Slingshot loader and method of use

Abstract

A loader for a slingshot is disclosed, having a tubular magazine for holding pellets, the magazine having a reloading end and a dispensing end with an opening, an end cap for closing the magazine at the reloading end, a dispensing mechanism at the dispensing end for dispensing pellets into a pouch, the dispensing mechanism comprising two or more resilient fingers spaced around the opening for retaining and selectively releasing pellets, the fingers flexible from a closed to an open position by application of force, and apertures defined by the space between the fingers for accessing pellets wherein the pellets are gravity-fed within the magazine. A method of using the loader is also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A loader for a slingshot, comprising:
 a. a tubular magazine for holding pellets, the magazine having a reloading end and a dispensing end with an opening;   b. an end cap for closing the magazine at the reloading end;   c. a dispensing mechanism at the dispensing end for dispensing pellets into a pouch, the dispensing mechanism comprising:
 i. two or more resilient fingers spaced around the opening for retaining and selectively releasing pellets, the fingers flexible from a closed to an open position by application of force; and 
 ii. apertures defined by the space between the fingers for accessing pellets; 
 iii. wherein the pellets are gravity-fed within the magazine. 
   
     
     
         2 . The loader of  claim 1  further comprising a resilient retaining pin for retaining pellets, wherein the pin extends into the opening and is flexible on the application of force. 
     
     
         3 . The loader of  claim 1  further comprising an adjustable mount for adjusting the position of the dispensing mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The loader of  claim 1  further comprising one or more O-rings for holding the fingers to the dispensing end. 
     
     
         5 . The loader of  claim 2  further comprising one or more O-rings for holding the retaining pin to the dispensing end. 
     
     
         6 . The loader of  claim 1  further comprising one or more sleeves for holding the fingers to the dispensing end. 
     
     
         7 . The loader of  claim 2  further comprising one or more sleeves for holding the retaining pin to the dispensing end. 
     
     
         8 . A method of reloading a slingshot using the loader of  claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
 a. inclining the loader so a reloading end of the loader is higher than a dispensing end;   b. while pinching a slingshot pouch between fingertips, manipulating the pouch over a dispensing end of the loader;   c. applying pressure to the pouch to frictionally engage a pellet within an opening of the loader; and   d. pulling the pellet from the dispensing end of the loader.