Case for archery equipment

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6390294
  • Patent Number
    6,390,294
  • Date Filed
    Monday, October 23, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, May 21, 2002
    22 years ago
Abstract
A case for archery equipment includes, interengaging first and second half portions connected for movement between open and closed positions. The first half portion includes a first wall defining a first interior recess and having a first mating rim. The first half portion further includes a plurality of first supports formed in the first wall, and located within the first interior recess. The second half portion includes a second wall defining a second interior recess and having a second mating rim. The second half portion further includes a plurality of second supports formed in the second wall and located within the second interior recess. Each first support has a first longitudinal axis and is aligned along a common first axis which intersects each first longitudinal axis normally within and defining a first common plane. Each second support has a second longitudinal axis and is aligned along a common second axis which intersects each second longitudinal axis normally within defining a second and common plane. The first and second planes are parallel and offset in the open position and aligned in opposition in the closed position such that each first support engages each said second support in mating contact. A load applied to the case in a closed position is distributed among the first and second supports and the first and second mating rims, resulting in a protective zone defined by the first and second interior recesses.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




The present invention relates generally to a case for archery equipment, and more particularly, to a molded, protective case which is adapted for easy, low-cost mass production manufacture and which prevents damage to the equipment stored therein, by even distribution of loads and forces thereupon.




Transporting archery equipment, such as bows and arrows, has always been a difficult undertaking. By their very nature, the equipment is large and cumbersome. The equipment is also relatively delicate in comparison to its size. In particular, modern bows have very complex structure in order to provide the sophisticated functions now expected. While a bow may be disassembled for transportation, it is considered a major disadvantage if this is necessary. Accuracy is lost if these bows are disassembled. However, the bows and arrows are also very delicate when subjected to forces different from those of ordinary operation. Slight or unseen damage to bows can result in catastrophic failure of the equipment, which could even injure the user. Arrow shafts are preferably made from very thin wall aluminum tubing or carbon fiber. The slightest tweak, curve or bend in the arrow shaft will cause the arrow to fly off course when in use, or with carbon fiber, an off-axis impact can destroy the arrow shaft. Consequently, it is advantageous to use a protective case which can prevent any damage to the implements therein from forces and loads applied thereto.




Current standard protective measures include fabric, soft-sided, padded cases, and traditional, rectangular suitcase-style cases. For many reasons, there are obvious disadvantages to the soft-sided cases. First, and foremost, is the lack of protection afforded the equipment inside. These cases are useful only in that all of the equipment may be transported in one case. As a result, they have rather limited usefulness for serious archers, or those concerned about the condition of their equipment. Accordingly, they are priced on the lower end of the scale. It should be appreciated that although the sides of the case are padded, the large side panels easily deform when subjected to external loads or forces and only protect the equipment from abrasion or minimal force impacts, such as setting the case down. Without a stiff exterior panel, the level of protection afforded is only sufficient for the infrequent or occasional user.




The traditional suitcase design for archery equipment provides more protection for the contents. Commonly, their construction includes a plastic shell having an extruded metal band affixed about the perimeter of each half of the shell, and a metal piano-style hinge joining the halves together. One disadvantage is the size of such a case. Available only in conventional rectangularly-shaped designs, there is a considerable amount of extra space that is not used which renders the case cumbersome and unweildly. Another major disadvantage is the sizable planar side panels. The shape of a bow requires a case with large side panels relative to the ends. As a result, the sides of the case easily deform inward when subjected to an external load or force. The side panels of such known cases are not designed to absorb or distribute significant impact forces. The perimeter edges are designed to carry the loads; however, the metal bands are easily damaged and as such misalignment is common. As a result, known suitcase designs permit deformation of the side panels to the extent that the bow and/or arrows can be damaged, and create haphazard load distributions.




The advent of carbon fiber arrow shafts resulted in a lighter, stiffer arrow with a much thinner shaft. Previous quiver or arrow holder designs produced over the last 40-plus years are sized for the much larger aluminum arrow shafts. As a result, they are unable to properly secure the carbon fiber arrows in position for transportation or use. Consequently, archers must purchase a quiver for each type of arrow shaft, totally convert to the new arrow shafts, or not use the new arrow shafts. Other types and kinds of arrow holders have faced similar disadvantages.




Transporting or storing bows inside either of the above prior art cases has obvious disadvantages; namely, the inability to ensure proper alignment and to protect the bow from damage by external forces. Consequently, all previous design attempts to provide an adequate protective enclosure have failed. Likewise, transporting or storing arrows inside the above-described cases has obvious disadvantages, namely, the inability to protect the arrow shafts from bending or breaking due to their weak designs. Consequently, all previous design attempts to incorporate an arrow holder with or inside a case have failed to provide adequate protection.




Therefore, there is a significant demand for a durable, protective case for safely transporting or storing archery equipment which provides the advantages of low-cost, high-strength, impact-resistance, load distribution, automatic alignment and a multi-functional use.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide a protective case for the transportation and/or storage of archery equipment which is inexpensive, yet impact resistant, non-deformable, sturdy and durable.




Another object of the present invention is to provide a case which has an interior cavity dimensioned to receive an archery bow and a plurality of arrows.




Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a protective bow case which resists and distributes deforming forces impacting on the comparatively large panels.




Still another object of the present invention is to provide a protective case with reinforcing pillars which brace and prevent the comparatively large panels from significantly deforming from their original location.




Another further object of the present invention is to provide a protective bow case with integrally molded reinforcing pillars which cooperate to inhibit deformation of the comparatively large panels by effectively reducing the flexibility of the large panels and distributing any loads or forces impinging on the case.




Yet another further object of the present invention is to provide a case with an integrally molded reinforcing pillars formed in each half of the enclosure which each cooperate and interconnect when the case is in a closed position to reduce the flexibility of the large panels of the case from damaging deformation and to distribute any loads or forces impinging on the case.




Still yet another further object of the present invention is to provide a protective case for the transportation and/or storage or archery equipment which has an inexpensive, easy to manufacture, integratable, and simple-to-use arrow holder.




Another object of the present invention is to provide an arrow holder which securely mounts arrow shafts having two different diameter dimensions.




Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a first groove for removably securing two differently sized arrow shafts in an interfering manner which has second grooves formed therein to provide adequate flexure of the first groove such that the arrow shafts are not damaged when inserted into or removed from the first groove.




The present invention accomplishes these and other objects by way of its novel and unique structure, utilizing the following means to solve the aforementioned problems. In one principal aspect of the present invention, a case for archery equipment includes interengaging first and second case sections connected for movement between open and closed positions. The first case section includes a first wall defining a first interior recess and having a first mating rim. The first case section further includes a plurality of first reinforcing pillars formed in the first wall, and located within the first interior recess. The second case section includes a second wall defining a second interior recess and having a second mating rim. The second case section further includes a plurality of second reinforcing pillars formed in the second wall and located within the second interior recess. Each first reinforcing pillar has a first longitudinal axis and is aligned along a common first axis which intersects each first longitudinal axis normally within and defining a first common plane. Each second reinforcing pillar has a second longitudinal axis and is aligned along a common second axis which intersects each second longitudinal axis normally within defining a second and common plane. The first and second planes are parallel and offset in the open position and aligned in opposition in the closed position such that each first reinforcing pillar engages each said second reinforcing pillar in mating contact. A load applied to the case in a closed position is distributed among the first and second reinforcing pillars and the first and second mating rims, resulting in a protective zone defined by the first and second interior recesses.




In another principal aspect of the present invention, an arrow holder is adapted for mounting within a case for archery equipment, where the case includes interengaging first and second case sections where each case section has a respective first and second interior recess, including at least one comb number having a plurality of alternatively disposed first and second grooves formed therein. The first grooves have a first depth. The second grooves have a second depth which is greater than the first depth. Whereby, the second grooves are configured to removably mount arrow shafts having at least two different diameters.




These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be clearly understood through consideration of the following detailed description.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




In the course of the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like parts and in which:





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of the case for archery equipment constructed in a closed position in accordance with the principles of the present invention;





FIG. 2

is a perspective view of the protective enclosure of

FIG. 1

in an open position illustrating the interior recesses thereof, and the arrow holders disposed therein;





FIG. 3

is a cross-sectional view taken along lines


3





3


of

FIG. 1

, illustrating the case in a closed position and the reinforcing pillars interengaged;





FIG. 4

is a side elevation view of the arrow holder of

FIG. 2

constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and





FIG. 5

is a perspective view of the arrow holder of FIG.


4


.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT




The present invention relates to a protective case for transporting and/or storing archery implements, preferably at least a bow and a plurality of arrows. Generally, the case


10


of the present invention shown in

FIGS. 1-5

, includes interengaging case sections, a first case section


12


and a second case section


14


which are interconnected along a hinge line for movement between an open position,

FIG. 2

, and a closed position,

FIGS. 1 and 3

. As shown in

FIG. 1

, the case


10


also includes a handle


16


, a plurality of latching devices


18


, locking members


20


, and a plurality of feet


22


.




The handle


16


is formed by cooperation of the first case section


12


and the second case section


14


. A passage


24


provided below the handle


16


for receiving the hand or fingers of an operator enables one to carry or move the case


10


. Each latching device


18


in

FIG. 2

includes an arm


26


and a catch


28


. The arm


26


is movably secured to the case


10


, and preferably to the second case section


14


. The preferred structural components of the arm


26


are conventional, including a release lever


30


and an engagement finger


32


. The catch


28


is preferably formed on the first case section


12


and comes into contact with the engagement finger


32


when the arm


26


is moved into a latching position as illustrated in FIG.


1


. Pressure applied to the arm


26


forces interlocking of the engagement finger


32


with catch


28


. The release lever


30


provides a mechanical advantage for an operator to overcome the interlocking forces between the engagement finger


32


and the catch


28


in order to move the case


10


to an open position. It will be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art that any other presently available, suitable latching devices may be substituted and achieve the identical function.




