Patent Grant
11982508
The present disclosure is directed to a narrow crossbow with power cable journals that are not co-planar with a plane of rotation of the string guides.
Bows have been used for many years as a weapon for hunting and target shooting. More advanced bows include cams that increase the mechanical advantage associated, with the draw of the bowstring. The cams are configured to yield a decrease in draw force near full draw. Such cams preferably use power cables that load the bow limbs. Power cables can also be used to synchronize rotation of the cams, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,979 (Yehle).
With conventional bows and crossbows the draw string is typically pulled away from the generally concave area between the limbs and away from the riser and limbs. This design limits the power stroke for bows and crossbows.
In order to increase the power stroke, the draw string can be positioned on the down-range side of the string guides so that the draw string unrolls between the string guides toward the user as the bow is drawn, such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,836,871 (Kempf) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,693 (Kempf). One drawback of this configuration is that the power cables can limit the rotation of the cams. In order to increase the length of the power stroke, the diameter of the pulleys needs to be increased. Increasing the size of the pulleys results in a larger and less usable bow.
As the draw string 30 is moved from released configuration 32 of
Further rotation of the string guides 22 in the direction 36 causes the power cables 20 to contact the power cable take-up journal, stopping rotation of the cam. The first attachment points 24 may also contact the power cables 20 at the locations 38A, 38B (“38”), preventing further rotation in the direction 36. As a result, rotation of the string guides 22 is limited to less than 270 degrees, reducing the length 40 of the power stroke.
The present application is directed to a crossbow with first and second flexible limbs attached to a center rail. First and second string guides are mounted to the first and second bow limbs and rotatable around axes. The string guides include draw string journals that have planes of rotation generally perpendicular to the axes. Each of the string guides include upper and lower helical power cable journals on opposite sides of the draw string journal. A draw string is received in the draw string journals in a reverse draw configuration with the draw string adjacent a down-range side when in a released configuration. As the draw string unwinds from the first and second draw string journals it translates from the released configuration to a drawn configuration. A separation between the first axis and the second axis in the drawn configuration is about 4 inches to about 10 inches and the draw string in the drawn configuration comprises an included angle of less than about 25 degrees. First and second pairs of power cables have first ends received in the first upper and lower helical power cable journals, respectively, and second ends attached to the crossbow. The first and second upper and lower helical power cable journals displace the pairs of power cables along the first and second axes relative to the first and second planes of rotation, respectively, and the first and second pairs of power cables wrap at least 300 degrees around the respective first and second upper and lower helical power cable journals as the draw string moves between the released configuration to the drawn configuration. The first and second pairs of power cables unwrap at least 300 degrees from the respective first and second upper and lower helical power cable journals as the draw string is moved between the drawn configuration to the released configuration.
In one embodiment, the second ends of the first pair of power cables are attached the second string guide and the second ends of the second pair of power cables are attached to the first string guide. In another embodiment, the first pair of power cables are attached to static attachment points on a first side of the crossbow and the second pair of power cables are attached to static attachment points on a second side of the crossbow.
In one embodiment, the first and second pairs of power cables are attached to power cable attachments that extend above surfaces of the first and second string guides and the power cable attachments pass under the respective first and second pairs of power cables as the draw string is moved between the released configuration and the drawn configuration.
The first and second string guides optionally rotate at least 330 degrees when the draw string is moved from the released configuration to the drawn configuration. In some embodiments, the draw weight on the draw string increases continuously as the crossbow is drawn from the released configuration to the drawn configuration. In another embodiment, an arrow engaged with the draw string in the drawn configuration is suspended above the center rail. The draw string optionally travels above the center rail is it moves between the released configuration and the drawn configuration.
In one embodiment, movement of the draw string between the released configuration and the drawn configuration comprises a power stroke of about 9 inches to about 20. The draw string in the drawn configuration preferably has an included angle of less than about 20 degrees. In another embodiment, a separation between the first axis and the second axis in the drawn configuration is about 4 inches to about 8 inches.
The crossbow optionally includes a cocking mechanism that retracts the draw string to the drawn configuration. The cocking mechanism optionally includes a cocking handle and a torque control mechanism with an integral clutch that limits output torque applied to the cocking mechanism. In one embodiment, the upper helical power cable journals are mirror images of the lower helical power cable journals on each of the first and second string guides.
The present disclosure is directed to a crossbow with first and second string guides that include upper and lower power cable journals on opposite sides of the first draw string journal each having a path that is not co-planar with the first plane of rotation. A draw string is received in the draw string journals in a reverse draw configuration with the draw string adjacent a down-range side when in a released configuration. As the draw string unwinds from the first and second draw string journals it translates from the released configuration to a drawn configuration. A separation between the first axis and the second axis in the drawn configuration is about 5 inches to about 10 inches and the draw string in the drawn configuration comprises an included, angle of less than about 25 degrees. First and second pairs of power cables have first ends received in the first upper and lower power cable journals, respectively, and second ends attached to the crossbow. The first and second upper and lower power cable journals displace the pairs of power cables along the first and second axes relative to the first and second planes of rotation, respectively, and the first and second pairs of power cables wrap at least 300 degrees around the respective first and second upper and lower power cable journals as the draw string, moves between the released configuration to the drawn configuration. The first and second pairs of power cables unwrap at least 300 degrees from the respective first and second upper and lower power cable journals as the draw string is moved between the drawn configuration to the released configuration.
In one embodiment, the power cable journals are helical power cable journals. In another embodiment, the power cable journals have a width at least twice a width of the first and second pairs of power cables.
The present disclosure is also directed to a method of operating a crossbow. The method includes locating a draw string in first and second draw string journals on first and second cams mounted to first and second flexible limbs attached to a center rail in a reverse draw configuration with the draw string adjacent a down-range side when in a released configuration. The first and second draw string journals have first and second planes of rotation that are generally perpendicular to first and second axes of rotation, respectively, and first and second upper and lower helical power cable take-up journal on opposite sides of the first and second draw string journals with paths that are not co-planar with the first and second planes of rotation. The draw string is translated from the released configuration to a drawn configuration so the draw string unwinds from the draw string journals as the first and second cams rotate around the first and second axes, wherein a separation between the first and second axes the drawn configuration is about 5 inches to about 10 inches and the draw string in the drawn configuration comprises an included angle of less than about 25 degrees. First and second pairs of power cables wrap more than 300 degrees onto the first and second upper and lower helical power cable take-up journals as the draw string translates from the released configuration to the drawn configuration. The first and second, pairs of power cables have first ends attached to the first and second cams and second ends attached to the crossbow. The first and second pairs of power cables are displaced along the first and second axes relative the first and second planes of rotation as the bow string is translated from the released configuration to the drawn configuration. The first and second pairs of power cables unwrap more than 300 degrees from first and second upper and lower helical power cable take-up journals as the draw string translates from the drawn configuration to the released configuration.
In the reverse draw configuration 92 the draw string 114 is located adjacent down-range side 94 of the string guide system 70 when in the released configuration 116. In the released configuration 116 of
As illustrated in
The string guides 104 each include one or more grooves, channels or journals located between two flanges around at least a portion of its circumference that guides a flexible member, such as a rope, string, belt, chain, and the like. The string guides can be cams or pulleys with a variety of round and non-round shapes. The axis of rotation can be located concentrically or eccentrically relative to the string guides. The power cables and draw strings can be any elongated flexible member, such as woven and non-woven filaments of synthetic or natural materials, cables, belts, chains, and the like.
As the first attachment points 106 rotate in direction 120, the power cables 102 are wrapped or wound onto cams 126A, 126B (“126”) with helical journals 122A, 122B (“122”), preferably located at the respective axles 110. The helical journals 122 take up excess slack in the power cables 102 resulting from the string guides 104 moving toward each other in direction 124 as the axles 110 move toward each other.
The helical journals 122 serve to displace the power cables 102 away from the string guides 104, so the first attachment points 106 do not contact the power cables 102 while the bow is being drawn (see
As a result, the power stroke 132 is extended. In the illustrated embodiment, the power stroke 132 can be increased by at least 25%, and preferably by 40% or more, without changing the diameter of the string guides 104. The power stroke 132 can be in the range of about 8 inches to about 20 inches or about 12 inches to about 20 inches. For some applications, the power stroke can be greater than 20 inches. The present disclosure permits crossbows that generate kinetic energy of greater than 70 ft.-lbs. of energy with a power stroke of about 8 inches to about 15 inches. In another embodiment, the present disclosure permits a crossbow that generates kinetic energy of greater than 125 ft.-lbs. of energy with a power stroke of about 10 inches to about 15 inches.
