GB2136698A - Catapult - Google Patents

Abstract

A catapult suitable for use in shooting fish bait into water comprises means (1) defining a pair of spaced apart limbs (2), resilient strip means (8) extending between the limbs (2) and a ferrule (7) connecting the resilient strip means (8) to each limb (2). A ferrule (7) is preferably fastened to a limb (2) by a releasable bayonet fixing which is most conveniently formed by providing a pin (5) in the side of the limb (2) and a J-shaped slot (6) in the ferrule for receiving the pin (5). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Catapult This invention relates to a catapult particularly, but not exclusively, to a catapult for use in shooting fish bait into water.

Catapults generally comprise spaced apart limbs between which there is a fixed strip of resilient material.

Problems with known catapults are that once shot there is a tendency for the resilient strip to entangle around the limbs.

A previously proposed solution to this problem involves the use of split rings and barrel swivels to connect the resilient strip to the limbs.

Although this solution provides an improvement in operation of the catapult, the split rings and barrel swivels are intricate pieces of workmanship and therefore these still present some disadvantages.

An object of the present invention is to provide a simpler form of catapult and thus obviate or mitigate the aforesaid disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a catapult comprising means defining a pair of spaced apart limbs, resilient strip means extending between the supports and a ferrule connecting the strip means to each limb.

Preferably the ferrule is fastened to a limb by means of a releasable bayonet fixing. The bayonet fixing is most conveniently formed by providing a pin in the side of the limb and a suitably fashioned slot in the ferrule for receiving the pin.

Advantageously the resilient strip means is fitted into an aperture in one end of the ferrule and secured by a knot such that the length of strip enclosed by the ferrule is under compression when the ferrule is fixed to the limb.

The invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows a perspective view of a catapult of this invention.

A catapult suitable for shooting fish bait onto water comprises a substantially Y-shaped frame 1 which may be formed of mild steel, aluminium, plastics or any other material having suitable strength for this purpose. The frame includes a pair of spaced apart limbs 2 converging at one end to form an integral handle 3 extending in a direction which is generally opposite to that of the limbs 2.

A hand grip 4 formed from rubber or similar material is provided on the handle 3.

Each limb 2 is provided with a pin 5 protruding from the side thereof for engagement with a substantially J-shaped slot 6 in a ferrule 7 so as to form a bayonet fixing therewith.

A pair of rubber strips 8 are provided each of which has one knotted end 9 fitted into the ferrule 7 such that the knotted end 9 enclosed by the ferrule is compressed against the end of the limb 2. This compression acts to secure the bayonet fixing. The other end of the rubber strip 8 is fixed to a cup-shaped bait holder 10.

Advantages of this invention are simplicity of the components required, ease of assembly, quick and easy replacement of rubber strips and reduced tendency to entanglement.

1. A catapult comprising means defining a pair of spaced apart limbs, resilient strip means extending between the limbs and a ferrule connecting the strip means to each limb.

2. A catapult according to claim 1 wherein the ferrule is fastened to a limb by means of a releasable bayonet fixing.

3. A catapult according to claim 2 wherein the bayonet fixing is formed by providing a pin in the side of the limb and a suitably fashioned slot in the ferrule for receiving the pin.

4. A catapult according to claim 3 wherein the slot in the ferrule is of a substantially J-shaped configuration.

5. A catapult according to claim 4 wherein the resilient strip means is fitted into an aperture in one end of the ferrule and secured by a knot such that the length of strip enclosed by the ferrule is under compression when the ferrule is fixed to the limb.

6. A catapult according to claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawing.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (6)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Catapult This invention relates to a catapult particularly, but not exclusively, to a catapult for use in shooting fish bait into water. Catapults generally comprise spaced apart limbs between which there is a fixed strip of resilient material. Problems with known catapults are that once shot there is a tendency for the resilient strip to entangle around the limbs. A previously proposed solution to this problem involves the use of split rings and barrel swivels to connect the resilient strip to the limbs. Although this solution provides an improvement in operation of the catapult, the split rings and barrel swivels are intricate pieces of workmanship and therefore these still present some disadvantages. An object of the present invention is to provide a simpler form of catapult and thus obviate or mitigate the aforesaid disadvantages. According to the present invention there is provided a catapult comprising means defining a pair of spaced apart limbs, resilient strip means extending between the supports and a ferrule connecting the strip means to each limb. Preferably the ferrule is fastened to a limb by means of a releasable bayonet fixing. The bayonet fixing is most conveniently formed by providing a pin in the side of the limb and a suitably fashioned slot in the ferrule for receiving the pin. Advantageously the resilient strip means is fitted into an aperture in one end of the ferrule and secured by a knot such that the length of strip enclosed by the ferrule is under compression when the ferrule is fixed to the limb. The invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows a perspective view of a catapult of this invention. A catapult suitable for shooting fish bait onto water comprises a substantially Y-shaped frame 1 which may be formed of mild steel, aluminium, plastics or any other material having suitable strength for this purpose. The frame includes a pair of spaced apart limbs 2 converging at one end to form an integral handle 3 extending in a direction which is generally opposite to that of the limbs 2. A hand grip 4 formed from rubber or similar material is provided on the handle 3. Each limb 2 is provided with a pin 5 protruding from the side thereof for engagement with a substantially J-shaped slot 6 in a ferrule 7 so as to form a bayonet fixing therewith. A pair of rubber strips 8 are provided each of which has one knotted end 9 fitted into the ferrule 7 such that the knotted end 9 enclosed by the ferrule is compressed against the end of the limb 2. This compression acts to secure the bayonet fixing. The other end of the rubber strip 8 is fixed to a cup-shaped bait holder 10. Advantages of this invention are simplicity of the components required, ease of assembly, quick and easy replacement of rubber strips and reduced tendency to entanglement. CLAIMS

1. A catapult comprising means defining a pair of spaced apart limbs, resilient strip means extending between the limbs and a ferrule connecting the strip means to each limb.

2. A catapult according to claim 1 wherein the ferrule is fastened to a limb by means of a releasable bayonet fixing.

3. A catapult according to claim 2 wherein the bayonet fixing is formed by providing a pin in the side of the limb and a suitably fashioned slot in the ferrule for receiving the pin.

4. A catapult according to claim 3 wherein the slot in the ferrule is of a substantially J-shaped configuration.

5. A catapult according to claim 4 wherein the resilient strip means is fitted into an aperture in one end of the ferrule and secured by a knot such that the length of strip enclosed by the ferrule is under compression when the ferrule is fixed to the limb.

6. A catapult according to claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawing.