Catapult Device

Abstract

A portable catapult device that includes a wishbone shaped frame defined by an elongate shank and two laterally spaced forwardly disposed arms. The whole device composed of a molded one piece design. The arms support two transversely slotted heads. The slotted heads are removably engaged by two elongate elastic members in such a manner that when the members are tensioned by being drawn rearwardly and then released, a pouch connected to the rearward ends of the members in which a projectile is disposed in a self-centering position is propelled forwardly to remain in contact with the projectile until the pouch moves forwardly beyond the arms to a position that is substantially the length of the members. Due to the pouch remaining in contact with the projectile for the maximum length of travel, the projectile is discharged from the pouch with the maximum velocity possible with the particular resilient members that are used. The shank functions as a shield for the forearm of a user. Field of the Invention A hunting catapult device. Description of the Prior Art Due to the increased population density, many areas that contain game are closed to hunters that use firearms. As a result, numerous hunters have resorted to a primitive weapon such as a bow and arrows to be able to take game in such areas. However, a bow and arrows is an assembly that is bulky and cumbersome to carry, and particularly difficult to maneuver and use in an area wholly or partially covered with brush. More important its design allows for the development of substantially more impact and accuracy than similar available devices. The primary object of the present invention is to provide an elastic actuated catapult that is portable, compact, light in weight, and easily carried in a brush covered area where game abounds but in which area the use of firearms is prohibited. Another object of the invention is to supply a catapult in which the projectile automatically assumes a centered position in a pouch irrespective of whether the projectile is a single pellet, dart, or a number of buckshot. A further object of the invention is to supply a catapult in which the elastic members are easily and quickly changed, and the frame portion of the invention serving not only as a steady rest for the user as the pouch is drawn to a projectile discharging position, but as a shield for the hand and wrist of the user most adjacent the frame of the invention during the discharge of the projectile. A portable catapult device that includes a wishbone shaped frame defined by an elongate shank and two laterally spaced forwardly disposed arms. The arms on their forward extremity develop into two transversely spaced slotted heads that are adapted to receive two elongate resilient members having enlarged first ends, which first ends bear against rearward surfaces defined on the heads. The resilient members extend forwardly through funnel shaped orifices in the heads, around forward portion of the heads, and then rearwardly along adjacent interior surfaces of the heads, with second ends of the resilient members secured to opposite sides of a tapered pouch of such structure that the projectile or projectiles disposed therein automatically assume centered positions. The arms on their inner edges develop into a pair of flanges that extend rearwardly to merge into a depending pistol type grip. The end of the shank most remote from the grip develops into a transverse arcuate cross piece. When the grip is grasped the flanges serve as rests for the thumb and forefinger, with the cross piece when the device is so held being forced into pressure contact with the forearm of the user as the pouch is moved rearwardly to tension the two resilient members. When the pouch is released, the resilient members will catapult it and the projectile situated in a centered position therein forwardly, with the pouch remaining in engagement with the projectile until after the latter has moved forwardly between the arms to substantially the length of the elongate members forwardly therefrom. Due to the elastics being first wrapped around the heads then tensioned rearwardly, the pouch containing the projectile when released is thereby instantly snapped completely through the fork formed by the limbs and into its original forward extending attitude with the pouch then flipped inside out toward the target thus completing an absolute and complete follow-through. Due to the pouch remaining in contact with the projectile during the maximum length of travel of the contracting resilient members, maximum velocity is imparted to the projectile prior to it separating from the pouch. The pouch assures that the projectile will be centered automatically to assure maximum accuracy in the use of the device.

Patent Drawings (2 sheets)

Sheet 1

Sheet 2