U.S. patent application number 16/213659 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-11 for projectile launcher with inward rotating arms.
The applicant listed for this patent is Adam Cuthbert Beran Pauluhn. Invention is credited to Mark A. Beran, Adam Cuthbert Pauluhn.
Application Number | 20200182582 16/213659 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70972467 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200182582 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pauluhn; Adam Cuthbert ; et
al. |
June 11, 2020 |
PROJECTILE LAUNCHER WITH INWARD ROTATING ARMS
Abstract
A projectile launcher with a stationary element extending
outwardly from a body and a pivotal element attached so as to
extend forward, the pivotal element having a cocked position
directed toward the body and a released position directed in the
forward direction and a second stationary element and pivotal
element similarly mounted but extending outwardly from the body in
an opposite direction. A bowstring extending between the two
pivotal elements and movable between a cocked and a released
position. A latch movable between a closed position, retaining the
bowstring in the cocked position, and an open position, releasing
the bowstring. A tubular torsion bar coupled to the pivotal
elements and movable between energy storage and releasing
configurations. A delivery system coupling the torsion bar to the
pivotal elements and transferring energy to and from the torsion
bar when the bowstring is moved between the cocked and released
positions.
Inventors: |
Pauluhn; Adam Cuthbert;
(Niwot, CO) ; Beran; Mark A.; (Niwot, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pauluhn; Adam Cuthbert
Beran; Mark A. |
Niwot
Niwot |
CO
CO |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
70972467 |
Appl. No.: |
16/213659 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 5/123 20130101;
F41B 5/12 20130101; F41B 5/0094 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41B 5/12 20060101
F41B005/12 |
Claims
1. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms comprising: a
body having a rearward end, and a forward end, with a forward end
direction being directed general toward the forward end; a first
rigid arm having a first rigid stationary element extending
outwardly from the body defining a first outer end area and a first
rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the first outer end
area of the first rigid stationary element so as to extend in the
forward end direction and defining a first distal end, the first
rigid pivotal element being pivotable between a cocked position
directed generally toward the body and a released position directed
generally in the forward direction; a second rigid arm having a
second rigid stationary element extending outwardly from the body
in a direction opposite the first rigid stationary element defining
a second outer end area and a second rigid pivotal element
pivotally attached to the second outer end area of the second rigid
stationary element so as to extend in the forward end direction and
defining a second distal end, the second rigid pivotal element
being pivotable between a cocked position directed generally toward
the body and a released position directed generally in the forward
direction; a bowstring extending between the distal ends of the
first and second rigid pivotal arm elements and movable between a
cocked position and a released position, movement of the bowstring
from the released position to the cocked position rotates or pivots
the first rigid pivotal element and the second rigid pivotal
element from the released position to the cocked position; a latch
mechanism movable between a closed position, retaining the
bowstring in the cocked position, and an open position, releasing
the bowstring to allow movement to the released position; at least
one tubular torsion bar coupled to the pair of rigid arms, the at
least one tubular torsion bar movable between a mechanical energy
storage configuration and a mechanical energy releasing
configuration; and a mechanical energy delivery system coupling the
at least one tubular torsion bar to the first and second rigid
pivotal elements, the mechanical energy delivery system
transferring mechanical energy in the form of rotary movement of
the first and second rigid pivotal elements to the at least one
tubular torsion bar when the bowstring is moved from the released
position to the cocked position, and transferring mechanical energy
from the at least one tubular torsion bar to the first and second
rigid pivotal elements to move the first and second rigid pivotal
elements from the cocked position to the released position and the
bowstring from the cocked position to the released position; and
wherein the at least one tubular torsion bar includes an inner tube
and an axially aligned outer tube and the mechanical energy
delivery system includes a free end of the inner tube terminated
with a first coaxially mounted pulley and a free end of the outer
tube terminated with a second coaxially mounted pulley, the first
and second coaxially mounted pulleys forming a portion of the
mechanical energy delivery system.
2. (canceled)
3. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms as claimed in
claim 1 wherein the mechanical energy delivery system further
includes a first pulley arrangement mounted at the first outer end
area of the first rigid stationary element for rotation with
rotation of the first rigid pivotal element and a second pulley
arrangement mounted at the second outer end area of the second
rigid stationary element for rotation with rotation of the second
rigid pivotal element.
4. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms as claimed in
claim 3 wherein the mechanical energy delivery system further
includes one or more strings wound at least partially around the
first coaxially mounted pulley, the first pulley arrangement
mounted at the first outer end area, the second pulley arrangement
mounted at the second outer end area, and the second coaxially
mounted pulley.
5. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms as claimed in
claim 3 wherein the first rigid pivotal element is pivotally
attached to the first rigid stationary element by a first axle and
the first pulley arrangement includes a first pair of spaced apart
pulleys attached to the first axle for rotation therewith and the
second rigid pivotal element is pivotally attached to the second
rigid stationary element by a second axle and the second pulley
arrangement includes a second pair of spaced apart pulleys attached
to the second axle for rotation therewith.
6. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms comprising: a
body having a rearward end, and a forward end, with a forward end
direction being directed general toward the forward end; a first
rigid arm having a first rigid stationary element extending
outwardly from the body defining a first outer end area and a first
rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the first outer end
area of the first rigid stationary element so as to extend in the
forward end direction and defining a first distal end, the first
rigid pivotal element being pivotable between a cocked position
directed generally toward the body and a released position directed
generally in the forward direction; a second rigid arm having a
second rigid stationary element extending outwardly from the body
in a direction opposite the first rigid stationary element defining
a second outer end area and a second rigid pivotal element
pivotally attached to the second outer end area of the second rigid
stationary element so as to extend in the forward end direction and
defining a second distal end, the second rigid pivotal element
being pivotable between a cocked position directed generally toward
the body and a released position directed generally in the forward
direction; a bowstring extending between the distal ends of the
first and second rigid pivotal arm elements and movable between a
cocked position and a released position, movement of the bowstring
from the released position to the cocked position rotates or pivots
the first rigid pivotal element and the second rigid pivotal
element from the released position to the cocked position; a latch
mechanism movable between a closed position, retaining the
bowstring in the cocked position, and an open position, releasing
the bowstring to allow movement to the released position; at least
one tubular torsion bar coupled to the pair of rigid arms, the at
least one tubular torsion bar movable between a mechanical energy
storage configuration and a mechanical energy releasing
configuration; a mechanical energy delivery system coupling the at
least one tubular torsion bar to the first and second rigid pivotal
elements, the mechanical energy delivery system transferring
mechanical energy in the form of rotary movement of the first and
second rigid pivotal elements to the at least one tubular torsion
bar when the bowstring is moved from the released position to the
cocked position, and transferring mechanical energy from the at
least one tubular torsion bar to the first and second rigid pivotal
elements to move the first and second rigid pivotal elements from
the cocked position to the released position and the bowstring from
the cocked position to the released position; and wherein the at
least one tubular torsion bar includes two tubular torsion bars
each having an inner tube and an axially aligned outer tube and the
mechanical energy delivery system includes a free end of one of the
inner tube and the outer tube of each of the two tubular torsion
bars terminated with coaxially mounted pulleys.
7. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms as claimed in
claim 1 wherein the first and second rigid stationary elements are
formed as a single unit.
8. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms comprising: a
body having a rearward end, and a forward end, with a forward end
direction being directed general toward the forward end; a first
rigid arm having a first rigid stationary element extending
outwardly from the body defining a first outer end area and a first
rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the first outer end
area of the first rigid stationary element so as to extend in the
forward end direction and defining a first distal end, the first
rigid pivotal element being pivotable between a cocked position
directed generally toward the body and a released position directed
generally in the forward direction; a second rigid arm having a
second rigid stationary element extending outwardly from the body
in a direction opposite the first rigid stationary element defining
a second outer end area and a second rigid pivotal element
pivotally attached to the second outer end area of the second rigid
stationary element so as to extend in the forward end direction and
defining a second distal end, the second rigid pivotal element
being pivotable between a cocked position directed generally toward
the body and a released position directed generally in the forward
direction; a bowstring extending between the distal ends of the
first and second rigid pivotal arm elements and movable between a
cocked position and a released position, movement of the bowstring
from the released position to the cocked position rotates or pivots
the first rigid pivotal element and the second rigid pivotal
element from the released position to the cocked position; a latch
mechanism movable between a closed position, retaining the
bowstring in the cocked position, and an open position, releasing
the bowstring to allow movement to the released position; a
mechanical energy delivery system including a tubular torsion bar
including an inner tube and an axially aligned outer tube, a free
end of the inner tube terminated with a first coaxially mounted
pulley and a free end of the outer tube terminated with a second
coaxially mounted pulley, the tubular torsion bar movable between a
mechanical energy storage configuration and a mechanical energy
releasing configuration; and the mechanical energy delivery system
further including a first pulley arrangement mounted at the first
outer end area of the first rigid stationary element for rotation
with rotation of the first rigid pivotal element and a second
pulley arrangement mounted at the second outer end area of the
second rigid stationary element for rotation with rotation of the
second rigid pivotal element, and one or more strings wound at
least partially around the first coaxially mounted pulley, the
first pulley arrangement mounted at the first outer end area, the
second pulley arrangement mounted at the second outer end area, and
the second coaxially mounted pulley for opposite rotation of the
first and second coaxially mounted pulleys; the mechanical energy
delivery system transferring mechanical energy in the form of
rotary movement of the first and second rigid pivotal elements to
opposite rotation of the first and second coaxially mounted pulleys
when the bowstring is moved from the released position to the
cocked position, and transferring mechanical energy from the
tubular torsion bar to the first and second rigid pivotal elements
to move the first and second rigid pivotal elements from the cocked
position to the released position and the bowstring from the cocked
position to the released position.
9. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms as claimed in
claim 8 wherein the first and second rigid stationary elements are
formed as a single unit.
10. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms as claimed in
claim 8 wherein the first rigid pivotal element is pivotally
attached to the first rigid stationary element by a first axle and
the first pulley arrangement includes a first pair of spaced apart
pulleys attached to the first axle for rotation therewith and the
second rigid pivotal element is pivotally attached to the second
rigid stationary element by a second axle and the second pulley
arrangement includes a second pair of spaced apart pulleys attached
to the second axle for rotation therewith.
11. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms comprising: a
body having a rearward end, and a forward end, with a forward end
direction being directed general toward the forward end; a first
rigid arm having a first rigid stationary element extending
outwardly from the body defining a first outer end area and a first
rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the first outer end
area of the first rigid stationary element so as to extend in the
forward end direction and defining a first distal end, the first
rigid pivotal element being pivotable between a cocked position
directed generally toward the body and a released position directed
generally in the forward direction; a second rigid arm having a
second rigid stationary element extending outwardly from the body
in a direction opposite the first rigid stationary element defining
a second outer end area and a second rigid pivotal element
pivotally attached to the second outer end area of the second rigid
stationary element so as to extend in the forward end direction and
defining a second distal end, the second rigid pivotal element
being pivotable between a cocked position directed generally toward
the body and a released position directed generally in the forward
direction; a bowstring extending between the distal ends of the
first and second rigid pivotal arm elements and movable between a
cocked position and a released position, movement of the bowstring
from the released position to the cocked position rotates or pivots
the first rigid pivotal element and the second rigid pivotal
element from the released position to the cocked position; a latch
mechanism movable between a closed position, retaining the
bowstring in the cocked position, and an open position, releasing
the bowstring to allow movement to the released position; a
mechanical energy delivery system including a plurality of tubular
torsion bars each including an inner tube and an axially aligned
outer tube, each of the plurality of tubular torsion bars including
a free end of one of the inner and outer tubes terminated with a
coaxially mounted pulley, each of the plurality of tubular torsion
bars movable between a mechanical energy storage configuration and
a mechanical energy releasing configuration; and the mechanical
energy delivery system further including a first pulley arrangement
mounted at the first outer end area of the first rigid stationary
element for rotation with rotation of the first rigid pivotal
element and a second pulley arrangement mounted at the second outer
end area of the second rigid stationary element for rotation with
rotation of the second rigid pivotal element, and one or more
strings wound at least partially around the coaxially mounted
pulleys, the first pulley arrangement mounted at the first outer
end area, and the second pulley arrangement mounted at the second
outer end area; the mechanical energy delivery system transferring
mechanical energy in the form of rotary movement of the first and
second rigid pivotal elements to rotation of the coaxially mounted
pulleys when the bowstring is moved from the released position to
the cocked position, and transferring mechanical energy from the
plurality of tubular torsion bars to the first and second rigid
pivotal elements to move the first and second rigid pivotal
elements from the cocked position to the released position and the
bowstring from the cocked position to the released position.
12. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms as claimed in
claim 11 wherein the first and second rigid stationary elements are
formed as a single unit.
13. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms as claimed in
claim 11 wherein the first rigid pivotal element is pivotally
attached to the first rigid stationary element by a first axle and
the first pulley arrangement includes a first pair of spaced apart
pulleys attached to the first axle for rotation therewith and the
second rigid pivotal element is pivotally attached to the second
rigid stationary element by a second axle and the second pulley
arrangement includes a second pair of spaced apart pulleys attached
to the second axle for rotation therewith.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/570,608, filed 10 Oct. 2017.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to mechanisms for launching
projectiles and more specifically to projectile mechanisms with
inward rotating arms to generate larger stored mechanical
energy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As explained in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 9,310,156, entitled
"Projectile Launcher", issued Apr. 12, 2016, in the field of
projectile launchers, there are three main categories, chemical
energy devices (i.e. firearms), compressed air devices (i.e. air
guns), and mechanical energy devices, (i.e. crossbows). Each have
particular strengths and weaknesses. Mechanical energy devices,
specifically crossbows, can provide great power with a large
projectile. They are quiet to use with no flash, and are cost
effective since the mechanical energy device can typically be
reset. In traditional crossbows, the energy used to launch the
projectile is stored in the flexing of the bow arms. The projectile
launcher in the above cited patent incorporates one or more tubular
torsion bars in which energy is stored by stressing components of
the tubular torsion bars through rotation of bow arms and a pulley
system. In this system, the amount of energy that can be stored in
the tubular torsion bar or bars is determined by the amount of
rotation of the pulleys which is determined by the movement
(rotation) of the bow arms. Generally, the bow arms are limited to
a pivotal or rotary movement of less than ninety degrees.
[0004] It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the
foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a new and
improved projectile launcher with inward rotating arms to produce
greater power than the prior art.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a new
and improved projectile launcher with inward rotating arms to
produce increased energy storage capabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Briefly, to achieve the desired objects and advantages of
the instant invention provided is a projectile launcher with inward
rotating arms. The projectile launcher includes a body having a
rearward end, and a forward end, with a forward end direction being
directed general toward the forward end. The launcher further
includes a first rigid arm having a first rigid stationary element
extending outwardly from the body defining a first outer end area
and a first rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the first
outer end area of the first rigid stationary element so as to
extend in the forward end direction and defining a first distal
end. The first rigid pivotal element is pivotable between a cocked
position directed generally toward the body and a released position
directed generally in the forward direction. A second rigid arm has
a second rigid stationary element extending outwardly from the body
in a direction opposite the first rigid stationary element defining
a second outer end area and a second rigid pivotal element
pivotally attached to the second outer end area of the second rigid
stationary element so as to extend in the forward end direction and
defining a second distal end. The second rigid pivotal element is
pivotable between a cocked position directed generally toward the
body and a released position directed generally in the forward
direction. The launcher further includes a bowstring extending
between the distal ends of the first and second rigid pivotal arm
elements and movable between a cocked position and a released
position, movement of the bowstring from the released position to
the cocked position rotates or pivots the first rigid pivotal
element and the second rigid pivotal element from the released
position to the cocked position. A latch mechanism is movable
between a closed position, retaining the bowstring in the cocked
position, and an open position, releasing the bowstring to allow
movement to the released position. At least one tubular torsion bar
is coupled to the pair of rigid arms, the at least one tubular
torsion bar is movable between a mechanical energy storage
configuration and a mechanical energy releasing configuration. A
mechanical energy delivery system couples the at least one tubular
torsion bar to the first and second rigid pivotal elements. The
mechanical energy delivery system transfers mechanical energy in
the form of rotary movement of the first and second rigid pivotal
elements to the at least one tubular torsion bar when the bowstring
is moved from the released position to the cocked position, and
transfers mechanical energy from the at least one tubular torsion
bar to the first and second rigid pivotal elements to move the
first and second rigid pivotal elements from the cocked position to
the released position and the bowstring from the cocked position to
the released position.
