Modular Spear

A modular spear that has three interchangeable sections, namely, a spear tip, a spear shaft, and a tail end, allowing the spear to be adapted for many situations. The spear shaft has an elongated body into which a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity are terminally are bored; the first receiving cavity being positioned opposite the second receiving cavity along the elongated body. Furthermore, the spear shaft has a first fastener assembly and a second fastener assembly for securing the spear tip and the tail end to the spear shaft. The first fastener assembly is positioned about the first receiving cavity, while the second fastener assembly is positioned about the second receiving cavity. The spear tip is positioned through the first fastener assembly and into the first receiving cavity. Meanwhile, the tail end is positioned through the second fastener assembly and into the second receiving cavity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of hunting tools. More specifically, the present invention is a modular spear having three interchangeable sections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bow fishing has grown in popularity over the years due to a number of reasons, such as increased exposure to the sport and the growing populations of invasive species like rough fish. To legally partake in the sport of bow fishing, one must tether their arrows before firing them into the water. This is to prevent fish from escaping, taking along with them the arrow, which could pose an ecological threat to the waterways, danger to other humans or animals, etc. While the popularity of bow fishing has increased, it is still not inclusive to all parties, namely, disabled people or people who cannot otherwise operate a bow. For example, someone missing a limb would find difficulty in notching an arrow and firing a bow. Thus, a single-handed instrument would be ideal for such handicapped individuals wishing to partake in the sport of bow fishing. A tethered spear would provide the ideal single-handed instrument for achieving a feeling similar to that of using a bow.

The spear is a hand thrown multi-use tool that can be used to harvest fish, alligators, and any legal big game animals. When using a spear for hunting fish, alligators or crocodiles, spear game law requires the tool to be tethered or have a line attached to it. The user then has the option to retrieve the quarry by hand with the tether or use a fishing pole/reel for added sport. If so desired, a floating device can also be attached to the tether (typical when hunting alligators and crocodiles), etc. When used as a game spear the user could attach a tracking string to aid in the recovery of game or recovery of the spear. In some instances, a standard lighted component/receiver could be attached to the back end of the spear as a means of tracking of game and or recovery of the spear. While it is evident that a means of attachment for a tether, or other peripheral, are helpful or necessary in many hunting situations, many spears are not adapted for such attachments. Furthermore, there is not an easy way for modifying a spear in order to accommodate the attachment of a tether.

When spear hunting it can be common for the spear tip to become damaged, or broken completely, thus requiring replacement. Replacing a broken or damaged spear tip is an arduous process and typically involves the use of an adhesive which takes time to set, thus preventing spears from being fixed in a practical manner while out hunting. Furthermore, in extreme cases it may be impossible for the spear tip alone to be replaced, thus adding on to the cost incurred by the user.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular spear having three modular sections. The present invention includes a spear tip, a spear shaft, and a tail end, wherein the spear tip and the tail end are removably attached to opposite ends of the spear shaft. This allows one or more pieces of the present invention to be replaced independent of each other, thus leading to less costs incurred by the user and time saved when performing modifications or replacements. The spear shaft includes a first fastener assembly and a second fastener assembly that allow for the secure attachment of the spear tip and the tail end. Furthermore, the first fastener assembly and the second fastener assembly allow for the quick attachment or removal of the spear tip and the tail end to or from the spear shaft. This allows the user to switch tips for the correct application in an efficient manner (e.g. transitioning from a practice head to a hunting broad head to a spearfishing head).

With the growing population of invasive rough fish (and other species of fish) and the growing popularity of bow fishing, the present invention aids in adding new dimensions to the sport. Users can experience the past while aiding in the control of invasive rough fish (and other overpopulated species). The present invention also allows individuals with physical limitations to target rough fish. While these limitations prevent them from being able to draw and shoot archery equipment (the most common tool for harvesting rough fish), the present invention can be operated with one hand making it more accessible to a greater number of people. Rough fish are here to stay, so we might as well take every advantage of the resource.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a modular spear having three interchangeable sections. More specifically, the present invention comprises a spear tip1, a spear shaft2, and a tail end3. In reference toFIG. 1-2, the spear tip1and the tail end3are removably attached to opposite ends of the spear shaft2, such that the spear tip1and the tail end3can be removed or replaced as needed. This allows for the present invention to be modified on the go, which provides a more adaptable hunting instrument and also allows broken pieces to be more easily replaced.

The spear shaft2accounts for a majority of the length of the present invention, wherein the spear shaft2comprises an elongated body20, a first receiving cavity21, and a second receiving cavity22. The elongated body20provides the main body of the spear shaft2and is the portion of the present invention that is held by a user when throwing the present invention. The first receiving cavity21and the second receiving cavity22terminally traverse into the elongated body20, wherein the first receiving cavity21and the second receiving cavity22are positioned opposite each other along the elongated body20, as depicted inFIG. 3. The first receiving cavity21and the second receiving cavity22provide mounting points to the spear shaft2, into which the spear tip1and the tail end3are positioned, respectively, as depicted inFIG. 4.

In reference toFIG. 2-3, in some embodiments of the present invention, the spear shaft2further comprises a first fastener assembly23and a second fastener assembly24. The first fastener assembly23and the second fastener assembly24are terminally connected to the elongated body20. The first fastener assembly23is used to secure the spear tip1within the first receiving cavity21, while the second fastener assembly24is used to secure the tail end3within the second receiving cavity22. As such, the first fastener assembly23is positioned about the first receiving cavity21. Meanwhile, the second fastener assembly24is positioned about the second receiving cavity22. In reference toFIG. 4, to secure the spear tip1to the spear shaft2, the spear tip1is positioned through the first fastener assembly23into the first receiving cavity21, wherein the first fastener assembly23is then tightened. Similarly, to secure the tail end3to the spear shaft2, the tail end3is positioned through the second fastener assembly24into the second receiving cavity22, wherein the second fastener assembly24is then tightened

In reference toFIG. 3-5, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first fastener assembly23comprises a first receiving fitting230, a first compression fastener232, a first ferrule231, and a first set screw233. The first receiving fitting230is connected around the elongated body20(and the first receiving cavity21), while the first compression fastener232is threadedly engaged with the first receiving fitting230opposite the second fastener assembly24. The first ferrule231is positioned in between the first receiving fitting230and the first compression fastener232, wherein the first ferrule231is deformed in order to impart a force on the spear tip1as the first compression fastener232is tightened about the first receiving fitting230. Meanwhile, the first set screw233traverses through the first receiving fitting230and the elongated body20, wherein the first set screw233engages with the spear tip1to further secure the spear tip1within the first receiving cavity21.

To attach the spear tip1to the spear shaft2, the first set screw233and the first compression fastener232are loosened or removed entirely. The first set screw233may be fully removed from the threaded hole bored through the first receiving fitting230and the elongated body20, or the first set screw233may be loosened, such that the first set screw233does not obstruct the full passage of the first the spear tip1into the first receiving cavity21. The first compression fastener232may be fully detached from the first receiving fitting230, or the first compression fastener232may be loosened, such that the first compressions fitting is relaxed from the first receiving fitting230and the first ferrule231is decompressed. With the first set screw233and the first compression fastener232either loosened or removed, the spear shaft2is positioned through each of the first compression fastener232, the first ferrule231, and the first receiving fitting230into the first receiving cavity21. The first set screw233and the first compression fastener232are then tightened to secure the spear tip1to the spear shaft2.

In such embodiments, the first receiving fitting230, the first ferrule231, and the first compression fastener232form a compression fitting. As the first compression fastener232is tightened onto the first receiving fitting230, the ends of the first ferrule231are clamped around the spear tip1, thereby securing the spear tip1to the spear shaft2. Meanwhile, the addition of the first set screw233provides a dual-means for securing the spear tip1to the spear shaft2. As the first set screw233is tightened, the first set screw233laterally engages the spear tip1, wherein the first set screw233applies a lateral force on the spear tip1that clamps the spear tip1between the first set screw233and the interior wall of the elongated body20. The dual-means of securing the spear tip1to the spear shaft2provides a failsafe in the event that either the first set screw233or the first fastener assembly23fails during implementation of the present invention.

To detach the spear tip1from the spear shaft2, the first set screw233is loosened or removed entirely. Similarly, the first compression fastener232is loosened or detached from the first receiving fitting230entirely, such that the first compression fastener232is able to freely slide along the spear tip1. With the first set screw233and the first compression fastener232either loosened or removed, the spear shaft2is pulled out of the first receiving cavity21and out through each of the first receiving fitting230, the first ferrule231, and the first compression fastener232.

In reference toFIG. 3-4andFIG. 6, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second fastener assembly24comprises a second receiving fitting240, a second compression fastener242, a second ferrule241, and a second set screw243. The second receiving fitting240is connected around the elongated body20(and the second receiving cavity22), while the second compression fastener242is threadedly engaged with the second receiving fitting240opposite the first fastener assembly23. The second ferrule241is positioned in between the second receiving fitting240and the second compression fastener242, wherein the second ferrule241is deformed in order to impart a force on the tail end3as the second compression fastener242is tightened about the second receiving fitting240. Meanwhile, the second set screw243traverses through the second receiving fitting240and the elongated body20, wherein the second set screw243engages with the tail end3to further secure the tail end3within the second receiving cavity22.

To attach the tail end3to the spear shaft2, the second set screw243and the second compression fastener242are loosened or removed entirely. The second set screw243may be fully removed from the threaded hole bored through the second receiving fitting240and the elongated body20, or the second set screw243may be loosened, such that the second set screw243does not obstruct the full passage of the second the tail end3into the second receiving cavity22. The second compression fastener242may be fully detached from the second receiving fitting240, or the second compression fastener242may be loosened, such that the second compressions fitting is relaxed from the second receiving fitting240and the second ferrule241is decompressed. With the second set screw243and the second compression fastener242either loosened or removed, the spear shaft2is positioned through each of the second compression fastener242, the second ferrule241, and the second receiving fitting240into the second receiving cavity22. The second set screw243and the second compression fastener242are then tightened to secure the tail end3to the spear shaft2.

In such embodiments, the second receiving fitting240, the second ferrule241, and the second compression fastener242form a compression fitting. As the second compression fastener242is tightened onto the second receiving fitting240, the ends of the second ferrule241are clamped around the tail end3, thereby securing the tail end3to the spear shaft2. Meanwhile, the addition of the second set screw243provides a dual-means for securing the tail end3to the spear shaft2. As the second set screw243is tightened, the second set screw243laterally engages the tail end3, wherein the second set screw243applies a lateral force on the tail end3that clamps the tail end3between the second set screw243and the interior wall of the elongated body20. The dual-means of securing the tail end3to the spear shaft2provides a failsafe in the event that either the second set screw243or the second fastener assembly24fails during implementation of the present invention.

To detach the tail end3from the spear shaft2, the second set screw243is loosened or removed entirely. Similarly, the second compression fastener242is loosened or detached from the second receiving fitting240entirely, such that the second compression fastener242is able to freely slide along the tail end3. With the second set screw243and the second compression fastener242either loosened or removed, the spear shaft2is pulled out of the second receiving cavity22and out through each of the second receiving fitting240, the second ferrule241, and the second compression fastener242.

In reference toFIG. 7, the spear tip1provides the piercing end of the present invention, or the forward-facing end when the present invention is thrown. The spear tip1comprises a tip shaft10and a spear head12. The tip shaft10provides the portion of the spear tip1that engages with the elongated body20and the first fastener assembly23, while the spear head12provides the piercing end of the spear tip1. As such, the spear head12is terminally connected to the tip shaft10in order to make first contact with the target. To attach the spear tip1to the spear shaft2, the free end of the tip shaft10is positioned through the first fastener assembly23into the first receiving cavity21, while the spear head12is positioned opposite the first receiving cavity21along the tip shaft10. The first set screw233is then tightened to engage the tip shaft10, while the first compression fastener232is tightened such that the first ferrule231is compressed to engage with the tip shaft10. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spear head12has a single tine. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the spear head12may have more than one tine. In some embodiments of the present invention, the spear tip1comprises only the tip shaft10, such that the user may attach a spear point of their own choice.

In reference toFIG. 8, the tail end3provides the stabilizing end of the present invention, or the rear-facing end when the present invention is thrown. The tail end3comprises a tail shaft30and a line connector31. The tail shaft30provides the portion of the tail end3that engages with the elongated body20and the second fastener assembly24, while the line connector31provides a means for tethering the present invention. The line connector31is terminally connected to the tail shaft30, such that the tether does not interfere with throwing the present invention. To attach the tail end3to the spear shaft2, the free end of the tail shaft30is positioned through the second fastener assembly24into the second receiving cavity22, while the line connector31is positioned opposite the second receiving cavity22along the tail shaft30. The second set screw243is then tightened to engage the tail shaft30, while the second compression fastener242is tightened such that the second ferrule241is compressed to engage with the tail shaft30.

In reference toFIG. 9, in some embodiments of the present invention, the line connector31comprises an end cap32and a ring33. The end cap32is connected to the tail shaft30, while the ring33is coupled to the end cap32opposite the tail shaft30. The ring33is coupled to the end cap32through a hole in the end cap32. In this way, the ring33is able to pivot about the end cap32. The ring33provides an enlarged attachment point for a tether, thus better allowing for the attachment of tethers having different diameters or for the attachment of multiple tethers. In some other embodiments of the present invention, the line connector31may comprise only the end cap32, wherein a tether may be attached through the hole in the end cap32. In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the line connector31may be a hole that traverses through the tail shaft30, thus allowing a tether to directly engage with the tail shaft30.

In reference toFIG. 11, in some embodiments of the present invention, the ring33is coupled to the end cap32via a swivel component. The swivel component may be connected to the end cap32in a fixed position or connected such that the swivel component is able to pivot about the end cap32. The swivel component allows the ring33to rotate360degrees, thus providing uninhibited motion to the tether as the present invention is thrown. In some embodiments, the swivel component may be connected directly to the tail shaft30.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the elongated body20may be designed to be more aerodynamically efficient. This allows for the present invention to be thrown farther and with greater accuracy. As such, and in reference toFIG. 10, in some embodiments one end of the elongated body20is tapered towards the first fastener assembly23a, while the other end of the elongated body20is tapered towards the second fastener assembly24. It is also possible for only one end of the elongated body20to be tapered in some embodiments.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the inner wall of the elongated body20that delineates the first receiving cavity21is threaded. Similarly, the inner wall of the elongated body20that delineates the second receiving cavity22is threaded. Furthermore, the spear tip1and the tail end3each have a threaded end for engaging with the spear shaft2. More specifically, the free end of the tip shaft10(i.e. opposite the spear head12) is threaded, while the free end of the tail shaft30(i.e. opposite the line connector31) is threaded. To attach the spear tip1to the spear shaft2, the tip shaft10is simply screwed into the first receiving cavity21, and to remove the spear tip1from the spear shaft2, the tip shaft10is screwed out of the first receiving cavity21. Similarly, to attach the tail end3to the spear shaft2, the tail shaft30is simply screwed into the second receiving cavity22, and to remove the tail end3from the spear shaft2, the tail shaft30is screwed out of the second receiving cavity22.

In reference toFIG. 1, in some embodiments, the present invention further comprises a weight forward collar4. The weight forward collar4is connected around the spear tip1and is positioned along the spear tip1opposite the spear shaft2. More specifically, the weight forward collar4is connected around the tip shaft10. If the spear tip1includes the spear head12, then the weight forward collar4is positioned adjacent to the spear head12. If the spear tip1does not include the spear head12, then the weight forward collar4is positioned adjacent to the terminal end of the tip shaft10, such that a portion of the tip shaft10is available for the user to attach their own spear point to the tip shaft10. The weight forward collar4provides additional mass to the front of the present invention that in turn moves the center of gravity of the present invention closer to the spear tip1. The additional mass of the weight forward collar4adds to the momentum of the present invention when thrown and allows for a more accurate throw. The weight forward collar4may be constructed from materials having different weights and densities, wherein the actual weight of the weight forward collar4may vary from one embodiment to another depending on the desired throwing qualities of the present invention.