In some embodiments, the geometric profiles of the draw string journals 130 and the helical journals 122 contribute to let-off at full draw. A more detailed discussion of cams suitable for use in bows is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,979 (Yehle), which is hereby incorporated by reference. In another embodiment the crossbow is designed so the draw weight increases continuously to full draw. In particular, the slope of the power curve (draw force vs displacement) is positive as the draw string moves from the released configuration to the drawn configuration.
Draw string 162 is received in respective draw string journals (see e.g.,
First power cable 168A is secured to the first string guide 158A at first attachment point 170A and engages with a power cable take-up with a helical journal 172A (see
Second power cable 168B is secured to the second string guide 158B at first attachment point 170B and engages with a power cable take-up with a helical journal 172B (see
Draw string 314 extends between first and second string guides 316A, 316B (“316”). In the illustrated embodiment, the string guide 316A is substantially as shown in
The first string guide 316A is mounted to the first bow limb 312A and is rotatable around a first axis 318A. The first string guide 316A includes a first draw string journal 320A and a first power cable take-up journal 322A, both of which are oriented generally perpendicular to the first axis 318A. (See e.g.,
The second string guide 316B is mounted to the second bow limb 312A and rotatable around a second axis 318B. The second string guide 316B includes a second draw string journal 320B oriented generally perpendicular to the second axis 318B.
The draw string 314 is received in the first and second draw string journals 320A, 320B and is secured to the first string guide 316A at first attachment point 324. The draw string extends adjacent to the down-range side 306 to the second string guide 316B, wraps around the second string guide 316B, and is attached at the first axis 318A.
Power cable 324 is attached to the string guide 316A at attachment point 326. See
The string guides 366 are mounted to the bow limb 362 and are rotatable around first and second axis 368A, 368B (“368”), respectively. The string guides 366 include first and second draw string journals 370A, 370B (“370”) and, first and second power cable take-up journals 372A, 372B (“372”), both of which are oriented generally perpendicular to the axes 368, respectively. (See e.g.,
The draw string 364 is received in the draw string journals 370 and is secured to the string guides 316 at first and second attachment points 375A, 375B (“325”).
Power cables 374 are attached to the string guides 316 at attachment points 376A, 376B (“376”). See
In the illustrated embodiment, power cables wrap 374 onto the power cable take-up journal 372 and translates along the power cable take-up journals 372 away from the draw string journals 370 as the how 350 is drawn from the released configuration 378 to the drawn configuration (see
The string guides disclosed herein can be used with a variety of bows and crossbows, including those disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/799,518, entitled Energy Storage Device for a Bow, filed Mar. 13, 2013 and Ser. No. 14/071,723, entitled DeCocking Mechanism for a Bow filed Nov. 5, 2013, both, of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Draw string 501 is retracted to the drawn configuration 405 shown in
In an alternate embodiment, with the string carrier 480 in the retracted position as illustrated in
When in the drawn configuration 405 tension forces 409A, 409B on the dram string 501 on opposite sides of the string carrier 480 are substantially the same, resulting in increased accuracy. In one embodiment, tension force 409A is the same as tension force 409B within less than about 1.0%, and more preferably less than about 0.5%, and most preferably less than about 0.1%. Consequently, cocking and firing the crossbow 400 is highly repeatable. To the extent that manufacturing variability creates inaccuracy in the crossbow 400, any such inaccuracy are likewise highly repeatable, which can be compensated for with appropriate windage and elevation adjustments in the scope 414 (See
By contrast, conventional cocking ropes, cocking sleds and hand-cocking techniques lack the repeatability of the present string carrier 480, resulting in reduced accuracy. Windage and elevation adjustments, cannot adequately compensate for random variability introduced by prior art cocking mechanism.
A cocking mechanism 484 (see e.g.,
In the drawn configuration 405 the distance 407 between the cam axles may be in the range of about between about 6 inches to about 8 inches. and more preferably about 4 inches to about 8 inches. In one embodiment, the distance 407 between the axles in the drawn configuration 405 is less than about 6 inches, and alternatively, less than about 4 inches.
