U.S. patent application number 17/156685 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-21 for de-cock mechanism for a crossbow.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hunter's Manufacturing Company, Inc. d/b/a TenPoint Crossbow Technologies, Hunter's Manufacturing Company, Inc. d/b/a TenPoint Crossbow Technologies. The applicant listed for this patent is Hunter's Manufacturing Company, Inc. d/b/a TenPoint Crossbow Technologies, Hunter's Manufacturing Company, Inc. d/b/a TenPoint Crossbow Technologies. Invention is credited to Keith Bartels, Phillip Bednar, Richard Bednar, Steven Bednar, Robert Seymour, Michael Shaffer, Gary Smith, Jr., Eric VanKeulen.
Application Number | 20220120531 17/156685 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-04-21 |
![](/patent/app/20220120531/US20220120531A9-20220421-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20220120531/US20220120531A9-20220421-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20220120531/US20220120531A9-20220421-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20220120531/US20220120531A9-20220421-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20220120531/US20220120531A9-20220421-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20220120531/US20220120531A9-20220421-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20220120531/US20220120531A9-20220421-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20220120531/US20220120531A9-20220421-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20220120531/US20220120531A9-20220421-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20220120531/US20220120531A9-20220421-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20220120531/US20220120531A9-20220421-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20220120531 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Shaffer; Michael ; et
al. |
April 21, 2022 |
DE-COCK MECHANISM FOR A CROSSBOW
Abstract
A crossbow de-cock mechanism may include a de-cock activator
that is selectively movable from a first de-cock activator position
that prevents de-cocking of a crossbow into a second de-cock
activator position that permits de-cocking of the crossbow.
Inventors: |
Shaffer; Michael; (Mogadore,
OH) ; Bednar; Richard; (Munroe Falls, OH) ;
Bednar; Steven; (Copley, OH) ; Bednar; Phillip;
(Copley, OH) ; VanKeulen; Eric; (North Canton,
OH) ; Smith, Jr.; Gary; (East Canton, OH) ;
Seymour; Robert; (Ravenna, OH) ; Bartels; Keith;
(Akron, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hunter's Manufacturing Company, Inc. d/b/a TenPoint Crossbow
Technologies |
Suffield |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hunter's Manufacturing Company,
Inc. d/b/a TenPoint Crossbow Technologies
Suffield
OH
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20210222989 A1 |
July 22, 2021 |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/156685 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16745845 |
Jan 17, 2020 |
11002505 |
|
|
17156685 |
|
|
|
|
62949294 |
Dec 17, 2019 |
|
|
|
International
Class: |
F41B 5/14 20060101
F41B005/14; F41B 5/12 20060101 F41B005/12 |
Claims
1. A crossbow comprising: a longitudinally extending main beam; a
bow mechanism including: (1) a pair of outwardly extending bow
limbs extending transversely from opposite lateral sides of the
main beam; and (2) a bowstring operatively engaged to the outwardly
extending bow limbs and movable from: (a) an un-cocked position; to
(b) a cocked position; a trigger mechanism including: a string
latch selectively movable into: (1) a first string latch position
that holds the bowstring in the cocked position; (2) a second
string latch position distinct from the first latch position that
does not hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and (3) a third
string latch position distinct from the first and second string
latch positions; and a de-cock mechanism including: a de-cock
activator selectively movable from: (1) a first de-cock activator
position that prevents the string latch from being moved into the
third string latch position; into (2) a second de-cock activator
position that permits the string latch to be moved into the third
string latch position; wherein when the string latch is in the
first string latch position and holds the bowstring in the cocked
position: the trigger mechanism is selectively operable to move the
string latch into the second string latch position permitting the
bowstring to be moved from the cocked position to the un-cocked
position to fire the crossbow; and wherein when the string latch is
in the first string latch position and holds the bowstring in the
cocked position and the de-cock activator is in the second de-cock
activator position: the string latch is selectively movable into
the third string latch position and then the second string latch
position permitting the bowstring to be moved from the cocked
position to the un-cocked position to de-cock the crossbow without
firing the crossbow.
2. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein the string latch: pivots in a
first direction from the first string latch position to the second
string latch position; and pivots in a second direction, opposite
the first direction, from the first string latch position to the
third string latch position.
3. The crossbow of claim 2 wherein the string latch: pivots in the
first direction from the third string latch position to the second
string latch position; and moves through the first string latch
position as it pivots from the third string latch position to the
second string latch position.
4. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein: the trigger mechanism includes
a trigger link selectively movable between: (1) a first trigger
link position that retains the string latch in the first string
latch position; and (2) a second trigger link position that does
not retain the string latch in the first string latch position; the
trigger link must be in the second trigger link position to permit
the string latch to move from the first string latch position to
the second string latch position; and the trigger link must be in
the second trigger link position to permit the string latch to move
from the third string latch position to the second string latch
position.
5. The crossbow of claim 4 wherein: the de-cock mechanism includes
a de-cock link selectively movable between: (1) a first de-cock
link position that retains the trigger link in the second trigger
link position; and (2) a second de-cock link position that does not
retain the trigger link in the second trigger link position.
6. The crossbow of claim 5 wherein when the de-cock link is in the
first de-cock link position: moving the bowstring from the cocked
position to the un-cocked position causes the de-cock link to move
into the second de-cock link position.
7. The crossbow of claim 5 wherein: the string latch has a surface;
the de-cock link has a surface; and moving the string latch from
the first string latch position to the third string latch position
causes the string latch surface to operatively engage the de-cock
link surface causing the de-cock link to move from the second
de-cock link position to the first de-cock link position.
8. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein: when the string latch is in the
first string latch position and holds the bowstring in the cocked
position and the de-cock activator is in the second de-cock
activator position: a claw is selectively movable to cause the
string latch to move from the first string latch position to the
third string latch position; and the claw is selectively operable
to move the bowstring from the cocked position to the un-cocked
position to de-cock the crossbow without firing the crossbow.
9. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein the de-cock mechanism further
comprises: a de-cock lock movable between: (1) a first de-cock lock
position that retains the de-cock activator in the second de-cock
activator position; and (2) a second de-cock lock position that
permits the de-cock activator to move into the first de-cock
activator position; and a de-cock lock biasing device that applies
a de-cock lock biasing force that biases the de-cock lock into the
first de-cock lock position.
