Improved Shuttlecock

Abstract

An improved shuttlecock for playing a game involving hitting the shuttlecock back-and-forth between players includes a base having a number of stems, each stem extending outwardly from a central axis of the improved shuttlecock by a non-zero angle (e.g., from 2 to 30 degrees). Each stem has a receptor. The base has a cylindrical surface at an end distal from the plurality of stems and an indentation between the cylindrical surface and the plurality of stems. A nose has a striking end and a lip that is distal from the striking end. The nose is connected to the base over the cylindrical surface such that the lip rests in the indentation of the base. Several feathers are included (equal number as the number of stems), each has a quill end. The quill end of each feather is inserted into and affixed within a corresponding one of the receptors.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Games using balls or shuttlecocks that are hit by paddles or rackets are known. These games may be played on a court with a net over which players hit a ball or a shuttlecock back-and-forth during game play, such as, for example, tennis and badminton. Games of the past using a shuttlecock (e.g., badminton) typically require a large area that can accommodate the net and the playing court, making play difficult in confined or small areas. Furthermore, many such games required boundary lines to mark the playing court and, therefore, to indicate the bounds of play so that players are able to determine when the prior shuttlecock was hit to hard and exceeded the limit of play.

Accordingly, existing games that employ a shuttlecock require boundaries (i.e., court lines on the playing surface, cones which delineate the boundaries that the game can be played within). When a player hits the shuttlecock or ball beyond the boundaries, the player is penalized.

There are several issues with a game that requires boundary lines including: either a fixed court needs to be provided or each time play is desired, ropes, lines, or cones must be deployed; debates often ensue regarding whether the shuttlecock landed within or out of the boundaries, court sizes must accommodate the expected travel of the shuttlecock; and the area around the court is subject to intrusion by the shuttlecock and, therefore, must be clear of objects that are breakable if hit.

While the existing games and shuttlecocks serve their respective objectives and requirements, they do not provide for a game that can be played without boundary lines that define a court. Accordingly, there is a need for a game and shuttlecock that provides a compelling activity without the need for a delineated court.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a shuttlecock is disclosed. The shuttlecock (or improved shuttlecock) has a base having a number of stems. Each stem has a receptor. The base has a cylindrical surface at an end distal from the plurality of stems and an indentation between the cylindrical surface and the plurality of stems. A nose has a striking end and a lip that is distal from the striking end. The nose is connected to the base over the cylindrical surface such that the lip rests in the indentation of the base. A number of feathers (equal number as the number of stems) each have a quill end. The quill end of each feather is inserted into and affixed within a corresponding one of the receptors.

In another embodiment, a shuttlecock is disclosed. The shuttlecock (or improved shuttlecock) has a base having six stems, each stem having a receptor. The base has a cylindrical surface at an end distal from the stems and an indentation between the cylindrical surface and the six of stems. A nose has a striking end and a lip that is distal from the striking end. The nose is connected to the base over the cylindrical surface such that the lip rests in the indentation of the base. Six feathers each having a quill end. The quill end of each feather is inserted into and affixed within a corresponding one of the receptors.

In another embodiment, a shuttlecock is disclosed. The shuttlecock (or improved shuttlecock) has a base with six stems. Each stem has a receptor and each stem has an outward angle that is greater than zero degrees from the central axis such that each of feathers also extend outwardly in a direction away from the central axis by the outward angle. The base has a cylindrical surface at an end distal from the stems and an indentation between the cylindrical surface and the six of stems. A nose has a striking end and a lip that is distal from the striking end. The nose is connected to the base over the cylindrical surface such that the lip rests in the indentation of the base. Six feathers, each have a quill end. The quill end of each feather is inserted into and affixed within a corresponding one of the receptors.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are included to provide further understanding of the invention for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Identical reference numerals do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference numeral may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a game net constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is view of a panel of a game next constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a is a front elevation view of a shuttlecock constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a nose cone of a shuttlecock constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a nose cone of a shuttlecock constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a top, diagrammatic view of a shuttlecock constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom, perspective view of a base of an improved shuttlecock.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side cut-away view of the base of the improved shuttlecock.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side, plan view of the base of the improved shuttlecock.

FIG. 20 illustrates a top perspective view of the base of the improved shuttlecock.

FIG. 21 illustrates a second top perspective view of the base of the improved shuttlecock.

FIG. 22 illustrates plan view of the improved shuttlecock with nose and feathers installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, a new and improved game net embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.

In FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of the game net 10 of the invention is shown. In its preferred form, the game net 10 has a netting 12 forming a planar, vertically oriented barrier that defines an opening 14 through the barrier. The opening 14 is disposed, generally centrally in the netting such that the netting forms a wall or barrier around the opening. The opening 14 can be thought of like a window through the netting 12 that is surrounded by netting along each side of the opening.

Further, the netting 12 includes side panels 13a/13b that extend along the opposite, vertical sides of the opening 14. In an alternative arrangement, as in FIG. 3, the netting 12 is provided without the side panels 13a/13b.

The netting 12 is attached to and supported by a frame 16 such that the netting 10 is supported upon a surface and extends vertically upward therefrom, thereby providing a vertically oriented barrier. Netting 12 is attached to and supported by the frame 16 such that the netting maintains its shape. In some embodiments, the frame 16 includes a pair of spaced apart vertical frame members 18/20. In some embodiments, the frame 16 includes one or more horizontal frame members 22/24/26/28 that are connected to and extend between the vertical frame members 18/20 at spaced vertical distances between one another. In some embodiments, the frame 16 includes a pair of ground engaging support leg assemblies 30/32.

The frame 16 is shown in one of many anticipated sizes and shapes and it is fully anticipated that the frame be any of various other sizes and shapes while remaining within the scope of the invention. For example, while not shown, it is anticipated that the frame 16 is collapsible to provide for storage and transport of the game net 10.

Further, in some embodiments, the net 12 and the frame 16 are adjustable as to the distance GH from the opening 14 to the surface, the dimensional width WW of the opening, and/or the dimensional height WH of the opening from top-to-bottom.

Netting 12 may include sleeves, such as, for example sleeves 34/36/38 through which sections of the frame 16 are disposed or extend through to secure the netting 12 to frame 16. The netting 12 includes any number of sleeves as needed to attach the netting 12 to the frame 16. An example of an alternative construction of the game net 10 and netting 12 is shown in FIG. 2, wherein netting further includes additional sleeves 37/39.

Additionally, other ways to attach the netting 12 to the frame are fully anticipated, such as, straps, clasps, buttons, cords, etc. used in connection with the sleeves 34/36/37/38/39 or as alternative to the sleeves 34/36/37/38/39 to secure the netting 12 to the frame 16.

In FIG. 4, there is shown an alternative construction of game net 10. As depicted here, the game net 10 has a similar construction to the game net 10 shown in the prior figures. As shown here, a border 40 arranged it attached to the netting 12 around the opening 14. Border 40 serves several functions, including delineating the opening 14 and providing support to the netting 12 around the opening. The border 40 is anticipated to be colored with a bright color to give players a better visual identification of the opening 14.

As further shown in this embodiment, elastic cords 42/44/46/48 are attached to the netting 12 to keep the netting pulled tight at the opening 14, keeping the opening fully open at its extents. As representatively shown, elastic cords 42/44/46/48 are each extend from a respective corner of the border to a corresponding corner of the netting 12, as shown. In some embodiments, the elastic cords 42/44/46/48 are arranged in different locations to keep the opening 14 fully open.