The locking members


20


are basically bores


34


formed in each of the first and second case sections


12


and


14


which provide a passage through which an operator may insert a conventional locking element (not shown). Preferably, the locking element is a padlock which is opened by key or combination. The case


10


may not be opened without destroying the case


10


, if the locking elements are not removed.




A plurality of feet


22


are provided in association with the first and second case sections


12


and


14


such that the case


10


may be oriented in a free-standing vertical position as shown in FIG.


1


. These feet


22


assist an operator in transportation of the case by providing a stable base for maintaining the vertical orientation.




As shown in

FIG. 2

, the first case section


12


generally includes a first wall


36


, a first mating rim


38


, a hinge line


50


and a plurality of first reinforcing pillars


40


. The first wall


36


is formed generally as a shell having a generally tub-like configuration. An interior surface


42


and an exterior surface


44


cooperate to define the first wall


36


and the thickness thereof. The first wall interior surface


42


defines a first interior recess or cavity


46


which is configured and dimensioned to receive an archery bow


11


therein. The first mating rim


38


is formed as the substantially circumferentially extending edge


48


of the first wall


36


. The. configuration of the first mating rim


38


generally represents the overall outline of the case


10


. Preferably the configuration of the case


10


and mating rim


38


is generally described as a chord, represented by line


52


, intersecting an arc, represented by line


58


. It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that the shape or configuration of the case


10


is not limited to the preferred version and is offered by way of example only. The hinge line


50


is generally coincident with the chord line


52


. The first hinge structures


56


are disposed at selected positions on the first mating rim


38


along the hinge line


50


. The hinge structures are formed integrally with the first case section


12


and may be configured in any of a number of conventional ways. Snap-fit, projection/receptacle, living, and frangibly created hinges may be used or freely substituted as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.




A plurality of first reinforcing pillars


40


are shown in

FIGS. 2 and 3

. These reinforcing pillars


40


are formed in or integrally molded with the first case section


12


. Generally, each reinforcing pillar


40


is configured as a substantially hollow, tubular projection. Specifically, each reinforcing pillar


40


is formed as a hollow truncated cone. A base


58


is disposed adjacent the interior surface


42


. The reinforcing pillar


40


extends away from the interior surface


42


a certain extent generally along a longitudinal axis


60


to a free end


62


thereof. Each reinforcing pillar


40


is disposed within the first interior recess or cavity


46


. The pair of reinforcing pillars


40


shown in

FIGS. 2 and 3

, is the preferred embodiment for the present invention, but those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and acknowledge that more supports may be added without diverging from the purpose and intent of the subject invention. Each first reinforcing pillar


40


has a first longitudinal axis


60


which is disposed spaced along a common first axis


66


which intersects each first longitudinal axis


60


within and defining a first common plane


64


. The common first axis


66


and first common plane


64


are generally parallel to and spaced apart from the hinge line


50


.




The free ends


62


of the reinforcing pillars


40


alternately have an interlocking feature


68


formed therein. A projection


70


is preferably disposed on one reinforcing pillar


40


and extends away from the shoulder


72


defined at the free end


62


in a generally truncated cone configuration with a top surface


74


disposed at the furthest extent from the interior surface


42


. A conical annular surface


76


connects the annular shoulder


72


with the top surface


74


. A cavity


78


is preferably formed in the free end


62


of the other reinforcing pillar


40


. A shoulder


80


is defined at the free end


62


. A bottom surface


82


is connected to the shoulder


80


by an inverted truncated conical annular surface


84


which extends therebetween. It will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the angle of the conical annular surfaces


76


and


84


are substantially similar.




The second case section


14


is generally a mirror image of the first case section


12


, with the exception of the arrow holders


86


. Thus, lengthy discussion of the features of the second case section


14


will be avoided by the use of prime element numerals, such as


40


′ for the plurality of second reinforcing pillars, in order to discuss the second case section


14


. It should be noted however, that there are several differences in structure which will be discussed below.




The structural and positional aspects of the reinforcing pillars


40


′ of the second case section


14


substantially mirror those reinforcing pillars


40


described in the first case section


12


, with the following exception. The projection


70


′ and cavity


78


′ of the second case section


14


are respectively in alignment and opposition with the cavity


78


and projection


70


of the first case section


12


when the case


10


is in a closed position. FIG.


3


. The cavity


78


and projection


70


′ and the projection


70


and cavity


78


′ cooperatively interlock thereby connecting the first and second case sections


12


and


14


such that loads applied to the case


10


are evenly distributed. Thus, the contents, namely bow and arrows, are not damaged. When the case


10


is in the closed position, the coupled reinforcing pillars


40


and


40


′ also prohibit lateral misalignment of the first and second case sections


12


and


14


whereby the first and second mating rims


38


and


38


′ are also properly aligned and in opposition.