10. A crossbow comprising: a longitudinally extending main beam; a
bow mechanism including: (1) a pair of outwardly extending bow
limbs extending transversely from opposite lateral sides of the
main beam; and (2) a bowstring operatively engaged to the outwardly
extending bow limbs and movable from: (a) an un-cocked position; to
(b) a cocked position; a trigger mechanism including: a string
latch selectively movable into: (1) a first string latch position
that holds the bowstring in the cocked position; (2) a second
string latch position distinct from the first latch position that
does not hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and (3) a third
string latch position, distinct from the first and second string
latch positions; and a trigger link selectively movable between:
(1) a first trigger link position that retains the string latch in
the first string latch position; and (2) a second trigger link
position that does not retain the string latch in the first string
latch position; and a de-cock mechanism including: a de-cock link
selectively movable between: (1) a first de-cock link position that
retains the trigger link in the second trigger link position; and
(2) a second de-cock link position that does not retain the trigger
link in the second trigger link position; and a de-cock activator
selectively movable from: (1) a first de-cock activator position
that prevents the string latch from being moved into the third
string latch position; into (2) a second de-cock activator position
that permits the string latch to be moved into the third string
latch position; wherein when the string latch is in the first
string latch position and holds the bowstring in the cocked
position and the de-cock link is in the second de-cock link
position: the trigger link is selectively movable from the first
trigger link position to the second trigger link position
permitting the string latch to be moved into the second string
latch position permitting the bowstring to be moved from the cocked
position to the un-cocked position to fire the crossbow; and
wherein when the string latch is in the first string latch position
and holds the bowstring in the cocked position and the de-cock
activator is in the second de-cock activator position: the string
latch is selectively movable to cause the de-cock link to move from
the second de-cock link position into the first de-cock link
position permitting the string latch to be moved into the third
string latch position and then the second string latch position
permitting the bowstring to be moved from the cocked position to
the un-cocked position to de-cock the crossbow without firing the
crossbow.
11. The crossbow of claim 10 wherein the string latch: pivots in a
first direction from the first string latch position to the second
string latch position; and pivots in a second direction, opposite
the first direction, from the first string latch position to the
third string latch position.
12. The crossbow of claim 11 wherein the string latch: pivots in
the first direction from the third string latch position to the
second string latch position; and moves through the first string
latch position as it pivots from the third string latch position to
the second string latch position.
13. The crossbow of claim 10 wherein: the string latch has a
surface; the de-cock link has a surface; and moving the string
latch from the first string latch position to the third string
latch position causes the string latch surface to operatively
engage the de-cock link surface causing the de-cock link to move
from the second de-cock link position to the first de-cock link
position.
14. The crossbow of claim 10 wherein: when the string latch is in
the first string latch position and holds the bowstring in the
cocked position and the de-cock activator is in the second de-cock
activator position: a claw is selectively movable to cause the
string latch to move from the first string latch position to the
third string latch position; and the claw is selectively operable
to move the bowstring from the cocked position to the un-cocked
position to de-cock the crossbow without firing the crossbow.
15. The crossbow of claim 10 wherein when the de-cock link is in
the first de-cock link position: moving the bowstring from the
cocked position to the un-cocked position causes the de-cock link
to move into the second de-cock link position.
16. The crossbow of claim 10 wherein the de-cock mechanism further
comprises: a de-cock lock movable between: (1) a first de-cock lock
position that retains the de-cock activator in the second de-cock
activator position; and (2) a second de-cock lock position that
permits the de-cock activator to move into the first de-cock
activator position; and a de-cock lock biasing device that applies
a de-cock lock biasing force that biases the de-cock lock into the
first de-cock lock position.
17. A crossbow method comprising the steps of: A) providing a
crossbow including: a longitudinally extending main beam; a bow
mechanism including: (1) a pair of outwardly extending bow limbs
extending transversely from opposite lateral sides of the main
beam; and (2) a bowstring operatively engaged to the outwardly
extending bow limbs; a trigger mechanism including a string latch;
and a de-cock mechanism including a de-cock activator; B) providing
the bowstring to be operable to perform the step of: moving
between: (1) an un-cocked position; and (2) a cocked position; C)
providing the string latch to be operable to perform the step of:
moving into: (1) a first string latch position that holds the
bowstring in the cocked position; (2) a second string latch
position distinct from the first latch position that does not hold
the bowstring in the cocked position; and (3) a third string latch
position distinct from the first and second string latch positions;
and D) providing the de-cock activator to be operable to perform
the step of: moving from: (1) a first de-cock activator position
that prevents the string latch from being moved into the third
string latch position; into (2) a second de-cock activator position
that permits the string latch to be moved into the third string
latch position; wherein when the string latch is in the first
string latch position and holds the bowstring in the cocked
position: E) providing the trigger mechanism to be operable to
perform the step of: moving the string latch into the second string
latch position permitting the bowstring to be moved from the cocked
position to the un-cocked position to fire the crossbow; and
wherein when the string latch is in the first string latch position
and holds the bowstring in the cocked position and the de-cock
activator is in the second de-cock activator position: F) providing
the string latch to be operable to perform the step of: moving into
the third string latch position and then the second string latch
position permitting the bowstring to be moved from the cocked
position to the un-cocked position to de-cock the crossbow without
firing the crossbow.
18. The crossbow method of claim 17 wherein: step E comprises the
step of: pivoting the string latch in a first direction; and step F
comprises the step of: pivoting the string latch in a second
direction, opposite the first direction.
19. The crossbow method of claim 17 wherein step F comprises the
steps of: using a claw to move the string latch from the first
string latch position to the third string latch position; and using
the claw to move the bowstring from the cocked position to the
un-cocked position to de-cock the crossbow without firing the
crossbow.