In FIGS. 5-7, there is shown an alternative construction of game net 10. As depicted here, the game net 10 has a similar construction to the game net shown in the prior figures. However, in this embodiment, the netting 12 is replaced by panel 50 that is supported above a surface by a frame 62. Like the forgoing embodiment, panel 50 has the opening 14 and a border 52 disposed around the perimeter of the opening. In some embodiments, the border 52 is colored with a bright color to give players a better visual identification of the opening 14. In some embodiments, the panel 50 is removably attached to the frame 62 by mechanical fasteners, for example matting touch fasteners, wherein one half of the fastener 54 is disposed on the frame and the other half is 56 is disposed around the perimeter of the panel 50, along one broadside thereof.

In some embodiments, the panel 50 is constructed of a transparent material, thereby allowing players located on opposite sides to see one another through the panel 50. In some embodiments, the panel 50 is fabricated from a single piece of rigid, transparent plastic material. In other embodiments, the panel 50 is a single piece of flexible, transparent plastic material, that is flexible for rolling up for storage and unrolled for attachment to the frame 62.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, in some embodiments, the panel 50 is constructed of individual panels 58a/58b/58c/58d that are removably connected to create the panel 50. In some embodiments, the individual panels 58a/58b/58c/58d are constructed of rigid, transparent plastic material. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, panels 58a/58b/58c/58d have tabs 60 located at opposite ends that removably secure to panels 58a/58b/58c/58d together by a mechanical fastener, such as a touch fastener 64.

As shown in FIG. 11, it is further anticipated that in some embodiments, each panel 58a/58b/58c/58d is constructed to fold in half to make storage and shipping easier. In such constructions, each panel 58a/58b/58c/58d is made in two or more sections 66a/66b that are joined by a flexible coupling 68 along fold joint 70 for folding.

As shown in FIG. 12 an alternative embodiment of game net 10 is shown. In FIG. 12, the game net 10 has a similar construction to the game net shown in the prior figures and, particularly, the game net shown in FIG. 4. The embodiment of FIG. 12 does not include the lower frame cross member 26 and further includes an elastic cord 72 attached to each bottom corner of the net 12 and to the bottom of the frame 16 to pull the net tight in a direction downwardly on the frame.

Game net 10 is particularly useful in facilitating game play without a lined court. This allows quick and simple setup of the game net 10. The construction further allows for both indoor and outdoor play.

Generally, in use, players would stand on opposite sides of the game net 10. The players would then, using paddles, hit a shuttlecock 100, back and forth while attempting to pass the shuttlecock through the opening 14. Game play with net 10 is not limited to a shuttlecock, rather other objects, such as, a ball for example could be used. However, it is desired that the shuttlecock described herein below is used with the game net 10. Various game methods, rules, and scoring can be implemented in connection with the game net 10.

In FIGS. 13-16, a shuttlecock 100 is shown. The shuttlecock 100 is constructed, as described in further detail below, to have a controlled flight speed and flight distance suitable for working with the foregoing described game net.

Shuttlecock 100 includes a nose cone 102 and a plurality of feather fins 104. The nose cone 102 is made of a solid material such as a resilient plastic or hardened rubber. The nose cone 102 has a rounded end 106 and an opposite end 108. Rounded end 106 is configured to be struck by a paddle or racket. Opposite end 108 that is configured for the attachment of feather fins 104. Particularly, a plurality of blind bores 110 are formed into the opposite end 108 and extend axially into the body of the nose cone 102. The bores 110 are equally spaced circumferentially around a central axis 112 of the shuttlecock 100, around the nose cone 102 at an equal radial distance from the central axis 112.

In the embodiment shown, there are six bores 110 formed into the opposite end 108 of the nose cone 102 (see FIGS. 14 and 15) for receiving six feather fins 104, one in each bore 110. It should be noted, however, that there is no limit on the number of feathers fins in the shuttlecock 100. For example, in another embodiment, the shuttlecock 100 has between four and eight feather fins 104.

In some embodiments, the feather fins 104 are natural wing feathers and are each from the same wing of a bird, such as, a goose. In such embodiments, all the feather fins 104 are from either the right wing or from the left wing of the same bird and feathers from the left wing are never mixed with feathers from the right wing. Additionally, the length of each feather fin 104, from the feather tip to the end of the calamus (quill) is preferred to be between 10 cm and 18 cm.

The arrangement of the feather fins 104 on the nose cone 102 affects the operation of the shuttlecock 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, each feather fin 104 is positioned in its respective bore 110 with the feather shaft 114 in a rotated position such that the natural convex curvature of the inner vane 116 of each feather fin 104 and the outer vane 118 of each feather fin 104 are facing inwardly toward the axis 112. And further that the rotated position of the feather shaft 114 is such that the attachment points of the inner vane 116 and of the outer vane 118 with the feather shaft 114 are at a 90-degree angle relative to each radian line 120 extending from the central axis 112 through a feather axis 122 of the feather shaft as measured at proximity to opposite end 108. In some embodiments, the feather fins 104 are arranged such that the outer vane 118 of each feather fin is disposed on the inward side (in relation to the central axis 112) of the inner vane 116 of the immediately adjacent feather fin in an overlapping arrangement such that the leading edge of the outer vane is facing in a direction outwardly (in relation to the central axis 112).

In some embodiments, none of the feather fins 104 of shuttlecock 100 are joined or otherwise connected along their lengths to an adjacent feather fin 104 or to any other feather fin 104 that is installed in the nose cone 102. For the purpose herein, joined or connected means a physical link between feather fins 104 that constrains relative movement between feather fins 104. To avoid uncertainty, for the purpose herein, a mere contact between surfaces of adjacent feather fins 104 without a physical link that constrains relative movement between the fins is not considered joined or connected.

The foregoing described selection and arrangement of the feather fins 104 on the nose cone 102 provides the desired operational characteristics of the shuttlecock 100. Specifically, when the rounded end 106 of the shuttlecock 100 is struck by a paddle or racket, a spin about a central axis 112 is induced in the shuttlecock as it flies through the air. This spin imparts a centrifugal force on the feather fins 104, causing the fins to bend or flex outwardly away from the central axis 112. The outwardly bending of fins 104, during flight, increases the air drag (air resistance) on the shuttlecock 100, which brakes or slows the flight speed of the shuttlecock 100, and in turn limits the flight distance of the shuttlecock 100. In embodiments, the flight distance of the shuttlecock 100 is limited to about 18 feet.

Prior shuttlecocks, when hit hard by a player, fly too fast and too far to be returned by an opposing player, and thus require lined courts for fair game play to determine when they go out of bounds. Accordingly, the shuttlecock 100 has the advantage of being played in a game without lined courts while maintain fair game play, which also makes the shuttlecock advantageous for play with the game net 10 as described herein.

While the foregoing description of the shuttlecock 100 is made in connection with its use with game net 10, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the shuttlecock 100 is used with or without the game net 10 described herein and thus should not be limited to such use. Additionally, while natural feathers are desired as the feather fins 104, it is contemplated that manufactured or synthetic feathers that are created to mimic both the form and the physical properties of natural wing feathers could potentially be used and remain within the scope of the invention. Further, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the shuttlecock 100 has feather fins 104 that are manufactured in a configuration that impart the desired spin to the shuttlecock 100 as explained above and has a flexibility allowing the feather fins 104 to bend outwardly to provide the desired braking action on the shuttlecock 100, also described above.

Referring to FIG. 17, a bottom, perspective view of a base 202 of an improved shuttlecock 200 (see FIG. 22) is shown. The base 202 has a cylindrical surface 205 to which the nose 206 connects and has several stems 222 for affixing a feather 104 therein.

Referring to FIG. 18, a side cut-away view of the base 202 of the improved shuttlecock 200 is shown. In this, the openings of the receptors 210 of each stem 222 are visible as well as the indentation 208 in which a lip on a circumference of the nose 206 locks (e.g., holds by resilient forces). The central axis 212 of the base 202 is shown running perpendicular to a bottom edge of the base 202. The central axis 212 also forms a central axis of the improved shuttlecock 200 (see FIG. 22). An axis of an adjacent stem 222 and receptor 210 is shown at an angle α which is an angle of from 2 degrees to 35 degrees. An angle of 10.37 degrees has proven to be ideal, though any angle in the range of 5 degrees to 18 degrees is fully anticipated.

It is anticipated that the base 202 be made of stiff plastic, rather than rubber, as the feathers 104 bond best to a solid material rather than rubber because rubber tends to change shape, cracking the adhesive bond slightly each time the shape changes. To provide proper action when the improved shuttlecock 200 is hit by a paddle or hits a surface, the nose 206 is made of a flexible material such as rubber or plastic to provide the proper action. The thickness of the nose 206 is fabricated to provide such resiliency and, therefore, play and action. Further, the nose 206 has a weight set to provide for the improved shuttlecock 200 to have a longitudinal center of gravity approximately at the longitudinal center of the improved shuttlecock 200, thereby allowing a substantially horizontal travel when hit.

Referring to FIG. 19, a side, plan view of the base 202 of the improved shuttlecock 200 showing further detail of the indentation 208 into which the lip of the circumferential edge of the nose 206 locks (e.g., holds by resilient forces).

Referring to FIG. 20, a top, perspective view of the base 202 of the improved shuttlecock 200 is shown. As there are six stems 222, each having one receptors 210, in this embodiment, six feathers 204 (see FIG. 22) are used. Each feather 204 is adhered to the inside of one of the receptors 210 using an adhesive, for example, dipping the quill end of each feather 204 into an adhesive and inserting the quill end of that feather 204 into one of the receptors 210. Although six receptors 210 are shown, there is no limitation on the number of receptors 210 as long as there are at least two receptors 210.

Referring to FIG. 21, a second top, perspective view of the base 202 of the improved shuttlecock 200 is shown. In this view, the extent of the receptor 210 is visible.

FIG. 22 illustrates plan view of the improved shuttlecock 200 with a nose 206 attached and feathers 204 installed. As discussed above, the nose 206 is constructed of a resilient material allowing for the lip of the circumferential edge of the nose 206 to lock (e.g., holds by resilient forces) into the indentation 208 of the base 202. In some embodiments, the thickness of the base 202 and nose 206 are controlled during manufacture to balance the improved shuttlecock 200, providing for a roughly central center of gravity in the horizontal and vertical dimensions.

While the foregoing description of the improved shuttlecock 200 is made in connection with its use with game net 10, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the improved shuttlecock 200 is used with or without the game net 10 described herein and thus should not be limited to such use. Additionally, while natural feathers are desired as the feathers 204, it is contemplated that manufactured or synthetic feathers that are created to mimic both the form and the physical properties of natural wing feathers could potentially be used and remain within the scope of the invention. Further, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the improved shuttlecock 200 has feathers 204 that are manufactured in a configuration that impart the desired spin to the improved shuttlecock 200 as explained above and has a flexibility allowing the feathers 204 to bend outwardly to provide the desired braking action on the improved shuttlecock 200, also described above.

In some embodiments, the feathers 204 are natural wing feathers and are each from the same wing of a bird, such as, a goose. In such embodiments, all the feathers 204 are from either the right wing or from the left wing of the same bird and feathers 204 from the left wing are never mixed with feathers 204 from the right wing. Additionally, the length of each feathers 204, from the feather tip to the end of the calamus (quill) is preferred to be between 10 cm and 18 cm.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to the illustrated embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A shuttlecock, comprising: a base having a plurality of stems, each stem having a receptor, the base having a cylindrical surface at an end distal from the plurality of stems and an indentation between the cylindrical surface and the plurality of stems;a nose having a striking end, the nose having a lip that is distal from the striking end, the nose connected to the base over the cylindrical surface such that the lip rests in the indentation of the base; anda plurality of feathers, each feather of the plurality of feathers has a quill end and the quill end of each feather of the plurality of feathers is inserted into and affixed within a corresponding one of the receptors.

2. The shuttlecock of claim 1, wherein the plurality of feathers is arranged and configured to impart a spin in the shuttlecock about a central axis of the shuttlecock during flight through air.

3. The shuttlecock of claim 1, wherein each stem has an outward angle from a central axis of the base such that each of feathers extend outwardly in a direction away from the central axis by the outward angle.

4. The shuttlecock of claim 3, wherein the outward angle from the central axis is between 2 and 35 degrees.

5. The shuttlecock of claim 3, wherein each outward angle from the central axis is 10.37 degrees.

6. The shuttlecock of claim 2, wherein the spin in the shuttlecock about the central axis of the shuttlecock during a flight through a gas creates centrifugal forces acting on each feather of the plurality of feathers causing the each feathers to bend outwardly resulting in an increased air resistance.

7. The shuttlecock of claim 1, wherein each feather has a length between 10 and 18 cm.

8. The shuttlecock of claim 1, wherein: each feather has a shaft, an inner vane attached to the shaft, and an outer vane attached to the shaft, the inner vane and the outer vane each having a convex curvature; andeach feather is arranged such that the convex curvature of the inner vane and of the outer vane are facing inwardly.

9. The shuttlecock of claim 8, wherein each feather is arranged such that the outer vane is disposed on an inward side of the inner vane of an immediately adjacent feather in an overlapping arrangement and such that a leading edge of the outer vane is facing in a direction outwardly.

10. A shuttlecock, comprising: a base having six stems, each stem having a receptor, the base having a cylindrical surface at an end distal from the six stems and an indentation between the cylindrical surface and the six stems;a nose having a striking end, the nose having a lip that is distal from the striking end, the nose connected to the base over the cylindrical surface such that the lip rests in the indentation of the base; andsix feathers, each having a quill end, the quill end of each feather is inserted into and affixed within a corresponding one of the receptors.

11. The shuttlecock of claim 10, wherein the six feathers is arranged and configured to impart a spin in the shuttlecock about a central axis of the shuttlecock during flight through air.

12. The shuttlecock of claim 10, wherein each stem has an outward angle from a central axis of the base such that each of feathers extend outwardly in a direction away from the central axis of the base by the outward angle.

13. The shuttlecock of claim 12, wherein the outward angle from the central axis of the base is between 2 and 35 degrees.

14. The shuttlecock of claim 12, wherein each outward angle from the central axis of the base is 10.4 degrees.

15. The shuttlecock of claim 11, wherein the spin in the shuttlecock about the central axis of the base of the shuttlecock during flight through air creates centrifugal forces acting on the six feathers causing each of the six feathers to bend outwardly resulting in an increase of air resistance.

16. The shuttlecock of claim 10, wherein each feather has a length between 10 and 18 cm.

17. The shuttlecock of claim 10, wherein: each feather has a shaft, an inner vane attached to the shaft, and an outer vane attached to the shaft, the inner vane and outer vane each having a convex curvature; andeach feather is arranged such that the convex curvature of the inner vane and of the outer vane are facing inwardly;wherein each feather is arranged such that the outer vane is disposed on an inward side of the inner vane of an immediately adjacent feather in an overlapping arrangement and such that a leading edge of the outer vane is facing in a direction outwardly.

18. A shuttlecock, the shuttlecock comprising: a base having six stems, each stem having a receptor, each stem has an outward angle that is greater than zero degrees from a central axis of the base such that each of feathers extend outwardly in a direction away from the central axis by the outward angle, the base having a cylindrical surface at an end distal from the six stems and an indentation between the cylindrical surface and the six stems;a nose having a striking end, the nose having a lip that is distal from the striking end, the nose connected to the base over the cylindrical surface such that the lip rests in the indentation of the base; andsix feathers, each having a quill end, the quill end of each feather is inserted into and affixed within a corresponding one of the receptors.

19. The shuttlecock of claim 18, wherein the outward angle from the central axis is between 2 and 35 degrees.

20. The shuttlecock of claim 18, wherein the outward angle from the central axis is 10.4 degrees.