Object launcher and method of launching object
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.