dart

Abstract

Dart arrow (1) comprising a tip (2), a handle (3), a shaft (4) and a wing part (5), characterized by that a rearward-facing opening (6) is arranged on the wing part (5) and / or that a component, in particular a protector (7), is arranged on the wing part (5) and / or on the shaft (4), wherein a rearwardly directed opening (6) is arranged on the component and / or that the shaft (4) is extended, in particular from the handle (3), along the wing part (5) and / or through the wing part (5) to one end of the dart (1), and wherein a rearwardly directed opening (6) is arranged at the end in the shaft (4), wherein the opening (6) is designed such that the opening (6) can at least partially accommodate the tip (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dart, a wing part, a component and a shaft for a dart.

[0002] The game of darts is well-known in the current state of the art and enjoys great popularity, particularly as a leisure activity in pubs, but also internationally as a professional sport. In this game, darts are thrown at a dartboard, with players typically taking turns throwing three darts in succession. In most variations of darts, darts that stick in the board remain there until the respective player has thrown all their darts. In many game variations, only darts that remain in the board count as points or hits. However, darts stuck in the board reduce the available scoring area and can, albeit only slightly, hinder subsequent darts from reaching the board.

[0003] If a dart hits another dart and sticks in it—a realistic possibility at present only with steel-tip darts—this is called a "Robin Hood." Such an event usually causes great amusement among the players and spectators, even if it doesn't result in any points in some game variations. However, a Robin Hood is difficult to achieve even with steel-tip darts, as darts don't have a suitable surface or point of attack for other darts to reliably stick in. If a dart does hit another dart, it usually falls to the ground without scoring any points.

[0004] There is therefore a great need for a dart that allows, or at least significantly simplifies, the execution of a Robin Hood maneuver. The dart's flight characteristics and stability should not be compromised.

[0005] The invention aims to provide a dart that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] This problem is solved in a surprisingly simple but effective way by a dart according to the teaching of independent claim 1, as well as by a wing part according to the teaching of main claim 11, a component according to the teaching of main claim 12 and a shaft according to the teaching of main claim 13.

[0007] According to the invention, a dart is proposed, comprising a point, a handle, a shaft, and a wing section. The dart is characterized in that a rearward-facing opening is arranged on the wing section, and / or that a component, in particular a protector, is arranged on the wing section and / or on the shaft, wherein the component has a rearward-facing opening, and / or that the shaft extends from the handle along the wing section and / or through the wing section to one end of the dart, and wherein a rearward-facing opening is arranged at the end in the shaft, the opening being able to at least partially accommodate the point.

[0008] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to provide a surface for a second dart in the form of a rearward-facing opening. A second dart can enter the opening of the first from behind with its point, and the design of the opening allows the point of the second dart to be at least partially retained. This ensures that the point of the second dart is held in the first dart and does not fall to the ground. In principle, it is conceivable that the first dart and the second dart could be designed differently. The only essential requirement is that the opening of the first dart according to the invention is suitable for at least receiving the point of the second dart.In darts, players typically use identical darts for all throws, especially within a single round. This allows them to better predict the dart's aerodynamic behavior during the throw and execute it more accurately. However, if all darts are identical, the tip of the second dart will fit into the opening of the first, even if the opening is shaped to match the first dart's own tip. The second dart will not be able to fit its own tip into the first, at least not when the darts are assembled.

[0009] The dart according to the invention is essentially constructed like a regular dart. The dart includes a point, also called the tip or point, which is located at the front of the dart. Darts are categorized based on the material of the point, being divided into "soft" and "steel." Soft darts typically have a point made of plastic. Steel darts typically have a point made of steel. The points also differ in their design. The point of a steel dart is narrower and significantly sharper, and is essentially conical, at least in part. The point of a soft dart, on the other hand, is conical and rounded at the front. Soft darts also have points with a larger diameter than those of steel darts.Soft-tip darts are used in electronic dartboards, which are particularly common in pubs, where they are thrown at a plastic board with openings. Steel-tip darts, predominantly used in tournament darts, are thrown at a board made of sisal fibers. In principle, the design according to the invention can be implemented on both types of darts, whereby the rearward-facing opening must be adapted, at least in its dimensions, to the design of the tip. The tip is the part of the dart that holds it in the dartboard after it has been thrown, provided it hits the board.

