Tangentially Oriented Fletching

An elongate projectile includes fletchings or vanes for stabilizing flight of the projectile, with the fletchings configured to conform around the shaft of the projectile in a biased state for loading into a bore of an air gun, and configured to snap back into a resting or un-biased state upon exiting the bore. The fin portion of the fletchings can be disposed tangential to the outer diameter of the shaft.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to projectiles. Specifically, it relates to an improved projectile for use in an air gun.

BACKGROUND

The present technology relates generally to an apparatus and method for stabilizing a projectile propelled from an air gun. When an elongate projectile is propelled from a barrel of an air gun, it suffers from problems associated with stability while in flight. It is desirable to have an improved device and associated methods that solve those and other related problems.

The present technology also relates generally to an apparatus and method of attaching and aligning one or more fletchings near the butt of an arrow. Known methods of attaching and using fletchings with arrows result in inefficient function when used in an air gun. It is therefore desirable to have an improved design and way of mounting fletchings near the rear end or butt of an arrow that maximizes stability in flight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

To further clarify the above and other aspects of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The drawings are not drawn to scale. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a projectile with fletchings in accordance with one aspect of the technology;

FIG. 2 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the projectile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the projectile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the projectile of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a fletching in accordance with one aspect of the technology;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the fletching of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side detail view of the fletching of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fletching assembly in accordance with one aspect of the technology;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the fletching assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the fletching assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another fletching assembly in accordance with one aspect of the technology;

FIG. 12 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the fletching assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another fletching assembly in accordance with one aspect of the technology;

FIG. 14 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the fletching assembly of FIG. 13

FIG. 15 is a side view of the fletching assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fletching assembly in accordance with one aspect of the technology, shown in the un-biased position;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the fletching assembly of FIG. 16, shown in the biased position;

FIG. 18 is a top detail view of a fletching in accordance with one aspect of the technology;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of a projectile in accordance with one aspect of the technology, with fletchings shown in the un-biased position;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the projectile of FIG. 19, with a fletching shown in the biased position

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another projectile in accordance with one aspect of the technology; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the projectile of FIG. 21.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the technology may be practiced. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to the technology may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present technology is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe the features and characteristics of the present technology, to set forth the best mode of operation of the technology, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims.

The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention are designated by numerals throughout.

The present technology in its various embodiments, some of which are depicted in the figures herein, can be broadly described as an improved projectile having a tip disposed about the end of a shaft and a butt disposed about the rear end of the shaft, and fletchings disposed proximal to the butt at the rear end of the shaft. In one aspect, the fletchings are oriented tangentially with relation to the shaft, or in other words, the fletchings include a fin extending away from the shaft, the fin being disposed tangential to the outer diameter of the shaft. In other aspects, the fletchings are configured to lay substantially flat against the shaft of the projectile for loading into an air gun, or in a biased position. Such fletchings are likewise configured to spring into place away from the shaft once the projectile exits the bore of an air gun into an un-biased position. Advantageously, the enhanced drag about the front face of the butt/stabilizer functions to “center” the elongate projectile while in flight, increasing the ability of the elongate projectile to travel straight to its intended target. While an elongate air projectile having tangentially oriented fletchings for use in an air gun is specifically referenced herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the technology can be used in connection with an arrow used in a traditional bow, compound bow, or other device that is capable of providing a force to the rear end of the projectile. The resulting projectile is more accurate over longer distances than traditional elongate projectiles (i.e., arrows and elongate projectiles) and is safer and quieter than conventional firearms. In addition, aspects of the projectile may be used as a stand-alone slug to be fired from an air-gun. For example, in one aspect of the technology, the butt may be used by itself as a bullet or slug in an air gun.

The projectile disclosed herein may be used in connection with an air gun. An air gun is any variety of projectile weapon that propels projectiles by means of compressed air or other gas, in contrast to firearms which use a propellant charge. Air guns are used for hunting, pest control, recreational shooting (commonly known as plinking), and competitive sports, such as the Olympic 10 m Air Rifle and 10 m Air Pistol events. In one aspect of the technology, the elongate projectile is used in connection with an air gun having a rifled bore. Rifling is the process of making helical grooves in the barrel of a gun or firearm, which imparts a spin to a projectile around its longitudinal axis. This spin serves to gyroscopically stabilize the projectile, improving its aerodynamic stability and accuracy. Rifling is often described by its twist rate, which indicates the distance the rifling takes to complete one full revolution, such as a one turn in ten inches (1:10 inches), or a 1 turn in 254 mm (1:254 mm). A shorter distance indicates a “faster” twist, meaning that for a given velocity the projectile will be rotating at a higher spin rate. The combination of length, weight and shape of a projectile determines the twist rate needed to stabilize it—barrels intended for short, large-diameter projectiles like spherical lead balls require a very low twist rate, such as 1 turn in 48 inches (122 cm). Barrels intended for long, small-diameter bullets, such as the ultra-low-drag, 80-grain 0.223 inch bullets (5.2 g, 5.56 mm), use twist rates of 1 turn in 8 inches (20 cm) or faster.

