Abstract:
A sling like apparatus comprising a release cord, retention cord, finger loop, release tab, guide assembly, and basket creates a throwing device that is simple to reset, reload and throw while still retaining the power and accuracy of a traditional sling, thus making it user-friendly for anyone to quickly learn and operate. The retention cord comprises a comfortable finger loop that forks about half way in length into two cords that are each attached to specific and unique locations on the basket. The basket deforms into a form fitting structure that secures around a circular object or ball that may be roughly 2.5 inches or smaller in diameter. The release cord is attached to a particular location on the basket and is fed through a guide assembly. The end of the release cord connects to the release tab.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    (1) Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention generally relates to sling devices for throwing objects. More particularly, the principles of the invention include unobvious modifications to a throwing sling structure and basket structure. 
         [0004]    (2) Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The basic sling may be traced to one of man&#39;s earliest inventions as a hunting tool or weapon. The oldest known slings to still be intact were found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. Many armies of antiquity wielded slings. Significant historical battles have been won due to advent of the sling. Historical military leaders such as Alexander the Great credited the sling for one of his incredible triumphs over the Persian army. The sling also has been mentioned in biblical accounts, most notably, the battle between David and Goliath. The account describes how David, a simple shepherd, defeats the champion warrior Goliath. When equipped properly, swung around in a circular motion then released at the right moment, the sling could propel its projectile farther and more accurate then even the famed long bows of the time. 
         [0006]    The basic construction of a sling consists mainly of three parts. One, a cradle, pouch or basket that is constructed at the center of the sling, which would then fold around the projectile. Two, a retention cord, which forms into a finger loop. Three, a release cord, which would commonly have a knot at the end held by the user. 
         [0007]    Revised concepts of the sling have been introduced during the modern ages, yet the basic principles have always stayed the same. The slings of today still use the same methods of construction and operation. In the related art, the sling is a device that has remained relatively unchanged since ancient time. 
         [0008]    While the basic sling of the related art seems adequately designed, one of its main drawbacks is in the design of the basket, the component that holds the projectile or payload. A sling originally was created as a weapon or hunting tool to hurl stones, clay, lead or any other oval shaped object of similar size and mass. Such objects of such mass are inappropriate for modern recreational use, such as playing catch with a dog and waffle ball. 
         [0009]    The related art has several shortcomings, for example, it would be difficult to take a sling of the related art that was designed to throw a rock and use it to throw a tennis ball. The tennis ball would have difficulty staying in the pouch and would expel itself before the user&#39;s release. Thus, to deal with modern payloads, unobvious and novel reconfigurations of the classic sling are now needed. 
         [0010]    Though slinging with implements of the related art may accurately launch heavy pay loads, such implements require time to learn how to properly use. One of the clumsiest parts of operating a sling of the related art is to regain control of the release cord or release tab after one has launched the projectile. Regaining control of the release cord is necessary to reset the sling and to load the next projectile. 
         [0011]    Another shortfall of slings in the related art is the need of a user to use one hand to hold the projectile in the basket while the other hand swings the sling. When enough momentum is reached with the sling, the basket holding hand may release the basket. Unfortunately, such slings of the related art often lead to beginners releasing the pouch too early and propelling the projectile in the wrong direction. Thus, there is a great need in the art for a new basket design that retains a projectile without assistance from the user. 