20. The crossbow method of claim 17 wherein: step A comprises the
steps of: (1) providing the string latch with a surface; and (2)
providing the de-cock mechanism with a de-cock link having a
surface; the method also includes the step of: providing the
de-cock link to be selectively movable between: (a) a first de-cock
link position that retains the trigger link 64 in the second
trigger link position; and (2) a second de-cock link position that
does not retain the trigger link in the second trigger link
position; and step F comprises the step of: operatively engaging
the string latch surface with the de-cock link surface to cause the
de-cock link to move from the second de-cock link position to the
first de-cock link position.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Utility patent
application Ser. No. 16/745,845, titled De-Cock Mechanism for a
Crossbow, filed Jan. 17, 2020, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/949,294, titled De-Cock
Mechanism for A Crossbow, filed Dec. 17, 2019, which are
incorporated herein by reference.
I. BACKGROUND
A. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention generally relates to methods and apparatuses
related to crossbows and more specifically to methods and
apparatuses related to de-cocking crossbows.
B. Description of Related Art
[0003] Crossbows have been used for many years as a weapon for
hunting and fishing, and for target shooting. In general, a
crossbow includes a main beam and a bow mechanism supported to the
main beam. The bow mechanism may have a pair of bow limbs and a
bowstring engaged to the bow limbs. Often the bow mechanism has
wheels on the bow limbs that receive the bowstring but this is not
always the case. A trigger mechanism may be supported to the main
beam and operable to hold the bowstring and to release the
bowstring to fire the crossbow to shoot an arrow or bolt. The
bowstring may be movable from an un-cocked position (sometimes
referred to as an undrawn position) to a cocked position where the
trigger mechanism holds the bowstring (sometimes referred to as a
drawn position). This is typically referred to as cocking the
crossbow.
[0004] Sometimes it is desirable to adjust a crossbow bowstring
from a cocked position to an un-cocked position without shooting
the arrow. This is typically referred to as de-cocking the
crossbow. While there are several known methods and devices for
de-cocking a crossbow, it remains desirable to provide improved
de-cock devices and methods.
II. SUMMARY
[0005] According to some embodiments of this invention, a crossbow
may comprise: a longitudinally extending main beam; a bow mechanism
including: (1) a pair of outwardly extending bow limbs extending
transversely from opposite lateral sides of the main beam; and (2)
a bowstring operatively engaged to the outwardly extending bow
limbs and movable from: (a) an un-cocked position; to (b) a cocked
position; a trigger mechanism including: a string latch selectively
movable into: (1) a first string latch position that holds the
bowstring in the cocked position; (2) a second string latch
position distinct from the first latch position that does not hold
the bowstring in the cocked position; and (3) a third string latch
position distinct from the first and second string latch positions;
and a de-cock mechanism including: a de-cock activator selectively
movable from: (1) a first de-cock activator position that prevents
the string latch from being moved into the third string latch
position; into (2) a second de-cock activator position that permits
the string latch to be moved into the third string latch position.
When the string latch is in the first string latch position and
holds the bowstring in the cocked position: the trigger mechanism
may be selectively operable to move the string latch into the
second string latch position permitting the bowstring to be moved
from the cocked position to the un-cocked position to fire the
crossbow. When the string latch is in the first string latch
position and holds the bowstring in the cocked position and the
de-cock activator is in the second de-cock activator position: the
string latch may be selectively movable into the third string latch
position and then the second string latch position permitting the
bowstring to be moved from the cocked position to the un-cocked
position to de-cock the crossbow without firing the crossbow.
[0006] According to some embodiments of this invention, a crossbow
may comprise: a longitudinally extending main beam; a bow mechanism
including: (1) a pair of outwardly extending bow limbs extending
transversely from opposite lateral sides of the main beam; and (2)
a bowstring operatively engaged to the outwardly extending bow
limbs and movable from: (a) an un-cocked position; to (b) a cocked
position; a trigger mechanism including: a string latch selectively
movable into: (1) a first string latch position that holds the
bowstring in the cocked position; (2) a second string latch
position distinct from the first latch position that does not hold
the bowstring in the cocked position; and (3) a third string latch
position, distinct from the first and second string latch
positions; and a trigger link selectively movable between: (1) a
first trigger link position that retains the string latch in the
first string latch position; and (2) a second trigger link position
that does not retain the string latch in the first string latch
position; and a de-cock mechanism including: a de-cock link
selectively movable between: (1) a first de-cock link position that
retains the trigger link in the second trigger link position; and
(2) a second de-cock link position that does not retain the trigger
link in the second trigger link position; and a de-cock activator
selectively movable from: (1) a first de-cock activator position
that prevents the string latch from being moved into the third
string latch position; into (2) a second de-cock activator position
that permits the string latch to be moved into the third string
latch position. When the string latch is in the first string latch
position and holds the bowstring in the cocked position and the
de-cock link is in the second de-cock link position: the trigger
link may be selectively movable from the first trigger link
position to the second trigger link position permitting the string
latch to be moved into the second string latch position permitting
the bowstring to be moved from the cocked position to the un-cocked
position to fire the crossbow. When the string latch is in the
first string latch position and holds the bowstring in the cocked
position and the de-cock activator is in the second de-cock
activator position: the string latch may be selectively movable to
cause the de-cock link to move from the second de-cock link
position into the first de-cock link position permitting the string
latch to be moved into the third string latch position and then the
second string latch position permitting the bowstring to be moved
from the cocked position to the un-cocked position to de-cock the
crossbow without firing the crossbow.
[0007] According to some embodiments of this invention, a crossbow
method may comprise the steps of: A) providing a crossbow
including: a longitudinally extending main beam; a bow mechanism
including: (1) a pair of outwardly extending bow limbs extending
transversely from opposite lateral sides of the main beam; and (2)
a bowstring operatively engaged to the outwardly extending bow
limbs; a trigger mechanism including a string latch; and a de-cock
mechanism including a de-cock activator; B) providing the bowstring
to be operable to perform the step of: moving between: (1) an
un-cocked position; and (2) a cocked position; C) providing the
string latch to be operable to perform the step of: moving into:
(1) a first string latch position that holds the bowstring in the
cocked position; (2) a second string latch position distinct from
the first latch position that does not hold the bowstring in the
cocked position; and (3) a third string latch position distinct
from the first and second string latch positions; and D) providing
the de-cock activator to be operable to perform the step of: moving
from: (1) a first de-cock activator position that prevents the
string latch from being moved into the third string latch position;
into (2) a second de-cock activator position that permits the
string latch to be moved into the third string latch position. When
the string latch is in the first string latch position and holds
the bowstring in the cocked position: E) providing the trigger
mechanism to be operable to perform the step of: moving the string
latch into the second string latch position permitting the
bowstring to be moved from the cocked position to the un-cocked
position to fire the crossbow. When the string latch is in the
first string latch position and holds the bowstring in the cocked
position and the de-cock activator is in the second de-cock
activator position: F) providing the string latch to be operable to
perform the step of: moving into the third string latch position
and then the second string latch position permitting the bowstring
to be moved from the cocked position to the un-cocked position to
de-cock the crossbow without firing the crossbow.
