Dart storage and transport apparatus

A novel carrier for darts and dart parts. Each carrier comprises storage for a plurality of darts plus compartments for safely storing replacement feathers, tips, and weights. Protection is provided for both the user and each dart as darts are stored tip first into a blind bore in the carrier. Compression springs in the blind end of the bore provide, first, protection for the tip and, second, controlled ejection force whereby each dart is partially ejected when a holding cover is removed such that darts can be removed from the carrier without damage in leathers at the rear of each dart. Grooves and recesses are provided to protect each dart feather while in the carrier. The carrier comprises storage compartments whereby dart parts are stored separately to minimize damage to fragile parts, such as the feathers. Part and dart containing covers are easily emplaced and provide containment surfaces whereby the contents of the carrier are stored and transported without fear of damage or loss.

FIELD OF INVENTION 
This invention relates to apparatus appertaining to games of darts and more 
specifically to carriers for the storage and transportation of darts. 
BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
Darts began as a predominantly British game played by throwing darts at a 
circular numbered board. In each game, a player generally uses three 
darts. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, there were reports of 
darts being thrown at a marked quintain, a tournament practice target, as 
a game in early English history. Darts are recorded as a pastime of the 
Pilgrim Fathers on board the Mayflower in 1620. In its modern form in 
England, the game is more often played in a public house (a tavern or 
club). At the beginning of the 1960's the number of players in the British 
Isles was estimated to be 6,000,000 of whom 1,000,000 were registered 
players of 7,000 clubs affiliated with the National Darts Association. 
More recently, darts have become a popular sport in the United States. 
With the application of modern technology, darts are now made in 
assembleable parts comprising interchangeable shafts, feathers, weights, 
and tips as the game of darts take on a more modern sporting tenor. In 
high technology darts, where the tips are often razor sharp and the 
feathers made with exacting precision, protection for the user and for the 
damageable parts of the darts in storage and transport is of concern. 
Further, there is a need to transport spare, replacement parts as well. 
BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
In brief summary, this invention alleviates all of the known problems 
related to carrying and storing darts and replacement parts for darts. The 
invention comprises a carrier for storing a plurality of darts and 
compartments for safely storing replacement feathers, tips, and weights. 
Novel protection is provided for both the user and each dart as darts are 
stored tip first into a blind bore in the carrier. A compression spring in 
the blind end of each bore provides, first, protection for each dart tip 
and, second a controlled ejection force whereby the dart is partially 
ejected when a holding cover is removed. Thereby, darts are safely removed 
from the carrier without damage to feathers attached at the rear of each 
dart. Additionally, grooves and recesses in the carrier are provided to 
protect the feathers on each dart stored therein. The carrier comprises 
separate storage compartments whereby dart parts are stored separately to 
minimize damage to fragile parts, such as the feathers. Part and dart 
retaining covers are easily emplaced and provide containment surfaces such 
that the contents of the carrier are stored and transported without fear 
of damage or loss. 
Accordingly, it is a primary object to provide a carrier for storing and 
transporting a plurality of darts. 
It is a further primary object to provide a dart carrier which provides 
user safe insertion of darts. 
It is an important object to provide a dart carrier which protects dart 
tips during insertion, removal, storage and transport. 
It is another important object to provide a carrier which is assembled 
using at least two pairs of identical parts. 
It is a further important object ot provide a dart carrier which protects 
dart feathers during insertion, removal, storage and transport. 
It is a still further important object to provide at least one compartment 
whereby fragile replacement parts such as dart feathers are separately and 
safely stored. 
It is another further important object to provide compartments for all dart 
replacement parts. 
It is another important object to provide an easily removable cover which 
retains parts within the carrier during storage and transport. 
It is another primary object to provide dart ejection apparatus which 
stores energy when the dart is fully inserted for storage in the carrier 
and provides controlled, limited ejection of the dart for easy removal 
when the retaining cover is removed for access to the darts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
In this description, the term proximal is used to indicate the segment of 
the device normally closest to the operator when it is being used. The 
term distal refers to the other end. Reference is now made to the 
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-12 wherein like numerals are used to 
designate like parts throughout. As seen in FIG. 1, one currently 
preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a carrier 100 which 
provides a safe housing for transporting and storing darts 10. The main 
body of carrier 100 is formed by an inferiorly positioned segment 110 and 
a superiorly positioned segment 120. Access is available at each end of 
carrier 100 by removing a slidably emplaced cover 140. 
