GB2518474A

GB2518474A - A barrel for a dart

Info

Publication number: GB2518474A
Application number: GB1407408.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Garry Plummer
Original assignee: Target Sports Ltd
Current assignee: Target Sports Ltd
Priority date: 2013-09-18
Filing date: 2013-09-18
Publication date: 2015-03-25
Also published as: GB201407408D0; GB201316584D0; GB2510449A; GB2510449B

Abstract

A barrel 1 for a dart is adapted to be connected, or is connected, to a tip at a first end 3, and is adapted to be connected, or is connected, to a shaft at a second, opposite end 4. A series of discrete, spaced-apart indentations 6 are formed on the exterior of the barrel 1. Each indentation 6 has a width occupying less than 1/10th of the circumference of the barrel 1, at the longitudinal position of the indentation 6, and a length occupying less than 1/10th of the length of the barrel 1 in the longitudinal direction. ALtrenatively, aach indentation 6 has a width occupying no more than 3 mm, at the longitudinal position of the indentation 6, and a length occupying no more than 3mm in the longitudinal direction. A longitudinal direction is defined between the first and second ends 3, 4 and a circumferential direction is defined around the exterior of the barrel 1 in the direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. None of the indentations 6 are part of a longer cut or groove.

Description

Title: A Barrel For A Dart Descriøtion of Invention This invention relates to a barrel for a dart.

Darts are well known for use in playing a game in which the darts are thrown towards a target, such as a dart board, which is usually mounted on a wall or other surfaces.

A dart conveniently comprises a tip, mounted on the front end of a barrel. The tip may be formed from a hard material, such as metal, or may alternatively be formed tram a relatively soft material such as plastic. A shaft is connected to the rear end of the barrel, and one or more flights are attached to the rear end of the shaft.

The barrel is generally formed from a hard, relatively heavy material, such as tungsten or stainless steel. It is usually primarily the barrel that is grasped and held by a user while the dart is thrown.

In order to minimise the possibility of the dart slipping with respect to the user's hand during the throwing action, the barrel is often provided with one or more features to assist the user in gripping the barrel. Typically, these features include a series of circumferential groves and/or ridges, which pass around the body of the barrel.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved or alternative barrel for a dart.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present of invention provides a barrel for a dart, the barrel being adapted to be connected, or being connected, to a tip at a first end, and being adapted to be connected, or being connected, to a shaft at a second, opposite end, a longitudinal direction being defined between the first and second ends, and a circumferential direction being defined around the exterior of the barrel in the direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein a series of discrete, spaced-apart indentations are formed on the exterior of the barrel, each indentation having a width occupying less than 1/10th of the circumference of the barrel, at the longitudinal position of the indentation, and each indentation having a length occupying less than 1/10th of the length of the barrel in the longitudinal direction, each indentation not being part of a longer cut or groove.

Advantageously, a series of at least 20 indentations is formed on the exterior of the barrel.

Preferably, the indentations are arranged in rows, each row comprising a series of spaced-apart indentations positioned around the circumference of the barrel, at approximately the same longitudinal position.

Conveniently, at least three rows of indentations are formed at different longitudinal positions.

Advantageously, the indentations are all of approximately the same shape.

Preferably, at least one circumferential groove is formed in the exterior of the barrel, the groove extending all or substantially all of the way around the circumference of the barrel, and wherein the circumferential groove is formed separately from the indentations.

Conveniently, a series of spaced-apart circumferential grooves is provided.

Advantageously, the indentations are provided in a series of spaced-apart rows, and wherein the spacing between adjacent rows is less than or equal to the spacing between adjacent circumferential grooves.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a barrel for a dart, the barrel being adapted to be connected, or being connected, to a tip at a first end, and being adapted to be connected, or being connected, to a shaft at a second, opposite end, a longitudinal direction being defined between the first and second ends, and a circumferential direction being defined around the exterior of the barrel in the direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein a series of discrete, spaced-apart indentations are formed on the exterior of the barrel, each indentation having a width of no more than 3mm, at the longitudinal position of the indentation, and each indentation having a length occupying no more than 3mm in the longitudinal direction, each indentation not being part of a longer cut or groove.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of forming a barrel for a dart, comprising the steps of: providing a barrel, a longitudinal direction being defined between the first and second ends of the barrel, and a circumferential direction being defined around the exterior of the barrel in the direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and forming a series of discrete, spaced-apart indentations on the exterior of the barrel, each indentation having a width occupying less than 1/10th of the circumference of the barrel, at the longitudinal position of the indentation, and each indentation having a length occupying less than 1/10th of the length of the barrel in the longitudinal direction, each indentation not being part of a longer cut or groove.

