AU2003203989A1 - Motion-limiting insert for arrows in a tube quiver - Google Patents

Description

MOTION-LIMITING INSERT FOR ARROWS IN A TUBE

QUIVER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device that is inserted into the tube of a quiver to better protect arrows by constraining their movement.

The invention has been developed primarily to protect the shafts and delicate fletches on modern target arrows, where perfect consistency amongst arrows is required to ensure perfect accuracy when shot. However, it will be appreciated by those familiar with the art, that this added protection is not the only benefit that the invention provides. It also acts, for example, to reduce irritating noise and vibration, particularly when the archer is walking, and greatly reduces the risk of losing arrows when running.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Modern archers use a generic "tube" quiver design consisting of an outer case, typically made of leather or some artificial fabric such as nylon, housing a number of tubes into which arrows are loaded. The tubes are often of a standard 1.25" diameter with an upper lip, and are constructed of a pliable plastic such as polyethylene. The quiver typically includes a belt loop, and is worn suspended from a belt worn around the waist or hips.

The quiver is free to swing as the archer moves, causing the arrows in the tubes to move. Given the width of the tubes, the narrow diameter and light weight of modern aluminium and/or carbon arrows, and the freedom of movement of the quiver, the slightest movement of the archer will cause the arrows to roll and rattle within the tubes; walking produces sufficient movement to jostle the arrows, causing them to bounce off of each other and the walls of the tube. A typical quiver contains three or four tubes, and arrows are normally carried in dozens, forcing the archer to carry three or four arrows in each tube. Those familiar with the art will know that arrows will persistently rattle and bounce as an archer walks back and forth from a target, or between targets on a Field Archery course. An archer is required to walk more than two kilometres when shooting a standard FITA Men's target round.

As well as being an irritant, this movement can damage the delicate fletches on modern target arrows. The problem is most evident when ultrathin, curved, Mylar fletches are used; these are easily creased or crushed and have to be replaced with notorious regularity. Furthermore, these Mylar vanes are fixed to the arrow shaft by means of double-sided adhesive tape strips; each vane does not completely cover its mounting tape and so some adhesive is left exposed. When arrows are held together in a tube, vanes on one arrow will become stuck to the exposed adhesive on a neighbouring arrow or arrows, forcing the archer to pull them apart before shooting. This can cause damage to the fletches and can even pull a fletch off its shaft completely.

Plastic "straight vane" style fletches and feather vanes, though they are affixed to the shaft with glue rather than adhesive strips, are still subject to damage caused by constant, often violent, vibration as the archer walks up and down a target range.

Those who hunt with their bows, if they are using a compound bow, have the option of using a bow-mounted quiver to hold their arrows individually, preventing damage. However, no such option exists for those who choose to use a belt mounted quiver, hunt with a recurve style bow, nor for anybody who practices archery competitively, where such bow-mounted quivers are not used.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for restricting or eliminating arrow movement in a typical tube quiver.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the current invention provides a cylindrical plug that fits into a tube in a typical tube quiver. Different diameters of plug can be produced for different tube diameters. This plug is pierced by a number of holes or barrels, each of which holds a single arrow. Each barrel may consist of a funnel to aid insertion of the arrow, and a body that acts to constrain the arrow's movement. Plugs with barrels of different diameters can be produced to accommodate arrows of different diameters. Different numbers of barrels may be included to suit different requirements in spacing arrows within the quiver tube.

Preferably, the dimensions of the plug will ensure a snug fit within a tube. More preferably, the plug will be deliberately shaped so as to be slightly deformable, allowing a strong and adaptable interference grip between the plug and walls of the tube, allowing for slight variations in tube and plug diameters.

More preferably, a stronger interference grip is provided by a combination of deliberate plug shaping and the use of raised bumps or other raised elements on the exterior surfaces of the plug.

Ultimately, the barrels themselves will form the exterior surface of the plug, complete with raised elements, greatly reducing the amount of material required for manufacture, and increasing the plug's deformability and hence compatibility with imprecisely toleranced tubes.

