Fencing Weapon Point Assembly

Abstract

A fencing weapon point assembly ( 1, 6 ) for a fencing weapon such as an epee, foil or sabre is provided. At least one of the components of the weapon point assembly is made from a metal or metal alloy having different density to steel. Weapon point assemblies having lighter weight components provide for greater control and thus precision of the weapon during combat. Whereas weapon point assemblies having heavy components provide the blade with a greater ‘whip’ of the weapon point assembly.

1 . A weapon point assembly for a fencing weapon, comprising:
 at least one component made of a metal or metal alloy having a different density than steel.   
     
     
         2 . The weapon point assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one component is selected from the group consisting of a weapon point tip, a weapon point barrel, a weapon point base, and a combination of these. 
     
     
         3 . The weapon point assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one component is made of a metal or metal alloy that is less dense than steel. 
     
     
         4 . The weapon point assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the less dense metal or metal alloy is selected from the group consisting of titanium, a titanium alloy, and a hardenable aluminium alloy. 
     
     
         5 . The weapon point assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one component is made of a metal or metal alloy that is more dense than steel. 
     
     
         6 . The weapon point assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the more dense metal or metal alloy is selected from the group consisting of tungsten and tungsten carbide. 
     
     
         7 . A fencing weapon comprising:
 an end;   a weapon point assembly supported about the end, the weapon point assembly comprising at least one component made of a metal or metal alloy having a different density than steel.   
     
     
         8 . The weapon point assembly of  claim 2 , further comprising an insulator electrically isolating the weapon point tip and the weapon point base. 
     
     
         9 . The weapon point assembly of  claim 2 , further comprising a spring configured to urge the weapon point barrel and the weapon point tip to project from the weapon point base, wherein the weapon point tip and the weapon point barrel are slidably supported in the weapon point base. 
     
     
         10 . The weapon point assembly of  claim 2 , further comprising electromechanical means that registers and signals a movement of the weapon point tip and the weapon point barrel into the weapon point base. 
     
     
         11 . The fencing weapon of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one component is selected from the group consisting of a weapon point tip, a weapon point barrel, a weapon point base, and a combination of these. 
     
     
         12 . The fencing weapon of  claim 7 , wherein said at least one component is made of a metal or metal alloy that is less dense than steel. 
     
     
         13 . The fencing weapon of  claim 12 , wherein the less dense metal or metal alloy is selected from the group consisting of titanium, a titanium alloy, and a hardenable aluminium alloy. 
     
     
         14 . The fencing weapon of  claim 7 , wherein said at least one component is made of a metal or metal alloy that is more dense than steel. 
     
     
         15 . The fencing weapon of  claim 14 , wherein the more dense metal or metal alloy is selected from the group consisting of tungsten and tungsten carbide. 
     
     
         16 . A method for forming a weapon point assembly for use with a fencing weapon, the method comprising:
 configuring a weapon point assembly to be supported about an end of a fencing weapon, the weapon point assembly comprising:
 a weapon point base; 
 a weapon point barrel operable with the weapon point base; and 
 a weapon point tip operable with the weapon point base, 
   forming at least one of the weapon point base, the weapon point barrel and the weapon point tip from a metal or metal alloy having a different density than steel.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said forming comprises forming at least one of the weapon point base, the weapon point barrel and the weapon point tip from a metal or metal alloy having a density greater than steel. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said forming comprises forming at least one of the weapon point base, the weapon point barrel and the weapon point tip from a metal or metal alloy having a density less than steel. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising providing an insulator electrically isolating the weapon point tip and the weapon point base. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising providing a spring configured to urge the weapon point barrel and the weapon point tip to project from the weapon point base, wherein the weapon point tip and the weapon point barrel are slidably supported in the weapon point base.