In the perspective of FIG. 1, the dart 10 insertion end 90 of carrier 100 
is proximal to the viewer. A pluraltiy of darts 10 are seen contained 
within the carrier 100 through a transparent cover 140, although the cover 
may be translucent or opaque. In combination, segments 120 and 110 provide 
a series of grooves and recesses for storing and protecting dart feathers 
12, as described in more detail later. 
An opposite hand perspective of carrier 100 is seen in FIG. 2 where 
proximally viewed end 80 comprises a compartment 96 which is shown being 
used to provide storage for dart feathers 12. On the other side of carrier 
100, a second compartment 98 is providing storing for dart tips 18 and at 
least one weight 16. Compartments 96 and 98 are seen through a transparent 
cover 140, which is identical to the cover 140 of FIG. 1. 
A more detailed view of carrier 100 is seen in FIG. 3. As seen in FIG. 3, 
carrier 100 is inverted and exploded to more clearly show previously 
inferiorly positioned segment 110 in FIGS. 1 and 2 as the top or upper 
segment. Superiorly positioned segment 120 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is the bottom 
or lower segment in FIG. 3. Carrier 100 comprises segment 110, segment 
120, two end covers 140, six connecting bolts 102, and three compression 
springs 130. 
Also seen in FIG. 3 are spare or replacement parts representing items which 
may be stored in carrier 100. A dart 10 is seen in proximal position 
relative to carrier 100. Though darts may vary in design, each dart 10 may 
be considered to comprise a tip 18, a weight 16, a shaft 14, and feathers 
12. In the dart seen in FIG. 3, feathers 12 are inserted into orthogonal 
grooves 22 in the proximal end of shaft 14 and are removable and 
replaceable therefrom. Commonly, the other parts are tapped and threaded 
for ready replacement and repair. In dart 10 as seen in FIG. 3, each tip 
18, weight 16, shaft 14, and feathers 12 are separable; however, other 
darts may be used wherein some of these parts are inseparably joined. 
Parts, other than those seen in combination in dart 10 and which are 
storable in compartments 96 and 98, comprise unattached feathers 12, tips 
18 and weights 16 seen in the plane of springs 130 in FIG. 3. Different 
feathers 12, tips 18, and weights 16 can be assembled on a shaft 14 
providing repair parts or a dart 10 which will fly a different trajectory. 
The main body of carrier 100 is formed of two nearly identical segments, 
110 and 120. For this reason, only segment 120 is described in detail. The 
elemental differences between segment 110 and 120 are disclosed in detail 
later. Segment 120 comprises a part which may be synthetic resinous 
material formed by machining or molding. As seen in FIG. 3, segment 120 
comprises a series of recesses, depressions and cavities formed in a 
medial surface 134 such that when segment 120 is placed in contact with 
segment 110 matching recesses, depressions and cavities form compartments, 
bores, and grooves for each stored dart 10 and component parts, comprising 
feathers 12, tips 18, and weights 16. 
As seen in FIG. 3, segment 120 comprises a centrally disposed semi-circular 
bore 136 which extends from a proximal side surface 164 along surface 134 
to a blind end 124. The diametral measure of bore 136 is greater than the 
diameter of a dart shaft 14. As seen in FIG. 3, bore 136 is one of a 
plurality of bores, generally designated 132. The length of bore 136 is of 
sufficient length that the distal tip 18 of a dart 10, oriented as seen in 
FIG. 3 and placed into a bore 132 such that the proximal edge of feathers 
12 are distal to proximal edge 164, is substantially proximal from blind 
end 124. 
