Patent Application
20090291785
The instant disclosure relates generally to the field of archery arrow systems, including, hunting and target arrow systems.
Archery arrows are used in various types of archery, including, for example, hunting and target archery. Target archery includes a variety of disciplines incorporating various equipment, target types, shooting distances, and governing rules.
For example, one type of target archery called “3D” involves the use of a variety of foam targets placed at different locations throughout a specified shooting range. In 3D target archery, the foam targets may be designed in the shape of a particular animal. Distances to the targets in 3D target archery may vary greatly, requiring a high level of skill in distance judgment and aiming. Another type of target archery involves the use of an indoor shooting range in which flat targets are positioned at a relatively short distance of 18 meters from an archer. One of the best known types of target archery is known as “Olympic style.” In Olympic-style target archery, archers use recurve bows to shoot arrows at traditional round targets placed at a distance of 70 meters from the archers.
Various types of target archery often involve the use of a target having a pattern of concentric circles on the target surface. The area between a larger concentric circle and the next smaller concentric circle defined within the larger concentric circle is known as a “point zone.” The point zones defined by the concentric circles typically increase in point value as the concentric circles decrease in diameter. For example, a point zone defined by a larger concentric circle on a target surface may have a point value of 9, while a point zone defined by the next smaller concentric circle within the larger concentric circle may have a point value of 10. The circles are typically defined by visible lines on the target surface. A common rule in various target archery disciplines is that if an arrow launched by an archer into a target lands at a position in the target that is mostly in a first point zone, but the arrow is touching a line bordering a second point zone having a higher point value, then the higher point value is awarded to the archer.
Archery disciplines may also involve either outdoor or indoor shooting ranges. At outdoor ranges, winds may be present that affect the trajectory of an arrow after it is shot by an archer. For example, cross winds may move an arrow away from an intended course.
According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise an arrow shaft having a nock end and a point end. The arrow shaft may comprise a first shaft portion comprising a lengthwise segment of the arrow shaft terminating at the nock end of the arrow shaft, the first shaft portion having an outer diameter. The arrow shaft may also comprise a second shaft portion comprising a lengthwise segment of the arrow shaft, the second shaft portion having an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the second shaft portion may be larger than the outer diameter of the first shaft portion.
In an additional embodiment, the arrow shaft may comprise a first transition portion located between the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion. The first transition portion may comprise a first transition end adjacent to the first shaft portion. The first transition portion may also comprise a second transition end adjacent to the second shaft portion. An outer diameter of the second transition end may be larger than an outer diameter of the first transition end.
In certain embodiments, the first shaft portion may be integrally formed with the second shaft portion. In additional embodiments, the first transition portion may be integrally formed with at least one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion. In at least one embodiment, the second shaft portion may comprise a lengthwise segment of the arrow shaft terminating at the point end of the arrow shaft. The second shaft portion may also be located between the point end of the arrow shaft and the first shaft portion.
In another embodiment, the arrow shaft may comprise a third shaft portion comprising a lengthwise segment of the arrow shaft located between the point end of the arrow shaft and the second shaft portion, the third shaft portion having an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the third shaft portion may be smaller than the outer diameter of the second shaft portion. In additional embodiments, the outer diameter of the third shaft portion may be larger than the outer diameter of the second shaft portion.
In certain embodiments, the first transition portion may comprise a first coupling portion structured to extend into a cavity defined in the first shaft portion. The first transition portion may further comprise a second coupling portion extending into a cavity defined in the second shaft portion. In various embodiments, the outer diameter of the first shaft portion may be substantially constant along the length of the first shaft portion. The outer diameter of the second shaft portion may also be substantially constant along the length of the second shaft portion. Additionally, an outer surface of the first transition portion may be tapered between the second transition end and the first transition end. In additional embodiments, the second shaft portion may comprise approximately 50% or less of the axial length of the arrow shaft.
In at least one embodiment, an arrow may comprise an arrow shaft comprising a nock end and a point end. The arrow shaft may also comprise a first shaft portion comprising a lengthwise segment of the arrow shaft terminating at the nock end of the arrow shaft, the first shaft portion having an outer diameter. The arrow shaft may additionally comprise a second shaft portion comprising a lengthwise segment of the arrow shaft, the second shaft portion having an outer diameter. The arrow may also comprise a nock attached at the nock end of the arrow shaft and a point attached at the point end of the arrow shaft. The outer diameter of the second shaft portion may also be larger than the outer diameter of the first shaft portion.
