US20070155544A1

US20070155544A1 - Throw toy

Info

Publication number: US20070155544A1
Application number: US11/323,968
Authority: US
Inventors: Darryl Killion
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-29
Filing date: 2005-12-29
Publication date: 2007-07-05

Abstract

A throw toy including a ball, an elastic band, and an adjustable finger strap is provided. The elastic band preferably has a width greater than its depth. In one embodiment, the elastic band comprises a plurality of braids for increasing the strength of the throw toy. Preferably, the adjustable finger strap forms a loop configuration and can be adjusted by pulling a lower portion of the adjustable finger strap through a slot opening so as to fit the strap snugly on a user's finger. Furthermore, the adjustable finger strap may include an inner surface composed of loop fastener material and an outer surface composed of hook fastener material.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to throw toys. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ball that is thrown from a user's hand and returns to the user's hand by employing an elastic band and an adjustable finger strap.
2. Description of the Related Art
Typical throw toys consist of a finger strap connected to a thin, round elastic string, which in turn is secured to a foam ball. The foam ball typically fits in the hand of the user. The user often connects the finger strap to their finger and proceeds to throw the foam ball from their hand downward such that the elastic string can bring the foam ball back toward the user's hand. This process is then repeated by the user for as long as the user prefers.
A throw toy has many desirable characteristics. The device can operate as a toy allowing user's to generate entertainment and pleasure individually or in a group. In a group setting, users can engage in various games and contests based on ability and proper use of the throw toy. Beyond simply a toy, a throw toy can also be used as a stress reliever by systematically throwing the ball and catching it or by squeezing the foam ball. In addition, a throw toy can exercise a user's wrist and forearm. In some cases, a throw toy can be used to rehabilitate injured wrists and forearms. Use of a throw toy can develop and improve hand-eye coordination in both children and adults. This purpose is particularly important for those users who have not excelled in sports, games, and activities that require hand-eye coordination.
Many problems are inherent in traditional throw toys. Such toys are difficult to control due to the elastic string and finger strap. The elastic string is typically thin and round. When a user throws the ball, typically between two and three feet from one's hand, the thin, round elastic string is not sufficient to ensure that the ball will return predictably to the user's hand. In many cases, the ball returns on an angled path. As a result, the ball does not usually return directly to the user's hand. This can result in frustration on the part of the user since the user is not able to use the throw toy as intended. In addition, conventional throw toys are susceptible to breaking resulting in reduced user life. The thin, round elastic string does not provide sufficient strength to accommodate the typical user. If the ball is thrown with increased force or speed the elastic string can break or the string can become detached from the ball entirely.
Safety concerns have also limited the use of conventional throw toys. In normal use, the thin, round elastic string can become wrapped around a user's finger and restrict circulation. The string can also become wrapped around the neck of a child and restrict breathing. In addition, the finger strap is susceptible to coming undone. As a result, the ball might be unintentionally thrown into other people causing injury or other people's property causing damage.
User comfort is a problem with conventional throw toys. Typical finger straps consist of two separate pieces secured together. To enable adjusting of the finger strap for various finger sizes, the rough side of the finger strap, usually composed of a hook fastener material, is exposed and directly contacts the user's finger. Skin irritation, rashes, and general discomfort can result from prolonged use of a throw toy with a conventional finger strap.
Additional problems result from both the finger strap and the elastic string. Since the finger strap consists of two separate pieces, the user must detach the two pieces in order to adjust the size of the finger strap. This method does not allow for easy adjusting of the finger strap in order to provide for optimal fitting of the strap on a particular user's finger. Since the elastic string consists of a thin, round piece of elastic material, it is susceptible to being twisted, turned, and maneuvered such that knots are common. Knots in the elastic string can result in decreased user effectiveness and enjoyment of the throw toy. In addition, the thin, round elastic string is not aesthetically pleasing to many users.
There is a need for a throw toy with a sufficiently strong and durable elastic band such that it will not fail during normal use and a finger strap allowing for quick, easy adjustment to conform to a user's particular finger size. In addition, such throw toy should be safe, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing to its users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments and methods permit use of a throw toy in a safe, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing manner. The preferred embodiments and methods permit a finger strap of the throw toy to be adjusted quickly and conveniently so as to conform to a user's finger size. In addition, an elastic band is configured such that it increases the throw toy's strength and durability.