Segment 120 is symmetrical about a vertical plane through the long axis of 
bore 136. On each side of bore 136, another identical bore 132 is placed 
parallel, but apart from bore 136 a distance such that no feather 12 of 
one dart 10 touches a shaft 14 of another dart 10 when the darts are 
stored in adjacent bores 132. A planar recess is cut into a proximal 
portion of surface 134 forming longitudinal edges 168 and 192, cross-edges 
166, 176, 186, and 194, and planar surfaces 160, 170, 180, and 190. 
Surfaces 160, 170, 180, and 190 are parallel to surface 134. The length of 
each surface 160, 170, 180, and 190 is longer than the length of each 
feather 12. Edges 168, 166, 176, 186, 194, and 192 each have a width at 
least as wide as a feather 12. The shortest distance between a 
circumferential edge of a bore 132 and either edge 168 or 192 is longer 
than the width of a feather 12, thereby providing clearance for a feather 
12 to lie unobstructed on either surface 160 or 190. 
Each distal corner of segment 120 comprises an identical cavity, 196 and 
198. Therefore, only cavity 196 is described in detail. At best seen in 
FIGS. 6, cavity 196 comprises a deep "U" shaped blind bore 146. The length 
and longitudinal position of "U" shaped bore 146 is best seen in FIG. 4. 
"U" shaped bore 146 is sufficiently wide and deep to accept feathers 12 
without bending and to completely encompass at least one tip 18 and weight 
16 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). 
Referring again to FIG. 3, segment 120 comprises a plurality of vertical 
grooves, designated 162, 172, and 182, one of which extends vertically 
downward from each bore 132. An outline of the base 178 of vertical groove 
172 is seen in FIG. 5. Base 178 accurately traces a path which provides a 
shallow groove near blind end 124 and significantly deeper groove at the 
other end where each groove provides passage for a feather 12. The breadth 
of each groove 162, 172, and 182 is therefore greater than the thickness 
of a feather 12 but significantly narrower than the diameter of bore 132. 
The length and position of the wider portions of each groove 162, 172, and 
182, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, is greater than the width of a feather 12 
in more proximal areas where a feather 12 will be inserted as an 
associated dart 10 is inserted in bore 132. 
In this currently preferred embodiment, segment 110 is joined to segment 
120 by bolting the two segments together, although other methods of 
joining the two segments may be used such as by bonding with a suitable 
adhesive, which is well known in the art. As noted earlier, with a number 
of exceptions to be enumerated hereafter, segment 110 is an image of 
segment 120 rotated 180.degree. about the long axis of bore 136. Each 
segment 110 and 120 comprises a plurality of juxtaposed and aligned holes 
104 and 114, respectively, for attachment bolts 102. Each hole 104 is 
countersunk such that the top edge 184 of an inserted and tightened bolt 
102 is flush with the top surface 118 of segment 110 when segment 110 is 
joined to segment 120. 
No hole 104 or 114 coincides with a cavity 196 or 198 or with a bore 132 or 
with a planar surface 160, 170, 180, or 190. The holes are placed 
symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of bore 136 such that 
compressive stresses are evenly distributed. In segment 110, the segment 
which receives the top 184 of each bolt 102, the smallest diameter of bore 
hole 104 is slightly larger than the outside diameter of bolt 102 whereby 
the shaft of each bolt 102 passes freely therethrough. One difference 
between segment 110 and segment 120 is the difference in size between the 
inner diameters of each respectively aligned bolt hole 104 and bolt hole 
114. Segment 120 bolt holes 114 are smaller than holes 104. The bore of 
each hole 114 is tapped to threadably accept and retain an inserted bolt 
102. 
In another preferred embodiment, each hole 114 is made identical with hole 
104 and retention of each bolt 102 is accomplished by means of a nut 
inserted into the countersunk portion of the hole on the side opposite the 
top edge 184 of each bolt 102, thereby providing a more uniform design 
between segments 110 and 120 and a surface free of exposed nuts and bolts 
on surfaces, 118 and 128, respectively. 
Segment 110 and 120 are precisely aligned, when joined, by alignment pins. 
In the currently preferred embodiment, when segments 110 and 120 are first 
joined, alignment holes 106 are drilled through the superior side 128 of 
segment 120 as seen in FIG. 1 and continued therethrough to at least 
partially drill holes 106 through inferiorly positioned segment 110. 
