U.S. patent application number 15/090243 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for crossbow having improved barrel and arrow.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bahram Khoshnood. Invention is credited to Bahram Khoshnood.
Application Number | 20160290757 15/090243 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57015196 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160290757 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Khoshnood; Bahram |
October 6, 2016 |
CROSSBOW HAVING IMPROVED BARREL AND ARROW
Abstract
An improved arrow has an arrow shaft having a first diameter, a
first end defining a tip and a second end defining an area that
interacts with the string of a crossbow. A first ring is formed
proximate the first end of the arrow shaft and has a second
diameter and a first length. A second ring is formed proximate the
second end of the arrow shaft and has a third diameter and a second
length. In various embodiments, the second and third diameters are
larger than the first diameter of the arrow shaft and may be equal.
The first and second rings function to allow the arrow to be shot
from a crossbow having a barrel to reduce the amount of friction
that exists between the arrow and the barrel walls and to reduce
the amount of noise generated as the arrow traverses and exits the
barrel.
Inventors: |
Khoshnood; Bahram; (Cumming,
GA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Khoshnood; Bahram |
Cumming |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57015196 |
Appl. No.: |
15/090243 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14676614 |
Apr 1, 2015 |
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15090243 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 5/123 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41B 5/12 20060101
F41B005/12 |
Claims
1. A crossbow comprising: a. a body comprising: i. a first end; ii.
an opposite second end, iii. a top surface, iv. a bottom surface,
and v. an axis that extends between the first end and the second
end, b. a first limb having a first end operatively coupled to the
body and a second end; c. a second limb having a first end
operatively coupled to the body and a second end; d. a first cable
comprising: i. a first end operatively coupled to the first limb
second end; and ii. a second end that splits into: a first portion
having a second end that is operatively coupled to the second limb
second end; and a second portion having a second end that is
operatively coupled to the second limb second end; e. a second
cable comprising: i. a first end operatively coupled to the second
limb second end; and ii. a second end that splits into: a first
portion having a second end that is operatively coupled to the
first limb second end; and a second portion having a second end
that is operatively coupled to the first limb second end; f. a bow
string that comprises a first end that is operatively coupled to
the first limb and a second end that is operatively coupled to the
second limb, wherein the first cable, first portion is positioned
above the body top surface, the first cable, second portion is
positioned below the body bottom surface, the second cable, first
portion is positioned above the body top surface, and the second
cable, second portion is positioned below the body bottom
surface.
2. The crossbow of claim 1, wherein the first cable further
comprises: a. a first section intermediate the first cable, first
end and the first cable, first portion and first cable, second
portion, wherein the first section comprises the first cable, first
end and a second end; b. a second section intermediate the first
cable, first section and the first cable, first portion, second
end, wherein the first section comprises a first end and the first
cable, first portion, second end; and c. a third section
intermediate the first cable, first portion and the first cable,
second portion, second end, wherein the third section comprises a
first end and the first cable, second portion, second end.
3. The crossbow claim 2, wherein: a. the first cable, first
section, second end is coupled to the first cable, second section,
first end; and b. the first cable, first section, second end is
coupled to the first cable, third section, first end.
4. The crossbow of claim 2, wherein the first cable, first section
is formed integral with the first cable, second section and the
first cable, third section.
5. The crossbow of claim 2, wherein the body further comprises a
barrel having a through-hole formed along the axis of the body,
wherein: a. the first cable, second section is positioned above a
top surface of the barrel; b. the first cable, third section is
positioned below a bottom surface of the barrel; and c. the first
cable, first section, second end, the first cable, second section
first end and the first cable, third section first end are all
positioned intermediate the first limb first and second ends.
6. The crossbow of claim 5, wherein a. the barrel comprises an
elongated slot formed along a plane that intersects the axis; b.
the bowstring passes through the slot.
7. The crossbow of claim 1, further comprising: a. a first cam
operatively coupled to the first limb second end; b. a second cam
operatively coupled the second limb second end; c. at least one pin
coupled to the first limb second end; and d. at least one pin
coupled to the second limb second end, wherein: i. the first cable
first end is operatively coupled to the first cam, ii. the first
cable first portion second end is operatively coupled to the second
limb at least one pin, and iii. the first cable second portion
second end is operatively coupled to the second limb at least one
pin.
8. The crossbow of claim 5, further comprising a first bracket
coupled to the top surface of the barrel and a second bracket
coupled to one of the bottom surface of the barrel or the bottom
surface of the body, wherein: a. the first cable second section is
supported by the first bracket; and b. the first cable third
section is supported by the second bracket.
9. A crossbow comprising: a. a body comprising: i. a first end; ii.
an opposite second end, iii. a top surface, iv. a bottom surface,
and v. an axis that extends between the first end and the second
end, b. a first limb having a first end operatively coupled to the
body and a second end; c. a second limb having a first end
operatively coupled to the body and a second end; d. a first cable
comprising: i. a first cable portion having a first end and a
second end; and ii. a second cable portion having a first end and a
second end: e. a second cable comprising: i. a third cable portion
having a first end and a second end; and ii. a forth cable portion
having a first end and a second end, and f. a bow string that
comprises a first end that is operatively coupled to the first limb
and a second end that is operatively coupled to the second limb,
wherein a first section of the first cable portion proximate the
first end and a first section of the second cable portion proximate
the first end are secured together to form a first section of the
first cable, a first section of the third cable portion proximate
the first end and a first section of the fourth cable portion
proximate the first end are secured together to form a first
section of the second cable, the first end of the first cable
portion and the first end of the second cable portion are
operatively coupled to the first limb second end, the second end of
the first cable portion and the second end of the second cable
portion are operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the
first end of the third cable portion and the first end of the
fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the second limb
second end, the second end of the third cable portion and the
second end of the fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to
the first limb second end, the first cable first section is
positioned intermediate the first limb second end and the body such
that the first cable portion is positioned above the body top
surface and the second cable portion is positioned below the body
bottom surface, the second cable first section is positioned
intermediate the second limb second end and the body such that the
third cable portion is positioned above the body top surface and
the fourth cable portion is positioned below the body bottom
surface.
