The present invention relates to a new type of speargun which uses a spear drive and ejection shaft that constitutes a continuously-variable-transmission drive system. The ejection device of the speargun may be a piston powered by air pressure, a rubber element or a spring.
Typical previous techniques include the air-powered, rubber-powered and spring spearguns. Air-powered spearguns consist of a grip having a trigger, a barrel containing pressurized air and a barrel of smaller diameter incorporating a piston that drives a spear. Rubber-powered spearguns consists of a mechanism of a grip, a trigger, a barrel, a head, and rubber elements, which drive a spear, and spring spearguns consist of a grip including a trigger, a barrel incorporating a spring by which the spear is driven.
Disadvantages of the air-powered spearguns are that the spear is positioned in the barrel of the speargun, and aiming is difficult since the user cannot see the spear to use it as aiming line. Also, when the spear is inserted in the barrel during loading of the speargun, water also penetrates between the inner side of the barrel and the spear, so that during release the piston also supplies energy to the water that has penetrated, and thus pistons larger than 13 mm in diameter are not used and air at high pressure is necessarily introduced in the spearguns. Furthermore, due to the arrangement of the components of the speargun, force is applied only by one hand and thus loading of the air-powered speargun is difficult.
The disadvantages of the rubber-powered spearguns is the low energy that the rubber elements provide to the spear in relation to their size, as well as that the rubber elements present increased hydrodynamic resistance during firing and shifting of the speargun in the water. Disadvantage of the spring spearguns is the limited energy they provide to the spear as a result of to their construction.
Purpose of the present invention is to provide an air-powered speargun wherein the spear is arranged on the barrel, the barrel containing the compressed air and the piston is closed, and no water penetrates during loading of the speargun, pistons larger than 13 mm in diameter can be used, resulting to its operation under low air pressure, a continuously-variable-transmission drive system is arranged in the head of the speargun, which is rotated by the piston and drives the spear, while loading of the speargun is effected by both hands.
According to the invention, this is achieved by a continuously-variable-transmission drive system, which consists of the shaft (10), the winding drums (8-8.1-9), the central part of the shaft (10) with the winding drum (9) being arranged in the head (7), while its ends and the winding drums (8-8.1) are arranged outside the head. The winding drums (8-8.1) drive, by means of the rope (4), the spear (5), while they are rotated by the shaft (10) and the winding drum (9), which is connected by means of the rope (11) to the piston (12), which moves due to the pressure in the air chamber (A) and the negative pressure in the air chamber (B) during release of the speargun.
An air-powered speargun according to the present invention presents many advantages. Since the spear is arranged on the barrel, the user may use it as an aiming line. During loading, no water enters in the barrel, which results in an increase in efficiency during release. The provision of a continuously-variable-transmission drive system results in an increased loading energy, as well as to a smooth provision of acceleration to the spear. The use of a piston having a diameter larger than 13 mm allows the operation of the speargun with low air pressure. Loading of the speargun is effected by both hands and higher amounts of energy are stored. The use of ropes for the ejection of the spear result in, due to their low hydrodynamic resistance, high efficiency.
The invention is described below by means of six embodiments and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
FIGS. 22 and 22.a show the shaft (10) and the winding drums (8-8.1-9) where their slope generates a small variation in the speed ratio at the start of the ejection of the spear (5), while until the end of the ejection the variation in the speed ratio is increased logarithmically.
FIGS. 22 and 22.a show the shaft (10) and the winding drums (8-8.1-9) where their slope generates a large variation in the speed ratio at the start of the ejection of the spear (5), while until the end of the ejection the variation in the speed ratio is decreased logarithmically.
FIGS. 24 and 24.a show the shaft (10) and the winding drums (8-8.1-9) in which the speed ratio is invariable and their diameter is constant.
FIG. 32.a shows the cross-section of the head (30) and of the barrels (3-15) when the speargun with the two continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is unloaded.
FIG. 32.b shows the cross-section of the head (30) and of the barrels (3-15) when the speargun with the two continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is loaded by the first system.
FIG. 32.c shows the cross-section of the head (30) and of the barrels (3-15) when the speargun with the two continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is also loaded by the second system.
FIG. 38.a shows the cross-section of the head (29) and of the barrels (3-15) when the speargun with the three continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is unloaded.
FIG. 38.b shows the cross-section of the head (29) and of the barrels (3-15) when the speargun with the three continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is loaded by the first system.
FIG. 38.c shows the cross-section of the head (29) and of the barrels (3-15) when the speargun with the three continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is also loaded by the second system.
FIG. 38.d shows the cross-section of the head (29) and of the barrels (3-15) when the speargun with the three continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is also loaded by the third system.
FIG. 42.a shows the cross-section of the head (31) and of the barrels (3-15) when the speargun with the four continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is unloaded.
FIG. 42.b shows the cross-section of the head (31) and of the barrels (3-15) when the speargun with the four continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is loaded by the first system.
FIG. 42.c shows the cross-section of the head (31) and of the barrels (3-15) when the speargun with the four continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is also loaded by the second system.
FIG. 42.d shows the cross-section of the head (31) and of the barrels (3-15) when the speargun with the four continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is also loaded by the third system.
FIG. 42.e shows the cross-section of the head (31) and of the barrels (3-15) when the speargun with the four continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is loaded by the fourth system.
In the first embodiment and in the
On the side of the barrels (3) and (15) where these are connected to the grip, plugs (14) and (20),
Air is introduced under pressure (5-30 atmospheres) by means of an outer pump in the air chamber of the barrels (3), (15) and of the head (7) through the valve (19), which is arranged in the head (7),
When the speargun is unloaded,
In order to load the speargun, force must be applied by both hands on the rope (4),
The shaft (10) has at its both ends two winding drums (8-8.1) while at its center has the winding drum (9),
When loading of the speargun is completed,
The firing-release of the speargun is effected when the user presses the trigger (1) and releases the spear (5). Then, the piston (12), due to the force that it receives from the air chambers (A) and (B), shifts towards the plug (14), applying torque on the shaft (10) and on the winding drums (8-8.1-9), by means of the connected rope (11), as this unwinds from the winding drum (9). On the winding drums (8-8.1), in turn, the rope (4) winds, which shifts and ejects the spear (5) from the speargun.
The winding drums (8-8.1-9) of the shaft (10) exhibit a varying diameter at the points where they contact peripherally the ropes (4), (11), in order to vary the radius of application of the applied forces of the ropes to the drums and of the drums to the ropes, thus they continuously vary the transmission ratio of the motion of the piston (12) to the spear (5) during release, and of the rope (4) to the piston (12) during loading. Thus, the instant displacements, speeds of the piston (12) to the spear (5) and of the rope (4) to the piston (12), as well as the torque of the winding drums (8-8.1-9) during release and loading of the speargun vary continuously.
In this way, a continuously-variable-transmission (C.V.T.) system,
By a corresponding slope of the winding drums (8-8.1-9), the respective variations in the transmission ratios can be obtained, for example at the beginning of the loading the winding drums (8-8.1-9) may present a minimum torque which will continuously increase until the end of the loading, in order to equate the increasing pressure applied on the piston by the air chamber (A), where in this way the loading of the speargun may be completed by applying on the rope (4) a constant, non-variable force, or with another slope of the winding drums (8-8.1-9), the user could at first apply on the ropes (4) the maximum force which would be minimized by the end of the loading. During release, the winding drums (8-8.1-9) may present a constant torque, because while these continuously change the transmission ratio from the higher to the lower one, the pressure applied on the piston by the air chamber (A) continuously decreases. The continuously-variable-transmission drive system consists of the shaft (10), the winding drums (8-8.1-9) and the ropes (4), (11). Alternatively, the winding drums of the
Another utility of the slope of the winding drums (8-8.1-9) is that in this way, the rope winds more effectively, and random winding, which could occur on a roller, is prevented, however the main cause for the proper winding of the rope is the spiral groove on the periphery of the winding drums (8-8.1-9), in which the ropes (4) and (11) are received. The direction of spiral groove of the winding drum (8) is the reverse to that of the winding drum (8.1).
The winding drums (8) and (8.1) are covered by the outer caps (6) and (6.1), which protect them against water and against the water resistance they would confront when rotating during firing-release of the speargun,
The maximum energy that the speargun can provide to the spear during firing-release is limited by the maximum energy the user can provide to the piston when stretching the ropes (4), which is proportional to the pressure of the air chamber (A) of the speargun. It is thus apparent that if the speargun had a second continuously-variable-transmission drive system, the user would be able to provide the piston with the double energy.
In the second embodiment, a speargun with two continuously-variable-transmission drive systems,
Its components and its manner of operation are the same as those of the first embodiment. The only differences are that in this case, the head (30) that accommodates two continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is used, it has a second shaft (10.a) with the winding drums (8.a-8.1.a-9.a) and the respective gaskets, ball bearings or slide rings of the shaft, as well as a second loading rope (4.a). The rope (11) has been replaced by the rope (28), and as regards the piston (12) the base that connected it to the rope (11) has been replaced by the base (22) which has a free pulley (21),
The winding drum (9) is now connected to the rope (28), which has the unique feature to be connected to the winding drum (9.a) of the second shaft as well as to the piston (12) through the free pulley (21), which may rotate around the shaft of the base (22) connected to the piston (12),
By applying force on the rope (4) to load the speargun, FIG. 32.a, 32.b, 28, 29, this unwinds from the winding drums (8-8.1), thereby rotating these along with the shaft (10) and the winding drum (9) on which the rope (28) winds. The rope (28), facing at its other end resistance from the winding drum (9.a) as it is fully unwound and due to the free pulley (21), moves the piston (12) to half distance, consuming and respectively storing thereon the half of the energy that would be consumed and stored if no free pulley (21) were provided and the rope (28) were connected directly to the piston (12), where this would travel the double distance. Therefore, we double the pressure of the speargun and thus replenish the energy stored on the piston, apparently consuming the double energy for loading. The benefit of the use of the free pulley (21) moving the piston (12) to the half of the path, FIG. 32.b, is that we can apply force on the ropes (4.a) and load the speargun for a second time, shifting the piston from the half of its path to the end of its path, FIG. 32.c, finally storing on the piston the double energy than that of the speargun with one shaft. It should be noted that the user of the speargun with one shaft will fail, if he increases the pressure of the air chamber (A) too much in an attempt to increase the energy stored on the piston during loading, since there is a limit for the force that the user may apply on the ropes during loading.
During firing-release, the piston provides its energy through the free pulley (21) and the rope (28) equally to the two shafts, since these are connected by means of the ropes (4) and (4.a) on the same load, that is the rod (5). Since however the spear (5) has many incisions in various distances, and since the loading of the shafts to theses may be effected in any combination, during firing-release the shafts have a slightly different transmission ratio between them. The free pulley (21) in this case operates as a differential and applies torque on both shafts. Alternatively, the firing-release of the speargun may be effected by using only one of the two shafts.
In the third embodiment, a speargun with three continuously-variable-transmission drive systems,
Its components and its manner of operation are the same as those of the second embodiment. The only differences are that in the present case, the head (29) that accommodates three continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is used, it has a third shaft (10.b) with the winding drums (8.b-8.1.b-9.b) and the respective gaskets, ball bearings or slide rings of the shaft, as well as a third loading rope (4.b). The rope (28) has been replaced by the rope (27) which at both its ends has two free pulleys (25), (34) since it is also connected to the piston (12) through the free pulley (21). Two further ropes (23), (24) have been provided. Regarding the rope (23), its two ends wind on the winding drums (9) and (9.a) while it also runs over the free pulley (25). Regarding the rope (24), its one end winds on the winding drum (9.b) and its other end is tied on a fixed base under the winding drum (9.b), while it also runs over the free pulley (34),
By applying force on the ropes (4) to load the speargun by means of the first shaft, FIG. 38.a, 38.b, these unwind from the winding drums (8-8.1), thereby rotating these along with the shaft (10) and the winding drum (9) on which the rope (23) winds. The rope (23), facing at its other end resistance from the winding drum (9.a) as it is fully unwound and due to the free pulley (25), moves the rope (27) which in turn drives the piston (12) through the free pulley (21). Since two free pulleys (25), (21) are interposed in series, the piston (12) moves to the one quarter of the distance, consuming and respectively storing thereon the one quarter of the energy that would be consumed and stored if no pulleys were provided and the rope (23) were connected directly to the piston (12), where this would travel the quadruple distance. Therefore, we quadruple the pressure of the speargun and thus replenish the energy stored on the piston, apparently consuming the quadruple energy for loading. The benefit of the use of the free pulleys (25) and (21) driving the piston (12) to the one quadruple of the path, FIG. 38.b, is that we can apply force on the ropes (4.a) and load the speargun for a second time, FIG. 38.c. The ropes (4.a) unwind from the winding drums (8.a-8.1.a) thereby rotating these along with the shaft (10.a) and the winding drum (9.a) on which the rope (23) winds. The rope (23), facing at its other end resistance from the winding drum (9) and due to the free pulley (25), moves the rope (27) which in turn drives the piston (12) through the free pulley (21) from the one quarter of its path to the two quarters, FIG. 38.c). Thereafter, we can apply force on the ropes (4.b) to load the speargun for the third time by the last shaft, FIG. 38.c, 38.d. The ropes (4.b) unwind from the winding drums (8.b-8.1.b) thereby rotating these along with the shaft (10.b) and the winding drum (9.b) on which the rope (24) winds. The rope (24), since its other end is tied on a fixed base under the winding drum (9.b) and due to the free pulley (34), moves the rope (27) which in turn drives the piston (12) through the free pulley (21) to the three quarters of its path, finally storing on the piston the triple energy than that of the speargun with one shaft. During firing-release, the piston provides its energy through the free pulleys (21), (25), (34) equally to the three continuously-variable-transmission drive systems since these are connected through the ropes (4), (4.a) and (4.b) to the same load, that is the rod (5). Since however the spear (5) has many incisions in various distances, and since the loading of the three systems in theses may be effected in any combination, during firing-release the three systems have a slightly different transmission ratio between them. The free pulleys (21), (25), (34) in this case operate as independent differentials and apply torque on the three systems. If the user does not want too much energy during firing-release of the speargun, he may alternatively use only one or two of the drive systems.
In the fourth embodiment, a speargun with four continuously-variable-transmission drive systems,
Its components and its manner of operation are the same as those of the third embodiment. The only differences are that in the present case, the head (31) that accommodates four continuously-variable-transmission drive systems is used, it has a fourth shaft (10.c) with the winding drums (8.c-8.1.c-9.c) and the respective gaskets, ball bearings or slide rings of the shaft, as well as a fourth loading rope (4.c). The fixed base under the winding drum (9.b) holding the one end of the rope (24) has been eliminated, and this end now winds on the winding drum (9.c),
By applying force on the ropes (4) to load the speargun by the first drive system, FIG. 42.a, 42.b, these unwind from the winding drums (8-8.1), thereby rotating these along with the shaft (10) and the winding drum (9) on which the rope (23) winds. The rope (23), facing at its other end resistance from the winding drum (9.a) and due to the free pulley (25), moves the rope (27) which in turn drives the piston (12) through the free pulley (21). Since two free pulleys (25), (21) are interposed in series, the piston (12) moves to one quarter of the distance, consuming and respectively storing thereon the one quarter of the energy that would be consumed and stored if no free pulleys were provided and the rope (23) were connected directly to the piston (12), where this would travel the quadruple distance. Therefore, we quadruple the pressure of the speargun and thus replenish the energy stored on the piston, apparently consuming the quadruple energy for loading. The benefit of the use of the free pulleys (25) and (21) driving the piston (12) to the one quarter of the path, FIG. 42.b, is that we can apply force on the ropes (4.a) and load the speargun for a second time, (42.c). The ropes (4.a) unwind from the winding drums (8.a-8.1.a) rotating these along with the shaft (10.a) and the winding drum (9.a) on which the rope (23) winds. The rope (23), facing at its other end resistance from the winding drum (9) and due to the free pulley (25), moves the rope (27) which in turn drives the piston (12) through the free pulley (21) from the one quarter of its path to the two quarters, FIG. 42.c. Thereafter, we can apply force on the ropes (4.b) to load the speargun for the third time, FIG. 38.d. The ropes (4.b) unwinds from the winding drums (8.b-8.1.b) thereby rotating these along with the shaft (10.b) and the winding drum (9.b) on which the rope (24) winds. The rope (24), facing at its other end resistance from the winding drum (9.c), because it is fully unwound, and due to the free pulley (34), moves the rope (27) which in turn drives the piston (12) through the free pulley (21) to the three quarters of its path. Finally, we can apply force on the ropes (4.c) to load the speargun for a fourth time, FIG. 42.e. The ropes (4.c) unwind from the winding drums (8.c-8.1.c) thereby rotating these along with the shaft (10.c) and the winding drum (9.c) on which the rope (24) winds. The rope (24), facing at its other end resistance from the winding drum (9.b) and due to the free pulley (34), moves the rope (27) which in turn drives the piston (12) through the free pulley (21) to the four quarters of its path, finally storing on the piston the quadruple energy than that of the speargun with one drive system. During firing-release, the piston provides its energy through the free pulleys (21), (25), (34) equally to the four continuously-variable-transmission drive systems since these are connected through the ropes (4), (4.a), (4.b) and (4.c) to the same load, that is the rod (5). Since however the spear (5) has many incisions in various distances, and since the loading of the drive systems in these may be effected in any combination, during firing-release the systems have a slightly different transmission ratio between them. The free pulleys (21), (25), (34) in this case operate as independent differentials and apply torque on the four drive systems. If the user does not want too much energy during firing-release of the speargun, he may alternatively use only one, two or three of the drive systems.
In the fifth embodiment, a speargun storing energy by the use of a spring (32),
In order to double, triple and quadruple the energy storage capacity of the speargun by the user, two, three or four continuously-variable-transmission drive systems may be used, as described in the second, third and fourth embodiments, by using all those features and components described, only replacing the piston (12) with the spring (32), which must have the double, triple or quadruple stiffness. The use of a plurality of drive systems increases additively the stored energy on the spring (32).
In the sixth embodiment, a speargun storing energy by the use of a rubber element (33),
In order to double, triple and quadruple the energy storage capacity of the speargun by the user, two, three or four continuously-variable-transmission drive systems can be used, as described in the second, third and fourth embodiments, and by using all these features and components described, only replacing the piston (12) with the rubber element (33), which must have the double, triple or quadruple stiffness. The use of a plurality of drive systems increases additively the stored energy on the rubber element (33).
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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20120100339 | Jun 2012 | GR | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/GR2013/000033 | 6/17/2013 | WO | 00 |