[0008] A specific embodiment of a projectile launcher with inward
rotating arms includes a body having a rearward end, and a forward
end, with a forward end direction being directed general toward the
forward end. A first rigid arm has a first rigid stationary element
extending outwardly from the body defining a first outer end area
and a first rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the first
outer end area of the first rigid stationary element so as to
extend in the forward end direction and defining a first distal
end. The first rigid pivotal element is pivotable between a cocked
position directed generally toward the body and a released position
directed generally in the forward direction. A second rigid arm has
a second rigid stationary element extending outwardly from the body
in a direction opposite the first rigid stationary element defining
a second outer end area and a second rigid pivotal element
pivotally attached to the second outer end area of the second rigid
stationary element so as to extend in the forward end direction and
defining a second distal end. The second rigid pivotal element is
pivotable between a cocked position directed generally toward the
body and a released position directed generally in the forward
direction. A bowstring extends between the distal ends of the first
and second rigid pivotal arm elements and is movable between a
cocked position and a released position, movement of the bowstring
from the released position to the cocked position rotates or pivots
the first rigid pivotal element and the second rigid pivotal
element from the released position to the cocked position. A latch
mechanism is movable between a closed position, retaining the
bowstring in the cocked position, and an open position, releasing
the bowstring to allow movement to the released position. A
mechanical energy delivery system includes a tubular torsion bar
having an inner tube and an axially aligned outer tube, a free end
of the inner tube terminated with a first coaxially mounted pulley
and a free end of the outer tube terminated with a second coaxially
mounted pulley. The tubular torsion bar is movable between a
mechanical energy storage configuration and a mechanical energy
releasing configuration. The mechanical energy delivery system
further includes a first pulley arrangement mounted at the first
outer end area of the first rigid stationary element for rotation
with rotation of the first rigid pivotal element and a second
pulley arrangement mounted at the second outer end area of the
second rigid stationary element for rotation with rotation of the
second rigid pivotal element, and one or more strings wound around
the first coaxially mounted pulley, the first pulley arrangement
mounted at the first outer end area, the second pulley arrangement
mounted at the second outer end area, and the second coaxially
mounted pulley for opposite rotation of the first and second
coaxially mounted pulleys. The mechanical energy delivery system
transfers mechanical energy in the form of rotary movement of the
first and second rigid pivotal elements to opposite rotation of the
first and second coaxially mounted pulleys when the bowstring is
moved from the released position to the cocked position, and
transferring mechanical energy from the tubular torsion bar to the
first and second rigid pivotal elements to move the first and
second rigid pivotal elements from the cocked position to the
released position and the bowstring from the cocked position to the
released position.
[0009] A specific embodiment of a projectile launcher with inward
rotating arms includes a body having a rearward end, and a forward
end, with a forward end direction being directed general toward the
forward end. The specific embodiment further includes a first rigid
arm having a first rigid stationary element extending outwardly
from the body defining a first outer end area and a first rigid
pivotal element pivotally attached to the first outer end area of
the first rigid stationary element so as to extend in the forward
end direction and defining a first distal end, the first rigid
pivotal element being pivotable between a cocked position directed
generally toward the body and a released position directed
generally in the forward direction. A second rigid arm has a second
rigid stationary element extending outwardly from the body in a
direction opposite the first rigid stationary element defining a
second outer end area and a second rigid pivotal element pivotally
attached to the second outer end area of the second rigid
stationary element so as to extend in the forward end direction and
defining a second distal end. The second rigid pivotal element is
pivotable between a cocked position directed generally toward the
body and a released position directed generally in the forward
direction. A bowstring extends between the distal ends of the first
and second rigid pivotal arm elements and is movable between a
cocked position and a released position, movement of the bowstring
from the released position to the cocked position rotates or pivots
the first rigid pivotal element and the second rigid pivotal
element from the released position to the cocked position. A latch
mechanism is movable between a closed position, retaining the
bowstring in the cocked position, and an open position, releasing
the bowstring to allow movement to the released position. A
mechanical energy delivery system includes a plurality of tubular
torsion bars each including an inner tube and an axially aligned
outer tube, each of the plurality of tubular torsion bars including
a free end of one of the inner and outer tubes terminated with a
coaxially mounted pulley, each of the plurality of tubular torsion
bars movable between a mechanical energy storage configuration and
a mechanical energy releasing configuration. The mechanical energy
delivery system further including a first pulley arrangement
mounted at the first outer end area of the first rigid stationary
element for rotation with rotation of the first rigid pivotal
element and a second pulley arrangement mounted at the second outer
end area of the second rigid stationary element for rotation with
rotation of the second rigid pivotal element, and one or more
strings wound around the coaxially mounted pulleys, the first
pulley arrangement mounted at the first outer end area, and the
second pulley arrangement mounted at the second outer end area. The
mechanical energy delivery system transferring mechanical energy in
the form of rotary movement of the first and second rigid pivotal
elements to rotation of the coaxially mounted pulleys when the
bowstring is moved from the released position to the cocked
position, and transferring mechanical energy from the plurality of
tubular torsion bars to the first and second rigid pivotal elements
to move the first and second rigid pivotal elements from the cocked
position to the released position and the bowstring from the cocked
position to the released position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing and further and more specific objects and
advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a
preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the
drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a projectile launcher
with inward swinging arms according to the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the projectile
launcher of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of one end of the
inward swinging arms mounting system;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of the coupling
between the energy storage and delivery system and the inward
swinging arms of the present invention, in the unloaded spring
(released) position;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a simplified perspective view of the coupling
between the energy storage and delivery system and the inward
swinging arms of the present invention, in the spring loaded
(cocked) position; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the energy storage and
delivery system of the projectile launcher with multiple tubular
torsion bars.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] Turning now to the drawings in which like reference
characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several
views, attention is directed to FIGS. 1 and 2 which illustrate a
projectile launcher generally designated 10. Projectile launcher 10
includes a body 12 having a rearward end terminating in a buttstock
and a forward end. Body 12 receives, supports, and guides a
projectile, preferably along a groove formed on a top surface
thereof. Body 12 carries a pair of arms 14 and 16 extending
outwardly in opposite directions. Arm 14 includes a rigid
stationary element 18 extending outwardly in a right-hand
direction, perpendicular to the body. A rigid pivotal arm element
20 is rotatably or pivotally attached at one end to the outer end
of rigid stationary element 18 so as to extend in a generally
(because of the preferred arcuate shape) forward direction and
movable between a released position, generally parallel to body 12
in the embodiment, and a cocked position, generally perpendicular
to body 12 in this embodiment. Arm 16 includes a rigid stationary
element 22 extending outwardly in a left-hand direction,
perpendicular to the body. A rigid pivotal arm element 24 is
rotatably or pivotally attached at one end to the outer end of
rigid stationary element 22 so as to extend in a generally (because
of the preferred arcuate shape) forward direction and movable
between a released position, generally parallel to body 12 in the
embodiment, and a cocked position, generally perpendicular to body
12 in this embodiment. It should be understood that rigid
stationary element 18 and rigid stationary element 22 could be
provided as separate elements attached to body 12 or they could be
provided as a single continuous element attached to body 12 so as
to extend outwardly in opposite directions. In any case the
outwardly projecting portions are considered components of the pair
of arms 14 and 16.
[0018] Pivotal arm element 20 is rotatably attached to stationary
element 18 by an axle 26 with an at least one pulley arrangement,
which in this specific example includes a pulley 27 fixedly
attached adjacent the upper end for rotation therewith and a pulley
28 fixedly attached to the lower end for rotation therewith. Thus,
rotation of pivotal arm element 20 rotates pulleys 27 and 28 by way
of axle 26. Similarly, pivotal arm element 24 is rotatably attached
to stationary element 22 by an axle 30 with an at least one pulley
arrangement which in this specific example includes a pulley 31
fixedly attached adjacent the upper end for rotation therewith and
a pulley 32 fixedly attached to the lower end for rotation
therewith. Pivotal arm element 24 is attached to stationary element
22 at an angle similar to pivotal arm element 20. Thus, rotation of
pivotal arm element 24 rotates pulleys 31 and 32 by way of axle 30.
Strings are wound around pulleys 27, 28, 31 and 32 and attached to
elements of one or more tubular torsion bars mounted on body 12 to
move pivotal arm elements 20 and 24 from the cocked position to the
release position. Examples of this mounting arrangement are
described in more detail below.
[0019] A pulley 40 is rotatably mounted at the distal or forward
end of pivotal arm element 20 and a pulley 42 is rotatably mounted
at the distal or forward end of pivotal arm element 24. A bow
string 50 is wound around pulleys 40 and 42 with one section
extending directly between the two for engagement with a latch
mechanism 52. Bowstring 50 is movable between a cocked position
(illustrated in FIG. 2) and a released position (illustrated in
FIG. 1). In the cocked position, bowstring 50 is pulled rearwardly
and retained by latch mechanism 52, concurrently moving pivotal arm
elements 20 and 24 to the cocked position. Latch mechanism 52 is
movable between an open and a closed position by a trigger assembly
54 coupled thereto. In the closed configuration, latch mechanism 52
retains bowstring 50 in the cocked position. In the open
configuration, latch mechanism 52 disengages bowstring 50,
releasing it to the released position, concurrently allowing one or
more tubular torsion bars to move pivotal arm elements 20 and 24 to
the released position. While not described in any detail, a cocking
mechanism 55 is provided and can include substantially any
conventional mechanism used in conventional crossbows for moving
the bowstring rearwardly to the cocked position. These mechanisms
can include levers, cranks, a user fingers and the like. In the
present embodiment, a lever mechanism is illustrated. The specific
winding or arrangement of bow string 50 is described in more detail
below.