Drilled alignment holes in segment 110 are not shown, but accomplishment 
of such is well known in the art. Tight-fitting alignment pins 108 are 
place into holes 106 and therethrough into corresponding holes in segment 
110, such that the preferred orientation of segment 110 to segment 120 is 
realized and maintained each time the two are joined. Holes 106 are 
drilled completely through segment 120 while the corresponding holes in 
segment 110 are only partially drilled through, providing another element 
of difference between segments 110 and 120. However, all alignment holes 
can be drilled or, alternatively, partially drilled through each 
respective segment 110 and 120, in like fashion, to eliminate this element 
of difference. Making each alignment hole and bolt hole in one segment 
(such as segment 110) identical with a juxtaposed hole in the other 
segment (such as segment 120) makes the two segments identical. 
When assembled as seen in FIG. 1, each semicircular bore 132 combines with 
a corresponding semicircular bore 132 to form a circular bore into which 
the tip 18, weight 16 and then shaft 14 of a dart 10 are inserted for 
storage and/or transport. Grooves 162, 172, 182, 192 and grooves formed 
between planar surfaces 160, 170, 180, and 190 provide spaces for safe 
insertional travel of each dart's feathers 12 when inserted therein. 
To provide protection for the tip 18 of each dart 10 and also to provide a 
storage of energy whereby a released dart 10 is partially ejected from 
carriage 100 such that each dart 10 is easily removed from carriage 100 
without harm to a feather 12', a compressible spring 130 is placed in each 
bore 132. The internal diameter of each compressible spring is less than 
the diameter of shaft 14 and greater than the diameter of tip 18. Each 
spring 130 comprises an end loop 138 of expanded diameter. At the blind 
end 124 of each bore 132, a semicircular groove 148 of a diameter which 
will accept loop 138 is placed. Before segment 110 is joined to segment 
120, a spring 130 is placed in each bore 132 such that loop 138 lies in a 
groove 148 and spring 130 is thereby retained in position in bore 132 
after the segments are joined. The compressed length of each compressible 
spring 130 is longer than a tip 18, thereby protecting the end of each tip 
18 when a dart 10 compressibly engages spring 130. 
At each end of each segment 110 and 120, is a planar surface 164 which is 
normal to inner surfaces 134, 160, 170, 180, and 190. Extending beyond 
each surface 164, thereby extending surfaces 118 and 128 at each end, is a 
tongue 152 as best seen in FIG. 3. On one side, a surface of each tongue 
152 is an extension of a corresponding surface 118 or 128 to an end 
surface 174. Surface 174 is normally connected to associated surface 118 
or 128 on one long edge 76. On the other long edge 78 of surface 174, an 
acute angle is formed with a planar surface 154 thereby forming each 
tongue 152. A pair of juxtaposed tongues 152, one extending from surface 
118 and the other extending from surface 128, act in combination to hold a 
slidably inserted cover when segments 110 and 120 are joined. A groove 150 
comprising surface 154 and another edge surface 158 provides a surface 
continuum which connects each tongue 152 to associated surface 164. 
Proximal cover 140, best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, is used to retain each dart 
10 within an associated bore 132 in carrier 100. Another identical cover 
140 confines parts stored in compartments 96 and 98 at the other side of 
the assembled carrier 100 seen in FIG. 2. Each cover 140 slidably attaches 
to an end of carrier 100 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
As better seen in FIG. 3, each cover 140 is rectangular and comprises a 
square cut short side 144 and a beveled long side 142. The length of long 
side 142 is the same as the length of tongue 152. The bevel of long side 
142 is made to be parallel to each associated edge 154 when carrier 100 is 
assembled and cover 140 is resident therebetween. The length of short side 
144 is less than the distance between opposite edges 154, but of 
sufficient length that the cover cannot be removed from a position between 
edges 154 in a direction normal to surface 164. 
Another currently preferred embodiment of the invention is seen in FIG. 12. 
This embodiment comprises a carrier 100' which provides a safe housing for 
transporting and storing darts 10. The main body of carrier 100' is formed 
by an inferiorly positioned segment 110' and a superiorly positioned 
segment 120'. In this embodiment segment 110' is identical to segment 
120', but rotated 180.degree. and disposed upon segment 120' to form 
carrier 100'. Access is available at each end of carrier 100' by removing 
slidably emplaced cover 140, similar to access of carrier 100. 
In the perspective of FIG. 12, the dart 10 insertion end 90' of carrier 
100' is proximal to the viewer. Although cover 140 is also used to contain 
one or more darts within carrier 100', as cover 140 does for carrier 100, 
no cover 140 is seen in FIG. 12. In combination, segments 120' and 110' 
provide a series of grooves and recesses for storing and protecting dart 
feathers 12, in similar manner to the protection provided by carrier 100. 
As seen in FIG. 8, each segment 120' and 110' comprises essentially half of 
a compartment 96' at end 80' which is used to provide storage for dart 
feathers 12 as compartment 96 of carrier 100 is used. On the other side of 
each segment 110' and 120', a second compartment 98' provides 
substantially the same storage for dart tips 18 and weights 16 as 
compartment 98 of carrier 100. A cover 140 is also used to cover and 
contain contents placed in compartments 96' and 98' in similar manner by 
which contents are contained in compartments 96 and 98. 
A more detailed view of carrier 100' is seen in FIG. 8. As seen in FIG. 8, 
carrier 100' is inverted and exploded to more clearly show previously 
inferiorly positioned segment 110' as the top or upper segment. Superiorly 
positioned segment 120' is the bottom or lower segment in FIG. 8. Carrier 
100' comprises segment 110', segment 120', two end covers 140, and three 
compression springs 130. 
Also seen in FIG. 8 are spare or replacement parts representing items which 
may be stored in carrier 100'. A dart 10 is seen in proximal position 
relative to carrier 100'. Parts, other than those seen in combination in 
dart 10 and which are storable in compartments 96' and 98', comprises 
unattached feathers 12, tips 18 and weights 16 seen in the plane of 
springs 130 in FIG. 8. 
The main body of carrier 100' is formed of two identical segments, 110' and 
120'. For this reason, only segment 120' is described in detail. Segment 
120' comprises a part which may be made of synthetic resinous material 
formed by machining or molding processes which are known and available in 
the art. As seen in FIG. 8, segment 120' comprises a series of recesses, 
depressions and cavities formed in a medial plane 134' formed, in 
combination, by a segment of the top surface of each vertical riser 202, 
204, 206, 208, 212 and 214. When segment 120' is placed in contact with 
segment 110', matching recesses, depressions and cavities form 
substantially the same compartments, bores, and grooves for each stored 
dart 10 and component parts, comprising feathers 12, tips 18, and weights 
16 in carrier 100' as is provided by carrier 100. 
However, carrier 100' comprises a plurality of longitudinally disposed 
vertical risers disposed on base 128' rather than members which form the 
solid surfaces 134 and 160 in carrier 100. FIG. 11 provides a 
cross-sectional view of the longitudinally disposed vertical risers 
proximal to end 164'. 
As seen in FIG. 11 from the viewer's left to right, the longitudinally 
disposed risers comprise shorts side 200, risers 222, 224, 226, 202, 228, 
232, 204, 206, 234, 236, 208, 212, 238, 242, 214, 244, 246, 248, and long 
side 250. The unfilled space between the longitudinal vertically disposed 
risers saves material and thereby reduces the weight of carrier 100'. The 
longitudinally disposed vertical risers rise to variable height above base 
128' to provide supporting surfaces which comprise plane 134; plane 160; 
and dart 10 support plane 220, the purpose of each is described in detail 
hereafter. 
As seen in FIG. 8, segments 110' and 120' comprises a centrally disposed 
semi-circular bore 136' which extends from a proximal side surface 164' 
along top surfaces of longitudinally disposed vertical risers 234 and 236 
thereby defining plane 220 to a blind end 124. The diametral measure of 
bore 136' is greater than the diameter of a dart shaft 14. As seen in FIG. 