[0010] The handle, also known as the barrel, is located at the blunt end of the dart's point. The dart is gripped by the handle during the throw, and the momentum of the player's arm is transferred to the dart via the handle, propelling it towards the dartboard. The handle is preferably made of brass, tungsten, and / or nickel. A thread is preferably formed between the point and the handle, allowing damaged points to be replaced or preferred points to be screwed on. The handle is more preferably cylindrical, straight, or bulbous. Even more preferably, the surface is textured to facilitate gripping.

[0011] The shaft, also commonly referred to as the "shaft" in English, is attached to the grip. Its function is to provide a seat for the wing section and to stabilize the dart by extending towards the rear end, or wing section. Furthermore, the shaft acts as a counterweight to the point, thus balancing the dart. Preferably, the center of gravity is located just in front of the grip; alternatively, it can be positioned elsewhere according to the player's preference. Preferably, the shaft is at least partially made of polyamide and / or aluminum. The design of the shaft also has a significant influence on the dart's trajectory. In particular, the shaft can be conical, cylindrical, and / or taper towards the wing section.Furthermore, it is preferred to provide a thread between the shaft and the handle, with an O-ring arranged around the thread to stabilize the connection between the shaft and the handle. This allows damaged shafts to be replaced or preferred shafts to be screwed on.

[0012] The wing section, also known as the flight, serves to stabilize the dart in its trajectory and provide lift. Preferably, the wing section comprises four identical wings regularly spaced around its circumference. Alternatively, the wing section comprises three, two, or more than four identical wings regularly spaced around its circumference. The wings are preferably positioned perpendicular to the shaft. More preferably, the wing section is designed as a spin flight. In a spin flight, the wing section is rotatably arranged around the shaft. Preferably, the wing section is made of PET, polyamide, a mixture thereof, and / or a composite system. More preferably, the wing is designed as a thin film or, alternatively, as a woven fabric. The wing section can be permanently or detachably attached to the shaft, in particular by a thread or a plug-in system.

[0013] Furthermore, a component, in particular a protector, is preferably attached to the wing section, either detachably or permanently. The component is preferably a guard attached to the wing section at the point where the wings meet, and its function is to protect the wing section from further impacts by darts. Preferably, the component is made at least partially of aluminum, a plastic, in particular polycarbonate, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and / or polypropylene, rubber and / or silicone.

[0014] In the embodiment according to the invention, a rearward-facing opening is arranged on the dart, which is located in the shaft, the wing section, and / or in a component. If the opening is located in two or more components, the components must be arranged such that a continuous, rearward-facing opening is formed. For example, if the opening is located in the wing section and the shaft, and the wing section forms the rear end of the dart, then a continuous opening is formed in the wing section, one end of which is directed rearward and the other end of which is aligned with the opening in the shaft.

[0015] Preferably, the shaft is extended along and / or through the wing section and forms the terminal end of the dart, which in darts known in the prior art is formed by the wing section itself or by a protector mounted on the wing section. In one embodiment, a rearward-facing opening is arranged in the shaft at this terminal end of the dart.