When in the drawn configuration 405 illustrated in
The small included angle 403 that results from the narrow separation 407 provides limited space to accommodate conventional cocking mechanisms, such as cocking ropes and cocking sleds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,128 (Bednar); U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,491 (Bednar); U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,192 (Bednar et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 9,335,115 (Bednar et al.); and 2015/0013654 (Bednar et al.), which are hereby incorporated by reference. It will be appreciated that the cocking systems disclosed herein are applicable to any type of crossbow, including recurved crossbows that do not include cams (such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,041 (Ogawa) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,748,370 (Choma), which are hereby incorporated by reference) or conventional compound crossbows with power cables that crossover.
Pivots 432A, 432B (“432”) attached to the riser 404 engage with the limbs 420 proximally from the mounting brackets 422. The pivots 432 provide a flexure point for the limbs 420 when the crossbow 400 is in the drawn configuration.
Cams 440A, 440B (“440”) are attached to the limbs 420 by axle mounts 442A, 442B (“442”). The cams 440 preferably have a maximum diameter 441 less than the power stroke (see e.g.,
In the illustrated embodiment, the axle mounts 442 are attached to the limbs 420 offset a distance 446 from the proximal ends 444A, 444B (“444”) of the limbs 420. Due to their concave shape, greatest width 448 of the limbs 420 (in both the drawn configuration and the release configuration) preferably occurs at a location between the axle mounts 442 and the pivots 432, not at the proximal ends 444.
The offset 446 of the axle mounts 442 maximizes the speed of the limbs 420, minimizes limb vibration, and maximizes energy transfer to the bolts 416. In particular, the offset 446 is similar to hitting a baseball with a baseball bat at a location offset from the tip of the bat, commonly referred to as the “sweet spot”. The size of the offset 446 is determined empirically for each type of limb. In the illustrated embodiment, the offset 446 is about 1.5 to about 4 inches, and more preferably about 2 to about 3 inches.
Tunable arrow rest 490 is positioned just behind the pocket 426. A pair of supports 492 are secured near opposite sides of the bolt 416 by fasteners 494. The supports 492 preferably slide in the plane of the limbs 420. As best illustrated in
Various warning labels 890, 892 are applied at various locations on the crossbow 400. The warning labels 890, 892 can be a variety of configurations, including pre-printed press sensitive labels on various substrates, laser printing, and the like. Another approach is to impregnate an anodized aluminum surface with a silver compound which, when exposed to a light source, creates an activated latent image. Development the label inside the metal. Photosensitive anodized aluminum is then sealed in boiling water similarly to common anodized aluminum. For anodized and powder coated finishes on metals, such as aluminum, it is possible to directly print inks on the open-pore anodized aluminum surface to create digital, full-color warning labels that are subsequently sealed for high durability.
Another option is to create durable, multi-colored warning labels directly in the native oxide layer on anodized aluminum surfaces, without inks. The warning label is part of the aluminum oxide layer, and as such, cannot be easily removed or peeled-off. Creating warning labels directly in the native oxide layer on anodized aluminum is available from Deming Industries, Inc. of Coeur d' Alene, Ida.
The distal end 700 includes stem 706 that extends into hollow handle 708. Pins 710 permit the stem 706 to rotate a few degrees around pin 712 in either direction within the hollow handle 708. As best illustrated in
The string carrier 480 includes fingers 500 on catch 502 that engage the draw string 501. The catch 502 is illustrated in a closed position 504. After firing the crossbow the catch 502 is retained in open position 505 (see
In the closed position 504 illustrated in
In one embodiment, a force necessary to overcome the friction at the interface 533 to release the catch 502 is preferably less than the biasing force applied to the sear 514 by the spring 511. This feature causes the sear 514 to return fully to the cocked position 524 in the event the trigger 558 is partially depressed, but then released before the catch 502 releases the draw string 501.
In another embodiment, a force necessary to overcome the friction at the interface 533 to release the catch 502 is preferably less than about 3.2%, and more preferably less than about 1.6% of the draw force to retain the draw string 501 to the drawn configuration. The draw force can optionally be measured as the force on the flexible tension member 585 when the string carrier 480 is in the drawn position (See
Turning back to
A dry fire lockout biasing force is applied by spring 540 to bias dry fire lockout 542 toward the catch 502. Distal end 544 of the dry fire lockout 542 engages the sear 514 in a lockout position 541 to prevent the sear 514 from releasing the catch 502. One of skilled in the art recognize that the dry fire lockout 542 indirectly prevents the catch 502 from moving to the open position, but could directly engage with the catch 502 to prevent release of the draw string 501. Even if the safety 522 is disengaged from the sear 514, the distal end 544 of the dry fire lockout 542 retains the sear 514 in the cocked position 524 to prevent the catch 502 from releasing the draw string 501.
As best illustrate in
To cock the crossbow 400 again the string carrier 480 is moved forward to location 483 (see
The cocking mechanism 484 includes a rotating member, such as the spool 560, with flexible tension member, such as for example, a belt, a tape or webbing material 585, attached to pin 587 on the string carrier 480. As best illustrated in
A pair of pawls 572A, 572B (“572”) include teeth 574 (see
In operation, the user presses the release 576 to disengage the pawls 572 from the spool 560 and proceeds to rotate the cocking handle 454 to move the string carrier 480 in either direction 482 along the rail 402 to cock or de-cocking the crossbow 400. Alternatively, the crossbow 400 can be cocked without depressing the release 576, but the pawls 572 will make a clicking sound as they advance over the gear teeth 568.
Upper power cables 610A are attached to the power cable bracket 608 at upper attachment points 612A and to power cable attachments 462A on the cams 440 (sec also
In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment points 612A, 612B for the respective power cables 610 are located on opposite sides of the center rail 402. Consequently, the power cables 610 do not cross, over the center rail 402. As used herein, “without crossover” refers to a cabling system in which power cables do not pass through a vertical plane, bisecting the center rail 402. In an alternate embodiment, the power cables 610 can optionally crossover the center rail 402 in a conventional format, such as illustrated in
As best illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the draw string journal 464 rotates at least 270 degrees and more typically at least 300 degrees. In one embodiment, the draw string journals 464 rotate at least 330 degrees. In another embodiment, rotation of the draw string journals 464 is between about 270 degrees and about 330 degrees, and more preferably from about 300 degrees to about 360 degrees, when the crossbow 400 is drawn from the released configuration 600 to the drawn configuration 620. In another embodiment, the draw string journal 464 rotates more than 360 degrees (see
Spring 540A biases dry fire lockout 542A toward the catch 502. Distal end 544A of the dry fire lockout 542A engages the sear 514 in a lockout position 541 to prevent the sear 514 from releasing the catch 502. Even if the safety 522 is disengaged from the sear 514, the distal end 544A of the dry fire lockout 542A locks the sear 514 in the closed position 504 to prevent the catch 502 from releasing the draw string 501.
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the portion 543A on the dry fire lockout 542A is positioned behind the draw string location 501A. As used herein, the phrase “behind the draw string” refers to a region between a draw string and a proximal end of a crossbow. Conventional flat or half-moon nooks do not extend far enough rearward to reach the portion 543A of the dry fire lockout 542A, reducing the chance that non-approved arrows can be launched by the crossbow 400.
Upper roller 652 is located near the entrance of the arrow capture recess 650. The upper roller 652 is configured to rotate in the direction of travel of the arrow 416 as it is launched. That is, the axis of rotation of the upper roller 652 is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the arrow 416. The upper roller 652 is displaced within the slot in a direction generally perpendicular to the arrow 416, while spring 654 biases the upper roller 652 in direction 656 against the arrow 416. As best illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the clip-on nock 417 must be fully engaged with the draw string 510, near the rear of the arrow capture recess 650 to disengage the dry fire lock out 542A. In this configuration (see
In one embodiment the lower angled surfaces 658 do not support the arrow 416 in the arrow capture recess 650 unless the clip-on nock 417 is used. In particular, the upper angled surfaces 660 prevent the nock 417 from rising upward when the crossbow 400 is fired, but the arrow 417 tends to slide downward off the lower angled surfaces 658 unless the clip-on nock 417 is fully engaged with the draw string 510A.
By contrast, prior art crossbows typically include a leaf spring or other biasing structure to retain the arrow against the rail. These devices tend to break and are subject to tampering, which can compromise accuracy.
The portion 543A on the dry fire lockout 542A engages with the nock 417 in region 856 behind the draw string 510, causing the dry fire lockout 542A to rotate in direction 546A so that the distal end 544A is disengaged from the sear 514. The region 856 is preferably at least about 0.1 inches long. Flat regions 858 illustrated in
The present application is also directed to a plurality of matched weight arrows 416 configured to have substantially the same weight, whether used with our without a lighted assembly 882 or different weight tip 864, so their flight characteristics are the substantially the same. As used herein, “matched weight arrows” refers to a plurality of arrows with the same functional characteristics, such as for example, length, stiffness, weight, and diameter, that exhibit substantially similar flight characteristics when launch from the same bow. The present matched weight arrows 416 have a weight difference of less than about 10%, more, preferably less than about and most preferably less than about 2%. In operation, matched weight arrows can be used interchangeable without adjusting the sight or scope on the bow.
For a non-lighted arrow 416, for example, the bushing 884 and the nock 417 are inserted into the rear opening 872, without the lighted assembly 882. For a lighted arrow 416, for example, the lighted assembly 882 and bushing 884 are inserted into the rear opening 872. Since the lighted assembly 882 and bushing 884 are heavier than just the nock 417 and bushing 884, the weight of the lighted arrow is adjusted by removing weight from the shaft 868, the threaded front insert 862, or the fletching 870, so the lighted arrow weighs substantially the same as a non-lighted arrow. In one embodiment, weight is removed from the front insert 862 of the lighted arrow to offset the weight added by the light assembly 882. In another embodiment, two different rear bushings 884 of different weight are used to offset some or all of the weight difference. In another embodiment, weight is added to the non-lighted arrows 416, such for example, in the threaded front insert 862 or the rear bushing 884, equal to the amount of weight added by the lighted assembly 882. Consequently, the user can carry both lighted arrows and non-lighted arrows having substantially the same weight and flight characteristics. These matched weight arrows 416 can be used interchangeable without effecting accuracy.
In an alternate embodiment, the drive shaft 564 is three discrete pieces 565A, 565B, 565C connected by torque control mechanisms located in housings 567A, 567B. A torque control mechanism 722 generally as illustrated in
The string carrier 480 hits a mechanical stop when it is fully retracted, which corresponds to maximum draw string 501 tension. Tension on the draw string 501 is highly repeatable and uniform throughout the string system due to the operation of the string carrier 480. Further pressure on the cocking handle 720 causes the coupling 724 to slip within the head 729, preventing excessive torque on the cocking mechanism 484 and tension on the flexible tension member 585.
As best seen in
As best seen in
A variety of conventional cocking ropes 810 can releasably engage with the pulleys 804. The hooks found on conventional cocking ropes are not required. As best illustrated in
It will be appreciated that a variety of different cocking rope configurations can be used with the string carrier 480, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,128 (Bednar), U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,491 (Bednar); U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,192 (Bednar et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 9,335,115 (Bednar et al.); and 2015/0013654 (Bednar et al.), which are hereby incorporated by reference.
In one embodiment, the cocking ropes 810 retract into handles 812 for convenient storage. For example, protrusions 826 on handles 812 can optionally contain a spring-loaded spool that automatically retracts the cocking ropes 810 when not in use, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,192 (Bednar et al.). In another embodiment, a retraction mechanism for storing the cocking ropes when not in use are attached to the stock 408 at the location of the anchors 816 such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,491 (Bednar). In another embodiment, a cocking rope retraction system with a spool and crank handle can be attached to the stock 408 such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,174,884.
In operation, when the draw string 501 is in the released configuration 600 the user slides the string carrier 480 forward along the rail into engagement with the draw string 501. The catch 502 (see e.g.,
In the embodiment illustrated in
In another embodiment, the string carrier 480 can be positioned in the retracted position 814 without the draw string 501 attached. The draw string 501 is then retracted using a conventional cocking ropes or cocking sleds, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,128 (Bednar) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,491 (Bednar). It will be appreciated that any of the cocking, system 484, 800, 900 (see below) can be used alone or in combination with the string carrier 480. The cocking ropes 810 of the cocking system 800 can also be used in combination with the cocking systems 484, 900 in some applications. In particular, nothing herein precludes the use of the cocking ropes 810 on a crossbow that also includes the cocking systems 484 or 900.
In order to de-cock the crossbow 400, the user pulls the handles 812 to retract the string carrier 480 toward the stock 408 a sufficient amount to disengage the hook 818 from the pin 819. In one embodiment, the user rotates the release lever 820 in direction 821 about 90 degrees. The release lever 820 biases the hook 818 in direction 822, but the force 824 prevents the hook 818 from moving in direction 822. The user then, pulls, the handles 812 toward the stock 408 to remove the force 824 from the hook 818. Once the pin 819 clears the hook 818 the biasing force applied by the release lever 820 moves the hook 818 in direction 822. The user can now slowly move the string, carrier 480 toward the released configuration 600.
As illustrated in
In particular, when in the drawn configuration tension forces on the draw string 501 on opposite sides of the string carrier 480 are substantially the same, within less than about 1.0%, and more preferably less than about 0.5%, and most preferably less than about 0.1%. Consequently, cocking and firing the crossbow 400 is highly repeatable.
To the extent that manufacturing variability creates inaccuracy in the crossbow 400, any such inaccuracy are likewise highly repeatable, which can be compensated for with appropriate windage and elevation adjustments in the scope 414 (See
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Inside surface 940 of the center opening 912 in the rotating member 902 is smooth, but the outside surface 942 of the support shaft 918 includes a series of recesses 926 that receive the interference members 920. In the illustrated embodiment the recesses 926 are elongated and axially aligned with the support shaft 918. Each recess 926 includes a sloped surface 930 that terminates at stop surface 932. The sloped surfaces 930 can be flat or curved to create a caroming action as the interference members 920 move from between first and second locations 972, 974.
In an alternate embodiment, the recesses 926 can be located on the inside surface 940 of the rotating member 902 or on both the inside surface 940 and the outside surface 942 of the support shaft 918. In another embodiment, the recesses 926 have a shape corresponding to a shape of the interference members 920, such as spherical or elliptical.
When the interference members 920 are adjacent the stop surfaces 932 in the second location 974 the rotating member 902 can rotate freely around the support shaft 918. As the interference members 920 ride up sloped surfaces 930 toward the first locations 972 near the tops 946 of the sloped surfaces 930, however, the interference members 920 are compressed between the inside surface 940 of the center opening 912 and the outside surface 942 of the support shaft 918 to create compression forces 944 that prevents rotation of the rotating member 902 relative to the support shaft 918. The compressive forces 944 acts generally along radial lines extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support shaft 918 through each of the interference members 920.
The recesses 926 are oriented so that when tension force 948 is placed on the flexible tension member 585 (see
As illustrated in
The housings 952 include flat surfaces 954 that couple with the release 960. As illustrated in
The housings 952 can rotate relative to the support shaft 918 to shift the interference members 920 within the recesses 926. The housings 952 are biased by springs 962 in direction 970 to bias the interference members 920 toward the first locations 972 near the tops 946. When the release 960 is depressed the housings 952 are rotated in the opposite direction 971 to shift the interference members 920 toward the second locations 974. Consequently, unless the release 960 is depressed the interference members 920 counteract the tension force 948 and prevent rotation of the rotating member 902.
In operation, as the user presses the release 960 the housings 952 are rotated in direction 971 to shift the interference members 920 along the sloped surfaces 930 toward the second location 974 near the stop surfaces 932. In this configuration the compression forces 944 are substantially reduced and the rotating member 902 can turn freely round the support shaft 918, permitting the flexible tension member 585 to be unwound. This configuration is typically used to move the string carrier 480 forward into engagement with the draw string 501 or to transfer the tension force 948 to the cocking handle 454 during de-cocking. If the flexible tension member 585 is under load, the user must first rotate the cocking handle 454 forward toward the top of the crossbow 400 to release the tension force 948 before the release 960 can be depressed.