       DESCRIPTIONS OF RELATED PATENTS 
       [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,644,441 by A. S. Simko discloses a sling without means of retaining the release cord, without means of hands free retention of the payload, and without performance enhancing retention points upon the basket. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,648 by Brown fails to disclose means of controlling the release cord after launch, means of hands free retention of the payload, or unique points of attachment between the basket and sling cords. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,828 by Oblack presents means of hands free retention of a tennis ball of a predetermined size. But, the Oblack patent fails to disclose means of hands free retention of different sized objects. The basket of Oblack is rigid and ill adapted for non uniform projectiles. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,102 by Polly discloses the use of finger glove to help control a sling and the use of a basket hole to help retain a projectile. But, Polly fails to disclose flexible or adaptable means to retain non uniformed sized objects in a basket. Polly also fails to disclose means of retaining the release cord and fails to disclose unique attachment points in the basket that assist in performance. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The principles of the present invention overcome shortfalls in the related art by providing unobvious features that provide unexpected results; such features include, but are not limited to:
   1. Means of constructing a basket capable of hands free retention of a projectile. Unlike the related art, the principles of the disclosed invention provide means of retaining a projectile at the beginning stages of starting the swing of the sling.   2. Means of constructing a basket with attachment points that provide unexpected results in accuracy and velocity. The use of asymmetric attachment points between sections of the basket and the retention cord structure and the release cord provide an unexpected rolling or guiding force to the projectile during the release process.   3. Means of retrieving projectiles from the ground in a hands free manner. Fabric side sections and a lower web section of the disclosed basket provide unexpected means of scooping projectiles from the ground in a hands free manner. Thus, unlike the related art, the present invention is well suited for one handed operation.   4. Means of quickly recovering and resetting the release cord. A guide assembly with a guide hole attaches to a section of the web handle to prevent the release cord from leaving the immediate reach of the user.   5. Means of self centering the basket to the web handle. The use of a loop structure on the base member of the basket and loop structure in the web handle allow for the use of a circular, one piece retention cord to attach the basket to the web handle.   
 
         [0022]    Through arduous trial and error and from taking a unique approach in critical thinking, the present invention has been created to overcome shortfalls in the related art by presenting an unobvious configuration of cords, webbing, strapping, retention assembly, stopper, tab, basket and basket attachment points that result in surprising and unexpected results in sling performance. 
         [0023]    The novel design of the basket securely holds a ball or other payload while the user creates a swinging motion with the sling. During circular rotation of the sling, the user may free the release tab. During the release process the ball will to start expelling itself out of the basket, while in motion, the basket will tilt outwardly, assisting in the proper release of the ball. As the ball exits the basket, the ball comes in contact with the release cord. The release cord is then pushed out of the way by the ejecting ball until the release tab is caught by the guide assembly. After fully expelling the ball, the user may easily locate the release cord and tab and reset the sling for the next ball or projectile. Due to the unique configuration of the basket and related basket attachment points, the next projectile may be scooped off of the ground without direct handling by the user. 
         [0024]    The attachment location of the guide assembly upon certain areas of the web handle adds unexpected benefits in preventing the release cord from interfering with the release process of the ball leaving the basket. An improper attachment point of the guide assembly results in the projectile becoming trapped into the basket by the release cord. 
         [0025]    Unexpected results in distance, power and accuracy are obtained by the use of cord material for the lower half of the retention structure and from the use of webbing for the upper web handle. Although slinging can be achieved by the use of either strapping or cord material, the principles of the present invention present the benefits of both. The use of strapping material alone to create a sling will not provide the power and momentum that is required to create distance in throwing a projectile. That is overcome by the use of cord material in the lower half that dramatically reduces air resistance. Having two cords in parallel provides the added benefits of stabilizing and balancing the basket/pouch. 
         [0026]    Creating a basket that can securely hold a payload and be able to successfully launch a ball shaped projectile is not a trivial endeavor. The user&#39;s ability to accurately throw a ball is highly dependent upon the design of the basket. Creating a basket that will snuggly secure a ball will have the drawback of obstructing the projectile&#39;s natural projected course of direction during release. Hence, wanting to securely hold the ball into a basket causes the released projectile to be redirected away from the user&#39;s intended direction. This shortfall of the related art is overcome by the principles of the present invention by the unique attachment points of the retention cords to the lower half section of the basket, that greatly assists in allowing the basket to gracefully unfold during the release process, dramatically minimizing and nearly eliminating redirection of the projecting ball. 
         [0027]    Unexpected results came with the advent of the basket&#39;s base portion component. As means of providing critical connection points the basket&#39;s base portion also added to the basket&#39;s structure strength, reinforcing the entire basket assembly. Unexpected results in increased projecting power where also achieved with the base portion, which localizes inertia force from the sling to the projectile. The base portion of the basket also changes the support function of the basket walls by unloading pressure off the walls and increases the overall durability of the basket assembly. 
         [0028]    Loading a projectile into the basket without the assistance from the user&#39;s hands was stumbled upon through testing and playing with prototypes. The method quickly became preferred and further alterations were made to incorporate this idea. The shape and design of the templates that create the sides of the basket had to integrate the right length, height, angle and cut, to consist U or V shaped edges. These U or V edges give the basket the ability to easily load a ball without the need of the user&#39;s hands by either scooping or rolling the ball into the basket/pouch. 