[0016] The shaft, wing section, and / or component must be designed to be sufficiently stable to meet the requirements. This can be achieved, in particular, by selecting materials disclosed elsewhere. The rearward-facing opening is designed such that it can at least partially accommodate the tip. As described above, the tip being accommodated is the tip of a second dart. Such a design is achieved, in particular, by a sufficiently deep and / or sufficiently narrow opening, wherein, more preferably, at least these two parameters, depth and cross-section, are coordinated with each other with regard to the tip to be held. The opening preferably has a round cross-section. A further preferred feature is that the opening is straight.The opening is positioned in the shaft, wing section, and / or component such that its depth is also perpendicular to the dartboard when the dart itself is held vertically in the board. This allows the tip of a second dart to be thrown from behind into the opening of a first dart already embedded in the board, where it is then caught and held. This facilitates the execution of a Robin Hood maneuver with a steel-tip dart and enables the same maneuver with a soft-tip dart. The opening is preferably at least partially adapted to the shape of the tip and / or slightly longer or shorter than the tip. This increases the likelihood of the second dart becoming stuck and being held in place by the first.In the design of the shaft, wing section, and / or component, the rearward shift of the center of gravity is preferably taken into account by the extended and / or reinforced shaft, the widened and / or reinforced wing section, and / or the enlarged and / or reinforced component. This shift can be counteracted, in particular, by a comparatively narrow shaft design and / or a hollow shaft design.

[0017] The terms "front" and "back" are defined by the direction of flight of the dart when used as intended.

[0018] The term "depth" refers to the extension of the opening in the direction from back to front.

[0019] The term "cross-section" refers to an extension of the opening in the plane perpendicular to the depth.

[0020] Advantageous further developments of the invention, which can be implemented individually or in combination, are presented in the dependent claims.

[0021] It is conceivable that the shaft and wing section are designed as a single piece, particularly monolithically. This ensures compatibility with existing systems on the market, especially those with threaded grips, allowing darts to be retrofitted with the shaft and wing section according to the invention. The one-piece, particularly monolithic, design also achieves the preferred balance of the center of gravity, further increasing compatibility with commercially available darts. Moreover, the stability of the shaft and wing section according to the invention is ensured. Preferably, the shaft and wing section are manufactured in a single production process, such as, but not exclusively, an injection molding process.

[0022] The term "one-piece" refers to a connection between the shaft and the wing part that cannot be separated without destroying the shaft or the wing part.

[0023] The term "monolithic" refers to a component that consists of a single piece, is cohesive, and seamless. In particular, the component is made of a homogeneous material.

[0024] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the opening tapers towards the handle, particularly being conical or tapered in sections. This tapering creates a clamping effect between the tip and the opening as it is inserted deeper, thus holding the tip securely and reliably in place. With a conical and / or tapered design, it is particularly conceivable that the shape of the opening is modeled after the tip itself. This allows the tip to initially enter the opening unimpeded and, as it is inserted deeper, becomes increasingly clamped within it. This further increases the grip between the tip and the opening.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the opening has a diameter between 2 mm and 5 mm, at least in sections. These are common diameters for dart tips. Preferably, the diameter is slightly smaller than that of the tip in order to achieve the clamping effect described elsewhere. More preferably, the diameter is at most 4.9 mm, 4.8 mm, 4.7 mm, 4.6 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.4 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.1 mm, or 4.0 mm and / or at least 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, or 3.0 mm.

[0026] The term "diameter" refers to the extent of the opening in a direction perpendicular to the depth.

[0027] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the opening has a depth between 10 mm and 25 mm. This depth is generally short enough to be easily and stably formed in the shaft, wing section, and / or component, but long enough to accommodate the tip of a dart sufficiently to hold it securely. The depth of the opening is preferably determined by the length of the tip. More preferably, the length is at most 24.5 mm, 24 mm, 23.5 mm, 23 mm, 22.5 mm, 22 mm, 21.5 mm, 21 mm, 20.5 mm, or 20 mm and / or at least 10.5 mm, 11 mm, 11.5 mm, 12 mm, 12.5 mm, 13 mm, 13.5 mm, 14 mm, 14.5 mm, or 15 mm.

[0028] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least part of the opening wall is flexible and / or compressible. The term "wall" refers to the inner surface of the shaft, wing section, and / or component formed by the opening. Due to the flexible and / or compressible design, at least part of the wall can be displaced as the dart tip enters the opening, thereby increasing the clamping effect on the tip of the incoming dart.