III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present subject matter may take physical form in certain
parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be
described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a right side view of a crossbow that may have
de-cocking capabilities according to some embodiments of this
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the crossbow shown in FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top side view of the crossbow shown in FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a close-up side view of a crossbow with the
bowstring in the cocked position.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a claw.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the claw shown in FIG. 5.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a right side view inside a housing showing a
trigger mechanism, a de-cock mechanism, a dry-fire inhibitor
mechanism, a safety mechanism and a reset mechanism.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a close-up view of a portion of the components
shown FIG. 7.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a right side perspective view of the components
shown FIG. 7.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a left side perspective view inside the housing
of FIG. 7.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a right side view similar to FIG. 8 showing the
string latch in the second string latch position and the de-cock
link in the second de-cock link position.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 but showing the string
latch in the third string latch position and the de-cock link in
the first de-cock link position.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 but showing the string
latch in the second string latch position and the de-cock link in
the first de-cock link position.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective bottom view of a string latch.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a perspective top view of the string latch shown
in FIG. 14.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a side view of a trigger link.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of the trigger link shown
in FIG. 16.
[0026] FIG. 18 is a right side perspective view of a housing
showing a safety actuator in a first safety actuator position, a
de-cock actuator in a first de-cock actuator position and a reset
actuator in a first reset actuator position.
[0027] FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 but showing the safety
actuator in a second safety actuator position.
[0028] FIG. 20 is a left side view of the housing shown in FIG.
19.
[0029] FIG. 21 is a right side view similar to FIG. 18 but showing
the safety actuator in a second safety actuator position and the
de-cock actuator in a second de-cock actuator position.
[0030] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a safety actuator.
[0031] FIG. 23 is a side view of the safety actuator shown in FIG.
22.
[0032] FIG. 24 is a right side view inside a housing showing a
reset activator in a first reset activator position, a safety lock
in a first safety lock position and a de-cock lock in a first
de-cock link position.
[0033] FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 24 but showing the reset
activator in a second reset activator position, the safety lock in
a second safety lock position and the de-cock lock in a second
de-cock link position.
[0034] FIG. 26 is a side view of a dry-fire link.
[0035] FIG. 27 is an edge view of the dry-fire link shown in FIG.
26.
[0036] FIG. 28 is a first side view of a de-cock activator.
[0037] FIG. 29 is an opposite side view of the de-cock activator
shown in FIG. 28.
[0038] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the de-cock activator shown
in FIG. 28.
[0039] FIG. 31 is a side view of a de-cock link.
[0040] FIG. 32 is an edge view of the de-cock link shown in FIG.
31.
[0041] FIG. 33 is a side view of a reset activator.
[0042] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the reset activator shown
in FIG. 33.
IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present subject matter
only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like
reference numerals are understood to refer to like components,
FIGS. 1-3 show a crossbow 10 that may have de-cocking capabilities
according to some embodiments of this invention. It should be
understood that any crossbow having a bowstring that is movable
from an un-cocked position to a cocked position chosen with the
sound judgement of a person of skill in the art will work with
embodiments of this invention. Non-limiting examples of crossbow
types that work with this invention include: Recurve Crossbows,
Compound Crossbows, Rifle Crossbows, and Reverse Draw
Crossbows.
[0044] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3, the crossbow 10 may
have a proximal end 26 and a distal end 28. The crossbow 10 may
include a longitudinally extending main beam 12 and a bow mechanism
14 supported to the main beam 12. The upper surface of the main
beam 12 may have a groove 24 (visible in FIG. 3) that receives an
arrow or bolt (not shown). The bow mechanism 14 may include a pair
of outwardly extending bow limbs 16, 16 extending transversely from
opposite lateral sides of the main beam 12 and a bowstring 18
(visible in FIG. 3) operatively engaged to the bow limbs 16. The
bowstring 18 may be movable from an un-cocked position (shown in
FIGS. 1-3) to a cocked position (shown in FIGS. 4 and 8). The bow
mechanism 114 may be supported directly to the main beam 112 or may
be, in the embodiments shown, supported to the main beam 12 via a
riser 20 (seen best in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, wheels 22, 22
(which may be pulleys, cams, or the like) may be pivotally
supported to the bow limbs 16, 16, respectively, as shown. In this
case, the bowstring 18 may be operatively engaged to the wheels 22,
22. As the general operation of main beams and bow mechanisms on
crossbows is well known to those of skill in the art, further
details will not be provided here.
[0045] With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, the crossbow 10 may include
a cocking mechanism adapted to be used by an associated user to
move the bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked
position. While embodiments of a cocking mechanism are shown and
will be described, it should be understood that any cocking
mechanism chosen with the sound judgement of a person of skill in
the art will work with embodiments of this invention. The cocking
mechanism 30 shown may include a claw 32 adapted to engage the
bowstring 18 and a drawing mechanism 34 adapted to move the claw 32
along the main beam 12 and thereby move the bowstring 18 from the
un-cocked position (shown in FIG. 3) to the cocked position (shown
in FIG. 4).
[0046] With reference now to FIGS. 1-6, the claw 32 may have a
surface 36 that selectively operatively engages the bowstring 18
and a surface 38 that selectively operatively engages the main beam
12. In some embodiments, surface 38 includes a convex member 40
(see FIGS. 5 and 6) that is received in the main beam groove 24. In
this way the claw 32 remains engaged with the main beam 12 as it
moves longitudinally along the main beam 12. The claw 32 may have a
pair of surfaces 42, 42 on opposite lateral sides that operatively
receive the distal ends of a pair of cocking cable segments 44, 44,
respectively, as shown. In some embodiments, the cocking cable
segments 44, 44 are part of a single cable that is received in a
cable channel 46 formed in the claw 32 that extends within the claw
32 from one lateral side to the other. In some embodiments, shown,
surfaces 42, 42 include rotatable pulleys.