A pair of arrow holders


86


are shown in

FIG. 2

attached to the second case section


14


. Detailed features of the holders


86


are shown in

FIGS. 4 and 5

. Each arrow holder


86


generally includes a comb-like member


88


and a plurality of mounting flanges


90


. The comb member has a pair of base portions


92


, each having a plurality of fingers or tines


110


which extend away therefrom to define a plurality of grooves. A mounting element


94


is disposed between the pair of base portions


92


generally formed as a large notch. An aperture


96


is disposed therein for receiving a mounting device to secure the arrow holder


86


to the second case section


14


. The aperture


96


is substantially aligned with axis


66


and a width


98


of the notch generally corresponds with the outer diameter


100


of the base end


58


′ of the reinforcing pillars


40


′. Accordingly, arrows


102


do not contact the reinforcing pillars


40


′.




The comb member


88


removably mounts a plurality of arrows having a variety of differently sized arrow shafts


104


. A plurality of alternately disposed first and second grooves


106


and


108


are defined between adjacent fingers or tines


110


. The arrow shafts


104


interferingly engage the second grooves


108


. The first grooves


106


have a first depth represented by the extent of arrow D


1


, and a first width represented by the arrow W


1


, which vary along the first depth D


1


. The extent of the first depth D


1


and the extent and variance of the first width W


1


in combination with the thickness and durometer of the elastomeric material used to form the comb member determines the amount of flexure of the adjacent fingers that define a first groove


106


toward one another when an arrow shaft


104


is inserted into interfering engagement in an adjacent second groove


108


.




The second grooves


108


have a second depth represented by the extent of arrow D


2


, which is greater than the first depth D


1


, and a second width represented by the arrow W


2


, which vary along the second depth D


2


. The second width W


2


at the top


114


of the second grooves


108


is greater than the second width W


2


at the bottom


116


of the second grooves


108


. An intermediate portion


112


of the second grooves


108


has second width W


2


less than the second width W


2


at the bottom


116


of the second grooves


108


. A first chamber


118


is formed near the top


114


of the second grooves


108


generally configured to receive and interferingly engage an arrow shaft


104


having a first diameter D


3


. The opening to the first chamber


118


is substantially equivalent to the second width W


2


at the top


114


of the second grooves


108


. The intermediate portions


112


define a lower extent of the first chamber


118


and a passage


120


. A second chamber


122


is disposed below the first chamber


118


and communicates therewith by the passage


120


. An arrow shaft


104


having a second diameter D


4


is interferingly engaged within the second chamber


122


after insertion through the first chamber


118


and the passage


120


. The first chamber


118


is larger than the second chamber


122


, much like the arrow shaft


104


of a first diameter D


3


is larger than the arrow shaft


104


of a second diameter D


4


.




The mounting flanges


90


are integrally formed or molded from the same elastomeric material as the remainder of the comb member


88


. Apertures


124


receive and engage mounting projections molded or formed in the second half portion


14


. Thus, the comb member


88


is positively retained within the second interior recess.




In use, the case


10


in closed position is opened by pulling the release lever


30


on each latch


18


with sufficient force to overcome the interconnection force between the engagement finger


32


and the catch


28


. Accordingly, each latch


18


may be disconnected. The second case section


14


may then be moved through an arc of at least 180° in order to place the case in an open position. An archery bow


11


may then be secured within the first interior recess


46


for protective storage or transportation. Arrows


102


having arrow shafts


104


of different diameters may be secured in the arrow holder


86


located in the second case section for protective storage or transportation. In order to protect the contents of the case


10


namely the bow and arrows, the case


10


must be moved into a closed position. The second case section


14


may then be moved about the hinge line


50


until mating contact is made between the reinforcing pillars


40


and


40


′, and the mating rims


38


and


38


′. The projections


70


and


70


′ interlock with the corresponding cavities


78


′ and


78


, respectively, in order to automatically align the mating rims


38


and


38


′. The latches


18


may then be engaged to secure the first and second case sections


12


and


14


together. Any load or force imparted to the case


10


is then distributed evenly among the reinforcing pillars


40


and


40


′ and the mating rims


38


and


38


′. Advantageously, the mating rims


38


and


38


′ are prevented from misalignment during an impact or load by the interlocked reinforcing pillars


40


and


40


′.




Thus, it will be apparent that the bow case


10


includes a first half


12


and a second half


14


formed as first and second case sections connected in clamshell fashion such that the first and second case sections


12


and


14


are moveable between an open position shown in

FIG. 2 and a

closed position shown in

FIGS. 1 and 3

. It will be further apparent that the first and second case sections


12


and


14


each respectively define interior cavities


78


and


78


′ which jointly define an interior storage compartment when the case


10


is closed. Still further, it will be apparent that each of the first and second case sections


12


,


14


has a plurality of reinforcing pillars


40


and


40


′ defined as sets of reinforcing pillars affixed to respective first and second case sections to project into the storage compartment when the first and second case sections


12


and


14


are closed. The reinforcing pillars


40


and


40


′ have free ends


62


,


62


′. It will be apparent that each set of reinforcing pillars


40


,


40


′ includes at least one reinforcing pillar configured as a female reinforcing pillar and at least one configured as a male reinforcing pillar, each male pillar being aligned and in registry with a female pillar when the case sections


12


and


14


are closed, that the free end


62


,


62


′ of each female reinforcing pillar has a cavity


78


defining a recessed portion, and the free end


62


,


62


′ of each male reinforcing pillar has a projection


70


defining a projection portion configured to be snugly received within the recessed portion when the case sections


12


and


14


are closed.




