Muzzle arrangement for a speargun

Abstract

A muzzle arrangement for a speargun including a stock, the muzzle arrangement comprising: (a) a body including an aperture; and (b) a roller assembly including a rotatable shaft for a roller for an elastic band member, wherein the rotatable shaft is adapted to be removably mounted in the aperture via a bearing member and the roller is fixed relative to the rotatable shaft.

Description

[0001] Muzzle arrangement for a speargun

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to muzzle arrangements for spearguns. The present invention also relates to spearguns including the muzzle arrangements, muzzle arrangement kits for spearguns and methods of reconfiguring spearguns.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Spearguns are designed to launch a spear or harpoon that is often tethered to the speargun to facilitate retrieval of the spear.

[0006] There are two main types of elastic powered spearguns that rely on the use of one or more rubber bands that are stretched to provide the energy to launch the spear. One type is referred to as a roller speargun and employs rollers or pulleys and another is a more traditional design, referred to as banded speargun, that does not employ rollers. Both of these types of spearguns typically includes a stock which has a handle and firing assembly mounted at one end, the trailing end, and a muzzle at the other end, the leading end. The muzzle is where the spear exits the speargun upon firing and it also where the elastic bands are attached.

[0007] Different types of spearguns are suited to different applications. Banded spearguns are generally easier to load but have lower power and smaller gauge spears. Roller spearguns tend to be more powerful but are more complex and tend to be more difficult to set up.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for spearguns that are more flexible in terms of their configuration so they can be modified and used across a range of user applications. There is also a need for spearguns that are simple and relatively easy to reconfigure.

[0009] The present invention seeks to address or at least partially ameliorate one or more of the problems with existing spearguns. At the very least, the present invention seeks to provide a useful alternative to currently available spearguns. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first aspect the present invention provides a muzzle arrangement for a speargun including a stock, the muzzle arrangement comprising:

[0011] (a) a body including an aperture; and

[0012] (b) a roller assembly including a rotatable shaft for a roller for an elastic band member, wherein the rotatable shaft is adapted to be removably mounted in the aperture via a bearing member and the roller is fixed relative to the rotatable shaft.

[0013] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a muzzle arrangement for a speargun including a stock, the muzzle arrangement comprising:

[0014] (a) a body including a first aperture and a second aperture;

[0015] (b) a first roller assembly including a first rotatable shaft for a first roller for a first elastic band member, wherein the first rotatable shaft is adapted to be removably mounted in the first aperture via a first bearing member and the first roller is fixed relative to the first rotatable shaft; and

[0016] (c) a second roller assembly including a second rotatable shaft for a second roller for a second elastic band member, wherein the second rotatable shaft is adapted to be removably mounted in the second aperture via a second bearing member and the second roller is fixed relative to the second rotatable shaft.

[0017] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a speargun comprising a muzzle arrangement according to a first or second aspect of the present invention.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a kit for a speargun comprising:

[0019] (a) a roller assembly including:

[0020] (i) a rotatable shaft;

[0021] (ii) a pair of rollers for an elastic band member, wherein the rollers are adapted to be fixed on the rotatable shaft; and (b) a bearing member for the rotatable shaft, wherein the bearing member is adapted to fitted to the speargun.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for reconfiguring a speargun including a stock between a first arrangement in which the speargun includes a muzzle arrangement including a first aperture for an elastic band member and is operable as a banded speargun and a second arrangement in which the speargun is operable as a roller speargun, the method comprising a step:

[0023] (a) mounting a first roller assembly in the first aperture; wherein the first roller assembly includes a rotatable shaft for a roller for the elastic band member and the rotatable shaft is removably mounted in the first aperture via a bearing member and the roller is fixed relative to the rotatable shaft.

[0024] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 a is perspective view from above of a muzzle arrangement according to one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, assembled and fitted to a speargun;

[0026] Figure 1 b is a partially exploded / disassembled perspective view from below of the muzzle arrangement in Figure 1 a, shown as it would appear when unloaded;

[0027] Figure 1 c is an enlarged view of the Figure 1 b with certain parts omitted to better reveal the internal parts;

[0028] Figure 2a is a partially exploded view from below of the muzzle arrangement in Figure 1 a, shown as it would appear when loaded;

[0029] Figure 2b is a side view of Figure 2a with certain parts omitted to reveal the internal parts;

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of a muzzle arrangement according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, fitted to a speargun and partially exploded to reveal the internal parts; Figure 4a is a perspective view from above of a muzzle arrangement according to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention configured to include a single roller arrangement, fitted to a speargun;

[0031] Figure 4b is the muzzle arrangement as shown in Figure 4a but is partially exploded to separate and detach certain parts to reveal the internal parts;

[0032] Figure 4c is a separate perspective view of the plate members shown in Figure 4a;

[0033] Figure 5a is a perspective view from above of a muzzle arrangement according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention configured to include a double roller arrangement, assembled and fitted to a speargun;

[0034] Figure 5b is the muzzle arrangement as shown in Figure 5a but is partially exploded to separate and detach certain parts to reveal the internal parts;

[0035] Figure 5c is a perspective view from below of the muzzle arrangement in Figure 5a but is partially exploded to separate and detach certain parts to reveal the internal parts when the speargun is loaded;

[0036] Figure 5d is another perspective view from below of the muzzle arrangement in Figure 5a but certain parts are omitted and the figure is partially exploded to separate and detach certain parts to reveal the internal parts when the speargun is unloaded;

[0037] Figure 5e is the muzzle arrangement as shown in Figure 5d but when the speargun is loaded; and

[0038] Figure 5f is a separate perspective view of the plate members and the additional body from Figure 5a.

[0039] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0040] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a muzzle arrangement for a speargun including a stock, the muzzle arrangement comprising:

[0041] (a) a body including an aperture; and

[0042] (b) a roller assembly including a rotatable shaft for a roller for an elastic band member, wherein the rotatable shaft is adapted to be removably mounted in the aperture via a bearing member and the roller is fixed relative to the rotatable shaft.

[0043] For the purposes of the present invention the term “stock” when used in relation to a speargun is the main body of the speargun that serves as a base to support other parts of the speargun such as the handle, trigger and barrel.

[0044] Preferably, the muzzle arrangement is adapted to be arranged in a first configuration in which the roller assembly is removed and the speargun is adapted to operate as a banded speargun and a second configuration in which the roller assembly is fitted and the speargun is adapted to operate as a roller speargun.

[0045] For the purposes of the present invention the term “banded speargun” refers to a speargun that uses elastic band members such as power bands or rubbers that are supported or anchored from openings in the stock and does not use a roller to load the speargun.

[0046] For the purposes of the present invention a roller speargun is a speargun that relies on the use of at least one roller assembly or pair of rollers to load the speargun.

[0047] The body may be provided integrally with the stock and thus the muzzle arrangement may form an integral part of the speargun.

[0048] Alternatively, the body may be separate from the stock and thus be adapted to be mounted to the stock via a mounting means.

[0049] Preferably, the mounting means allows for the body to be removably mounted to the stock and hence allows for the muzzle arrangement to be removed from the speargun.

[0050] Preferably, the mounting means comprises a male member, such as a lug or pin and a compatible female member, such as a hole or bore. Preferably, one of the male and female members of the mounting means is formed in the stock and the other is formed in the body.

[0051] The mounting means may also comprise a housing such as a bridle or bracket. The mounting means may further comprise anchor points for the rotatable shaft, such as opposite ends of the rotatable shaft, and thus may also mount the rotatable shaft to the body.

[0052] Preferably, the body is adapted to be mounted to a leading end of the stock.

[0053] The body may comprise a bracing means for strengthening or increasing the rigidity of the body.

[0054] Preferably, the bracing means comprises at least one plate member.

[0055] Preferably, the bracing means comprises a first plate member and a second plate member. Even more preferably, the first plate member is located on a first side of the body and the second plate member is located on a second side of the body.

[0056] Preferably, the aperture is adapted to receive the bearing member via a friction fit.

[0057] Preferably, the aperture further comprises a slot for the bearing member.

[0058] Preferably, the aperture is adapted to removably receive the bearing member.

[0059] Preferably, the aperture comprises a generally circular shape.

[0060] Preferably, the aperture comprises a stadium shape.

[0061] Preferably, the aperture is size adjustable.

[0062] Preferably, the aperture is adapted to receive an elastic band member for a banded speargun.

[0063] Even more preferably, the aperture is configurable to receive an elastic band member. In this regard, the aperture may be configurable to receive an elastic band member by removing at least one of the following from the aperture: the shaft; and the bearing member.

[0064] The aperture may be adapted to receive an elastic band member by threading the elastic band member through an insertion slot in the body. Thus, preferably, the aperture is in fluid communication with an insertion slot for inserting the elastic band member in the aperture. Preferably, the insertion slot extends between the aperture and a point external to the speargun.

[0065] Preferably, the insertion slot is adapted to receive a removable closure for closing the insertion slot. Preferably the removable closure comprises a plate member. Preferably, the removable closure is removably mounted in the insertion slot.

[0066] The muzzle arrangement may further comprise an adjustment means for adjusting the size of the aperture. In this regard, altering the size of the aperture can facilitate the insertion and removal of other parts of the muzzle arrangement. For example, the adjustment means can be actuated to increase the size of the aperture to facilitate the insertion or removal of the bearing member. Once the bearing member is inserted in the aperture the adjustment means can be used to decrease the size of the aperture that increases the friction between the bearing member and the body to more positively hold the bearing member in position.

[0067] Preferably, the adjustment means comprises a clamping means.

[0068] Preferably, the clamping means comprises a threaded member mounted in the body that can be adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the aperture by loosening or tightening the clamping means.

[0069] Preferably, the rotatable shaft is mounted to the body to prevent or at least limit its axial movement relative to the body.

[0070] Preferably, the rotatable shaft comprises a live axle.

[0071] Preferably, the rotatable shaft is adapted to receive two rollers. Even more preferably, the rotatable shaft comprises a first end for a first roller and a second end for a second roller.

