Device and method for launching a projectile

Abstract

A handheld device for launching a projectile and methods of use thereof are herein disclosed. The device includes an elongated shaft, a sling retaining member, and a sling. A portion of the sling slidably couples with the sling retaining member such that it uncouples, in use, when the elongated shaft is swung. The device can be used, in lieu of a golf club, to play the sport of golf in a unique manner.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A handheld device for playing golf, comprising:
 an elongated shaft;   a sling retaining member coupled to a first end of the elongated shaft, the sling retaining member comprising a retainer and a finger; and   a sling comprising:
 a sling pocket configured to retain a golf ball; 
 a first string fixedly coupled to the sling pocket and retained to the retainer; and 
 a second string fixedly coupled to the sling pocket and releasably coupled to the finger, 
   wherein, in use, rotation of the elongated shaft results in rotation of the sling, with the second string slidably uncoupling from the finger to release the golf ball from the sling pocket.   
     
     
         2 . The handheld device of  claim 1 , wherein the sling retaining member comprises a central connection pin directly coupled to the first end of the elongated shaft. 
     
     
         3 . The handheld device of  claim 2 , wherein the finger is coupled to or integral with the central connection pin. 
     
     
         4 . The handheld device of  claim 3 , wherein the retainer is coupled to or integral with the central connection pin. 
     
     
         5 . The handheld device of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is spiral-shaped. 
     
     
         6 . The handheld device of  claim 1 , wherein the finger is angled relative to the elongated shaft. 
     
     
         7 . The handheld device of  claim 1 , further comprising a finger offset that positions a starting point finger of the finger in relation to a center of the elongated shaft. 
     
     
         8 . The handheld device of  claim 1 , wherein, during said rotation of the elongated shaft, the first string remains coupled to the retainer. 
     
     
         9 . A method of playing golf comprising the steps of:
 providing a handheld device comprising:
 an elongated shaft; 
   a sling retaining member coupled to a first end of the elongated shaft, the sling retaining member comprising a retainer and a finger; and   a sling comprising:
 a sling pocket; 
 a first string fixedly coupled to the sling pocket and retained to the retainer; and 
 a second string fixedly coupled to the sling pocket and releasably coupled to the finger, 
   placing a golf ball in the sling pocket; and   rotating the elongated shaft, the rotation resulting in rotation of the sling and slidable uncoupling of the second string from the finger to release the golf ball from the sling pocket.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein, during the rotating of the elongated shaft step, the first string remains coupled to the retainer. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the retainer is spiral-shaped and the finger is angled relative to a center of the elongated shaft.