GB2240282A - Sword-like sporting arm - Google Patents

Abstract

A sword comprising a hilt (11) from which extends an elongate, flexible shaft (7), with the tip of the shaft (7) remote from the hilt (11) terminating in a sphere (1), or a spherical surface, of resilient construction. The sphere may be a tennis ball and pigment powder applied to the nap, or apertured pocket with an inner layer of foam or pile charged with pigment may be placed over the sphere to record hits. Hits may alternatively be recorded automatically. Tubular shaft 7 may be of PVC or polypropylene and an inner rod 9 of fiber/resin composite. <IMAGE>

Description

SWORD-LIKE SPORTING ARM This invention relates to a sword-like sporting arm, intended for sporting bouts between two opponents yet without, or with minimum, risk of injury and hereinafter referred to simply as a "sword".

The sport of fencing does not reach a wide popular following for various reasons, one of which is the necessity and cost of the essential safety equipment.

A basic object of the present invention is to provide a sword with which fencing, as an athletic and pleasurable form of person-to-person fencing bouts, may be undertaken with all appropriate force and vigour without serious hazard yet without the necessity for elaborate and formalised protective wear.

According to the present invention there is provided a sword comprising a hilt from which extends an elongate, flexible shaft, with the tip of the shaft remote from the hilt terminating in a sphere, or a spherical surface, of resilient construction.

The sphere or spherical surface, hereinafter referred to simply as a "sphere", preferably has a diameter greater than 5 mm, conveniently of the order of 65 mm so as to make it impossible for the sphere to penetrate the eye socket.

The sphere is also preferably hollow and could therefore conveniently be provided by a standard lawn tennis ball.

Such a ball diameter minimises damage from contact, e.g., a blow in the region of the eye.

With the sphere designated as the complete and exclusive scoring surface the user's strategy is therefore devoted to bringing the sphere, from any appropriate direction into vigorous contact with any part of the opponent's person and consequently the sword shaft, free from any scoring function, becomes simply an integrated extension of the complete delivery system from body and arm and hand to ultimate target. Considered in this way almost any rod-like member with sufficient mechanical properties would suffice.

Preferably however, the shaft is not less than 2mm diameter, preferably 22mm diameter; other figures may be considered but the smaller minimum is not likely to be reduced, as the bruising effect of a cane-like blow is very sensitive to the cross-section of the impacting rod and consequently; any significantly smaller size is much more likely to cause lasting sub-dermal damage from accidental violence. Also, the shaft is preferably cylindrical to minimise contact intensity from any direction of approach.

The shaft is preferably of such section and/or construction as to display an elastic flexibility akin to a slender steel blade, yet be capable of delivery of forces in bending from hilt to sphere sufficient to produce acceptably high accelerations to the latter. Flexibility is desirable from the protective aspect, in two modes viz it naturally reduces the impact of a lateral blow, and, it must also be present when the shaft functions as a column, technically defined, as when a strongly-extended thrust or lunge impacts the opponent's body. Preferably, the shaft construction is such that in strut-like mode, the shaft give way in bending.

Hence the shaft is preferably pre-stressed, in compression.

The material of the shaft surface should be hard, to prevent local deformation or indentation by continued beating contact with the opposing shaft. It should also be uniformly smooth and of low friction coefficient. Two shafts in contact should glide across and along each other as each seeks to control the other, with minimum dragging forces to inhibit the interplay. Such a surface, of course also acts to reduce friction on skin or clothes, as from an accidental 'draw-cut' contact.

The shaft should be light in weight, both to reduce the kinetic energy of impact and to increase response to the user's will.

It is desirable, although not absolutely essential, for the stiffness of the shaft in bending to tend to increase towards the hilt, somewhat as do the classical weapons from foible to forte.

The hilt, or handle is as usual formed as a more-or less axial extension of the shaft, of suitable length and cross section to encourage a strong grip from the fingers of the user yet allowing any necessary play.

In detail, the hilt preferably includes a guard, as on virtually all swords, to act as a stop to further motion toward the hand as the shafts slide together and the hilts approach, in order to protect the knuckles. It should also cover the gripping fingers against a transverse, sabre-type slash or blow, and in fact tends to a 'basket hilt' format as seen on sabres. It must be sufficiently resilient not to cause injury in punch-like impact with the opponent and must of course not include points or sharp edges. The fact that the opposing swords terminate in a sphere influences the guard design. Many traditional guard forms would deflect an a ppr oa ch i n g h i g h-v el o ci ty sphere in a way probably uncontrollable by the attacker and unpredictable by the defender, yet a large diameter guard is clearly unnatural and undesirable.The preferred structure is a ring or toroid with an outside diameter not exceeding twice the sphere diameter, concentric with the shaft at the junction between the shaft and hilt, and supported therefrom either by a cone of resilient material or by a number of radial 'spokes' approximating thereto, with the smaller (shaft contacting) end of the cone towards the hand. In other words, the larger end of the open conical shape faces the opponent and represents an efficient 'receptor' - not of course a trap - for an oncoming sphere. The novel conical format confers rigidity against such a force, but permits necessary deflection against a lateral (radial) force as against an opponent's person.

Preferably a semi-flexible strip or band loops from one radial location to the conical guard to the pommel or other end of the hilt, formed and attached in any suitable way to provide the rest of the finger protection as mentioned. The pommel itself must be resilient and rounded in case of inadvertent contact with the weapon reversed.

The sword of the invention preferably also includes sensitive means using any of a variety of known electronic.

means to indicate contact with impetus by a sphere. The fact that the sphere is the only scoring surface, that it is hollow and relatively large, renders this function readily attainable. It does require circuitry, indicators etc. A cheaper alternative arrangement is the use of coloured powder pigments. These are available in dry, clean form, readily brushed or washed from clothing. The sphere surface may be given a nap or pile coating (as for example the tennis ball) which will retain a light dusting of powder. This readily transfers with a touch, and the scoring mark is easily removed or reduced to avoid ambiguity on a following hit.

A more efficient method is embraced with the use of a 'colour' jacket. This is a light glove-like covering which slips over the sphere and is snugly retained thereto by elastic means. In a favoured form, this has a largelyimpervious outer layer, perforated with fine holes, and an inner layer of pile, plush or open-celled foam acting as a powder reservoir. (Only very small quantities are involved.) The tell-tale colour transfers only on definite impact.

Similar jackets may be used to enlarge and/or cushion the sphere.

By way of example, a particular embodiment of the invention will now be described, with reference to sketches attached. It will be well understood by those skilled in the manufacturing arts, especially those connected with sports goods, their use, manufacture and marketing, that there are many possible realisations of the innovative concept discussed above, in detail design, choice of materials and so on, without departing from the patentable features of the sword.

Similarly, the wealth of materials and associated production techniques now available for quantity production is such that no description can be exhaustive; where specific materials are mentioned it is to give those skilled in the art an indication of the properties desired rather than an exclusive specification.

A hollow spherical body (1) with relatively thin wall of resilient material (2) is held firmly in contact with a rim or socket element (3) by means to be described later. The diameter of the sphere (1) should not be less than 65mm for physiological reasons and the diameter of the rim (3) should be approxiately a two thirds of the sphere diameter. This proportion provides (a) an adequate length of forcetransmitting contact circumference; (b) sufficient lateral location by the male/female conjunction (cf an egg in an eggcup) and (c) the practicability of rim (3) formed as the frustrum of a thin-walled hollow conical body (4) with an approximately tangential relation to the sphere surface, as at (5). The frusto-conical element (4) reduces in diameter from the rim (3) and terminates in a tubular extension (6). This connecting body (3, 4, 6) is of light but strong rigid construction.It serves as an inconspicuous transition between sphere (1) and a flexible tubular member (7) into which the male locates plug-and-socket fashion. If realised for example as a moulding, the nominally conical surface could be curved to provide an even more natural transition between sphere and cylinder. Internally, generally in the vicinity of the cone-cylinder junction, the internal bore is restricted to a close fit (8) around a relatively slender rod-like member (9) which lies substantially along the centre of the tubular member (7), so that the members (7) and (9) constitute an elongate, composite shaft. The rod (9) is in close proximity at its end with a safety disc, preferably of light but strong metal (1PI) which is itself either located or fixed in the body (4) in close proximity to the inward part of the sphere (1).

The tubular member (7) is a suitable length of commercially-available 'plastic' tubing of the order of 2 22mm OD with a wall thickness of say l.l/2mm. Such tubes in uPVC, polypropylene et al, have tough, hard, smooth surfaces, are locally quite rigid but over a length are moderately flexible, these being the desired qualities. The rod (9) is a suitable length of commercially-available fibre/resin composite preferably of te type manufactured by the 'pultrusion' process or similar. These are available in combinations such as f ibreglass/polyester or epoxy/carbon fibre, and the diameter to be adopted would lie in the region of 2 - 4mm, depending on properties.

The tubular member (7) and rod-like member (9) together form elements of the composite shaft, or blade analogue. Before defining the other (hilt) end, and the means of assembly, it is appropriate to mention the special and in this context, novel - advantages of the composite or double element construction. The slender solid rod-like member (9) is the primary strength member, developing suitable stiffness but, because of its slenderness, being suitably elastic. For the safety reasons already discussed, it could not be used alone. The tubular member (7) contributes a little to the bending strength, but is primarily protective, as described. It permits a prestressed method of assembly which, inter alia, destablises its own potential (and undesirable) strength as a strut.As so far described, the rod-like member and the tubular member are independent by the use of 'packing pieces' between the two, as for example near the hilt, the combined stiffness may be somewhat increased if appropriate.

