Direct Line of Sight Throwing Device

J

JimK

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/treeclimbing/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/140/385700765_a6a6b1e997.jpg?v=0"></a>

When the canopy is cluttered, the climber encounters restricted motion of movement on swinging a conventional weight. Where the target is 30 feet or less away, a small piece of tubing can provide the needed power assist to set the weight sailing through a small window in the canopy. Here the throwline is running through 8-10" vinyl tubing. When the tubing is drawn and released with a flick of the wrist, it will propel the throw weight along a narrow path. This benefits the tree climber in making short throws where twigs and branches block a full arm swing. The throwline was attached to the weight with an Anchor Hitch. Then a Buntline provided the attachment to the tubing.

A quick and dirty version would be to attach the tubing with a Pile Hitch. This places the tubing perpendicular to the throw line. It provides a quick solution where the throwline hasn't been threaded through the tubing.

It's better to visualize this as a power assisted throw with a flick of wrist. It's not a sling shot. The weight flops around in flight. It's not pretty. It's an effective solution given the circumstances of the situation.
 

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  • 74116-DirectLineofSightThrowingDevice.webp
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This attachment is the simple version. This is where the climber just carries 10 inches of vinyl tubing and attaches it to a conventional throwline with a Pile Hitch. The vinyl tubing is the only additional piece of equipment. It's not sleek, but it seems to get the job done on short notice.

I just caught the fact that this line of sight throwing need was reviewed under the sling shot posting. Otherwise I would have added this technique there.
 

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Help me with this...the You Tube link doesn't work...

Is the tubing used as a handle like an atlatl or one of those tennis ball throwers for dog fetching? It looks like the intention is to 'crack the whip' instead of pendulum toss like normal...???
 
Hi Tom,

The initial set-up with the latex tubing is similar to a slingshot. I 'll describe it terms of my hands for clarity. I hold the end of the tube (away from the weight) in my right hand and take aim at the target. With my left hand I draw back the weight, extending the latex tube. I release the weight from my left hand. Then I flick my right wrist and release the tubing in my right hand. The weight is good for a 25-30 foot target with the tubing traveling along with the weight. The benefit is that it travels in a direct path from me to the target. I don't have to take a big arm swing and rely upon an arching throw.

The merit of this technique is its simplicity. I can attach a 10 inch piece of latex tubing to the throwline via a Pile Hitch. Then I have a device that shoots a weight. The cleaner version is to thread the throwline through the latex tubing. Because this offers a solution to making a throw where swinging isn't possible, I will always carry a 10" piece of tubing.

This isn't a true slingshot. The tubing adds power to a flick of the wrist throw. The tubing travels with the weight. Hence, it ain't pretty nor is it aerodynamic. It's just a solution to a clutter problem in the canopy. Where I can't do a full hand throw, I now have a tool that advances the weight through a restricted passage.

Thanks for asking for clarification.
 
I'm glad that the video link is providing a better desmonstration.

In a confined area, this can shoot 30' with enough accuracy to hit a basketball hoop sized target.

Because of the weather, I'm not really certain what the maximum height could be. Though it sounds a bit different, I'm envisioning a behind the head throw for max height. The elbow is bent allowing a sturdy flick and the tubing is away from the eyes.

Tom's discussion got me thinking that tubing used as a segment of throwline should add height to a conventional throw. It seems that it would have to be a small segment to minimize the bulk. Perhaps an expandable cord would be the better choice here.
 
I cant tell you how many diffent ideas I've messed around and given up on, trying to innovate the throw line. I would have to say this is the best one Ive seen yet. Are you planning on using it during competitions?
 
Hi Trees4Life,

No competition for me. This seems like something that would benefit competition. A machinist buddy of mine sees the potential and is exploring different materials with variations in length. I'll keep you updated on what he finds.

I anticipate that I'll speed up my canopy advancement, because 30 footers are now point and shoot.

Also, I have been referring to this as vinyl tubing in the earlier posts. It's not. It's latex tubing.
 
Jim, that's ingenius!!!
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Interesting. I'm pretty sure you all can be resourceful about coming up with the tubing. A good place to start, because of its consistent manufacturing would be Thera-Band. Everyone has a physical or occupational therapist in their phonebook, right? Or its good time to create that relationship now, eh?

I could be out on a limb,
Tree Limb Jim
 
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