Preferably, the indentations are formed by a milling process.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of forming a barrel for a dart, comprising the steps of: providing a barrel, a longitudinal direction being defined between the first and second ends of the barrel, and a circumferential direction being defined around the exterior of the barrel in the direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and forming a series of discrete, spaced-apart indentations on the exterior of the barrel, each indentation having a width of no more than 3mm, at the longitudinal position of the indentation, and each indentation having a length of no more than 3mm in the longitudinal direction, each indentation not being part of a longer cut or groove.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a dart comprising a barrel according to any one of the above In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a first barrel embodying the present invention; and Figures 2 and 3 show a second barrel embodying the present invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a barrel 1 for a dart is shown. The barrel 1 is approximately cylindrical in shape, but has a central bulge and tapers towards each end, and is generally radially symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis 2. Barrels in accordance with the invention may have any suitable shape, and are not limited to this design.

At a front end 3 of the barrel 1, an axial threaded bore is formed. In use, a tip (not shown) is attached to the front entry of the barrel 1 by means of a complementary screw thread. Any other suitable attachment means may be used. Indeed, in other embodiments, the barrel 1 may be integrally formed with the tip.

At a rear end 4 of the barrel 1 a further longitudinal threaded bore is formed.

In use, a shaft is attached to the ear end of the barrel 1, again by means of a complementary screw thread. Again, any other suitable attachment arrangement may be used. In alternative embodiments the barrel 1 may be integrally formed with a shaft.

The barrel 1 is preferably formed from a robust material such as tungsten or stainless steel. The barrel 1 is preferably formed as a solid, moulded item.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the barrel 1 has a grip region 5, which encompasses approximately the rear half of the body of the barrel 1. Over the grip region 5, a series of individual, discrete, spaced-apart indentations 6 are formed in the exterior of the barrel 1.

Each of the indentations 6 is preferably formed by a separate milling process.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, there are six rows 7 of indentations 6.

Each row 7 of indentations 6 comprises a spaced-apart series of indentations 6 extending around the circumference of the barrel 1. In each row 7 there are twelve indentations 6. The indentations 6 in each row are (in the example of Figure 1) evenly spaced, and the indentations 6 are thus spaced radially 30° apart from each other.

In embodiments of the invention each indentation 6 is relatively small compared to the outer surface of the barrel 1. In particular, each indentation 6 occupies a length which is less than 1/1 0tb of the overall length of the barrel 1, as measured in the longitudinal direction.

Each indentation 6 also has a width, in the circumferential direction, which occupies less than 1110tb of the total circumference of the barrel 1, at the longitudinal position along the length of the barrel 1 at which the indentation 6 is located.

In embodiments the indentations may be still smaller than this. For instance, each indentation may occupy a length which is less than 1120tb, or more preferably less than 1130th of the total length of the barrel 1.

Each indentation 6 may also have a width which occupies less than 1120tb or preferably less than 1130tb, of the total circumference of the barrel, and the longitudinal position of the particular indentation 6.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the indentations 6 are arranged in a regular fashion, so that the indentations 6 of a first row 7a are generally lined with those of a second, adjacent row 7b.

However, in alternative embodiments the indentations 6 of the rows 7 may be staggered or randomly ornamental with respect to each other. It is also not necessary that the various rows 7 each have the same number of indentations.

The indentations 6 may, indeed, not be arranged in regular rows at all.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, each indentation 6 has approximately the same shape. However, this is not necessarily in all embodiments, In preferred embodiments the barrel 1 comprises at least six indentations 6 arranged on the surface thereof. In further embodiments, the barrel 1 may have at least twenty, at least thirty, at least forty, or at least fifty indentations 6 on its surface.

Each of the indentations 6 is individually formed, and does not form a part of a larger cut, groove or other feature.

