U.S. patent application number 11/034462 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-13 for ambient light collecting sight pin for a bow sight.
Invention is credited to Bahram Khoshnood.
Application Number | 20060150429 11/034462 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36651734 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060150429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Khoshnood; Bahram |
July 13, 2006 |
AMBIENT LIGHT COLLECTING SIGHT PIN FOR A BOW SIGHT
Abstract
Ambient light collecting sight pins for a bow sight, wherein the
sight pins comprise coiled fiber optic filaments for effectively
harnessing diminutive amounts of ambient light and magnifying same
to a useable light source capable of assisting hunters in sighting
their targets in low-light environments.
Inventors: |
Khoshnood; Bahram;
(Alpharetta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS & KAPLAN, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW, L.L.C.
1899 POWERS FERRY ROAD
SUITE 310
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
36651734 |
Appl. No.: |
11/034462 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
33/265 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/467 20130101;
F41G 1/345 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
033/265 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/467 20060101
F41G001/467 |
Claims
1. A sight pin for use with a bow sight, said sight pin comprising:
a body comprising a housing, a medial portion, and a pin shaft,
wherein said housing, said medial portion, and said pin shaft are
linearly aligned, and wherein a channel is formed through said
medial portion of said body, proximal a base portion of said pin
shaft; and, a light collecting mechanism carried by said body,
wherein at least a portion of said light collecting mechanism is
coiled a plurality of revolutions.
2. The sight pin of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said
light collecting mechanism is coiled a plurality of revolutions
within said housing of said body.
3. The sight pin of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said
light collecting mechanism is coiled a plurality of revolutions
within said housing of said body, and wherein said at least a
portion of said light collecting mechanism exits through an
aperture formed through said housing.
4. The sight pin of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said
light collecting mechanism is disposed over said medial portion of
said body.
5. The sight pin of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said
light collecting mechanism extends through said channel of said
medial portion of said body.
6. The sight pin of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said
light collecting mechanism is disposed over said pin shaft of said
body, and wherein at least a portion of said light collecting
mechanism is removably secured within a retaining tube formed on
said pin shaft.
7. The sight pin of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said
light collecting mechanism is coiled a plurality of revolutions
within said housing, said at least a portion of said light
collecting mechanism exiting through an aperture formed through
said housing, said at least a portion of said light collecting
mechanism extending from said aperture over said medial portion and
extending through said channel of said medial portion, and wherein
said at least a portion of said light collecting mechanism
extending from said channel, further extends over said pin shaft
and is removably secured within a retaining tube formed on said pin
shaft.
8. The sight pin of claim 7, wherein said at least a portion of
said light collecting mechanism extending from said aperture of
said housing, over said medial portion and through said channel
thereof, and thereafter over said pin shaft and removably secured
within a retaining tube formed on said pin shaft, results in said
at least a portion of said light collecting mechanism comprising a
substantially S-shaped configuration.
9. The sight pin of claim 1, wherein said light collecting
mechanism is a fiber optic filament.
10. A sight pin for use with a bow sight, said sight pin
comprising: a spool-shaped body; a base, wherein said base resides
independent of said spool-shaped body; a pin shaft extending from
said base; and, a light collecting mechanism carried by said
spool-shaped body, wherein at least a portion of said light
collecting mechanism is coiled a plurality of revolutions.
11. The sight pin of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said
light collecting mechanism is coiled a plurality of revolutions
around said spool-shaped body.
12. The sight pin of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said
light collecting mechanism extends through and is carried by a
retaining tube, said retaining tube formed on said spool-shaped
body.
13. The sight pin of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said
light collecting mechanism extends through a channel formed through
said base.
14. The sight pin of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said
light collecting mechanism extends through said pin shaft, and
wherein a terminal end of said at least a portion of said light
collecting mechanism sits flush with a terminal aperture of said
pin shaft.
