Multi-segmented shaft

Abstract

A multi-segmented shaft or dart configured for launching as a projectile using an atlatl or spear-thrower. In contrast to conventional darts, non-limiting exemplary embodiments of multi-segmented shafts or darts are disclosed. Such multi-segmented shafts can be de-coupled into a plurality of segments for ease of transport and storage. The plurality of segments can be detachably coupled into a dart that can be launched as a projectile using an atlatl or thrown as a spear.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A shaft, comprising:
 a distal segment, an intermediate segment, and a proximal segment, each comprising:
 a distal end; 
 a proximal end; and 
 a spine; 
   a spine defined at least in part by the spine of each segment;   a distal end defined at least in part by the distal end of the distal segment;   a proximal end defined at least in part by the proximal end of the proximal segment; and   fletching disposed on the proximal segment proximate the proximal end of the shaft;   wherein,
 the distal end of the shaft is configured for coupling with a projectile point; 
 the proximal end of the distal segment and the distal end of the intermediate segment comprise complementary configurations for detachable coupling; and 
 the proximal end of the intermediate segment and the distal end of the proximal segment comprise complementary configurations for detachable coupling. 
   
     
     
         2 . The shaft of  claim 1 , wherein the spine of at least one segment is substantially similar to the spine of at least one of the other two segments. 
     
     
         3 . The shaft of  claim 2 , wherein the spine of the distal and proximal segments are substantially similar. 
     
     
         4 . The shaft of  claim 1 , wherein the spine of at least one segment is substantially different from the spine of at least one of the other two segments. 
     
     
         5 . The shaft of  claim 4 , wherein the spine of the distal and proximal segments are substantially different. 
     
     
         6 . The shaft of  claim 1 , wherein the spine of the intermediate segment is less than the spine of the distal and proximal segments. 
     
     
         7 . The shaft of  claim 1 , wherein the spine of the intermediate segment is greater than the spine of the distal and proximal segments. 
     
     
         8 . The shaft of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the segments is tubular. 
     
     
         9 . The shaft of  claim 8 , wherein an inside diameter of at least one of the segments is substantially similar to an inside diameter of at least one of the other two segments. 
     
     
         10 . The shaft of  claim 8 , wherein an inside diameter of at least one of the segments is substantially different from an inside diameter of at least one of the other two segments. 
     
     
         11 . The shaft of  claim 8 , wherein an inside diameter of the intermediate segment is less than an inside diameter of each of the distal and proximal segments. 
     
     
         12 . The shaft of  claim 8 , wherein an inside diameter of at least one of the segments varies between its distal and proximal ends. 
     
     
         13 . The shaft of  claim 12 , wherein the inside diameter of the intermediate segment decreases distally from the proximal end, attains a minimum, and thereafter increases distally to the distal end. 
     
     
         14 . The shaft of  claim 13 , wherein the minimum inside diameter is at a location proximate a mid-point between the distal and proximal ends of the intermediate segment. 
     
     
         15 . The shaft of  claim 8 , wherein an inside diameter at the proximal end of the distal segment and an inside diameter at the distal end of the intermediate segment are substantially equal. 
     
     
         16 . The shaft of  claim 8 , wherein an inside diameter at the proximal end of the intermediate segment and an inside diameter at the distal end of the proximal segment are substantially equal. 
     
     
         17 . The shaft of  claim 8 , wherein an outside diameter at the proximal end of the distal segment and an outside diameter at the distal end of the intermediate segment are substantially equal. 
     
     
         18 . The shaft of  claim 8 , wherein an outside diameter at the proximal end of the intermediate segment and an outside diameter at the distal end of the proximal segment are substantially equal. 
     
     
         19 . The shaft of  claim 8 , wherein an outside diameter of the distal segment increases proximally from the distal end thereof 
     
     
         20 . The shaft of  claim 8 , wherein an outside diameter of the distal segment is substantially constant along its entire longitudinal extent. 
     
     
         21 . The shaft of  claim 8 , wherein the spine of each of the distal, intermediate, and proximal segments is defined at least in part by at least one of an inside diameter, an outside diameter, wall thickness, weight, and composition of the material of the segment. 
     
     
         22 . The shaft of  claim 1 , comprising a substantially smooth transition in an outside surface between the detachably coupled adjacent segments. 
     
     
         23 . The shaft of  claim 1 , wherein an outside surface of the shaft whereat adjacent segments are detachably coupled is substantially uniform.