[0072] Preferably, the rotatable shaft is rotatably mounted in the bearing member.

[0073] Preferably, the rotatable shaft comprises a locating means for locating the rotatable shaft relative to the bearing member.

[0074] Preferably, the locating means prevents or at least limits axial movement of the rotatable shaft relative to the bearing member. Preferably, the roller is at least two rollers or a pair of rollers wherein each roller is located on opposite sides of the muzzle arrangement.

[0075] Preferably, the bearing member is adapted to be friction fitted in the aperture.

[0076] Preferably, the bearing member is adapted to be removably mounted in the aperture.

[0077] Preferably, the bearing member comprises a roller bearing.

[0078] Preferably, the roller bearing includes an inner ring that is fixed relative to the rotatable shaft.

[0079] Preferably, the roller bearing includes an outer ring that is fixed relative to the body when fitted in the aperture.

[0080] Preferably, the rotatable shaft is adapted to receive an elastic line member. In this regard, the muzzle arrangement may further comprise an elastic line member for imparting rotational force on the rotatable shaft. In this regard, in addition to the force applied by the elastic band member to a spear fired from a speargun including the muzzle arrangement, the elastic line member may impart additional force on the spear by imparting rotational force on the rotatable shaft.

[0081] Preferably, the rotatable shaft is adapted to receive the elastic line member by wrapping or coiling the elastic line member around the rotatable shaft.

[0082] Preferably, the rotatable shaft further comprises a first attachment point for a first end of the elastic line member.

[0083] Preferably, the first attachment point comprises a bore in the rotatable shaft.

[0084] Preferably, the elastic line member defines a second end that is attached to the muzzle arrangement or the stock at a second attachment point.

[0085] Preferably, the elastic line member comprises a synthetic fibre.

[0086] Preferably, the synthetic fibre is formed from a composite unidirectional laminate material.

[0087] Preferably, the synthetic fibre is formed from a high weight polymer. Preferably, the high weight polymer is polyethylene.

[0088] Preferably, the synthetic fibre comprises Dyneema™.

[0089] Preferably, the elastic line member comprises a rubber material.

[0090] Preferably, the rubber material is a latex rubber material.

[0091] The present invention also provides a muzzle arrangement comprising two roller assemblies.

[0092] Thus, according to a second aspect, the present invention provides a muzzle arrangement for a speargun including a stock, the muzzle arrangement comprising:

[0093] (a) a body including a first aperture and a second aperture;

[0094] (b) a first roller assembly including a first rotatable shaft for a first roller for a first elastic band member, wherein the first rotatable shaft is adapted to be removably mounted in the first aperture via a first bearing member and the first roller is fixed relative to the first rotatable shaft; and

[0095] (c) a second roller assembly including a second rotatable shaft for a second roller for a second elastic band member, wherein the second rotatable shaft is adapted to be removably mounted in the second aperture via a second bearing member and the second roller is fixed relative to the second rotatable shaft.

[0096] The preferred features of the first and second roller assemblies according to the second aspect of the present invention correspond to the preferred features of the corresponding features described in relation to the roller assembly of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0097] Preferably, the muzzle arrangement of the second embodiment is adapted to be arranged in:

[0098] (a) a first configuration in which at least one of the first and second roller assemblies are removed and the speargun is adapted to operate as a banded speargun, wherein the elastic band member can be fitted to the first and / or second aperture; (b) a second configuration in which both the first and second roller assemblies are fitted and the speargun is adapted to operate as a roller speargun; and

[0099] (c) a third configuration in which the first or the second roller assembly is removed and the speargun is adapted to operate as a banded speargun or a roller speargun, wherein the elastic band member can be fitted to the first or second aperture depending on which roller assembly has been removed.

[0100] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a speargun comprising a muzzle arrangement according to a first or second aspect of the present invention.

[0101] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a kit for a speargun comprising:

[0102] (a) a roller assembly including:

[0103] (i) a rotatable shaft;

[0104] (ii) a pair of rollers for an elastic band member, wherein the rollers are adapted to be fixed on the rotatable shaft; and

[0105] (b) a bearing member for the rotatable shaft, wherein the bearing member is adapted to fitted to the speargun.

[0106] Preferably, the kit further comprises a body including a first aperture for receiving the bearing member.

[0107] Preferably, the body is adapted to be fitted to the stock of the speargun.

[0108] Preferably, the kit is for modifying a speargun between a first configuration, at which it includes an aperture for an elastic band member and is operable as a banded speargun to a second configuration at which it is operable as a roller speargun.

[0109] The kit may further comprise one or more of the other features of the muzzle arrangement as described herein.

[0110] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for reconfiguring a speargun including a stock between a first arrangement in which the speargun includes a muzzle arrangement including a first aperture for an elastic band member and is operable as a banded speargun and a second arrangement in which the speargun is operable as a roller speargun, the method comprising a step: (b) mounting a first roller assembly in the first aperture; wherein the first roller assembly includes a rotatable shaft for a roller for the elastic band member and the rotatable shaft is removably mounted in the first aperture via a bearing member and the roller is fixed relative to the rotatable shaft.

