U.S. patent application number 11/724429 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for object launcher and method of launching object.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hyper Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ward Myers.
Application Number | 20080156307 11/724429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39582168 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080156307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Myers; Ward |
July 3, 2008 |
Object launcher and method of launching object
Abstract
A hand-held launcher for launching an object includes a handle
and a frame fixedly attached proximate the handle and extending
forwardly from the handle. Elastic tubing is attached to a forward
end of the frame. A hook is attached to an object to be launched
where the hook engages the tubing when the tubing is positioned
into a stretched position and wherein the hook is capable of being
released from the tubing during launching.
Inventors: |
Myers; Ward; (Wayzata,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESTMAN CHAMPLIN & KELLY, P.A.
SUITE 1400, 900 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-3319
US
|
Assignee: |
Hyper Products, Inc.
Wayzata
MN
|
Family ID: |
39582168 |
Appl. No.: |
11/724429 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60877974 |
Dec 29, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
124/20.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/20.1 |
International
Class: |
F41B 3/02 20060101
F41B003/02 |
Claims
1. A hand-held launcher for launching an object, the launcher
comprising: a handle; a frame fixedly attached proximate the handle
and extending forwardly therefrom; elastic tubing attached to a
forward end of the frame; an object to be launched; and a hook
attached to the object to be launched for engaging the tubing when
the tubing is in a stretched position and capable of being released
from the tubing during launching.
2. The launcher of claim 1 wherein the elastic tubing comprises
surgical tubing.
3. The launcher of claim 1 and further including an arm brace
attached to the handle.
4. The launcher of claim 1 wherein the arm brace includes
spaced-apart members extending from the handle and being spaced
sufficiently apart such that a forearm is positionable there
between.
5. The launcher of claim 4 wherein the arm brace further includes a
yoke section wherein the first second members terminate in the yoke
section such that the yoke section will rest on the forearm.
6. The launcher of claim 1 wherein the object comprises a
substantially cylindrical body having an aperture proximate an end
for removably engaging the hook.
7. The launcher of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises left and
right frame arms that are spaced apart from each other.
8. The launcher of claim 1 wherein ends of the elastic tubing are
secured to forward ends of the left and right frame arms.
9. The launcher of claim 1 wherein the object comprises a scented
band positioned around a surface of the object.
10. A method for launching an object using a hand-held launcher,
the launcher having a frame attached to a handle at one end and
elastic tubing attached to a forward end of the frame; the method
comprising: providing an object to be launched; attaching a hook to
the object; holding the launcher by its handle with a hand;
engaging the hook with the elastic tubing; gripping the object with
another hand and manually stretching the elastic tubing with the
engagement of the hook with the elastic tubing; and releasing the
object such that the elastic tubing contracts and launches the
object into flight.
11. The method of claim 10 and further comprising securing a
scented band to the object.
12. An object for training a dog to retrieve, the object
comprising: a main body; and a band secured to the main body and
wherein the band contains a scent of an animal that the dog is to
retrieve.
13. The object of claim 12 wherein the band is removably secured to
the main body.
14. The object of claim 12 wherein the band includes a first and a
second end and wherein the first and second ends are attached to
each other with a fastening mechanism to form a loop to secure the
band to the main body.
15. The object of claim 14 wherein the first and second ends of the
band are secured together with a hook and loop type fastener.
16. The object of claim 12 wherein the main body comprises an
indented surface about a perimeter thereof and wherein the band is
positioned around the indented surface.
17. The object of claim 12 and wherein the band comprises a
material that absorbs a liquid scent.
18. A band for securing to an object to be thrown for a dog to
retrieve, the band comprising a loop that secures to the object
wherein the band is constructed of a material that absorbs a liquid
scent.
19. The band of claim 18 wherein the band includes a fastening
mechanism for removably securing the band into a loop around the
object.
20. The band of claim 19 wherein the band comprises a hook and loop
fastener located at ends of the band which cooperate to form the
loop.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is based on and claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/877,974 filed on
Dec. 29, 2006, the content of which is incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for
launching an object for retrieval. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a hand-held apparatus that propels an object,
such as a dummy, for training and exercising an animal, such as a
dog.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Dummies are typically utilized to train a dog to retrieve an
object whether on the water or on land. The ability to retrieve is
especially important for hunting dogs that are required to retrieve
downed birds.
[0004] Having a dog retrieving a dummy, which is also referred to
as a dog bumper, is very useful for exercising and training a dog.
However, the dog never seems to tire running after the dummy and
retrieving it, which can be tiring for the dog owner. Also, it is
desirable to throw the dummy a long distance. Depending on the dog
owner, this is often times not possible. Furthermore, throwing a
dummy a long distance can be difficult and throwing a dummy a long
distance repeatedly can be very tiring.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention includes a hand-held launcher for
launching an object. The hand-held launcher includes a handle and a
frame fixedly attached proximate the handle and extending forwardly
from the handle. Elastic tubing is attached to a forward end of the
frame. A hook is attached to an object to be launched and the hook
engages the tubing when the tubing is positioned into a stretched
position and wherein the hook is capable of being released from the
tubing during launching.
[0006] The present invention also includes a method for launching
an object using a hand-held launcher wherein the launcher includes
a frame attached to a handle at one end and elastic tubing attached
to a forward end of the frame. The method includes providing an
object to be launched and attaching a hook to the object. The
launcher is gripped with one hand and the hook is engaged to the
tubing. The object is gripped with the other hand and the elastic
tubing is manually stretched with the engagement of the hook with
the elastic tubing. The grip is released from the object such that
the elastic tubing contracts and launches the object into
flight.
[0007] The present invention also includes an object for training
dogs to retrieve wherein the object comprises a main body. The
object also includes a band that is secured to the main body
wherein the band contains a scent of an animal.
[0008] The present invention also includes a band for securing to
an object to be thrown for a dog to retrieve. The band is formed
into a loop that is secured to the object wherein the band is
constructed of a material that absorbs a liquid scent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dummy thrower of the
present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dummy having a band
positioned about the perimeter of the dummy and a hook attached to
the dummy.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of different sized dummies
having a band positioned about each dummy and hooks detached from
the dummies.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dummy having a band
positioned about the dummy and a hook detached from the dummy.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hook of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the dummy thrower of the
present invention in use.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another dummy.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0016] The present invention includes a hand-held dummy launcher
generally indicated at 10 in FIG. 1. The dummy launcher 10 launches
dummies generally indicated at 12 in FIG. 2. The dummies are used
to exercise and train dogs in retrieval. The launcher 10 can launch
dummies of various sizes such as shown in FIG. 3 by dummies 12 and
14.
[0017] Referring back to FIG. 1, the hand-held launcher 10 includes
a handle 18, a forearm brace 20, a frame 22 and a section of
surgical tubing 24. The frame 22 includes left and right frame arms
26 and 28 that are fixedly attached to the handle 18. The left and
right frame arms 26 and 28 are typically made of metal and are
sufficiently resistant to bending when the surgical tubing 24 is
pulled back as will be discussed subsequently. The left and right
frame arms 26 and 28 extend in a forward direction as generally
indicated by arrow 30. In the particular embodiment illustrated in
the figures, the left and right frame arms 26 and 28 diverge from
each other as the arms 26 and 28 extend forwardly in a direction of
arrow 30. The tubing 24 is attached at one end 32 to the forward
end of the arm 26, and at another end 34 to a forward end of the
arm 28. The tubing 24 thus attached has a mid-portion 36 that may
be pulled back.
[0018] The surgical tubing 36 is made of an elastic polymer that,
when pulled, stretches and provides power when it is released
(permitted to contract). The surgical tubing is typically made of a
latex or silicone polymer although other polymers which have the
same or similar properties may be used. Such tubing should be able
to maintain memory through repeated stretching/contracting
cycles.
[0019] The surgical tubing 24 provides the launching force
(converting potential energy in the tubing 24 to kinetic energy by
stretching the tubing and then releasing the tubing 24) for
launching the dummy as will be described subsequently. Although
surgical tubing is specifically discussed other stretchable,
resilient or elastic materials such as solid plastic bands, and
rubber bands, which can be pulled back and then released to
contract, are also contemplated.
[0020] The tubing 24 is attached to the ends 33 and 35 of the arms
26 and 28, respectively, by inserting the ends of the arms 26 and
28 into the tubing ends 32 and 34. The tubing 24 remains attached
to the arms 26 and 28 by frictional and elastic forces generated by
the tubing 24 as the tubing ends 32 and 34 engage the ends 33 and
35 of the arm members 26 and 28.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the dummy 12 includes a
substantially cylindrical main body 40 throughout most of its
length and a removable band 42. The main body 40 is made of a
suitable plastic. Typically, the main body includes a knobby
surface although it may be smooth. The dummy 12 preferably floats
on water and may have an air valve (not shown) that may inflate the
dummy 12 to adjust weight and buoyancy. Other materials that are
known for dummies are also included in the present invention
including canvas dummies with a closed cell foam interior.
[0022] The band 42 is a removable band that is wrapped around an
indented cylindrical surface 41. In the case of the plastic dummy
12, the indented cylindrical (annular) surface 41 is molded along
with the main body.