In conventional dart barrels, surface features such as grooves and ridges are formed from relatively long, continuous cuts. For instance, a conventional dart barrel may include a series of spaced-apart circumferential grooves, which pass all, or substantially all of the way around the circumference of the barrel.

It is known for relatively long longitudinal cuts to be formed in the surface of a dart barrel, principally by a hobbing method. These hobbed cuts may be formed in conjunction with circumferential grooves. Hobbed cuts will usually extend over a relatively long proportion of the length of barrel, for instance around a half or a third of the total length of the barrel.

It is also known for barrels to have a knurled outer surface, formed from relatively long, continuous parallel cuts. Knurled cuts may be formed circumferentially, longitudinally, and/or set at a diagonal angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the barrel.

The formation of a series of discrete, individual, spaced-apart indentations in the surface of the barrel allows a superior feeling of control to a user, when compared to previous techniques. In particular, it has been found that users feel that a high level of control can be exerted over the dart with respect to axial slippage or rotation during throwing of the dart.

Referring to Figure 2, a further barrel 8 embodying the present invention is shown. The further barrel 8 once again has a grip region 5, which the user is expected to grasp and hold during throwing of a dart which includes the further barrel 8. The grip region 5 includes a series of spaced-apart circumferential grooves 9, as is known in the art.

Discrete, individually-formed spaced-apart indentations 6 are also formed in the grip region 5 of the further barrel 8. In the embodiment shown, a series of indentations 6 is formed in conjunction with each of the circumferential grooves 9. Each indentation 6 has a length which begins on the outer surface of the further barrel 8, slightly closer to the front end 3 than the respective groove 9. The indentation 6 extends rearwardly into the groove 9, and terminates within the trough formed by the groove 9. In the embodiment shown, each indentation 6 has a generally teardrop shape, with a rounded front end and a rear end that tapers to a point. However, the indentations 6 may have any other suitable shape.

In this embodiment, again twelve indentations 6 are formed in association with each groove 9. However, the skilled reader will appreciate that a different number of indentations 6 may be formed.

The indentations 6 may, of course, be arranged differently with respect to the grooves 9.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, six grooves 9 are formed, and each groove has twelve indentation 6 associated therewith. However, different numbers of grooves 9 and/or indentations 6 may be formed. It is also envisaged that a series of grooves may be formed, some of which have indentations 6 associated therewith, and others of which do not.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, a barrel is provided with a series of spaced-apart circumferential grooves, and also separate, discrete, individually-formed indentations, which overlap with, or are formed between, the grooves, and the length of each indentation is less than the spacing between adjacent circumferential grooves.

It is preferred that the indentations are arranged in a pattern that is at least substantially radially symmetrical around the circumference of the barrel. This is so that, regardless of the orientation in which the dart is picked up and grasped by the user, the "feel" of the dart, and the number of indentations with which the user's fingers will come into contact during the throwing action, will not vary significantly. In some embodiments the pattern is at least substantially radially symmetrical at each plane passing through the body of the barrel, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The pattern may, however, be different in one plane than it is in a spaced apart parallel plane.

The indentations disclosed in this application do not comprise characters, such as letters and numbers, which form part of a name, logo, or technical information which is printed, stamped or etched into the surface of the barrel.

The skilled reader will understand that indentations may be formed in a barrel in many other patterns in configurations than those described above.

To manufacture a barrel in accordance with the present invention, a barrel blank is first formed in the usual manner. As discussed above, circumferential grooves may be formed in the barrel, either as part of a moulding process or during a subsequent procedure, for instance employing a lathe.

Separate indentations are then formed on the exterior surface of the barrel.

This is preferably carried out during a milling operation, with at least one separate milling operation being carried out to form each indentation. As discussed above, the indentations are not formed as part of longer cuts, grooves or other features.

The order of these steps may be reversed, so that the milled indentations are formed first, and the circumferential grooves are formed in a subsequent step.

The manufacturing steps may be carried out in any convenient order, and the preferred order may depend on the details of the design.

As a further step, some or all of the indentations may be coloured. This may be achieved by applying a coloured paint, dye or other coating into each indentation. It has been found that this provides an aesthetically pleasing outward appearance to the barrel.

In the example shown in Figure 2, ornamental longitudinal and circumferential grooves are formed in a decorative region 10, which is positioned forwardly of the grip region 5.