[0111] Preferably, the step of mounting a roller assembly in the first aperture comprises fitting the bearing member to the first aperture via a friction fit.

[0112] Preferably, the step of fitting the bearing member to the first aperture comprises adjusting the size of the aperture.

[0113] Preferably, the size of the aperture is increased before fitting the bearing member.

[0114] Preferably, the size of the aperture is decreased after fitting the bearing member.

[0115] Preferably, the method further comprises a step of attaching a first end of an elastic line member to the rotatable shaft.

[0116] Preferably, the method further comprises a step of attaching a second end of an elastic line member to the stock or the muzzle arrangement.

[0117] As described above in relation to the second aspect of the invention the muzzle arrangement may comprise a first roller assembly and a second roller assembly. When the muzzle arrangement comprises a first roller assembly and a second roller assembly, the present invention provides a method for reconfiguring a speargun including a stock between a first arrangement in which the speargun includes a muzzle arrangement including a first aperture for a first elastic band member and a second aperture and is operable as a banded speargun and a second arrangement in which the speargun is operable as a roller speargun, the method comprising the steps:

[0118] (a) mounting the first roller assembly in the first aperture; and

[0119] (b) mounting the second roller assembly in the second aperture; wherein the first roller assembly includes a first rotatable shaft for a first roller for a first elastic band member and the first rotatable shaft is removably mounted in the first aperture via a first bearing member and the first roller is fixed relative to the first rotatable shaft; and wherein the second roller assembly includes a second rotatable shaft for a second roller for a second elastic band member and the second rotatable shaft is removably mounted in the second aperture via a second bearing member and the second roller is fixed relative to the second rotatable shaft.

[0120] Advantages

[0121] Whilst not limited to the following applicant believes the present invention and embodiments thereof have a number of advantages including one or more of the following:

[0122] (a) it enables spearguns to be more efficiently and simply reconfigured between at least two muzzle arrangements;

[0123] (b) improved operation relative to prior art roller spearguns that are essentially useless when one of the elastic band members fails;

[0124] (c) improved operation relative to prior art roller spearguns that suffer substantial loss of performance if one roller from a pair of rollers fails or is impeded;

[0125] (d) reduced rotational speed and distance of bearings relative to prior art roller spearguns;

[0126] (e) more even load distribution across multiple elastic band members relative to prior art roller spearguns that allow for independent rotation of rollers; and

[0127] (f) quieter operation due to reduced rotational speed and distance of bearings

[0128] General

[0129] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variation and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.

[0130] Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness. None of the cited material or the information contained in that material should, however be understood to be common general knowledge.

[0131] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0132] The invention described herein may include one or more range of values (e.g., size etc). A range of values will be understood to include all values within the range, including the values defining the range, and values adjacent to the range which lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range.

[0133] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0134] Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

[0135] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the various Figures the same reference numerals have been used to identify similar elements. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0136] A muzzle arrangement for a speargun 8 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention is depicted in Figures 1a-2b and is generally indicated by the numeral 10. The speargun 8 in Figures 1 a-2b includes a spear 12 and stock 14 and the muzzle arrangement 10 is capable of being arranged in a first configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a banded speargun, and a second configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a roller speargun.

[0137] The first and second configurations of the muzzle arrangement 10 are enabled by the components of the muzzle arrangement employed and these are more fully described hereunder.

[0138] Figure 1 a shows the muzzle arrangement 10, fully assembled in a second configuration and forming part of a speargun operable as a roller speargun that utilises elastic band members, in the form of rubbers or power bands (not shown). Figures 1 b and 1 c depict the muzzle arrangement 10 in Figure 1 a, as it would appear when the speargun is unloaded and Figures 2a and 2b depict the muzzle arrangement 10 in Figure 1 a, as it would appear when the speargun is loaded, with the rubbers (not shown) fully extended.

[0139] Figures 1 b and 2a are exploded views to better illustrate component parts of the muzzle arrangement 10 and Figures 1 c and 2b are views of the muzzle arrangement with some parts omitted so as to reveal the arrangement of internal parts.

[0140] The muzzle arrangement 10, in its second configuration, includes a rotatable shaft in the form of axle 16 that is mounted in an aperture in the form of hole 18 the extends through a body 13 attached at the leading end of the stock 14. The axle 16 is rotatable and hence “live” and is removably mounted in the hole 18 via a bearing member in the form of a roller bearing 20 that includes an outer ring that is fixed relative to the stock 14, when fitted in the hole 18, and an inner ring that is fixed relative to the axle 16, when fitted to the axle 16. The roller bearing 20 is friction fitted in the hole 18 at a predetermined location at the mid-point of the hole 18. A pair of rollers 22a, 22b are fixed to the axle 16 on opposite sides of the roller bearing 20. Each roller 22a, 22b is adapted to receive an elastic band member such as a rubber or power band (not shown).

[0141] The axle 16 is adapted to receive an elastic line member formed from two materials, namely Dyneema 24 and a rubber material 26. The Dyneema 24 forms a first end of the elastic line member that passes through a conduit 25 in the body 13 and attaches to the axle 16 at a first attachment point in the axel 16, in the form of a mounting hole or bore 28, that passes through axle 16. The other end of the Dyneema 24 is connected to the rubber material 26 that defines a second end of the elastic line member that is attached to the underside of the stock 14 via the second attachment point in the form of a mount or hook 30. It will be appreciated that the rubber material 26 may be attached to the mount or hook 30 via an attachment line formed of Dyneema or some other suitable material.

[0142] When unloaded, see Figures 1 b and 1 c, the rubber material 26 of the elastic line member is relatively loose but when rubber or power bands are fitted to the rollers 22a and 22b and are stretched during the process of loading the speargun, the axle 16 rotates and the Dyneema 24 wraps or coils around the axle 16 - see Figure 2b. This results in the rubber material 26 of the elastic line member stretching which in turn places a load on the axle 16 that is released when the speargun is fired and the rubber or power bands (not shown) are released from their stretched position - see Figures 2a and 2b.

[0143] The body 13 and best seen in Figures 1 a-2b is mounted to the stock 14 via a mounting means in the form of a first pair of retaining plates or brackets 32a, 32b located on opposite sides of roller 22a and a second pair of retaining plates or brackets 34a, 34b located on opposite sides of roller 22b.

[0144] The retaining plates or brackets 32a and 34a are located on the outside of their respective rollers 22a, 22b and retaining plates or brackets 32b and 34b are located on the inside of their respective rollers 22a, 22b. Both pairs of retaining plates or brackets are supported on the stock 14 via pins or lugs 36, 38 that pass through the leading end of the stock 14. To alter the muzzle arrangement 10 from a second configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a roller speargun to a first configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a banded speargun, the following parts are removed:

[0145] (a) retaining plates or brackets 32a, 32b, 34a and 34b;

[0146] (b) rollers 22a, 22b;

[0147] (c) axle 16; and

[0148] (d) roller bearing 20.

[0149] With the above component removed, hole 18 can receive an elastic band member such as a rubber or power band (not shown) for a banded speargun.

[0150] A muzzle arrangement for a speargun 108 according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention is depicted in Figure 3 and is generally indicated by the numeral 110.

[0151] The speargun 108 in Figure 3 includes a spear 112 and stock 114 and, like the first embodiment, the muzzle arrangement 110 is capable of being arranged in a first configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a banded speargun, and a second configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a roller speargun.

[0152] The muzzle arrangement 110 works in a similar fashion to the first embodiment described above and, in its second configuration, includes a rotatable shaft in the form of axle 116 that is mounted in an aperture in the form of hole 118 that extends through a body 113 located at the leading end of stock 114. The axle 116 is rotatable and hence “live” and is removably mounted in the hole 118 via a bearing member in the form of a roller bearing 120 that includes an outer ring that is fixed relative to the stock 114, when fitted, and an inner ring that is fixed relative to the axle 116, when fitted. The roller bearing 120 is shown friction fitted in the hole 118 at a predetermined location at the mid-point of the hole 118. The axle 116 is adapted to receive an elastic line member as in the first embodiment described in Figures 1 a-2b but this feature is not depicted in Figure 3. In contrast to the first embodiment, the hole 118 is in fluid communication with an insertion slot in the form of channel 180 in the leading end of the body 113, for inserting an elastic band member in the hole 118. The channel 180 is shown in Figure 3 with a removable closure in the form of plate 182. The plate 182 is held in place by an adjustment means in the form of a threaded fixing member such as a screw (not shown) that extends from the lower surface of the body 113, through the plate 182 and into an upper portion of the body 113. When tightened, the screw (not shown) clamps the opposed parts of the body 113 together and when the screw is loosened the plate 182 can be removed to open the channel 180 and allow for the passage of the elastic band member (usually the Dyneema or cord part).

[0153] When the channel 180 is open it is also more convenient to insert the roller bearing 120 into the hole 118. In this regard, the adjustment means in the form of the screw (not shown) can be used to adjust the size of hole 118 via the clamping force applied by the screw (not shown). Tightening of the screw (not shown) reduces the size of the hole 118 and removably fixes the roller bearing 120 it its predetermined location. Loosening of the screw (not shown) increases the size of the hole 118 and allows it to be more easily removed therefrom.

[0154] Note that other features in Figure 3 that correspond to features in Figures 1a-2b utilise the same reference number but with the addition of a prefix “1” i.e. feature 120 in Figure 3 corresponds to feature 20 in Figures 1 a-2b.

[0155] A muzzle arrangement for a speargun 208 according to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention is depicted in Figures 4a-4b and is generally indicated by the numeral 210. The speargun 208 in Figures 4a-4b includes a spear 212 and stock 214 and the muzzle arrangement 210 is capable of being arranged in a first configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a banded speargun, and a second configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a roller speargun.

[0156] Figure 4a shows the muzzle arrangement 210, fully assembled in a second configuration and forming part of a speargun operable as a roller speargun that utilises elastic band members, in the form of rubbers or power bands (not shown). Figure 4b is an exploded view to better illustrate component parts of the muzzle arrangement 210. The muzzle arrangement 210, in its second configuration, includes a rotatable shaft in the form of axle 216 that is mounted in an aperture in the form of hole 218 the extends through a body 213 attached at the leading end of the stock 214. The axle 216 is rotatable and hence “live” and is removably mounted in the hole 218 via a bearing member in the form of a roller bearing 220 formed of ceramic material that includes an outer ring that is fixed relative to the stock 214, when fitted in the hole 218, and an inner ring that is fixed relative to the axle 216, when fitted to the axle 216. The roller bearing 220 is friction fitted in the hole 218. The axle 216 is adapted to receive an elastic line member as in the first embodiment described in Figures 1 a-2b but this feature is not depicted in Figures 4a and 4b.

[0157] A pair of rollers 222a, 222b are fixed to the axle 216 on opposite sides of the roller bearing 220 via grub screws. Each roller 222a, 222b is adapted to receive an elastic band member such as a rubber or power band (not shown).

[0158] The body 213 can be provided integrally with the stock 214 or mounted to the stock 214 via a mounting means in the form of a bracket 217 that is mounted to the stock 214 at two stock mounting points or bolts 219a, (obscured) that are located on opposite sides of the stock 214. The bracket 217 is also mounted to the body 213, at its leading end, via front mounting bolts 221 a, 221 b. Additional stock mounting points or bolts 223a, (obscured) are also shown in Figure 4b for the double roller embodiment described in more detail below. The body 213 also defines a surface to support the spear 212 when loaded into the speargun 208.

[0159] The bracket 217 also comprises anchor points to support opposite ends of the axle 216 allowing the axle to rotate and hence the rollers 222a, 222b to rotate when the speargun is in use.

[0160] The body 213 further comprises a bracing means for increasing the rigidity of the body 213 in the form of a pair of plate members 227a, 227b located on opposite sides of the body 213. These plate members 227a, 227b are shown separately in Figure 4c.

[0161] To alter the muzzle arrangement 210 from a second configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a roller speargun to a first configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a banded speargun, the following parts are removed: (a) bracket 217

[0162] (b) rollers 222a, 222b;

[0163] (c) axle 216; and

[0164] (d) roller bearing 220.

[0165] With the above component removed, hole 218 can receive an elastic band member such as a rubber or power band (not shown) for a banded speargun.

[0166] A muzzle arrangement for a speargun 308 according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention is depicted in Figures 5a-5f and is generally indicated by the numeral 310. The speargun 308 in Figures 5a-5f can be configured as a double roller speargun and shares many features with the single roller speargun 208 in Figures 4a and 4b. These shared features in Figures 5a-5f are identified with the same reference numerals in both sets of figures.

[0167] The speargun 308 includes a spear 212 and stock 214 and the muzzle arrangement 310 is capable of being arranged in a first configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a banded speargun, and a second configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a roller speargun.

[0168] Figure 5a shows the muzzle arrangement 310, fully assembled in a second configuration and forming part of a speargun operable as a double roller speargun that utilises elastic band members, in the form of rubbers or power bands (not shown). Figures 5b-5e are exploded views from various perspectives to better illustrate component parts of the muzzle arrangement 310.

[0169] The muzzle arrangement 310, in its second configuration, includes a first roller assembly including a first rotatable shaft in the form of first axle 216 that is mounted in a first aperture in the form of first hole 218 the extends through a body 213 attached at the leading end of the stock 214 and a second roller assembly including a second rotatable shaft in the form of second axle 316 that is mounted in a second aperture in the form of second hole 318 the extends through an additional body 313 located at the leading end of body 213. The body 213 and additional body 313 together form a combined body. As with the body 213, the additional body 313 defines a surface to support the spear 212 when loaded into the speargun 208.

[0170] The first axle 216 and second axle 316 are rotatable and hence “live” and are removably mounted in the first hole 218 and second hole 318, respectively, via a first bearing member in the form of a first roller bearing 220 and a second roller bearing 320, respectively, both formed of ceramic material and otherwise formed and fitted identical to the first roller bearing 220 in Figures 4a-4b.

[0171] The first axle 216 is adapted to receive an elastic line member formed from two materials, namely Dyneema 324 and a rubber material 326. The Dyneema 324 forms a first end of the elastic line member that passes through a conduit 325 in the body

[0172] 213 and attaches to the first axle 216 at a first attachment point in the first axel 216, in the form of a mounting hole or bore (not shown), that passes through first axle 216. The other end of the Dyneema 324 is connected to the rubber material 326 that defines a second end of the elastic line member that is attached to the underside of the stock

[0173] 214 via the second attachment point in the form of a mount or hook (not shown) located in recess 329 in the stock 214. It will be appreciated that the rubber material 326 may be attached to the mount or hook via an attachment line formed of Dyneema or some other suitable material.

[0174] When unloaded, see Figures 5d, the rubber material 326 of the elastic line member is relatively loose but when rubber or power bands are fitted to the first pair of rollers 222a, 222b and are stretched during the process of loading the speargun, the first axle 216 rotates and the Dyneema 24 wraps or coils around the first axle 216. This results in the rubber material 326 of the elastic line member stretching which in turn places a load on the first axle 216 that is released when the speargun is fired and the rubber or power bands (not shown) are released from their stretched position.

[0175] The first pair of rollers 222a, 222b are fitted to the first axle 216 and the second pair of rollers 322a, 322b are fitted on opposite sides of their respective roller bearings 220, 320 via grub screws. Each pair of rollers 222a, 222b and 322a, 322b are adapted to receive an elastic band member such as a rubber or power band (not shown).

[0176] The body 213 can be provided integrally with the stock 214 or mounted to the stock 214 via a mounting means in the form of a bracket 217 that is mounted to the stock 214 at two additional stock mounting points or bolts 223a, (obscured) that are located on opposite sides of the stock 214. The bracket 217 is also mounted to the additional body 313 at its leading end, via front mounting bolts 221a, 221 b.

[0177] The bracket 217 also comprises anchor points to support opposite ends of the first axle 216 and the second axle 316 allowing the first axle 216 and the second axle 316 to rotate and hence the pairs of rollers 222a, 222b and 322a, 322b to rotate when the speargun is in use.

[0178] The combined body, comprised of body 213 and the additional body 313, is supported by a bracing means for connecting and increasing the rigidity of the combined body, in the form of a pair of plate members 327a, 327b located on opposite sides of the combined body. These plate members 327a, 327b and the additional body 313 are shown separately in Figure 5f.

[0179] The muzzle arrangement 310 also comprises an adjustment means for adjusting the size of the aperture in the form of a clamping means including a pair of threaded members in the form of bolts or screws 390a, 390b that are received in compatible bores in the underside of body 213 and additional body 313. The bores extend from the lower surface of the body 213 and additional body 313, across a channel 380a, 380b in each body and into an upper portion of each body 213, 313. When tightened, the screws 390a, 390b clamp the opposed parts of each body 213, 313 together and when the screws 390a, 390b are loosened the channels 380a, 380b open. Thus, by operating the screws 390a, 390b the size of holes 218 and 318 can be increased or decreased thus facilitating the insertion and removal of the roller bearings 220, 320.

[0180] To alter the muzzle arrangement 310 from a second configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a double roller speargun to a first configuration, in which the speargun is operable as a banded speargun, the following parts are removed:

[0181] (a) bracket 217

[0182] (b) pair of rollers 222a, 222b and preferably pair of rollers 322a, 322b;

[0183] (c) first axle 216 and preferably second axle 316; and

[0184] (d) first roller bearing 220 and preferably second roller bearing 320. With the above component removed, first hole 218 and preferably second hole 318 can receive an elastic band member such as a rubber or power band (not shown) for a banded speargun.

[0185] With particular reference to Figures 4c and 5f, it will be appreciated that the present invention allows for a speargun to be set up with alternate and interchangeable muzzle arrangements - one that includes a single (one pair) roller assembly and another that includes a double (two pairs) roller assembly.

Claims

Claims1 . A muzzle arrangement for a speargun including a stock, the muzzle arrangement comprising:(a) a body including an aperture; and(b) a roller assembly including a rotatable shaft for a roller for an elastic band member, wherein the rotatable shaft is adapted to be removably mounted in the aperture via a bearing member and the roller is fixed relative to the rotatable shaft.

2. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the body is provided integrally with the stock.

3. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the body is separate from the stock and thus is adapted to be mounted to the stock via a mounting means.

4. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 3 wherein the mounting means allows for the body to be removably mounted to the stock and hence allows for the muzzle arrangement to be removed from the speargun.

5. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the mounting means comprises a male member, such as a lug or pin and a compatible female member, such as a hole or bore.

6. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the mounting means comprises a housing such as a bridle or bracket.

7. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the mounting means further comprises anchor points for the rotatable shaft.

8. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises a bracing means for strengthening or increasing the rigidity of the body.

9. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 8 wherein the bracing means comprises at least one plate member.

10. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the bracing means comprises a first plate member and a second plate member.

11. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 10 wherein the first plate member is located on a first side of the body and the second plate member is located on a second side of the body.

12. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the aperture is adapted to receive the bearing member via a friction fit.

13. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the aperture further comprises a slot for the bearing member.

14. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the aperture is adapted to removably receive the bearing member.

15. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the aperture is size adjustable.

16. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the aperture is adapted to receive an elastic band member for a banded speargun.

17. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the aperture is configurable to receive an elastic band member.

18. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an adjustment means for adjusting the size of the aperture.

19. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 18 wherein the adjustment means can be actuated to increase and / or decrease the size of the aperture.

20. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the adjustment means comprises a clamping means.

21. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 20 wherein the clamping means comprises a threaded member mounted in the body that can be adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the aperture by loosening or tightening the clamping means.

22. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable shaft is mounted to the body to prevent or at least limit its axial movement relative to the body.

23. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable shaft comprises a live axle.

24. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable shaft is adapted to receive two rollers.

25. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable shaft is rotatably mounted in the bearing member.

26. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable shaft comprises a locating means for locating the rotatable shaft relative to the bearing member.

27. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 26 wherein the locating means prevents or at least limits axial movement of the rotatable shaft relative to the bearing member.

28. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the roller is a pair of rollers and wherein each roller in said pair is located on opposite sides of the muzzle arrangement.

29. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bearing member is adapted to be friction fitted in the aperture.

30. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bearing member is adapted to be removably mounted in the aperture.31 . The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bearing member comprises a roller bearing.

32. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 31 wherein the roller bearing includes an inner ring that is fixed relative to the rotatable shaft.

33. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 31 or 32 wherein the roller bearing includes an outer ring that is fixed relative to the body when fitted in the aperture.

34. The muzzle arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable shaft is adapted to receive an elastic line member for imparting rotational force on the rotatable shaft.

35. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 34 wherein the rotatable shaft is adapted to receive the elastic line member by wrapping or coiling the elastic line member around the rotatable shaft.

36. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 34 or 35 wherein the rotatable shaft further comprises a first attachment point for a first end of the elastic line member.

37. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 36 wherein the first attachment point comprises a bore in the rotatable shaft.

38. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 34 wherein the elastic line member defines a second end that is attached to the muzzle arrangement or the stock at a second attachment point.

39. A muzzle arrangement for a speargun including a stock, the muzzle arrangement comprising:(a) a body including a first aperture and a second aperture;(b) a first roller assembly including a first rotatable shaft for a first roller for a first elastic band member, wherein the first rotatable shaft is adapted to beremovably mounted in the first aperture via a first bearing member and the first roller is fixed relative to the first rotatable shaft; and(c) a second roller assembly including a second rotatable shaft for a second roller for a second elastic band member, wherein the second rotatable shaft is adapted to be removably mounted in the second aperture via a second bearing member and the second roller is fixed relative to the second rotatable shaft.

40. The muzzle arrangement according to claim 39 adapted to be arranged in:(a) a first configuration in which at least one of the first and second roller assemblies are removed and the speargun is adapted to operate as a banded speargun, wherein the elastic band member can be fitted to the first and / or second aperture;(b) a second configuration in which both the first and second roller assemblies are fitted and the speargun is adapted to operate as a roller speargun; and(c) a third configuration in which the first or the second roller assembly is removed and the speargun is adapted to operate as a banded speargun or a roller speargun, wherein the elastic band member can be fitted to the first or second aperture depending on which roller assembly has been removed.

41. A speargun comprising a muzzle arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 40.

42. A kit for a speargun comprising:(a) a roller assembly including:(i) a rotatable shaft;(ii) a pair of rollers for an elastic band member, wherein the rollers are adapted to be fixed on the rotatable shaft; and(b) a bearing member for the rotatable shaft, wherein the bearing member is adapted to fitted to the speargun.

43. The kit according to claim 42 further comprising a body including a first aperture for receiving the bearing member.

44. The kit according to claim 42 or 43 wherein for modifying a speargun between a first configuration, at which it includes an aperture for an elastic band member and is operable as a banded speargun to a second configuration at which it is operable as a roller speargun.

45. A method for reconfiguring a speargun including a stock between a first arrangement in which the speargun includes a muzzle arrangement including a first aperture for an elastic band member and is operable as a banded speargun and a second arrangement in which the speargun is operable as a roller speargun, the method comprising a step:(a) mounting a first roller assembly in the first aperture; wherein the first roller assembly includes a rotatable shaft for a roller for the elastic band member and the rotatable shaft is removably mounted in the first aperture via a bearing member and the roller is fixed relative to the rotatable shaft.

46. The method of claim 45 wherein the step of mounting a roller assembly in the first aperture comprises fitting the bearing member to the first aperture via a friction fit.

47. The method of claim 46 wherein the step of fitting the bearing member to the first aperture comprises adjusting the size of the aperture.

48. The method of claim 46 or 47 wherein the size of the aperture is increased before fitting the bearing member.

49. The method of any one of claims 46 to 48 wherein the size of the aperture is decreased after fitting the bearing member.

50. The method of any one of claims 45 to 49 further comprising the step of attaching a first end of an elastic line member to the rotatable shaft.

51. The method of claim 50 further comprising the step of attaching a second end of an elastic line member to the stock or the muzzle arrangement.

52. A method for reconfiguring a speargun including a stock between a first arrangement in which the speargun includes a muzzle arrangement including a first aperture for a first elastic band member and a second aperture and is operable as a banded speargun and a second arrangement in which the speargun is operable as a roller speargun, the method comprising the steps:(a) mounting the first roller assembly in the first aperture; and(b) mounting the second roller assembly in the second aperture; wherein the first roller assembly includes a first rotatable shaft for a first roller for a first elastic band member and the first rotatable shaft is removably mounted in the first aperture via a first bearing member and the first roller is fixed relative to the first rotatable shaft; andwherein the second roller assembly includes a second rotatable shaft for a second roller for a second elastic band member and the second rotatable shaft is removably mounted in the second aperture via a second bearing member and the second roller is fixed relative to the second rotatable shaft.

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