While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.



Claims
  • 1. A case for storage and transport of archery equipment, comprising:interengaging first and second case sections connected for movement between open and closed positions; said first case section including a first wall defining a first interior recess and having a first mating rim; said first case section further including a set of first reinforcing pillars formed in said first wall, disposed within said first interior recess wherein the set of first pillars includes at least one male pillar and at least one female pillar; said second case section including a second wall defining a second interior recess and having a second mating rim; said second case section further including a set of second reinforcing pillars formed in said second wall, disposed within said second interior recess wherein the set of second pillars includes at least one male pillar and at least one female pillar; each said first pillar having a first longitudinal axis and being aligned along a common first axis which intersects each first longitudinal axis within and defining a first common plane; each said second pillar having a second longitudinal axis and being aligned along a common second axis which intersects each second longitudinal axis within and defining a common second plane, where said first and second planes are parallel and offset in said open position, and aligned in opposition in said closed position such that each said first pillar engages one of said second pillar in mating contact; whereby a load force to said case when said case is in said closed position is distributed among said first and second pillars and said first and second mating rims resulting in a protective zone defined by said first and second interior recesses.
  • 2. The case as recited in claim 1, wherein said set of first pillars are integrally molded in said first case section, and said set of second pillars are integrally molded in said second case section.
  • 3. The case as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second half portions are hingedly connected for movement about a hinge line between said open and closed positions.
  • 4. The case as recited in claim 3, wherein said common first axis is generally parallel to and spaced apart from said hinge line, and said common second axis is generally parallel to and spaced apart from said hinge line.
  • 5. The case as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said interengaged first and second pillars are in alignment and opposition along a common longitudinal axis defined by said first longitudinal axis and said second longitudinal axis when said case is in said closed position.
  • 6. The case as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said first and second pillars are coupled when said case is in said closed position prohibit lateral misalignment of said first and second case sections.
  • 7. The case as recited in claim 1, wherein said male pillars include a projection formed on a free end thereof.
  • 8. The case as recited in claim 7, wherein said female pillars include a recess formed in a free end thereof for receiving and engaging one of said male pillar projections when said case is in said closed position such that said male and female pillars are interlocked with one another.
  • 9. The case as recited in claim 1, wherein said protective zone is configured to receive an archery bow therein.
  • 10. The case as recited in claim 1, wherein said case further includes at least one comb member secured to said second half portion interior recess for removably mounting a plurality of arrows thereto.
  • 11. The case as recited in claim 10, wherein said at least one comb member further includes a plurality of alternately disposed first and second grooves formed therein.
  • 12. The case as recited in claim 11, wherein said first grooves have a first depth.
  • 13. The case as recited in claim 12, wherein said second grooves have a second depth which is greater than said first depth.
  • 14. The case as recited in claim 13, wherein said second grooves have a second width which vary along said second depth.
  • 15. The case as recited in claim 14, wherein said second width at a top of said second grooves is greater than said second width at a bottom of said second grooves.
  • 16. The case as recited in claim 15, wherein said second grooves each include an intermediate portion having a width which defines a first chamber on top of a second chamber and a passageway for communication between said first and second chambers.
  • 17. The case as recited in claim 16, wherein said first chamber is larger than said second chamber, such that said first chamber removably mounts arrows having a first shaft diameter and said second chamber removably mounts arrows having a second shaft diameter.
  • 18. The case as recited in claim 12, wherein said first grooves have a first width which decreases along said first depth.
  • 19. In a bow case having first and second case sections connected in clamshell fashion to move between open and closed positions, said case sections jointly defining an interior compartment when closed, each of said case sections having a set of reinforcing pillars affixed thereto to project into said compartment when said sections are closed, said pillars each having a free end, each of the free ends of individual ones of said pillars of said first of said case sections being aligned with and abutting one of the free ends of individual ones of said pillars of said second of said case sections when said case sections are closed, the improvement wherein each said set of pillars includes at least one female pillar and at least one male pillar, and wherein each male pillar is aligned and in registry with a female pillar when said case sections are closed, the free end of each said female pillar having a portion recessed from the free end, the free end of each said male pillar having a projecting portion extending from the free end configured to be snugly received within said recessed portion when said case sections are closed.
  • 20. The bow case as recited in claim 19, wherein said pillars are integrally molded in said first and second case sections.
  • 21. The bow case as recited in claim 19, wherein said first and second case sections are hingedly connected for movement about a hinge line between said open and closed positions.
  • 22. The bow case as recited in claim 19, wherein each of said male and female pillars are coupled when said bow case is in said closed position prohibiting lateral misalignment of said first and second case sections.
  • 23. The bow case as recited in claim 19, wherein said bow case further includes at least one comb member secured to one of said case sections for removably mounting a plurality of arrows thereto.
  • 24. The bow case as recited in claim 23, wherein said at least one comb member further includes a plurality of alternately disposed first and second grooves formed therein.
