A dual-diameter arrow shaft is disclosed. An arrow shaft is disclosed with a proximal diameter and a distal diameter, wherein the proximal diameter is smaller than the distal diameter, wherein the distal diameter is approximately equal to the diameter of a standard shaft hunting arrow, while the proximal diameter is approximately equal to that of a micro-diameter shaft hunting arrow. The arrow may have more weight front of center, and the distal diameter of the arrow may be suited for installing standard-sized inserts and additions to the arrow, while the proximal diameter is smaller than the distal diameter for better flight. The distal diameter is large enough for a sleeve with extra weight to fit snugly over the arrow shaft.

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to archery, and more particularly, to hunting arrows and dual diameter arrow shafts.

The bow hunting of big game animals is a popular sport, particularly in the United States. White-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, antelope and bear are only a few of the species currently being hunted. State-of-the-art hunting arrows are typically made of fiberglass, aluminum, carbon reinforced plastic or composite materials and are provided with a removable and interchangeable tip, or “broadhead.” The type, size, weight, etc., of a broadhead may be changed depending upon the animal being hunted, the weather conditions, the terrain, etc. In addition, weights may be added to the front of the arrow in order to increase the amount of weight that is Front of Center (FOC), which generally increases the penetrating power of a hunting arrow. The arrow itself varies in length depending upon the person shooting and the draw length of the bow. It ranges from 14 inches to 31 inches, or longer. The length of the arrow varies mainly according to the draw length of the bow (which depends on the calibration of the bow and the person shooting it (for a compound bow) or the length of the bow (which varies according to the person shooting it) (for a longbow or recurve bow). It also depends on the type of tip being used (often a broadhead in hunting), the experience of the person shooting, and the bow itself. Arrow shafts are generally manufactured long and are cut to the proper size for a particular bow upon being purchased. The arrow also can vary in diameter: Many archery target shooting organizations allow arrows up to 10.7 mm in diameter, while some allow only arrows up to 9.3 mm in diameter. Most hunting arrows, however, have significantly smaller diameters, to allow for less wind resistance and to decrease the effect a cross wind might have on a shot. It is generally accepted that smaller-diameter arrow have better penetration such that many hunters prefer smaller diameter arrows. Very small diameter shafts are known as micro-diameter shafts. Micro-diameter shafts can achieve better penetration and are less affected by the wind and air resistance.

Sometimes an archer may desire to add weights or other additions (such as a tracking device) to an arrow. Weights can often be added to the front of an arrow to aid in the penetration. However, some weights, as well as other inserts that can be installed on an arrow, are often designed to fit a standard-sized arrow, and many will not fit on a micro-diameter arrow. In addition, installing a broadhead on a micro-diameter arrow may require the addition of an outsert, which can cause the breakage of an arrow if the angle of penetration for the arrow is far from the perpendicular. As such, an archer must choose whether to use a smaller-diameter arrow or use the additions. As such, there is a need for an arrow shaft with a diameter that fits the sleeve in the area where the sleeve is attached to the arrow, but which has a smaller diameter throughout the main shaft of the arrow to allow an archer to keep at least some of the benefits of a micro-diameter arrow. The features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out herein.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a shaft of a hunting arrow designed to have a larger diameter on the first four inches of the arrow and a second diameter throughout most of the arrow. This allows for a sleeve weight to snugly fit on the front four inches of the arrow while allowing the remainder of the arrow to have a smaller diameter for better flight and penetration.

Another illustrative embodiment shows the shaft used to construct a full hunting arrow with tip, fletching, and nock attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the devices, systems, processes and methods will be disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular illustrative embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” “having” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

As used herein, the term “proximal” shall refer broadly to the concept of a nearest portion. For example, the end of the arrow comprising fletching is the proximal-most portion of the arrow, because it is the nearest portion to the shooter as the arrow is traveling toward a target. As such, the “proximal” end of the arrow may also be referred to as the “back” of the arrow.