       VARIOUS OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    Numerous objects or goals of the invention are discussed below. The listing below is not comprehensive and does not limit any aspect, function, or feature of the principles of the invention. This disclosure is limited only by the limitations of the claims. 
         [0030]    One aspect of the invention is to provide an apparatus for throwing, tossing, slinging, hurling a ball or spherical shaped projectile. It is the object of the current invention to provide a device and method for one to play fetch games with an animal or dog. The principles of the invention may be used to provide a device and method for one to play catch or other recreational games. 
         [0031]    It is yet another object of the current invention to provide a sling that is easy and fun to use for one with little to no experience in slinging. The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by reducing the hassles of setup and staging of a traditional sling. 
         [0032]    It is also the object of the current invention to provide a device that one can easily load a ball or spherical shaped object hands free with or without little assistance from the user foot or toe. Eliminating the need for one to bend down, pickup and load ones projectile. An object of the current invention is to provide a device that is accurate and powerful enough for one to launch a ball or spherical shaped object at great distances. 
         [0033]    It is further the object of the current invention to provide a device that is easily portable, convenient and lightweight for one to place in ones pack or pocket for practical transportation. 
         [0034]    It is as well an object of the current invention to provide a device and method that one can throw balls or spherical shaped objects in different manners, whether using it to throw upper hand, lower hand, or sideways, the user has great control over the projectile whether it is lightly tossed a few feet or at great distances. An object of the current invention is to provide a device that is safe to use for both the user and bystanders, reducing the changes of accidental “whipping” and “slapping” of one&#39;s self or another that can be caused by traditional slings. 
         [0035]    These and other objects from above provide a safe, fun, practical throwing sling. Overall setting the retention cords finger loop around the user&#39;s middle finger then pinching the release tab between the thumb and index finger, one can now easily scoop up or roll a ball into the slings basket/pouch without the assistance from the user&#39;s hand. 
         [0036]    The invention is designed to throw a ball or spherical object that would be easy enough for someone with little to no experience to operate. A goal was to reduce the complications and hassles of a standard sling allowing one in the general public to be able to enjoy slinging. This invention was developed to provide a gift for the inventor&#39;s pet dog Mocha for her 7 th  birthday. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the overall sling constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  is perspective view of a release side of a basket/pouch constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  is perspective view of a retention side of a basket/pouch constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a user holding the upper end of a sling constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of release tab being stopped by a guide assembly. 
           [0042]      FIG. 6  is a prospective view of a ball being released from a sling constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of a template for the use of constructing the basket/pouch in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS 
       [0000]    
       
           10  web handle 
           11  finger loop located at top end of web handle  10   
           12  looped retention cord, may be made of cord or cord like material 
           13  A, B patterns of material or side basket components that when combined may form the sides of basket assembly  53   
           13  C, D templates used to create patterns of material for side basket components  13 A and  13 B 
           14  ball or spherical shaped projectile 
           15  V or U shaped edge design of side basket material  13 A or  13 B 
           16  base webbing member of basket, or basket base member, may be made of webbing or other similar material 
           17  connection loop of base webbing member of basket, used to connect with looped retention cord  12   
           18  connection point of release cord  19  to basket assembly  53   
           19  release cord 
           20  connection points of side basket components  13 A and  13 B 
           21  guide assembly for retaining release cord  19  to web handle  10   
           22  guide hole contained within guide assembly  21 , used to retain release cord  19  to upper handle  10   
           23  release tab found at the top end of release cord  19   
           24  connection point or connection void used to connect release cord  19  and release tab  23   
           25  user&#39;s hand and fingers 
           26  web handle connection loop formed by the lower section of web handle  10 , used to attach looped retention cord  12  to the web handle. 
           27  diamond shaped void at a bottom section of basket formed by  13 A,  13 B or  13 C,  13 D 
           51  upper retention assembly comprising, web handle  10 , finger loop  11 , guide assembly  21 , guide hole  22  and web handle connection loop  26 . 
           52  lower retention assembly comprising looped retention cord  12  (connected through the web handle connection loop  26 ), connection loop of base member of basket  17 , and base member of basket  16 . 
           53  basket assembly or basket, comprising side components  13 A,  13 B, base webbing member of basket  16 , connection loop  17 , and connection point  18  to release cord. 
           100  entire sling assembly, as shown in  FIG. 1   
           200  retention side of basket assembly  53   
           201  release side of basket assembly  53   
           202  upper end of release cord  19   
           203  lower end of release cord  19   
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0071]    In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the invention. 
         [0072]    The reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment nor are separate alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. 
         [0073]    In the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical, functional, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
         [0074]    The description, which follows, and the embodiments described herein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles of the invention. In the description, which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated in order to more clearly depict certain features of the invention. 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , web handle  10  may be constructed of webbing, nylon strap or other similar material. At the top of web handle  10 , webbing may be looped to create that create finger loop  11  for the user to easily hold and secure the sling as shown generally in  FIG. 4 . The wider strapping of finger loop  11  gives the user more feel of control over the sling itself. Thus also the use of strapping type material or webbing in web handle  10  reduces twisting of the entire sling assembly. 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , looped retention cord  12  was designed to dramatically reduce air resistance caused by the user&#39;s swinging momentum. Looped retention cord  12  may comprise one or more connected or looped non elastic rope/cable/Para-cord/nylon cords. Connecting the cords comprising looped retention cord  12  results in a self aligning and self balancing of looped retention cord  12  to connection loop of base member of basket  17  and web handle connection loop  26 . Looped retention cord  12  may slide within connection loop of base member of basket  17  and web handle connection loops  26  to form parallel cords that assist in stabilizing and balancing the basket assembly  53 . The width of web handle  10  and integrated connection loop  17  spread the cords of looped retention cords  12  prevent the entire sling assembly  100  from twisting. In an alternative embodiment, looped retention cord  12  is fixed within connection loop of base member of basket  17  and web handle connection loop  26 . 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , side basket components  13 A and  13 B may be created by using two separate templates  13 C,  13 D of polyester/nylon/leather/rubber or other similar material. Templates  13 C,  13 D when combined together at connection points  20  form side basket components  13 A and  13 B, which in turn are designed to securely hold a spherical object  14  roughly 2.5 inch in diameter or smaller. Side basket components  13 A and  13 B may be constructed out of two templates  FIG. 7 ,  13 C,  13 D or of similar material or may be constructed out of a single mold. Side basket components  13 A and  13 B may have scooped shaped edges  15  consisting of a U or V as shown in  FIG. 6 . Top edges  15  allow for easy hands free loading of a projectile  14  with little to no assistance from the user&#39;s feet or toe thus allowing the method of rolling or scooping action of the projectile  14  into the basket assembly  53 . The edge design of side basket material  13 A and  13 B eliminates the need for a user to bend down to pick up a desired projectile  14  with their hands to place it into the basket assembly  53 . The unique shape and design the basket templates  13 A,  13 B also prevents the resulting basket from turning or flipping inside out, a common problem in the related art. 
         [0078]    In addition to basket side portions  13 A,  13 B basket assembly  53  also comprises a base member of basket, or basket base member  16 . Basket base section  16  runs under basket side sections  13 A,  13 B and may be constructed from nylon/polyester strapping or webbing similar to web handle  10 . One purpose of basket base member  16  is to reinforce basket side sections  13 A,  13 B and add strength and durability, distributing the momentum force of the projectile to the bottom of the basket assembly  53 . The basket formed by basket side portions  13 A,  13 B helps guide a projectile through the release process for increased accuracy. 
         [0079]    Another purpose of base member of basket  16  is to form two connection points  17 ,  18  upon the basket assembly. On the retention side, basket base member  16  may form connection loop  17  used to connect with looped retention cord  12 ; on the release side, basket base member  16  may form connection point  18 , used to secure release cord  19  to basket assembly  53 . 
         [0080]    The use of a basket base member  16  allows for unique connection points upon the basket assembly that result in unexpected and unforeseen improvements in sling performance to the overall sling assembly  100 . For example, the retention side connection point  17  of the basket assembly  53   
         [0081]    This allows the connection point  17  of the retention cords  12  to be specifically located at a point or range of points approximately ½ the distance between the bottom portion of the basket and top portion of the basket. On the release side of the basket, base member  16  integrates into connection point  18  located at the top side of the basket, to form an unobvious combination of a high release connection point  18  and a low retention connection point  17  that results in unexpected results shown in  FIG. 6  of the basket assembly  53 , opening outwardly to assist in expelling the projectile  14  from the basket. The two asymmetrical connection points of the basket assembly  53  allow the sling to have uncanny accuracy over the related art and helps to ensure the full release of a projectile  14  from the basket. 
         [0082]    Another unique and subtle feature is the guide assembly  21  used for retaining release cord  19  to web handle  10 . Guide assembly  21  is connected onto the lower portion of web handle  10 . Guide assembly  21  comprises a guide hole  22 , used for containing release cord  19 . Guide hole  22  is of sufficient diameter as to allow for passage of release cord  19 , but yet, is of small enough diameter to stop release tab  23  from passing through the guide assembly, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Release tab  23  is found at the top end of release cord  19 .  FIG. 4  shows a user&#39;s hand securing a release tab  23  and finger loop  11 . Release cord  19  is secured to release tab  23  by insertion through void  24  contained within release tab  23 . 
         [0083]    The disclosed location of the guide assembly  21  upon the web handle  10  allows enough movement of release cord  19  to allow a projectile  14  to fully exit the basket assembly  53  before the guide assembly  21  and release tab  23  become engaged. The disclosed combination of using a guide assembly  21 , guide hole  22 , and enlarged release tab  23  fastened to a release cord  19  provides the unexpected pleasure of avoiding the hassle of recovering the end the release cord  19 . In the related art, release cords fly encumbered and are difficult to recover. The disclosed release cord retention system allows for faster speed and easier effort to reset and prepare for the loading of the next projectile. Also, this combination helps reduce the tangling of cords of the general sling assembly  100 . 
         [0084]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , release cord  19  may be constructed out of non elastic rope/cable/Para-cord/nylon or similar material and connects to the upper connection point  18  of the basket member base  16 . Release cord  19  then is fed through guide hole  22  found within guide assembly  21  and then inserted through the connection void  24  found within release tab  23 . This disclosed configuration also reduces the chances of the projectile  14  snagging the release cord  19  and eliminates the chance of the release cord  19  trapping the projectile  14  into the basked assembly  53 . 
         [0085]    Release tab  23  may function as a stopper that is connected to the end of the release cord  19 . The release tab  23 , may be constructed from polyester/nylon/leather/rubber or similar material that provides a comfortable flat surface that is placed between the thumb and index finger as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0086]    Certain principles of the invention may also be described by the following items:
       1. A ball throwing sling, comprising:   a) a retention structure comprising an upper and lower assembly:
           i. an upper retention structure assembly  51  comprising a web handle  10 , finger loop  11  at the top of the web handle  10 , a guide assembly  21  attached to the web handle  10 , a guide hole  22  contained within the guide assembly  21 , and a web handle connection loop  26  made from the lower section of the web handle  10 ;   ii. a lower retention structure assembly  52  comprising a looped retention cord  12  connected to the upper retention structure assembly  51  through the web handle connection loop  26 , and connected to a basket assembly  53  by insertion through a connection loop  17  formed by a base webbing member  16  of a basket assembly  53 ;   
           b) a basket assembly  53  comprising three parts:
           i. first and second parts comprising two side basket components  13  A,  13  B attached together to create sides of a basket assembly  53  and to create upper and lower side portions  15 , shaped in a V or U shape; the resulting basket sides having a retention side  200  and a release side  201 ; and the resulting basket sides having means to accept a ball;   ii. a third part comprising a base webbing member of basket  16  forming a bottom section of the basket assembly  53  and forming a connection loop  17  on the retention side  200  of the basket, used to accept the looped retention cord  12 , and creating a connection point  18  on the release side  201  of the basket to accept a release cord  19 ;   
           c) a release cord  19  comprising:
           i. upper end  202  attached to a release tab  23  by use of a void  24  within the release tab  23 , the upper end of the release cord  19  run through the guide hole  22  contained within the guide assembly  21 ; and   ii. a lower end  203  attached to the release side  201  of the basket through the connection point  18  formed by the base webbing member of basket  16 .   
               2. The sling of item 1 wherein the retention side  200  of the basket  53  has a connection loop  17  formed by the base webbing member  16  of the basket such that the connection loop  17  is located at a point approximately half way between the lower most section of the base webbing member  15  and upper most section of the side basket components  13 A,  13 B.
       3. The sling of item 1 wherein the release side  201  of the basket  53  has a connection point  18  for release cord  19  such that the connection point  18  is located at a point approximately at the upper most section of the basket assembly  53 .   4. The sling of item 1 wherein the upper retention assembly  51  is between 15 and 18 inches in length and the lower retention assembly  52  is between 13 and 16 inches in length.   5. The sling of item 1 wherein the upper retention assembly  51  is approximately the same length as the lower retention assembly  52 .   6. The sling of item 1 wherein the guide assembly  21  for retaining release cord  19  to web handle  10  is located at an approximate point within the lower ¼ to ⅓ of the length of the web handle  10 .   7. The sling of item 1 wherein the guide assembly  21  for retaining release cord  19  to web handle  10  is located at an approximate point of one to three inches from the bottom of the web handle  10 .   8. The sling of item 1 wherein the looped retention cord  12  is fixed within and non rotating within connection loop  17  of the base webbing member the basket and web handle connection loop  26  formed by the lower section of the web handle.   9. A method of throwing a ball using the sling of item 1, the method comprising:
           a) setting finger loop  11  of the web handle  10  around the user&#39;s middle finger then pinching the release tab  23  between the thumb and index finger,  FIG. 4     b) scooping up or rolling a ball into the slings V or U shaped  15  basket  53  without the assistance from the user&#39;s hand;   c) using the basket  53  to securely hold the ball  14  while the user creates a circular swinging motion of the sling;   d) at a moment of forward momentum of the object to be launched, the user releases the release tab  23 , causing the ball  14  to start expelling itself out of the basket  53 ;   e) while in motion the basket  53  will tilt outwardly to assist in the proper release of the ball,  FIG. 6 ;   f) as the ball  14  exits the basket  53  it comes in contact with the release cord  19 , the release cord  19  is then pushed out of the way by the ejecting ball until the release cord is caught by the release tab  23  at the guide assembly  21 ; and   g) after fully expelling the ball the user then locates the release tab  23  that is trapped on the guide assembly  21  and then resets the sling for the next ball or projectile.   
           10. The method of item 8 wherein the looped retention cord  12  is allowed to rotate within the web handle connection loop  26  of the web handle  10  and is allowed to rotate within the connection loop  17  of the base webbing member  16 , the connection loop being located on the retention side  200  of the basket.   11. The method of item 9 wherein the rotation of the looped retention cord  12  is used with the release cord  19  to assist in stabilizing and balancing the basket and keeping the basket from overturning or flipping.   12. A basket  53  for use with a sling, the basket  53  comprising:
           a) two side components  13 A,  13 B or  13 C  13 D having upper and lower midsections  15  formed in the shape of a V or U, with the V or U shape providing means of scooping a ball, with the side components made of a soft flexible material and having a diamond shaped void  27  at a bottom section of the basket and with the side components being attached together at points  20  found at the upper most sections of the basket; and   b) a base webbing member  16  attached to the basket, the base webbing member forming a loop  17  at the lower midsection of the basket on a retention side of the basket  200  and the base webbing member  16  forming a connection point  18  at the upper most section found on a release side  201  of the basket.   
           13. The basket  53  of item 12, further comprising a looped retention cord  12  secured within the loop  17  at the lower midsection of the basket on a retention side of the basket  200 .   14. The basket  53  of item 12 further comprising a release cord  19  attached at the connection point  18  formed by the base webbing member  16  at the upper most section found on the release side  201  of the basket.   15. The basket  53  of item 12 further comprising a web handle  10  attached to the looped retention record  12  by a web handle connection loop  26  formed by the lower section of the web handle  10 .   16. The basket  53  of item 12 further comprising a guide assembly  21  attached to the web handle  10  with the guide assembly having a void  22  suitable for accepting the release cord  19  and with the release cord  19  inserted through the void  22  of the guide assembly  21 .   17. The basket of  53  of item 12 further comprising upper and lower midsections  15  formed in the shape of a V or U, with the V or U shape providing means of scooping a ball.