  • 25. The bow case as recited in claim 24, wherein said first grooves have a first depth.
  • 26. The bow case as recited in claim 25, wherein said second grooves have a second depth which is greater than said first depth.
  • 27. The bow case as recited in claim 26, wherein said second grooves have a second width which vary along said second depth.
  • 28. The bow case as recited in claim 27, wherein said second width at a top of said second grooves is greater than said second width at a bottom of said second grooves.
  • 29. The bow case as recited in claim 28, wherein said second grooves include an intermediate portion having a width, which defines a first chamber on top of a second chamber and a passageway for communication between said first and second chambers.
  • 30. The bow case as recited in claim 29, wherein said first chamber is larger than said second chamber, such that said first chamber removably mounts arrows having a first shaft diameter and said second chamber removably mounts arrows having a second shaft diameter.
  • 31. The bow case as recited in claim 25, wherein said first grooves have a first width which decreases along said first depth.
  • 32. A case for storage and transport of archery equipment, comprising:interengaging first and second case sections connected for movement between open and closed positions; said first case section including a first wall defining a first interior recess and having a first mating rim; said first case section further including a plurality of first reinforcing pillars formed in said first wall, disposed within said first interior recess; said second case section including a second wall defining a second interior recess and having a second mating rim; said second case section further including a plurality of second reinforcing pillars formed in said second wall, disposed within said second interior recess; each said first reinforcing pillar having a first longitudinal axis and being aligned along a common first axis which intersects each first longitudinal axis thereby defining a first common plane; each said second reinforcing pillar having a second longitudinal axis and being aligned along a common second axis thereby each second longitudinal axis thereby defining a common second plane, where said first and second planes are parallel and offset in said open position, and aligned in opposition in said closed position such that each said first reinforcing pillar engages one of said second reinforcing pillars in mating contact; and at least one comb member secured to one of said case sections for removably mounting a plurality of arrows thereto, said at least one comb member including a plurality of alternately disposed first and second grooves formed therein, said first grooves having a first depth, said second grooves having a second depth which is greater than said first depth, said second grooves each include an intermediate portion having a width which defines a first chamber on top of a second chamber and a passageway for communication between the first and second chambers; whereby a load force to said case when said case is in said closed position is distributed among said first and second reinforcing pillars and said first and second mating rims resulting in a protective zone defined by said first and second interior recesses.
  • 33. The case as recited in claim 32, wherein said first reinforcing pillars are integrally molded in said first case section, and said second reinforcing pillars are integrally molded in said second case section.
  • 34. The case as recited in claim 32, wherein said first and second case sections are hingedly connected for movement about a hinge line between said open and closed positions.
  • 35. The case as recited in claim 39, wherein said common first axis is generally parallel to and spaced apart from said hinge line, and said common second axis is generally parallel to and spaced apart from said hinge line.
  • 36. The case as recited in claim 32, wherein each of said interengaged first and second reinforcing pillars are in alignment and opposition with each other along a common longitudinal axis defined by said first longitudinal axis and said second longitudinal axis when said case is in said closed position.
  • 37. The case as recited in claim 32, wherein each said first and second reinforcing pillars are coupled when said case is in said closed position prohibiting lateral misalignment of said first and second case sections.
  • 38. The case as recited in claim 32, wherein at least one of said first reinforcing pillars further includes a projection formed on a free end thereof.
  • 39. The case as recited in claim 38, wherein at least one of said second reinforcing pillars further includes a cavity formed in a free end thereof for receiving and engaging said at least one first support projection when said case is in said closed position such that said first and second reinforcing pillars are interlocked with one another, thereby connecting said first and second case sections such that forces applied to said case are evenly distributed.
  • 40. The case as recited in claim 39, wherein half of said first reinforcing pillars include a projection formed on a free end thereof, and half of said first reinforcing pillars include a cavity formed in a free end thereof.
  • 41. The case as recited in claim 32, wherein said protective zone is configured to receive an archery bow therein.
  • 42. The case as recited in claim 32, wherein said first chamber is larger than said second chamber, such that said first chamber removably mounts arrows having a first shaft diameter and said second chamber removably mounts arrows having a second shaft diameter.
  • 43. An arrow holder adapted for mounting within a case for archery equipment, the case including interengaging first and second case sections where each said case section has a respective first and second interior recess, comprising:at least one comb member having a plurality of alternately disposed first and second grooves formed therein; said first grooves having a first depth; said second grooves having a second depth which is greater than said first depth; said second grooves each including an intermediate portion which defines a first chamber on top of a second chamber and a passageway for communication between the first and second chamber, whereby said second grooves are configured to removably mount arrow shafts having at least two different diameters.
  • 44. The arrow holder as recited in claim 43, wherein said first chamber is larger than said second chamber, such that said first chamber removably mounts arrows having a first shaft diameter and said second chamber removably mounts arrows having a second shaft diameter.
  • 45. The arrow holder as recited in claim 43, wherein said first grooves each have a first width which decreases along said first depth.
  • 46. In a bow case having first and second, case sections connected in clamshell fashion to move between open and closed positions, said case sections jointly defining an interior compartment when closed, each of said case sections having a set of reinforcing pillars affixed thereto to project into said compartment when said case sections are closed, said pillars each having a free end, each of the free ends of individual ones of said pillars of said first of said case sections being aligned with and abutting one of the free ends of individual ones of said pillars of said second of said case sections when said case sections are closed, the improvement wherein each said set of pillars includes at least one female pillar and at least one male pillar, wherein each male pillar is aligned and in registry with one female pillar when said case sections are closed, the free end of each said female pillar having a recessed portion, the free end of each said male pillar having a projecting portion configured to be snugly received within said recessed portion when said case sections are closed, wherein said bow case further includes at least one comb member secured to one of said case sections for removably mounting a plurality of arrows thereto, said at least one comb member further including a plurality of alternately disposed first and second grooves formed therein, said first grooves have a first depth, said second grooves have a second depth which is greater than said first depth, said second grooves each include an intermediate portion which defines a first chamber on top of a second chamber and a passageway for communication between the first and second chamber.
  • 47. The bow case as recited in claim 46, wherein said pillars are integrally molded in said first and second case sections.
  • 48. The bow case as recited in claim 46, wherein said first and second case sections are hingedly connected for movement about a hinge line between said open and closed positions.
  • 49. The bow case as recited in claim 46, wherein each of said male and female pillars are coupled when said bow case is in said closed position prohibiting lateral misalignment of said first and second case sections.
  • 50. The bow case as recited in claim 46, wherein said first chamber is larger than said second chamber, such that said first chamber removably mounts arrows having a first shaft diameter and said second chamber removably mounts arrows having a second shaft diameter.
  • 51. The bow case as recited in claim 46, wherein said first grooves each have a first width which decreases along said first depth.
  • 52. In a bow case having first and second case sections connected clamshell fashion to move between open and closed positions, said case sections jointly defining an interior compartment when closed, each of said case sections having a set of reinforcing pillars affixed thereto to project into said compartment when said case sections are closed, said pillars each having a free end, each of the free ends of individual ones of said pillars of said first of said case sections being aligned with and abutting one of the free ends of individual ones of said pillars of said second of said case sections when said case sections are closed, the improvement wherein each said set of pillars includes at least one female pillar and at least one male pillar, and wherein each male pillar is aligned and in registry with one of the female pillars when said case sections are closed, the free end of each said female pillar having a portion recessed from the free end, and the free end of each said male pillar having a projecting portion, extending from the free end thereby defining a shoulder for engaging contact with the free end of the female pillar, whereby said projecting portion is configured to be received within said recessed portion when said case sections are closed to prevent lateral displacement of said female pillar free end and said male pillar shoulder.
  • 53. The bow case as recited in claim 52, wherein said pillars are integrally molded in said first and second case sections.
  • 54. The bow case as recited in claim 52, wherein said first and second case sections are hingedly connected for movement about a hinge line between said open and closed portions.
  • 55. The bow case are recited in claim 52, wherein said bow case further includes at least one comb member secured to said second case section for removably mounting a plurality of arrows thereto.
  • 56. The bow case as recited in claim 55, wherein said at least one comb member further includes a plurality of alternately disposed first and second grooves formed therein.
  • 57. The bow case as recited in claim 56, wherein said first grooves have a first depth.
  • 58. The bow case as recited in claim 57, wherein said second grooves have a second depth which is greater than said first depth.
  • 59. The bow case as recited in claim 58, wherein said second grooves each have a second width which varies along said second depth.
  • 60. The bow case as recited in claim 59, wherein said second grooves include an intermediate portion having a width which defines a first chamber on top of a second chamber and a passageway for communication between said first and second chambers.
  • 61. The bow case as recited in claim 60, wherein said first chamber is larger than said second chamber, such that said first chamber removably mounts arrows having a first shaft diameter and said second chamber removably mounts arrows having a second shaft diameter.
  • 62. The bow case as recited in claim 57, wherein said first grooves have a first width which decreases along said first depth.
  • 63. An arrow holder comprising:a comb member having a plurality of alternatively disposed first and second grooves formed therein; said first grooves having a first depth; and said second grooves having a second depth which is greater than said first depth; said second grooves including an intermediate portion having a width which defines a first chamber on top of a second chamber and a passageway for communication between said first and second chambers; whereby said second grooves are configured to removably mount arrow shafts having at least two different diameters.
  • 64. The arrow holder as recited in claim 63, wherein said second grooves have a second width which varies along said second depth.
  • 65. The arrow holder as recited in claim 63, wherein said first chamber is larger than said second chamber, such that said first chamber removably mounts arrows having a first shaft diameter and said second chamber removably mounts arrows having a second shaft diameter.
  • 66. The arrow holder as recited in claim 63, wherein said first grooves have a first width which decreases along said first depth.