10. The crossbow of claim 9, wherein the first cable portion and
the second cable portion proximate the first ends are secured
together by a first covering selected from a group consisting of:
a. a polymer sheathing; b. a rubber sheathing; c. a wire wrapping;
d. a cloth wrapping; and e. one or more rings.
11. The crossbow of claim 9, further comprising: a. a first bracket
operatively coupled to the body; and b. a second bracket
operatively coupled to the body, wherein: one of the first bracket
and the second bracket support the first cable portion and the
third cable portion; and the other of the first bracket and the
second bracket support the second cable portion and the fourth
cable portion.
12. The crossbow of claim 11, wherein: a. the body further
comprises a barrel; b. at least one of the first bracket and the
second bracket are coupled to the barrel.
13. The crossbow of claim 9, further comprising: a. a first cam
operatively coupled to the first limb second end; b. a second cam
operatively coupled to the second limb second end; c. one or more
pins operatively coupled to the first limb second end, and d. one
or more pins operatively coupled to the second limb second end,
wherein: the first end of the first cable portion and the first end
of the second cable portion are operatively coupled to the first
cam, the second end of the first cable portion and the second end
of the second cable portion are operatively coupled to the one or
more pins operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the
first end of the third cable portion and the first end of the
fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the second cam, and
the second end of the third cable portion and the second end of the
fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the one or more
pins operatively coupled to the first limb second end.
14. The crossbow of claim 13, wherein the first cam is rotatably
mounted on the one or more pins operatively coupled to the first
limb second end and the second cam is rotatably mounted on the one
or more pins operatively coupled to the second limb second end.
15. The crossbow of claim 9, further comprising: a. a first cam
rotatably coupled to the first limb second end by a first pin; b. a
second cam rotatably coupled to the second limb second end by a
second pin; wherein: i. the first end of the first cable portion
and the first end of the second cable portion are operatively
coupled to the first cam, ii. the first end of the third cable
portion and the first end of the fourth cable portion are
operatively coupled to the second cam, and iii. the arrangement of
the first cable and the second cable minimize any forces exerted:
on the first cam and in a direction parallel to the first pin; and
on the second cam and in a direction parallel to the second
pin.
16. A crossbow comprising: a. a body comprising: i. a first end;
ii. an opposite second end, iii. a top surface, iv. a bottom
surface, and v. an axis that extends between the first end and the
second end, b. a first limb having a first end operatively coupled
to the body and a second end; c. a second limb having a first end
operatively coupled to the body and a second end; d. a first cable
comprising: i. a first section having a first end and a second end;
ii. a second section having a first end and a second end; and iii.
a third section having a first end and a second end: e. a bow
string that comprises a first end that is operatively coupled to
the first limb and a second end that is operatively coupled to the
second limb, wherein the first section first end is operatively
coupled to the first limb second end, the first section second end
is operatively coupled to both the second section first end and the
third section first end, the second section second end is
operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the third
section second end is operatively coupled to the second limb second
end, the second section is positioned above the body top surface,
and the third section is positioned below the body bottom
surface.
17. The crossbow of claim 16, further comprising a second cable
comprising: a. a fourth section having a first end and a second
end; b. a fifth section having a first end and a second end; and c.
and a sixth section having a first end and a second end; wherein:
the fourth section first end is operatively coupled to the second
limb second end, the fourth section second end is operatively
coupled to both the fifth section first end and the six section
first end, the fifth section second end is operatively coupled to
the first limb second end, the sixth section second end is
operatively coupled to the first limb second end, the fourth
section is positioned above the body top surface, and the fifth
section is positioned below the body bottom surface.
18. The crossbow of claim 16, wherein the body comprises a
barrel.
19. The crossbow of claim 16, wherein the first section, the second
section and the third section of the first cable are integrally
formed with one another.
20. The crossbow of claim 16, further comprising: a. a first
bracket operatively coupled to the body, wherein the second section
is supported by the first bracket; and b. a second bracket
operatively coupled to the body, wherein the third section is
supported by the second bracket.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/676,614, filed Apr. 1, 2015, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to crossbows and
related arrows. More particularly, the present invention relates to
a crossbow having a barrel and improved arrows for use in a
crossbow having a barrel.
[0003] Crossbows have an extensive history dating back to medieval
times, although modern crossbows have evolved significantly from
the crossbows used centuries ago. Modern crossbows generally employ
either a track type or trackless design for launching an arrow. In
a track type crossbow design, the arrow rests in a track located on
the stock of the crossbow in the fully-drawn, cocked position. The
arrow is launched from the crossbow by being pushed down the track,
with the bowstring and the arrow both maintaining intimate contact
with the track until the arrow has cleared the bow. Arrows used in
this type of crossbow are usually blunt at the rear end of the
arrow. The bowstring that propels the arrow simply pushes against
the blunt end of the arrow to propel the arrow from the
crossbow.
[0004] In the trackless type crossbow design, the arrow is
supported on an arrow rest towards the front of the arrow shaft and
the rear of the arrow is nocked to the bowstring in the same manner
as is used in conventional bows.
[0005] Modern crossbows, however, whether of the track or trackless
variety, often produce considerable noise when fired, which may be
unpleasant in a hunting application, among others. Additionally,
there are numerous adverse effects on arrow flight that can result
from a loud, rattling arrow release. The designs disclosed herein
seek to address many of the concerns that arise with modern track
and trackless crossbows.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one embodiment, an archery arrow comprises: (1) an
elongated shaft that has a first end, an opposite second end, and a
first diameter; (2) a tip coupled to the first end; and (3) one or
more fletching coupled to the shaft. The arrow has a first shaft
portion coupled to the shaft proximate the shaft first end. The
first shaft portion comprises a second diameter and a first length.
The arrow also has a second shaft portion coupled to the shaft
proximate the shaft second end. The second shaft portion comprises
a third diameter and a second length. In various embodiments, the
second diameter and the third diameter are equal to each other and
are larger than the first diameter.
[0007] In various embodiments, an arrow comprises an elongated
shaft having a first end, an opposite second end, and a diameter.
The arrow has a first shaft portion coupled to the shaft proximate
the shaft first end. The first shaft portion comprises a first
diameter. The arrow also has a second shaft portion coupled to the
shaft proximate the shaft second end. The second shaft portion
comprises a second diameter. The first diameter and the second
diameter are larger than the diameter of the elongated shaft. In
various embodiments, the first shaft portion comprises a first ring
and the shaft second portion comprises a second ring. In some
embodiments, the first and second rings may be formed from a
variety of materials such as (1) a metal; (2) ceramics; (3)
polymers; (4) polytetrafluoroethylene; (5) a metal alloy; (6) a
ceramic alloy; (7) nylon; or (8) acetyl resins. The first and
second rings may be secured onto the elongated shaft by a securing
means such as: (1) a press-fit; (2) an adhesive; (3) a pin; (4) a
rivet; (5) a screw; or (6) a friction stir welding. In various
embodiments the first diameter and the second diameter are
substantially equal in size.
[0008] In various embodiments, a crossbow and an arrow for use in
the crossbow comprises a body with a barrel coupled thereto. The
barrel has a first end and an opposite second end, an axis that
extends between the first end and the second end, and an elongated
bore that passes transverse to the axis. The crossbow further
comprises: (1) first and second limbs coupled to the barrel
proximate to the first end; and (2) a bow string that passes
through the elongated bore and that has a first end that couples to
the first limb, and a second end that couples to the second limb.
The arrow comprises an elongated shaft having a first end, an
opposite second end, and a diameter. The arrow has a first shaft
portion coupled to the elongated shaft proximate the shaft first
end. The first shaft portion comprises a first diameter. The arrow
also has a second shaft portion coupled to the shaft proximate the
shaft second end. The second shaft portion has a second diameter.
The first diameter and the second diameter are larger than the
diameter of the elongated shaft. When the arrow is loaded in the
barrel, the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion raise
the elongated shaft off of a surface of the barrel to minimize the
amount of friction between the elongated shaft and the barrel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for
utilizing a crossbow having a barrel are described below. In the
course of this description, reference will be made to the
accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
and wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a crossbow
having a barrel;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the crossbow of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3A is a front plan view of an embodiment of the
crossbow of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3B is a partial front plan view of an embodiment of the
crossbow of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the barrel of the
crossbow of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of an embodiment of an arrow for
use in the crossbow of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front plan view of an alternate embodiment of
the crossbow of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the crossbow of FIG. 1
having an arrow in the cocked position;
[0018] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the crossbow of FIG. 7A
showing the arrow partially ejected from the barrel just after the
crossbow is fired;
[0019] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the crossbow of FIG. 7A
with the majority of the arrow ejected from the barrel shortly
after the crossbow is fired;
[0020] FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the crossbow of FIG. 7A
with the arrow fully ejected from the barrel;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the crossbow of FIG. 1
firing an arrow;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the crossbow of FIG. 1
firing a sabot slug;
[0023] FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a prior art
crossbow;
[0024] FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the prior art
crossbow of FIG. 10A;
[0025] FIG. 11A is a bottom perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the crossbow of FIG. 1; and
[0026] FIG. 11B is a top perspective view of the alternate
embodiment of the crossbow of FIG. 11A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Various embodiments now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should
be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different
forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set
forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Overview
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a crossbow 10 having a body 12,
a stock 20, and a bow assembly 30 shown in illustrated in an
un-cocked state. The crossbow 10 may be constructed from any
suitable material, such as wood, plastics, polymers, metals, metal
alloys, carbon fiber, or a combination thereof. The body 12 and the
stock 20 may be made as one piece or may be assembled as separate
components. The body 12 comprises a barrel 18 having a first end 14
and an opposite second end 16. The barrel second end 16 is coupled
to the stock 20 and the barrel first end 14 is coupled to the bow
assembly 30.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 5, an improved arrow has an arrow shaft
having a first diameter, a first end defining a tip and a second
end defining an area that interacts with the string of a crossbow.
One or more fletching may be coupled to the arrow shaft proximate
the second end of the arrow shaft. A first ring is formed proximate
the first end of the arrow shaft. The first ring has a second
diameter and a first length. A second ring is formed proximate the
second end of the arrow shaft. The second ring has a third diameter
and a second length. In various embodiments, the second and third
diameters are larger than the first diameter of the arrow shaft. In
some embodiments, the second diameter and the third diameter are
equal. The first and second rings function to allow the arrow to be
shot from a crossbow having a barrel. In various embodiments, the
design of the first and second rings reduce the amount of friction
that exists between the arrow and the barrel walls and also reduces
the amount of noise generated as the arrow traverses and exits the
barrel.
Body
[0030] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 12 is formed from
a barrel 18 having a first end 14 that couples to the bow assembly
30 and an opposite second end 16 that couples to the stock 20. In
various embodiments, the barrel comprises an elongated circular
bore (e.g., a hole) 22 that extends from the barrel first end 14 to
the barrel second end 16 about a barrel central axis 23, and a
generally rectangular bore (e.g., a hole) 24 that extends from the
barrel first end 14 to the barrel second end 16 and that is
concentric with the elongated bore 22. A trigger cavity 31 is
formed through the barrel 18 proximate to the barrel second end 16
transverse to the elongated central bore 22 and the generally
rectangular bore 24 such that the trigger cavity 31 intersects the
central bore 22 and the rectangular bore 24. The trigger cavity 31
is configured to receive the mechanical trigger mechanism 32 that
couples to a physical trigger 33 as is understood in the art. In
various embodiments, a pistol grip 26 and fore stock grip 28 may be
mounted to the barrel 18 by conventional means known in the art,
such as screws, bolts, or other suitable fasteners. The pistol grip
26 and fore stock grip 28 may also be incorporated into the stock
20 as a one-piece construction that is suitably fastened to the
barrel 18. The barrel 18 is described more fully below with
reference to FIGS. 3A-5.
Barrel
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 3A-5, the barrel 18 is shown according to
particular embodiments.
[0032] In particular reference to FIG. 4, the barrel 18 is shown
having the first end 34, the opposite second end 36, an
intermediate portion 38, the elongated circular bore 22 and the
rectangular bore 24 extending between the first and second ends 34,
36. The elongated circular bore 22 extends parallel to the central
axis 23 of the barrel 18 from the barrel first end 34 to the barrel
second end 36. The rectangular bore 24 is concentric to the
circular bore 22, is parallel to a bottom surface 35 of the barrel
18 and extends between the first and second ends 34, 36. The cavity
31 opens into a bowstring slot 40 that is formed through a sidewall
42 of the barrel 18 transverse to the elongated circular bore 22
and the rectangular bore 24, and extends intermediate the barrel
first and second ends 34, 36 proximate the barrel intermediate
portion 38 t. In various embodiments, the barrel 18 may be made
from milled aluminum or extruded aluminum. In various other
embodiments the barrel may be made from any suitable durable,
flexible, material known in the art (e.g., plastics, polymers,
lightweight alloys, metals, etc.).
[0033] Referring once again to FIG. 1, in various embodiments, the
barrel first end 34 couples to the bow assembly 30 via conventional
means such as screws, nuts, bolts, fasteners, press-fitting with/or
without adhesive, etc. In various other embodiments, the barrel 18
may be fitted with a cap 37 that surrounds the outer walls of the
barrel 18 and that defines a cavity with a mirror image
cross-section to the barrel and that further defines an opening
through a face 37a perpendicular to the flight path of an arrow
exiting the elongated circular bore 22 that mirrors the circular
bore 22 and the rectangular bore 24. The bow assembly 30, in
various embodiments, may be coupled to the barrel cap 37 by any
conventional means (e.g., screws, bolts, fasteners, etc.). The bow
assembly 30 is described more fully below.
[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 3A-3B, the elongated circular bore
22 has a generally circular cross-section that extends the length
of the barrel 18. The generally rectangular bore 24 is various
embodiments is rectangular and positioned concentric with the
elongated bore 22. Thus, an arrow that is placed into the generally
circular bore 22 is generally supported by the intersection of the
edges, as labeled 45, and by partial walls, as labeled 45b, of the
generally circular bore 22 instead of the uniform smooth surface
that would define the wall of the elongated circular bore 22 of the
barrel 18 if the generally rectangular bore 24 were not present. In
various embodiments, the generally rectangular bore 24 may be
eliminated or replaced with other bores or slots that intersect
with the generally circular bore 22.
[0035] Referring in particular to FIG. 3B, in particular
embodiments, a first slot 44 and a second slot 46 extend radially
outward from the generally circular cross-section of the elongated
bore 22 at an angle with respect to the generally rectangular bore
24. The first and second slots 44, 46 are generally rectangular in
shape. The first slot 44 extends radially outward from the central
axis 23 of the generally circular bore 22 at an angle .alpha. of
approximately 60 degrees from the left horizontal plane 47. The
second slot 46 extends radially outward from the central axis 23 of
the generally circular bore 22 at an angle .beta. of approximately
-60 degrees the left horizontal plane 47. The first and second
slots 44, 46 are configured to receive the fletching on one end of
an arrow and allow the arrow fletching to pass through the barrel
18 without contacting the walls of the circular bore 22.
[0036] In yet other particular embodiments, the first slot 44 and
second slot 46 are further adapted to accommodate various fletching
sizes and configurations. For example, the height of the first and
second slots 44, 46, as measured from the central axis 22 of the
generally circular bore 22 to the outer end of the slots 44, 46,
i.e. the radius, and a width of the first and second slots may vary
depending on the application. For example, based on the type,
height, and orientation of the arrow fletching, the first and
second slots 44, 46 may be larger or smaller to accommodate varying
fletching sizes. The first and second slots 44, 46 may be
configured, for example, to allow a helical fletching to pass
through the first and second slots 44, 46 without obstructing the
flight of the arrow or damaging the fletching while traveling
within the barrel 18.
Bow Assembly
[0037] Referring to again to FIG. 1, the bow assembly 30 is
configured to propel an arrow or a sabot slug from the crossbow.
The bow assembly 30 has two flexible limbs 48, 48' and a bowstring
51. The two flexible limbs 48, 48' may receive the bowstring 51 in
any conventional manner. In a particular embodiment the bowstring
51 may be received by a pair of cams 52, 52' mounted to the
flexible limbs 48, 48'. The first and second limbs 48, 48' provide
the desired resistance to bending and may be made separately (e.g.,
a split-limb design) or of a one-piece construction. The first limb
and second limb 48, 48' have pins 54, 54', located at one end of
the limb arms 48, 48', to pivotally mount the respective ones of
the pair of cams 52, 52' to the respective limbs 48, 48'. The
flexibility and resistance of the limbs 48, 48' determines the draw
weight of the bow and the force with which the arrow is discharged
from the crossbow. The limbs may be coupled to the barrel cap 37 at
an end of the limbs opposite the cams 52, 52' via securing means
56, 56'. The securing means 56, 56' may be any suitable securing
means (e.g., screws, bolts, pins, etc.).
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1 the first cam 52 is mounted to the distal
end of the first bow limb 48 via the mounting pin 54, and the
second cam 52' is mounted to the distal end of the second bow limb
48' via the mounting pin 54'. The first and second cams 52, 52' are
mounted on the mounting pins 54, 54' for rotation about the
mounting pins 54, 54' and are further configured to receive the
bowstring 51. The bowstring 51 winds around the cams 52, 52' and
passes perpendicular to and within the interior of the elongated
through hole of the bowstring slot 40. In addition, the bowstring
51 passes through the elongated bore 22 and the rectangular bore
24. In the non-cocked position, the portion of the bowstring 51
that passes within the interior of the barrel 18 is located
proximate the barrel first end 34, and as the bowstring 51 is
cocked, the bowstring 51 moves toward the barrel second end 36, to
the portion of the transverse slot 40 adjacent the trigger cavity
31. The bowstring 51 may be manufactured from any suitable
material, i.e., fibers, liquid crystal polymers, or
ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Common bowstring
materials include Dacron, Kevlar, Vectran, Spectra, and
Dyneema.
Stock
[0039] Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the stock 20 couples to
the barrel second end 36 and terminates at a butt 58. In various
embodiments, the stock 20 may be further coupled to the pistol grip
26, fore stock grip 28, or a trigger guard 35. In various
embodiments, the stock 20 is an independent piece that the pistol
grip 26, fore stock grip 28, and trigger guard 35 are attached to,
or these various parts may be part of a one-piece construction. The
pistol grip 26 and fore stock grip 28 may be attached to the stock
by conventional means such that they are replaceable and
substitutable with similar after-market components. In various
embodiments, the stock 20 may be adjustable, but in various other
embodiments the stock 20 may have a fixed length. In particular
embodiments, the stock 20 may be collapsible, foldable, hinged, or
fixed.
[0040] In the embodiment shown, the pistol grip 26 is coupled to
the stock 20 intermediate the barrel first end 34 and the barrel
second end 36. The trigger guard 35 may be coupled at a first end
35a to the pistol grip 26 and at a second end 35b to the stock 20.
In a particular embodiment, the fore stock grip 28 may be coupled
to the barrel 18 proximate the barrel first end 34. The fore stock
grip 28 is utilized as known in the art to stabilize the bow from
large changes in inertia produced by firing. In various other
embodiments, the fore stock grip 28 may function as a quiver.
Improved Arrow
[0041] Referring to FIG. 5, an archery arrow 50, in various
embodiments, may have (1) an elongated shaft 53 having a first end
53a, an opposite second end 53b, and a first diameter D1. The arrow
has a tip 55 formed the first end 53a and one or more fletching 57
coupled to the elongated shaft 53 proximate the second end 53b. In
various embodiments, the tip 55 may be any suitable shape such as a
bodkin point, blunt shape, judo point, broadhead, field tips, or
target point. The tip 55 may be manufactured from any suitable
material such as metal or metal alloys or in other embodiments the
tip may be formed from the same material as the shaft. In
particular embodiments, the shaft second end 53b is configured to
couple to the bowstring 51.
[0042] In certain embodiments, the shaft second end 53b may couple
to the bowstring 51 by a notch 61 formed in an end of the arrow
shaft. In various embodiments, the notch 61 may be a "U" or "V"
shaped notch, within which the bowstring 51 may be positioned. In
particular embodiments, the arrow fletching 57 may positioned
intermediate the shaft first end 53a and the shaft second end 53b,
more proximate the shaft second end 53b than the shaft first end
53a. The fletching 57, in various embodiments, may be plastic,
feather, and/or a plastic polymer. The fletching 57 may further be
"high-profile", standard, or parabolic in shape, and in particular
embodiments may vary in length and height, (e.g., between 0.5-5
inches). The fletching 57 may be further configured with a variety
of turns (e.g., straight fletch, offset fletch, or helical
fletch).
[0043] In various embodiments, a first shaft portion (e.g., a first
ring) 59a is coupled to the shaft 53 proximate the shaft first end
53a, and the first ring 59a has a second diameter D2 and first
length. In particular embodiments, a second shaft portion (e.g., a
second ring) 59b is coupled to the shaft 53 proximate the shaft
second end 53b, and the second ring 59b has a third diameter D3 and
a second length. In various embodiments, the first and second rings
59a, 59b are located on the arrow shaft 53 intermediate the shaft
first and second ends 53a, 53b, respectively. Particularly, the
first ring 59a is positioned on the shaft 53 intermediate the shaft
first and second ends 53a, 53b and located proximate the shaft
first end 53a. The second ring 59b is positioned on the shaft 53
intermediate the shaft first and second ends 53a, 53b and located
proximate the shaft second end 53b.
[0044] In particular embodiments, the first ring 59a and the second
ring 59b may be coupled to the elongated shaft 53 in various means
as may be understood in the art. For example, in various
embodiments, the first ring 59a and the second ring 59b may be
secured to the elongated shaft 53 by a securing means, such as a
press-fit, an adhesive, a pin, a rivet, a screw, or friction stir
welding. In various other embodiments, the first ring 59a and
second ring 59b may be integrally formed with the elongated shaft
53. In yet other embodiments, the first ring 59a and second ring
59b may be formed from any suitable material such as, for example:
metal, ceramics, polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, a metal alloy,
a ceramic alloy, nylon, or acetyl resins. The arrow shaft 53 may be
manufactured from any suitable material, for example, carbon fiber,
reinforced plastics, polymers, wood, aluminum, or a combination of
materials.
[0045] In various embodiments, the second diameter D2 of the first
ring 59a and the third diameter D3 of the second ring 59b are
greater than the first diameter D1 of the arrow shaft 53.
[0046] In particular embodiments, the diameter D2 and D3 of the
first and second rings 59a, 59b, respectively, is 4-15 mm. In other
embodiments, the first ring diameter D2 and the second ring
diameter D3 are larger than the diameter D1 of the shaft 53. In
various embodiments, the second diameter D2 and the third diameter
D3 are equal.
[0047] In particular embodiments, the length of the first ring 59a
and the length of the second ring 59b are between approximately 2
mm and 70 mm. In various other embodiments, the length of the first
ring 59a and the length of the second ring 59b are between
approximately 10 mm and 30 mm. In yet other embodiments, the length
of the first and second rings 59a, 59b is approximately 20 mm. The
first and the second rings 59a, 59b also have an inner diameter
that is substantially the same diameter as the arrow shaft 53 and
an outer diameter that is substantially the same size as the
diameter of the circular cross-section of the elongated bore 22.
The first and second rings 59a, 59b function to minimize the
contact between the elongated arrow shaft 53 and the inner surface
of the barrel 18 (e.g., edges 45a and surfaces 45b), thereby
reducing friction. Minimizing friction aids in optimizing the
kinetic energy and muzzle velocity of the arrow upon launch and
reduces the noise generated by the contact of the arrow 50 with the
barrel 18. That is, referring to FIG. 7A, when the arrow 50 is
loaded in the crossbow 10 the first ring 59a and the second ring
59b raise the elongated shaft 53 off of the inner surface of the
crossbow barrel 18 to minimize the surface area of the shaft 53
contacting the crossbow barrel 18, thereby reducing the amount of
friction between the elongated shaft 53 and the crossbow barrel 18
when the arrow 50 is fired.
Trigger Mechanism
[0048] Referring briefly to FIGS. 7A-7D, a trigger mechanism 32, in
various embodiments, is received in the cavity 31 located proximate
to the barrel second end 34. The trigger mechanism 32 includes a
connecting rod 74 that couples the trigger mechanism with the
trigger 33. The trigger 33, in various embodiments, may be a hair
trigger, release trigger, single set trigger, double set trigger,
etc. The trigger 33 and trigger mechanism 32 function as known in
the art, to actuate the firing motion of the crossbow. In
particular embodiments, depressing the trigger 33 actuates the
connecting rod 74, which in turn actuates the trigger mechanism 32.
When the crossbow 10 is cocked, the actuation of the trigger 33
will cause the bowstring 51 to be released from the trigger
mechanism 32 to initiate firing of the arrow 50. If a safety
mechanism is engaged, the bowstring will not be released as the
trigger mechanism 32 will be inhibited from actuating.
Barrel Alternate Embodiment
[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of a crossbow
60 is illustrated that is similar to the crossbow 10 of FIGS. 1-5.
For purposes of ease of understanding and clarity, only certain
parts will be discussed to highlight the differences in the
structure and operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 as
compared to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5. The crossbow 60
includes a barrel 62 similar to the barrel 18 shown in FIGS. 1-5.
In FIG. 6, the barrel 62 defines an elongated hole 64 that extends
between the barrel first end 66 and barrel second end (not shown).
The cavity 64 comprises a generally circular elongated bore (e.g.,
a hole) 65 (represented by the dotted line) centered about a
central axis 67 that extends the length of the barrel 62, a first
generally rectangular hole 68 that is concentric with the elongated
bore 65, and a second generally rectangular hole 70 that intersects
the first generally rectangular hole 68 and that is also concentric
with the elongated bore 65 and the first generally rectangular hole
68. The walls of the first generally rectangular hole 68 are
substantially formed at a right angle with respect to the walls of
the second generally rectangular hole 70. The first and second
rectangular holes 68, 70 may be configured to receive a fletching
of an arrow, parts of a sabot slug or alternatively not be utilized
at all when a sabot slug is fired from the crossbow. The generally
rectangular holes 68, 70 form a generally cross-shaped
cross-section.
Operation of the Bow
[0050] Referring again to FIGS. 7A-7D, a cross-sectional view of
one embodiment of the crossbow 10 as it transitions from a loaded
and cocked state to the fired state is shown. With specific
reference to FIG. 7A, the elongated arrow 50 is received fully in
the circular bore 22. In the cocked or loaded position, the
bowstring 51 (not shown) is received proximate the stock 20 end of
the crossbow 10, passing through the elongated bowstring slot 40
(FIG. 4). The bowstring 51 is held in place by components of the
trigger mechanism 32, such as for example, those known in the
art.
[0051] Referring particularly to FIGS. 7B and 7C, the flight of the
arrow 50 is shown shortly after the trigger 33 is depressed. Upon
depression of the trigger 33, the trigger mechanism 32 releases the
bowstring 51 from the trigger components allowing the bowstring 51
to move through the bowstring slot 40. The bowstring 51 pushes the
arrow 50 from the barrel second end 36 toward the barrel first end
34 as the bowstring passes through the bowstring slot 40. As the
arrow 50 progresses down the length of the barrel 18, the inner
barrel walls 45a, 45b (FIG. 3B) engage the rings 59a, 59b on the
arrow shaft 53. As the arrow first end 53a leaves the barrel 18,
the first ring 59a exits the barrel (FIGS. 7B and 7C) and the arrow
second end 53b, and specifically the second ring 59b, maintains
contact with the inner walls of the barrel 18 to guide the arrow
shaft 53 down the length of the barrel 18. Thus, the second ring
59b maintains the arrow 50 on its trajectory until the second ring
59b and fletching 57 exits the barrel 18 (FIG. 7D). This
configuration is maintained to improve the stability of the arrow
50 as it is being launched down the length of the barrel 18 by the
bowstring 51 thereby reducing flexing of the arrow in either the
vertical or horizontal plane.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 8, an arrow 82 is shown shortly after
ejection from the barrel first end 34. As illustrated by the
figures and discussed herein, the rectangular bore 24 is configured
to receive fletching 84 of the arrow 82 opposite the arrow tip 86.
The second and third fletching 83, 85 are received in the first and
second slots 44, 46.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 9, a sabot slug 92 is shown shortly after
ejection from the crossbow barrel first end 34. Similar to the
arrow 82 of FIG. 8, a first end 94 of the sabot slug 92 is
configured to couple to the bowstring 51 and a first pin 96 is
received in one end of the rectangular bore 24 and a second pin 98
is received in an opposite end of the rectangular bore 24. In
various embodiments, the first end 94 is a nocked end. The sabot
may be a cup sabot, expanding cup sabot, base sabot, spindle sabot,
ring sabot, or other sabot structure. The sabot may be, for
example, cylindrical in shape, cylindrical with pins 96 and 98
respectively formed at 0 and 180 degrees to be utilized within the
rectangular bore 24, or cylindrical in shape with fletching or
other rear fins configured to be received in the rectangular bore
24 and one or both of the first and second slots 44, 46. In various
embodiments, when the sabot exits the barrel first end 34, sabot
walls may open allowing buckshot contained within the sabot body to
exit the second end 95 of the sabot slug 92.
Bowstring and Cable Alternate Embodiment
[0054] Referring generally to prior art FIGS. 10A and 10B, a
crossbow 111 having a body 150, a first limb 152 with a first cam
154, and a second limb 156 with a second cam 158 is illustrated.
The first limb 152 has a first and a second mounting pin 160, 162
for coupling the first cam 154 to the first limb 152. The second
limb 156 has a third and a fourth mounting pin 164, 166 for
coupling the second cam 158 to the second limb 156.
[0055] A first cable 168 has a first section 168a coupled to the
first mounting pin 160, a second section 168b coupled to the second
mounting pin 168, and a third section 168c that wraps around the
second cam 158 and anchors to the second cam 158. The first cable
first and second sections 168a, 168b combine at a point 168d
intermediate the body 150 and the first cam 154 to create the first
cable third section 168c. The first cable third section 168c
extends from the point 168d, traverses through a lower mounting
bracket 170 (FIG. 10B) coupled to a bottom surface of the body
150a, and then anchors to the second cam 158.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 10A, a second cable 172 has a first
section 172a coupled to the third mounting pin 164 (as shown in
FIG. 10A), a second section 172b coupled to the fourth mounting pin
166 (as shown in FIG. 10B), and a third section 172c that wraps
around the first cam 154 and anchors to the first cam 154 (as shown
in FIG. 10A). The second cable first and second sections 172a, 172b
combine at a point 172d intermediate the body 150 and the second
cam 158 to create the second cable third section 172c. The second
cable third section 172c extends from the point 172d, traverses
through the lower mounting bracket 170 (FIG. 10B) coupled to the
bottom surface of the body 150a, and then anchors to the first cam
154.
[0057] A bowstring 174 is also anchored to the first and second
cams 154, 158. When the bowstring 174 is pulled toward a second end
of the body 150b in order to cock the crossbow 111, the second cam
158 rotates counterclockwise (with reference to FIG. 10A) and the
first cam 154 rotates clockwise (with reference to FIG. 10A),
pulling the first limb and second limbs 152, 156, respectively,
towards the body 150. When the first cam 154 rotates clockwise, the
second cable third section 172c, which is wrapped clockwise around
the first cam 154 and anchored to the first cam 154, rotates
further clockwise around the first cam 154, which creates torque on
the first limb 152 to pull the first limb 152 in towards the body
150. Similarly, when the second cam 158 rotates counterclockwise,
the first cable third section 168c, which is wrapped
counterclockwise around the second cam 158 and anchored to the
second cam 158, rotates further counterclockwise around the second
cam 158, which creates torque on the second limb 156 to pull the
second limb 156 in towards the body 150. Because the first cable
168 and the second cable 172 only traverse down under the barrel
and through the lower mounting bracket 170, there is a downward
pull on the limbs 152, 156 thereby placing downward force on the
limbs as they are being pulled rearward toward.
[0058] FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a
crossbow 100 that is similar to the crossbow 10 of FIGS. 1-5, but
that seeks to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art crossbow
design shown in FIGS. 10A-10B. For purposes of ease of
understanding and clarity, only certain parts will be discussed to
highlight the differences in the structure and operation of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A-11B as compared to the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 11A, the crossbow 100 includes a barrel
102, a stock 120, and a bow assembly 130. The barrel 102 defines a
cavity 104 that extends between a first end and a second end of the
barrel 102a, 102b. The bow assembly 130 is coupled to the barrel
first end 102a via conventional means (e.g., screws, nuts, bolts,
fasteners, form fitting with adhesive, etc.). In various
embodiments, the barrel first end 102a is fitted with a cap 106
that surrounds the outer walls of the barrel 102. The bow assembly
130, according to various embodiments, may be coupled to the barrel
cap 106 with any suitable connection means (e.g., screws, bolts,
fasteners, etc.).
Flexible Limbs
[0060] The bow assembly 130 has a first and a second flexible limb
108, 110 coupled to the barrel cap 106 that extend outwardly from
the barrel cap 106. The first and second flexible limbs 108, 110
are mirror images of each other. The first flexible limb 108 has a
first and a second end 108a, 108b. In addition, the second flexible
limb 110 has a first and a second end 110a, 110b.
[0061] The first flexible limb 108 has a first upper limb portion
112 and a first lower limb portion 114. A first cam 116 is located
intermediate the first upper limb portion 112 and the first lower
limb portion 114 of the first limb second end 108a. The first cam
116 is coupled to the first upper limb portion 112 by a first
mounting pin 118 and coupled to the first lower limb portion 114 by
a second mounting pin 122. The first cam 116 is mounted for
rotation about the mounting pins 116, 118. In addition, the first
cam 116 is configured to rotatably receive a bowstring 140, which
will be discussed in more detail below.
[0062] Similar to the first flexible limb 108, the second flexible
limb 110 has a second upper limb portion 124 and a second lower
limb portion 126. A second cam 128 is located intermediate the
second upper limb portion 124 and the second lower limb portion 126
at the second limb second end 110b. The second cam 128 is coupled
to the second upper limb portion 124 by a third mounting pin 132
and coupled to the second lower limb portion 126 by a fourth
mounting pin 134. The second cam 128 is mounted for rotation about
the mounting pins 132, 134. The first cam 128 is configured to
rotatably receive the bowstring 140, as discussed below. The first,
second, third, and fourth mounting pins 118, 122, 132, 134 may be
any suitable connection means (e.g., screws, bolts, fasteners,
etc.).
First Cable
[0063] Referring to FIG. 11A, a first cable 136 has a first section
136a, a second section 136b, and a third section 136c. The first
cable first section and second sections 136a, 136b combine at a
point 136d intermediate the barrel 102 and the second cam 128 to
create the third section 136c. In various embodiments, the first
cable first and second sections 136a, 136b are wrapped together to
create the first cable third section 136c. In particular
embodiments, the first cable first, second, and third sections
136a, 136b, 136c are integrally formed with each other.
[0064] The first cable first section 136a is coupled to the first
mounting pin 118. The first cable first section 136a extends from
the first mounting pin 118 and traverses through an upper mounting
bracket 138 coupled to a top surface of the barrel 102c. The upper
mounting bracket 138 may be secured to the barrel top surface 102c
by any suitable securing means (e.g., a press-fit, an adhesive, a
pin, a rivet, a screw, or friction stir welding). In various
embodiments, the upper mounting bracket 138 may be integrally
formed with the barrel 102. In particular embodiments, the upper
mounting bracket 138 may be formed from any suitable material
(e.g., metal, ceramics, polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, a metal
alloy, a ceramic alloy, nylon, or acetyl resins). Referring to FIG.
11B, the first cable second section 136b is coupled to the second
mounting pin 122. The first cable second section 136b extends from
the second mounting pin 122 and traverses through a lower mounting
bracket 142 coupled to a bottom surface of the barrel 102d. Similar
to the upper mounting bracket 138, the lower mounting bracket 142
may be secured to the barrel bottom surface by any suitable
securing means (e.g., a press-fit, an adhesive, a pin, a rivet, a
screw, or friction stir welding).
[0065] Referring generally to FIGS. 11A-11B, when the first cable
first section 136a traverses the upper mounting bracket and the
first cable second section 136b traverses the lower mounting
bracket 142, the first cable first and second sections 136a, 136b
combine at the point 136d intermediate the barrel 102 and the
second cam 128 to form the first cable third section 136c. The
first cable third section 136c extends from the point 136d, wraps
counterclockwise (with respect to FIG. 11A) around the second cam
128, and anchors to substantially the middle of the second cam 128.
In various embodiments, the second cam 128 has a first cam portion
and a second cam portion (not shown). In particular embodiments,
the first cable third section 136c anchors to the second portion of
the second cam (not shown) and the bowstring 140 anchors to the
first portion of the second cam (not shown).
Second Cable
[0066] Referring again to FIG. 11A, a second cable 144
substantially mirrors the first cable 136. For purposes of ease of
understanding and clarity, only certain parts will be discussed to
highlight the differences in the structure of the second cable 144
as compared to the first cable 136. The second cable 144 has a
first section 144a, a second section 144b, and a third section
144c. The second cable first section and second sections 144a, 144b
combine at a point 144d intermediate the barrel 102 and the first
cam 116 to create the third section 144c. In various embodiments,
the second cable first and second sections 144a, 144b are wrapped
together to create the second cable third section 144c. In
particular embodiments, the second cable first, second, and third
sections 144a, 144b, 144c are integrally formed with each other.
The second cable first section 144a is coupled to the third
mounting pin 132. The second cable first section 144a extends from
the third mounting pin 132 and traverses through the upper mounting
bracket 138 coupled to the top surface of the barrel 102c.
Referring again to FIG. 11B, the second cable second section 144b
is coupled to the fourth mounting pin 134. The second cable second
section 144b extends from the fourth mounting pin 134 and traverses
through the lower mounting bracket 142 coupled to the bottom
surface of the barrel 102d.
[0067] Referring generally to FIGS. 11A-11B, when the second cable
first section 144a traverses the upper mounting bracket and the
second cable second section 144b traverses the lower mounting
bracket 142, the second cable first and second sections 144a, 144b
combine at the point 144d intermediate the barrel 102 and the first
cam 116 to form the second cable third section 144c. The second
cable third section 144c extends from the point 144d, wraps
clockwise (with reference to FIG. 11a) around the first cam 116,
and anchors substantially to the middle of the first cam 116. In
various embodiments, the first cam 116 has a first cam portion and
a second cam portion (not shown). In particular embodiments, the
second cable third section 144c anchors to the second portion of
the second cam (not shown) and the bowstring 140 anchors to the
first portion of the second cam (not shown).
Operation of the Crossbow
[0068] Still referring to FIG. 11A, when the bowstring 140 is
pulled toward the second end of the barrel 102b in order to cock
the crossbow 100, the second cam 128 rotates counterclockwise and
the first cam 116 rotates clockwise, pulling the first limb and
second limbs 108, 110, respectively, in towards the barrel 102.
When the first cam 116 rotates clockwise, the second cable third
section 144c, which is wrapped clockwise around the first cam 116
and anchored to the first cam 116, rotates further clockwise around
the first cam 116, which creates torque on the first limb 108 to
pull the first limb 108 in towards the barrel 102. Similarly, when
the second cam 128 rotates counterclockwise, the first cable third
section 136c, which is wrapped counterclockwise around the second
cam 128 and anchored to the second cam 128, rotates further
counterclockwise around the second cam 128, which creates torque on
the second limb 110 to pull the second limb 110 in towards the
barrel 102. Because the first cable first and second portions 136a,
136b and the second cable first and second portions 144a, 144b
traverse through both the upper mounting bracket 138 and the lower
mounting bracket 142, respectively, the downward torque exerted on
the limbs 108, 110 as described with respect to the crossbow in
prior art FIGS. 10A-10B is effectively neutralized, eliminating any
downward forces on the limbs 108, 110. Thus, the presence of the
barrel allows the various portions of the first and second cables
to be routed both above and below the barrel without interfering
with the path of the arrow or the sabot slug.
CONCLUSION
[0069] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention
pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the
foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, as
will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of
this disclosure, the invention may take form in a variety of
different mechanical and operational configurations. For example,
elements shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 may be combined with
various elements of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11A-11B to form
additional embodiments of an improved crossbow and arrow.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that the
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended exemplary concepts. Although
specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.
* * * * *