DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent is related to Sub Clause A63 (entitled "Sports,, Games, Amusement"), and describes a safe dart used for sports and amusement purposes.

BACKGROUND ART

Darts is a simple sport and does not occupy so much space. It can be practiced as a healthy sport or recreational activity by people of all ages, girls, boys, and even disabled people, war veterans, and the deaf. Over the years, various types of darts have been developed, some of which are introduced here as examples:

- Needle Dart:

This is the most common type of dart, and, as its name implies, it has a needle shaped tip made of metal. The dartboard made for this dart is punctured by the dart tip every time a dart is thrown, thus holding the dart in a fixed position. The greatest problem in this type of dart is its dangerous sharp tip and rapid wear-off of its dartboard (Fig. 5).

Magnetic Dart:

The tip in this kind of dart is rounded and made of metal. The magnet placed behind the dartboard attracts the dart as it approaches the board. The disadvantages of this dart include high percentage of inaccuracy caused by low quality magnets, non-adherence of the dart to the dartboard, and inaccuracies introduced in the magnetic force while the dart is approaching the board which can somewhat divert the dart. Overall, this type of dart cannot be used at a professional level.

- Digital Dart:

This kind of dart is similar to needle dart, but its needle-like tip is made of plastic. The main difference, though, lies in the dartboard which is digital or computerized, i.e., it announces the dart thrower's score and can display her/his score on its screen.

Among the many disadvantages of this type of dart are its heavy weight and high price as compared with other types of dart.

Overall, all the dart types introduced above are dangerous, particular for children. The present invention, while removing the mentioned disadvantages of these darts, is also safe and demonstrates a high efficiency. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The proposed invention is used as an educational, sports, and amusement tool and, as compared with similar products, offers more safety and has less wear and tear.

To this end, the needle-like tip of the conventional dart was changed and turned into a semi spherical shape. Moreover, the Velcro hook and loop fastener components were stuck on the dart and the dartboard respectively to maintain a bond between the two.

The claimed invention can be used by all age groups for sports, educational, and amusement purposes.

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

In spite of its seeming harmless, the dart game is potentially very dangerous, particularly to children, due to the sharp metallic tip of the thrown dart, and if the dart misses, it can damage the immediate environment. Another problem with the existing dartboards is that their quality deteriorates with increased usage.

These problems prompted us to start thinking about the shortfalls of existing darts. The purpose of this invention is to design a safe dart which does not wear off its dartboard with frequent use, and in the meantime, its method of use do not differ from existing darts.

The other purpose of this invention is publicizing the sport of darts, particularly at schools and among people at lower ages.

BR EF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

DRAWING 1 : is a View of the Claimed Dart in a Standing Position.

DRAWING 2: is a Top View of the Claimed Dart.

This is the top view of the dart. As can be seen, the four fins are at 90 degrees. The tip circle is also shown.

DRAWING 3: is a View of the Dartboard.

The dartboard is covered with a layer of Velcro loop fasteners.

FIG, 4 : is a 3-D View of the Claimed Dart

FIG, 5: is a Picture of a Conventional Needle Dart DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention (Fig.i) (which is not restricteci to this one sampSe) is a sport/recreational dart at the tip of which a VELCRO ^* hook-and-loop fastener is used to make it safer so that it can be used by all age groups.

As shown in Fig. 1, this invention consists of 5 main parts:

The wing (1)

- The shaft (2)

The weight (3)

- The tip (4)

The Velcro hook-and-loop fastener

As demonstrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the dart consists of wing (1) which has 4 fins shaped like tear drops. The fins in these figures are positioned circumferentially at about 90 degrees. However, the number of fins as well as their angle can vary based on the specific design. Moreover, the wing (1) is placed at the end of the dart so as to guide and balance it as it moves along its trajectory. The wing (1) is streamlined in such a way as to provide stability for the dart as it travels along its trajectory. The distance between the wing tip and the fin tip is about 33 mm, and the fin shape can vary for specific design requirements.

One end of the wing is attached to the shaft (2) which is a cylinder with an approximate diameter of ? mm (the shaft dimensions may be changed). The shaft connects the wing (1} to the tip (4) and its length is chosen based on the wing size, in fact, the shaft {2} acts as a bridge between the wing (i) and the tip (4).

The dart tip {4) is shaped like a semi sphere, has a diameter of about 18 mm which can vary in proportion with the total dart size, and is attached to the shaft (2) at one end. The outer surface of the tip is fitted with a layer of Velcro hooks (5} which, upon impact, attach themselves to the Velcro loops placed on the dartboard.

A weight (3) is integrated inside the tip cylinder (4) for balancing the dart as it is thrown. This weight (3) also helps the player develop a real "feel" of the game. Another advantage of the weight is lowering the error in throwing the dart. The weight may be made of metal or any other heavy material.

The Velcro hook-and-loop fastener (5) consists of two parts, usually in the form of strips or squares, stuck on the surfaces of the parts which are to be joined together. The first strip contains very tiny hooks and the second very tiny loops. When pressed together, the hooks are caught within the loops and a bond is formed between the strips. The brand name "Velcro" is derived from the French words "velours" (meaning velvet) and "crochet" (meaning hook).

We used the Velcro fastener for attaching the dart to the dartboard. In fact, the hooks are stuck on the tip (4) and the loops on the dartboard, and as the dart hits the board, the hooks are entangled in the loops, forming a temporary bond. The dartboard in this invention resembles standard dartboards. However, the surface of the board is covered completely with a layer of Velcro loops (Fig. 3).

Whereas plastic is used in the present design as the material for the wing and the shaft, other materials may also be used as required. Fig. 4 shows a 3-D view of the claimed invention.

Manufacturing Method:

As a first step in manufacturing the claimed invention, the die for the dart must be designed and made. Upon injecting the plastic, the weight is integrated into the output component. Then, the Velcro hooks component is stuck with industrial glue on the dart tip. Thus, the dart will be ready. Now, the dartboard must be prepared.

The dartboard is similar in appearance to the standard board. The only difference is that the outer surface of the board is covered with a layer of Velcro loops. The material used for the dartboard can be plastic foam, wood, etc., shaped into a circular form with a die cut machine. The board diameter is about 45 cm. As mentioned above, The Velcro loops component forms the outer layer of the dartboard. The dartboard scores are made of PVC.

The dartboard is put on the wall through a spring wire (1 mm in diameter) formed to the required shape in a performing die. This part must be placed on the board before the PVC scores are attached.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The claimed invention is used in a similar way as the conventional darts through the following procedure: The dart is taken in one hand and thrown towards the board. The dart sticks to the board upon striking it since the Velcro hooks are caught inside the loops. Then, the score is considered depending on where the dart has contacted the board. The closer the dart is to the bulls eye, the more the score would be.

The dart can be easily detached from the dartboard by shaking it slightly.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The advantages of this invention are as follows:

Increased safety due to replacement of the sharp dart tip with Velcro hooks

Lighter weight

A similar manufacturing method to ordinary darts

Economical design and price

Ergonomic streamlined design for easy movement through air

Usable by all age groups

Low wear and tear of the dart and dartboard