[0047] With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, the drawing mechanism 34
may be supported to the main beam 12 and may receive the proximal
ends of the cocking cable segments 44, 44, as shown. In some
embodiments, the drawing mechanism 34 may have reels (not visible)
on opposite lateral sides of the main beam to receive the cable
segments 44, 44. A manually rotatable handle 50 may use rotational
power input to cause the reels to rotate to draw the claw 32
proximally to move the bowstring 18 into the cocked position.
Because the bowstring 18 applies a distal force to the claw 32, the
handle 50 may also be used, when rotated in the opposite direction,
to permit the claw 32 to move distally to move the bowstring 18
into the un-cocked position. In some embodiments, the drawing
mechanism 34 is adapted to prevent motion of the claw 32 along the
main beam 18 unless the user is rotating the handle 50 accordingly.
In this way, should the user release the handle 50, the claw 32
(and thus the bowstring 18) will remain in the same position
relative to the main beam 12. In some embodiments, the handle 50
may be selectively removable when not needed. As the general
operation of cocking mechanisms is well known to those of skill in
the art, further details will not be provided here.
[0048] With reference now to FIGS. 1-2, 4 and 7-13, the crossbow 10
may have a trigger mechanism 60 selectively operable to release the
bowstring 18 from the cocked position so that the bowstring 18 can
shoot the arrow and return to the un-cocked position. The trigger
mechanism 60 may include a string latch 62, a trigger link 64, a
trigger 66 and one or more trigger interconnecting members that
operatively interconnect the trigger 66 with the trigger link 64.
These components will be discussed in turn.
[0049] With reference now to FIGS. 7-15, the string latch 62 may be
positioned within a housing 70 and may have a pair of downwardly
extending fingers 76, 76 on opposite lateral sides of the string
latch 62. The string latch 62 may be moveable between a first
string latch position that holds the bowstring 18 in the cocked
position (shown in FIG. 8) and a second string latch position that
does not hold the bowstring 18 in the cocked position (shown in
FIG. 11). The bowstring 18 may be held in the cocked position by
the fingers 76, 76 of the string latch 62. The second string latch
position may be achieved by moving the fingers 76, 76 out of the
way permitting the bowstring 18 to move distally (to the right in
FIG. 8). In some embodiments, the string latch 62 is moved from the
first string latch position to the second string latch position by
pivoting the string latch 62 in direction 78 (see FIG. 8). The
string latch 62 may, for example, have an opening 80 that receives
a pivot pin 82, supported to the housing 70, about which the string
latch 62 pivots. A string latch biasing device 84, such as a
spring, may be used to apply a biasing force to bias the string
latch 62 into the second string latch position. For the embodiments
shown, the string latch biasing device 84 biases the string latch
62 to pivot about pivot pin 82 in direction 78. The string latch 62
may have a surface 68 (see FIG. 15) that operatively engages
surface 88 on the housing 70 (see FIG. 9) when the string latch 62
moves into the second string latch position. In some embodiments,
shown, surface 68 is planar and surface 88 is convex curved. In
some embodiments, surface 88 is composed at least in part of an
elastic material to absorb vibrations and extend wear. The string
latch 62 may be moveable into a third string latch position that is
a de-cock mode position (shown in FIG. 12). In some embodiments,
the string latch 62 is moved from the first string latch position
to the third string latch position by pivoting the string latch 62
in direction 86.
[0050] With reference now to FIGS. 7-14 and 16-17, the trigger link
64 may be positioned within the housing 70 and may be movable
between a first trigger link position (shown in FIGS. 7-10) that
retains the string latch 62 in the first string latch position and
a second trigger link position (shown in FIG. 11) that does not
retain the string latch 62 in the first string latch position. In
some embodiments, when the string latch 62 is in the first string
latch position, surface 72 of the string latch 62 (see FIG. 14)
operatively engages surface 90 of the trigger link 64 (see FIG.
16). In some embodiments, shown, surface 72 is convex curved and
surface 90 is concave curved and facing upward. As a result,
surface 72 is retained in surface 90 and the string latch 62 is
retained in the first string latch position. The second trigger
link position that does not retain the string latch 62 in the first
string latch position may be achieved by moving surface 72 of the
string latch 62 off surface 90 of the trigger link 64. In some
embodiments, the trigger link 64 is moved from the first trigger
link position to the second trigger link position by pivoting the
trigger link 64 in direction 110 (see FIG. 8). The trigger link 64
may, for example, have an opening 102 that receives a pivot pin
104, supported to the housing 70, about which the trigger link 64
pivots. A trigger link biasing device 112, such as a spring, may be
used to apply a biasing force to bias the trigger link 64 into the
first trigger link position. For the embodiment shown, the trigger
link biasing device 112 biases the trigger link 64 to pivot about
pivot pin 104 in direction 114. When surface 72 of the string latch
62 is moved off surface 90 of the trigger link 64, surface 72 of
the string latch 62 may operatively engage surface 92 of the
trigger link 64. For the embodiment shown, surface 92 is slightly
concave curved so that surface 72 slides along surface 92 as the
string latch 62 pivots in direction 78 into the second string latch
position.
[0051] With reference now to FIGS. 1-2, 4, 7-10, and 16-17 the
trigger 66, shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, may be operated in a known
manner along with one or more trigger interconnecting members to
fire the crossbow 10. The design and operation of the one or more
trigger interconnecting members can be any chosen with the sound
judgement of a person of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the
one or more trigger interconnecting members comprise a fire link
120. Fire link 120 may have a distal end operatively connected to
the trigger 66 and a proximal end operatively connected to the
trigger link 64. The proximal end of the fire link 120 may have
surface 122 (shown in FIG. 7) that selectively operatively engages
surface 98 of the trigger link 64 (shown in FIGS. 16-17). In some
embodiments, shown, surface 98 is convex curved. In some
embodiments, the proximal end of the fire link 120 is pivotal about
pivot pin 124 and a fire link biasing device 126, such as a spring,
may be used to apply a biasing force to bias the fire link 120
distally. As the general operation of triggers and trigger
interconnecting members is well known to those of skill in the art,
further details will not be provided here.
[0052] With reference now to FIGS. 1-2, 4, 7 and 9-11, the crossbow
10 may include a safety mechanism 130 that prevents the crossbow 10
from being fired until the user manually adjusts the safety
mechanism 130. The safety mechanism 130 may include a safety
activator 132, a safety activator biasing device 134, a safety lock
136 and a safety lock biasing device 138. These components will be
discussed in turn.
[0053] With reference now to FIGS. 7, 9-11, 18-20 and 22-23, the
safety activator 132 may be positioned within the housing 70 and
may be selectively movable by the user from a first safety
activator position (shown in FIGS. 9-10, and 18) that prevents the
string latch 62 from being moved into the second string latch
position (thereby preventing release of the bowstring 18 out of the
cocked position) into a second safety activator position (shown in
FIGS. 11 and 19-20) that permits the string latch 62 to be moved
into the second string latch position (thereby permitting the
crossbow 10 to be fired if all other requirements are met). The
safety activator 132 may include a surface 150 for use by a user to
manually move the safety activator from the first safety activator
position into the second safety activator position. In some
embodiments, when the safety activator 132 is in the first safety
activator position, surface 150 extends outward through a housing
opening outside of the housing 70 as shown in FIG. 18. To move the
safety activator 132 into the second safety activator position, the
user may push surface 150 moving the safety activator 132 inward
with the result shown in FIG. 19. In this case, the safety
activator 132 may move linearly. In some embodiments, surface 150
is positioned on one end of the safety activator 132 and the
opposite end of the safety activator has a surface 160 that
indicates to the user that the safety activator 132 is in the
second safety activator position. Surface 160 may, for example, be
colored red and may selectively extend through a housing opening
180 (shown in FIG. 25) outside of the housing 70 as shown in FIG.
20. With this arrangement, when the safety activator 132 is in the
first safety activator position, surface 150 extends outward
outside of a first lateral side of the housing 70 but surface 160
does not extend outside of the opposite lateral side of the housing
70. However, when the safety activator 132 is in the second safety
activator position, surface 150 does not extend outside of its
lateral side of the housing 70 (or does only slightly) but surface
160 does. In this way, the user has two visual indications (both
ends of the safety activator 132 on opposite lateral sides of the
housing 70) of what position the safety activator 132 is in.
[0054] With reference now to FIGS. 7, 9-11, 16, 18-20 and 22-23,
the safety activator may have a surface 152 (shown in FIG. 22) that
may be used to prevent the string latch 62 from being moved into
the second string latch position. In some embodiments, when the
safety activator 132 is in the first safety activator position, any
attempt to move the trigger link 64 from the second trigger link
position into the first trigger link position (such as trying to
fire the crossbow) is unsuccessful because such attempted motion
would cause surface 156 of the trigger link 64 (see FIG. 16) to
operatively engage surface 152 of the safety activator 132. The
proximity of these surfaces is visible in FIG. 7. This engagement
prevents the trigger link 64 from moving from the second trigger
link position into the first trigger link position, which prevents
the string latch 62 from moving from the first string latch
position to the second string latch position. Thus, when the safety
activator 132 is in the first safety activator position, it is not
possible to fire the crossbow 10. A safety activator biasing device
134, such as a spring best seen in FIG. 10, may be used to apply a
biasing force to bias the safety activator 132 into the first
safety activator position. For the embodiment shown, the biasing
device 134 has one end that operatively engages a surface of the
housing 70 and an opposite end that operatively engages surface 162
of the safety activator 132 (see FIGS. 22-23).
[0055] With reference now to FIGS. 7-10 and 23-25, a safety lock
136 may be positioned within the housing 70 and may be movable
between a first safety lock position (shown in FIGS. 10 and 24)
that retains the safety activator 132 in the second safety
activator position and a second safety lock position (shown in FIG.
25) that permits the safety activator 132 to move into the first
safety activator position. In some embodiments, the safety lock 136
may have a surface 170 (see FIG. 24) that operatively engages
surface 172 of the safety activator 132 (see FIG. 23). The
engagement of these surfaces is visible in FIG. 10. In some
embodiments, juxtaposed to surface 172 of the safety activator 132
may be surface 174 that extends outward from surface 172. When the
safety activator 132 is in the second safety activator position and
the safety lock 136 is in the first safety lock position, a side
surface of the safety lock 136 near surface 170 is juxtaposed to
surface 174 to retain the safety activator 132 in the second safety
activator position. When the safety activator 132 is in the first
safety activator position and the safety lock 136 is in the second
safety lock position, surface 170 may operatively engage surface
176 of the safety activator 132 (see FIG. 23). As seen best in FIG.
23, surface 176 may have a circular cross-section. Surface 170 may
have a C-shape to match the circumference of surface 172.
[0056] With reference now to FIGS. 7-10 and 24-25, in some
embodiments, the safety lock 136 may be moved between the first
safety lock position and the second safety lock position by
pivoting the safety lock 136. The safety lock 136 may, for example,
have an opening that receives a pivot pin 182, supported to the
housing 70, about which the safety lock 136 pivots. A safety lock
biasing device 138, such as a spring, may be used to apply a
biasing force to bias the safety lock 136 into the first safety
lock position. The way in which the safety lock 136 is selectively
moved from the first safety lock position into the second safety
lock position will be described below.
[0057] With reference now to FIGS. 1-2, 7-11 and 26-27, the
crossbow 10 may include a dry-fire inhibitor mechanism 190 that
prevents the crossbow 10 from being fired if an arrow is not
properly positioned on the main beam 12. The dry-fire inhibitor
mechanism 190 may include a dry-fire link 192 that may be
positioned within the housing 70 and that may be movable between a
first dry-fire link position (shown in FIGS. 7-9) that prevents the
bowstring 18 from moving from the cocked position to the un-cocked
position and a second dry-fire link position (shown in FIG. 11)
that permits the bowstring 18 to move from the cocked position to
the un-cocked position.
