Apparatus for Launching Projectiles

Abstract

An apparatus for launching a projectile at a target, the apparatus being an elongate body having a chamber shaped for holding a projectile in a pre-launch position and for directing the projectile when the end of the launching apparatus is flung forward.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for launching a projectile, comprising:
 an elongate body having a first end, a second end, a front face, and a back face; and   a recess formed in said front face of said body proximal said first end of said body, said recess having a first portion and a second portion, said second portion of said recess being shaped to hold a projectile when said body is in a first, pre-launch position said first portion of said recess forming a ramp to direct said projectile in a forwardly direction when said body is moved to a second, launch position.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said ramp of said recess is slightly concave. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein second portion of said recess is shaped to hold a disc-shaped projectile. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a handle proximal said second end of said body.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said handle is on said second end of said body. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising;
 a plurality of contoured formations along said handle, forming a grip.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first portion of said recess is in open communication with said front face and said first end of said body. 
     
     
         8 . A game assembly, comprising:
 a launching apparatus, said launching apparatus comprising:
 an elongate body having a first end, a second end, a front face, and a back face; and 
 a recess formed in said front face of said body proximal said first end of said body, said recess having a first portion and a second portion, said second portion of said recess being shaped to hold a projectile when said body is in a first, pre-launch position said first portion of said recess forming a ramp to direct said projectile in a forwardly direction when said body is moved to a second, launch position; and 
   a target for indicating impact of said launched projectile.   
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein said target comprises:
 a receiving structure having a front, target wall having an opening; and   a target sheet positioned over said opening in said front wall.   
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein said target has a back wall, an upper wall, a lower wall, a first side wall, and a second, opposite side wall. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein said bottom wall is pivotally connected to said back wall. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a latch on said front wall, said latch selectively securing said bottom wall in a closed position.   
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein said target sheet is held in place by at least one leaf spring. 
     
     
         14 . A method of launching a projectile at a target, comprising:
 providing a launcher comprised of an elongate body having a first end, a second end, a front face, and a back face;   providing a recess formed in said front face of said body proximal said first end of said body, said recess having a first portion and a second portion, said second portion of said recess being shaped to hold a projectile, said first portion of said recess forming a ramp to direct said projectile in a forwardly direction; and   providing a target;   placing a projectile in said recess;   positioning said launcher in a pre-launch position wherein said first end of said launcher is tilted at a slight angle away from said target;   flinging said first end of said launcher toward said target such that said projectile is ejected from said chamber toward said target.