Projectile shafts, including arrows, have various sizes and fletchings or vanes of different designs. These vanes are for the purpose of better stabilization to start the arrow or elongate projectile shaft spinning, or to aid in the continued spinning of the elongate projectile shaft. Spinning the arrow shaft is important for shaft stabilization for a number of reasons. When a standard arrow shaft without fletchings is released from an air gun, the arrow shaft relies only on spinning induced by the rifling of the bore for stabilization. The presence of vanes and fletchings is intended to assist in shaft spinning, providing further stabilization. However, there are presently many challenges with using fletchings in an air gun. For example, the shaft of an elongate projectile is sized according to the bore size of an air gun. The clearance between the outer diameter of the shaft and the inner diameter of the bore can be small and can present challenges with fitting fletchings into the bore. Similarly, fletchings that are fit within the tight clearance may negatively impact the spinning of the elongate projectile, including by creating friction and drag within the bore. Even once the elongate projectile leaves the bore, fletchings that have been bent or otherwise misshaped to fit within a bore may not restore the necessary shape to provide stabilization and spin. In some aspects, such fletchings after being loaded into the barrel of an air gun may negatively impact the spin and stabilization of an elongate projectile. The present technology provides advantageous aspects of an elongate projectile to solve these and other known issues.

With specific reference now to the figures, FIGS. 1-4 disclose an elongate projectile 100 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. The elongate projectile 100 comprises a shaft 120, a tip 130, and a butt 140. The elongate projectile 100 further comprises at least one fletching, including a first fletching 110a, a second fletching 110b, and a third fletching 110c. Each of the fletchings comprises a foot 114 and a fin 112 extending from and connected to the foot 114 by a joint 116. The foot 114 of the fletching may include an upper tab 115a and a lower tab 115b, each extending upward or downward, respectively, a distance greater than the length of the fin 112. Upper tab 115a can be disposed under upper binding strip 118b, which can circumscribe shaft 120. Similarly, lower tab 115b can be disposed under lower binding strip 118a, which can circumscribe shaft 120. In some aspects of the technology, binding upper binding strip 118b and lower binding strip 118a are bonded to shaft using glue, epoxy, or other bonding methods, with upper and lower tabs 115a and 115b disposed between the binding strips 118a or 118b and the shaft 120. In other aspects, binding strips 118a and 118b may be made of self-adhesive material and used to attach fletchings 110 to shaft 120.

Fletchings 110a, 110b, and 110c may be disposed on shaft 120 such that the fin portion 112 of each fletching is oriented tangential to an outer diameter of shaft 120. The foot 114 of each fletching can include a curve to match the outer surface of the shaft 120, or in other words the foot 114 may have an inner surface having a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of the outer diameter of the shaft 120. The matching surfaces of the shaft 120 and the foot 114 provide for advantageous bonding of the fletchings to the shaft 120.

In one aspect of the technology, the joint 116 between the foot 114 and the fin 112 of each fletching 110 provides flexibility for the fin 112 to bend or conform cylindrically around the shaft. The flexibility of the fin 112 provided by joint 116 allows the elongate projectile 100 to be loaded into the barrel of an air gun. The flexibility further allows the fin 112 of the fletchings 110 to return into place once the elongate projectile 100 leaves the barrel of an air gun, to aid in stability by providing spin. In one aspect of the technology, the fin 112 of fletching 110a may be disposed at a 120 degree angle from the fin 112 of fletching 110b. Similarly, the fin 112 of fletching 110c may be disposed at a 120 degree angle from the fin 112 of fletching 110b, with the fins 112 of fletching 110a and 110c similarly disposed at a 120 degree angle. This equal distribution provides the stabilization and spin for the elongate projectile. In aspects of the technology, the fletchings 110 are configured to be in a biased position, bent or conforming cylindrically around the shaft while in the barrel of a gun, but are configured to snap back into an un-biased or rest position once the elongate projectile 110 leaves the barrel of an air gun. In aspects of the invention, the fletching 110 are made of a flexible material with sufficient elasticity to be bent and return to its shape multiple times.

In one aspect of the technology, the elongate projectile includes vanes or fletchings when traditional projectiles for air guns, including elongate projectiles for long-bored rifles, do not include vanes or fletchings. As discussed herein, fletchings may not fit on traditional elongate projectiles used with air guns, or may induce friction or drag, or otherwise interfere with the firing of elongate projectiles from a bore of an air gun. The lack of fletchings or vanes that are traditionally used to achieve spinning results in less stable flight of elongate projectiles from air guns. The present technology eliminates that concern, allowing the projectile 100 to include fletchings 110 and achieve straighter flight for longer distances.

With reference now to FIGS. 5-7, a fletching assembly 200 for use with an elongate projectile (not shown) can include a fletching 210 with a fin 212 attached to a foot 214 by a joint 216. The fin 212 may extend from the foot 214 with the joint 216 providing flexibility between the fin 212 and the foot 214. In contrast to the fletching of FIGS. 1-4, the fletching assembly 200 is configured to bend over the foot 214 in a different direction, meant to improve the spring characteristics and reduce the risk of over-bending the fletching material. In particular, the fletching can provide improved resistance to tearing or breaking of the fletching at the joint 216.

In aspects of the technology, the fletching assembly 200 provides improved return of the fletching 210 from the biased position when the elongate projectile is installed in the bore of an air rifle to the un-biased, rest position of the fletching 210 once the elongate projectile exits the bore of the air rifle. The fletching assembly 200 includes a foot 214 that has an inner convex surface and an outer concave surface. The fletching assembly 200 is configured to attach to the shaft of an elongate projectile (not shown) using the convex surface of the foot 214 rather than the concave surface of the foot 214. In this manner, the foot 214 and the joint 216 of the fletching 210 create a spring or hinge force that acts to return the fin portion 212 of the fletching 210 to the un-biased, at rest position. For example, when the fletching 210 is bent to conform around the shaft of an elongate projectile, such as to fit within the barrel of an air gun, the fletching is in a biased position. In this biased position, a stress is induced within the joint 216. The elasticity of the material of the fletching 210 induces a force to move the fletching from this biased position back to its un-biased, at rest position. The shape of the foot 214 and joint 216, with the convex side of the foot attached to a shaft of an elongate projectile, create a greater spring or hinge force attempting to return the fletching to the un-biased, at rest state.

With reference now to FIGS. 8-17, a fletching assembly 300 includes a first fletching 310a, a second fletching 310b, and a third fletching 310c each attached to a casing 318. Casing 318 is cylindrical and has an inner diameter the same as an outer diameter of the shaft of an elongate projectile (not shown). Each of the fletchings 310a, 310b and 310c of the fletching assembly 300 may be unitary with casing 318, such as being co-molded. In other aspects, each of the fletchings 310 can be separate pieces that are pre-installed on casing 318, including any manner of bonding.

In accordance with one aspect of the technology, fletching assembly 300 is installed together on the shaft of an elongate projectile. Advantageously, the pre-assembly fletching assembly 300 provides for an easy and consistent instillation of fletchings, including because the placement of the individual fletchings 310 in relation to the casing 318 is and corresponding shaft of an elongate projectile is already set. A user may install a fletching assembly without the precision required for individual placement of each fletching on the shaft of an elongate projectile.

With reference to FIG. 16, fletching assembly 300 is shown with first fletching 310a, second fletching 310b, and third fletching 310c in the unbiased, at rest position. In contrast, FIG. 17 shows fletching assembly 300 with first fletching 310a, second fletching 310b, and third fletching 310c in the biased position, with the fin 312 of each fletching.

In accordance with one aspect of the technology, other methods and apparatus for pre-assembled fletchings are contemplated. In one aspect of the technology, the butt of an elongate projectile may come pre-installed with fletchings and may be attachable to the end of an elongate projectile. In other aspects, the fletching assembly may be manufactured to include a butt. In yet other aspects, the fletching assembly may include two parts, each with pre-installed fletchings, that fit together around the shaft of an elongate projectile to provide the advantages of pre-manufactured fletchings, but the flexibility to install on any projectile, including one already having a butt.

