Article throwing system

A method for launching a projectile, the method comprising:

• providing a propulsion structure pivotally connected to a support structure and movable between a first armed position, a second armed position, and a disarmed position, the propulsion structure having a projectile engaging portion and an elongated generally arcuate edge portion, the arcuate edge portion extending away from the projectile engaging portion and defining at least a first receptacle and a second receptacle;
• providing a retainer that is actuatable to selectively engage the first receptacle to retain the propulsion structure in the first armed position or to engage the second receptacle to retain the propulsion structure in the second armed position;
• configuring the propulsion structure to be in at least one of the first armed position and the second armed position;
• actuating the retainer to engage at least one of the first receptacle and the second receptacle;
• providing a channel for holding and discharging a projectile from an exit portion of the channel, the arcuate edge portion being configured to move through the channel as the propulsion structure moves between at least one of the first armed position and the second armed position and the disarmed position;
• inserting a projectile in the channel;
• biasing the projectile against the propulsion structure upon the propulsion structure being in at least one of the first armed position and the second armed position;
• and
• actuating the propulsion structure.

An apparatus for launching a projectile, the apparatus comprising:

• a support structure;
• a propulsion structure pivotally connected to the support structure and movable between an armed position and a disarmed position;
• the propulsion structure having a projectile engaging portion and an elongated generally arcuate edge portion, the arcuate edge portion extending away from the projectile engaging portion and defining at least one receptacle, the projectile engaging portion and the arcuate edge portion generally forming an L-shape;
• a retainer that is actuatable to selectively engage the receptacle to retain the propulsion structure in the armed position;
• and
• means for actuating the propulsion structure from the armed position to the disarmed position to deliver an impulse force to the projectile;
• a channel configured to cause the projectile to be in biased contact with the propulsion structure upon the propulsion structure being in the armed position;
• and
• wherein upon the means for actuating the propulsion structure propelling the propulsion structure from the armed position, the propulsion structure delivers an impulse to the projectile which propels the projectile through and outwardly from the channel;
• the channel having a first portion proximate the propulsion structure, when the propulsion structure is in the armed position, and an exit portion distal from the first portion;
• the exit portion being configured to allow the discharge of the projectile from the channel upon the propulsion structure propelling the projectile through the channel;
• the channel being inclined upwardly from the first portion to the exit portion thereof with respect to a horizontal plane;
• the arcuate edge portion being configured to move through the channel as the propulsion structure moves between the armed position and the disarmed position.