only the web of the user's hand and the user's thumb and index finger during shooting.
It is understood that various features of the embodiment shown in
Referring to
The storage compartment 118 and storage compartment lid 119 are pivotable about a common axis and may be pivoted or rotated together. In addition, the storage compartment lid, 119, may pivot relative to the storage compartment 118 to allow access to an interior of the storage compartment 118.
The storage compartment 118 and the storage compartment lid 119 are hingedly connected to the body hinge mechanism 111 of the body 102, at the storage compartment hinge mechanism 112 and the storage compartment lid hinge mechanism 113. In one embodiment, for example as shown in
The storage compartment lid hinge mechanism 113 includes a first leg 126 and a second leg 127 spaced from the first leg 126. The storage compartment hinge mechanism 112 is positioned between the first leg 126 and the second leg 127. The common axis extends through the first ear 124, the second ear 125, the first leg 126, the second leg 127 and the storage compartment hinge mechanism 112.
Referring to
As seen in
With the storage compartment lid 119 in the folded position, for example, as shown in
It is understood that the features described above may be used together with, implemented in and/or substituted for other various features of the examples described above. For example, the latching mechanisms and cooperating latching mechanisms described above may be implemented in either of the handleless slingshots 1, 101 shown in
All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure.
In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.
All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure.
From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/216,243, filed Mar. 17, 2014, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/787,911, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
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Entry |
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Henrie, Roger “A Pair of Recurve Hunters Walnut and Hickory”, on http://slingshotforum.com, post dated Feb. 13, 2013, p. 1-5. |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20150090238 A1 | Apr 2015 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61787911 | Mar 2013 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14216243 | Mar 2014 | US |
Child | 14566238 | US |