Arrow fletching device, method, and system

Abstract

The present inventive subject matter relates to a device, method and system for preparing and adhering fletching to an arrow. The invention comprising a method and tool for preparation of fletched tape and a method and tool for adhering said fletched tape to an arrow shaft. The tool of this invention enables manual fletching of arrows in precise personalized manner.

Claims

1. An arrow fletching system comprising a guided clamp and a rolling guide, said guided clamp comprising a guiding block with one or more vertically positioned internal apertures, said guided clamp further having a first portion with an internal surface, the internal surface of said first portion being pressable against said guiding block, said rolling guide comprising a first and second vertical portion, said first vertical portion having a sleeving hole directly facing a receiving hole on said second vertical portion, said receiving hole having rotatable means, said rolling guide further having a rotatable cushioned roller horizontally positioned along a first horizontal portion, said first horizontal portion being adjustable along a vertical axis.

2. Said arrow fletching system of claim 1 wherein the internal surface of the first portion of said guided clamp further having a sleeve portion such that a piece of tape may be sleeved therethrough and held in place.

3. Said arrow fletching system of claim 1 where said guiding block is angularly adjustable.

4. Said arrow fletching system of claim 1 wherein said rolling guide having a first horizontal portion positioned below a second horizontal portion, said first and second horizontal portions connected to a first and second vertical portions, said first vertical portion having a sleeving hole and said second vertical portion having receiving hole, wherein said receiving hole of said second vertical portion is connected to a rotating mechanism.

5. Said arrow fletching system of claim 1 wherein one or more size of vanes are attachable to one or more size of fletch tape by manner of using said guided clamp.

6. Said arrow fletching system of claim 5 wherein said one or more size of vanes attachable to one or more size of fletch tape by manner of using said guided clamp is further attachable to one or more sized diameter arrow shafts by manner of using said rolling guide.

7. Said arrow fletching system of claim 1 wherein the location along an arrow shaft for attaching a vane attached fletch tape is adjustable by use of one or more nock attachments, each nock attachment having a different length, each nock attachment attachable to the end of an arrow shaft and further connectable to said rotatable means of said rolling guide to adjust the distance of the arrow shaft away from the second vertical portion.

8. Said arrow fletching system of claim 1 wherein the space between each aperture within said guiding block is adjustable.

9. A method of fletching arrows with an arrow fletching system of claim 1 according to the following steps: a) place one or more vanes within the internal aperture of the guide block of the guided clamp with a portion of the vane protruding there above the guiding block, b) place a sheet of fletch tape onto the guided clamp, c) add liquid adhesive over the protruding portion of the vane above the guiding block, d) press the internal surface of said first portion of said guided clamp overtop said guiding block such that said fletch tape is in direct pressured contact with the protruding portions of said vanes until the liquid adhesive there between cures, e) release said first portion from said guiding block and remove the vane attached fletch tape from said guided clamp.

10. A method of fletching arrows with an arrow fletching system according to claim 9 by further following the additional steps: a) attaching a nock element to the end of an arrow shaft, b) suspending said arrow shaft in place between the sleeving hole and the receiving hole of the rolling guide such that the nock element is in communication with the rotatable means of the rolling guide, c) evenly adhere the edge of the adhesive side of said vane attached fletch tape along the length of said arrow shaft and within the recessed area of the second horizontal portion locatable below said suspended arrow shaft, d) lower said first horizontal portion overtop said arrow shaft such that said rotatable cushioned roller is in direct contact with said vanes of said vane attached fletch tape, e) rotate said rotatable means of said second vertical portion of said rolling guide such that said the internal surface of said first horizontal portion presses said fletch tape against said arrow shaft and said rotatable cushioned roller softly presses against said vanes of said vane attached fletch tape.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 provides an exemplary image of a front right side perspective view of the guided clamp according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

(2) FIG. 2 provides an exemplary image of a front and left side perspective view of the guiding block and rotatable bar according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

(3) FIG. 3 provides an exemplary image of a front right side perspective view of the guided clamp according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

(4) FIG. 4 provides an exemplary image of a front left side perspective view of the guided clamp according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

(5) FIG. 5 provides an exemplary image of a front right side perspective view of a rolling guide according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

(6) FIG. 6 provides an exemplary image of a front right side perspective view of a rolling guide according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

(7) FIG. 7 provides an exemplary image of a front right side perspective view of a rolling guide according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

(8) FIG. 8 provides an exemplary image of a front right side perspective view of a rolling guide according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

(9) FIG. 9 provides an exemplary image of a front right side perspective view of a rolling guide according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

(10) FIG. 10 provides an exemplary image of a front right side perspective view of a rolling guide according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

(11) FIG. 11 provides an exemplary image of knock spacer elements according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

(12) FIG. 12 provides an exemplary image of vane elements in attached form according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(13) The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

(14) Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

(15) The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

(16) Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

(17) It is to be understood that any exact measurement, dimension or particular construction material indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.