Figure 3 shows a cut-away view of the barrel 8. The threaded bores 11, 12 that are formed at the front and rear ends of 3, 4 of the barrel 1 can be seen in this figure.

The indentations formed in embodiments of the invention preferably have a depth of at least 0.1mm, and more preferably may have a depth of at least 0.2mm.

In the description above the size of the indentations is given as a function of the length and circumference of the barrel. However, alternatively or in additions, the length of each indentation (measured in the direction parallel with the longitudinal axis) is no more than 3mm. More preferably, the length of each indentation is no more than 2mm, and yet more preferably the length of each indentation is no more than 1mm.

Similarly, the width of each indentation (measured around the circumference of the barrel) is no more than 3mm. More preferably, the width of each indentation is no more than 2mm, and yet more preferably the width of each indentation is no more than 1mm.

Other features such as logos, a manufacturer's name, and other cuts or grooves (which may be functional and/or ornamental) can be formed in the barrel.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

Claims 1. A barrel for a dart, the barrel being adapted to be connected, or being connected, to a tip at a first end, and being adapted to be connected, or being connected, to a shaft at a second, opposite end, a longitudinal direction being defined between the first and second ends, and a circumferential direction being defined around the exterior of the barrel in the direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein a series of discrete, spaced-apart indentations are formed on the exterior of the barrel, each indentation having a width occupying less than 1110tb of the circumference of the barrel, at the longitudinal position of the indentation, and each indentation having a length occupying less than 1/1 01h of the length of the barrel in the longitudinal direction, each indentation not being part of a longer cut or groove.
2. A barrel according to claim 1, wherein a series of at least 20 indentations is formed on the exterior of the barrel.
3. A barrel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indentations are arranged in rows, each row comprising a series of spaced-apart indentations positioned around the circumference of the barrel, at approximately the same longitudinal position.
4. A barrel according to claim 3 wherein at least three rows of indentations are formed at different longitudinal positions.
5. A barrel according to any proceeding claim, wherein the indentations are all of approximately the same shape.
6. A barrel according to any proceeding claim wherein at least one circumferential groove is formed in the exterior of the barrel, the groove extending all or substantially all of the way around the circumference of the barrel, and wherein the circumferential groove is formed separately from the indentations.
7. A barrel according to claim 6, wherein a series of spaced-apart circumferential grooves is provided.
8. A barrel according to claim 7, wherein the indentations are provided in a series of spaced-apart rows, and wherein the spacing between adjacent rows is less than or equal to the spacing between adjacent circumferential grooves.
9. A barrel for a dart, the barrel being adapted to be connected, or being connected, to a tip at a first end, and being adapted to be connected, or being connected, to a shaft at a second, opposite end, a longitudinal direction being defined between the first and second ends, and a circumferential direction being defined around the exterior of the barrel in the direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein a series of discrete, spaced-apart indentations are formed on the exterior of the barrel, each indentation having a width of no more than 3mm, at the longitudinal position of the indentation, and each indentation having a length occupying no more than 3mm in the longitudinal direction, each indentation not being part of a longer cut or groove.
10. A method of forming a barrel for a dart, comprising the steps of: providing a barrel, a longitudinal direction being defined between the first and second ends of the barrel, and a circumferential direction being defined around the exterior of the barrel in the direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and forming a series of discrete, spaced-apart indentations on the exterior of the barrel, each indentation having a width occupying less than 1110tb of the circumference of the barrel, at the longitudinal position of the indentation, and each indentation having a length occupying less than 1/1 0th of the length of the barrel in the longitudinal direction, each indentation not being part of a longer cut or groove.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the indentations are formed by a milling process.
12. A method of forming a barrel for a dart, comprising the steps of: providing a barrel, a longitudinal direction being defined between the first and second ends of the barrel, and a circumferential direction being defined around the exterior of the barrel in the direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and forming a series of discrete, spaced-apart indentations on the exterior of the barrel, each indentation having a width of no more than 3mm, at the longitudinal position of the indentation, and each indentation having a length of no more than 3mm in the longitudinal direction, each indentation not being part of a longer cut or groove.
13. A dart comprising a barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
14. A barrel substantially as herein before described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
15. Any method substantially as herein before described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
16. Any novel feature or combinations of features disclosed herein.