Performance arrow vane

Abstract

A vane for an archery arrow consisting of durable, stiff material, utilizing an overall vane length of approximately two inches or less, a maximum vane height of approximately 0.6 inches or less, a straight upper and rearward extending edge from the forward point of the vane to its maximum height, and a radial rear edge from the vane's maximum height to its rearward point. The invention provides arrow steering capabilities for which longer vanes or feathers were previously required, and further promotes accuracy by reducing weight at the nock end of the arrow.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The instant invention is directed to the field of archery, and archery arrows, generally, and vanes for archery arrows, specifically. [0002] Vanes, or guiding fin projections, for arrows, are widely known and have been used since the inception of archery. Vanes are typically configured generally parallel to the shaft of an arrow, in a plurality arrangement. Vanes provide in-flight arrow stabilization particularly in the hunting archery field, for hunting points or “broadheads.” Hunting points, with more weight, have long provided stabilization challenges. The usual solution for increasing stabilization for broadheads, or to stabilize arrow flight, generally, has traditionally been to increase vane or feather size. Although larger vanes and / or feathers, natural or synthetic, for arrow guidance purposes, have been successfully used to solve erratic flight / stabilization problems, their use has created additional limitations. Increased vane size tends ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Clearly, the prior art in this field indicates that a need exists for an arrow vane which can provide increased stability, with different sizes and weights of arrow tips, and, optimally, reduce size as opposed to increase size, of the vane itself.

[0009] The instant invention provides consistent in-flight steerage and stabilization with broadhead arrows, and others, using the shortest and smallest vane available. The shorter vane provides less chance of interference with the arrow rest or bow cradle and weighs less than a normal vane. Less vane weight results in increased arrow speed and improved arrow trajectory.

[0014] The invention, as described, allows hunters to sight in with field tips and then switch to broadhead without changing the arrow impact point. Further, testing by the inventors has shown that, while some spin is necessary for accurate flight, a longer vane is not the optimum answer. What is required is a guidance system, such as that provided, which provides stable guidance to the arrow, irrespective of what the arrow tip is doing. The instant invention, with its unique design, creates turbulence behind the arrow, and not around the longer vanes and feathers, as may occur when those are used as fletchings. The instant invention begins steering and correcting, immediately, using the stated combination of a steep leading edge and the height and length ratio, and material stiffness. These features prevent larger broadheads from planing or steering the arrow shaft. The air flows over the vane in a manner which can actually create lift, and is particularly noticeable in longer distances at flat trajectory. The instant invention provides substantial benefit in trajectory, precision and velocity at target.

Problems solved by technology

As noted, existing vanes have failed to satisfy these requirements.

Additional problems, which are addressed by the instant invention, include that increased vane size also corresponds to increased weight, which, in turn, limits arrow speed, and reduces effectiveness.

Increased vane size also results in clearance problems with parts of the archery bow assembly, or other arrow projectile device, when the arrow is released.

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