Games using tangible projectile – Projectile – per se; part thereof or accessory therefor
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-11
2001-04-24
Ricci, John A. (Department: 3712)
Games using tangible projectile
Projectile, per se; part thereof or accessory therefor
C030S304000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220977
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the game of darts. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device to maintain darts, including; grooming the fins or flights of darts, shaft tightener, and a broken shaft remover.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A game dart is essentially a hand thrown fin stabilized projectile. The fins in combination are called a flight. While early darts used feather material for the construction of flights, modern darts now use various materials which have been proven to maintain a preselected aerodynamic shape and alignment. Typically, the flights are made from a synthetic material. Through use the flights sustain damage which effects the aerodynamic performance of the dart resulting in reduced accuracy and consistency of flight. What is needed is a device which can groom the flights to restore the aerodynamic performance.
Numerous innovations for dart tools have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a hand held device having a double bladed tool which conditions the flights removing or reducing nicks and notches which occur through use. The present invention has a handle attached to a plurality of blades extending radially outward from the handle. A recess is formed between the blades. The blades are positioned to accept the flights of the dart. In use, a flight is slid through a recess in the blades which are squeezed together by the user, this action removes or compresses a small portion of the flight which restores the flight to a flight worthy condition.
The types of problem encountered in the prior art are maintenance of game darts including; restoring aerodynamic surfaces of dart flights by removing nicks and notches in flights, removing broken shafts and tightening shafts.
The present invention solves the problem of restoring aerodynamic surfaces of dart flights by removing or reducing nicks and notches in the flights by reshaping the flight until the nicks and notches are removed or reduced.
The present invention solves the problem of removing broken shafts by providing a tool which engages the broken shaft end and permits twisting the shaft in the tip. The tool has a pair of posts which are sharpened. The sharpened ends of the posts are inserted into the broken end of the shaft. The posts are recessed within the tool to permit safe pocket storage.
The present invention solves the problem of tightening shafts by providing a post which is inserted into the shaft hole and in cooperation with the tool provides leverage for tightening or loosening shafts.
Innovations within the prior art are rapidly being exploited as dart throwing increases in popularity.
The present invention fills a long felt need for a device which restores the aerodynamic properties of the flights.
In keeping with these objects, and with other which will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides, briefly stated, in a flight straightener.
In keeping with these objects, and with other which will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides, briefly stated, in a dart tool.
When the dart tool is designed in accordance with the present invention, the flights are restored to a flight worthy aerodynamic condition.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a flight straightener having a flight straightener top.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the flight straightener has a flight straightener top and flight straightener bottom.
Another feature of the present invention is that the straightener top has a flight straightener top front which has a flight straightener top front right corner and a flight straightener top front left corner.
Yet another feature of the present invention is that the flight straightener bottom has a flight straightener bottom front which has a flight straightener bottom front right corner and a flight straightener bottom front left corner.
Still another feature of the present invention is that the first dart tool has a first housing which contains a first sharpener, a first sharpener opening and a third sharpener.
Yet still another feature of the present invention is that the third sharpener has a third sharpener opening, and a third sharpener shaft connector remover.
Still yet another feature of the present invention is that a second dart tool has a second housing.
Another feature of the present invention is that the second housing has a second housing channel, second housing post, second sharpener, and a second sharpener opening.
Still yet another feature of the present invention is that a flight straightener top and flight straightener bottom, in an operable position, are parallel to the flight.
Another feature of the present invention is that a flight straightener top and flight straightener bottom have peripheral edges which are not sharpened, functioning to permit safe use and pocket storage.
Still yet another feature of the present invention is that a flight straightener to and flight straightener bottom do not require a shield to protect the user when the first dart tool (
110
) is stored and during use.
The novel features which are considered characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWINGS
COMMON COMPONENTS
114
—flight straightener (
114
)
114
T—flight straightener top (
114
T)
114
TA—flight straightener top front (
114
TA)
114
TAR—flight straightener top front right corner (
114
TAR)
114
TAL—flight straightener top front left corner (
114
TAL)
114
B—flight straightener bottom (
114
B)
114
BA—flight straightener bottom front (
114
BA)
114
BAR—flight straightener bottom front right corner (
114
BAR)
114
BAL—flight straightener bottom front left corner (
114
BAL)
FIRST EMBODIMENT
110
—first dart tool (
110
)
112
—first housing (
112
)
116
—first sharpener (
116
)
116
A—first sharpener opening (
116
A)
316
—third sharpener (
316
)
316
A—third sharpener opening (
316
A)
316
B—third sharpener shaft connector remover (
316
B)
316
BA—third sharpener shaft connector remover plate (
316
BA)
316
BB—third sharpener shaft connector remover spike (
316
BB)
SECOND EMBODIMENT
210
—second dart tool (
210
)
212
—second housing (
212
)
212
A—second housing channel (
212
A)
212
B—second housing post (
212
B)
216
—second sharpener (
216
)
216
A—second sharpener opening (
216
A)
REFERENCES:
patent: 1360765 (1920-11-01), Knowlton
patent: 3050911 (1962-08-01), Brittingham
patent: 3270368 (1966-09-01), Cook et al.
patent: 3735542 (1973-05-01), Kocian
patent: 4001982 (1977-01-01), Griffin et al.
patent: 4069528 (1978-01-01), Newton et al.
patent: 4455784 (1984-06-01), Gallo
patent: 4472879 (1984-09-01), Sizemore
patent: 4635406 (1987-01-01), Rumbaugh
patent: 4785586 (1988-11-01), Kratfel
patent: 4974273 (1990-12-01), Buttermore et al.
patent: 5068954 (1991-12-01), Houska
patent: 5205193 (1993-04-01), Wield
patent: 5921874 (1999-07-01), Stockhamer
patent: 407525 (1946-11-01), None
Hoffmann & Baron , LLP
Ricci John A.
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