[0020] Referring additionally to FIG. 3, an enlarged view of a
portion of arm 16 is illustrated. Since both arms 14 and 16 are
identical, only the attachment of arm 16 is illustrated. As can be
seen in more detail, pivotal arm element 24 is rotatably attached
to stationary element 22 by an axle 30 which has a pulley 31
fixedly attached to the upper end for rotation therewith and a
pulley 32 fixedly attached to the lower end for rotation therewith.
Thus, rotation of pivotal arm element 24 rotates pulleys 31 and 32
by way of axle 30. Strings are wound around pulleys 31 and 32 and
attached to elements of one or more tubular torsion bars mounted on
body 12. Pulley 42 is rotatably mounted at the distal or forward
end of pivotal arm element 24. A bow string 50 is wound around
pulley 42 with one section extending directly between the pulleys
40 and 42 for engagement with a latch mechanism 52 on body 12.
Turning now to FIG. 4, the coupling between the energy storage and
delivery system of projectile launcher 10 and the inward swinging
arms 14 and 16 in the unloaded spring (released) position (some
spring tension can remain in the unloaded spring position), is
illustrated in a simplified view. In FIG. 4, only the moving
components are illustrated in their relative positions to simplify
understanding of the operation. In this specific example, the
energy storage and delivery system includes a single tubular
torsion bar 60. Torsion bar 60 includes an inner tube 62 and an
axially aligned outer tube 64 fixedly joined at a distal end (not
shown) by a mounting structure or the like and the outer ends are
free. Torsional or spring energy is stored in torsion bar 60 by
relative rotation between inner tube 62 and outer tube 64 with the
amount of relative rotation determining the amount of energy
stored.
[0021] Tubular torsion bar 60 will not be described in detail
herein, as torsion bars are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No.
8,505,888, entitled "Tubular Torsion Bar", issued Aug. 13, 2013 and
included herein by reference. As will be understood from the
following detailed description, in this specific example the free
ends of inner tube 62 and outer tube 64 are both rotated
simultaneously but in opposite directions to achieve maximum
relative rotation and, thus, maximum stored energy. Still referring
to FIG. 4, the string coupling pulleys 27, 28, 31, 32, 66, and 68
includes four string components or string sections 33, 34, 35, and
36 all formed of any convenient flexible material sufficiently
rugged to perform the required operations, such as wire, cable,
rope, string, etc. all of which are included in the term "string".
The free end of inner tube 62 is terminated with a coaxially
mounted pulley 66. The free end of outer tube 64 is terminated with
a coaxially mounted pulley 68. String section 33 is attached to
pulley 66, and is wound on upper pulley 66 a partial turn (in this
example) or it may wrap around one or more times, and extends over
the upper edge or tangent of pulley 66 to upper pulley 27, in the
released position illustrated, to allow rotary movement of pulley
66 with rotary movement of upper pulley 27. String section 34 is
attached to pulley 68 and is wound around pulley 68 one or more
times and extends under the lower edge or tangent of pulley 68 to
lower pulley 28, in the released position illustrated, to allow
rotary movement of pulley 68 with rotary movement of pulley 28.
String section 35 is attached to pulley 68 and is wound on pulley
68 a partial turn (in this example) or it may wrap around one or
more times and extends over the upper edge or tangent of pulley 68
to upper pulley 31, in the released position illustrated, to allow
rotary movement of pulley 68 with rotary movement of pulley 31.
String section 36 is attached to pulley 66 and is wound around
pulley 66 one or more times and extends under the lower edge or
tangent of pulley 66 to lower pulley 32, in the released position
illustrated, to allow rotary movement of pulley 66 with rotary
movement of pulley 32. It will be noted that upper pulley 27 and
lower pulley 28 are vertically separated on axle 26 approximately
the diameter of pulley 68 and upper pulley 31 and lower pulley 32
are vertically separated on axle 30 approximately the diameter of
pulley 68 so that string sections 33 through 36 extend
approximately level. While a specific string arrangement is
illustrated and described as a working sample, it will be
understood that other arrangements for providing the described
functions may be devised, all of which are intended to be included
herein. In the present mechanical energy delivery system, string
sections 33 through 36 are wound around pulleys 68, 27, 28, 66, 31,
and 32 such that the simultaneous rotation of arm 20 inward toward
body 12 to the cocked position (and pulleys 27 and 28 in a
counterclockwise direction) and rotation of arm 24 inward toward
body 12 to the cocked position (and pulleys 31 and 32 in a
clockwise direction) causes a clockwise rotation of pulley 68 (and
outer tube 64) and a counterclockwise rotation of pulley 66 (and
inner tube 62). This movement is accomplished by the drawing of
bowstring 50 rearward. It will be understood that there are several
features that can be adjusted or selected to change the relative
rotation of inner tube 62 and outer tube 64 and, thus, the amount
of energy stored, including the diameter of the various pulleys,
the size and material of tubular torsion bar 60, etc.
[0022] Turning to FIG. 5, the coupling between torsion bar 60 and
inward swinging arms 20 and 24 in the loaded spring (cocked)
position, is illustrated in a simplified view. Bow string 50, which
is one continuous string, is wound around pulley 40 at the end of
arm 20 and pulley 42 at the end of arm 24 (see FIG. 1 or 2) so that
when a section 51 of string 50, extending directly between pulleys
40 and 42, is drawn back to latch mechanism 52 in the loaded spring
(cocked) position as illustrated in FIG. 5, arms 20 and 24 are
rotated inwardly to a cocked position, rotating pulleys 27, 28, 31
and 32 and causing strings 33 through 36 to produce opposite
rotation of pulleys 66 and 68. Thus, it can be seen that through
the novel arrangement of pulleys and strings projectile launcher 10
can be relatively easily fabricated to produce maximum stored
energy or power from virtually any tubular torsion bar.
[0023] Turning to FIG. 6, an energy storage and delivery system 100
for a projectile launcher. such as projectile launcher 10 above, is
illustrated. In this example, energy storage and delivery system
100 incorporates two tubular torsion bars 110 and 112. Torsion bar
110 includes an inner tube 114 and a coaxially oriented outer tube
115. Similarly, torsion bar 112 includes an inner tube 116 and a
coaxially oriented outer tube 117. Further, in this specific
example, only outer free tubes 115 and 117 are terminated, one
each, in pulleys 118 and 119, respectively, and inner tubes 114 and
116 are anchored and do not rotate. Alternatively, outer tubes 114
and 116 could be free and terminated, one each, in pulleys 118 and
119, respectively, and inner tubes 115 and 117 could be anchored
and not rotate. Four string sections 133, 134, 135, and 136 are
attached and wound around pulleys 118 and 119 and around left-hand
pulleys 126 and 128, attached to a pivotal arm element 120 (not
shown) by an axle 126 and around right-hand pulleys 131 and 132,
attached to a pivotal arm element 124 (not shown) by an axle 130.
String sections 133 through 136 are wound (generally as described
above relative to strings 33 through 36) so that simultaneous
counterclockwise rotation of pulleys 127 and 128 and clockwise
rotation of pulleys 131 and 132 produces rotation in either
direction of pulleys 118 and 119. In this specific example both
tubular torsion bars 110 and 112 are mounted so that rotation of
pulleys 118 and 119 produces relative rotation between fixed inner
tubes 114 and 116 and free outer tubes 115 and 117 in each of the
two tubular torsion bars 110 and 112 and, thus storage and release
of energy. It should be understood that the above are only examples
and additional tubular torsion bars each with one or more
activating pulleys can be incorporated into a projectile launcher
in accordance with the present teaching.
[0024] Thus, a new and improved projectile launcher with greater
power than the prior art is disclosed. Further, the new and
improved projectile launcher has increased energy storage
capabilities. Through the novel arrangement of pulleys and strings
projectile launchers can be relatively easily fabricated to produce
maximum stored energy or power incorporating virtually any single
or multiple tubular torsion bars. Further, through adjustments or
specific selection of components in the pulleys and strings and the
tubular torsion bars, projectile launchers of virtually any size
and strength can be fabricated.
[0025] Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein
chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those
skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and
variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are
intended to be included within the scope thereof, which is assessed
only by a fair interpretation of the following claims.
* * * * *