Abstract:
A slingshot pouch is disclosed. The pouch is configured to minimize contact with a projectile when it is being shot, thereby eliminating spin imparted on the projectile. This is accomplished using a pouch design configured to spring open immediately after release of the projectile. Several embodiments of such a pouch are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments comprise hinged members having various shapes, sizes and combinations of slits, opening and pockets configured to avoid imparting spin on the projectile. Also disclosed is a locking clip configured to secure such pouches to a slingshot band.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/143,163, filed Jan. 8, 2009, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/343,978, filed Dec. 24, 2008, now pending, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/302,792, filed Dec. 14, 2005, now patented. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to slingshots and their components and, more particularly, to a slingshot pouch. 
         [0003]    Slingshots commonly are used for recreation and for hunting. Although slingshots have existed for centuries, the basic design and mechanics generally have remained constant over time. 
         [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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 project then is thrust forward, out of the pouch, away from the slingshot user and toward a desired target. 
         [0006]    Various design enhancements have been made over the years in an attempt to improve the functionality of slingshots. For example, such improved slingshot devices include wrist braces to help stabilize shots, foldable designs to make the devices more portable, aiming and sighting mechanisms to improve accuracy, multi-band designs to improve band life and shot speed and pulley assemblies to produce increased projectile velocity with decreased force exertion by the user. 
         [0007]    One important area of development has involved the design of the slingshot pouch. Slingshot pouches have evolved significantly over the years. Early pouches were made of leather and sometimes included deformities or surface serrations designed to grip the projectile. Over the years, leather pouches were replaced with pouches made of other materials, including various types of plastics. 
         [0008]    However, one of the most important characteristics that a slingshot pouch should have is that it should not impart spin (or rotation or bias) on the projectile being launched by the slingshot. A spinning or rotating projectile will tend to veer off-course increasing the likelihood that the projectile will not reach the desired target. Thus, such spinning or rotation is not desirable. 
         [0009]    To that end, the art has developed slingshot pouches engineered to minimize the likelihood of imparting spin on the projectile as it is released from the pouch. The can involve engineering the pouch using particular designs and/or materials that allow the projectile to be quickly released from contact with pouch upon firing the slingshot. 
         [0010]    One such slingshot pouch improvement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,484,505, issued Feb. 3, 2009, for a “Collapsible Locking Slingshot,” by Saunders, concurrently owned with the present application, and herein incorporated by reference. Saunders discloses a self-centering, open-pocket pouch that includes integrated exit ports to permit the projectile to exit the pouch without touching the sides of the pouch, thereby increasing the speed and accuracy of shooting a single or multiple projectile load. The Saunders pouch also is molded flat to help the pouch open with air pressure to ensure the projectile exits the pouch cleanly. 
         [0011]    However, despite the numerous types slingshot pouches known in the prior art, the art has not developed a slingshot pouch that minimizes the contact between the pouch and the projectile during the shooting process. Minimizing such contact results in the projectile being thrust out of the pouch during the shooting process without imparting spin or bias on the projectile and causing it to veer off-target. The instant invention solves that problem and provides a slingshot pouch that imparts minimum spin on the projectile. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The present invention comprises a slingshot pouch configured to minimize contact with the projectile when it is being shot, thereby eliminating any spin imparted on the projectile. This is accomplished using a pouch configured to spring open immediately upon release of the projectile. 
         [0013]    In the preferred embodiment, the slingshot pouch of the present invention comprises an elongated hinged member with a slit or opening formed about hinge. Each half of the member is formed with a tapered pocket extending from the hinge substantially the entire length of each half. The pockets are formed with the deepest part of the tapered pocket adjacent to the hinge. The ends of each half of the hinged member are formed with integral slots for receiving the slingshot band. The slots are configured to engage a locking clip to lock the band to the pouch. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment of the slingshot pouch of the present invention, the slit or opening between the halves of the hinged member is replaced with a large, semi-circular opening and a semi-spherical pocket formed extending rearwardly from the pouch. In this embodiment, a circular projectile can be cradled within the semi-spherical pocket when the pouch is gripped. The ends of each half of the hinged member are formed with integral slots for receiving the slingshot band. The slots are configured to engage a locking clip to lock the band to the pouch. 
         [0015]    In yet another embodiment of the slingshot pouch of the present invention, the semi-circular opening of the previous embodiment is reduced to a slit extending only partially along the width of the pouch and the semi-spherical pocket of the previous embodiment is replaced with a semi-circular pocket. Again, the ends of each half of the hinged member are formed with integral slots for receiving the slingshot band. The slots are configured to engage a locking clip to lock the band to the pouch. 
         [0016]    Also disclosed is a clip for configured to engage the slots of the disclosed embodiments of the pouch of the present invention, and to lock the pouch to the band. 
         [0017]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    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: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a self-centering, open-pocket pouch as is known in the prior art, shown in a fully open configuration; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the self-centering, open-pocket pouch of  FIG. 1 , shown in a partially folded configuration; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the slingshot pouch of in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the slingshot pouch of in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective rear view of the second embodiment of the slingshot pouch in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a perspective front view of the second embodiment of the slingshot pouch in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a perspective rear view of the third embodiment of the slingshot pouch in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a perspective front view of the third embodiment of the slingshot pouch in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the clip for the slingshot pouch in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and, 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a prior art slingshot showing a prior art pouch attached to the slingshot with bands. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    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. 
         [0030]    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. 
         [0031]    As discussed above, slingshot pouches are known in the art that are configured to help reduce the spin imparted upon a projectile upon release of the projectile from the pouch during firing. One such slingshot pouch improvement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,484,505, issued Feb. 3, 2009, for a “Collapsible Locking Slingshot,” by Saunders, concurrently owned with the present application, and herein incorporated by reference. 
         [0032]    Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , Saunders disclosed a self-centering, open-pocket pouch  72 . The pouch  72  preferably is about ⅝ inch wide and is constructed of polyethylene (Noveon&#39;s Estane 58134). The choice of material, small size, and skeletal design results in a dramatically lighter pouch than conventional prior art designs. This weight reduction results in a faster slingshot. 
         [0033]    Pouch  72  includes a centered pouch section  85 , which is configured with two integrated exit ports  86   a  and  86   b , one on each side of centered pouch section  85  joined by a central flexing live-hinge  88 . Ports  86   a  and  86   b  permit the projectile to exit centered pouch section  85  without making contact against the sides of the pouch by allowing air to enter the pouch and expand the pouch outward, away from the projectile (much like a parachute opening). 
         [0034]    Centered pouch section  85  is molded substantially flat, which helps it open along with the air pressure. Reduction or elimination of side pouch contact improves shot accuracy since any contact along the sides will either deflect the projectile path or apply spin to the projectile (typically a ball, pellet or multiple pellets) causing it to curve much the same way a pitcher applies spin to a baseball to make it curve in its path. Ports  86   a  and  86   b  can be elliptical in shape, extremely elongated elliptical in shape, or can be empty of material as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0035]    Regardless of the shape of ports  86   a  and  86   b , the design of pouch  72  takes advantage of the user&#39;s need to grip the pouch during the firing process to automatically center the projectile within it. By necessity, a user&#39;s fingers will pinch the forward opening of centered pouch section  85  closed during use, since the user must grip the pouch in front of the projectile in order to hold the pouch during the firing process. 
         [0036]    This gripping process, in conjunction with the radii in the rear section of centered pouch section  85 , provides a nesting area for the projectile during the launch phase. This nesting area cradles the projectile in a generally centered configuration within the pouch. Because it is centered within centered pouch section  85 , upon release the projectile is less likely to contact either side of the pouch and, therefore, is less likely to be deflected. This results in a more accurate and predictable shot. 
         [0037]    Prior art pouch  72  also includes a pair of ends  90 , each with an aperture  92  to permit bands  60  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) to slip through apertures  92  and to allow pouch  72  to be connected to bands  60  using known prior art techniques. 
         [0038]    While prior art pouch  72  represents a significant improvement over the earlier prior art, different slingshot pouch configurations can result in additional performance enhancements. To that end, the slingshot pouch of the present invention provides such performance enhancements over the prior art by providing configurations that further reduce the contact between the pouch and the projectile upon firing, thereby eliminating any spin imparted on the projectile. This is accomplished using pouch designs that spring open immediately after release of the projectile. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the preferred embodiment of the slingshot pouch  100  of the present invention comprises an elongated member having a hinge  102  disposed between two halves  103  and  104 . A slit or opening  101  is formed about and integral with hinge  102  such that hinge  102  connects two halves  103  and  104  only at the upper and lower ends of the width of pouch  100 . That is, halves  103  and  104  are not connected to each other across the entire width of pouch  100 . 
         [0040]    Slit or opening  101  preferably is formed in an oblong shape, with its central width greater than its outer width. In this manner, pouch  100  is particularly suitable for round projectiles, as the shape of slit or opening  101  facilitates gripping such round projectiles when preparing to fire the slingshot. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other sizes and geometries of slit or opening  101  are possible depending on the size and geometry of the projectile, and such other sizes and geometries are included within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0041]    Each half  103  and  104  of pouch  100  of the present invention is formed with a tapered pocket ( 105  and  106 , respectively) extending from hinge  102  along substantially the entire length of each half  103  and  104 . Pockets  105  and  106  are configured such that the deepest part of each pocket  105  and  106  is adjacent to hinge  102  with the depth of the pockets  105  and  106  decreasing as they approach the ends ( 107  and  108 , respectively) of pouch  100  where pockets  105  and  106  become substantially flat. 
         [0042]    Pockets  105  and  106  preferably are formed in generally partial-capsule shaped geometry with the rounded end of each capsule disposed adjacent to hinge  102 . In this manner, again, pouch  100  is particularly suitable for round projectiles, as the shape pockets  105  and  106  will facilitate gripping such round projectiles when preparing to fire the slingshot. 
         [0043]    Moreover, the geometry of pockets  105  and  106  advantageously facilitates air to enter the pouch and expand the pouch outward, away from the projectile (much like a parachute opening) during launch. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other sizes and geometries of pockets  105  and  106  are possible depending on the size and geometry of the projectile, and such other sizes and geometries are included within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0044]    Ends  107  and  108  of each half ( 103  and  104 , respectively) of pouch  100  preferably are formed with integral slots ( 109  and  110 , respectively) for receiving the slingshot bands  60  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). Slots  109  and  110  are configured to engage a locking clip (shown in  FIG. 9 ), as further discussed below, to lock pouch  100  to bands  60 . 
         [0045]    In the preferred embodiment, pouch  100  is formed using a mix of 50% Estane and 50% Hytrel. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other suitable materials may be used for pouch  100 , such as polyethylene and other plastic materials. All such materials are included within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0046]    A second embodiment of the slingshot pouch of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In this embodiment, slingshot pouch  200  of the present invention again comprises an elongated member having a hinge  202  disposed between two halves  203  and  204 . An opening  201  is formed about and integral with hinge  202  such that hinge  202  connects two halves  203  and  204  only at the upper and lower ends of the width of pouch  200 . That is, halves  203  and  204  are not connected to each other across the entire width of pouch  200 . 
         [0047]    In this embodiment, opening  201  preferably is formed in a semi-circular shape and extends into halves  203  and  204  at a distance greater than slit or opening  101  of pouch  100  extends into halves  103  and  104  of pouch  100  in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as discussed above. 
         [0048]    Additionally, in this embodiment, pouch  200  further comprises a semi-spherical pocket  211  formed about and integral with hinge  202 , and extending rearwardly from pouch  200 . The diameter of pocket  211  preferably is about equal to the diameter of opening  201 . 
         [0049]    In this manner, pouch  200  is particularly suitable for round projectiles, as the circular/spherical shapes of opening  201  and pocket  211  creates a cradle for projectiles of such shape and facilitates gripping such round projectiles when preparing to fire the slingshot. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other sizes and geometries of opening  201  and pocket  211  are possible depending on the size and geometry of the projectile, and such other sizes and geometries are included within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0050]    Each half  203  and  204  of pouch  200  of this embodiment of the present invention preferably is formed with a tapered walls ( 205  and  206 , respectively) extending from hinge  202  along substantially the entire length of each half  203  and  204 . Tapered walls  205  and  206  preferably are configured such that the deepest part of each wall  205  and  206  is adjacent to hinge  202  with the depth of tapered walls  205  and  206  decreasing as they approach the ends ( 207  and  208 , respectively) of pouch  200 . 
         [0051]    Moreover, the geometry of tapered walls  205  and  206  advantageously facilitates air to enter pouch  200  and expand pouch  200  outward, away from the projectile (much like a parachute opening) during launch. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other sizes and geometries of tapered walls  205  and  206  are possible depending on the size and geometry of the projectile, and such other sizes and geometries are included within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0052]    Ends  207  and  208  of each half ( 203  and  204 , respectively) of pouch  200  preferably are formed with integral slots ( 209  and  210 , respectively) for receiving the slingshot bands  60  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). Slots  209  and  210  are configured to engage a locking clip (shown in  FIG. 9 ), as further discussed below, to lock pouch  200  to bands  60 . 
         [0053]    A third embodiment of the slingshot pouch of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In this embodiment, slingshot pouch  300  of the present invention again comprises an elongated member having a hinge  302  disposed between two halves  303  and  304 . An opening  301  is formed about and integral with hinge  302  such that hinge  302  connects two halves  303  and  304  only at the upper and lower ends of the width of pouch  300 . That is, halves  303  and  304  are not connected to each other across the entire width of pouch  300 . 
         [0054]    In this embodiment, opening  301  preferably extends across only about half (the lower half) of the width of pouch  300 . Disposed above opening  301  is a slit  312  formed about and integral with hinge  302 . Slit  312  extends across only about half (the upper half) of the width of pouch  300 . 
         [0055]    Additionally, in this embodiment, pouch  300  further comprises a semi-circular pocket  311  formed about and integral with hinge  302 , and extending rearwardly from pouch  300  across only about half (the lower half) of the width of pouch  300 . The diameter of pocket  311  preferably is about equal to the diameter of opening  301 . 
         [0056]    In this manner, pouch  300  is particularly suitable for round projectiles, as the circular shape of pocket  311  creates a cradle for projectiles of such shape and facilitates gripping such round projectiles when preparing to fire the slingshot. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other sizes and geometries of pocket  311  are possible depending on the size and geometry of the projectile, and such other sizes and geometries are included within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0057]    Each half  303  and  304  of pouch  300  of this embodiment of the present invention preferably is formed with a tapered walls ( 305  and  306 , respectively) extending from hinge  302  along substantially the entire length of each half  303  and  304 . Tapered walls  305  and  306  preferably are configured such that the deepest part of each wall  305  and  306  is adjacent to hinge  302  with the depth of tapered walls  305  and  306  decreasing as they approach the ends ( 307  and  308 , respectively) of pouch  300 . 
         [0058]    Moreover, the geometry of tapered walls  305  and  306  advantageously facilitates air to enter pouch  300  and expand pouch  300  outward, away from the projectile (much like a parachute opening) during launch. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other sizes and geometries of tapered walls  305  and  306  are possible depending on the size and geometry of the projectile, and such other sizes and geometries are included within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0059]    Ends  307  and  308  of each half ( 303  and  304 , respectively) of pouch  300  preferably are formed with integral slots ( 309  and  310 , respectively) for receiving the slingshot bands  60  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). Slots  309  and  310  are configured to engage a locking clip (shown in  FIG. 9 ), as further discussed below, to lock pouch  300  to bands  60 . 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , clip  400  is configured to connect the slingshot pouch of the present invention to slingshot bands  60  (as shown in  FIG. 10 ). In the preferred embodiment, clip  400  is a curved, generally crescent-shaped member having a opening  401  formed therethrough. Clip  400  is configured to slide over slots ( 109  and  110 ,  209  and  210 , and  309  and  310  of slingshot pouches  100 ,  200  and  300  of the present invention) and to frictionally engage bands  60  between clip  400  and the slots, as bands  60  are disposed in the slots. 
         [0061]    In this manner, clip  400  locks the pouch to the bands. However it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, clip  400  may be supplemented with a flexible contact cement or other suitable adhesive to help secure the pouch to the bands. Secure engagement of the pouch and bands helps keep the bands close to the pouch prevents them from flaring open, and also keeps the bands from creeping off-center lengthwise causing side to be shorter than the other. 
         [0062]    In the preferred embodiment, clip  400  is formed from polyethylene. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other materials can be used without departing from the scope of the instant invention. 
         [0063]    All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure. 
         [0064]    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. 
         [0065]    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.