  • 67. In a bow case having first and second case sections connected in clamshell fashion to move between open and closed positions, said case sections jointly defining an interior compartment when closed, each of said case sections having a set of reinforcing pillars affixed thereto to project into said compartment when said case sections are closed, said pillars each having a free end, each of the free ends of individual ones of said pillars of said first of said case sections being aligned with and in registry with one of the free ends of individual ones of said pillars of said second of said case sections when said case sections are closed, the improvement wherein at least one comb member is secured to one of said case sections for removably mounting a plurality of arrows thereto, said at least one comb member including a plurality of alternately disposed first and second grooves formed therein, said first grooves have a first depth, said second grooves/save a second depth which is greater than said first depth, said second grooves each include an intermediate portion which defines a first chamber on top of a second chamber and a passageway for communication between the first and second chambers.
  • 68. The bow case as recited in claim 67, herein said pillars are integrally molded in said first and second case sections.
  • 69. The bow case as recited in claim 67, wherein said first and second case sections are hingedly connected for movement about a hinge line between said open and closed positions.
  • 70. The bow case as recited in claim 67, wherein said first chamber is larger than said second chamber, such that said first chamber removably mounts arrows having a first shaft diameter and said second chamber removably mounts arrows having a second shaft diameter.
  • 71. The bow case as recited in claim 67, wherein said first grooves each have a first width which decreases along said first depth.
  • 72. In a bow case having first and second cape sections connected to move between open and closed positions, the improvement wherein at least one comb member is secured to one of said case sections for removably mounting a plurality of arrows thereto, said at least one comb member including a plurality of alternately disposed first and second grooves formed therein, said first grooves have a first depth, said second grooves have a second depth which is greater than said first depth, said second grooves each include an intermediate portion which defines a first chamber, on top of a second chamber and a passageway for communication between the first and second chambers.
  • 73. The bow case as recited in claim 72, wherein said first and second case sections are hingedly connected for movement about a hinge line between said open and closed portions.
  • 74. The bow case as recited in claim 72, wherein said first chamber is larger than said second chamber, such that said first chamber removably mounts arrows having a first shaft diameter and said second chamber removably mounts arrows having a second shaft diameter.
  • 75. The bow case as recited in claim 72, wherein said first grooves have a first width which decreases along said first depth.
  • 76. In a bow case having first and second case sections including first and second mating rims connected in clamshell fashion to move between open and closed positions, said case sections jointly defining an interior compartment when closed, each of said case sections having a set of reinforcing pillars affixed thereto to project into said compartment when said case sections are closed, said pillars each having a free end, each of the free ends of individual ones of said pillars of said first of said half portions being aligned with and abutting one of the free ends of individual ones of said pillars of said second of said case sections when said case sections are closed, the improvement wherein each pillar projects into the compartment a distance at least equal to the level of the respective mating rim, and each said set of pillars includes at least one female pillar and at least one male pillar, and wherein each male pillar is aligned and in registry with a female pillar when said sections are closed, the free end of each said female pillar having a portion recessed from the free end, the free end of each said male pillar having a projecting portion extending from the free end configured to be snugly received within said recessed portion when said sections are closed.
  • 77. The bow case as recited in claim 76, wherein said pillars are integrally molded in said first and second case sections.
  • 78. The bow case as recited in claim 76, wherein said first and second case sections are hingedly connected for movement about a hinge line between said open and closed positions.
  • 79. The bow case as recited in claim 76, wherein each of said male and female pillars are coupled when said bow case is in said closed position prohibiting lateral misalignment of said first and second case sections.
  • 80. The bow case as recited in claim 76, wherein said bow case further includes at least one comb member secured to one of said case sections for removably mounting a plurality of arrows thereto.
  • 81. The bow case as recited in claim 80, wherein said at least one comb member further includes a plurality of alternately disposed first and second grooves formed therein.
  • 82. The bow case as recited in claim 81, wherein said first grooves have a first depth.
  • 83. The bow case as recited in claim 82, wherein said second grooves have a second depth which is greater than said first depth.
  • 84. The bow case as recited in claim 83, wherein said second grooves have a second width which vary along said second depth.
  • 85. The bow case as recited in claim 84, wherein said second width at a top of said second grooves is greater than said second width at a bottom of said second grooves.
  • 86. The bow case as recited in claim 85, wherein said second grooves include an intermediate portion having a width, which defines a first chamber on top of a second chamber and a passageway for communication between said first and second chambers.
  • 87. The bow case as recited in claim 86, wherein said first chamber is larger than said second chamber, such that said first chamber removably mounts arrows having a first shaft diameter and said second chamber removably mounts arrows having a second shaft diameter.
  • 88. The bow case as recited in claim 86, wherein said first grooves have a first width which decreases along said first depth.
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3421682 Eisenbach Jan 1969 A
D246138 Christensen et al. Oct 1977 S
5242050 Billings Sep 1993 A
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D358254 VanSkiver May 1995 S
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5775313 Bresette et al. Jul 1998 A
5803069 Schreiber Sep 1998 A
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Entry
Doskocil Mfg. Co. 1995 Gun Guard Quality Sporting Cases Catalog, p. 13 (Archery Edition).
Woodstream (an Ekco Group Company) 1991 Hunting and Shooting Accessories Catalog, (Inside cover—Field Locker), p. 2.
Kolpin Mfg., Inc. 1997 Hunting Products Catalog, p. 15 (Gator Hard-Sided Bow Cases).