Where included, the funnel of each barrel will be sufficient to provide some guidance for arrow insertion. Preferably, each funnel will make maximum use of available surface area, be of a pitch sufficient to provide strong guidance during arrow insertion, and be shaped so as to provide guidance toward the body of the barrel, regardless of the position or angle with which an arrow makes initial contact with the funnel.

100 The base of each barrel can be shaped to provide a positive grip between the barrel and the arrow upon insertion.

Ideally, the invention can be produced in one piece, from a simple two- 105 part mould, using a low-grade pliable plastic or other material, to dimensional tolerances sufficient to keep costs low, whilst ensuring a reliable fit for the plug in its tube, and for the arrow in each barrel. More advanced models may require more advanced moulding techniques.

110 Where possible, particular embodiments may incorporate a mark to indicate the maximum or ideal arrow diameter that may be used with a particular instance of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 115 Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig.1 is an oblique view of a first embodiment showing the use of an 120 insertable plug and thin walls to separate arrows; Fig.2 is a cross sectional oblique view of the embodiment of Fig.l, illustrating the internal structure; 125 Fig.3 is an embodiment with a circumferential clasping lip around the upper rim; Fig.4 is a cross sectional oblique view of the embodiment shown in Fig.3, showing the internal structure; 130 is an oblique view of an embodiment with a segmented circumferential clasping lip around the upper rim, and raised bumps on the body of the plug to enhance the strength of the interference fit; 135 Fig.6 is an oblique view of an embodiment using chamfered holes to guide arrows; Fig.7 is a cross sectional oblique view of the embodiment of Fig.6 illustrating the internal structure, which uses a solid body; 140 Fig.8 is a cross sectional oblique view of an embodiment with a shelled body; Fig.9 is a top view of an embodiment using a formed funnel to guide arrows, and incorporating a marker to show the maximum arrow diameter for the 145 particular model; is an oblique view of the embodiment shown in Fig.9; Fig.11 is a cross sectional oblique view of the embodiment shown in Fig.9, 150 illustrating the internal structure; Fig.12 is an oblique view of an embodiment incorporating slits cut into the body of the plug to increase deformability upon insertion; 155 Fig.13 is a rear oblique view of an embodiment incorporating shaped barrel ends to produce a positive grip on the arrow shaft upon insertion; Fig.14 is a cross sectional oblique view of the embodiment shown in Fig.13, illustrating the internal structure; 160 is an oblique view of an embodiment that uses the exterior walls of the barrels to provide the interference fit with the walls of the tube, dispensing with the outer surface of the body of the plug; 165 Fig.16 is a cross sectional oblique view of the embodiment shown in Fig.13, illustrating the internal structure; Fig.17 is an oblique view of an embodiment utilising raised bumps on the exterior walls of the barrels to enhance the strength of the interference fit; 170 Fig.18 is a two-barreled variant of the embodiment shown in Fig.1; Fig.19 is a four-barreled variant of the embodiment shown in Fig.1; 175 Fig.20 is a two-barreled variant of the embodiments shown in Figs.6, 7, 8; Fig.21 is a four-barreled variant of the embodiments shown in Figs.6, 7, 8; Fig.22 is a two-barreled variant of the embodiment shown in Fig.9; 180 Fig.23 is a four-barreled variant of the embodiment shown in Fig.9; Fig.24 is a two-barreled variant of the embodiment shown in Fig.13; 185 Fig.25 is a four-barreled variant of the embodiment shown in Fig.13.

Fig.26 is an oblique view of the favoured embodiment.

Fig.27 is a cross-sectional oblique view of the favoured embodiment shown in 190 Fig.26.

Fig.28 is a dimensioned, cross-sectional view of the favoured embodiment shown in Fig.26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figs.1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a plug 4 according to the present invention. The plug 4 includes an upper rim lip 1 that prevents the plug falling 200 into the quiver tube, and a body 3 which inserts into the quiver tube and provides an interference fit between the plug 4 and the quiver tube. Arrows are kept separated by walls 2, which form a number of barrels 5 within the plug 4.

