Spring-assisted digit mounted device for launching projectiles

A launch system, said launch system comprising:

• a finger-mounted launch device comprising:
• a base member,
• a securing member configured and dimensioned to secure the base member to a finger of a user, and
• an elongated launch guide extending from the base member, the elongated launch guide having a length between one and three inches;
• wherein the base member comprises one or more slots configured and dimensioned for receiving the securing member;
• wherein the elongated launch guide comprises:
• a plurality of external grooves formed in an outer surface of the launch guide and extending along the entire length of the launch guide, the external grooves comprising straight rifling or helical rifling;
• a distal end that is one of concave shaped and convex shaped and wherein the external grooves terminate and open into said distal end;
• and
• the elongated launch guide is configured and dimensioned to receive the projectile in a pre-launch configuration;
• and a projectile;
• wherein the projectile comprises a bore and the elongated launch guide comprises a solid shaft member configured to be slidingly received within the bore to guide the projectile during pre-launch and to launch the projectile in response to a launching motion of the finger of the user.

A method of launching a projectile, said method comprising:

• securing a launch device to a finger of a user, the launch device comprising a base member, a launch guide extending from the base member, and a spring coupled to the launch guide;
• loading a projectile into the launch guide in a pre-launch configuration, the launch guide comprising a plurality of grooves configured to reduce vacuum forces during launch;
• and
• launching the projectile from the launch guide into flight by releasing energy stored in the spring in response to the user flicking the finger.

A launch system, said launch system comprising:

• a lightweight projectile;
• a base member and a securing member configured and dimensioned to secure the base member to a digit of a user, wherein the base member comprises one or more slots configured and dimensioned for receiving the securing member, and wherein the securing member defines a loop configured and dimensioned for receiving the digit of the user and mounting the base member to the digit;
• and
• an elongated launch guide extending from the base member, wherein the elongated launch guide is configured and dimensioned to receive the projectile in a pre-launch configuration and has a length between one and three inches;
• wherein the elongated launch guide comprises a plurality of external grooves formed in an outer surface of the launch guide and extending along the entire length of the launch guide, the external grooves comprising straight rifling or helical rifling;
• wherein the elongated launch guide comprises a distal end that is one of concave shaped and convex shaped, and wherein the external grooves terminate at and open onto said distal end to form longitudinal air channels;
• and wherein the projectile comprises a bore and the elongated launch guide comprises a solid shaft member configured to be slidingly received within the bore to launch the projectile into flight in response to a rapid motion of the digit of the user.