[0029] In a further embodiment, it is conceivable that the shaft, in the area of ​​the opening, is at least partially made of a plastic, in particular polycarbonate, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and / or polypropylene. Plastic is resistant to the tips commonly used on darts and sufficiently stable, thus preventing damage to the shaft, especially on the inside of the opening, from an incoming dart. Therefore, the dart can be used safely and reliably even after another dart has been inserted. This is further enhanced by the integration of fiber reinforcement, in particular using carbon fibers and / or glass fibers. Preferably, the opening is designed identically to the openings in a dartboard for electronic darts. Openings in this dartboard essentially perform the same function as the opening in the shaft.Since these openings are optimized for receiving and holding darts, replicating the basic structure is therefore advantageous.

[0030] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the shaft is designed in two parts with a thread, with the wing section and the opening being arranged on the first part of the shaft. This allows the shaft and the wing section to be adapted to the individual player's preference. Damaged wing sections can also be replaced. It is preferable if the first part is designed as a single piece, particularly monolithically.

[0031] Furthermore, it's conceivable that the shaft extends beyond the wing section. In this case, the shaft forms the end of the dart. Should a subsequent dart miss the opening, it can glide past the wing and still hit the dartboard. This reduces the probability of a foul throw.

[0032] It is assumed that the definitions and / or explanations of the above-mentioned terms apply to all aspects described below in this description, unless otherwise stated.

[0033] According to the invention, a wing part is further proposed which is suitable for a dart described elsewhere, comprising a rearward-facing opening, wherein the opening is designed such that it can at least partially receive the tip of the dart. By means of the wing part according to the invention, a dart known from the prior art, in particular together with a component and / or shaft according to the invention described elsewhere, can be upgraded and / or converted into a dart according to the invention, thereby achieving the advantages described elsewhere.

[0034] According to the invention, a component, in particular a protector, is further proposed which is suitable for a dart described elsewhere, in that it comprises a rearward-facing opening, wherein the opening is designed such that it can at least partially receive the tip of the dart. By means of the component according to the invention, a dart known from the prior art, in particular together with a wing part and / or a shaft described elsewhere according to the invention, can be upgraded and / or converted into a dart according to the invention, thereby achieving the advantages described elsewhere.

[0035] According to the invention, a shaft suitable for a dart described elsewhere is further proposed, comprising a rearward-facing opening, the opening being designed such that it can at least partially receive the tip of the dart. By means of the shaft according to the invention, a dart known from the prior art, in particular together with a wing part and / or a component described elsewhere according to the invention, can be upgraded and / or converted into a dart according to the invention, thereby achieving the advantages described elsewhere.

[0036] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the dependent claims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. The embodiments are illustrated schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally equivalent elements, or elements that correspond to one another with respect to their function.

[0037] Specifically, we show: Fig. 1: a side view of two darts of a first embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 2: a lateral sectional view through a dart of a second embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 3A: a perspective view of a dart of a third embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 3B: an enlarged section of the Fig. 3A; and Fig. 4: a section of a perspective view of a dart of a fourth embodiment according to the invention.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of two darts 1 of a first embodiment according to the invention. The darts 1 each comprise a point 2, with the point 2 of the front dart 1 being embedded in a dartboard 100. The points 2 of the darts 1 are each connected to a handle 3 by means of a screw thread. Adjoining the handle 3, also by means of a screw thread, is a shaft 4 which is integrally formed with a wing part 5. The rear dart 1 is embedded in a dartboard 100. Fig. 1 opening not shown (see Fig. 2), which is arranged on the shaft 4, which passes through the wing part 5, of the front dart 1. The opening is directed backwards, so that the rear dart 1 is arranged at essentially the same angle to the dartboard 100 as the front dart 1. This situation, in which the tip 2 of a rear dart 1 is embedded in a front dart 1, the tip 2 of which in turn is embedded in a dartboard 100, realizes the Robin Hood maneuver. The dart 1 according to the invention enables such a maneuver with soft-tip darts and significantly simplifies it with steel-tip darts.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows a side sectional view through a dart 1 of a second embodiment according to the invention. The dart 1 of the second embodiment according to the invention is also designed with a point 2 and a handle 3. The dart 1 according to the invention further comprises a shaft 4, which is divided into a first part 41 and a second part 42. The wing part 5 is arranged on the first part 41. In addition, an opening 6 arranged on the first part 41 is visible, in which a point 2 of a second dart 1 (not shown) is inserted. Fig. 1) can be recorded, creating a situation such as that found in Fig. Figure 1 shows the opening 6, which is conically shaped in sections. The opening 6 is located in the first part 41 of the shaft 4, which extends through the wing part 5 to one end of the dart 1.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a dart 1 of a third embodiment according to the invention. A shaft 4 and a wing part 5 with four wings are formed in one piece. A rearward-facing opening 6 is formed at the point where the four wings of the wing part 5 meet.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3B shows an enlarged section A of the Fig. 3A. The opening 6, which is essential to the invention and is arranged at the intersections of the wings of the wing part 5 in the wing part 5, is particularly clearly visible. A tip of a second dart 1 (not shown) can be inserted into this opening 6 (see Fig. 1) be recorded.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 shows a section of a perspective view of a dart 1 of a fourth embodiment according to the invention. The section shows that the embodiment comprises a shaft 4, a wing part 5, and a protector 7 mounted on the wing part 5. An opening 6 is arranged in the protector 7, in which the tip of a second dart (not shown) is inserted. Fig. 1) can be recorded.

Claims

[1] Dart arrow (1) comprising a point (2), a handle (3), a shaft (4) and a wing part (5), characterized by , that a rearward-facing opening (6) is arranged on the wing part (5) and / or that a component, in particular a protector (7), is arranged on the wing part (5) and / or on the shaft (4), wherein a rearwardly directed opening (6) is arranged on the component and / or that the shaft (4) is extended, in particular from the handle (3), along the wing part (5) and / or through the wing part (5) to one end of the dart (1), and wherein a rearwardly directed opening (6) is arranged at the end in the shaft (4), wherein the opening (6) is designed such that the opening (6) can at least partially accommodate the tip (2). [2] Dart (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the shaft (4) and the wing part (5) are made in one piece, in particular monolithically. [3] Dart (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the opening (6) tapers towards the handle (3), in particular being designed in a conical or conical shape in sections. [4] Dart (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the opening (6) has at least in sections a diameter between 2 mm and 5 mm. [5] Dart (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the opening (6) has a depth between 10 mm and 25 mm. [6] Dart (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least in sections a wall of the opening (6) is flexible and / or compressible. [7] Dart (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the shaft (4) in the area of ​​the opening (6) consists at least partially of a plastic, in particular of polycarbonate, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and / or polypropylene. [8] Dart (1) according to claim 7, characterized by that the plastic is fiber-reinforced, in particular by means of carbon fibers and / or glass fibers. [9] Dart (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shaft (4) is designed in two parts with a thread, wherein the wing part (5) and the opening (6) are arranged on a first part (41) of the shaft (4). [10] Dart (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shaft (4) extends beyond the wing part (5). [11] Wing part (5) suitable for a dart (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 comprising a rearwardly directed opening (6), wherein the opening (6) is designed such that the opening (6) can at least partially receive a tip (2) of the dart (1). [12] Component (7) suitable for a dart (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 comprising a rearwardly directed opening (6), wherein the opening (6) is designed such that the opening (6) can at least partially receive a tip (2) of the dart (1). [13] Shaft (4) suitable for a dart (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 comprising a rearwardly directed opening (6) at one end of the shaft (4), wherein the opening (6) is designed such that the opening (6) can at least partially receive a tip (2) of the dart (1).

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