3, bore 136' is one of a plurality of bores, generally designated 132'. 
The length of bore 136' is of sufficient length that the distal tip 18 of 
a dart 10, oriented as seen in FIG. 3 and placed into a bore 132' such 
that the proximal edge of feathers 12 are distal to proximal edge 164', is 
substantially proximal from blind end 124'. 
Except for male and female interconnecting surfaces, segment 120' is 
symmetrical about a vertical plane through the long axis of bore 136'. On 
each side of bore 136', another identical bore 132' is placed parallel, 
but apart from bore 136' a distance such that no feather 12 of one dart 10 
touches a shaft 14 of another dart 10 when the darts are stored in bore 
136' and in adjacent bores 132'. A planar recess is defined by the 
proximal height of each longitudinally disposed vertical riser 224, 226, 
202, 204, 206, 220, 212, 214, 244 and 246, forming longitudinal edges 168' 
and 192', cross-edges 176', 186', and 194', and free planar surfaces 160'. 
Free planar surface 160' is parallel to plane 134'. The area of free 
planar surface 160' is longer than the length of each feather 12 is thick. 
Edges 168', 176', 186', 194', and 192' each have a width at least as wide 
as a feather 12. The shortest distance between a circumferential edge of a 
bore 132' and either edge 168' or 192' is longer than the width of a 
feather 12, thereby providing clearance for a feather 12 to lie 
unobstructed free planar surface 160'. 
Each distal corner of segment 120' comprises an identical cavity, 196' and 
198'. Each cavity 196' and 198' is essentially identical in internal space 
and form to each cavity 196 and 198, respectively. 
Referring again to FIG. 8, segment 120' comprises a plurality of vertical 
grooves, designated 162', 172' and 182', one of which extends vertically 
downward from each bore 132'. Each vertical groove 162', 172', and 182' 
provides substantially the same function as vertical groove 162, 172 and 
182 of carrier 100, except each vertical groove of carrier 100' is formed 
by two adjacent vertical risers disposed apart such that a feather slides 
therebetween. Thus the separation of longitudinally disposed vertical 
riser pairs, 228 and 232, 234, 236, and 244 and 246, comprise grooves 
162', 172' and 182', respectively, wherein the feather 12 of a dart 10 is 
disposed. The breadth of each groove 162', 172' and 182' is therefore 
greater than the thickness of a feather 12 but significantly narrower than 
the diameter of bore 132'. 
In this currently preferred embodiment, segment 110' is joined to segment 
120' by a plurality of paired male/female tongue-in-groove connection. In 
this currently preferred embodiment each tongue-in-groove connection is 
joined by bonding with adhesives which are known and available in the art. 
However, compressively joined mechanical attachment and other permanent 
bonding methods comprising ultrasonic welding are within the scope of the 
invention. An exemplary male/female tongue-in-groove connection is seen in 
FIG. 9. As seen therein, each male part 300 comprises an extension along 
one wall 304; generally wall 304 is an inner wall although it is not so 
restricted within the overall scope of the invention. 
As seen in FIG. 10, male part 300 extends beyond the center plane 320 where 
segments 110' and 120' join. The joining edge 806 of male part 300 is 
normal to wall 304 and approximately half the width of the wall segment 
308 comprising wall 304. On the side 316 of wall segment 308 opposite wall 
304, male part 300 extends across center plane 320 to a point 310 which is 
disposed across center plane 320 from joining edge 306. From point 310 a 
rim 312 connects male part 300 to wall 314 opposite wall 304. 
Female part 350 also comprises an extension, which is disposed along wall 
314. Thus wall 314, along which part 350 is extended, is an outer wall in 
this embodiment, although generally, it is only required the female part 
be acceptively oriented in female/male connecting relationship with male 
part 300. As seen in FIG. 10, female part 350 extends along wall 314 
opposite wall 304 toward but not coincident with center plane 320. The 
furthest extension of female part 350 is connected normally to a joining 
edge 356 which comprises a width approximately one-half as wide as wall 
segment 358 which is substantially the same width as wall segment 308. On 
the wall 304 side of wall segment 358, female part 350 extends inferiorly 
to a point 360 where a rim, 362, normal to wall 304 is disposed between 
point 360 and wall 304. 
Thus, when each male part 300 and each female part 350 are disposed as seen 
in FIG. 9, each edge 306 is disposed against each associated rim 362 and 
edge 366 is likewise disposed adjacent edge 316. Before each male part 300 
is so disposed against each associated female part 350 an adhesive or 
bonding agent is applied to at least one surface of each associated rim or 
edge to permanently affix segment 110' to segment 120'. Such adhesives and 
bonding agent are known and available in the art. 
In this currently preferred embodiment, each male part 300 is disposed in 
opposite hand relationship about center bore 136' as best seen in FIG. 8. 
The interconnecting male part 300 comprises distal side male part 338 
distal back male part 332, distal front male part 334, and distal medial 
male part 336. Interconnecting female parts 350 comprise proximal side 
female part 388, proximal back female part 382, proximal front female part 
384, and proximal medial female part 386. Where segment 110' is disposed 
as seen in FIG. 8 and joined with segment 120', each corresponding male 
part 332, 334, 336 and 338 is joined to each corresponding female part 
382, 384, 386 and 388, respectively. 
When assembled as seen in FIG. 12, each semicircular bore 132' combines 
with a corresponding semicircular bore 132' to form a circular bore into 
which the tip 18, weight 16 and then shaft 14 of a dart 10 are inserted 
for storage and/or transport. Grooves 162', 172', 182' and grooves formed 
each between facing planar surface 160' provide spaces for safe 
insertional travel of each dart's feathers 12 when inserted therein. 
To provide protection for tip 18 of each dart 10 and also to provide a 
storage of energy whereby a released dart 10 is partially ejected from 
carriage 100' such that each dart 10 is easily removed from carriage 100' 
without harm to a feather 12, a compressible spring 130 is placed in each 
bore 132'. The internal diameter of each compressible spring is less than 
the diameter of shaft 14 and greater than the diameter of tip 18. As seen 
in FIG. 8, each spring 130 comprises an end loop 138 of expanded diameter. 
At the blind end 124' of each bore 132', a segmented semicircular groove 
148' of a diameter which will accept loop 138 is placed in similar fashion 
to placement of loop 138 in groove 148 in carrier 100. Before segment 110' 
is joined to segment 120', a spring 130 is placed in each bore 132' such 
that loop 138 lies in a segmented groove 148' and spring 130 is thereby 
retained in position in bore 132' after the segments are joined. The 
compressed length of each compressible spring 130 is longer than a tip 18, 
thereby protecting the end of each tip 18 when a dart 10 compressibly 
engages spring 130. 
At each end of each segment 110' and 120', is a planar surface 164' which 
is normal to inner planes 134' and 160'. Extending beyond each surface 
164', in base 128' is a tongue 152' as best seen in FIG. 8. On one side, a 
surface of each tongue 152' is an extension of a corresponding base 128 to 
an end surface 174'. Surface 174' is connected normally to associated base 
128 on one long edge 76'. On the other long edge 78' of surface 174', an 
acute angle is formed with a planar surface 154' thereby forming each 
tongue 152'. A pair of juxtaposed tongues 152 extending from each opposing 
end 290 of each segment 110' and 120' act in combination to hold the 
slidably inserted cover 140 when segments 110' and 120' are joined. At end 
290, each tongue 152' is medially joined to associated surface 164'. 
Tongue 152' at end 280 is identical, but of opposite hand to tongue 152'. 
Proximal cover 140, best seen in FIG. 8 is used to retain each dart 10 at 
end 290 within an associated bore 132' in carrier 100'. Another identical 
cover 140 confines parts stored in compartments 96' and 98' at end 280 of 
the assembled carrier 100' in similar manner as compartments 96 and 98 are 
confined to store like parts in carrier 100. In this currently preferred 
embodiment, each cover 140 slidably attaches to an end of carrier 100' in 
the same manner as cover 140 attaches to carrier 100. 
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing 
from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present 
embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative 
and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the 
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all change 
which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are 
therefore intended to be embraced therein.