With reference to FIGS. 18-20, in another aspect of the technology, an elongate projectile 400 includes a first fletching 410a, a second fletching 410b, and a third fletching 410c. Each fletching 410 includes a fin 412 attached to a foot 414 by a joint 416. The foot 414 of each fletching 410 is attached to or disposed on the shaft 420 of the elongate projectile 400. In aspects of the technology, each fletching 410 includes a projection 415 extending from the joint 416 in a direction opposite of the foot 414. The foot 414 and the projection 415 can form a concave mounting surface 417. The concave mounting surface 417 may have a radius substantially similar to the outer radius of the shaft 420 of the elongate projectile 400, and be bonded or otherwise attached to the shaft.

In aspects of the technology, the foot 414 and projection 415 of each fletching 410 create an increased spring or hinge force between the fin 412 and the elongate projectile 400. Specifically, the projection 415 creates a greater biasing force attempting to return the fletching 410 to its original, unbiased state using the elasticity of the material of the fletching 410. Specifically, when each of the fletching 410 is moved from its resting or unbiased state and bent over either the foot 414 of the projection 416, a force is created within the joint 416 of the fletching 410 based on the elasticity of the material from which the fletching is made. The elasticity of the material creates a force attempting to return the fletching 410 to its resting or unbiased state. In addition to the biasing force, aspects of the technology provide for an increased surface area created by foot 414 and projection 415, including concave mounting surface 417. Concave mounting surface 417 may be adhered to the shaft 420 of the elongate projectile in any conventional means, including with an adhesive, epoxy or glue. The increased surface area of mounting surface 417 provides greater adhesion between the shaft 420 and the fletching 410. In one aspect, the shape of the fletching, including foot 414 and projection 415, allow for the fletching to be in tension when adhesively mounted to the shaft 420, which allows for better adhesion compared to the peeling or sheer forces that occur when either foot 414 or projection 415 are not present.

As described herein, the foot 414, projection 415 and the joint 416 of the fletching 410 create a spring or hinge force that acts to return the fin portion 412 of the fletching 410 to the un-biased, at rest position. For example, when the fletching 410 is bent to conform around the shaft of an elongate projectile, such as to fit within the barrel of an air gun, the fletching is in a biased position, as shown in FIG. 20. In this biased position, a stress is induced within the joint 416. The elasticity of the material of the fletching 410 induces a force to move the fletching from this biased position back to its un-biased, at rest position as shown in FIG. 19. The shape of the foot 414, projection 415 and joint 416, with the concave mounting surface 417 attached to shaft 420 of elongate projectile 400, create a greater spring or hinge force attempting to return the fletching to the un-biased, at rest state.

Now with reference to FIGS. 21-22, an elongate projectile 500 includes a first fletching 510a, a second fletching 510b, and a third fletching 510c. Fletchings 510a, 510b, and 510c are disposed on a stud 520b attached to shaft 520a by a coupler 522. Stud 520b also includes a butt 540 of the elongate projectile 500. The diameter of stud 520b is less than the diameter of shaft 520a. Stud 520b allows for greater clearance between elongate projectile 500 and the barrel of an air gun in which elongate projectile 500 is installed. Accordingly, elongate projectile 500 can be used to employ fletchings in applications with smaller clearance between the barrel and the shaft of an elongate projectile. For example, elongate projectile 500 may be used in a .25 caliber air gun, where installation of vanes or fletchings directly on the full sized shaft of a typical elongate projectile may not allow for sufficient clearance.

Coupler 522 may include any structure for attaching the stud 520b to the shaft 520a. For example, shaft 520a may have an opening with an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of stud 520b. The coupler 522 may comprise a bushing to fit within the opening of the shaft 520a and provide a concentric opening for installation of the stud 520b. In one aspect of the technology, the coupler 522 is a bushing with a shoulder and a length below the shoulder that is at least five times the diameter of the pushing. The bushing is glued or press fit into the shaft until the shaft bottoms out on the shoulder. In some aspects of the bushing may include a stop on its inner diameter, such that the stud 520b is glued or press fit by being pushed into the inner dimeter of the bushing until the stud 520b hits the stop of the bushing. In other aspects of the technology, the coupler 522 may include structure for removing and re-attaching the stud to the shaft. For example, the coupler can include a female threaded inner diameter and the stud can be disposed with male threads to screw into the coupler. In other aspects, the coupler can include turn and click or ball-detent retention, where various studs of differing attributes can be installed on an elongate projectile.

Stud 520b provides various other advantages, including increased flexibility of the elongate projectile 500. Because stud 520b has a smaller diameter, it can flex a greater distance without flexing the shaft 520 of the elongate projectile. For example, when an air rifle is fired, any movement of the barrel between firing and when the butt of the projectile leaves the barrel of the gun can impact the travel of the projectile. With the flexibility of the stud, minor movements can be observed in the flexibility of the stud without knocking the elongate projectile off of its intended path. These advantages can similarly be applied to arrows used with a bow. When a standard arrow shaft is released from a bow, the arrow shaft bends around the bow staff because the arrow being forced from a standstill to full speed very quickly. The greater flexibility of the stud may absorb unwanted bending or movement of the arrow around the bow staff and provide straighter flight of the arrow.

According to aspects of the present technology, an elongate projectile, includes an elongate tubular member, a tip disposed about a front end of the elongate tubular member, and a butt disposed at the back end of the elongate tubular member. In aspects, the butt comprises a cylinder disposed about the back end of the elongate tubular member, said cylinder having a front side and a back side and substantially parallel sidewalls, said cylinder further comprising an annular groove circumscribing the cylinder between the front and back sides, wherein the elongate projectile is configured to be placed back-side-first into the air gun; a front tapered section disposed about a front of the annular groove, a non-tapered section disposed rearward of the front tapered section, and a tapered rearward section disposed rearward of the non-tapered section; and a resilient annular member disposed within the annular groove, said resilient annular member having a first position in a biased state within the annular groove, and a second position in a non-biased state rearward of the annular groove. In some aspects, when the resilient member is in the non-biased state and the elongate projectile is propelled outward through the rifled bore of the air gun, frictional engagement between the resilient member and the rifled bore causes the elongate projectile to rotate. The elongate projectile further includes at least one fletching disposed about the elongate tubular member, the fletching comprising a foot disposed against the elongate tubular member and a fin extending from the foot. According to aspects of the technology, the fin of the fletching is disposed tangential to an outer diameter of the elongate tubular member, as discussed herein.

The present technology also includes an elongate projectile, as described herein, including a tip disposed at the front end of an elongate tubular member making up the elongate projectile. In aspects of the technology, the tip acts a stop. In other words, the tip has a taper that increases to an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the bore of a gun such as an air rifle, such that when the elongate projectile is loaded into the barrel of the gun, the tip comes into contact with the front outside end of the barrel, stopping the elongate projectile from traveling further into the barrel. In other aspects, the tip tapers only as large as the inner diameter of the barrel, minus any clearance desired, and the elongate projectile travels into the barrel of the gun until the butt end of the gun reaches a stopping point inside the barrel. The elongate projectile can be centered within the barrel using the tip, or in other embodiments is centered within the barrel using the butt, or the cylinder disposed at the end of the projectile, as disclosed herein.

The present technology also describes systems, devices, and methods for mounting fletchings to the shaft of an elongate projectile. In one aspect of the technology, a special jig is used to mount the fletchings or vanes to achieve the desired orientation of the fletchings with respect to the shaft of the elongate projectile. The jig may include a clamp to attach the jig to the shaft of the elongate projectile, and a guide for precise placement of the fletching on the shaft.

In aspects of the invention, the fletching may be produced in an extrusion process, where the profile of the fletching, as shown in FIG. 18, is continuously extruded. Each fletching is then die cut to the desired shape of the fletching, preserving the features of the tangentially oriented fletching (i.e. foot 414 and projection 415 of FIG. 18). In other aspects of the technology, the fletching may be milled or routed from a blank piece material, or may be molded, such as plastic injection molded.

The present technology also relates to an individual fletching, independent of any elongate projectile, the fletching or vane having the shape and/or characteristics of any of those discussed above. The technology also relates to a method of applying a fletching to the shaft of an arrow that does not require a special mounting jig. The fletching of aspects of the present invention, as described above, provides the advantage of being capable of installation on the shaft of an arrow using conventional means. In other words, a typical press, mold, die or other installation tool may be use to apply the fletching as any ordinary fletching would be applied to the shaft an arrow. For example, the fletching can be installed straight or parallel to the long axis of the arrow, and no offset or angle may be needed, yet the benefits of the tangential orientation, as discussed herein, are still present. In some aspects, the technology relates to this method of installing a fletching using an off-the-shelf jig, as any known or traditional fletching or vane is attached.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a fletching or vane having the characteristics of those described above. The fletching may be configured to mount to the shaft of an arrow, the fletching including a foot including a concave mounting surface, and a fin connected to the foot by a joint, the fin extending away from the foot tangential to the concave mounting surface. The fletching also may include a projection attached at the joint. The projection extends in a direction opposite the foot. In some aspects, the foot and the projection form the concave mounting surface, which may have a radius of curvature configured and adapted to attach to a shaft of an elongate projectile. In some aspects, the fin may be disposed in a first position when at rest and in a second position when in the loaded or tight position. At rest in the first position, the fin extends tangential to the concave mounting surface. When loaded in the second position, the fin wraps around the foot, in the same direction as the foot, and/or takes the shape of a curve having a radius substantially similar to a radius of the concave mounting surface. The hinge of the fletching biases the fin to the first position, such that when the fin is folded or wrapped in the second position and is held in place by a force, which may include the force of a barrel into which the fletching is loaded, the fletching pushes outward against the force. When the force is released, such as when the fletching exits the barrel, the fin is pushed into the first, at rest position by the spring load of the hinge.

While the foregoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Moreover, one or more aspects of the technology may be combined together or removed without departing from the scope of the invention and principles of operation disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A projectile, comprising:

an elongate tubular member;
a tip disposed about a distal end of the elongate tubular member;
a butt disposed about a proximal end of the elongate tubular member;
at least one fletching disposed about the elongate tubular member, the fletching comprising a foot disposed against the elongate tubular member and a fin extending from the foot;
wherein the fin of the fletching is disposed tangential to an outer diameter of the elongate tubular member.

2. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the at least one fletching comprises three fletchings.

3. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the foot of the at least one fletching is bonded to the elongate tubular member.

4. The projectile of claim 1, wherein at least one fletching is in a biased position when installed in the barrel of a gun, and returns to a resting position upon existing the barrel of the gun.

5. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the fin is attached to the foot by a joint.

6. The projectile of claim 5, wherein the joint creates a spring force on the fletching when moved from its resting position.

7. The projectile of claim 1, further comprising a projection opposite the foot.

8. The projectile of claim 7, wherein the foot and the projection form a concave mounting surface.

9. The projectile of claim 1, further comprising a stud disposed at the proximal end of the shaft, wherein the butt is disposed on the stud.

10. The projectile of claim 9, wherein the at least one fletching is disposed on the stud.

11. The projectile of claim 10, wherein the stud has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the shaft.

12. An elongate projectile, comprising

an elongate tubular member;
a tip disposed about a front end of the elongate tubular member;
a butt disposed at the back end of the elongate tubular member, the butt comprising: a cylinder disposed about the back end of the elongate tubular member, said cylinder having a front side and a back side and substantially parallel sidewalls, said cylinder further comprising an annular groove circumscribing the cylinder between the front and back sides, wherein the elongate projectile is configured to be placed back-side-first into the air gun; a front tapered section disposed about a front of the annular groove, a non-tapered section disposed rearward of the front tapered section, and a tapered rearward section disposed rearward of the non-tapered section; a resilient annular member disposed within the annular groove, said resilient annular member having a first position in a biased state within the annular groove, and a second position in a non-biased state rearward of the annular groove; wherein when the resilient member is in the non-biased state and the elongate projectile is propelled outward through the rifled bore of the air gun, frictional engagement between the resilient member and the rifled bore causes the elongate projectile to rotate; at least one fletching disposed about the elongate tubular member, the fletching comprising a foot disposed against the elongate tubular member and a fin extending from the foot;
wherein the fin of the fletching is disposed tangential to an outer diameter of the elongate tubular member.

13. The elongate projectile of claim 12, wherein the tip acts a stop.

14. A fletching configured to mount to the shaft of an arrow, the fletching comprising:

a foot, the foot comprising a concave mounting surface, and
a fin connected to the foot by a joint, the fin extending away from the foot tangential to the concave mounting surface;

15. The fletching of claim 14, further comprising a projection attached at the joint.

16. The fletching of claim 15, wherein the projection extends in a direction opposite the foot.

17. The fletching of claim 16, wherein the foot and the projection form the concave mounting surface.

18. The fletching of claim 14, wherein the fin may be disposed in a first position when at rest, with the fin extending tangential to the concave mounting surface, and further may be disposed in a second position when loaded, with the fin wrapping around the foot.

19. The fletching of claim 18, wherein a radius of the fin in the second position is substantially similar to a radius of the concave mounting surface.

20. The fletching of claim 18, wherein the hinge biases the fin to the first position.

Patent History
Publication number: 20240060755
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 15, 2023
Publication Date: Feb 22, 2024
Inventor: Marvin Carlston (Lehi, UT)
Application Number: 18/335,965
Classifications
International Classification: F42B 6/06 (20060101);