In one embodiment, a throw toy includes a ball, an elastic band, and an adjustable finger strap. In this particular embodiment, the elastic band is connected to the ball by a knot disposed at a bottom surface of the ball. The elastic band extends upward from a top surface of the ball and is connected to the adjustable finger strap at an upper portion of the elastic band. The adjustable finger strap forms a loop configuration and can be adjusted by pulling a lower portion of the adjustable finger strap through a slot opening in the finger strap. Advantageously, the user's finger comes in contact with only an inner surface of the adjustable finger strap composed of loop fastener material, which is soft and fuzzy. As a result, the user is comfortable while using the throw toy.
In another embodiment, a method of throwing a ball includes adjusting an adjustable finger strap so that there is sufficient clearance to enable the adjustable finger strap to fit on a user's finger. In this embodiment, the adjustable finger strap is then placed on the user's finger. An upper portion of the adjustable finger strap is pulled toward a lower portion of the adjustable finger strap. The lower portion of the adjustable finger strap is pulled through a slot opening such that the adjustable finger strap fits snugly on the user's finger. In one embodiment, the upper portion of the adjustable finger strap is pulled such that an inner surface of the adjustable finger strap comes in contact with generally the entire circumference of a user's finger. At least a segment of the inner surface of the adjustable finger strap overlaps at least a segment of an outer surface of the adjustable finger strap so that loop fastener material connects to hook fastener material. Advantageously, this method provides for quick and easy adjusting of the finger strip to conform to a particular user's finger size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present throw toy are described with reference to drawings of the preferred embodiments. These embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the present invention. The drawings include the following five figures:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the throw toy of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a front elevation view showing a width (w) of an elastic band of the throw toy as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2B is a side elevation view showing a depth (d) of an elastic band of the throw toy as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an elastic band having a plurality of braids for increasing the strength of the throw toy as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4A is a side elevation view showing an elastic band secured to an inner surface of an adjustable finger strap of the throw toy as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4B is a side elevation view showing an elastic band secured to an outer surface of an adjustable finger strap of the throw toy as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adjustable finger strap of the throw toy as shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a throw toy 10 having certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention. In one embodiment, the throw toy 10 preferably includes a ball 12, an elastic band 14, and an adjustable finger strap 16. The adjustable finger strap 16 can be secured to the elastic band 14, which in turn can be secured to the ball 12. In one embodiment, the elastic band 14 is secured to the ball 12 by forming a knot 18.
In one embodiment, the adjustable finger strap 16 is capable of adjusting and fitting snugly on a user's finger. As a result, the user can hold the ball 12 in their hand and proceed to throw the ball 12 downward with a force. The knot 18, which secures the elastic band 14 to the ball 12, ensures that the ball 12 does not become removed from the elastic band 14 when the user throws the ball 12 downward. The elastic band 14 is in an equilibrium position when the ball 12 is in the user's hand. When thrown downward, the elastic band 14 expands and stretches and therefore stores mechanical potential energy while in a stretched position. The stored potential energy in the band 14 converts to kinetic energy when the elastic band 14 reaches a critical length. This kinetic energy causes the ball 12 to displace back toward the user's hand. Preferably, the user will catch the ball 12 in their hand and repeat the above described process for as long as desired.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show the throw toy 10 in a substantially elongated configuration. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ball 12 contains a top end 52 of a small passageway 20 located at a top surface 22 of the ball. In one embodiment, the small passageway 20 extends generally the length of the diameter of the ball 12 along a longitudinal axis A, which is shown in FIG. 2A. The small passageway 20 preferably is located at least partially within the ball 12. The small passageway 20 can vary in size but preferably is approximately the width of the elastic band 14. However, the small passageway 20 may have a width larger or smaller than the elastic band 14. For example, the small passageway 20 may have a width smaller than the elastic band 14 such that the elastic band 14 is at least partially folded in order to extend through the ball 12. In addition, in other embodiments, there might not be a small passageway 20 and the elastic band 14 may be secured to the ball 12 without entering the interior of the ball 12. For example, the elastic band 14 could be secured to the exterior of the ball by, among other things, a fastener, a sealer, or an adhesive.