Once the string carrier 480 is engaged with the draw string 501, the user can rotates the cocking handle 454 to cock the crossbow 400. Operation of the rotation, arrester 910 is substantially silent. Operation of the springs 962 on the release 960 bias the housings 952 in direction 970 so the interference members 920 are urged to the first locations 972. If at any time the user releases the cocking handle 454, the force 948 on the flexible tension member 585 and the bias on the housings 952 automatically shift to the first location 972 to activate the rotation arrester 910 (unless the release 960 is depressed) and prevent rotation of the rotating member 902.
The bullpup configuration of the present crossbow 400 preferably include substantially the same components as the other embodiments disclosed herein, including the riser 404 mounted at the distal end 406 of the center rail 402 and the stock 408 located at the proximal end 410. The stock 408 includes an integral check rest 1012 located over the string carrier 480 when in the retracted position. The riser 404 includes the limbs 420 extending rear card toward the proximal end 410. String carrier 480 is, captured by and slides in the center rail 402 as discussed herein. The string carrier 480 can be moved to the retracted position using the disclosed cocking mechanisms 484, 900, the cocking ropes 810 (see e.g.,
In the illustrated embodiment, the release 576 for the cocking mechanism 484, 900 is located in the butt-plate 1010 of the stock 408. In operation, the user wraps his fingers around the butt-plate 1010 during cocking/de-cocking of the crossbow 400, while operating the release 576 with his thumb.
In the illustrated embodiment, scope mount 412 extends from a location behind the string carrier 480 on the stock 408 to the power cable bracket 608 on the riser 404. In an alternate embodiment, the scope mount 412 can be attached to just the stock 408 or to just the power cable bracket 608, without the attachment point on the stock 408.
Locating the trigger 558 forward along the center rail 402 permits the stock 408 to be substantially shortened. In one embodiment, the trigger 558 and hand grip 1004 are located between about 4 inches to about 10 inches forward of the string carrier 480 (when in the retracted position) and closer to the distal end 406 than in the other embodiments disclosed herein, with a corresponding decrease in the length of the stock 408. In another embodiment, the trigger 558 and hand grip 1004 are located proximate the midpoint 1006 between the distal end 406 and the proximal end 410 of the crossbow 400 of
Locating the trigger 558 and hand grip 1004 near the midpoint 1006 provides better balance and reduces the overall length of the crossbow 400. The front to back center of gravity is located closer to the hand grip 1004. As used herein, center of gravity refers primarily to the forward and back center of gravity, since it is assumed the side-to-side center of gravity is located along a central longitudinal axis of the center rail 402. In the preferred embodiment, the front to back center of gravity 1008 of the crossbow 400 is near the midpoint 1006 within 15%, and more preferably 10%, of the overall length of the crossbow 400. For example, if the overall length of the crossbow 400 is 28 inches, the front to back center of gravity 1008 is located within 4.2 inches of the midpoint 1006, and more preferably within 2.8 inches of the midpoint 1006.
One of the difficulties with bullpup format crossbows is that the user's head and face may come into contact with the cocked bowstring. The extremely small include angle 403 of the draw string 501 when the crossbow 400 is in the drawn configuration (see e.g.,
Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within this disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges which may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.
Unless defined otherwise all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the various methods and materials are now described. All patents and publications mentioned herein including those cited in the Background of the application, are hereby incorporated by reference to disclose and described the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.
The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.
Other embodiments are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes disclosed. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.
Thus the scope of this disclosure should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one unless explicitly so stated, but rather one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present disclosure, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims.
The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/021,443, filed Jun. 28, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,712,118, issued Jul. 14, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Ser. No. 15/395,705, filed Dec. 30, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,082,359, issued Sep. 25, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Ser. No. 15/294,993 entitled String Guide for a Bow, filed Oct. 17, 2016 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,879,936 issued Jan. 30, 2018), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Ser. No. 15/098,537 entitled Crossbow, filed Apr. 14, 2016 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,494,379 issued Nov. 15, 2016), which claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. Application Ser. No. 62/244,932, filed Oct. 22, 2015 and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Ser. No. 14/107,058 entitled String Guide System for a Bow, filed Dec. 16, 2013 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,354,015 issued May 31, 2016), the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
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| 20200408482 A1 | Dec 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 62244932 | Oct 2015 | US |
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| Parent | 14107058 | Dec 2013 | US |
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