15. The sight pin of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said
light collecting mechanism is coiled a plurality of revolutions
around said spool-shaped body, and further extends through a
retaining tube formed on said spool-shaped body, and wherein said
at least a portion of said light collecting mechanism extends
through a channel formed through said base and thereafter through
said pin shaft, and wherein a terminal end of said at least a
portion of said light collecting mechanism sits flush with a
terminal aperture of said pin shaft.
16. The sight pin of claim 10, wherein said light collecting
mechanism is a fiber optic filament.
17. A method of providing an ambient light collecting sight pin for
use with a bow sight, said method comprising the steps of: a.
coiling at least a portion of a fiber optic filament; b. removably
securing said at least a portion of fiber optic filament to a sight
pin; and, c. positioning a terminal end of said at least a portion
of fiber optic filament proximal to a terminal end of said sight
pin.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said step b. further comprises
the step of: guiding said at least a portion of fiber optic
filament out from an aperture formed through a housing of said
sight pin.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of guiding
said at least a portion of fiber optic filament through a channel
formed through a medial portion of said sight pin, wherein said
medial portion is integrally formed with said housing and with a
sight pin shaft of said sight pin.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of:
exposing said fiber optic filament to a light source to enable said
terminal end of said at least a portion of fiber optic filament to
emit light.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to bow sights, and
more specifically to an ambient light collecting sight pin for a
bow sight. The present invention is particularly useful in,
although not limited to, assisting hunters and/or competition
shooters equipped with bows and/or firearms to target game or
objects in low-light environments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Effective and successful use of a bow is dependent upon a
multitude of variables, including establishment of proper
trajectory, string tension, drawback and even the weight of the
bow. More importantly, however, the precision of a bowshot is
largely dependent upon proper targeting or aiming and the ability
to sight one's target. As such, many archers/hunters have employed
the use of bow sights to assist in such targeting. Unfortunately,
however, because most hunting expeditions are usually conducted in
low-level light conditions/environments, such as a dense forest,
most conventionally available bow sights are unable to effectively
assist the hunter in sighting his target.
[0003] Although attempts have been made to cure the deficiencies
and inadequacies of conventional sighting pins and/or crosshairs,
simple bow sights of this sort are of limited use because they fail
to provide the archer/hunter with the requisite amount of light
needed to sight a target within the bow sight. Furthermore, while
bow sights with small light collecting filaments are known, they
too serve limited use as they are typically unable to harness
enough ambient light to make use of the bow sight worthwhile.
[0004] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for
an ambient light collecting sight pin for a bow sight, wherein the
present invention effectively harnesses diminutive amounts of
ambient light and magnifies same to a useable light source capable
of assisting hunters in sighting their targets in low-light
environments.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present
invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantage, and meets the
recognized need for such a device by providing ambient light
collecting sight pins for a bow sight, wherein the sight pins
comprise coiled fiber optic filaments for effectively harnessing
diminutive amounts of ambient light and magnifying same to a
useable light source capable of assisting hunters in sighting their
targets in low-light environments.
[0006] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the
present invention in its preferred form is an ambient light
collecting sight pin for a bow sight, wherein the sight pin
generally comprises a light collecting filament and a translucent
spool or housing integrally formed with, or otherwise adapted to,
the sight pin.
[0007] More specifically, the present invention is an ambient light
collecting sight pin for a bow sight, comprising a light collecting
filament preferably in the form of a scintillating fiber optic
filament of sufficient length to enable extensive wrapping or
winding of the filament around or within a preferably translucent
spool or housing, wherein the spool or housing is preferably
integrally formed with, or otherwise adapted to, the sight pin.
Moreover, a portion of the fiber optic filament retained on or
within the spool or housing is guided around and removably secured
to the sight pin, such that the terminal end of the filament
resides at the tip of the sight pin.
[0008] Preferably, the repeated wrapping or winding of the lengthy
strand of fiber optic filament configures the filament to provide
an enhanced surface area over which to harness ambient light. The
translucent material from which the spool or housing is constructed
further enables ambient light to pass therethrough, and thus be
harnessed by the wrapped filament. Accordingly, the terminal end of
the portion of filament removably secured to the tip of the sight
pin is preferably illuminated as a result of the harnessed ambient
light.
