U.S. patent application number 14/668559 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-09 for lighted nock activation means and processes therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is John F. Marshall, JR.. Invention is credited to John F. Marshall, JR..
Application Number | 20170038183 14/668559 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50773777 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170038183 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Marshall, JR.; John F. |
February 9, 2017 |
Lighted Nock Activation Means and Processes Therefor
Abstract
A lighted nock assembly is disclosed for use with an archery
projectile. A portion of an insert fits within, and is shouldered
against, the tail end of the projectile shaft. The insert includes
a recess terminating in a floor portion, and a face to bear against
the nock shoulder. An LED/battery assembly fits within the recess
of the insert abutting the floor portion. A nock fits over the
LED/battery assembly and into the recess of the insert.
Ready-to-fire, the LED/battery assembly comprises an activation gap
between the LED lamp and the body of the battery assembly. A gap,
greater than or equal to the activation gap, is left between the
shoulder of the nock and the face of the insert. When fired, the
bow string drives an internal surface of the nock into the front
end of the LED/battery assembly and illuminates the LED lamp.
Inventors: |
Marshall, JR.; John F.;
(Destin, FL) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Marshall, JR.; John F. |
Destin |
FL |
US |
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Prior
Publication: |
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Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160010961 A1 |
January 14, 2016 |
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Family ID: |
50773777 |
Appl. No.: |
14/668559 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14090331 |
Nov 26, 2013 |
9279648 |
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14668559 |
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61749262 |
Jan 5, 2013 |
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61749050 |
Jan 4, 2013 |
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61729901 |
Nov 26, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 6/06 20130101; F42B
12/382 20130101; F42B 12/362 20130101; F42B 12/36 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F42B 6/06 20060101
F42B006/06 |
Claims
1. A lighted nock assembly for use with an arrow or bolt, the
lighted nock assembly comprising: an insert, an LED and battery
assembly, and a nock.
2. The lighted nock assembly of claim 1 wherein said insert
comprises a recess, a floor, and a shoulder.
3. The lighted nock assembly of claim 2 wherein said insert further
comprises a face.
4. The lighted nock assembly of claim 3 wherein said shoulder of
said insert is configured to abut a tail end of the arrow or
bolt.
5. The lighted nock assembly of claim 4 wherein said nock comprises
a shoulder configured to abut said face of said insert.
6. The lighted nock assembly of claim 1 wherein said nock comprises
an internal recess terminating in an internal surface, said
internal surface for contacting the LED portion of said LED and
battery assembly.
7. The lighted nock assembly of claim 1 wherein at least a portion
of said nock is configured to fit in frictional engagement within a
recess of said insert.
8. The lighted nock assembly of claim 1 wherein said LED and
battery assembly may be configured to comprise an activation
gap.
9. The lighted nock assembly of claim 8 in a ready-to-fire
configuration comprising a firing gap between a shoulder of said
nock and a face of said insert, the firing gap being greater than
or equal to said activation gap of said LED and battery
assembly.
10. A projectile for archery comprising: a tubular shaft; an insert
partially disposed within a tail end of said tubular shaft, an LED
and battery assembly disposed within a recess in said insert, and a
nock disposed within said recess in said insert, said nock
encompassing said LED and battery assembly within a recess formed
within said nock.
11. The projectile of claim 10 wherein said insert further
comprises a floor and a shoulder.
12. The projectile of claim 11 wherein said insert further
comprises a face.
13. The projectile of claim 12 wherein said shoulder of said insert
is configured to abut a tail end of said tubular shaft.
14. The projectile of claim 12 wherein said nock further comprises
a shoulder configured to abut said face of said insert, and an
internal surface within said recess of said nock, said internal
surface for contacting the LED portion of said LED and battery
assembly.
15. The projectile of claim 10 wherein at least a portion of said
nock is configured to fit in frictional engagement within said
recess of said insert.
16. The projectile of claim 10 wherein said LED and battery
assembly may be configured to comprise an activation gap.
17. The projectile of claim 16 in a ready-to-fire configuration
comprising a firing gap between a shoulder of said nock and a face
of said insert, the firing gap being greater than or equal to said
activation gap of said LED and battery assembly.
18. A process for using a lighted nock assembly in association with
an arrow, the process comprising the steps of: (a.) inserting a
portion of a shouldered insert into the tail end of a tubular arrow
shaft; (b.) inserting a deactivated LED and battery assembly into a
recess within the insert, the tail end of the LED and battery
assembly abutting a floor portion of the insert; (c.) inserting a
nock over the LED and battery assembly and into the recess within
the insert; (d.) establishing a firing gap between a shoulder of
the nock and a face of the insert, the firing gap being greater
than or equal to an activation gap of the LED and battery
assembly.
19. The process of claim 18 further comprising step (e.): nocking
the arrow onto a bowstring.
20. The process of claim 19 further comprising step (f.): drawing
and releasing the bowstring, driving the nock into the LED and
battery assembly; thereby, closing the firing gap and the
activation gap, and illuminating an LED lamp associated with the
LED and battery assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present United States non-provisional patent application
claims priority to, and full benefit of, each of the following:
U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/729,901, filed Nov.
26, 2012, and entitled, "Universal Lighted Nock And Processes
Therefor;" U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/749,050,
filed Jan. 4, 2013, and entitled, "Vane For Bolts, Arrows, And The
Like;" and U. S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
61/749,262, filed Jan. 5, 2013, and entitled, "Lighted Nock
Activation Means And Processes Therefor;" the disclosures of each
being incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates, generally, to nocks for use
with arrows, cross-bow bolts, and the like; and, more particularly,
to lighted nocks and activations means for use therewith.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In archery, it is well-known that a nock is associated with
the rearmost portion of an arrow, cross-bow bolt, and the like. A
bowstring fits into the nock and propels the arrow from the bow
upon release. With the advent of translucent plastic nocks, along
with the advent of small-profile light emitting diode ("LED") and
battery assemblies, it was recognized that the tail portion of an
arrow could be lighted by fitting an LED/battery assembly within
the translucent nock. It was recognized, advantageously, that such
a lighted nock could provide a means to track arrow flight and
targeting, such as may be useful at night, in low light conditions,
or in poor visibility situations.
[0004] Notwithstanding, reliable, consistent, and convenient
activation of such small-profile LED and battery assemblies has
proven challenging to manufacturers. This problem was described in
greater detail in Applicant's U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/729,901, filed on Nov. 26, 2012, entitled, "Universal
Lighted Nock and Processes Therefor," and U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/749,050, filed Jan. 4, 2013, and entitled,
"Vane For Bolts, Arrows, And The Like," the disclosures of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
[0005] As described therein, U. S. Pat. No. 4,340,930, issued Jul.
20, 1982 to Carissimi, and U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S.
2012/0100942 by Minica, published Apr. 26, 2012, provide examples
of such products. Disadvantageously, such products typically are
formed in integral units, wherein a user cannot substitute a nock
or an LED/battery assembly of his own choosing. Rather, a user is
captive to a particular manufacturer's device construction, nock
and LED color selections, and product availability. Additionally,
due to the sealed and/or closed nature of such devices, switching
off the LED/battery assembly after activation can sometimes be
difficult and can tax one's dexterity--especially in field-use
conditions.
[0006] Accordingly, in Applicant's above-referenced patent
document, Applicant further disclosed embodiments of lighted nock
subject matter that solve the aforedescribed activation problem for
many projectile configurations. Advantageously, Applicant's
disclosed subject matter provides a more universal construction,
whereby a user conveniently may gain access to the working
components, whereby those components may be transferred to other
arrows, whereby the user may substitute nocks and LED/battery
assemblies of his choice, and whereby the user can more easily
access the LED/battery assembly to activate and deactivate the
assembly without undue difficulty--all in field-use conditions.
[0007] It would be further desirable, however, to provide a lighted
nock assembly that would provide for use of a standardized nock and
for use of a standardized size, length, style, and/or configuration
of small-profile LED and battery assembly within any of the several
standardized arrow and cross-bow bolt sizes available in the
marketplace. In order to do so, it would be beneficial to provide
an insert for use within a conventional arrow or bolt shaft, the
insert being appropriately sized on one end to accommodate and
provide for use of such a standardized nock and standardized
small-profile LED and battery assembly, while being appropriately
sized on an opposite end to fit within, and be affixed into, a
particular sized conventional arrow or bolt shaft.
[0008] It is to the disclosure of such lighted nock assemblies and
related processes of use that the following is directed.
SUMMARY
[0009] In general, the present disclosure is directed to lighted
nooks for use with arrows, cross-bow bolts, and the like.
Specifically, and pursuant to a preferred embodiment of the present
disclosure, an insert is provided for use within a conventional
arrow or bolt shaft, the insert being appropriately sized on one
end to receive, accommodate, and provide for use of such a
standardized nock and standardized small-profile LED and battery
assembly, while being appropriately sized on an opposite end to fit
within, and be affixed into, a conventional arrow or bolt
shaft.
[0010] Accordingly, an insert pursuant to the present subject
matter comprises, at its leading end, an extended portion with
diameter sized to fit within the tail end of a standard tubular
arrow or bolt shaft, and a shoulder to bear against the tail end of
the tubular arrow or bolt shaft. At its trailing end, the insert
comprises a cavity to receive a standardized nock and standardized
small-profile LED and battery assembly, and a face to bear against
the shoulder of the nock.
[0011] The insert cavity terminates at a floor. A small-profile LED
and battery assembly fits within the cavity of the insert, the tail
end of the small-profile LED and battery assembly abutting the
floor portion of the insert cavity. The floor may be integral and
solid, or may be a partial floor (e.g., comprising a hole or other
structure), so long as such partial floor does not allow the tail
end of the small-profile LED and battery assembly to pass
therethrough. The tail end of a nock fits over the small-profile
LED and battery assembly and into the cavity of the insert.
[0012] In ready-to-fire position, the small-profile LED and battery
assembly is in deactivated position, comprising an activation gap
between the LED lamp and the body of the battery assembly. A
corresponding gap, greater than or equal to the activation gap, is
left between the shoulder of the nock and the face of the
insert.
[0013] When fired, the bow string drives an internal surface of the
nock into the front end of the small-profile LED and battery
assembly. Because the tail end of the small-profile LED and battery
assembly is in contact with the floor portion of the insert cavity,
the driving force of the nock acts to close the activation gap;
thereby, illuminating the LED lamp.
[0014] To reset the assembly for firing anew, one simply removes
the nock and resets the small-profile LED and battery assembly to
its deactivated position, which is done by pulling the LED lamp to
reopen the activation gap. One then places the small-profile LED
and battery assembly and nock into their ready-to-fire position
within the cavity of the insert, leaving a gap as described
above.
[0015] Accordingly, and advantageously, the subject matter of the
present disclosure provides a user with a lighted nock
configuration that provides a more universal construction than has
heretofore been developed in the known prior art, whereby a user
conveniently may gain access to the working components, whereby
certain of those components may be transferred to other arrows,
whereby the user may make use of a standardized nock and
standardized small-profile LED and battery assembly, and whereby
the user can more easily access the small-profile LED and battery
assembly to activate and deactivate the assembly without undue
difficulty--all in field-use conditions.
[0016] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments of lighted nock assemblies for use with arrows,
crossbow bolts, and the like, and related processes for use
thereof, as set forth within the present disclosure, will become
more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading
the following Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments and
the Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Accordingly, the within disclosure will be best understood
through consideration of, and with reference to, the following
drawing figures, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed
Description of Illustrative Embodiments referring thereto, in which
like reference numbers throughout the various Figures designate
like structure, and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the subject matter of the
present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates the device of FIG. 1 in assembled,
ready-to-fire position;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates the device of FIG. 2 in assembled,
just-fired position;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process for using a
lighted nock according to the subject matter of the present
disclosure; and
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process for resetting
and reusing a lighted nock according to the subject matter of the
present disclosure.
[0023] It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended
solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are,
therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the invention to
any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except
insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] In describing the several embodiments illustrated in the
Figures, 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 a similar purpose.
Additionally, in the Figures, like reference numerals shall be used
to designate corresponding parts throughout the several
Figures.
[0025] Illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 is a preferred embodiment of
lighted nock assembly 10 for use with arrows, cross-bow bolts, and
the like, according to the subject matter of the present
disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1, conventional, tubular arrow
or bolt shaft 20 comprises tail end 30. To arrow shaft 20 are
typically attached three fletch members 40, the fletch members used
to stabilize the arrow during flight.
[0026] In order to prepare an arrow to receive lighted nock
assembly 10 of the present disclosure, one removes any prefitted
nock from tail end 30 of arrow or bolt shaft 20. In lieu thereof,
and as will be further described herein, a leading end portion of
insert 50 is configured to fit within trailing end 30 of tubular
arrow or bolt shaft 20.
[0027] It is here noted that insert 50 is sometimes referred to as
a "half-out" design; however, that term is herein used differently
from the ordinary meaning of said term in the art. In the art, a
"half-out" design refers to an arrow insert utilized adjacent the
leading end of an arrow to carry, for example, a broadhead-type
point. In the present subject matter, however, the term, "half
out," designates an insert utilized adjacent the trailing end of an
arrow to carry and function in association with, for example,
lighted nock assembly 10 of the present subject matter. The term,
"half-out, " accordingly describes the appearance of insert 50,
approximately 1/2 of which is configured to be disposed within the
arrow shaft, and approximately 1/4 of which is configured to be
disposed outside of the arrow shaft, all as described more fully
herein. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art, however, that the relative lengths of that portion of insert
50 which is configured to be disposed within the arrow shaft and
that portion of insert 50 which is configured to be disposed
outside the arrow shaft may vary in design and construction
consistent with the intended use and application of insert 50.
[0028] As described above, insert 50 comprises leading end 55,
configured to fit within trailing end 30 of tubular arrow or bolt
shaft 20. In a preferred embodiment, approximately mid-way between
leading end 55 and trailing end 60, insert 50 comprises shoulder
70. Shoulder 79 is configured to bear against tail end 30 of
tubular arrow or bolt shaft 20. At trailing end 60, face 80 of
insert 50 is configured to bear against shoulder 90 of nock
100.
[0029] It is noted that, in some embodiments, insert 50 is
constructed of aluminum; however, any material may be used that
would be suitable to the intended applications and uses described
herein. It is noted that, for a secure fit, a user optionally may
bond insert 50 into tail end 30 of tubular arrow or bolt shaft 20
by use of any suitable adhesive. In some embodiments, leading end
55 of insert 50 may be knurled, ridged, grooved, undercut, split,
colletted, and/or otherwise configured so as to provide a suitable
surface for application and use of such adhesive, and/or so as to
provide a suitable fit of leading end 55 of insert 50 within tail
end 30 of tubular arrow or bolt shaft 20.
[0030] Insert 50 further comprises recess 110 (sometimes called
cavity 110) therewithin, terminating in floor portion 120. Outside
profile 130 of insert 50 may be suitably configured, such as
through a tapered outside diameter, a uniform outside diameter, a
stepped outside diameter, a concave, convex, or complex--shaped, or
other form of outside diameter, without limitation, so as to
provide an aesthetically pleasing, tactilely pleasing, aerodynamic,
and/or otherwise appropriately interconnecting surface between nock
100 and an outside diameter of tubular arrow or bolt shaft 20.
[0031] Small-profile LED and battery assembly 140 fits within
cavity 110 of insert 50, tail end 150 of small-profile LED and
battery assembly 140 abutting floor portion 120 of insert 50. It is
noted that floor portion 120 of insert 50 may be integral and
solid, or may be a partial floor (e.g., comprising a hole, boss,
recess, stop means, pin, or other structure), so long as such
partial floor does not allow tail end 150 of small-profile LED and
battery assembly 140 to pass therethrough.
[0032] In most circumstances, it is preferred that small-profile
LED and battery assembly 140 initially be in open, deactivated
configuration, so that the user's night vision is not interrupted
by the brightly illuminated LED lamp 160, and so that a user's
field position remains concealed prior to firing.
[0033] In ready-to-fire position, best seen with reference to FIG.
2, tail end 170 of nock 100 fits over small-profile LED and battery
assembly 140 and into recess 110 of insert 50. As described above,
small-profile LED and battery assembly 140 preferably remains in
deactivated position, comprising activation gap G.sub.A between the
LED lamp 160 and body 180 of small-profile LED and battery assembly
140. A corresponding firing gap G.sub.F, greater than or equal to
activation gap G.sub.A, is left between shoulder 90 of nock 100 and
face 80 of insert 50.
[0034] Best seen with reference to FIG. 3, when the arrow or bolt,
so configured, is fired, bow string S drives internal surface 190
of nock 100 into the head end of small-profile LED and battery
assembly 140 adjacent LED lamp 160. Because tail end 150 of
small-profile LED and battery assembly 140 is in contact with floor
portion 120 of insert 50, the driving force of nock 100 acts to
close firing gap G.sub.F, and, in turn, activation gap G.sub.A;
thereby, illuminating LED lamp 160.
[0035] To reset lighted nock assembly 10 for firing anew, one
simply removes nock 100 and resets small-profile LED and battery
assembly 140 to its deactivated position, which typically is done
by pulling LED lamp 160 to reopen activation gap G.sub.A. One then
places small-profile LED and battery assembly 140 and nock 100 into
their ready-to-fire position within insert 50, leaving firing gap
G.sub.F as described above.
[0036] It is noted that, in some embodiments, small-profile LED and
battery assembly 140 may comprise an LED with built-in, pin type
lithium battery, such as the JNJ R-type assembly (JNJ Co., LTd.,
Korea). Suitably configured; however, lighted nock assembly 10 may
be used in association with any of .a variety of small-profile LED
and battery assemblies currently on the market.
[0037] Turning now to FIG. 4, the above-described steps for
configuring and firing an arrow carrying a lighted nook assembly in
accordance with the present disclosure are outlined in process
flowchart form. At step 400, one inserts a shouldered insert, such
as, for example, insert 50, into the tail end of a tubular arrow or
bolt shaft. At step 410, one inserts a deactivated small-profile
LED and battery assembly, such as, for example, small-profile LED
and battery assembly 140, into a recess within the insert. Tail end
of the small-profile LED and battery assembly should abut a floor
portion within the insert.
[0038] At step 420, a nock, such as, for example, nock 100, is
inserted over the deactivated small-profile LED and battery
assembly and into the recess of the insert. A firing gap greater
than or equal to the activation gap of the small-profile LED and
battery assembly should be maintained.
[0039] At step 430, the arrow or bolt, configured as described
above, is nocked onto the bowstring. At step 440, the bowstring is
drawn and released, driving the nock into the small-profile LED and
battery assembly; thereby, closing the firing gap and the
activation gap, and illuminating the LED lamp.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 5, the above-described steps for
resetting and readying for refiring an arrow or bolt carrying a
lighted nock in accordance with the present disclosure are outlined
in process flowchart form. At step 500, the nock is removed. At
step 510, the small-profile LED and battery assembly is reset to a
deactivated condition by opening the activation gap. At this point,
one may ready the lighted nock for refiring by returning to the
process of FIG. 4, step 410.
[0041] In view of the aforedescribed subject matter, it will be
seen that, advantageously, and distinctly in view of known prior
art lighted nock assemblies, insert 50 may be used within a
conventional arrow or bolt shaft, insert 50 being appropriately
sized on one end to receive, accommodate, and provide for use of a
standardized nock and standardized small-profile LED and battery
assembly, while being appropriately sized on an opposite end to fit
within, and be affixed into, a conventional arrow or bolt
shaft.
[0042] Further advantageously, the subject matter of the present
disclosure provides a user with a lighted nock assembly
configuration that provides a more universal construction than has
heretofore been developed in the known prior art, whereby a user
conveniently may gain access to the working components, whereby
certain of those components may be transferred to other arrows,
whereby the user may make use of a standardized nock and
standardized small-profile LED and battery assembly, and whereby
the user can more easily access the small-profile LED and battery
assembly to activate and deactivate the assembly without undue
difficulty--all under field-use conditions.
[0043] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the subject
matter of the present disclosure, it is noted that the within
disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives,
adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope and
spirit of the present invention. For example, while the disclosure
set forth hereinabove has been provided with primary reference to
conventional arrows, the subject matter could be extended to use in
association with bolts for use in association with cross-bows, or
the like, without limitation.
[0044] Furthermore, the subject matter of the present disclosure
may be utilized in association with target practice, situational
shooting, and/or the like, as well as with hunting and other
in-field uses.
[0045] In some embodiments, the subject matter of the present
disclosure may be provided in packaged form comprising one or more
suitably configured nock, small-profile LED and battery assembly,
and insert. In such form, a user may utilize his own arrow or bolt
in association with the subject matter of the present
disclosure
[0046] In some embodiments, the subject matter of the present
disclosure may be provided in packaged form comprising one or more,
optionally pre-fletched, arrow or bolt, along with one or more
suitably configured nock, small-profile LED and battery assembly,
and insert.
[0047] Accordingly, the present subject matter is not limited to
the specific embodiments as illustrated herein, but is only limited
by the following claims.
* * * * *