In one embodiment, a lower portion 24 of the elastic band 14 is inserted into the small passageway 20 at the top surface 22 of the ball 12. The lower portion 24 of the elastic band 14 can be pulled through the small passageway 20 of the ball 12 until the elastic band 14 extends beyond a bottom surface 26 of the ball 12. The portion of the elastic band 14 that extends beyond the bottom surface 26 of the ball 12 is preferably secured in place by the formation of a knot 18. However, other methods of securing the elastic band 14 in place at the bottom surface 26 of the ball 12 may also be utilized, such as by fastening, clipping, sealing, or using an adhesive.
In other embodiments, the elastic band 14 may be secured to the ball 12 without extending the elastic band 14 through the entire portion of the small passageway 20. For example, the elastic band 14 may extend through a portion of the small passageway 20 and be secured to the ball on an interior portion of the small passageway 20 somewhere along the length of the longitudinal axis A. The above examples are described to point out that the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B do not in any way limit the manner in which the elastic band 14 can be secured to the ball 12. Indeed, other methods of securing the band 14 and the ball 12 may be used.
In one embodiment, the ball 12 is preferably made of a soft foam material such that the ball 12 can be squeezed, indented, and deformed, but the ball 12 will typically return to its original configuration. The ball 12 preferably is spherical and approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. However, the ball 12 can be of a variety of shapes and sizes including, but not limited to, the shape of a football, baseball, basketball, soccer ball, tennis ball, or golf ball. In addition, the ball 12 may be less than or greater than 2.5 inches in diameter and in some embodiments, depending upon the shape of the ball 12, may not have a diameter at all.
In another embodiment, the ball 12 has the appearance of a particular sports ball such as that used in baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis or golf. However, the ball 12 can have other appearances and other embodiments and may utilize shapes and appearances not typically used in sports. For example, the ball 12 could be substantially the shape of a cylinder, a rectangular prism, a square, an action figure, a cartoon character, or a non-standard geometric three dimensional object. In one embodiment, an outer surface of the ball 12 may comprise a plurality of grooves and/or indentations in order to allow the user to grip and catch the ball easier. In addition, the ball 12 is not limited to being soft and malleable, but rather the ball 12 may be hard.
It is readily apparent from FIGS. 2A and 2B that the throw toy 10 preferably has an elastic band 14 that has a measurable width (w) such that the width (w) of the elastic band 14, as shown in FIG. 2A, is greater than the depth (d) of the elastic band 14, as shown in FIG. 2B. The width (w) of the elastic band 14 is preferably approximately 0.25 inches wide. The depth (d) of the elastic band 14 is preferably substantially less than 0.25 inches. However, the width (w) of the elastic band 14 may be less than or greater than 0.25 inches as a variety of sizes of the elastic band 14 may be utilized. In addition, as described below with reference to FIG. 3, the elastic band 14 can have a braided configuration 50. Traditional throw toys typically employ a thin, round elastic string which is susceptible to fatigue and ultimately failure. As a result of both the measurable width (w) and the braided configuration 50, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, respectively, the elastic band 14 provides enhanced strength and durability as compared to a traditional thin, round elastic string.
In addition to strength and durability, a wide elastic band 14 reduces the likelihood that the elastic band 14 will become knotted. Advantageously, knots that happen to form can be easily removed due to the thickness of the elastic band 14. Knotting is a common problem with traditional throw toys that utilize a thin, round elastic string since the string can easily twist, turn, and wrap around itself. Once a knot is formed in traditional throw toys, it can be difficult for the user to remove such a knot since the string is thin and very tight knots can be formed with such thin string. Throw toys containing knots are not as desirable as knot-free throw toys since the ball will likely not act in a predictable manner when thrown from a user's hand.
Advantageously, a wide elastic band 14 is safer than a string since the elastic band 14 will rarely become wrapped around the user's finger while the throw toy 10 is being used. On the other hand, a thin string used in conventional throw toys is substantially likely to wrap around a user's finger resulting in impaired circulation. This danger is particularly a problem for throw toys since, like yo-yos, users often perform tricks that involve holding the elastic band 14 with the user's fingers. Additionally, the risk of the elastic band 14 wrapping around a child's neck and impairing respiratory functioning is also substantially decreased. For at least the abovementioned reasons, the present throw toy 10 is a substantial improvement over traditional throw toys.
In one preferred embodiment, the elastic band 14 preferably has an original length of eighteen to twenty inches. When in a stretched position, the elastic band 14 has a preferred length of forty-eight to sixty inches. However, the elastic band 14 can be of various lengths, shorter or longer in both the original and stretched positions, depending on the user's preferences and particular characteristics.
FIG. 3 shows an elastic band 14 having a braided configuration 50. In one embodiment, the elastic band 14 contains a plurality of braids 50 a, 50 b, 50 c that extend along at least a portion of the elastic band 14. Preferably, the braids 50 a, 50 b, 50 c extend along substantially the entire length of the elastic band 14. Advantageously, such a plurality of braids 50 a, 50 b, 50 c provides enhanced strength and durability to the elastic band 14 of the throw toy 10.
The wide braided elastic band 14 can be composed of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, cotton, polyester, acrylic, nylon, and rayon. The surface of the elastic band 14 is preferably smooth such that the user will not experience discomfort if the elastic band 14 comes in contact with the user's skin. In addition, the elastic band 14 can have a variety of colors and braid patterns such that the throw toy 10 has the optimal aesthetic qualities from the perspective of a particular user.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the adjustable finger strap 16 in detail. An upper portion 38 of the elastic band 14 (as shown in FIG. 1) may be secured to a lower portion 28 of the adjustable finger strap 16. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the upper portion 38 of the elastic band 14 (as shown in FIG. 1) is secured to an inner surface 30 of the adjustable finger strap 16. Alternatively, in another embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the upper portion 38 of the elastic band 14 (as shown in FIG. 1) is secured to an outer surface 32 of the adjustable finger strap 16. When secured to the outer surface 32 as shown in FIG. 4 b, the elastic band 14 (as shown in FIG. 1) is disposed so that it will not contact the user's finger when the user places their finger in the adjustable finger strap 16. Advantageously, this results in increased comfort when using the throw toy 10.
In another embodiment, the upper portion 38 of the elastic band 14 (as shown in FIG. 1) is sewn or stitched to the adjustable finger strap 16. However, other methods of securing the elastic band 14 (as shown in FIG. 1) to the adjustable finger strap 16 may also be utilized, such as by fastening, clipping, sealing, or using an adhesive.
The inner surface 30 of the adjustable finger strap 16 is comprised of loop fastener material such that it has a soft, fuzzy texture. While the outer surface 32 of the adjustable finger strap 16 is comprised of hook fastener material such that it has a hard, rough texture. In one configuration, the outer surface 32 of the adjustable finger strap 16 preferably contains a pattern of short plastic strands covering a substantial portion of the outer surface 32. The inner surface 30 and the outer surface 32 of the adjustable finger strap 16 in combination comprise what is commonly referred to as a hook and loop configuration. When the loop fastener material of the inner surface 30 comes in contact with the hook fastener material of the outer surface 32, the inner surface 30 and outer surface 32 become attached and can be disconnected upon application of a measurable force.
In one embodiment, the adjustable finger strap 16 is preferably substantially oblong in shape. The lower portion 28 of the adjustable finger strap 16 is substantially rectangular in shape. The upper portion 34 of the adjustable finger strap 16 is rounded and substantially oval in shape. The upper portion 34 extends in width relative to the lower portion 28. The above description of a shape of one embodiment of the adjustable finger 16 and its components does not limit it to this particular configuration. Other embodiments may be utilized. For example, the adjustable finger strap 16 could be substantially round in shape, while the lower portion 28 and the upper portion 34 could be substantially the same width and configuration.
In another configuration, the upper portion 34 of the adjustable finger strap 16 contains a slot opening 36 (as shown in FIG. 5 and discussed below) sufficient in dimensions to permit the elastic band to fit through the slot opening 36 (as shown in FIG. 5 and discussed below) and also to permit the lower portion 28 of the adjustable finger strap 16 to fit through the slot opening 36 as discussed below. The slot opening 36 provides a passageway for at least a portion of the adjustable finger strap 16 to be pulled through at least another portion of the adjustable finger strap 16. As a result, a loop can be formed for receiving a user's finger. Such loop configuration can best be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Advantageously, the slot opening 36 allows the user to easily and quickly adjust the size of the loop of the adjustable finger strap 16. As a result, the throw toy 10 can quickly and easily be used by users, including both children and adults, having varying finger sizes.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable finger strap 16 of the throw toy 10. In one embodiment, the lower portion 28 of the adjustable finger strap 16 is approximately 0.5 inches wide and 3.0 inches in length, while the upper portion 34 of the adjustable finger strap 16 is approximately 0.75 inches wide at its widest location and approximately 1.5 inches in length. The slot opening 36 is slightly wider than 0.5 inches. As illustrated in FIG. 5, this configuration permits the lower portion 28 of the adjustable finger strap 16 to fit in the slot opening 36 with sufficient lateral clearance. The dimensions given above are the dimensions of a preferred embodiment and do not limit other sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the adjustable finger strap 16. Other embodiments may utilize a variety of sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the adjustable finger strap 16.
The slot opening 36 is approximately 0.25 inches in height, which allows the inner surface 30 and the outer surface 32 of the adjustable finger strap 16 to fit in the slot opening 36 with sufficient longitudinal clearance as illustrated in FIG. 5. The dimensions given above are the dimensions of a preferred embodiment and do not limit other sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the adjustable finger strap 16. Other embodiments may utilize a variety of sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the adjustable finger strap 16.
Before the elastic band 14 (as shown in FIG. 1) is secured to the adjustable finger strap 16, the lower portion 28 of the adjustable finger strap 16 preferably is translated at least partially through the slot opening 36. By connecting the elastic band 14 (as shown in FIG. 1) and adjustable finger strap 16 in this manner, the adjustable finger strap 16 forms a loop as described above with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. This loop configuration is preferable because the user can easily adjust the size of the adjustable finger strap 16 to conform to the particular user's finger size. In one embodiment, the user can pull the lower portion 28 of the adjustable finger strap 16 through the slot opening 36 such that the inner surface 30 of the adjustable finger strap 16 comes in contact with generally the entire circumference of the user's finger, preferably between the knuckle and first finger joint.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, the adjustable finger strap 16 adjusts naturally while the throw toy 10 is being used. This is so because the lower portion 28 of the adjustable finger strap 16 can easily move back and forth with respect to the slot opening 36. Such configuration is similar to a noose. A noose is a rope or string configuration having a simple slip-knot and a loop opening defined by the rope or string. In a noose, the size of the loop opening can be easily adjusted by pulling on the rope or string such that the slip-knot translates along at least a portion of the rope or string. As a result, the loop opening can easily become larger or smaller at the user's discretion. Advantageously, the adjustable finger strap 16 of the present throw toy 10 operates in a substantially similar manner.
Another advantage of the present throw toy 10 is that the adjustable finger strap 16 does not need to be secured. The finger strap 16 can operate similar to a noose, as described in the preceding paragraph, and adjust naturally to a user's finger while the throw toy 10 is being used.
Advantageously, the throw toy 10 can be used by both children and adults even though children may have smaller fingers than adults. In addition, the user can easily remove the adjustable finger strap 16 from a particular finger and attach the adjustable finger strap 16 to another finger of a different size. Another advantage of this adjustable finger strap 16 is that the adjustable finger strap 16 can be fit snugly around a user's finger since the inner surface 30 of the adjustable finger strap 16 preferably is in contact with generally the entire circumference of the user's finger. This allows the user to have substantially more control over the throw toy 10 than a user would have with conventional throw toys not utilizing the adjustable finger strap 16 of the present invention. As a result, it is more likely that the ball 12 will act in a predictable manner when thrown from the user's hand. Therefore, the user will use the throw toy 10 more effectively and derive more pleasure from activities involving the throw toy 10.
Another significant benefit of the present invention is that the user will be more comfortable when operating the throw toy 10. This is so because the inner surface 30 of the adjustable finger strap 16, which is comprised of loop fastener material and is soft and fuzzy, is the only portion of the adjustable finger strap 16 that comes in contact with the user's finger. In conventional throw toys, hook fastener material of the finger strap, which is hard and rough, directly contacts the user's finger. This rough contact often results in skin irritation, rashes, and general discomfort.
With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the user can also secure the adjustable finger strap 16 by pressing the hook fastener material and the loop fastener material together. For example, at least a portion of the inner surface 30 of the adjustable finger strap 16 can be pressed against at least a portion of the outer surface 32 of the adjustable finger strap 16. More specifically, the inner surface 30 of the upper portion 34 of the adjustable finger strap 16 can be pressed against at least a portion of the outer surface 32 of the adjustable finger strap 16 creating an attachment 62 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. As a result, the adjustable finger strap 16 can be easily secured to a user's finger by simply pressing together and creating the attachment 62 between at least two portions of the adjustable finger strap 16. Advantageously, the attachment 62 is a feature of the throw toy 10 that allows the adjustable finger strap 16 be sufficiently secured to a particular user's finger.
Although the present throw toy has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In particular, while the present throw toy has been described in the context of particularly preferred embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate, in view of the present disclosure, that certain advantages, features and aspects of the throw toy may be realized in a variety of other applications, many of which have been noted above. Additionally, it is contemplated that various aspects and features of the invention described can be practiced separately, combined together, or substituted for one another, and that a variety of combinations and sub-combinations of the features and aspects can be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.

Claims

1. A throw toy, comprising:

a ball;

an elastic band secured to said ball, said elastic band having a width greater than said elastic band's depth, wherein a lower portion of said elastic band is secured to said ball and said elastic band extends upward from a top surface of said ball; and

an adjustable finger strap, having an inner surface composed of loop fastener material and an outer surface composed of hook fastener material, secured to said elastic band, wherein said adjustable finger strap forms a loop configuration and said adjustable finger strap has a slot opening such that a lower portion of said adjustable finger strap can be translated at least partially through said slot opening.

2. The throw toy of claim 1, wherein said ball is comprised of a foam material.

3. The throw toy of claim 1, wherein said ball has the appearance of a ball used in a particular sport.

4. The throw toy of claim 1, wherein said elastic band has a width greater than or equal to 0.125 inches.

5. The throw toy of claim 1, wherein said elastic band comprises a plurality of braids for increasing the strength of said elastic band.

6. The throw toy of claim 1, wherein said elastic band is secured to said adjustable finger strap by a thread material.

7. A throw toy, comprising:

a ball;

an elastic band secured to said ball, said elastic band having a width greater than said elastic band's depth and said elastic band extending from a surface of said ball; and

an adjustable finger strap secured to said elastic band.

8. The throw toy of claim 7, wherein said ball is comprised of a foam material.

9. The throw toy of claim 7, wherein said ball has the appearance of a ball used in a particular sport.

10. The throw toy of claim 7, wherein said elastic band has a width greater than or equal to 0.125 inches.

11. The throw toy of claim 7, wherein said elastic band comprises a plurality of braids for increasing the strength of said elastic band.

12. The throw toy of claim 7, wherein said elastic band is secured to said adjustable finger strap by a thread material.

13. The throw toy of claim 7, wherein said adjustable finger strap forms a loop configuration.

14. The throw toy of claim 7, wherein said adjustable finger strap has a slot opening such that a lower portion of said adjustable finger strap can be translated at least partially through said slot opening.

15. The throw toy of claim 7, wherein said adjustable finger strap has an inner surface composed of loop fastener material and an outer surface composed of hook fastener material.

16. A method of throwing a ball comprising the steps of:

positioning an upper portion of an adjustable finger strap such that said adjustable finger strap comprises a loop with sufficient dimensions so as to be capable of receiving a user's finger;

placing said adjustable finger strap on said user's finger;

pulling said adjustable finger strap such that an inner surface of said adjustable finger strap at least partially comes in contact with said user's finger; and

placing at least a portion of said inner surface of said adjustable finger strap on at least a portion of an outer surface of said adjustable finger strap such that loop fastener material of said inner surface at least partially connects with hook fastener material of said outer surface of said adjustable finger strap.

17. The method of claim 16, additionally comprising the step of placing said ball in said user's hand.

18. The method of claim 17, additionally comprising the step of throwing said ball at least partially downward.

19. The method of claim 18, additionally comprising the step of catching said ball in said user's hand upon said ball's upward return to said user's hand by use of an elastic band secured to said ball and said adjustable finger strap.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein said pulling of said upper portion of said adjustable finger strap is performed such that said inner surface of said adjustable finger strap comes in contact with generally the entire circumference of said user's finger.