In various embodiments, the arrow may further comprise a first transition portion located between the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion. The first transition portion may comprise a first transition end adjacent to the first shaft portion. The first transition portion may also comprise a second transition end adjacent to the second shaft portion. An outer diameter of the second transition may be larger than an outer diameter of the first transition end.
In certain embodiments, the first shaft portion of the arrow may be integrally formed with the second shaft portion. In additional embodiments, the first transition portion may be integrally formed with at least one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion. In at least one embodiment, the second shaft portion may comprise a lengthwise segment of the arrow shaft terminating at the point end of the arrow shaft. The second shaft portion may also be located between the point end of the arrow shaft and the first shaft portion.
In another embodiment, the arrow shaft of the arrow may comprise a third shaft portion comprising a lengthwise segment of the arrow shaft located between the point end of the arrow shaft and the second shaft portion, the third shaft portion having an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the third shaft portion may be smaller than the outer diameter of the second shaft portion. In additional embodiments, the outer diameter of the third shaft portion may be larger than the outer diameter of the second shaft portion.
In certain embodiments, the first transition portion of the arrow may comprise a first coupling portion structured to extend into a cavity defined in the first shaft portion. The first transition portion may further comprise a second coupling portion extending into a cavity defined in the second shaft portion. In additional embodiments, the second shaft portion may comprise approximately 50% or less of the axial length of the arrow shaft.
Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used in combination with one another in accordance with the general principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of the instant disclosure.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While embodiments of the instant disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, one of skill in the art will understand that embodiments of the instant disclosure are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed herein. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of embodiments defined by the appended claims.
Arrow shaft 21 may represent any type or form of shaft suitable for use in archery applications. Examples of arrow shaft 21 may include, without limitation, hollow or solid arrow shafts suitable for use in various archery applications. Arrow shaft 21 may also be formed in any shape or size and of any material or combination of materials, including, for example, wood, aluminum, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of arrow shaft 21 may vary along its length. For example, as will be discussed in greater detail below, arrow shaft 21 may comprise a first shaft portion 22 and a second shaft portion 24 having an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of first shaft portion 22.
Nock 28 may represent any type or form of apparatus capable of receiving at least a portion of a bowstring. Arrow point 30 may represent any type or form of point capable of penetrating a desired target in an archery application. Examples of point 30 include, without limitation, field points and broadhead points. Fletching 38 may comprise any type of fletching or fin suitable for stabilizing and/or improving the accuracy of arrow 20 while in flight, including without limitation vanes or feathers.
Nock 28, arrow point 30, and fletching 38 may each be attached to arrow shaft 21 in a number of ways. For example, nock 28 and/or arrow point 30 may comprise a protruding portion structured to fit into a hollow end portion of arrow shaft 21. In at least one embodiment, nock 28 and/or arrow point 30 may be coupled to arrow shaft 21, being held in place by, for example, frictional and/or mechanical resistance between a protruding portion of nock 28 or arrow point 30 and an interior wall of arrow shaft 21. In an additional embodiment, nock 28, arrow point 30, and/or vane 38 may be securely affixed to arrow shaft 21 using, for example, an adhesive material. Nock 28 and/or arrow point 30 may also be threadedly coupled to arrow shaft 21
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In certain embodiments, the outer diameter of at least a portion of the second shaft portion 24 may be larger than the outer diameter of at least a portion of the first shaft portion 22. For example, as illustrated in
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When used in various archery applications, such as, for example, target archery, arrow 20 may yield various advantages. In at least one embodiment, the relatively larger diameter of second shaft portion 24 may have a much greater likelihood of contacting an intended portion of an archery target than an arrow having a smaller diameter shaft or shaft portion. For example, arrow 20 may have a greater likelihood of contacting a target line portion bordering a point zone that has a higher point value than a conventional arrow.
In various embodiments, the length of second shaft portion 24 may be shortened to decrease the overall weight of arrow 20 and increase the durability of arrow 20. The length of second shaft portion 24 may also be shortened in order to decrease the effects of wind resistance and wind drift on arrow 20. Relatively smaller diameter portions of arrow shaft 21, such as, for example, first shaft portion 22, may lessen the impact of a cross wind on the arrow 20, and thus arrow drift, as compared to an arrow having a shaft with a relatively larger diameter (e.g., a diameter substantially equivalent to the diameter of second shaft portion 24) over a more substantial portion of the shaft than arrow shaft 21. Accordingly, relatively smaller diameter portions of arrow shaft 21, such as, for example, first shaft portion 22, may increase the overall accuracy of arrow 20 in situations where wind or other air currents may be a factor.
In addition, the relatively smaller diameter portions of arrow shaft 21, such as, for example, first shaft portion 22, may increase the overall durability and decrease the overall weight of arrow 20 as compared to an arrow having a shaft with a relatively larger diameter over a more substantial portion of the arrow shaft 21. This combination of higher durability and lower weight may increase the accuracy of arrow 20.
In an additional embodiment, the stiffness of first shaft portion 22 may be different from the stiffness of second shaft portion 24. In at least one embodiment, first shaft portion 22, which may have a relatively smaller diameter than second shaft portion 24, may have a lower stiffness or spine as compared to the second shaft portion 24. The relatively lower stiffness or spine of first shaft portion 22 may provide a variety of benefits, including, for example, improved arrow flight. In addition, arrow 20, comprising first shaft portion 22 having a lower spine than second shaft portion 24, may compensate for imperfections in archer technique and imperfections in the bow from which the arrow is shot. For example, the relatively lower spine of first shaft portion 22 may allow first portion 22 to flex sufficiently to match the particular archery bow, enabling arrow 20 to travel more accurately after being fired from a bow.
As detailed above, the axial position of transition portion 26 and the lengths of first shaft portion 22 and second shaft portion 24 may be determined based on a variety of factors, such as factors influencing the depth that arrow 20 may penetrate into a target, including, for example and without limitation, the technique of an archer shooting the arrow, the type of bow used, the type of target used, and any other parameter affecting the penetration of arrow 20 into a target. In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in
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By including cavity 142 in arrow shaft 121, the overall weight of arrow shaft 121 may be either decreased or increased, thereby optimizing its overall weight. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, a male connection portion of a nock (e.g., nock 28) may be inserted into at least a portion of cavity 142 adjacent to nock end 134. In an additional embodiment, a connecting portion of an arrow point (e.g., arrow point 30) may be inserted into at least a portion of cavity 142 adjacent to point end 136.
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Third shaft portion 362 may be formed of any material or combination of materials, and may be formed in any shape or size. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of third shaft portion 362 may be smaller than the outer diameter of second shaft portion 324. Third shaft portion 362 may also comprise segments that are cylindrical or non-cylindrical in shape. In additional embodiments, third shaft portion 362 may comprise a plurality of lengthwise segments that differ in diameter from one another. Third shaft portion 362 may also comprise a lengthwise segment of arrow shaft 321 comprising point end 336. In additional embodiments, as shown in
Second transition portion 364 may comprise a segment of arrow shaft 321 located between second shaft portion 324 and third shaft portion 362, Second transition portion 364 may be formed of any material or any combination of materials, and may be formed in any shape or size, without limitation. In addition, first transition end 363 of second transition portion 364 may be adjacent to third shaft portion 362, and second transition end 365 of second transition portion 364 may be adjacent to second shaft portion 324. In at least one embodiment, the outer diameter of first transition end 363 may be smaller than the outer diameter of second transition end 365. In certain embodiments, second transition portion 326 may taper, either gradually or abruptly, from second transition end 365 to first transition end 363.
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In at least one embodiment, arrow shaft 321 may comprise a hollow portion or cavity defined by an interior surface of arrow shaft 321 (see, e.g.,
In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
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In one exemplary embodiment, second shaft portion 424 of arrow shaft 421 may be larger in diameter than first shaft portion 422. As illustrated in
When used in various types of archery, such as, for example, target archery, arrow 420 may yield significant advantages. For example, as shown in
Additionally, the relatively smaller diameter portions of arrow shaft 421, such as, for example, first shaft portion 422, may provide arrow 420 with greater resistance to wind drift subsequent to being launched from a bow than an arrow having a shaft with a relatively larger diameter (e.g., a diameter substantially equivalent to the diameter of second shaft portion 424) over a greater portion of the shaft than arrow shaft 421. In at least one example, smaller diameter portions of arrow shaft 421, such as, for example, first shaft portion 422, may decrease the detrimental effects of wind resistance or cross winds that might affect the flight of arrow 420. Further, the smaller diameter portions of arrow shaft 421 may increase the overall durability and decrease the overall weight of arrow 420 when compared with an arrow having a shaft with a relatively larger diameter over a greater portion of the shaft than arrow shaft 421.
The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodiments described herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant disclosure. It is desired that the embodiments described herein be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive and that reference be made to the appended claims and their equivalents for determining the scope of the instant disclosure.
Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”
