Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a scent carrying projectile comprising a scented portion made of a scent-carrying substance and a unscented portion, adjacent to said scented portion, said unscented portion made of an unscented substance. The scent carrying projectile can include a front conically shaped portion, a middle cylindrically shaped portion, adjacent to the front conically shaped portion, and an end cylindrical portion, adjacent to the middle cylindrical portion, wherein said front and middle portions are made of a scent-carrying substance, and further wherein said end cylindrical portion is made of an unscented substance. Further disclosed herein is a collapsible scent distributing airgun, a method of manufacturing a scented projectile, and a method of operating an collapsible scent distributing airgun with a scented projectile.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The embodiments described herein relate generally to hunting devices, and more specifically to an animal attractant/repellent device and method for delivery of the same. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Hunting in the United States is an extremely popular activity, especially in certain areas of the country. Hunting is generally considered a recreational activity, as very few people need to rely on their hunting prowess for sustenance. Nonetheless, whether it is small or large game, wild fowl or fishing, many participants do consume their catch. Hunting related industries include not only the firearms and ammunition, but also clothing, footwear, protective gear, hunting stands, scents, and many others. 
         [0003]    Hunting scents, which can be used as both lures, repellants, and masks, are a substantial part of the hunting industry. The use of scents as lures and repellents is extremely popular in the United States today, as well as in several other areas of the world, including, for example, Canada, Great Britain, Germany and other parts Europe, Asia, and Africa. It can be presumed that wherever game is hunted, the hunter seeks to increase the odds of collecting it by using lures, masks, and/or repellents. A lure, as its name implies, attempts to lure, or attract, an animal closer to a location where a hunter can be hiding, sometimes referred to as “blinds” or “traps.” The smell of a female animal in estrous, for example, can make male animals seek to find the “female,” causing the male to come closer to the area the hunter is lying in wait. Strictly speaking, a mask is a scent that tries to cover the smell of one animal or thing (humans, most likely) with the scent of something that can be an attractant, repellent, or something else. 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  illustrates a known hunting environment  20  in which hunter  6  uses scent  14  on certain areas around hunting blind  2 , and/or applies a scent/mask on hunter  6  to mask the presence of hunter  6 . Deer  16  is seen approaching blind  2 , oblivious of the presence of hunter  6 , because the attractive scent or lure  14  is one such that deer  6  is very attracted to. Further, mask  15  has been applied to the feet and legs of hunter  6  such that when dispersing scent  14 , the scent of hunter  6  did not get dispersed around blind  2 , which means that deer  16  probably has no idea that hunter  6  is in the vicinity. Through use of scent  14  and/or mask  15 , hunter  6  has gained a tactical advantage in pursuing, hunting and killing deer  16 . 
         [0005]    As discussed above, hunting lures are popular in the USA, as well as in many other countries. Hunting and outdoor recreation, comprised of two major categories, hunting and fishing, and wildlife watching, is a significant part of our nation&#39;s economy. According to one source (see, http://www.sbdcnet.org/small-business-research-reports/hunting-and-outdoor-recreation), in  2011 , over 108 billion dollars was spent in the outdoor recreation activities mentioned above, and of that, about 38 billion dollars in direct expenditures for hunting. Over 13 million people participate in hunting activities. Using well known multiplier effects, the economic effect of hunting activities increases to over 86 billion dollars. Thus, hunting activities, and its related equipment, are considerable parts of the U.S. economy. 
         [0006]    Typically, lures, repellents, and masks can and have been applied in all sorts of manner, from sprays and aerosols, to pure liquids in containers, to paint-ball type dispersants and deodorant-stick like means for applying the scents to trees, hunting blinds, and the hunters themselves. Because of the money spent by enthusiasts, it should not be surprising that many people have obtained patent protection for their devices. There are at least several categories of methods/products that have either been patented, or for which applications have been made. These include the scents or animals attractants; pellet types devices, similar to a paintball, in which liquid scent is somehow placed; slug-type projectiles, some of which can have liquid or another scent carrying mechanism inserted therein; and wax-matrix type products, wherein the scent is imbued within the wax. Further, there are several different categories of mechanisms that can be used to fling the scent to intended areas. These include: slingshots; bow-and-arrow type devices; and of course, pistols/rifles. 
         [0007]    In regard to scents or animals attractants, there is U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,901, to Weiser, entitled “Animal Scent Enhancer,” issued Nov. 21, 2000, and is directed towards animal scent attractants. The animal scent attractant includes a composition of matter for amplifying and preserving animal scents. Fox urine, coyote urine, deer urine, elk urine, moose urine, bear urine, rabbit urine, fish oils, and sheep manure are examples of substances that can be used. According to one example of the animal attractant of Weiser, the composition of matter is a powder comprising calcium carbonate and animal scent wherein the animal scent is preferably selected from the group consisting of liquid and freeze dried animal urine. The calcium carbonate is present in the composition between about 80-99%, most preferably between 85-95%, and the animal scent is present in the composition between about 1-20%, most preferably between about 5-10%. A percentage of animal scent below 1% results in a composition having an undesirable scent potency and a percentage of animal scent above 20% results in clumping of the powder. U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,929, to Burgeson et al., entitled “Viscous Scent Lure for Hunting,” issued Feb. 3, 2004, and is directed towards a viscous, non-liquid, non-gel scent lure for hunting, and consists of animal urine and a thickening agent. The thickening agent may comprise about 1% to about 7% by weight. The resulting viscosity of the solution ranges from about 1500 to about 10,000 centipoise. The viscous lure uses a thickening agent (Dow Methocel 4000), in the amount of 0.28 g. to 2 g. which is dissolved in 1 oz. of animal urine (preferably female deer urine). This produces a solution containing 1% to 7% of thickening agent (1 g.=0.035 oz.). About 0.57 g of Dow Methocel 4000 is dissolved in 1 oz. of animal urine, and this allegedly produces a scent lure that is thick enough to sling to smooth surfaces and that does not readily wash away in the rain. Further still, the scent lure is thin enough that it evaporates well, penetrates wick material effectively, flows slowly out of a bottle, adheres well to surfaces, and can allegedly penetrate into tight crevices. U.S. Pat. No. 6,855,313, to Parrigan, entitled “Animal Attractant,” issued Feb. 15, 2005, and is directed towards an animal attractant that is made from human urine and animal urine. The attractant consists of a mixture of 14 to 15 parts male human urine, and 1 to 2 parts animal urine. The human urine is aged for two to three days, and the attractant is a deer attractant. The attractant is a mixture of 14 to 15 parts human urine and 1 to 2 part deer urine. The human urine could be male, female, or female-during-menstruation human urine. The deer urine can be doe urine, doe urine in estrous, or buck urine, both natural and synthetic. The 6,855,313 patent alleges that male human urine mixed with synthetic buck urine works best. 
         [0008]    In the pellet-type category of devices, U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,496 to Kowalkowski, entitled “Scent Distributing Method for Hunters,” issued Apr. 19, 1994, and is directed towards a method for applying a scent to a hunting or other desired location without approaching the area or contaminating it with human scent. The desired scent is placed in a carrying projectile means such as a pellet for a projectile delivery means such as a carbon dioxide operated gun and fired from a distance to the desired location. The pellet can generally be made out of gelatin, and is designed to carry a liquid, which, upon impact, breaks, spreading the liquid carrying scent. U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,712 to Olson, entitled “Marking Pellet Fun and Rigid Fracturable Pellet Therefor,” issued Oct. 11, 1994, and is directed towards a target shooting capsule comprising a non-toxic, bio-degradable, injection molded shell of various shapes and forms having a dry wall thickness of from about 0.001 inches to about 0.1 inches, having a diameter from about 0.125 inches to about 1 inch, and containing a brightly colored water washable, non-toxic liquid dye fill material. U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,311 to Foster, entitled “Scent Pellet and Method,” issued on Mar. 13, 2011, and is directed towards a scent pellet that can be used by hunters to dispel a game scent into a desired area without leaving a human scent. The scent pellet has a pair of hemispherical body members that are coupled together. A game scent is introduced into the pellet through a capped opening located on one of the body members. The pellet can be propelled, by way of a compressed gas gun, a slingshot, or by throwing, into the desired area such that the pellet strikes a relatively hard object. Some of the game scent is released through the opening during pellet flight. The pellet is constructed of a material that will break the pellet up upon striking the object thereby releasing the game scent. The pellet can be constructed from a biodegradable material. U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,765 issued to Tuomikoski, entitled “Scent Lure Dispenser,” issued on Apr. 19, 2005, and is directed towards a reusable scent lure dispenser. One disclosed embodiment can be made of a variety of materials, large enough to throw, comprising two hemispherical body members, each having a planar flange extending along and attached to their outer periphery, a releasable means to couple the body members by their flanges, and a means along the flanges&#39; outer peripheries to form an airtight seal against one another, one body member also having scent openings on its flange within the means to form an airtight seal, and can include a scent carrier disposed within the interior of one of the body members. The lure dispenser can be colored for various appropriate applications. Reflective material may be attached to the exposed surfaces of the hemispherical body members to allow easy retrieval at night. A tab with a mounting hole can allow easy hanging, such as in a tree. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2012/0028742, filed by Van Der Linden, entitled “Scent Shooter,” published on Feb. 2, 2012, and is directed towards a scent shooter apparatus and scent filled pellet. The scent shooter can include a projectile launcher, and vessel can be coupled to the projectile launcher and configured to hold a pellet and release the pellet during operation of the apparatus. The apparatus can include a piercer mounted on the vessel, such that the piercer can be disposed to pierce the pellet during operation of the apparatus. The scent filled pellet can further include a hardened shell, and a control release agent may be disposed inside the pellet to control release of the scent. 
         [0009]    In the slug/cartridge type category of devices, U.S. Pat. No. 3,528,662 to Merchant, et al., entitled “Material Dispensing Projectile,” issued on Sep. 15, 1970, and is directed towards a projectile for dispensing liquid or powder material on a target upon impact and including a frangible cartridge having a weakened portion adapted to form a dispensing opening upon rupture of the cartridge. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2007/0181031, entitled “Frangible Slug,” filed by Romero, published on Aug. 9, 2007, and is directed towards methods and articles that can produce frangible slugs. A method of manufacturing a frangible slug includes heating substantially spherical metallic powdered particles, wherein substantially all of the powdered particles have diameters larger than 125 microns and smaller than 250 microns, to form heated powdered particles. The method includes heating a microcrystalline wax, to form a melted wax. The method also includes combining the heated powdered particles with the melted wax, to form a liquid mixture. The method further includes filling a payload cavity of a frangible slug container with the liquid mixture to form a liquid mixture payload. The frangible slug of Romero is typically used as a “door slug,” preferably by law enforcement individuals, to break down doors of alleged criminals, and the like. While Romero fails to discuss any aspect of hunting, and no mention of scenting, the frangible slug of Romero is significantly massive to be fired from a more-conventional type firearm, but operates in a completely different manner. The frangible slug of Romero is designed to literally disintegrate a very short time and distance after firing; its main use is to break door hardware apart, but then become very quickly inoperative, which it accomplishes by mixing melted wax with the metallic powdered particle so that it impact with a solid object causes it to fall quickly apart following firing. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2012/0085259, entitled “Cartridge for Light-Weighted Projectile, filed by Cronemberger, published on Apr. 12, 2012, and is directed towards a cartridge for light weighted projectiles. The cartridge of Cronemberger can fire a light-weight projectile, producing a pressure curve of the propellant gases similar to the pressure curve generated by the shot of a heavy weighted lead-core projectile. The cartridge propels the light-weighted projectile together with a capsule, which contains an inert load of high density metal powder. The capsule is divided in multiple parts, which disassemble when it leaves the firearm muzzle, spreading the metal powder in the air. The metal powder increases the mass which is accelerated by the propellant gases, keeping the pressure curve high enough to cycle a self-loading firearm mechanism. The metal powder consists of very thin particles which spreads and decelerates rapidly in the air, causing a controllable level of danger to personnel. 
         [0010]    In the wax-matrix type category of devices, there is U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2003/0071390, entitled “System and Method for Producing a Bait Station of Wax Matrix Material,” filed by Robinson, published on Apr. 17, 2003, and is directed towards a system and method of mass-producing a bait station of wax matrix material for pesticide or insecticide delivery. The apparatus and method includes a water-heated vat that supplies liquid wax matrix material to molds that may be of various forms in accordance with the desired bait station to be manufactured. A fluid pump pumps the wax matrix material from the vat through a tube into molding tubes. At a molding tube station, the molds are filled and then carried by a conveyer belt to a cooling tunnel. The wax-containing molds may be shaken by an in-line shaker in order to reduce air bubbles in the wax matrix. After the wax-containing molds are cooled by the cooling tunnel the conveyer carries them to a labeling station, after which the finished bait stations are removed from their molds and packaged. As further disclosed in the Robinson Application, the molds may be shaped to form bait stations that are thin strips of material that can be hung from or affixed to trees or other objects in the field. Alternatively, the molds may be in the shape that forms pellets that can be fired at objects such as trees in the field to form bat stations. At least one problem associated with such pellets, and strips, is that the scent that might be in the pellets could get on the fingers of the user when placing them in a pellet-expelling device. Further, such pellets may not have sufficient rigidity to be used in a gun-like device to be expelled a sufficient distance from the user of such devices. U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,786 to Wyatt, entitled “Attractant Scent and Solid Delivery Vehicle and Method Manufacture,” issued Oct. 14, 2003, is directed towards an attractant scent and solid delivery vehicle that allows the application of attractant scent or other types of scent using a solid delivery vehicle, from a convenient container similar to that used for underarm deodorant. The attractant scent is typically animal urine, but other attractant scents or other types of scents, could be substituted. Approximately 40 parts water, 30 parts urine or other attractant, and 30 parts propylene glycol are mixed in a double-jacketed container. Following heating and mixing, the cooling liquid can be poured into containers that include those used for underarm deodorant. In use, the attractant scent and solid delivery vehicle can be advanced from the container and a portion of the solid applied to form a thin coating on any desired surface, such as the bottom of a boot. U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,239 to Myny et al., entitled “Device for Dispensing Animal Scents,” issued on Nov. 18, 2003, and is directed towards a device for dispensing animal scents, for the attracting of animals such as deer. The device comprises a cylindrical outer housing, an inner assembly, slidably received within the housing and an absorbent wick disposed within the inner assembly for saturation with a liquid attractant such as deer urine. The inner assembly comprises a hollow cylinder with a wick disposed there through, and has a plurality of holes allowing the scent given off from the liquid attractant to diffuse into the air. The device can be selectively closed when so desired to prevent unnecessary dissipation of the attractant, and further prevent unnecessary evaporation. 
         [0011]    In regard to devices that can propel, or expel pellets, slugs and/or cartridges, there is first a slingshot type device. U.S. Pat. No. 7,900,620 to Walters et al., entitled “Slingshot Construction,” issued on Mar. 8, 2011, and is directed towards a slingshot for delivering (firing) a fragile, easily breakable shelled pellet, such as a gelatin shelled game scent ball, to a target site in a woods, field, or the like, whereby the pellet breaks apart at impact at the target site and disperses the scent. The pellet carrying breech structure is affixed to the slingshot pouch or firing bands, and is provided with an axially oriented pellet receiving cavity partly defined by flexible fingers which can hold the pellet in place when cocking the slingshot but that easily releases the pellet on firing. Such pellets are very common nowadays, for example, for use in paint ball activities. These pellets suffer from known deficiencies such as their frangibility, which can cause them to break apart before their intended use. For example, hunters could break the pellet apart in their hands. Further, gelatin is notoriously hydrophilic, meaning the slightest bit of moisture causes the gelatin to start breaking down. The Walter&#39;s patent allegedly overcomes that particular deficit by internally coating the pellet with wax, and can also form the outer shell as wax itself. However, such wax pellets would suffer from at least being far too soft to be fired from anything other than a slingshot. 
         [0012]    In further regard to propelling and expelling type devices, there are bow-and-arrow type devices. U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,446 to Bradt, entitled “Scent Projectile Missile and Launcher,” issued on Jul. 23, 1991, and is directed towards a device and method for better enabling outdoors-people to see more wild animals up more closely by helping to cover up or mask their human scent at a greater distance. The outdoorsman arrives at his or her desired location and then proceeds to launch scent missiles (loaded with desired scent) in different directions, using the launcher. Typically four such scent missiles will be launched in directions approximately ninety degrees from each other. This surrounds the outdoorsman with natural woodsy odors thereby covering up or masking his/her own human odors. In a second type of device, U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2010/0197430, entitled “Projectile Launched Media Reservoir,” filed by Martin, and published on Aug. 5, 2010, is directed towards a projectile having a launching assembly attached thereto for marking a remote location with a marking media. The marking media is preferably in the form of a paint ball or a scent ball. The launching assembly includes a media reservoir defining a cavity and a plurality of supports extending outward from the media reservoir along a longitudinal axis. The supports secure the marking media within the cavity in a press-fit connection. In one embodiment, a cap and a resilient nose cone are attached to the media reservoir, surrounding the marking media, to prevent damage to a target upon impacting the target. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2012/0153036, entitled “Scent Dispersing Apparatus,” filed by Pierce et al., published on Jun. 21, 2012, and is directed towards a scent dispersing apparatus is discussed that includes an animal attractant, such as a liquid scent, that can be dispersed from a soft-shelled frangible capsule by positioning the capsule in an enclosure and then attaching the enclosure to an arrow. A plunger secured to the enclosure slidably moves inside the enclosure and causes rupture of the capsule upon impact of the plunger with a solid surface. The liquid animal attractant is dispersed through cutouts formed in the enclosure in a fan-like fashion. 
         [0013]    In still further regard to propelling and expelling type devices, there are gun/rifle type devices. U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,036, to Butz, entitled “Animal Scent Dispensing Piston Assembly, issued on Oct. 10, 1995, and is directed towards an animal scent dispensing pistol assembly for dispensing scent for attracting animals. The dispensing pistol assembly comprises a pistol including a barrel having a sealed base end, an opened tip end, and a bored intermediate portion therebetween. The pistol further includes a handle extended from the barrel, a plunger slidably disposed within the barrel, and a spring mechanism disposed within the barrel and coupled to the pistol for urging the plunger towards the tip end of the barrel. Still further, the pistol includes a cocking mechanism coupled to the plunger and adapted to be actuated for urging the plunger towards the base end of the barrel to define a retracted orientation. A trigger mechanism is also included and coupled to the pistol. The trigger mechanism has a rest position for holding the plunger in the retracted orientation and a firing position actuatable for releasing the plunger from the retracted orientation. For use with the pistol there are a plurality of scent sticks each adapted for holding liquid scent, each scent stick further adapted to be inserted into the barrel of the pistol for subsequent ejection therefrom. PCT Published Applicant No. WO 2008/065218 discusses a method for controlling pests that includes shooing capsules that are filled with pesticides. Also, Spanish patent 9702573 discusses a conventional rife bullet, affixed to the front of which is a layer of wax that contains there within an insecticide. Of course, a rifle bullet that is fired from a rifle can be significantly more dangerous than any of the other forms or means for spreading lures/repellents/attractants that have been discussed thus far, or below. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2008/0313947, entitled “Scent Distribution System, Method and Device,” filed by Fachner, published on Dec. 25, 2008, and is directed towards a scent distribution system, method, and device for distributing lure. The scent distribution system includes a gun that has a barrel portion, having a chamber disposed therein, and a handle portion, coupled to the barrel portion and extending substantially orthogonal therefrom. A first projectile is provided that includes a luring scent configured to lure prey, and which can be disposed within the chamber of the barrel portion. The handle portion comprises a storage compartment disposed within the handle portion. There is a second scented projectile, disposed in the storage compartment. The storage compartment is air-tight. The first projectile comprises an absorbent portion including a fluid scent disposed therein. The first projectile includes a flexible portion disposed at a back-end of the projectile and configured to provide air-flow resistance when disposed within the chamber, thereby permitting the projectile to be launched by an imbalance in air pressure. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2009/0255434, entitled Method and System for Controlling Small Wild Animals and Rodents,” filed by Pawloski, published on Oct. 15, 2009, and is directed towards a control system that is in the form of a portable kit that includes a launching device, a plurality of thermoplastic hollow projectiles, a supply of a natural animal control agent for loading into the projectiles, and a means for transferring and storing the control agent. The method of use of the control system involves filling the projectiles with the control agent and then sealing the projectiles prior to loading the projectiles into the launching device. The launching device is then aimed at an area that is being controlled by the animal and then the projectiles are discharged from the gun so as to disperse the control agent about the area being controlled. The control agent causes a biological reaction in the animals and rodents when they detect the scent of the control agent. The biological reaction causes a fear and intimidation response in the brain of the animals and rodents, such that they will voluntarily and permanently vacate the nest out of fear for its life and of its young. The control agent is a urine, marking gland oil or a combination of oil and urine, from a known predator of the animal or rodent. Further in this category, there is U.S. Pat. No. 8,118,017 to Lammonds, entitled “Scent Distribution Airgun,” issued on Feb. 21, 2012, and is directed towards a collapsible scent distributing airgun (“airgun”) that can include a body and a gas cartridge, which may be carried by the body and contain a pressurized gas. The airgun can also have a pressure regulator valve, which can be carried by the body and communicated with the gas cartridge. In addition, the airgun can also have a barrel that can be pivotally carried by the body and movable between collapsed and extended positions. The barrel in the extended position can have an end communicated with the pressure regulator valve to receive the pressurized gas, and further wherein the barrel in the collapsed position, can have the end adapted to receive a projectile configured to emit a scent. The airgun can further include a trigger that can be pivotally carried by the body and coupled to the pressure regulator valve to selectively direct the pressurized gas into the barrel for launching the projectile. 
         [0014]    An additional apparatus is known to those of skill in the art. These include wax bullets that are made up entirely of soft wax, and inserted into conventional firing cartridges that can be used for practice and training exercises. See, e.g., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wax_bullet; http://www.waxbullet.com/; http://www.cowboyfastdraw.com/secureshop/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&amp;category_id=167; and http://www.easyloaderexpress.com/. Typically, such wax bullets are low velocity devices, but high velocity bullets can also be fashioned. However, none of the examples thus cited of wax bullets envisions anything other than relatively soft wax that can be re-used, but in addition require the use of cartridges to be fired from a gun. 
         [0015]    Thus, it is clear to those of skill in the art that there are certain problems with existing technologies for dispersing scents when hunting. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide methods, modes and systems for an animal attractant/repellent delivery apparatus. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0016]    An object of the embodiments is to substantially solve at least the problems and/or disadvantages discussed above, and to provide at least one or more of the advantages described below. 
         [0017]    It is therefore a general aspect of the embodiments to provide a scent carrying projectile and apparatus for delivering such scented projectile, such as a compressed gas scented projectile delivery device that will obviate or minimize problems of the type previously described. According to a first aspect of the embodiments, a scent carrying projectile is provided, comprising a scented portion made of a scent-carrying substance, and a unscented portion, adjacent to said scented portion, said unscented portion made of an unscented substance. Still further according to the first aspect, said scent-carrying substance and said unscented substance are made of said same substance, and wherein said scent-carrying substance includes a scent and said unscented substance does not include said scent. According to the first aspect, said substance comprises a substance that is melted and then cooled and solidified, such that a first hardness in a pre-melted state is less than a second hardness in a post-melted state. 
         [0018]    Still further according to the first aspect, said scented portion and said un-scented portion are covered with a thin, unscented membrane, and wherein said membrane is made of at least one of paper, tissue, foil, and plastic, and wherein said projectile is substantially cylindrically shaped. 
         [0019]    According to the first aspect, said scented portion comprises a conically shaped scented front portion, and a cylindrically shaped scented rear portion, and wherein said unscented portion comprises a cylindrically shaped unscented front portion adjacent said cylindrically shaped scented rear portion of said cylindrically shaped scented portion, and a cylindrically shaped unscented rear portion. 
         [0020]    According to the first aspect, said scent includes urine selected from the group of male deer, female deer, female deer in estrous, male bear, female bear, female bear in estrous, male fox, female fox, female fox in estrous, male coyote, female coyote, and female coyote in estrous. 
         [0021]    According to a second aspect of the embodiment, a scent carrying projectile is provided comprising a front conically shaped portion, a middle cylindrically shaped portion, adjacent to the front conically shaped portion, and an end cylindrical portion, adjacent to the middle cylindrical portion, wherein said front and middle portions are made of a scent-carrying substance, and further wherein said end cylindrical portion is made of an unscented substance. 
         [0022]    According to the second aspect, said scent-carrying substance and said unscented substance are made of said same substance, and wherein said scent-carrying substance includes a scent and said unscented substance does not include said scent, and further wherein said same substance comprises a substance that is melted and then cooled and solidified, such that a first hardness in a pre-melted state is less than a second hardness in a post-melted state. 
         [0023]    Still further according to the second aspect, said projectile is covered with a thin, unscented membrane, and said middle cylindrically shaped portion includes a cavity filled with scent-carrying gel. According to the second aspect, said projectile is covered with a thin, unscented membrane, and said middle cylindrically shaped portion includes a cavity filled with scent-carrying liquid. 
         [0024]    According to the second aspect, said projectile is covered with a thin, unscented membrane, and wherein said membrane is made of at least one of paper, tissue, foil, and plastic. Still further according to the second aspect, said scent includes urine selected from the group of male deer, female deer, female deer in estrous, male bear, female bear, female bear in estrous, male fox, female fox, female fox in estrous, male coyote, female coyote, and female coyote in estrous. 
         [0025]    According to a third aspect of the embodiment, a scent carrying projectile is provided comprising a cylindrically shaped scented portion made of a scent-carrying substance, and a thin unscented membrane covering substantially all of said cylindrically shaped scented portion. 
         [0026]    According to the third aspect, said projectile further comprises a cavity in said projectile filled with scent-carrying gel. According to the third aspect, said projectile further comprises a cavity in said projectile filled with scent-carrying liquid. Still further according to the third aspect, said cylindrically shaped portion comprises a tapered shaped portion, configured to be a front end of said projectile, and a rear end of said projectile, wherein said rear end of said projectile is cylindrically shaped. Still further according to the third aspect, said tapered shaped portion is shaped substantially similar to one of a conical shape, a parabolic shape, a pyramid shape, and a spherical shape, and wherein said substance comprises a substance that is melted and then cooled and solidified, such that a first hardness in a pre-melted state is less than a second hardness in a post-melted state. 
         [0027]    According to the third aspect, said projectile is covered with a thin, unscented membrane, and further wherein said membrane is made of at least one of paper, tissue, foil, and plastic. 
         [0028]    According to the third aspect, said scent includes urine selected from the group of male deer, female deer, female deer in estrous, male bear, female bear, female bear in estrous, male fox, female fox, female fox in estrous, male coyote, female coyote, and female coyote in estrous. 
         [0029]    According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments, a collapsible scent distributing airgun is provided comprising a body, a source of pressurized gas, a pressurized gas release mechanism configured to selectively release said pressurized gas, and a barrel configured to accept a projectile for firing by said selectively released pressurized gas, and a rotatable barrel holder assembly that includes a first detent mechanism configured to interface with a second detent mechanism located on said body, and wherein said first and second detent mechanisms are configured to temporarily lock said barrel into a firing position on said body. 
         [0030]    According to the fourth aspect said airgun further comprises a pressure regulator valve carried by the body and configured to regulate flow of said pressurized gas from said source of pressurized gas, and a trigger pivotally carried by the body and coupled to said pressure regulator valve and configured to selectively direct said pressurized gas into said barrel by interfacing with said pressure regulator valve in said firing mode of operation, and wherein said rotatable barrel holder assembly is configured to rotatably mount said barrel to the body such that said barrel can be temporarily fixedly locked into a firing position. 
         [0031]    According to the fourth aspect, said barrel includes an upper end and a lower end, wherein said upper end is configured to accept said projectile for firing, and said lower end is configured to expel said projectile when fired, and said rotatable barrel holder assembly further comprises a holder mating fixture, mechanically and in a gas-exchanging manner coupled to said body such that said pressurized gas can pass through said holder mating fixture, and wherein said holder mating fixture is configured to removably fixedly interconnect with said rotatable barrel holder assembly in a rotating manner. 
         [0032]    Still further according to the fourth aspect said holder mating fixture is further configured to temporarily lock said rotatable barrel holder assembly in said firing position, and said holding mating fixture further includes a gas delivery channel to delivery said pressurized gas to said barrel, and further wherein said rotatable barrel assembly includes a rotatable barrel holder that includes a gas discharge channel aligned with said gas delivery channel when said rotatable barrel assembly is not in a firing position, such that when pressurized gas is discharged when said rotatable barrel assembly is not in the firing position, said pressurized gas is discharged through said gas delivery channel and then through said gas discharge channel into the atmosphere. 
         [0033]    According to the fourth aspect, said first detent device is a detent receptacle, and said second detent device is a detent protrusion. According to the fourth aspect, said second detent device is a detent receptacle, and said first detent device is a detent protrusion. 
         [0034]    According to the fourth aspect, said rotatable barrel assembly is further configured to discharge said pressurized gas into the atmosphere when said rotatable barrel assembly is not in the firing position, and further wherein, said rotatable barrel assembly is further configured to discharge said pressurized gas into the atmosphere but not through said barrel. 
         [0035]    According to the fourth aspect, said source of pressurized gas comprises a gas cartridge carried by said body and containing said source of pressurized gas, and said source of pressurized gas comprises an external cartridge of pressurized gas not carried by said body, and pneumatically connected to said pressurized gas release mechanism of said airgun. 
         [0036]    According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments, a method of manufacturing a scented projectile is provided, comprising melting a first portion of a projectile substance, adding a scent to the melted first portion of projectile substance, pouring said scented melted first portion of projectile substance into one or more projectile molds such that each of the one or more molds is partially filled, cooling said molds partially filled with scented melted projectile substance, melting a second portion of a projectile substance, pouring said melted second portion of projectile substance into each of the one or more projectile molds such that each of the one or more molds is substantially completely filled to form one or more scented projectiles, cooling said substantially filled one or more projectile molds, and extracting said cooled one or more scented projectiles. 
         [0037]    According to a sixth aspect of the embodiment, a method of operating an airgun with a scented projectile is provided, comprising inserting into said airgun a scented projectile composed of a first portion that contains scented projectile substance and a second portion that is an unscented projectile substance, and wherein said projectile substance was melted to form said first and second portions, trigging a release mechanism that releases a pressurized gas to expel said scented projectile from said airgun, and aerating a location where said scented projectile lands with said scent of said scented projectile. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0038]    The above and other objects and features of the embodiments will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified, and wherein: 
           [0039]      FIG. 1  illustrates a typical hunting environment in which hunter uses scent on certain areas around hunting blind, and/or applies a scent/mask on hunter to mask the presence of hunter; 
           [0040]      FIGS. 2A-E  illustrate perspective views of a cylindrically shaped scented projectile that can be used to attract animals and repel animals according to an embodiment, and  FIGS. 2F-J  illustrate perspective views of a non-cylindrically shaped scented projectile according to an embodiment; 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  illustrates a method flowchart for the manufacture of scented projectiles according to an embodiment; 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  illustrates an apparatus that can be used to manufacture scented projectiles according to an embodiment; 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a collapsible scent distributing airgun, showing the airgun having a barrel moved to an extended position according to an embodiment; 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the airgun of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the airgun of  FIG. 5 , showing the barrel moved to a collapsed position to permit a projectile to be loaded into the barrel; 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the barrel of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the barrel of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 10  is an end view of the barrel of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a rotatable barrel assembly according to a further embodiment; 
           [0050]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the rotatable barrel assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the rotatable barrel assembly of  FIG. 11  in an accidental gas discharge mode according to an embodiment; 
           [0052]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the rotatable barrel assembly of  FIG. 11  in a normal gas and scented projectile discharge mode; 
           [0053]      FIG. 15  illustrates a detent protrusion that is part of the rotatable barrel holder and a detent receptacle that is part of holder mating fixture according to an embodiment; and 
           [0054]      FIG. 16  illustrates a marine use of the scented projectile shown in  FIGS. 2A-J , and a modified airgun as shown in  FIG. 5  according to an embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0055]    The embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the novel concept are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the novel concept to those skilled in the art. The scope of the embodiments is therefore defined by the appended claims. The following embodiments are discussed, for simplicity, with regard to the terminology and structure of hunting lures, and more specifically to an animal attractant/repellent apparatus and method for delivery of the same. However, the embodiments to be discussed next are not limited to these types of apparatus, but may be applied to other attractant/repellant apparatus that are affected by the same or substantially same prior art problems. 
         [0056]    Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” on “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular feature, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
         [0057]    Scented Projectiles 
         [0058]      FIGS. 2A-J  illustrate perspective views of scented projectiles  50   a - j  that can be used to attract animals and repel animals according to an embodiment. As discussed above, the use of scents to attract and repel animals is fairly prevalent in the hunting industry. There are many reasons why scents work to attract and repel animals, and perhaps dozens, if not hundreds, of different scents that can be used. Most often, the scents are based on urine, which can contain different chemicals that can create the scent that is either attractive or repellent for some reason to the animal in question. 
         [0059]    For example, during mating season, female deers, or does, go into estrus and start producing specific hormones that cause the urine of the doe to emit specific odors or scents that are noticeable to male deers, causing them to pursue the does for mating. Of course, it does not need to be mating season for the male deer, or buck, to be attracted to the odor of estrus. This allows the scent to be used throughout the year, consistent with hunting regulations, i.e., hunting “seasons.” 
         [0060]    Thus, and using the example of deer hunting, though one of skill in the art can appreciate that scents and lures apply to many different animals, hunter  6 , when hunting, would like to use scents/lures  14  that attract bucks to the location of their hunting location, or hunting blind (blind)  2 , to make it easier to hunt their targeted animal. As done in the past, using typical conventional devices, hunter  6  would have to traipse out to the neighboring trees and rocks, dousing them with spray from a spray bottle, or rubbing a deodorant-stick type material, or something similar. In the process, hunter  6  is very effectively spreading his or her own scent in the same area. Of course, some deer can be used to the smell of humans, but some are not, and many other types of animals that are generally situated far from habited places are definitely not used to the smell of humans. This, then, would cause the animals to be repelled from the area, or at best be confused about some area; in either case, hunter  6  has wasted time, money and a hunting opportunity because the targeted animal, in this example a deer, just will not come close enough to blind  2  for hunter  6  to take an effective and safe shot at the target. This is especially true when hunter  6  is using, for example, a bow and arrow. 
         [0061]    Nonetheless, hunter  6  can alleviate such problems, to a certain extent, through the use of sprays, wipes, and the like, that can be applied to the boots, pants, and other exterior garments hunter  6  might be wearing before application of scent/lure  14  to the neighboring area. But, as one might well imagine, a urine based scent/lure  14  smells like urine, which can be odoriferous. So, hunter  6  now smells like urine. This is okay as long as hunter  6  is hunting, but probably not so much for returning to their homestead. Further, such smells might be difficult to eliminate even with repeated washings. 
         [0062]    Hunter  6  then might be tempted to use other conventional type scent dispersing systems, such as was discussed in the Background section of this document. However, those all typically suffer from one or more of several different issues. If they are frangible, and contain liquid, they are subject to breakage at the wrong time (i.e., when being held by hunter  6 ), or not breaking when they are supposed to (i.e., landing in soft grass that fails to cause them to disperse their liquid scent). Slingshots are more difficult to aim than guns, and round pellets are not as likely to fly straight to their intended target (hence the development of the rifled bullet over the musket ball). 
         [0063]    As further discussed above, there are many prior art conventional systems that all suffer from one or more deficiencies. Scented projectile  50 , however, can be used with projectile delivery device (airgun)  100  (discussed in greater detail below) to effectively, and efficiently deliver attractants, repellent and masking scents  14  to and around blind  2  with little or no danger of getting scent  14  on the body of hunter  6 , or requiring hunter  6  traipse all around blind  6 , causing human scent to be dispersed, and/or the application of some masking scent to the body of the hunter. 
         [0064]    Scented projectile  50  can be used in several different configurations.  FIG. 2A  illustrates a first example of scented projectile  50   a . Scented projectile  50   a  is comprised of front portion  24  and end portion  22 . Both front portion  24  and end portion  22  can be made of the same substance, processed projectile substance  34 , which is comprised of raw projectile substance  32  that is then processed to form processed projectile substance  34 . In its raw, unprocessed state, raw projectile substance  34  is less hard and a more malleable substance than its processed state. During processing (discussed in greater detail below), raw projectile substance  32  can have scent  14  added to it, as well as dyes or colors, to form processed projectile substance  34 , which is substantially harder than raw projectile substance  32 . Processed projectile substance  34  can therefore be used effectively in airgun  100 , whereas raw projectile substance  32  could not be used as effectively in airgun  100 . 
         [0065]    As mentioned above, scent  14  and color or dyes  38  can be added to raw projectile substance  32  during processing to form scented projectile  50 . Colors or dyes  38  can be used to identify the intended use of scented projectile  50  (i.e., green for deer, red for bear, and so on), and can also further distinguish between front portion  24  and rear portion  22 . For example, rear portion  22  could always be white to alert hunter  6  which end is which through such visual means. As mentioned above, one recurring issue with prior art systems is that there is always the possibility of spillage, or breakage, of the liquid scent. According to an embodiment, using a visual identification, such as coloring the rear (unscented) portion differently from the front (scented) portion will aid hunters  6  in keeping scent  14  off their fingers. Another means according to another embodiment is to use some other visual identifier, such as marking of some type, or to imprint a label “UNSCENTED” on the unscented portion. According to a further embodiment, the scented portion can be the rear portion  22  and the unscented portion can be front portion  24 . 
         [0066]    According to an embodiment, scented projectile  50  will disperse scent  14  from scented processed projectile substance because the oils that make up scent  14 , and have been mixed with processed projectile substance  34 , contain the scent molecules that are released, albeit slowly, from processed projectile substance  34  into the air. Although the process is slow, it is effective because animals tend to have a large amount of olfactory receptors, typically several times as many as humans. For example, a deer has about 297 million olfactory receptors, and a human about 5 million. A bloodhound has about 220 million olfactory receptors. A silvertip grizzly bear has a sense of smell that is about seven times better than the bloodhound. According to some sources, the grizzly therefore has a sense of smell about a million times better than that of a human, with about a billion olfactory receptors (see, http://bearinfo.blogspot.com/2007/08/grizzlies-are-sniffing-champs-of-wild.html). Using a solid to contain the scent molecules assists hunter  6  in achieving their objective, which is to attract, via smell, a desired animal, because of the substantially great amount of time the scent molecules will be released into the local atmosphere as compared to a more volatile liquid. Comparatively speaking, liquid scents, such as those used in prior art convention scent dispersing systems will release a larger quantity of scent molecules much more rapidly, but this will generally be less effective as the effect lasts for a shorter period of time. If there are no animals in the area to smell scent  14 , and if it disperses rather quickly, then it has been all for nought. In contrast, in accordance with embodiment, releasing smaller amounts of scent  14 , which is still effective, over longer periods of time, will increase the possible number of animals that can smell scent  14  and be attracted to the area near blind  2 . 
         [0067]    Thus, hunter  6  can disperse one or more scented projectiles  50  around the area of blind  2 , and each will release scent  14  over a prolonged period of time, increasing the odds of hunter  6  successfully hunting the targeted animal. 
         [0068]    Returning attention again to  FIG. 2A , scented projectile  50   a  can optionally according to a further embodiment further comprise reservoir  30  that can be filled with liquid or gelatinized scent  40 . Reservoir  30  can be filled with liquid/gelatinized scent  40  during the manufacturing process. In use, scented projectile  50   a  with reservoir  30  can be fired from airgun  100  and upon impact with, for example, tree  4  or rock  10 , can burst open, providing an immediate and significant release of scent molecules that will quickly disperse into the air in the area of blind  2  to attempt to rapidly attract the desired game for hunting. Then, as time proceeds, and the scent molecules from liquid/gelatinized scent  40  are disperses, the scent molecules from processed projectile substance  34 , which are slowly being released from processed projectile substance  34  upon the initial firing of scented projectile  50 , will be dispersed into the same air around blind  2 , thus providing sustained coverage of scent  14 . 
         [0069]    According to an embodiment, scented projectile  50  is between about 0.25 to about 0.5 inches in diameter, and according to a further embodiment, is about 0.375 inches in diameter. According to an embodiment, scented projectile  50  is between about 1 to about 2 inches in length, and according to a further embodiment, is about 1.5 inches in length. According to still a further embodiment, scented projectile can be between about 2 to 5 times larger in both diameter and length for a marine use according to an embodiment. According to a further embodiment, and as can be appreciated by those of skill in the art, such dimensions are for illustrative purposes only, and are not to be construed in any limiting manner whatsoever. According to a further embodiment, the dimensions, quantities, of any and all embodiments provided herein are merely for purposes of illustration only, and can change as circumstances warrant, and the same shall be considered different and various aspects of the embodiments. 
         [0070]    According to further embodiments, front end scented portion  24  of scented projectile  50  is about two-thirds the total length of scented projectile  50 , and thus rear end unscented portion  22  is about one-third of the total length of scented projectile  50 . According to a further embodiment, rear end unscented portion  22  needs to be just long enough so that an average sized hunter  6  can manipulate scented projectile  50  without getting any scent  14  from front end scented portion  24  on their fingers. According to a further embodiment, scented projectiles  50  can be packaged in a container such that individual scented projectiles  50  can be retrieved by hunter  6  without disturbing the remaining scented projectiles  50 . This substantially prevents scent  14  from dissipating from the remaining scented projectiles  50  by inadvertent exposure to air. 
         [0071]    Note that in  FIG. 2A , scented projectile  50   a  is in the form of a cylinder: when expelled from airgun  100 , scented projectile  50   a  will travel through the air, and begin to tumble relatively soon after firing. According to an embodiment, airgun  100  is in the general shape of a revolver or pistol, and includes barrel  180  with or without rifling In the former case, scented projectile  50  can spin in accordance with well-known rifling techniques that increase the aerodynamic stability of scented projectile  50 , thus improving both range and accuracy of scented projectile  50 . In the latter case, according to an embodiment, scented projectile  50  will simply travel down the barrel in a non-rotating manner, and will soon begin to tumble in the air after discharge from the barrel. Thus, in  FIGS. 2F-J , the cross sectional shape of scented projectile  50  (as viewed from either end) can be square, rectangular, oval, triangular, octagonal, and so on. Thus, scented projectile  50  and hence its accompanying barrel interior design does not need to be cylindrical, as  FIG. 2F  illustrates (which corresponds to the embodiment of  FIG. 2A ). According to an embodiment, in a non-rifled, hence tumbling mode, the shape of scented projectile  50  can be practically any shape and those shown in  FIGS. 2F-2J  are merely for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed in a limiting manner. Merely for purposes of illustration,  FIGS. 2F-2J  correspond to  FIGS. 2A-2E  (i.e.,  2 F to  2 A,  2 G t  2 B, and so on). 
         [0072]      FIG. 2B  illustrates another embodiment of scented projectile  50 , denoted as scented projectile  50   b . In  FIG. 2B  it can be seen that scented projectile  50   b  now includes elliptical head  26   a , that is formed at a foremost portion of front portion  24 ; in this embodiment, scented projectile  50   b  more closely resembles in shape a conventional bullet. Although not shown, reservoir  30  could be included in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B . According to an embodiment, in the non-rifling mode, elliptically shaped head portion  26   a  can facilitate the travel of scented projectile  50   b  through the air towards its intended target, at least for a somewhat longer period of time than the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , with the blunt end of front portion  24 . According to an embodiment, as with scented projectile  50   a , rear portion  22  of scented projectile  50   b  can be comprised of unscented processed projectile substance  34 , while front portion  24  and elliptically shaped head  26   a  of scented projectile  50   b  can be comprised of scented processed projectile substance  34 . According to a further embodiment, all of scented projectile  50   b  can be comprised of scented processed projectile substance  34 . In the rifling mode, according to an embodiment, scented projectile  50   b  will act similarly to a conventional bullet. Corresponding non-cylindrical scented projectile  50   g , shown in  FIG. 2G , would not be fired in a rifled mode, and hence would tumble soon after be shot. 
         [0073]      FIG. 2C  illustrates another embodiment of scented projectile  50 , denoted as scented projectile  50   c . In  FIG. 2C  it can be seen that scented projectile  50   c  now includes cone shaped head  26   b , that is formed at a foremost portion of front portion  24 ; in this embodiment, scented projectile  50   c  somewhat resembles in shape, a conventional bullet. Although not shown, reservoir  30  could be included in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2C . According to an embodiment, cone shaped head portion  26   b  can facilitate the travel of scented projectile  50   c  through the air towards its intended target, at least for a somewhat longer period of time than the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , with the blunt end of front portion  24 . According to an embodiment, as with scented projectile  50   a , rear portion  22  of scented projectile  50   c  can be comprised of unscented processed projectile substance  34 , while front portion  24  and cone shaped head  26   b  of scented projectile  50   c  can be comprised of scented processed projectile substance  34 . According to a further embodiment, all of scented projectile  50   c  can be comprised of scented processed projectile substance  34 . In the rifling mode, according to an embodiment, scented projectile  50   c , shown in  FIG. 2C , would act similar to a conventional bullet, and the corresponding non-cylindrical scented projectile  50   h , shown in  FIG. 2H , would not spiral due to lack of rifling. 
         [0074]      FIG. 2D  illustrates another embodiment of scented projectile  50 , denoted as scented projectile  50   d . In  FIG. 2D  it can be seen that scented projectile  50   d  now includes spherically shaped head  26   c , that is formed at a foremost portion of front portion  24 ; in this embodiment, scented projectile  50   d  somewhat resembles in shape, a conventional bullet. Although not shown, reservoir  30  could be included in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2D . According to an embodiment, spherically shaped head  26   c  can facilitate the travel of scented projectile  50   d  through the air towards its intended target, at least for a somewhat longer period of time than the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , with the blunt end of front portion  24 . According to an embodiment, as with scented projectile  50   a , rear portion  22  of scented projectile  50   d  can be comprised of unscented processed projectile substance  34 , while front portion  24  and spherically shaped head  26   c  of scented projectile  50   d  can be comprised of scented processed projectile substance  34 . According to a further embodiment, all of scented projectile  50   d  can be comprised of scented processed projectile substance  34 . In the rifling mode, according to an embodiment, scented projectile  50   d , shown in  FIG. 2D , would act similar to a conventional bullet, and the corresponding non-cylindrical scented projectile  50   i , shown in  FIG. 2I , would not spiral due to lack of rifling. 
         [0075]      FIG. 2E  illustrates still a further embodiment of scented projectile  50 , denoted as scented projectile  50   e . In  FIG. 2E  it can be seen that scented projectile  50   e  now incorporates membrane  28  that covers all, or substantially all of scented projectile  50   e . Shown also in  FIG. 2E  is reservoir  30  that can contain liquid/gelatinized scent  40 . According to an embodiment, membrane  28  provides a means for preventing oils from scent  14 , which is imbued in scented processed projectile substance  34 , from getting on the fingers of hunter  6 . In use, when hunter  6  places scented projectile  50   e  with membrane  28  covering it into projectile delivery device  100 , membrane  28  can be peeled away prior to insertion, or the physical act of insertion itself and cause membrane  28  to peel away, upon which it can then be discarded. According to a further embodiment, membrane  28  can be made of any one of plastic, paper, foil, tissue, and like materials that are relatively very thin, easily torn, can be recycled and/or are made of materials that are biodegradable (even some plastics are fairly biodegradable). 
         [0076]    According to a further embodiment, use of membrane  28  means that all of scented projectile  50   e  can be comprised of scented processed projectile substance  34 , and hunter  6  will be substantially or completely prevented from accidental physical exposure to the oils from scent  14 . Still further according to an embodiment, reservoir  30  with liquid/gelatinized scent  40  can be included in all of scented projectiles  50   a - d , as can membrane  28 , and still further according to an embodiment, the inclusion of membrane  28  does not necessarily mean that scented projectile  50  is comprised entirely of scented processed projectile substance, but that, as discussed above, only front portion  24  can be comprised of scented processed projectile substance  34  while rear portion  24  of scented projectile  50  can be comprised of unscented processed projectile substance  34 . Scented projectile  50   e , as shown in  FIG. 2E , could be used in rifling mode, but scented projectile  50   j , as shown in  FIG. 2J , could not. As with scented projectile  50   a - d , membrane  28  could be used in any of scented projectiles  50   f -I, with or without reservoir  30  and liquid/gelatinized scent  40 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 3  illustrates method flowchart  300  for the manufacture of scented projectiles  50  according to an embodiment, and  FIG. 4  illustrates an apparatus  200  that can be used to manufacture scented projectiles  50  according to an embodiment. Method  300  is a general embodiment, because, as described above, there are several different embodiments of scented projectile  50   a - e  that can be manufactured with essentially the same materials but with different molds, that can require slightly different process steps. Further, as those of skill in the art can appreciate, method  300  is greatly simplified as is the description thereof, for the dual purposes of clarity and brevity. 
         [0078]    Method  300  begins with step  302 , wherein raw projectile substance  32  is melted, after being pouring through funnel  41  into melting vat  42 . Melting vat  42  has heat source  44  (shown in this case as gas burner, but could be, in further embodiments, an electrical heat source, among other types), for heating melting vat  42  to melt raw projectile substance  32 . According to an embodiment, a first vat could hold a first portion of raw projectile substance  32  to which scent  14  is added, and a second vat could hold a second portion of raw projectile substance  32 , to which scent  14  is not added. Or, a single vat could be used with appropriate cleaning as warranted between method steps. In step  304 , melted raw projectile substance  32  has added to it scent  14 , thereby creating scented processed projectile substance  34 . In step  306 , scented processed projectile substance  34  is poured into molds  52   a - n  via piping  46 , and nozzles  48 . In this particular embodiment, the molds  52  are designed to create the embodiment of scented projectile  50   a  of  FIG. 2A . Thus, enough melted scented processed projectile substance  34  is poured into each of molds  52   a - n  to create front portion  24  of scented projectile  50 . Then, in step  308 , the hot melted scented projectile substance  34  is allowed to cool, so that then when unscented processed projectile substance  34  is next poured into molds  52   a - n  on top of the now hardened scented projectile substance  34  it will not mix with it, and instead will remain on top of the lower portion, forming rear-unscented-portion  22  of scented projectile  50   a . In step  310  additional raw unprocessed projectile substance  32  is melted, in step  312  it is poured on top of the now hardened scented projectile substance  34 , whereupon the unscented melted projectile substance  32  is allowed to cool (step  314 ), and taken out of molds  52   a - n.    
         [0079]    According to further embodiments, if it is desired to make the entire scented projectile  50  out of scented processed projectile substance  34 , and to add membrane  28 , then steps  308 - 312  are not required, and no additional raw projectile substance  32  is needed. Then, an optional processing step would be the addition of membrane  28  (optional method step  318 ), which could be done manually (all of steps of method  300  can be done manually, automatically, or via some combination thereof), or via some machine (not shown). Further, the embodiments of scented projectile  50  shown in  FIGS. 2B-D  only require different molds  52 , and no different process steps than what was discussed above. According to further embodiments, if reservoir  30  was desired, then somewhat different, slightly more complicated processing steps could be required, wherein each mold is made of two halves, with reservoir  30  formed therein, and the two halves can be joined together with additional melted raw projectile substance  32 . Other methods for forming reservoir  30  exist in the molding arts, as those of skill in the art can appreciate. Liquid/gelatinized scent  40  can then be inserted via a needle, or some other means, as those of skill in the art can surely appreciate (optional method step  316 . According to a further embodiment, while some steps will occur prior to others (heating, for example, generally comes prior to cooling), several of the steps discussed above could be exchanged in order for others, as those of skill in the art can appreciate, without affecting any aspects of the embodiments. By way of a non-limiting example only, method steps  304  and  306  could come after method steps  310  and  312 . 
         [0080]    Raw projectile substance  32  is a mixture of several different compounds in varying amounts, including, but not limited to the following (on a per-scented projectile  50  basis, on average): water 70 ml; di-propylene glycol 30 ml; sodium stearate 15 ml; sorbitan stearate 5 ml; fumed silica 15 ml; and polysorbate 20 5 ml. According to a further embodiment, processed projectile substance  34  includes all of the compounds and materials of raw projectile substance  32 , plus the addition of heat, till the mixture reaches between about 110° to about 120° Fahrenheit. and the addition of different scents  14 , including, but not limited to deer, bear, fox, coyote, rabbit, beaver, groundhog, among others, both male and female, and female in estrous. According to a further embodiment, each of the different scents is generally a urine sample. As those of skill in the art can appreciate, female estrous urine is generally only effective as an attractant for about 2-3 weeks, and perhaps as many as 4 weeks in the year, while the “rut” or mating season is ongoing. According to a further embodiment, scent  14  can further be made to be or replicate “chum” or some other type of food source, and when projectile  50 ′ is so manufactured, it can be used as a lure while fishing for, by way of example, sharks.  FIG. 16  illustrates a marine use of airgun  100 ′ which can be substantially larger than airgun  100  for use in terrestrial hunting. Airgun  100 ′ is connected to a SCUBA tank as a source for compressed gas to drive scented projectile  50 ′. According to a further embodiment, scented projectile  50 ′ could be covered in a water soluble membrane that dissolves very rapidly upon contact with water, for example salt water in the ocean. In other instances, projectile  50  with a “food” scent  14  can also be used for fishing in streams, lakes, ponds, and the like. According to a further embodiment, scented projectile  50  is water soluble. In either or both of these cases, scented projectile  50  could be manufactured in a substantially larger version (as much as 2-5 times as large) than in a typical game hunting scenario. 
         [0081]    According to a further embodiment, raw projectile substance  32  is a mixture of several different compounds in varying amounts, for example, relative amounts of the following ingredients that include: 40 parts water; 30 parts propylene glycol; 30 parts animal urine; 10 to 15 parts sodium sterate; and 15 parts amorphous fumed silica. According to a further embodiment, processed projectile substance  34  includes all of the compounds and materials of raw projectile substance  32 , plus the addition of heat, and the addition of different scents  14 , including, but not limited to deer, bear, fox, coyote, rabbit, beaver, groundhog, among others, both male and female, and female in estrous. 
         [0082]    According to an embodiment, the above ingredients are mixed together, heated to approximately 160° F., and then between about 10 to about 15 parts sodium sterate are added to the heated mixture, along with 15 parts of amorphous fumed silica. Once the ingredients have been thoroughly heated, and mixed in a heating state, the mixture is allowed to cool until the mixture reaches about 125° F. A further step in the process can be to reheat the mixture, with no lid, to allow water evaporation, which increases the relative concentration of the mixture 
         [0083]    According to a further embodiment, as discussed above, the substance that makes up the scented and unscented portions of scented projectile  50  can be a wax material, though this is not necessarily always the case. In the process of making the scented projectile  50 , raw projectile substance  32  is a wax, and according to a further embodiment, a combination or mixture of different materials that is heated and then allowed to cool, as described above, to form processed projectile substance  34 . According to a further embodiment, the end portion of scented projectile  50  can be made of wax, even if the front portion is made of a different substance or mixture. Once the projectile substance  32  is melted and then cooled (with and without scent  14 , among other ingredients), the hardness of processed projectile substance  34  increases, using an appropriate hardness scale. 
         [0084]    There are many different indices of hardness that can be used to characterize just about any non-liquid, non-gaseous substance. As those of skill in the art can further appreciate, many of the hardness indices that exist can be correlated with each other, such that knowing a hardness index value in a first hardness index scale a second hardness index value in a second (or third, fourth, and so on) hardness index scale can be quickly ascertained. However, not all hardness indices are translatable, as some are useful for substantially harder materials (such as concrete, steel, and the like), while others apply only to substantially softer materials (such as wood, fibers, wax, and the like). Examples of hardness indices include Binnel, Rockwell, Knoop, Leeb, Vickers, among others. 
         [0085]    Projectile Delivery Device (Airgun)  100   
         [0086]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of collapsible scent distributing airgun (airgun)  100 , showing airgun  100  having barrel  80  moved to an extended position according to an embodiment,  FIG. 6  is an exploded view of airgun  100  of  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 7  is side view of airgun  100  of  FIG. 5 , showing barrel  80  moved to a collapsed position to permit scented projectile to be loaded into the barrel,  FIG. 8  is a top view of barrel  80  of  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 9  is a side view of barrel  80  of  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 10  is a front end view of barrel  80  of  FIG. 5 . 
         [0087]    Airgun  100  can include a body  112  that in this form can be a pistol grip. As shown in  FIG. 6 , body  112  can have first and second clamshell portions  114 ,  116  that can be held together in a closed position to define upper and lower seats  118 ,  120 . By way of example, first clamshell portion  114  can have a back surface  122  with a pair of hinge elements  124  and second clamshell portion  116  can have a back surface  126  with a pair of hinge elements  128  that can be pivotally attached to hinge elements  124  to permit body  112  to move between open and closed positions. Further, first clamshell portion  114  can have top and bottom surfaces  130 ,  132  that can include a respective pair of snap-fit fasteners  134 ,  136  and second clamshell portion  116  can further include top and bottom surfaces  138 ,  140  that can include a respective pair of snap-fit fasteners  142 ,  144 , which can be attached to snap-fit fasteners  134 ,  136  to hold body  112  in the closed position. As those of skill in the art can appreciate, body  112  can instead have any number of portions that may be attached together by any suitable fasteners. In addition, airgun  100  can further include one or more partitions  146  that can be carried by first and/or second clamshell portions  114 ,  116 . Partitions  146  can be disposed between upper and lower seats  118 ,  120  and can also have opening  148  through which upper and lower seats  118 ,  120  can mechanically communicate with each other during assembly. In addition, each of first and second clamshell portions  114 ,  116  can be made of plastic, other materials known to those of skill in the art including, for example, carbon fiber, fiberglass, among other materials, and can include inner surface  150  with a plurality of ribs  152  or webbing to reinforce a respective one of clamshell portions  114 ,  116 . As those of skill in the art can further appreciate, body  112  can instead be made of metal or other non-plastic materials including, for example, wood. Body  112  can also include front surface  154  including orifice  156  that may be mechanically communicated with upper seat  118  during assembly. Orifice  156  in this form can be defined by a pair of notches  158 ,  160  formed in a respective one of first and second clamshell portions  114 ,  116  and aligned together when clamshell portions  114 ,  116  are moved to the closed position. Body  112  can also include pivotal coupling  162 , which in this form can be a pair of cantilevered arms  164  extending from front surface  154  of body  112 . Pivotal coupling  162  can further include one or more guide members  166 , such as a pair of tongues that can extend from a respective one of the cantilevered arms  164 . As those of skill in the art can appreciate, pivotal coupling  162  and guide members  166  can be any suitable pivoting fastener subassembly. Body  12  can further include cam lock  168  or other fastener pivotally carried by top surface  130  of first clamshell portion  114 . Moreover, first and/or second clamshell portions  114 ,  116  can further include lateral surface  170  that can extend between front and back surfaces  154 ,  126 . Each lateral surface  170  can have an opening  171  that can be communicated with lower seat  120 . 
         [0088]    Airgun  100  can also include gas cartridge  172  that can be carried by body  112 . Gas cartridge  172  in this form can be received within lower seat  120  of body  112 . However, gas cartridge  172  can be carried by any portion of body  112 . Further, gas cartridge  172  can contain any amount of any suitable pressurized gas (gas)  175 , such as 12 grams of carbon dioxide, among other types. 
         [0089]    Airgun  100  can also further include pressure regulator valve (regulator)  174  that can be carried by body  112  and communicated with gas cartridge  172  to release gas  175  from the cartridge  72  at a constant rate, despite the pressure in gas cartridge  172  decreasing as airgun  100  is being used. Regulator  174  in this form can be received within upper seat  118  of body  112 . As those of skill in the art can further appreciate, regulator  174 , however, can be carried by any portion of body  112 . Regulator  174  can be a conventional pressure regulator and can include piercing valve  176 , which may extend through opening  148  in partition  146  and connect to gas cartridge  172 . Further, regulator  174  can include O-ring  178  sandwiched between piercing valve  176  and gas cartridge  172 . Airgun  100  can also be coupled to an external pressurized gas source, for example, a large pressurized carbon dioxide tank, or a pressurized air tank that is typically used for SCUBA operations. 
         [0090]    Airgun  100  according to an embodiment, can also include barrel  180  pivotally carried by body  112  and movable by, for example, about 90 degrees between an extended position (as seen in  FIG. 5 ) and a collapsed position (as seen in  FIG. 8 ). Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , barrel  180  can include bottom side  182  including pivotal coupling  184  that can be fastened to reciprocal pivotal coupling  162  of body  112 . As those of skill in the art can appreciate, pivotal coupling  184  can be carried by any portion of barrel  180 . As best shown in  FIG. 8 , pivotal coupling  184  according to an embodiment can be cross bar  186  having a middle portion coupled to the bottom side of barrel  180  and extending transversely outward therefrom. Cross bar  186  can include a pair of opposing ends that can be pivotally carried by cantilevered arms  164  of body  112 . Further, barrel  180  can also have one or more guide members  188  that can be coupled to guide members  166  of body  112  to position an end  190  of barrel  180  in the extended position so that O-ring  192  can be sandwiched between end  190  of barrel  180  and regulator  174  and further so that barrel  180  can be mechanically and in a gas-exchanging manner communicated with regulator  174  to receive pressurized gas  175  therefrom. Each guide member  188  in this form can be a groove configured to receive a respective one of tongues  166  on body  112 . In addition, barrel  180  can also have top surface  130  including latch  194  or other fastener that can be coupled to cam lock  168  carried by body  112  to hold barrel  180  in the extended position and further decrease leakage of gas  175 . Barrel  180  of airgun  100  further includes front end  191 . 
         [0091]    Referring again to  FIG. 5 , airgun  100  can also include laser sight  196  carried by bottom side  182  of barrel  180  or other suitable portion thereof. Laser sight  196  can be further adapted to facilitate aiming airgun  100  at a desired target. Barrel  180  can further include top side  198  with front sight  103  mounted thereon, and top surface  130  of body  112  can include rear sight  101  configured to align with front sight  103  for aiming airgun  100  at the desired target. 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , airgun  100  can also include trigger  105  pivotally carried by body  112  and coupled to regulator  174  to selectively direct pressurized gas  175  into barrel  180  when trigger  105  is moved to a pressed position. Airgun  100  can also include biasing member  107 , such as a torsional spring, that can be coupled to trigger  105  to move trigger  105  to an un-pressed position (i.e., to return to a ready position for the next firing). 
         [0093]    In use, barrel  180  of airgun  100  can be pivoted, for example, by about 90 degrees from the extended position (shown in  FIG. 5 ) to the collapsed position (shown in  FIG. 7 ). Thereafter, scented projectile  50  can be inserted into the end of barrel  180 . Barrel  180  can then be returned to its extended position so that guide members  166 ,  188  are engaged to each other to sandwich O-ring  192  between regulator  174  and end  190  of barrel  180  thereby mechanically and in a gas-exchanging manner communicating barrel  180  with regulator  174 , which is in turn communicated in a gas-exchanging manner with gas cartridge  172 . In addition, cam lock fastener  168  can be fastened to latch  194  in a locked position to hold barrel  180  in the extended position, facilitate compression of O-ring  178  and decrease leakage of pressurized gas (gas)  175  between regulator  174  and barrel  180 . Trigger  105  can be pressed or pulled to direct a predetermined amount of pressurized gas  175  from gas cartridge  172  through regulator  174  and into barrel  180  to launch scented projectile  50  somewhat consistent distance, such as about 75 feet. In addition, ambient air can be drawn through opening  148  in lateral surface  170  of body  112  to transfer heat to cartridge  172  and regulator  174  and prevent airgun  100  from freezing. According to a further embodiment, all of the embodiments of scented projectile  50  discussed above,  50   a - e , including modifications thereof consistent with this disclosure, can be shot from airgun  100 . According to a further embodiment, a user could also slide scented projectile  50  down barrel  180  without rotating it as discussed above, and manually push scented projectile  50  into barrel  180  such that it is ready for use. 
         [0094]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of rotatable barrel assembly  290  for use with airgun  100  according to a further embodiment.  FIG. 12  is a side view of rotatable barrel assembly  290  of  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13  is a side view of rotatable barrel assembly  290  of  FIG. 11  in an accidental gas discharge mode according to an embodiment, and  FIG. 14  is a side view of rotatable barrel assembly  290  of  FIG. 11  in a normal gas and scented projectile discharge mode. 
         [0095]    In order to fulfill the dual interests of clarity and brevity, a detailed description of the manner of mechanically interfacing rotatable barrel assembly  290  with airgun  100  will be omitted, as those of skill in the art can appreciate how trigger mechanisms work, as well as regulator mechanisms, and the like, all of which have been discussed in great detail above, and apply equally as well here. Instead, focus will be made on specific features of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 11-14  particular to a different operation as effected by rotatable barrel assembly  290  with airgun  100 . 
         [0096]    Rotatable barrel assembly  290  includes removable barrel  280  and rotatable barrel holder  282 . Removable barrel  280  is configured to slidingly fit into rotatable barrel holder  282 , which, in combination, is removably press or snap fitted into a reciprocal holding assembly, which is not shown in the Figures of airgun  100 , but which those of skill in the art can appreciate operation thereof. Thus, rotatable barrel assembly  290  can be inserted and removed as a unit from airgun  100 , and still mechanically and in a gas-exchanging manner communicate with the balance of the components of airgun  100 , including, for example, regulator  174 , trigger  105  and each of their corresponding and respective components such that when trigger  105  is pressed, a specific amount of gas  175  is discharged through removable barrel  280  (and which propels scented projectile  50 , as discussed below). 
         [0097]    Upon being inserted into airgun  100 , rotatable barrel assembly  290  is generally not in the engaged condition, or shooting mode, though it might be. As previously, rotatable barrel assembly can rotate through about 90°, from a fully engaged position, reminiscent of the assembly shown in  FIG. 5 , to a fully dis-engaged condition, again as shown in  FIG. 7 . Removable barrel  280  can be retracted from rotatable barrel assembly  290  when in the dis-engaged condition, as shown in  FIG. 7 . Being able to remove removable barrel  280  provides the additional benefit of using different barrels for different scents, if desired, or to effectuate repairs of damaged/block barrels in the field, with very little difficulty. 
         [0098]    In the disengaged condition, for example as seen in  FIGS. 7 ,  12 , and  13 , hunter  6  can insert scented projectile  50  into removable barrel  280  at barrel upper end  285 .  FIG. 11  illustrates these components, as well as gas discharge channel  284 . Removable barrel  280  slides into rotatable barrel holder  282 , until barrel collar  286  fits slidingly into barrel collar receptacle  288 , which is part of rotatable barrel holder  282 . This can be seen, for example, in  FIG. 14  (but in the fully engaged—gas  175  and scented projectile  50 —discharge condition). When so configured, that is, when rotatable barrel assembly  290  is rotated to be engaged with gas delivery channel  294 , removable barrel  280  is mechanically and in a gas-exchanging manner communicating with gas delivery channel  294  so that pressurized gas  175  can cause scented projectile  50  be discharged from airgun  100  according to an embodiment. 
         [0099]    When rotatable barrel assembly  290  is in any position but the fully engaged gas-discharge condition (i.e., ready for firing), there is the possibility of pressurized gas  175  being accidently discharged from container  172 , and causing a build-up of pressurized gas  175  at or near the exit portion of gas delivery channel  294 . Since most often pressurized gas  175  is relatively benign and inert carbon dioxide, there is very little danger to anyone other than effect of components being subjected to large gas pressures that they otherwise might not normally encounter. Further, as those of skill in the art can appreciate, discharged pressurized gas, regardless of the type of gas, causes decreased temperatures in the vicinity of the discharged gas as well as the build-up of the gas in the immediate vicinity. Neither condition is welcome, especially the latter, though the former is to be expected. In order to alleviate such pressurized gas build-up conditions, gas discharge channel  284  has been incorporated into rotatable barrel holder  282  and which engages gas delivery channel  294  whenever rotatable barrel assembly rotates out of the fully engaged condition ( FIG. 14 ). Pressurized gas  175  can then flow through gas discharge channel  284  whenever accidently discharge occurs and gas  175  can be released harmlessly into the atmosphere in a downward direction. Referring to  FIG. 13 , in the event pressurized gas  175  is inadvertently released from container  172 , gas  175  travels through gas delivery channel  294  (which can include regulator  174 , trigger  105 , and associated components, as well as others discussed above), and into and out of gas discharge channel  284 . Thus, pressure build up against removable barrel  280  is substantially or totally prevented. 
         [0100]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of rotatable barrel assembly  290  of  FIG. 11  in a normal gas and scented projectile discharge mode or condition. Presuming scented projectile  50  has been inserted into barrel upper end  285  of removable barrel  280 , and then rotatable barrel assembly  290  is rotated into the fully engaged discharge condition, when hunter  6  presses trigger  105  (not shown in  FIG. 14 ), pressurized gas  175  flows out of container  174  through gas delivery channel  294  and then against scented projectile  50 . Released pressured gas  175  then pushed or forces scented projectile  50  out of removable barrel, and scented projectile  50  exits the other end of removable barrel  280  and flies towards its intended target. To fire another scented projectile  50 , hunter  6  needs to rotate rotatable barrel  280  a certain number of degrees of rotation, and can then insert a new scented projectile  50  into rotatable barrel  280 , and repeat as desired. 
         [0101]    In both  FIGS. 13 and 14 , rotatable barrel assembly  290  can be seen to be rotationally engaged with holder mating fixture  292 . Holder mating fixture  292  facilitates operation of airgun  100  in the following manner: when, as in  FIG. 13 , rotatable barrel assembly  290  is rotated into the disengaged condition or mode, rotatable barrel holder  282  fits and engages with holder mating fixture  292  such that there is a substantially seamless interface between gas delivery channel  294  and gas discharge channel  284 . The substantially seamless interface results from the radius of curvature of rotatable barrel holder  282  and holder mating fixture  292  being substantially equivalent, such that when the press-fit/snap-fit mechanism (not shown) locks rotatable barrel assembly  290  into position with other components of airgun  100 , rotatable barrel holder  282  and holder mating fixture  292  are mated with each other, in a male-female component fashion. Since barrel upper end  285  recesses substantially if not totally completely within barrel collar receptacle  288 , barrel collar  286  does not interfere with holder mating fixture  292  when rotated into the discharge condition/mode, as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0102]    Also shown in  FIG. 14  is circled area A, which is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 15 , which illustrates detent protrusion  296  that is part of rotatable barrel holder  282  and detent receptacle  298  that is part of holder mating fixture  292 . When rotated into the discharge condition/mode, rotatable barrel assembly is semi-fixedly locked into such condition/mode by virtue of the interlocking mechanism of detent protrusion  296  and detent receptacle  298 . No more than slight pressure or force is needed to engage the semi-locking function of detent protrusion  296  and detent receptacle  298 , and no more than slight pressure or force is needed to dis-engage the semi-locking function of detent protrusion  296  and detent receptacle  298 . However such slight the force may be, it is still slightly more than that which may be casually encountered during the process of loading and then firing airgun  100 . The semi-locking function of detent protrusion  296  and detent receptacle  298  substantially prevents accidental discharge in directions not intended, which improves safety and efficacy of airgun  100 . 
         [0103]    The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus the embodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementation that can be derived from the description contained herein by a person skilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items.