205 Walls 2 and barrels 5 may be any shape or size suitable to accommodate arrows as required. Any number of barrels 5 may be incorporated into the body 3 of the plug 4 provided they remain of sufficient diameter to accommodate arrows as required.

210 Figs.3 and 4 show a second embodiment of a plug 2 according to the invention, which includes a circumferential grooved lip 1 around the upper rim of the plug 2 to grasp the top of the quiver tube. This provides a stronger grip between the plug 2 and the quiver tube. This lip 1 is shown in Figs.3 and 4 as being a fraction of the length of the body 3 of the plug 2, but it may extend to 215 or beyond the full length of the body 3 of the plug 2. This circumferential grooved lip 1 is a feature that may be incorporated into any embodiment of the invention.

shows a third embodiment of a plug 4 according to the invention, which 220 includes a segmented circumferential grooved lip 2, 3 protruding from the upper rim lip 1, to grasp the top of the quiver tube at a finite number of points rather than continuously around the entire rim 1 as was shown in the second embodiment. This makes insertion of the plug 4 into the quiver tube easier, as neighbouring tubes in the quiver may be too close together to allow the use of 225 a full circumferential rim lip such as that shown in the second embodiment.

This segmented circumferential grooved lip 2, 3 is a feature that may be incorporated into any embodiment of the invention.

illustrates the use of raised elements, in this illustration spherical 230 segments 6, 7, 8, to strengthen the interference fit between the body 5 of the plug 4 and the quiver tube. These raised elements may take the form of spherical segments, rectilinear blocks, wedges or any other shape that suits the function. The raised elements may be separate as illustrated or may form a contiguous raised ridge about the body 5 of the plug 4, or may extend 235 vertically along the body 5 of the plug 4 at one or more points. These raised elements are a feature that may be incorporated into any embodiment of the invention.

Figs.6 and 7 show a fourth embodiment of a plug 4 according to the invention, 240 which uses barrels 1 each of which is composed of a funnel 2 and a barrel body 3. The funnels 2 provide a means of guiding an arrow into the barrel body 3 when an archer attempts to insert an arrow into a barrel 1. Without this guidance, arrows must be inserted with great care and accuracy. The funnel 2 is of an area and pitch sufficient to ensure adequate guidance of the arrow 245 upon insertion, minimising the effort required from the archer.

Fig.8 shows a fifth embodiment of a plug 4 according to the invention, which has a shelled body 5 to minimise the amount of material required for manufacture, and to increase deformability of the body 5 of the plug 4 as it is 250 inserted into a quiver tube. This shelled body is a feature that may be incorporated into any embodiment of the invention.

Figs.9, 10 and 11 show a sixth embodiment of a plug 1 according to the invention, which incorporates formed funnels 2 with separately shaped walls 255 3, 4, 5 that are pitched to guide the arrow into the barrel body 6. This enables maximum utilisation of available surface area, making the funnels 2 as wide as possible, making it easier for the archer to insert an arrow. The barrel body 6 may be kept narrow enough to ensure that the arrow is held securely in place, without increasing the care that the archer must take in inserting the 260 arrow. The body 8 of the plug 1 is long enough to ensure that the funnel 2 is of sufficient pitch and the barrel body 6 is of sufficient depth for the arrow to be inserted easily and held securely. The surfaces of the walls 3, 4, 5 of the funnels 2 may be further formed with grooves, other markings or smoothed to further facilitate arrow insertion.

265 An arrow diameter indicator 7 is incorporated into the plug 1 to alert the archer to the maximum diameter arrow that the barrels 6 will practically accommodate. Those familiar with the art will know that it is not uncommon for archers to use different diameter arrows in everyday practice and competition, 270 as well as when shooting indoor or outdoor competitions. When an archer chooses to use a different diameter arrow they may remove a given plug 1 and replace it with another plug 1 with the preferred barrel 6 diameter, as indicated by the arrow diameter indicator 7. This arrow diameter indicator is a feature that may be incorporated into any embodiment of the invention.