The handle or hilt (11) is made of any suitable strong material or materials, its detail shape following custom or convenience developed from particular duelling styles. At its forward end it has a cylindrical extension (12) which enters plug-and-socket fashion with a firm fit into the tubular member (7). Ends (13) of the section (12) may with advantage be rounded to minimise stress at the location where bending of the tubular member (7) commences. A shoulder or abutment (14) formed in the hilt (11) locates the end of the tubular member (7). A blind hole (15), to be a firm fit on the rod-like member (9), is located approximately centrally through the cylindrical section (12) and as indicated advantageously .extends beyond shoulder (14) into the body of the hilt (11).It is important that this hole has a blind end (16) (or immovably cross-pinned or plugged), as a stop for the rod-like member (9). A resilient toroidal member (17), with an overall diameter approximately twice that of the sphere (1), is supported concentrically with tubular member (7) in the axial region of the tube/hilt junction. The support takes the form of a thick-walled resilient shallow cone, uniting the toroid and a hub-like body embracing the tubular member (7) and/or hilt (11). The open face of the cone faces away from the hilt; the side towards the hilt may be shaped to suit the presence of the first finger and thumb of the gripping hand, and the whole might with advantage be cast from a material such as polyurethane Shore 8-85. The conical support is reference (18) and the hand-pad surface (19).A clamp (2) is used to connect and tighten together hilt, guard and tube; it must of course be easy to operate and well-shrouded. The hilt (11) is made slightly longer than is necessary for grip alone, and a counter-balance weight of some dense material (21) is incorporated in the pommel end.

A band of a resilient material (23) is suitably connected between the cone (18) and the pommel (22), and the cone itself may be sub-divided into bands or spokes.

With the exception of clamp (2) no mention has been made of means of connecting together the hilt, shaft and sphere of the sword and indeed the other various elements, into a stable, functioning entity. Such means conveniently comprises two loops of flexible high-tensile cord (24), e.g., monofilament nylon line, pass over the sphere (1) mutually at right-angles. They cross at the crown of the sphere, i.e., at the point furthest from the hilt (25) and to prevent the crossing standing proud of the sphere surface a small groove or indentation will be provided in the thickness of the sphere (26). The loops (24) pass between the sphere and the cupped body (4) which may be moulded or grooved to accommodate and locate them, and enter the tubular member (7). Each loop becomes a single strand at noose points (27) and the two strands pass down the tubular member (7) alongside rod-like member (9). They pass through a chamber or cavity formed at the pommel end of hilt (11). Here they are gripped and may be placed under considerable tension by a suitable small mechanism (29) adjustable by the user.

It will be appreciated that there are many ways of achieving this general result; for example different formats for the looping are suggested (3) and (31) and many forms of tightening means will come to mind of those skilled in the art. Located at the pommel end, the weight of assembly (29) is not so sensitive.

By this light means, the complete sword assembly is placed under a high compressive load, sufficient in the case of a tennis ball as sphere (1) to embed loops (24) into the surface. It will be understood that the elements under this force are the sphere (1), the cupped body (4), the tubular member (7), possibly some part of guard element (19), via shoulder (14) through hilt (11) and the reaction surface of tensioning screw (29).

The tubular member (7) is thus advantageously prestressed in compression but the extent of this is carefully limited by the carefully chosen length of rod-like member (9) between its abutments (1B) and (16). Being by virtue of its slenderness ratio quite unstable in unconfined compression, the rod-like member is caused to bow or curve within the restraint of the tubular member, a mid-cross-section of which is shown at (32). This tendency may if required be controlled by slightly skewed or off-centre drilling of hole (15). The complete assembly is therefore lightly but solidly held together, with a bending pre-stress in the shaft to predispose yielding in thrust.

Addendum on Balance Etc.

Situated at the extreme tip of the shaft, the weight of the component designated as sphere (1) is obviously important. It should be light, otherwise its inertia, so far from the hilt, reduces the speed at which the weapon can react to moments and forces from the hand. It must nevertheless be sufficiently size and robust adequately to comply with the safety imperatives. (A ball relying on internal pressure to maintain its safe presence is clearly not acceptable.) There are many advantages to the use of a standardised, readily-available ball. The sport may, however, command facilities sufficient to justify its own standards and/or stipulated methods of construction, e.g., foam filling with integral skin, and so on.

The novel construction proposed is readily capable of producing a sword with desirable qualities within the classical overall weight limits. Any perceived preponderance of mass towards the tip may be improved by a counterbalance (21) on the opposite side of the effective pivot - the gripping hand - as shown near the pommel. In the limit the sword could be made to balance thus, at the expense both of increased total weight and - even less favourable - increased polar moment of inertia, leading to translational and rotational sluggishness. It can be shown that the mass distribution occasioned by the novel features of the invention can be arranged to give acceptable characteristics, and it is likely that, as-a sport, within certain limits there could be individual freedom to vary and 'tune'.

Addendum on Instrumented Hit Detection.

As mentioned, more demanding means of hit detection go hand-in-hand with increased competition, even if the simple means described can be shown to be adequate for certain uses.

Electronic means, with very small, light components, are now commonplace, and various sensor modes may be considered. It is desirable to distinguish between impact on a surface - the opponent's person and therefore a hit - and contact with the shaft'of the opposing weapon. This occurs more as a glancing contact than as an impact, but it can of course happen at any time in a bout.

The difference is in mutual contact area on impact.

As an example, the inductance between two slightly separated thin conductive layers varies when the laminate is squeezed and can be made to vary according to the area involved. A very light conductor can easily and safely be run inside the tubular member (7) to the hilt, and thence to a minaturisd battery-powered amplifier/annunciator unit. Electrical communications between the duellists, and between them and the outside world by trailing wires, are not involved in this novel system. In the narrow context of high-level competition, the following simple procedure might be typical.

Each duellist's unit is switched on and verified by rapping the sphere against say the leg - a signal is produced - and against another shaft - no signal is produced. Both units are re-set and the bout commences, under the formal rules of the sport, with-a salute and a decisive contact between the two spheres. In each unit, a simple but highly accurate electronic timer is now running from that simultaneous start signal. It will stop and display on a 'hit' signal. In the event of nearly-coincident hits, the two displays completely establish priority and are then, of course, re-set for the next encounter. Modern electronics are so extremely versatile that it would be entirely practicable to incorporate the set of functions so described into the hilt, pommel or guard to produce an entirely novel and self-contained duelling sword.

Claims (23)

1. A sword comprising a hilt from which extends an elongate, flexible shaft, with the tip of the shaft remote from the hilt terminating in a sphere, or a spherical surface, of resilient construction.

2. A sword as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the sphere or spherical surface, has a diameter greater than 5 mm, conveniently of the order of 65 mm.

3. A sword as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the sphere is hollow.

4. A sword as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the sphere is constituted by a standard lawn tennis ball.

5. A sword as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the shaft is not less than 2mm diameter, preferably 22mm diameter.

6. 6. A sword as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the shaft is of such section and/or construction as to display an elastic flexibility akin to a slender steel blade, yet be capable of delivery of forces in bending from hilt to sphere sufficient to produce acceptably high accelerations to the latter.

7. A sword as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the shaft is constructed such that in strut-like mode, the shaft gives way in bending.

8. A sword as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the shaft is pre-stressed, in compression.

9. A sword as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the shaft is uniformly smooth and of low friction coefficient.

1. A sword as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the stiffness of the shaft in bending tends to increase towards the hilt.

11. A sword as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the shaft is a composite shaft comprising a relatively slender rod-like inner member, surrounded by a tubular member.

12. A sword as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the inner member is a fibre/resin composite, preferably of 2 - 4mm diameter.

13. A sword as claimed in Claim 11 or 12, wherein the tubular member is constituted by a length of plastics tubing, preferably of 2 - 22 mm OD and 1.5mm wall thickness.

14. A sword as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the hilt, or handle is formed as a more-or less axial extension of the shaft.

15. A sword as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the hilt includes a guard.

16. A sword as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the guard is a ring or toroid with an outside diameter not exceeding twice the sphere diameter, concentric with the shaft at the junction between the shaft and hilt, and supported therefrom either by a cone of resilient material or by a number of radial 'spokes' approximating thereto, with the smaller (shaft contacting) end of the cone towards the hand.

17. A sword as claimed in Claim 16, wherein a semiflexible strip or band loops from one radial location to the conical guard to the pommel or other end of the hilt, formed and attached in any suitable way to provide the rest of the finger protection as mentioned.

18. A sword as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the pommel is resilient and rounded.

19. A sword as claimed in any preceding Claim, including sensitive means using any of a variety of known electronic means to indicate contact with impetus by a sphere.

2. A sword as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 18, wherein the surface of the sphere has a nap or pile coating to carry coloured marker pigment.

21. A sword as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 18, wherein a removable glove-like covering is provided on the sphere, retained by elastic means.

22. A sword as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the covering has a largely-impervious outer layer, perforated with fine holes, and an inner layer of pile, plush or open-celled foam acting as a powder reservoir.

23. A sword, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.