[0023] The band 42 has a length that is sufficient to form a loop
about the perimeter of the surface 41 and a width that is
substantially equal to the length of the indented cylindrical
surface 42 such that an outer surface of the band 42 is
substantially even with the adjacent outer surface of the dummy 12.
The band 42 may be made of any type of material that is capable of
absorbing and retaining a liquid scent. A typical material of
construction of the band 42 is nylon. The band 42 is scented with a
suitable scent of the game animal that the dog is being trained to
retrieve. For example, the band may be scented with the scent of a
pheasant.
[0024] The band 42 is typically secured around the dummy 12 through
the use of hook and loop type fasteners wherein a hook portion is
secured proximate one end of the band 42 and a loop portion is
secured proximate another end of the band 42. By overlapping the
ends of the band 42, the hook and loop engage to secure the band in
a looped configuration. Other fastening mechanisms are also within
the scope of the present invention including an elastic fabric that
constricts around the perimeter of the dummy, a zipper, snap
closures, laces, buttons and loops, or any other suitable closure
mechanism.
[0025] One drawback of prior art plastic dummies is that they
cannot be scented. The inclusion of the scented band 42 of the
present invention provides a means for scenting plastic
dummies.
[0026] The dummy 12 further includes an eye portion 44 at one end.
The eye portion 44 includes an aperture 46 through which a
launching hook 48 extends. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the hook 48
is of a size and shape that is capable of extending through the
aperture 46. The hook 48 at the other end 52 is of a shape to
engage the tubing 36. An end portion 50 starts at a substantially
U-shaped bend 54 and diverges from a midsection 56 of the hook 48
sufficiently so that the eye portion 44 can be moved along the end
portion 50 down to the substantially U-shaped bend 54. The end
portion 50 also has an end segment 58 that bends further inwardly
to a point that is almost parallel to the midsection 56 which helps
retain the dummy 12 on the hook 48 during flight, landing and
retrieval. The hook end portion 52 includes a bend 60 from which
the end portion is bent from a line generally perpendicular to the
midsection 56 as a relatively small acute angle .gamma.. The extent
of the bend of end portion 52 is such that the bend 60 engages the
surgical tubing 34 easily, and does not engage (releases from) the
tubing 34 once the dummy 12 is released into flight.
[0027] Referring back to FIG. 1, the forearm brace 20 is rotatably
attached to the lower end 62 of the handle 18. The handle 18 is
rotatably attached to the forearm brace 20 to allow the dummy
launcher 10 to be collapsed for storage and transport. The handle
18 is in the form of a pistol grip. The forearm brace 20 further
aids in using the launcher 10. The forearm brace 20 is typically
made of a wire rod that extends in a rearward direction as
referenced by arrow 64. The forearm brace 20 has left and right rod
sections 66 and 68 that extend sufficiently apart so that a hand
and accompanying forearm of the user can be positioned between
sections 66 and 68 while a hand grabs the pistol grip 18 as
illustrated in FIG. 6. A yoke section 70 preferably formed by the
same wire that makes up left and right rod sections 66 and 68 forms
the back end of the brace 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The yoke 70
lays on or engages the top of the users forearm, as illustrated in
FIG. 6, providing a bracing action that helps control the launcher
10 when pulling back on the surgical tubing 34 prior to launching
the dummy 12.
[0028] In using the launcher 10 of the present invention, a left
handed person, as illustrated in FIG. 6, grips the dummy 12 and
engages the tubing 24 with the hook 48. A right handed person would
reverse the hands that grip the pistol grip 18 and the dummy 12,
respectively. The wire members 26 and 28 are sufficiently rigid to
withstand the force of stretching the tubing 24.
[0029] To launch the dummy 12, the dummy 12 is pulled back which
stretches the tubing 34. The user aims in the general direction of
where it is desired for the dummy 12 to land, and the dummy 12 is
released. When the dummy 12 is released, the surgical tubing 34
contracts, sending the dummy 12 into flight. Directly after
releasing the dummy 12, the hook 48 disengages from the surgical
tubing 34 and travels with the dummy 12 upon which the dog
retrieves the dummy 12 and the hook 48 back to the owner.
[0030] Other objects besides the dummy can also be hurled using the
device 10 of the present invention. For example and referring to
FIG. 7, a football shaped object 70 can be thrown by the device 10.
A loop strap 72 is attached to the football shaped object 70. The
loop strap 72 is engaged by the hook 48 in a manner similar to the
dummy 12. The football shaped object 70 is pulled back, stretching
the tubing 34 and then released, launching the football shaped
object 70 into flight.
[0031] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *