Abstract: A bowstring sound dampener is disclosed. The dampener comprises a sleeve and a piston. The sleeve is generally cylindrical with a frustoconical first end adapted to threadedly receive a mounting rod for connecting the dampener to a bow. The sleeve comprises a second end which is flared outwardly with a pair of generally V-shaped grooves formed diametrically therein creating a pair of diametrically opposed arms. The sleeve is configured to matingly receive the piston therein. The piston is formed as a generally cylindrical member having a pair of grippers extending therefrom on one end with a groove formed therebetween. The grippers flare outwardly from the piston in a diametrically opposed configuration and are mounted to the piston such that the grippers move inwardly when the piston enters the sleeve, thereby grasping the bowstring, and outwardly when the piston exits the sleeve, thereby releasing the bowstring.

Abstract: A bail guard for use with arm- or wrist-braced slingshots is disclosed. The bail comprises a thin, slightly arcuate body having upper and lower channels disposed on opposing sides, each upper and lower channel separated by a groove formed therebetween. The channels are dimensioned to receive and fictionally engage the distal ends of the arm or wrist brace of a slingshot such that the bail guard can be securely and removably mounted to the arm or wrist brace of the slingshot.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a collapsible locking slingshot having a quick-release interchangeable band replacement safety system. The present invention also includes a self-centering, open-pocket slingshot pouch and a unique dual-tapered band. The slingshot collapses into a lockable case, improving the slingshot's safety, and enhancing the protection and longevity of the slingshot's components. The slingshot incorporates a unique shoot-over design in which the arms generally are parallel to the shooter's arm during operation.

Abstract: An aiming system is disclosed. The aiming system may be used with various slingshot and projectile-launching devices, but is particularly useful for use with “shoot-over” slingshots. The aiming system comprises a clip or other device with an integrated aiming or sighting system. In the preferred embodiment, the integrated aiming system comprises a plurality of fiber optic strands disposed within the clip and terminating at the rearward face of the clip. In this matter, the tips of the fiber optic strands provide a series of illuminated points allowing the user of a device to look forward while shooting and to align the points with the target. The points may be color coded to aid in the aiming process.

Abstract: A slingshot pouch is disclosed. The pouch is configured to minimize contact with a projectile when it is being shot, thereby eliminating spin imparted on the projectile. This is accomplished using a pouch design configured to spring open immediately after release of the projectile. Several embodiments of such a pouch are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments comprise hinged members having various shapes, sizes and combinations of slits, opening and pockets configured to avoid imparting spin on the projectile. Also disclosed is a locking clip configured to secure such pouches to a slingshot band.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a collapsible locking slingshot having a quick-release interchangeable band replacement safety system. The present invention also includes a self-centering, open-pocket slingshot pouch and a unique dual-tapered band. The slingshot collapses into a lockable case, improving the slingshot's safety, and enhancing the protection and longevity of the slingshot's components. The slingshot incorporates a unique shoot-over design in which the arms generally are parallel to the shooter's arm during operation.

Abstract: A bowstring sound dampener is disclosed. The dampener comprises a sleeve and a piston. The sleeve is generally cylindrical with a frustoconical first end adapted to threadedly receive a mounting rod for connecting the dampener to a bow. The sleeve comprises a second end which is flared outwardly with a pair of generally V-shaped grooves formed diametrically therein creating a pair of diametrically opposed arms. The sleeve is configured to matingly receive the piston therein. The piston is formed as a generally cylindrical member having a pair of grippers extending therefrom on one end with a groove formed therebetween. The grippers flare outwardly from the piston in a diametrically opposed configuration and are mounted to the piston such that the grippers move inwardly when the piston enters the sleeve, thereby grasping the bowstring, and outwardly when the piston exits the sleeve, thereby releasing the bowstring.

Abstract: A product which at least partly comprises an agglomerate formed from a powder having a pre-determined wettability.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a collapsible locking slingshot having a quick-release interchangeable band replacement safety system. The present invention also includes a self-centering, open-pocket slingshot pouch and a unique dual-tapered band. The slingshot collapses into a lockable case, improving the slingshot's safety, and enhancing the protection and longevity of the slingshot's components. The slingshot incorporates a unique shoot-over design in which the arms generally are parallel to the shooter's arm during operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a collapsible locking slingshot having a quick-release interchangeable band replacement safety system. The present invention also includes a self-centering, open-pocket slingshot pouch and a unique dual-tapered band. The slingshot collapses into a lockable case, improving the slingshot's safety, and enhancing the protection and longevity of the slingshot's components. The slingshot incorporates a unique shoot-over design in which the arms generally are parallel to the shooter's arm during operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a collapsible locking slingshot having a quick-release interchangeable band replacement safety system. The present invention also includes a self-centering, open-pocket slingshot pouch and a unique dual-tapered band. The slingshot collapses into a lockable case, improving the slingshot's safety, and enhancing the protection and longevity of the slingshot's components. The slingshot incorporates a unique shoot-over design in which the arms generally are parallel to the shooter's arm during operation.

Abstract: An aiming system is disclosed. The aiming system may be used with various slingshot and projectile-launching devices, but is particularly useful for use with “shoot-over” slingshots. The aiming system comprises a clip or other device with an integrated aiming or sighting system. In the preferred embodiment, the integrated aiming system comprises a plurality of fiber optic strands disposed within the clip and terminating at the rearward face of the clip. In this matter, the tips of the fiber optic strands provide a series of illuminated points allowing the user of a device to look forward while shooting and to align the points with the target. The points may be color coded to aid in the aiming process.

Abstract: A slingshot pouch is disclosed. The pouch is configured to minimize contact with a projectile when it is being shot, thereby eliminating spin imparted on the projectile. This is accomplished using a pouch design configured to spring open immediately after release of the projectile. Several embodiments of such a pouch are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments comprise hinged members having various shapes, sizes and combinations of slits, opening and pockets configured to avoid imparting spin on the projectile. Also disclosed is a locking clip configured to secure such pouches to a slingshot band.

Abstract: A method of coating a metallic article having an at least part-metallic surface comprising a first metal, with a surface having a pre-determined wettability, the method at least comprising the steps of: (a) coating at least a part of the metallic article with a layer of a second metal to provide a metal-metal bonded surface, said surface being rough either prior to or because of step (a); and (b) contacting the metal-metal bonded surface of step (a) with a material to provide the surface having the pre-determined wettability. The first metal may be one or more of the group comprising: iron, zinc, copper, tin, nickel and aluminium, and alloys thereof including steel, brass, bronze and nitinol for example. Preferably, the second metal is coated onto the first metal using electroless Galvanic deposition.

Abstract: The present invention provides for in one embodiment an archery exerciser training device designed to eliminate or minimize target panic, develop muscle memory, and warn up muscles before using a bow and arrow. The training device consists of a cylindrical tube with an attached handle. Within the tube is a gas compression spring with integrated plungers mounted on either end. Each plunger further includes an axle on which two wheels are opposingly mounted. A cable is mounted to one plunger at the distal end of the device and the cable travels in a zig-zag fashion around the four wheels and out of the plunger at the proximal end of the device and terminates in a loop, thereby creating a pulley system. The exposed loop of the cable is pulled in a rearward direction, approximating the motions made when drawing a bowstring.

Abstract: A self-resetting paddle target is comprised of at least one paddle mounted to a carrier body. The carrier body is rotatably mounted to a support rod such that the carrier body may freely rotate about the support rod. The carrier body is formed as a cam follower configured to engage the upper surface of a carrier support member fixedly fastened to the support rod and that acts as a cam. The interaction of the carrier body and the carrier support member controls the rotation of the carrier body about the support rod and allows the paddle to reset itself after being impacted by a projectile. A plurality of paddles may be disposed along the support rod.

Abstract: A self-resetting paddle target is comprised of at least one paddle mounted to a carrier body. The carrier body is rotatably mounted to a support rod such that the carrier body may freely rotate about the support rod. The carrier body is formed as a cam follower configured to engage the upper surface of a carrier support member fixedly fastened to the support rod and that acts as a cam. The interaction of the carrier body and the carrier support member controls the rotation of the carrier body about the support rod and allows the paddle to reset itself after being impacted by a projectile. A plurality of paddles may be disposed along the support rod.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a collapsible locking slingshot having a quick-release interchangeable band replacement safety system. The present invention also includes a self-centering, open-pocket slingshot pouch and a unique dual-tapered band. The slingshot collapses into a lockable case, improving the slingshot's safety, and enhancing the protection and longevity of the slingshot's components. The slingshot incorporates a unique shoot-over design in which the arms generally are parallel to the shooter's arm during operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a collapsible locking slingshot having a quick-release interchangeable band replacement and safety system. The present invention also includes a self-centering, open-pocket slingshot pouch and a unique dual-tapered band. The slingshot collapses into a lockable case, improving the slingshot's safety, and enhancing the protection and longevity of the slingshot's components. The slingshot incorporates a unique shoot-over design in which the arms generally are parallel to the shooter's arm during operation.

Abstract: A wind deflector assembly attachable to the exterior, front or side surface of a vehicle windshield or body, adaptable to be connected to differently shaped and contoured windshields and bodywork, tunable to obtain the desired wind deflection effect and, in some embodiments, removable and reattachable to the vehicle windshield or other aerodynamically desirable locations on the vehicle body. The exterior surface mounted adjustable wind deflector of the present invention comprises a transparent, flexible shield along with two integrated mounting assemblies in the preferred embodiment. The mounting assemblies employ a clamshell type connector adapted for adhesive attachment to the exterior front surface of a windshield without having to drill or otherwise alter the windshield.