Projectile and throwing apparatus and game for projectile throwing

• US 9,149,695 B2
• Filed: 02/27/2013
• Issued: 10/06/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Curtis Alan Evans
• Original Assignee: Curtis Alan Evans
• Inventors: Evans, Curtis Alan
• Primary Examiner(s): NICONOVICH, ALEXANDER R
• Application Number:
  US13/779,676
• Publication Number:
  US 20140144417A1
• Time in Patent Office: 951 Days
• Field of Search: 473/446, 473/465, 473/505, 473/510, 473/513, 124/5, 124/81
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/00 Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/14 Lacrosse
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/32 Golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0003 Golf balls
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/001 Annular
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0011 Grooves or lines
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/002 with special configuration, e.g. non-spherical discs for throwing A63B65/10
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/008 with means for improving visibility, e.g. special markings or colours illuminating or reflecting means A63B43/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 59/20 having means, e.g. pockets, netting or adhesive type surfaces, for catching or holding a ball, e.g. for lacrosse or pelota
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/06 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/08 characterised by the material
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/10 with means for indicating correct holding positions A63B60/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 65/122 Hand-held mechanical projectors, e.g. for balls
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 67/002 Games using balls, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 67/18 Badminton or similar games with feathered missiles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 67/183 Feathered missiles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0009 for handicapped persons
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 3/04 Centrifugal sling apparatus

Abstract

An improved projectile throwing apparatus is described comprising a handle, an elongate shaft, and a throwing head for throwing a projectile, such as a golf ball. The throwing head may be interchangeable with golf shafts of varied lengths, with lacrosse shafts, or other shafts to achieve accurate, long distance golf ball throws. The throwing head may be shaped to achieve throws of different distance, launch angle, and trajectory, optionally imparting spin with a retrograde ramp at the distal end of the throwing head. The throwing apparatus is useful for golf-type game play, including for those with physical disabilities, as well as for a training and instructional aid for golf, lacrosse, and other sports.

Claims

1. An apparatus configured for throwing a projectile from a lacrosse head, the apparatus comprising:

a throwing head constructed of integral, solid material, and

a securer configured for securing said throwing head to a lacrosse head,

wherein the lacrosse head defines a pocket configured for webbing on an interior of the lacrosse head,

wherein said throwing head comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a throwing ramp situated between said proximal end and said distal end, and

wherein said throwing head, once secured to a lacrosse head, defines an area substantially inside the pocket of the lacrosse head where a projectile may be launched without interference from the lacrosse head and without interference from webbing deployed on the lacrosse head.

2. The apparatus of claim 1:

wherein said throwing head is configured to throw a golf ball sized projectile.

3. The apparatus of claim 1:

wherein said securer configured for securing said throwing head comprises at least one fastener configured to secure said throwing head to a lacrosse head rail and thereby into the pocket of a lacrosse head.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a lacrosse head adapted to accept said securer, said securer configured for securing said throwing head.

5. The apparatus of claim 1:

wherein said securer configured for securing said throwing head to a lacrosse head comprises a shaft connector configured for connecting said throwing head to a shaft, and a lacrosse head connector configured for connecting said throwing head to a portion of a lacrosse head.

6. The apparatus of claim 1:

wherein said throwing ramp is defined by at least two substantially parallel track members, and,

wherein the distance between said track members is not more than 1.68 inches.

7. The apparatus of claim 1:

wherein said throwing ramp comprises a retrograde terminus.