[0009] In use, a plurality of such lit sight pins, each having
filaments of differing color, may be removable secured to a bow
sight generally adapted to receive sight pins. Additionally, the
bow sight may be constructed from a translucent material to assist
in the overall light-harnessing process of each fiber optic
filament.
[0010] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present
invention is its ability to provide a bow sight having
interchangeable, light-harnessing sight pins.
[0011] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its ability to be utilized in extremely low-level light
environments.
[0012] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention
is its ability to effectively harness ambient low-level light and
magnify it to a useable light source.
[0013] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention
is its ability to allow the archer/hunter to sight targets in
low-level light environments.
[0014] Still yet another feature and advantage of the present
invention is its ability to provide a large, multi-coiled ambient
light collecting surface area.
[0015] These and other features and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the
following description and claims when read in light of the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention will be better understood by reading
the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments
with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like
reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like
elements throughout, and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ambient light collecting
sight pin according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ambient light collecting
sight pin according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, shown in use;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ambient light collecting
sight pin according to an alternate embodiment of the present
invention; and,
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an ambient light collecting
sight pin according to an alternate embodiment of the present
invention, shown in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE
EMBODIMENTS
[0021] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the
present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, specific
terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention,
however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology
so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element
includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner
to accomplish similar functions.
[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, the present invention in its
preferred embodiment is an ambient light collecting sight pin 10
generally comprising body 20 and light collecting mechanism 80.
[0023] Specifically, body 20 preferably comprises integrally formed
housing 30, medial portion 40 and pin shaft 60, wherein body 20 is
generally preferably formed from a translucent acrylic substrate,
so as to enable ambient light to pass therethrough, and thus be
harnessed by light collecting mechanism 80, as more fully described
below. Additionally, and as further described below, housing 30 is
preferably substantially cylindrical-shaped so as to facilitate the
multiple coiling or windings of light collecting mechanism 80
therewithin; thereby, promoting a greater surface area in which to
capture ambient light passing through housing 30. Although body 20
is formed from a translucent acrylic substrate, it should be
recognized that other suitable translucent plastic substrates may
be utilized.
[0024] Light collecting mechanism 80 is preferably a substantially
long strand of scintillating ambient light collecting fiber optic
filament 82, preferably substantially wrapped a plurality of times
around the circumference of inner wall 32 of housing 30, wherein
housing 30 preferably comprises peripheral retaining lips 34, 36
and floor 37 to prevent coiled fiber optic filament 82 from
dislodging or sliding out from housing 30.
[0025] Preferably formed through peripheral wall 31 of housing 30
is aperture 31a, wherein leading end 82a of fiber optic filament 82
preferably extends therethrough and tensionally over forward wall
42 of medial portion 40. Thereafter, leading end 82a of fiber optic
filament 82 preferably extends and exists through channel 50,
preferably formed through forward wall 42 of medial portion 40 and
exiting from rear wall 44 thereof, and further residing
substantially proximal to base 62 of pin shaft 60. Accordingly,
following exit through rear wall 44 of medial portion 40, leading
end 82a of fiber optic filament 82 preferably tensionally extends
over rear edge 62 of generally blade-like or plate-like pin shaft
60, and continues over upper edge or apex 64 of pin shaft 60,
wherein terminal end 82b of leading end 82a of fiber optic filament
82 is preferably inserted through and removably secured within
retaining tube 66 disposed atop apex 64 and proximal to forward
edge 68 of pin shaft 60.
[0026] Preferably, the plurality of coils and/or wrappings of fiber
optic filament 82 within housing 30 promote a greater surface area
in which to capture ambient light passing through housing 30, or
directly striking fiber optic filament 82. Additionally, leading
end 82a of fiber optic filament 82 further assists in capturing
ambient light and contributing to the overall light harnessing
process of the preset invention. As such, light from all directions
is generally harnessed by fiber optic filament 82, thus increasing,
magnifying and generally enhancing the output of useful light from
terminal end 82b of light collecting mechanism 80.
[0027] As best illustrated in FIG. 2, in use, a plurality of sight
pins 10, each having fiber optic filaments 82 of differing color,
may be removable secured to, and slidably adjusted within, sight
pin retaining slot S formed on bow sight/scope B generally adapted
to receive sight pins 10, wherein each sight pin 10 may be secured
to slot S of bow sight B via application of set screw or
bolt-and-washer assembly 90 adapted to be threadably received by
threaded hole 44a formed on rear wall 44 of medial portion 40 of
sight pin 10. In such an arrangement, a plurality of lit terminal
ends 82b of filaments 82 function as lit sight pins 10. It is
contemplated that bow sight B may be constructed from a translucent
material to assist in the overall light-harnessing process of each
fiber optic filament 82.
[0028] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 3-4, the present
invention in an alternate embodiment is an ambient light collecting
sight pin 100 comprising light collecting mechanism 80, spool 120,
pin base 130, and pin shaft 140.
[0029] Specifically, spool 120 is generally formed from a
translucent acrylic substrate, so as to enable ambient light to
pass therethrough, and thus be harnessed by light collecting
mechanism 80. Light collecting mechanism 80 is a substantially long
strand of scintillating ambient light collecting fiber optic
filament 82, substantially wrapped a plurality of times around the
outer circumference of spool stem 122 of spool 120, wherein spool
120 comprises exterior retaining plates 124, 126 integrally formed
with spool stem 122, each comprising a diameter dimensionally
larger than spool stem 122; thereby, preventing coiled fiber optic
filament 82 from dislodging or sliding off from spool stem 122.
[0030] Formed on exterior retaining plate 124 is retaining tube
128, wherein leading end 82a of fiber optic filament 82 is inserted
and extended therethrough. Thereafter, leading end 82a of fiber
optic filament 80 is extended through channel 132 formed through
substantially L-shaped base 130, wherein channel 132 is in
communication with hollow, tube-like pin shaft 140, securely
affixed to base 130. Accordingly, leading end 82a of fiber optic
filament 82 extends through pin shaft 140 and through
arcuate-shaped head 144 thereof, wherein terminal end 82b of
leading end 82a of fiber optic filament 82 is brought flush with
aperture 146 of pin shaft 144.
[0031] Accordingly, the plurality of coils and/or wrappings of
fiber optic filament 82 around spool stem 122 promote a greater
surface area in which to capture ambient light passing through
spool 120, or directly striking fiber optic filament 82.
Additionally, leading end 82a of fiber optic filament 82 further
assists in capturing ambient light and contributing to the overall
light harnessing process of the preset invention. As such, light
from all directions is generally harnessed by fiber optic filament
82, thus increasing, magnifying and generally enhancing the output
of useful light from terminal end 82b of light collecting mechanism
80.
[0032] As best illustrated in FIG. 4, in use, a plurality of sight
pins 100, each having fiber optic filaments 82 of differing color,
may be removable secured to, and slidably adjusted on, bracket BR
of bow sight/scope BB generally adapted to receive sight pins 100,
wherein each sight pin 100 may be secured to bracket BR of bow
sight BB via application of set screw 190, or the like, adapted to
be received by threaded throughhole 134 formed through base 130 of
sight pin 100. Additionally, sight pin 100 may be secured to bow
sight BB via securing tab 127 formed on retaining plate 124,
wherein securing tab 127 could be received within a suitably
dimensioned slot or groove formed within generally
cylindrical-shaped bow housing BH integrally formed with bow
sight/scope BB, or, alternatively, could be frictionally received
therewithin. It is further contemplated that bow sight BB may also
be constructed from a translucent material to assist in the overall
light-harnessing process of each fiber optic filament 82.
[0033] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that a
plurality of sight pins 10 or sight pins 100 may be integrally
formed.
[0034] It is contemplated in still another alternate embodiment
that fiber optic filaments 82 could be integrally formed with sight
pins 10 or sight pins 100.
[0035] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the
within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other
alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention
is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but
is limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *