Dart Or Arrow Projector Patents (Class 124/22)
  • Patent number: 11385016
    Abstract: A multi-use projectile launching apparatus that includes a single piece body and attached elastic propulsion band to propel an object through a portion of the single piece body. The single piece body consists of a handle for supporting the apparatus, a projectile tube through which the propelled object travels, a funnel for receiving the propelled object and passing it to the projectile tube, and one or more attachment nodes for connecting an elastic propulsion band to the single piece body. Together these components form a device capable of launching several kinds of projectile objects at high speed by propelling the projectile object with elastic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: Anthony L. Allen
  • Patent number: 11320231
    Abstract: A double crossbow with a single trigger mechanism is provided. The double crossbow comprises a barrel, an upper bow, a lower bow, and a single trigger mechanism. The upper bow and the lower bow are positioned on top of each other at a distal end of the barrel. The single trigger mechanism positioned at a proximal end of the barrel is configured to shoot two arrows in succession without reloading an arrow between two shots. A first arrow is shot from the upper bow when a single trigger of the single trigger mechanism is squeezed completely a first time, and the second arrow is shot from the lower bow when the single trigger of the single trigger mechanism is squeezed completely a second time. The single trigger mechanism is configured to not shoot the first arrow and the second arrow simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Wyn Williams
  • Patent number: 11313640
    Abstract: A crossbow assembly uses an arrangement with two pairs of limbs, with one pair of opposing limbs on each side of the stock. The two limbs within each pair are arranged in opposition to each other in a vertical plane. The limb tips are each connected to an axle assembly with respective limb cables. The axle has a pair of axle pulleys at opposing ends. A bowstring has opposing ends connected to each axle pulley. The bowstring extends forward from each axle pulley and extends across the stock, passing between two bowstring pulleys. The middle of the bowstring forms the nock point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Bear Archery, Inc.
    Inventor: Timmy Langley
  • Patent number: 11143482
    Abstract: A multiple-shot crossbow includes a mainframe, a riser, upper and lower bow limbs and bowstrings, and a trigger mechanism. The mainframe includes upper and lower rails, each for supporting and guiding a corresponding bolt. The riser includes a passage for accommodating loading and launching a bolt. The bow limbs are attached to the riser and the bowstrings are attached to the bow limbs. Each bowstring is arranged independently to be drawn from a brace position to a drawn position and then return to the brace position while launching a bolt positioned on the corresponding rail. The lower bowstring is movable within a longitudinal slot between the upper and lower rails. The trigger mechanism is attached to a rear end of the mainframe and includes upper and lower trigger portions, each retaining a corresponding drawn bowstring and then releasing it upon actuation by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: EXCALIBUR CROSSBOW, INC.
    Inventors: Kyle William Egerdee, Stephen Donald Langdon, Cole J. Jessup, Robert G. Dykeman
  • Patent number: 10845155
    Abstract: An arrow gun is provided having a controllable retention force on the arrow. By setting the retention force on the arrow, increased energy from motive compressed gas can be imparted to the arrow. The arrow gun also includes a damping coupling for reducing vibration of an unsupported length of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Crosman Corporation
    Inventors: George Wallace Rodrigues Malheiros, David C. Snyder, Anthony Thomas Cioppa, Justin Heckert
  • Patent number: 10648766
    Abstract: A sportfishing speargun is sized for ease of use and provides the power of the largest rubber band speargun. The speargun includes a drive system with two or more pulleys, the drive system is driven by one or more rubber bands to provide mechanical advantage and the force of a large speargun in a compact device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Vitaliy Shaulov
  • Patent number: 10408564
    Abstract: An arrow gun is provided having a controllable retention force on the arrow. By setting the retention force on the arrow, increased energy from motive compressed gas can be imparted to the arrow. The arrow gun also includes a damping coupling for reducing vibration of an unsupported length of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Crosman Corporation
    Inventors: George Wallace Rodrigues Malheiros, David C. Snyder, Anthony Thomas Cioppa, Justin Heckert
  • Patent number: 10082359
    Abstract: A torque control system for cocking a crossbow. A cocking mechanism includes a rotating member mounted to the center rail and coupled to a flexible tension member attached to a string carrier. A cocking handle is configured to engage with the rotating member to cock the crossbow. A torque control mechanism limits output torque applied to the rotating member such that rotating the cocking handle after the string carrier is in the retracted position does not move the draw string past the drawn configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ravin Crossbows, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Thomas Yehle
  • Patent number: 9933231
    Abstract: An arrow gun is provided having a controllable retention force on the arrow. By setting the retention force on the arrow, increased energy from motive compressed gas can be imparted to the arrow. The arrow gun also includes a damping coupling for reducing vibration of an unsupported length of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Crosman Corporation
    Inventors: George Wallace Rodrigues Malheiros, David C. Snyder, Anthony Thomas Cioppa, Justin Heckert
  • Patent number: 9851173
    Abstract: An arrow gun is provided having a controllable retention force on the arrow. By setting the retention force on the arrow, increased energy from motive compressed gas can be imparted to the arrow. The arrow gun also includes a damping coupling for reducing vibration of an unsupported length of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Crosman Corporation
    Inventors: George Wallace Rodrigues Malheiros, David C. Snyder, Anthony Thomas Cioppa, Justin Heckert
  • Patent number: 9829267
    Abstract: A diving accessory is disclosed. The invention is comprised of a compact, lightweight fishing spear having two parts: a hollow main tube and a barbed spear. Said spear can be stowed inside the tube and the entire apparatus clipped to a diver when not in use. The invention can also be used as a poking stick (for self defense against large sea creatures), a tickling stick (for prodding prey out of small spaces), and as a camera monopole (by using the onboard shoe mount). An objective of the invention is to provide a compact, spearfishing device with multiple functions to enhance the diving experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Dragan Nikolic
  • Patent number: 9810505
    Abstract: The current invention relates to systems, apparatus, and methods that allow the forces from elastic elements to create inward, rather than outward, forces, on a base object such as a speargun base or stock. The invention discloses systems, apparatus, and methods for attaching elastic elements (also called bands or power bands) onto the stock in a manner that reduces or eliminates undesirable outward and rearward forces on that stock. While applicable in many contexts, the invention is particularly useful as a way to attach elastic bands to a speargun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Garo Jack Hachigian
  • Patent number: 9612080
    Abstract: The current invention relates to systems, apparatus, and methods that allow the forces from elastic elements to create inward, rather than outward, forces, on a base object such as a speargun base or stock. The invention discloses systems, apparatus, and methods for attaching elastic elements (also called bands or power bands) onto the stock in a manner that reduces or eliminates undesirable outward and rearward forces on that stock. While applicable in many contexts, the invention is particularly useful as a way to attach elastic bands to a speargun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Garo Jack Hachigian
  • Patent number: 9599424
    Abstract: A riser for a bow is disclosed. The riser, in an embodiment, includes an upper section, a structure, a middle section, and a lower section. The structure defines a cavity, and the structure is configured to reduce deformation of at least part of the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Perfect Form Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Michael W. Derus
  • Patent number: 9441906
    Abstract: A device for launching and storing a spear. The device includes a barrel having a muzzle end and an action end. The barrel is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the spear through the muzzle end and the action end, such that a tip of the spear is positioned within the barrel and an end of the spear extends out of the barrel through the action end. The device also includes a handle coupled with the barrel and extending at a non-zero angle to the barrel. The handle includes a grip that is configured to be gripped by a user when launching the spear, and a protective guard coupled with the grip and extending therefrom at least partially in a direction toward the muzzle end of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Lee James
  • Patent number: 9414578
    Abstract: A device for spearfishing, which device may include a barrel including a first end and a second end, the barrel defining a spear conduit and two band conduits, the spear conduit and the two band conduits extending with the barrel from the first end to the second end. The spear conduit may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The spear conduit may be located between the two band conduits, and each of the band conduits may be parallel to the spear conduit. The barrel may define a recessed groove, which may extend from the first end of the barrel to the second end of the barrel. The device may further include a handle or other accessories that are releasably engaged with the recessed groove. The device may further include band attachment means, such as a cone-shaped plug, for releasably coupling a band to the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Thornzander Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley G. Thornbrough
  • Patent number: 9377266
    Abstract: A riser for a bow is disclosed. The riser includes a top riser section that is joined to a middle riser section by a first and second step. The first and second steps strengthen the riser and permit the riser to be formed from less material while resisting undesirable deformation during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Perfect Form Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Michael W. Derus
  • Patent number: 9255765
    Abstract: A spear gun safety device for shielding at least one spike of a spear is provided. The safety device may include a tube assembly having a firing end and an opposing handle end, forming a barrel through the length of the tube assembly, wherein the barrel is dimensioned and adapted to house the spear, including the at least one spike, but not including a perpendicularly joined band post. The tube assembly provides an elongated notch extending from the firing end toward the handle end, wherein the elongated notch is configured to guide the band post protruding therethrough. The tube assembly provides a pair of band connectors disposed near the firing end, each band connector straddling opposing sides of the elongate notch, whereby tension bands extend from the band connectors to the band post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Eric Nelson
  • Patent number: 9243864
    Abstract: A pneumatic speargun for spearfishing and a related method of loading and firing includes a cylinder having a head and a body with a hand grip, a slide guide for a spear, a reservoir for a pressurized fluid, and a barrel connected to the reservoir. A piston is slidingly mounted in the barrel for movement from an end loading positions, in which it is retained, to an end discharge position. A trigger releases the retaining system and causes the piston to move from the selected end loading position to the end discharge position. The piston in the loading position is removably connected to the spear via a cable and a return system and the spear becomes propelled as the piston moves from the end discharge position to the selected end loading position by pulling the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Giovanni Garofalo
  • Publication number: 20150136103
    Abstract: A device for spearfishing, which device may include a barrel including a first end and a second end, the barrel defining a spear conduit and two band conduits, the spear conduit and the two band conduits extending with the barrel from the first end to the second end. The spear conduit may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The spear conduit may be located between the two band conduits, and each of the band conduits may be parallel to the spear conduit. The barrel may define a recessed groove, which may extend from the first end of the barrel to the second end of the barrel. The device may further include a handle or other accessories that are releasably engaged with the recessed groove. The device may further include band attachment means, such as a cone-shaped plug, for releasably coupling a band to the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: THE HEADHUNTER SPEARFISHING CO.
    Inventor: Bradley G. Thornbrough
  • Publication number: 20140251294
    Abstract: The elastic shooting support device according to the present invention is made up of at least one spiral elastic element arranged on the body of a shooting support, the elastic element being fixed by one of its ends to said shooting support, while the other end is connected to a string that is brought from an idle position to a stretched position by winding and compressing the spiral elastic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Gennady NOVIKOV
  • Publication number: 20140165981
    Abstract: A bow includes a rigid bow frame having two ends and defining a longitudinal axis between two ends; a tension unit including an elastic cable extended between the ends of the bow frame, wherein the elastic cable is extended at a rear side of the bow frame along the longitudinal axis thereof; and a guidance unit provided at a middle of the bow frame for setting said arrow at a position that a rear end of the arrow is biased against a middle of the elastic cable, wherein the elastic cable is drawn back to build tension thereof for shooting the arrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Hsiung Lien
  • Patent number: 8544455
    Abstract: A band-powered speargun has a release mechanism incorporating a line-drop feature for releasing a coiled line attached to a spear. An approach to attaching the line to the spear involves a linking ring having a size selected so that the ring passes over a protective cone near the spear tip and is captured by an element protruding outward from the spear shaft. The protective cone also shields hinged barbs from impact damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Kevin Bruington
  • Publication number: 20130047970
    Abstract: A wishbone protector that is applied to speargun wishbones made of cord and protects the cord from cutting or breaking off when used with speargun shafts. The protector is placed around the cord to prevent the wishbone from snapping or breaking after it's continuously fired from the speargun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Shigeo Sakuda
  • Publication number: 20120085330
    Abstract: The present invention includes a projectile assembly for underwater hunting and specimen collection comprising at least a cylindrical launcher, a projectile spear initially kept within the cylindrical launcher, and an elastic tension band attached to the cylindrical launcher. The invention also includes a method of capturing underwater prey or specimens using the projectile assembly. The cylindrical launcher can include a launch cap with a hole, through which the launch end of the spear is slotted prior to launching the spear. The projectile spear is launched by pulling the launch end of the spear through the cylindrical barrel and through the hole of the launch cap, placing against the middle section of the elastic tension band and pulling the tension band tight and away from cylindrical barrel along its longitudinal axis, then releasing the elastic tension band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Robert E. Hickerson, Maria E. de la Peña
  • Patent number: 7926474
    Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater catapult in which the arrow is propelled along the length of the barrel. The inventive catapult comprises a system which can be used to launch a gun arrow with bungee cords along the length of the shaft. The system comprises fixed or moving pulleys which are disposed on each side at the head of the gun and fixed or adjustable anchoring points (lugs, recesses) which are open for loading under the gun and which serve as support points to the tension cords for the movement thereof. The aforementioned pulleys can be used to load the large-sectioned bungees which are linked to variable- and standard-length bungees under the catapult for loading and power utilities. The catapult can be used to store more energy and use the integral characteristics of the elastic rubber. In this way, underwater hunters can equip themselves with an arm which is very powerful, accurate and recoil free compared to those currently available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Marc-Antoine Berry
  • Publication number: 20100212646
    Abstract: An underwater target game apparatus includes a submersible propelling structure and a projectile to be launched by the submersible propelling structure. The projectile includes an elongated shaft portion and a head portion. The projectile has a specific gravity of approximately 1.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Jerry FIELDING, JR., Lori PRYZBYL
  • Publication number: 20100059031
    Abstract: A dart gun having a plurality of darts removably connected about a circumferential area of a cylindrical barrel. A spring-biased gear assembly includes an engagement member that is rotatably aligned with the circumferential area of the cylindrical barrel. The spring-biased gear assembly further includes first and second rotary gears having offset teeth. A trigger bar is operable between a first position in abutting contact with the teeth of the first rotary gear and a second position in abutting contact with the teeth of the second rotary gear. A trigger is operably connected to the trigger bar. The trigger includes a forward position that locates the trigger bar in the first position and a rearward position that locates the trigger bar in the second position. Operation of the trigger causes the spring-biased gear assembly to intermittently rotate, thereby causing the lever to disconnect one of the plurality of darts from the circumferential area of the cylindrical barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Siebelink
  • Publication number: 20090038600
    Abstract: Rubbers-gun for underwater fishing, comprising a shaft provided at the front with a head and at the rear with a body with a grip and provided with means for retaining and releasing a spear in which the shaft of the gun is made of polyamide reinforced with glass fibres by means of a gas injection moulding process. The cross-section profile of the shaft of the gun is rhomboid, tapered from the centre towards the two ends. The gun also comprises a reel connected to the said body by means that permit an initial positioning of it horizontally to the said shaft, therefore with the axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the shaft, and a second positioning inclined at a certain angle compared with the said shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Maks ROBINIK
  • Publication number: 20070163558
    Abstract: A powerful permanent magnet is located in a recess formed just beneath the track in the interior of the wooden stock of a spear gun. The magnetic field of the buried magnet creates a force of attraction which interacts with the metal shank of the spear residing in the track. This force pulls the spear into the bottom or trough of the track where it is symmetrically positioned for accurate catapulting toward a remote target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventor: Jesse T. Riffe
  • Patent number: 6953034
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a double spear gun comprising: a first spear gun having a top side and a bottom side; a second spear gun having a top side and a bottom side; an upper mounting block having a top side and a bottom side, the upper mounting block top side adapted for releasably engaging the bottom side of the first spear gun, the upper mounting block further including a fastener; a lower mounting block having a top side and a bottom side, the lower mounting block bottom side adapted for releasably engaging the top side of the second spear gun, the lower mounting block further including a fastener; wherein the fastener of the upper mounting block is releasably engaged with the fastener of the lower mounting block. Further the present invention contemplates a housing to accommodate a laser pointer or a flashlight, a housing to receive a power head, a support for holding a spear gun butt, and a spear stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventors: William May, Carl Sciabarra
  • Patent number: 6895950
    Abstract: A crossbow-type underwater gun having resilient propulsion comprising at least two bungee type side resilient cords (8), the gun being characterized in that it includes a device for stretching the resilient cords (8) comprising a moving head piece (11) to which the first fixing elements (111, 112) can be fixed, the head piece (11) being suitable for sliding along the front portion of the spear support element (2); and a lever arm (10) cooperating with a rod (12) via a thrust and retaining device (13, 14, 23, 24) in such a manner as to enable the resilient cords (8) to be stretched by performing a succession of pivoting actions of the lever arm (10) between an initial position (B1) and a thrusted position (B2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Gillet, Jacques Leroux
  • Patent number: 6729222
    Abstract: A wire-tethered dart cartridge for electrical discharge weapons or stun guns wherein the sudden force needed to propel the darts toward a remote target is derived from a source of energy other than expanding gas. The propulsive force is derived from potential energy stored in at least one coiled spring having an arm which impacts the dart with sufficient force to propel the dart a desired distance toward a remote target. In a preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the spring is formed on two interconnected coils, each end of the spring wire extending from a respective coil and forming an impact arm for striking the back of a dart. The arms are maintained in a tensioned configuration by retention pistons which are connected to pyrotechnic devices. When an electrical voltage is applied to the pyrotechnic devices, the ignition forces each piston to move suddenly to release the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: James F. McNulty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6708683
    Abstract: A spear gun includes two spears disposed in laterally spaced relation to one another. A separate trigger is dedicated to each spear. Each spear is received within the lumen of a forward spear guide tube and a rearward spear guide tube. Each forward spear guide tube includes a laterally extending post to which is attached the forward end of an elastomeric member. The rearward end of each elastomeric member engages an inclined notch formed in the trailing end of its associated spear. The trailing end of each spear is notched and the notch is engaged by a mating notch formed in a pivotally mounted detent plate. Pulling a trigger pivots the detent plate so that the notches disengage and the bias on the elastomeric member unloads to propel the spear forwardly. A safety latch prevents pulling of the trigger by preventing pivoting of the detent plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: George P. Harris
  • Patent number: 6477933
    Abstract: A wire-tethered dart cartridge for electrical discharge weapons wherein the sudden force needed to propel the darts toward a remote target is derived from a source of energy other than expanding gas. The propulsive force is derived from potential energy stored in at least one coiled spring having an arm which impacts the dart with sufficient force to propel the dart a desired distance toward a remote target. In a preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the spring is formed on two interconnected coils, each end of the spring wire extending from a respective coil and forming an impact arm for striking the back of a dart. The arms are maintained in a tensioned configuration by a retention bracket which is connected to a piston pyrotechnic device. When an electrical voltage is applied to the pyrotechnic device, the ignition forces the piston to move the retention bracket to suddenly release the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: James F. McNulty, Jr., John F. Chudy, II
  • Patent number: 5931145
    Abstract: A speargun apparatus includes a rearward stock portion including a spear engaging structure; a forward stock portion including a speargun body and sling mount and a spear propulsion sling; and a hydraulic drive mechanism interconnecting the rearward stock portion and the forward stock portion for separating the rearward stock portion and the forward stock portion to increase tension in the sling. The forward stock portion preferably includes a longitudinal passageway and the rearward stock portion preferably includes a forwardly protruding guide rod slidably fitting into the longitudinal passageway for strengthening and stabilizing the apparatus when the forward stock portion and the rearward stock portion are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Alfonso Oviedo-Reyes
  • Patent number: 5904132
    Abstract: A spear fishing gun having a receiver assembly that has a grip housing containing a removable trigger assembly with a spear point shaft latch bar, a trigger, and a safety pawl mounted on a shaft extending through the trigger assembly and the grip housing with an external operator, with the shaft being supported in the grip housing in a manner to increase its stability. The grip housing has a line holding and release assembly that is automatically tensioned as it is assembled to the grip housing, and a muzzle assembly is provided that permits the lateral insertion and removal of the spearpoint shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: The A B Biller Company
    Inventor: Alfred B. Biller
  • Patent number: 5671722
    Abstract: A projectile launching apparatus has a barrel for supporting a projectile ior to and during launch. The barrel is defined by a breech end, a muzzle end and a longitudinal launch axis along which the projectile is launched. A length of elastomeric material is fixed at its ends to opposing sides of the barrel aft of the muzzle end. Linear actuators are aligned parallel to and on opposite sides of the barrel. A guide or pulley is mounted on each of the linear actuators for linear movement therewith to positions forward of the ends of the elastomeric material. Third and fourth guides or pulleys are fixed by a frame such that the fourth pulley is positioned aft of the third pulley along the longitudinal launch axis. The elastomeric material is led along a path from one fixed end, about the first pulley, between the third and fourth pulleys, and about the second pulley to where the elastomeric material terminates at its other fixed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Paul E. Moody
  • Patent number: 5642723
    Abstract: An elastic band projectile slinger has an elongated base forming an elongated projectile guide track along its length. A pivoted support plate on the front end of the base anchors a pair of elongated elastic bands which are stretchable to a releasable latch adjacent the rear end of the base. Release of the latch is controlled by a finger-operated trigger. An elongated arrow projectile is positionable in the guide track with the rear nock end of the arrow engaging a cord joining the rear ends of the elastic bands. The front end of the arrow has a point member of magnetically susceptible material and is secured in the guide track by a magnet mounted on the base. When the trigger is operated to release the latch, the contraction of the elastic bands moves the latch rapidly forward, releasing the elastic bands to contract in the forward direction and carry the arrow forwardly therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Howard W. Hogan
  • Patent number: 5595166
    Abstract: An improved speargun breach mechanism to prevent binding and increase the guns accuracy. The breach mechanism includes a pivotally mounted trigger and latch. The latch pivots between a cocked position and a firing position upon operation of the trigger. A spear cradle is mounted to the latch and has a generally semi-circular cross-section which closely receives the spear shaft to resist twisting movement of the latch and improve accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: E. Douglas Hougen
    Inventors: John W. Schmidt, III, Morgan R. Griesinger
  • Patent number: 5524603
    Abstract: A pistol type spear gun for use with a spear shaft comprising a body member having a handle portion adapted to be grasped in the hand of a user, with a trigger member positioned so as to be squeezed by the user on occasion. An elongate passage extends through the body member in approximately a right angle relationship with the handle portion, with this passage being adapted to receive a spear shaft. An elastic power band is attached to the body member and the base end of the spear shaft is able to be brought into contact with a mid portion of the power band when the spear shaft is moved in the cocking direction. The trigger member has a shaft contact point moved into forcible contact with a spear shaft in the elongate passage when the trigger member is squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Hubert L. Menzer
  • Patent number: 5372118
    Abstract: A dual barrel speargun including an improved breach mechanism to prevent binding and an improved muzzle portion to increase speargun accuracy and decrease reload time. Also included is an improved safety mechanism whereby the safeties remain effective even after the triggers are partially depressed. The disclosed speargun is capable of converting from a fixed length tether to a spool type tether within seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: E. Douglas Hougen
    Inventors: John W. Schmidt, III, Morgan R. Griesinger
  • Patent number: 5359985
    Abstract: A projectile discharge apparatus 10 having a first generally planar ribbed portion 12 and opposed side portions 14 which form a hand reception recess. Apparatus 10 includes a plurality of chambers 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 which are adapted to movably receive a dart 34. Apparatus 10 further includes a first member 56 which is movably deployed within each of the chambers 32 and which is movable from a first position to a second dart dispensing position by a downward movement of member 66.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Dean Schumacher
  • Patent number: 5243955
    Abstract: A mechanical shooting apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus having an elongate body comprised of two connectedly displaceable body members, the first body member having a pair of opposed pulleys adjacent its rearward end and another pair adjacent its forward end, and further including an elongate track portion on its upper surface. A loop member having a linearly resilient segment is seated against the second body member's forward end, opposing lengths of the loop extending rearwardly around the rearward pulleys, and forwardly around the forward pulleys, a sliding dog being attached to the loop between the forward pulleys and being slidably engaged with the track portion A trigger for holding the sliding dog rearwardly when drawn from between the pulleys, and for suddenly releasing the dog, is provided. A velocity increasing mechanism replacing the sliding dog is also disclosed, the mechanism comprising a ferrule affixed to the loop between the forward pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Bruce W. Farless
  • Patent number: 5209215
    Abstract: A rotatable stock for a crossbow having a barrel and a pistol grip portion is disclosed. The stock comprises a body portion and a first end on the body portion adapted to butt against a user's shoulder. A second end on the body portion is spaced distally from the first end. The stock further comprises a mechanism, located at the second end, for rotatably connecting the stock to the barrel at an end adjacent the pistol grip portion, wherein, upon actuating the rotatable connecting mechanism, the stock may be selectively rotated between an open, first locked position and a closed, second locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Saxon International, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Morrison
  • Patent number: 5145740
    Abstract: A retractile speargun line suitable for use in conjunction with a speargun comprising a line of flexible linear material having a first end adapted for connection to a speargun and a second end adapted for connection to a speargun spear by the use of a clip attached at each such end of the type used for leader lines in fishing, said flexible linear material having a springlike helical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignees: Michael A. Boykin, Dorothy M. Boykin
    Inventor: Michael A. Boykin
  • Patent number: 5125388
    Abstract: A compound spear sling including a frame, a pair of pulleys each with a cam portion and a cable track, an elastomeric material connecting each cam to the frame, and a draw cable.The draw cable is retracted with the spear to its ready position. As the draw cable is retracted, it rotates the cams which stretch the elastic material in such a way and in such a direction that a mechanical advantage is achieved upon reaching a READY position.Release of the draw cable reverses rotation of the pulleys due to a snap-action of the elastomeric material.The pulleys are positioned to enable a spear to pass therebtween subsequent to release of the draw cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventors: Michael J. Nicely, Stephen J. Nicely
  • Patent number: 5062406
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided to shoot both arrows and slugs. A crossbow has a longitudinal groove for guiding a feather of an arrow being shot by the crossbow. An attachment may be added to the crossbow to enable the crossbow to shoot slugs. When the attachment is used two longitudinal grooves cooperate to form a bore to guide the slugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventor: David H. Robertson
  • Patent number: 4971019
    Abstract: A spear gun assembly for propelling a sharpened spear in an underwater hunting environment. The assembly includes a holding bar rigidly attached to the gun which engages a hole in the spear. A trigger assembly is actuatable to pivot a lifter for lifting the spear from the holding bar, thereby releasing the spear from the gun. The trigger assembly is provided with a safety mechanism for preventing the lifter from pivoting and a lanyard which is disengaged as the trigger is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Mike Zacker
  • Patent number: RE37616
    Abstract: A projectile discharge apparatus 10 having a first generally planar ribbed portion 12 and opposed side portions 14 which form a hand reception recess. Apparatus 10 includes a plurality of chambers 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 which are adapted to movably receive a dart 34. Apparatus 10 further includes a first member 56 which is movably deployed within each of the chambers 32 and which is movable from a first position to a second dart dispensing position by a downward movement of member 66.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Dean Patrick Schumacher