275 Fig.12 shows a seventh embodiment of a plug 1 according to the invention, which incorporates slits 3, 4, 5 in the body 2 of the plug 1 to increase deformability of the body 2 of the plug 1 as it is inserted into a quiver tube.

Any number of slits 3, 4, 5 of any width may be incorporated. Slits 3, 4, 5 may 280 be any length, extending a fraction of, or the full length of the body 2 up to and even into the upper rim 6 of the plug 1 as required. These slits 3, 4, 5 are a feature that may be incorporated into any embodiment of the invention.

Figs.13 and 14 show an eighth embodiment of a plug 1 according to the 285 invention, which incorporates shaped ends 5 on the barrels 2 that provide a positive interference grip between the barrels 2 and the shaft of an arrow upon insertion. The slits 3, 4 in the sides of the barrels 2 act to provide increased flexibility in the end 5 of each barrel 2 in order to ensure that an arrow may be inserted without undue force, and without damaging the ends 5 of the barrels 290 2. These shaped ends 5 and slits 3, 4 are a feature that may be incorporated into any embodiment of the invention.

and 16 show an ninth embodiment of a plug 1 according to the invention, which dispenses with the outer shell of the body of the plug 1 used 295 in previous embodiments and uses the legs 3, 4 of the barrel bodies 6 to provide an interference fit with the quiver tube. Sufficient material is provided for the funnels 5 of the barrels 8, by a reduced upper body 2 from which the legs 3, 4 protrude. This reduces the amount of material required for manufacture. Further reduction in materials is achieved by cutting into this 300 body 7. This embodiment intrinsically has a high degree of deformability when inserted into a quiver tube, but the legs 3, 4 may be cut with slits as in the seventh embodiment to further enhance deformability, allowing an easier fit into the tube.

305 Fig.17 is a tenth embodiment of a plug 1 according to the invention, which shows that the raised elements 2, 3 first discussed in the third embodiment may be incorporated here, even though the outer shell of the body of the plug 1 effectively no longer exists. These raised elements 2, 3 may be spherical segments, blocks, wedges or any other shape that suits the function, and may 310 extend horizontally and vertically to any extent on the surfaces of the legs 4, Figs.18 to 25 show variants of the previously detailed embodiments of the invention with different numbers of barrels. Archers who use large fletches on 315 their arrows may prefer to keep only one or two arrows in each quiver tube, and would find it convenient to use a variant of any embodiment of the invention with only one or two barrels, whilst those who use particularly small fletches may find it more convenient to use a variant of any embodiment of the invention with four or more barrels.

320 Figs.18 and 19 illustrate variants of the first embodiment of the invention. In the two-barreled variant, the common wall 1 of the barrels 2, 3 may be bent to provide better constraint of the movement of the arrow in the upper barrel 2.

325 Figs.20 and 21 illustrate variants of the fourth and fifth embodiment of the invention.

Figs.22 and 23 illustrate variants of the sixth embodiment of the invention.

330 Figs.24 and 25 illustrate variants of the ninth embodiment of the invention.

Figs.26, 27 and 28 show detailed, dimensioned views of the favoured embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the eighth embodiment of Figs.13 and 14, but includes a raised central pillar 1 which 335 adds extra surface area to the funnels, further enhancing the ease of arrow insertion. This raised central pillar is a feature that may be incorporated into any embodiment of the invention. Dimensions shown in Figs.26, 27, 28 are for a model of the invention to fit into a standard 1.25" diameter quiver tube, and hold three arrows with a maximum shaft diameter of 7mm. All linear 340 dimensions are in millimetres.

This embodiment is favoured over those with more advanced features, such as those that use the exterior surfaces of the individual barrels to form the interference grip with the tube, and those that use raised elements to enhance 345 said grip, as it is simpler in design and implementation and easier to manufacture without extensive prototyping iterations.

This embodiment would preferably be produced from a pliable plastic such as soft polyethylene, and due to its structure, those skilled in the art of plastics 350 moulding will recognise that it can be produced using a simple two-part, pullapart mould. This embodiment can also be produced from a variety of other materials, including, but not limited to, polystyrene, polypropylene, rubber, or any other suitably pliable material. Conceivably, a wood or hard plastic version could be produced, though its flexibility would be limited.

355 Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described here, each with specific combinations of features, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that a particular variant of the invention may have any combination of many of the features described, and the examples of the 360 embodiments shown here should not be construed as restricting the invention to a particular illustrated configuration.

As an example, the first three embodiments (Figs. 1 to 5) may be produced with arrow diameter indicators, slits in the body of the plug to 365 increase deformability, and raised elements for enhancing the interference fit with the tube, all of which are particular features described as elements of other embodiments. Similarly, the tenth embodiment (Fig.17) can be produced with the partial circumferential grooved lip of the third embodiment and the shaped barrel ends of the eighth embodiment (Figs.13 and 370 14.)

Claims (13)

1. A plug that is inserted into a tube of a tube quiver, said plug comprising; one or more barrels into which arrows are inserted, wherein; the barrels of the plug, comprised of a shaped insertion aperture, or funnel, to facilitate insertion of arrows; and shaped ends to ensure the arrow is constrained in its movements; a shaped rim to prevent the plug falling into the tube; this rim comprised of elements shaped to further enhance the grip between the plug and the tube. raised elements on the exterior surface of the plug and/or barrels to enhance the strength of the interference grip between the plug and the tube; and the plug to be made of a pliable material and shaped and/or cut to enhance its deformability and thus its suitability in being inserted with ease into tubes which are not manufactured to accurate tolerances.

2. The body of the plug, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body has dimensions allowing it to fit within a tube in a tube quiver.

3. The body of the plug, as claimed in claim 1, said body comprising various slits, grooves and other elements to further enhance deformability upon insertion into a tube.

4. The body of the plug, as claimed in claim 1, said body comprised of the outer surfaces of the barrels, as claimed in claim 1, and these outer surfaces to provide an interference grip with the tube of the tube quiver.

The body of the plug, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exterior surface, be it of the shell of the body or of the barrels, includes elements to enhance the strength of the interference grip between the plug and the tube.

6. The rim lip of the plug, as claimed in claim 1, which prevents the plug from falling into the quiver tube.

7. The rim lip of the plug, as claimed in claim 6, comprised of a circumferential grooved lip to enhance its ability to grip the tube to ensure a secure join.

8. The rim lip of the plug, as claimed in claim 6, comprised of a partially circumferential grooved lip to enhance its ability to grip the tube to ensure a secure join, and to provide adequate clearance between neighbouring tubes within a quiver and between the plugs, as claimed in claim 1, that are inserted in them.

9. The rim lip of the plug, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the lip included in the rim and comprising a partial or total circumferential groove, to extend the full vertical length of the plug, beyond the full vertical length of the plug, or to any fraction of that length.

10. The barrels of the plug, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bodies of the barrels are of a depth and width sufficient to ensure that the movement of arrows is properly constrained.

11. The barrels of the plug, as claimed in claim 10, said barrels comprising a shaped funnel designed, with respect to pitch, depth and surface finish, to aid the archer in inserting an arrow into a barrel with minimal effort and care.

12. The barrels of the plug, as claimed in claim 10, said barrels comprising elements to provide a positive grip between a barrel and an arrow shaft upon insertion.

13. An arrow diameter indicator marker, said marker to be included on the surface of the plug, as claimed in claim 1, to indicate the maximum or ideal diameter of an arrow that will be comfortably accommodated within the barrels of the plug, allowing for tolerances in the manufacture of both plug and arrow. APPLICANT: Michael NARAY 13 Claims, 28 drawing sheets.