GB2417212A

GB2417212A - A projectile comprising flights and a spring supported front portion

Info

Publication number: GB2417212A
Application number: GB0417282A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Falcon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-08-03
Filing date: 2004-08-03
Publication date: 2006-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-03
Also published as: GB2417212B; GB0417282D0

Abstract

The projectile comprises a weighted portion 19, which in use the user strikes to project the projectile and flight means 10 to 13, which may have perforations 15, for stabilising the trajectory of the device when in flight. The projectile is characterised by having a spring 21 located between the portion 19 and the flight means, which allows the whole of the portion to be displaceable with respect to the flight means. The portion may also be guided in its displacement by a plunger 20 and it may have formations, such as ribs 23 or grooves (40, Fig.3). The spring may be one or a plurality (51, Fig.4) of resilient helical wires, a resilient ball (53, Fig.5) or a concertina or bellows member (65, Fig.7). The device may also be equipped with lights or noise generators which are actuated upon impact or during flight, and/or a counter for counting the number of strikes.

Description

A PROJECTILE

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to projectiles such as shuttlecocks which, in use, a user strikes to project the projectile.

Background to the Invention

The closest prior art known is a product currently sold as the 'magic shuttle' seemingly marketed by a company trading as East2East. This prior art device uses four flights made out of feather joined together in a single mast and which are individually fixed to a base plate. The feather mast is fixed to the base plate in such a way that little or no movement 2 is allowed between the plate and the mast other than any inherent flexibility between the two components. Between the flights themselves and the base plate are stacked a disc similar to the base plate, a number of curved discs, and a foam disc atop the base plate which in combination form hamstring which can compress downwards against the fixed base plate, the resultant upward motion being restricted by radially projecting spars fixably mounted to the mast.

Thus, in use, this prior art device uses the mast and base plate as a weight, the other discs act primarily as a spring only in the sense however that, when on impact, the discs in the string are drawn together and then bounce back to assist in the upward projection of the prior art shuttle and the other discs may also be used as an additional, although minimal, weight. Since the base plate and the spars are fixedly mounted to the mast of the flights either side of the string, this prior art device is limited in its flexibility and the string in its effective propulsion.

Summary of the Invention

In the inventions broadest aspect, there is provided a projectile comprising a portion which, in use, a user strikes to project the projectile, means for weighting the projectile so that it tends to land on said portion and flight means for stabilising the trajectory of the projectile when in flight, characterized in that the projectile comprises a spring located s between said portion and said flight means and allowing said portion to be displaceable relative to the flight means, the spring being, in addition to any inherent flexibility, the impact receiving portion and the flight means. This structure allows greater amplification of potential flight distance. It is also more comfortable for a user because of its increased flexibility it is less likely to cause injury particularly for the frequent and intense user. It no is also thought that the inventive configuration will be less prone to damage.

In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, said portion has a greater diameter than the spring. This allows the impact to have its effect from a wider range of directions. It also effectively induces the user to strike the portion rather than the spring.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said portion incorporates a number of ribs. This optional feature, apart from being aesthetically pleasing to the eye, has the advantage of allowing users to inflict a greater range of motions to the projectile with less effort than in the prior art.

In a further subsidiary aspect, an arm is provided between said portion and the flight means in addition to the spring. This provides the projectile with better durability without hampering the effect of the spring.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the flight means incorporates at least one fin with a closely contiguous array of perforations. This allows the flights to have advantageous stability without the extra burden of excess weight. It is thought that this structure is also particularly tough mechanically for intense striking of the projectile, particularly as may occasionally be the case when the user strikes the flights.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the portion incorporates impact cushioning means in addition to any cushioning achieved by the spring, this will also have particular benefits in sport applications where frequent striking is required and any foot injuries are to be avoided.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a projectile generally referenced 1 with four radially extending flights 2, 3, 4 and S. The projectile flights progressively reduce in width from top to bottom. At no their bottom section they are joined to plate 6 which is in turn joined to a helicoidal spring 7. At the lower region of the helicoidal spring 7, a striking portion 8 is provided which is coupled to the spring causes the projectile to tend to land on portion 8. The spring 7 is constructed from a material of higher density than the other parts of the projectile. The portion is of substantially cylindrical shape about 2cm's high and covered with material s having a cushioning effect. The cushioning means may also be provided by the provision of rounded edges for the cylindrical portion.

Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of a projectile generally referenced 9 with four flights 10, 11, 12 and 13 extending radially outwards from a central holding rod 14. The so flights each have an array of closely continuous perforations such as that referenced IS.

The rear portion of the flights, i.e. edge 16 for example, slopes downwardly. Rod 14 is fixed at its lower extremity to a cylindrical member 17 which has a lower spring extremity receiving ring 18. One spring extremity is therefore held by receiving ring 18 whilst the other extremity is held by a base portion 19 of the projectile.

Base portion 19 incorporates a plunger 20 extending upwards and located inside spring 21. Plunger 20 is received by cylinder 22 without being fixed to the cylinder. Plunger 19, along with base portion 19, is free to displace into and out of the cylinder 22 within the limits of the elasticity of the spring.

The base portion 19 may incorporate a rubber cushioning means if appropriate and may to also be ribbed as shown in the figure by say rib 23. In this embodiment, the ribs are co centrically arranged about the central longitudinal axis of the projectile.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment, the preferred embodiment, of a projectile generally referenced 24 with four flights 25, 26, 27 and 28 extending radially outwards from a s central holding or joining rod 29. As before, each flight has an array of closely contiguous perforations such as that referenced 30. The rear edge of the flights, i.e. edge 31 for example, slopes upwards 31a always from the central holding rod 29 towards a summit 3 lb before sloping downwards 31c away from the summit. Rod 29 is fixed at its lower extremity to a disc-like member 32 which also incorporated pairs of adjacent guard go portions 33 which form a base retaining channel for the interchangeable flights 25, 26, 27, 28. Depending from the underside of the disc-like member 32 is an upper spring extremity receiving ring 34 incorporating a number of downwardly projecting spring abutment portions 35.

9s Base portion 36 incorporates a lower spring extremity receiving ring 37 which includes a number of upwardly projecting spring abutment portions 38. One spring extremity is therefore held by receiving ring 38. Spring 39 is located within the two receiving rings 34, 38 by push-fit means, insertion and twistable locking means or by other similar means.

Base portion 36 incorporates a contact/cushioning portion 39 on the opposite side to where the receiving ring 38 is located. The contact/cushioning portion 39 is substantially cylindrical in shape and may have rounded edges as shown. A number of grooves 40 around the outer perimeter of the rounded edges of the base portion 36 extending radially inwards over the base portion's underside may also be included as shown.

Whilst in the preceding examples, the flights are radially arranged, the scope of the invention covers of course conical flight structures of the kind employed for badminton's shuttlecocks or other known optional structures as selected by the person skilled in the art.

Figures 4 to 7 show further examples of possible alternative embodiments.

to Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a projectile generally referenced 41 having a substantially triangular cross-section. Three flights 42, 43, 44 extend radially outwards from a central retaining rod 45. The upper edge 46 of each flight 42, 43, 44 is curved in a downwards direction and the outer edge 47 contains a series of cut away steps tapering towards the base portion 48 containing receiving flight means. The flights 42, 43, 44 extend outside the periphery of the base portion 48. The base portion 48 is substantially conical. A nose portion 49 also substantially conical in shape but inverted when compared to the base portion 48 is separated from the base portion 48 by a spring means SO consisting of a number of substantially triangular elasticity resilient pieces. These pieces 51 may be threaded between the base portion 48 and the nose portion 49 along a central axis, may be connected together and attached at either end to the base portion 48 and the nose portion 49, or may be connected between the nose portion 49 and the base portion 48 by a number of connecting rods. The composition of the nose portion 49 permits deformation on impact before the inbuilt resilience of the material returns to the original shape.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment 52 having a base portion 53 being spherical or ball shaped acting as a spring. Four flights extending radially outward from the centre of the base portion 53 have a straight inner edge 54, an outer edge 55 having a straight upper portion and an inwards tapering lower portion, and an upper edge 56 which tapers towards the So outer edge SS. The width of the upper flight portion is approximately double the width of the lower flight portion. The taper of upper edge 56 is over approximately a quarter of the flight's length. \

Figure 6 shows an embodiment 57 having a single substantially conical shaped flight 58 having triangular cut outs 59 decreasing in size down the length of the flight 58. The size of the triangular cut outs 59 are in proportion to the width of the conical flight 58. The flight 58 engages with an upper surface of a disc-like base portion 59. As illustrated, a plunger 60 and a spring 61 separate the base portion 59 and a nose portion 62 of the underside or impact side of which is rounded. The plunger 60 is optional.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment 63 having four flights each extending radially outwards from a central retaining means which is fixably mounted to a substantially disc-like base portion 64. A number of centrally tapering members 65 separate the base portion 64 from the nose portion 66 and form a spring means 67. The underside of the nose portion 64 is rounded. Alternatively, the spring means 67 i.e. the base portion 64/nose portion 66 separation may be achieved by a concertina or bellows member being fixably mounted at either end to the base portion 64 and nose portion respectively.

The flights, base nose portions and the spring means are interchangeable. The projectile's weight is provided by the spring means. The nose portions may be substantially hollow permitting water or other substances to be inserted to change the flight characteristics of the projectile.

In use the projectile may be used by a single user or multiple users in sequence. The user will strike the projectile with their feet, hands, knees, head and shoulders to keep the projectile airborne. The action of the spring or spring means extends the flight time of the projectile allowing the user to better position him or her before striking it.

Further additions that are envisaged include the following: The projectile making a pre-determined noise upon impact and/or flight; The projectile including a series of LED's or the like which light up during impact and/or flight; So. Means to weight the projectile to slow down the movement during use so that a user may improve their skill level and their technique; A counter incorporated so that the number of strikes are recorded; Discs similar to table tennis bats in function and configuration with a strap or straps for securing the discs to the user's feet may be used; The projectile may be sold as a kit alongside a net so that the projectile may be used in an application similar to volleyball.

Claims

J CLAIMS

1. A projectile comprising a portion which, in use, a user strikes to project the projectile, means for weighting the projectile so that it tends to land on said portion, and flight means for stabilizing the trajectory of the projectile when in flight, characterized in that the projectile comprises a spring located between said portion and said flight means and allowing said portion to be displaceable relative to the flight means, the spring being in addition to any inherent flexibility in the impact receiving portion and the flight means.

2. A projectile according to Claim 1, wherein said portion has a greater diameter than the spring.

3. A projectile according to either of the preceding Claims, wherein said portion incorporates a number of ribs.

4. A projectile according to any preceding Claim, wherein an arm is provided between said portion and the flight means in addition to the spring.

5. A projectile according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the flight means no incorporates at least one fin with a closely contiguous array of perforations.

6. A projectile according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the portion incorporates impact cushioning means in addition to any cushioning achieved by the spring.

7. A projectile substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying text and/or figures.

7. A projectile substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures. q

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows i. A projectile comprising a portion which, in use, a user strikes to project the projectile, means for weighting the projectile so that it tends to land on said portion, and flight means for stabilizing the trajectory of the projectile when in flight, wherein the projectile comprises an exposed spring located between said portion and said flight means and allowing said portion to be displaceable relative to the flight means, the spring being in addition to any inherent flexibility in the impact receiving portion and the flight means, characterized in that the flight means has a narrower diameter at its base than the diameter of the impact region of the strike portion.

2. A projectile according to claim 1, wherein said spring is secured to said flight means and said strike portion by push-fit means.

3. A projectile according to either of the preceding Claims, wherein said strike portion is disc-shaped with recessed portions.

5. A projectile according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the flight means incorporates at least one fin with a closely contiguous array of perforations.