As used herein, the term “distal” shall generally refer to the opposite of proximal, and thus to the concept of a further portion, or a furthest portion, depending upon the context. For example, the end of an arrow comprising the tip is the distal-most portion of the arrow, because it is the farthest portion to the shooter as the arrow is traveling toward a target. Therefore the “distal” end of an arrow may also be referred to as the “front” of the arrow.

As used herein, the phrase “in an at least partially proximal-to-distal direction” shall refer generally to a two-dimensional concept of direction in which the “proximal-to-distal” direction defines one direction or dimension. An item that extends in a non-parallel direction with respect to the “proximal-to-distal” direction, that is, at a non-straight angle thereto, thereby involves two components of direction, one of which is in the “proximal-to-distal” direction and the other being in a direction orthogonal to the “proximal-to-distal” direction.

FIG.1Aillustrates one embodiment of a dual-diameter arrow. Said arrow is designed to have a portion of the arrow which has one diameter, and a second portion which has a different diameter, with a connecting section in-between where the diameter slowly tapers from the first diameter to the second diameter. The arrow may be made of carbon fiber. The arrow may be molded by layering carbon fiber into the mold and filling the mold with resin, as known in the art, or it may be spun, by winding the carbon fiber around a mandrel, or core. Other methods of manufacturing carbon fiber arrows may be used, as any method of manufacture which may be used to produce the proper shape as disclosed herein is intended to be encompassed by this disclosure. While this disclosure is primarily directed to arrows made of carbon fiber, it is to be understood that arrows with a similar shape could be created out of other materials, such as aluminum, wood, or bamboo, and that similar arrows created out of other materials are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure.

Still referring toFIG.1A, the arrow shaft100may have a “distal” section101, a “middle” section102, and a “proximal” section103, where “section” defines a fractional portion of the arrow. In one embodiment, the distal section101has a diameter104of approximately 0.313 inches (7.94 mm). In another embodiment, the distal section101may have a diameter of approximately 0.30 inches (7.64 mm). The distal section101may have a length of approximately 4.00 inches (101.6 mm). In one embodiment, the middle section102may have a distal diameter105of 0.313 inches on the distal end of the middle section102and a proximal diameter106of 0.244 inches (6.2 mm) on the proximal end of the middle section102. In one embodiment, the diameter of the arrow tapers evenly across the middle section102from the distal diameter105to the proximal diameter106. In one embodiment, the middle section102may have a length of 0.75 inches (19.5 mm). In one embodiment, the distal section has a larger diameter equivalent to that of a standard diameter hunting arrow. As such, inserts, broadheads, and additional equipment, such as tracking devices or additional weights may be installed on the distal section with little to no adjustment that would be required for a micro-diameter arrow shaft.

Still referring toFIG.1A, in one embodiment, the proximal section103encompasses the remainder of the arrow, from the middle section102to the proximal end110of the arrow. In one embodiment, the proximal section103may be approximately 27.25 inches (692.15 mm) long. In one embodiment, the proximal section103has a diameter107of approximately 0.244 inches (6.2 mm). In another embodiment, the proximal section103may have a diameter107of approximately 0.126 inches (3.2 mm). In yet another embodiment, the proximal section103may have a diameter of 0.165 inches (4.2 mm). In one embodiment, the smaller diameter of the proximal section of the arrow provides less resistance upon penetration of target, for example when hunting. This allows the arrow to penetrate further while hunting and gives better results. In one embodiment, the straightness of the arrow shaft may be approximately +/−0.003 inch. In another embodiment, the straightness of the shaft may be +/−0.001 inch.

In one illustrative embodiment, the sections of the arrow may be of different lengths, such that the middle section102may not actually include the mathematical center of the arrow. In one embodiment, the proximal section103may make up the majority of the length of the arrow, such that both the distal section101and the middle section102are forward of the mathematical center of the arrow. In one embodiment, this may cause the arrow to have more weight forward of the center, which may increase the stability of the arrow. In one embodiment, the proximal section may have one diameter, referred to as the “proximal” diameter, while the distal section may have a second, different diameter, referred to as the “distal” diameter. In one embodiment the “middle” section may have a diameter which evenly tapers from the “distal” diameter to the “proximal” diameter, such that there is no sudden change in diameter. In one embodiment the distal diameter may be greater than the proximal diameter.

In one illustrative embodiment of a dual-diameter arrow101, shown inFIG.1B, the distal interior diameter114, which is the interior diameter of the distal section101of the arrow shaft, may be greater than the proximal interior diameter117, which is the interior diameter of the proximal section103of the arrow shaft100. In one embodiment, the distal thickness124, which may be the thickness of the wall of the arrow shaft in the distal section101may be smaller than the proximal thickness127, which may be the thickness of the wall of the arrow shaft in the proximal section103of the arrow.

Still referring toFIG.1B, in one embodiment of the instant disclosure, the interior diameter of the arrow in the middle section102gradually decreases throughout the middle section from the distal interior diameter114at the distal end of the middle section105to the proximal interior diameter117at the proximal end106of the middle section, while the thickness gradually increases from the distal thickness124to the proximal thickness127. In one embodiment, the distal interior diameter114is approximately 0.247 inches (6.27 mm), while the proximal interior diameter117is approximately 0.1654 inches (4.2 mm). The distal thickness124is approximately 0.066 inches (1.67 mm) and the proximal thickness127is approximately 0.0786 inches (2 mm). The change in thickness may help strengthen the arrow in the portions of the arrow which have a smaller diameter and require additional strength.

In another illustrative embodiment of a dual-diameter arrow shaft, shown inFIG.2A, the distal section201of the arrow has a distal diameter204of between approximately 0.275 inches and 0.393 inches (7 mm-10 mm). In another embodiment, the distal diameter204is approximately 0.31 inches (7.9 mm). The distal section201may have a length of between 4 inches and approximately 6 inches (101 mm-153 mm). In another illustrative embodiment, the length of the distal section is approximately 5.2 inches (132 mm). In one embodiment the middle section202may have a distal diameter205which is equal to the distal diameter204of the arrow shaft itself, while having a proximal diameter206equal to a proximal diameter of the arrow shaft itself. In one embodiment, the diameter of the arrow tapers evenly across the middle section202from the distal diameter205to the proximal diameter206. In one embodiment, the middle section202may have a length of between approximately 5 inches and approximately 7 inches (127 mm-178 mm). In another embodiment, the middle section may have a length of approximately 6.1 inches (155 mm). In one embodiment, the distal section has a larger diameter equivalent to that of a standard diameter hunting arrow. As such, inserts, broadheads, and additional equipment, such as tracking devices or additional weights may be installed on the distal section with little to no adjustment that would be required for a micro-diameter arrow shaft.

Still referring toFIG.2A, in one exemplary embodiment of the instant invention, the proximal section203encompasses the remainder of the arrow, from the middle section202to the proximal end210of the arrow. In one embodiment this length is approximately 20.7 inches (526 mm). In one embodiment the total length of the arrow is approximately 32 inches, but the total length may be any length which is appropriate for a hunting arrow, depending on the bow in which is to be used. In one embodiment, the proximal section203has a diameter207of between approximately 0.12 inches and approximately 0.28 inches (3-7 mm). In one embodiment, the diameter of the proximal section is approximately 0.255 inches (6.47 mm). In one embodiment, the smaller diameter of the proximal section of the arrow provides less resistance upon penetration of target, for example when hunting. This feature may allow the arrow to penetrate further into the target when hunting and provide better results.

In another illustrative embodiment of a dual diameter arrow shaft200, represented inFIG.2B, showing a cross-sectional view of the arrow, the distal interior diameter214, which is the interior diameter of the distal section201of the arrow shaft, may be greater than the proximal interior diameter217, which is the interior diameter of the proximal section203of the arrow shaft200. In one embodiment, the distal thickness224, which may be the thickness of the wall of the arrow shaft in the distal section201may be smaller than the proximal thickness227, which may be the thickness of the wall of the arrow shaft in the proximal section203of the arrow. The change in thickness may help strengthen the arrow in the portions of the arrow which have a smaller diameter and provide additional strength to avoid the arrow breaking upon impact at the target.

Still referring toFIG.2B, in one embodiment of the instant disclosure, the interior diameter of the arrow in the middle section202gradually decreases throughout the middle section from the distal interior diameter214at the distal end of the middle section205to the proximal interior diameter217at the proximal end of the middle section206, while the thickness gradually increases from the distal thickness224to the proximal thickness227. In one embodiment, the distal interior diameter214may be approximately 0.245 inches (6.22 mm), while the proximal interior diameter217is approximately 0.165 inches (4.19 mm). The distal thickness224may be approximately 0.033 inches (0.84 mm) and the proximal thickness227may be approximately 0.046 inches (1.2 mm).

In another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the distal section of the shaft may be equal to the diameter of any standard-diameter hunting arrow. This diameter may be from between approximately 7 mm and approximately 10 mm. The diameter of the proximal section of the shaft is equal to the diameter of a micro-diameter hunting arrow shaft. In one embodiment, the middle section of the arrow shaft may have a length which varies depending on the difference between the diameter of the of the shaft in the proximal section and the diameter of the shaft in the distal section. In one embodiment, where the diameter of the distal section is 0.311 inches (7.9 mm) and the diameter of the proximal section is 0.255 inches (6.5 mm), the middle section may have a length of 6.11 inches (155 mm). In this case the rate of the change in diameter of the middle section is 0.009. In one embodiment, this is the proper amount for the arrow shaft to taper. With greater or lesser diameter shafts, the middle section may be longer or shorter, as is needed. However, the middle section may also taper somewhat more sharply or less sharply to give the middle section102a different length as needed. Nothing in this disclosure is meant to limit the tapering or length of the middle section of the arrow shaft.

As shown inFIGS.1A and1B and2A and2B, in some embodiments of a dual-diameter arrow shaft, the distal diameter is similar to that of other hunting arrows, while the proximal diameter, which includes the majority of the arrow shaft, has the diameter of a micro-diameter arrow. In one embodiment, the distal diameter is that of a standard hunting arrow, for which any number of inserts or outserts may be commercially manufactured, allowing said commercial inserts, outserts, or tips to be installed on the arrow. These inserts may include, but are not limited to, tracking devices, extra weights, broadheads, other arrow tips, or other additions. In one embodiment of the invention, the greater diameter of the distal section provides greater stability and strength for the arrow than that of an arrow shaft with a small diameter throughout, helping prevent breakage of the arrow upon impact with the target and improve arrow penetration.

In one embodiment of the instant disclosure, the proximal diameter is similar to that of a micro-diameter shaft. This may allow an archer to use standard commercially manufactured micro-diameter nocks in the arrow. In one embodiment, the smaller diameter may give less drag on the arrow as the arrow passes through a target than an arrow which has a standard diameter throughout, allowing for more penetrating power. In one embodiment the diameter of the majority of the arrow is the diameter of the proximal section of the arrow, giving the arrow many of the other advantages of a micro-diameter arrow, such as improved penetration due to less drag. In one embodiment, this feature creates an arrow wherein accessories and tips made for a standard-sized arrow can be used on the distal section of the arrow, and the distal section of the arrow is strengthened where the tip and accessories are attached, while the penetration is improved by the smaller diameter shaft of the proximal section.

In one embodiment of a dual-diameter arrow shaft, the different sections of the arrow may have different lengths than expressed above. While the measurements above represent embodiments of the instant disclosure, the instant disclosure also contemplates arrow shafts which may have different-length sections than expressed above. By way of example and not limitation, the middle section of the arrow shaft may be extended to be longer and provide a more gradual taper, or the distal section of the arrow may be extended to provide additional space at the front of the arrow with a wider arrow shaft for the installation of arrow inserts or additional components.

In cutting the arrow shaft to the proper length for a bow, in general the proximal section of the arrow shaft would be cut, leaving the distal section at the same length as manufactured. However, either the distal section or the proximal section may be cut. In general, the proximal section would be cut, leaving the distal section having a length of approximately 5.18 inches, but the distal section may be cut to a shorter length in fitting the arrow to the bow if desired by the user. In one embodiment, the total length of the arrow shaft may be approximately thirty-two (32) inches, however, this may be adjusted as needed for individual bows.

One embodiment of this disclosure comprises a pre-made arrow shaft ready to be cut to fit the appropriate draw length of a bow it is to be used with. In one embodiment the arrow is cut on the proximal section so as to not affect the distal section of the arrow.

In a further embodiment, the distal end of the arrow may be heavier than the proximal end, providing a greater weight front of center for the arrow. In this embodiment the center of mass of the arrow is nearer to the distal end than it is to the proximal end.

In a another embodiment of the arrow shaft of the instant disclosure, the arrow shaft may be designed to be used with a weight affixed to the front (distal) portion of the arrow. This weight provides additional weight to the front of the arrow. In one embodiment this weight may be designed to be attached to the distal end of an arrow shaft by sliding along it as a sleeve. In another embodiment this weight may be screwed into the distal end of the arrow shaft, which may be provided with a threaded bore to attach additional elements to. In another embodiment, any insert or addition which may be added to a standard-sized hunting arrow may be attached to the distal section of the arrow shaft.

In one embodiment of the instant disclosure, the arrow shaft is used to create a complete arrow, attaching fletching and a nock to the proximal end and attaching a broadhead or fieldpoint to the distal end. The point, fletching, and nock may be attached in any manner known in the art. In addition, other additions may be added to the arrow, such as weights or tracking devices. In one embodiment, points and other additions designed for use with a larger diameter arrow may be attached to the distal section of the arrow. One of the advantages of the instant disclosure is that additions for smaller or micro-diameter arrows are more difficult to make without causing the shaft to break, and so it may be easier to find points and other additions which fit a larger diameter arrow. In one embodiment, additional weight may be added to the arrow in the form of a sleeve designed to fit a standard diameter hunting arrow. In one embodiment, the distal section of the arrow has a diameter which is designed to allow said sleeve to fit snugly on the arrow, while the proximal section of the arrow has a smaller diameter which reduces drag and increases penetrating power by reducing friction as the arrow passes through an animal. In addition, the greater diameter of the front section may reduce the breakage of arrows upon impact.

In cutting the arrow to length, generally the proximal end is cut to length in order to avoid altering the distal end. In another embodiment, an additional weight in the form of a sleeve is attached to the distal end. In an embodiment the inner diameter of this sleeve is equal to the diameter of the distal section of the arrow.

One embodiment of the instant disclosure may embody a method for installing additions designed for larger diameter arrows on an arrow while having greater penetrating power and less resistance characteristic of a smaller diameter arrow shaft. This embodiment may include providing an arrow shaft as shown inFIG.2Aand described above, having a distal section with a larger diameter. In one embodiment, the distal section has a diameter equivalent to that of a standard hunting arrow. The arrow may also have a proximal section having a diameter smaller than that of the distal section in order to reduce drag and increase penetration power. In one embodiment, the diameter of the proximal section may be equivalent to that of a micro-diameter hunting arrow shaft. In one embodiment, the proximal section may make up the majority of the arrow. Finally, in one embodiment the arrow also comprises a middle section wherein the diameter tapers from the distal diameter to the proximal diameter. The arrow additions may be broadheads, other types of tips for the arrow, inserts, outserts such as weights, or other additions such as tracking devices, which are designed to be installed on a standard-diameter arrow. Any other type of addition to the arrow which is designed to be installed on a larger diameter or standard diameter shaft is intended to be encompassed by this disclosure. These additions are then installed on the distal section of the arrow just as they would be on a standard diameter arrow. The proximal section of the arrow has a smaller diameter, thereby providing the greater penetrating power and smaller resistance characteristic of a micro-diameter arrow. The advantages may not be precisely the same as an arrow which has a micro-diameter shaft throughout; however, the arrow maintains advantages of both the standard shaft in choice and variety and some of the increased penetrating power and other advantages of the micro-diameter shaft.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/698,762, filed Nov. 27, 2019, for System and Method for Modifying the Trajectory of an Arrow, is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the disclosure.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.