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.

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.