(18) FIG. 1 provides an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the guided clamp 100. The guided clamp 100 may comprise any solid, rigid, durable material, including without limitations wood, metal, plastic, or combinations thereof. The guiding block 101 is preferably comprised of metal material such as aluminum or steel to allow ease in cleaning and removal of cured glue residue thereon. The sleeve portion 102 that is provided on the internal surface 103 of the first portion 104 of the guided clamp 100 may comprise transparent plastic material for visual ease when adjusting the fletch tape held therein. Alternative embodiments of the sleeve portion 102 need not be transparent as long as it is designed with the primary purpose of holding the tape therein and in an aligned manner relative to the position of the vanes within the guiding block below. The sleeve portion 102 may additionally provide visual markings as a form of visual guide (not shown in the illustration) for ease in achieving visual alignment of the tape. True alignment of the tape would allow for the vanes to be attached thereon at a desired angle and position relative to the dimension and shape of the fletch tape. The visual markings may comprise a variety coding (color or symbol coding) which allows the tape to be aligned relative to the type or size of the vane held within the guiding block 101.

(19) The guiding block 101 of the guided clamp may be angularly adjustable by rotating from a center platform (not shown in the illustrations), allowing the vanes to be attached to the fletch tape at preferred angles. The adjustable center platform may comprise a screw attached plate whereby the guiding block is connected thereon and swivelly adjustable. A visual guide such as an attached sticker or alternatively etched markings that show the angle of position of the guiding block can help enable the user to accurately adjust to a preferred angle of vane positioning.

(20) An adjustable version of the guiding block 200 according to FIG. 2 provides for multiple interconnected components that may be adjusted in position to accommodate different sized vanes or wider fletch tape for broader arrows. According to this preferred embodiment, two planar slats 201 are attached together in fixed manner such that a vertical aperture 202 of fixed dimension is provided. See FIG. 2. Each combination of two slats 201 and washer in connected form forming a vertical aperture 202, also referable as a single well unit. The dimension of the vertical aperture space 202 may be defined by a spacer device (i.e. a washer) placed between the two planar slats 201. The two planar slats 201 may be connected together with the spacer device therebetween by screw means, weld, or adhesive manner. Preferably three single well units 201, 202 (defined by two interconnected vertical slats forming a single vertical aperture) are positioned adjacently in parallel, separated by a spacing element. The spacing element may comprise, but is not limited to, one or more washer elements for adjustable distances therebetween. A preferred cross-sectional width spacing between each vertical aperture of each said single well unit among a plurality of single well units may be ⅛ inch. The cross-sectional width of each aperture is preferably 1 mm. The vertical aperture with spacing elements therebetween are removably fixed in position preferably by a screw and rod element. Each planar slat of each aperture unit 201, 202 need not comprise the same thickness and may be a combination of different thicknesses to achieve a particular spacing between the vanes. Each aperture unit capable of snugly hold a single vane 203.

(21) Alternatively, the guiding block may be created from a single block of material by cutting or molding process for a simpler manufacturing process. By this method, the vertical apertures and spacing therebetween would be permanently positioned. As such, the guiding block of this more permanent embodiment may provide multiple size dimensions to accommodate different sized vanes or diameter arrow shafts.

(22) An additional means for aligning the vanes within the guiding block 200 is contemplated by manner of a rotatable bar 204 attached to the second portion 205 of the guided clamp. By rotating the rotatable bar 204 upward at the initial stage of placing the vanes into each vertical aperture 202 (single well unit), the vanes 203 may be pushed upward against the rotatable bar 204 to be in even alignment relative to each other. The rotatable bar 204 may be rotated downward out of the way when the first portion of the clamp is to be lowered in position for clamping purposes. An alternative method of achieving the same purpose in case may be by a visual line or marking on the top surface 206 of the guiding block 200. This would avoid need of a rotatable bar 204 attachment.

(23) When the vanes are ready to be attached to the fletch tape, the first portion 401 is lowered onto the second portion 402 such that the fletch tape would be in contact with the protruding portions of the vanes and adhered by glue. This part of the process essentially comprising a clamping effect of the fletch tape onto the vanes. As such, a means 403 for holding the first and second portions tightly together for an uninterrupted period of time is desired. The means for holding the first and second portions together in clamping position may be achieved by a strap element 403, or alternatively any known means including without limitations clips, hooks, bands, etc. FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a preferred means of connection.

(24) Said method of attaching fletch vanes onto the surface of a planar sheet of fletch tape 301 comprising the following steps. See FIGS. 3 and 4. A piece of fletch tape 301 is sleeved through the sleeving means 302 of the first portion 303 of the guided clamp 300. At least one or more vanes 304 are placed into the open space of each vertical aperture 305. Said vanes 304 are adjusted to a preferred alignment by use of said rotatable guide piece 306 which is rotated upward against the guide block 307. Upon alignment, said guide piece 306 is rotated downward and away from obstruction. Adhesive glue is added to the protruding portion of said vanes. Said first portion 303, 401 is rotated downward such that said fletch tape is in contact with said vanes and adhesive. Said first portion 303, 401 and second portion 309, 402 are locked in clamped position by a clamping means 403 to ensure pressured contact between said fletching tape and said vanes.

(25) FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the rolling guide 500. As with the guided clamp, the rolling guide 500 may comprise any hard and durable material, including but not limited to wood, plastic, metal, or any combination thereof. A first 501 and second 502 vertical portion are spaced apart and connected with a first 503 and second 504 horizontal portion. Said first vertical portion 501 having a sleeving hole 505 centrally along the top half of its surface to allow an arrow shaft to sleeve through and rest snuggly therein. Said second vertical portion 502 having a receiving hole 506 to receive the nock end of said arrow shaft. Said receiving end further connected to a rotating means 507 containing rotatable gear components attached to a rotating handle 508. Said rotating means may alternatively comprising gear components that are rotated by means of electrical signals initiated by button contact. The electrical signal may also be remotely initiated by radio or digital means. The nock end of an arrow shaft attaches and connects snugly to said receiving end and will be rotated by said handle and gear components.

(26) Both said first 503 and second 504 horizontal portions are swivelly connected at their rear ends to said first 501 and second 502 vertical portion such that either said first 503 and second 504 horizontal portions may swivel upward and downward at their rear ends 509. A protrusion (not shown in the illustrations) which may comprise a dowel or stopper extends from said first 501 and second 502 vertical portions underneath the front end 511 of said second horizontal portion such that at resting position, the front end 511 of said second horizontal portion 504 is at an elevated position from its said rear end 509. Said second horizontal portion 504 essentially slanting at a downward angle from its front end 511 towards its rear end 509. Said first 503 and second 504 horizontal portions further having a recessed area 512 along its front ends 509 at the same location for purposes of accommodating the vanes that will pass through this recessed area 512 when rotated. Said recessed area 512 of said first horizontal portion 503 containing a cushioned roller 513. The cushioned roller portion 513 should preferably comprise a softer textured material much like rubber or durable foam with elastic response so as not to deform the shape of the vanes from pushing too hard against it during the rolling process. The first horizontal portion 503 having a groove 514 along the length of its internal surface that aligns with the location of where the arrow shaft should rest when said arrow shaft is sleeved through and resting against the sleeving hole 505 and receiving hole 506 of the first 501 and second 502 vertical portions. The groove 514 along the length of the first horizontal portion 503 being lined with a soft material such as but not limited to felt to softly cushion and guide the fletch tape as it is being pressed against the arrow shaft during the rolling action.

(27) A method of attaching a planar piece of fletching tape containing fletching vanes onto a bare arrow shaft comprising the following steps as shown in FIGS. 6 through 10. As shown in FIG. 6, an arrow shaft 601 is first sleeved through the sleeving hole 602 and in snug connection with said receiving hole 603. As shown in FIG. 7, said fletch tape 701 is positioned onto the top surface of said second horizontal portion 702 with the vanes 703 facing downward through said recessed area 704 and the adhesive surface 705 facing upward towards said arrow shaft 705. As shown in FIG. 8, said second horizontal portion is swiveled upward towards said arrow shaft 802 to make adhesive contact with said arrow shaft 802. Said second horizontal portion is then lowered to its resting position. As shown in FIG. 9, said first horizontal portion is lowered onto said arrow shaft and said rotatable handle 901 is rotated, causing said fletch tape and vane to roll onto said arrow shaft with the aid of light pressure from the rolling guide 902. Upon completion, said arrow shaft is pulled away from said sleeving hole and receiving hole for immediate use as shown in FIG. 10.

(28) A further alternative embodiment of this invention provides for optional means to adjust the placement of said fletched tape onto the top end of the arrow. As described above herein, the distance of attachment from the nock end of the arrow shaft may be achieved by positioning the arrow shaft either closer or further away from the receiving hole of the second vertical portion of the rolling guide device. Adjustment of distance from the receiving hole may be achieved by temporary use of different sized nock elements (may alternatively be referred to also as “space adapters”). See FIG. 11. Preferable lengths of the space adapters 1101 may comprise any or all of the following options: 0.75 inch 1102, 1.00 inch 1103 and 1.25 inches 1104. The longer the spacer adapter 1104, the closer the fletching vanes 1105 will be attached to the arrow tip at the nock end.

(29) Note that the above described means for varying locational placement of fletched tape to arrow shaft may also be maintained in consistent manner throughout the entire fletch preparation and fletch adhering process of this invention by means of color code or symbol code. For example, four separate colors may be assigned to each sized nock spacer which would be coordinated with the color of the fletch tape. The color would serve as an indicator of the desired and intended manner of fletching. Visual coding may further serve to maintain consistency between the fletch preparation and fletch adhering processes with regards to different sized vanes or different diameter arrow shafts. For example, in the case of nonadjustable guiding blocks, each block may have an associated symbolic code (color, number, etc.) which would be coordinated with a particular type of vane and fletch tape. By matching the symbolic codes between the various tools and components, the fletched tape would properly wrap around a particular sized arrow shaft to the preferred parameters.

(30) It should further be contemplated that both clamping guide and rolling guide may comprise removably attachable components such that the device may be collapsible for greater ease in storage or packaging.

(31) Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.