[0058] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-2, 7-11 and 26-27, in
some embodiments, when the dry-fire link 192 is in the first
dry-fire link position, any attempt to move the trigger link 64
from the second trigger link position into the first trigger link
position (such as trying to fire the crossbow) is unsuccessful
because such attempted motion would cause surface 100 of the
trigger link 64 (see FIG. 16) to operatively engage surface 198 of
the dry-fire link 192 (see FIG. 26). The proximity of these two
surfaces is visible in FIGS. 7-8. In some embodiments, the dry-fire
link 192 is moved between the first dry-fire link position and the
second dry-fire link position by pivoting the dry-fire link 192.
The dry-fire link 192 may, for example, have an opening 202 that
receives a pivot pin 204, supported to the housing 70, about which
the dry-fire link 192 pivots. A dry-fire link biasing device 210,
such as a spring, may be used to apply a biasing force to bias the
dry-fire link 192 into the into the first dry-fire link
position.
[0059] With reference now to FIGS. 4, 7-11 and 26-27, when the
crossbow 10 is cocked and an arrow (not shown) is being properly
inserted into the crossbow, the arrow contacts surface 196 of the
dry-fire link 192 causing the dry-fire link 192 to pivot in
direction 212 (see FIG. 8). In some embodiments, this pivoting
motion of the dry-fire link 192 is limited because surface 194 of
the dry-fire link 192 operatively engages surface 214 of the
housing 70. When the arrow is removed, the biasing force from the
dry-fire link biasing device 210 pivots the dry-fire link 192 in
direction 216 back into the dry-fire link first position. Surface
200 of the dry-fire link 192 (see FIG. 27) may be a laterally
extending tab having a circular cross-section, as shown, which may
be used as will be discussed below.
[0060] With reference now to FIGS. 1-2, 7-13, 18, 21, 24-25 and
28-32, the crossbow 10 may include a de-cock mechanism 220 that
enables the bowstring 18 to be adjusted from the cocked position to
the un-cocked position without shooting the arrow. The de-cock
mechanism 220 in some embodiments may include a de-cock activator
222, a de-cock activator biasing device 224, a de-cock link 226, a
de-cock lock 228 and a de-cock lock biasing device 230. These
components will be discussed in turn.
[0061] With reference now to FIGS. 7, 9-11, 18, 21 and 28-30, the
de-cock activator 222 may be positioned within the housing 70 and
may be selectively movable by the user from a first de-cock
activator position (shown in FIGS. 9-10 and 18) that prevents the
string latch 62 from being moved into the third string latch
position (preventing de-cocking of the bowstring 18) into a second
de-cock activator position (shown in FIG. 21) that permits the
string latch 62 to be moved into the third string latch position
(permitting de-cocking of the crossbow). The de-cock activator 222
may include surface 240 for use by a user to manually move the
de-cock activator from the first de-cock activator position into
the second de-cock activator position. In some embodiments, when
the de-cock activator 222 is in the first de-cock activator
position, surface 240 extends outward through a housing opening
outside of the housing 70 as shown in FIG. 18. To move the de-cock
activator 222 into the second de-cock activator position, the user
may push surface 240 inward with the result shown in FIG. 21. In
some embodiments, the de-cock activator 222 has surface 242 that
extends laterally and that has an opening 244 (see FIG. 30) that
receives a pin 246 supported to the housing 70. In this case, as
the de-cock activator 222 is moved between the first and second
de-cock activator positions, the de-cock activator 222 slides along
the pin 246 linearly.
[0062] With reference now to FIGS. 7, 9-11, 18, 21-22 and 28-30,
the de-cock activator 222 may have surface 250 (see FIG. 29) which
may be used to prevent the string latch 62 from being moved into
the third string latch position. In some embodiments, any attempt
to move the string latch 62 into the third string latch position is
unsuccessful because such attempted motion would cause surface 254
of the string latch 62 (see FIG. 15) to operatively engage surface
250 of the de-cock activator 232. The proximity of these two
surfaces is visible in FIG. 7. Thus, when the de-cock activator 232
is in the first de-cock activator position, it is not possible to
de-cock the crossbow. In some embodiments, surface 240 may be
positioned on one end of the de-cock activator 222 and surface 250
may be positioned on the opposite end 270 of the de-cock activator
222, as shown. In some embodiments, the end 270 of the de-cock
activator 222 that includes contact surface 250 may extend into a
housing opening 256 (see FIGS. 20 and 25). Surface 252 of the
de-cock activator 222 may be used to operatively engage surface 154
of the safety activator 132 (see FIG. 22). In some embodiments,
shown, surfaces 256 and 154 are planar. As a result of this
engagement, when the safety activator 132 is in the first safety
activator position and the de-cock activator 222 is in the first
de-cock activator position, when the user selectively moves the
de-cock activator 222 into the second de-cock activator position,
the safety activator 132 is moved into the second safety activator
position simultaneously. The result is shown in FIG. 21. This
provides the advantage that the user never has to individually move
the safety activator 132 when it is desired to de-cock the
crossbow. Thus, the user can think of the safety activator 132 as
being used exclusively for firing or not firing the crossbow 10. In
some embodiments, a de-cock activator biasing device 224, such as a
spring best seen in FIG. 10, may be used to apply a biasing force
to bias the de-cock activator 222 into the first de-cock activator
position. For the embodiment shown, the biasing device 224 has one
end that operatively engages a surface of the housing 70 and the
opposite end operatively engages surface 258 of the de-cock
activator 222 (see FIGS. 28-29).
[0063] With reference now to FIGS. 7-10, 24-25 and 28-29 a de-cock
lock 228 may be positioned within the housing 70 and may be movable
between a first de-cock lock position (see FIGS. 10 and 24) that
retains the de-cock activator 222 in the second de-cock activator
position and a second de-cock lock position (see FIG. 25) that
permits the de-cock activator 222 to move into the first de-cock
activator position. In some embodiments, the de-cock lock 228 may
have surface 260 (see FIG. 24) that operatively engages surface 264
of the de-cock activator 222 (see FIG. 29). The engagement of these
surfaces is visible in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, juxtaposed to
surface 264 the de-cock activator 222 may have surface 266 that
extends outward from surface 264. When the de-cock activator 222 is
in the second de-cock activator position and the de-cock lock 228
is in the first de-cock lock position, a side surface of the
de-cock lock 228 near surface 260 is juxtaposed to surface 266 to
retain the de-cock activator 222 in the second de-cock activator
position. When the de-cock lock 228 is in the second de-cock lock
position, surface 260 may operatively engage the end 270 of the
de-cock activator 222. As seen best in FIGS. 28-29, the end 270 of
the de-cock activator 222 may have a circular cross-section.
Surface 260 may have a C-shape to match the circumference of the
end 270.
[0064] With reference now to FIGS. 7-10 and 24-25, in some
embodiments the de-cock lock 228 is moved between the first de-cock
lock position and the second de-cock lock position by pivoting the
de-cock lock 228. The de-cock lock 228 may, for example, have an
opening that receives a pivot pin 262, supported to the housing 70,
about which the de-cock lock 228 pivots. A de-cock lock biasing
device 230, such as a spring, may be used to apply a biasing force
to bias the de-cock lock 228 into the into the first de-cock lock
position. In some embodiments, not shown, de-cock lock biasing
device 138 may be distinct from de-cock lock biasing device 230.
For the embodiment show, a single biasing device (hereinafter
referred to as an interlock biasing device 280, see FIGS. 8, 10 and
24-25) applies an interlock biasing force that biases the safety
lock 136 into the first safety lock position and the de-cock lock
228 into the first de-cock lock position. In one specific
embodiment, safety lock 136 has a biasing device reception surface
282 (see FIG. 10) that operatively receives one end of interlock
biasing device 280 and de-cock lock 228 has a biasing device
reception surface 284 that operatively receives the opposite end of
interlock biasing device 280. In some embodiments, shown, surfaces
282 and 284 are laterally extending tabs. The way in which the
de-cock lock 228 is selectively moved from the first de-cock lock
position into the second de-cock lock position will be described
below.
[0065] With reference now to FIGS. 7-12 and 31, the de-cock link
226 may be movable between a first de-cock link position (shown in
FIGS. 12-13) that retains the trigger link 64 in the second trigger
link position and a second de-cock link position (shown in FIGS.
7-11) that does not retain the trigger link 64 in the second
trigger link position. In some embodiments, the de-cock link 226 is
moved from the second de-cock link position to the first de-cock
link position by pivoting the de-cock link 226 in direction 296.
The de-cock link 226 may, for example, have an opening 292 (see
FIG. 31) that receives a pivot pin 294, supported to the housing
70, about which the de-cock link 226 pivots.
[0066] With reference now to FIGS. 7-12, 14, 16-17 and 31-32, the
de-cock link 226 may be moved from the second de-cock link position
to the first de-cock link position by pivoting the de-cock link 226
in direction 296. In some embodiments, this motion of the de-cock
link 226 is achieved by pivoting string latch 62 from the first
string latch position into the third string latch position. When
this occurs, surface 74 of the string latch 62 (see FIG. 14) may
operatively engage surface 300 of the de-cock link 226 (see FIGS.
31 and 12) causing the de-cock link 226 to pivot in direction 296.
In some embodiments, shown, surface 74 is slightly concave curved
and surface 300 is convex curved. As this motion occurs, surface
302 of the de-cock link 226 may operatively engage surface 96 of
the trigger link 64 and then surface 94 of the trigger link 64;
causing the trigger link 64 to move from the first trigger link
position to the second trigger link position. In some embodiments,
shown, surface 94 is sized and shaped such that when surface 302 is
received within surface 94, it is able to retain the de-cock link
226 in the second de-cock link position and thus retain the trigger
link 64 in the second trigger link position. In some embodiments,
shown, surface 94 is sized and shaped such that when surface 302 is
received within surface 94, an audible "click" sound is made. This
sound provides audible confirmation to the user that the de-cock
mechanism 220 is ready to be used to de-cock the crossbow by moving
the bowstring 18 from the cocked position to the un-cocked
position. In one specific embodiment, shown, surface 302 is convex
curved and surface 94 is concave curved. In some embodiments, the
motion of the string latch 62 from the first string latch position
into the third string latch position is limited by the operative
engagement of surfaces 254 and 272 of the string latch 62 (shown in
FIG. 15) with the surfaces 274 and 276, respectively, of the
de-cock activator 222 (shown in FIG. 29). The proximity of these
surfaces is visible in FIG. 7.
[0067] With reference now to FIGS. 7-10, 21, 27 and 31, in some
embodiments, surface 306 of the de-cock link 226 (see FIG. 31) may
operatively engage surface 200 of the dry-fire link 192 (see FIG.
27). In some embodiments, shown, surface 306 is concave curved and
operatively engages tab shaped surface 200. As a result of this
engagement, movement of the de-cock link 226 from the second
de-cock link position to the first de-cock link position causes the
dry-fire link 192 to simultaneously move from the first dry-fire
link position to the second dry-fire position. Similarly, movement
of the de-cock link 226 from the first de-cock link position to the
second de-cock link position causes the dry-fire link 192 to
simultaneously move from the second dry-fire link position to the
first dry-fire position. The de-cock link 226 may be moved from the
first de-cock link position to the second de-cock link position by
moving the bowstring 18 distally from the cocked position to the
un-cocked position. With this motion, the bowstring 18 may
operatively engage surface 304 of the de-cock link 226 (see FIG.
31) causing the de-cock link 226 to pivot in direction 290 back to
the second de-cock position and simultaneously causing the dry-fire
link 192 to move from the second dry-fire link position to the
first dry-fire link position.
[0068] With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, 7, 9-10, 18-21, 24-25 and
33-34, the crossbow 10 may include a reset mechanism 320 that may
include a reset activator 322 that may be positioned within the
housing 70 and that may be selectively movable from a first reset
activator position (shown in FIGS. 7 and 24) into a second reset
activator position (shown in FIG. 25). In some embodiments, this
movement of the reset activator 322 moves the safety activator 132
from the second safety activator position to the first safety
activator position. In some embodiments, this movement of the reset
activator 322 moves the de-cock activator 222 from the second
de-cock activator position to the first de-cock activator position.
In some embodiments, this movement of the reset activator 322
simultaneously moves the safety activator 132 from the second
safety activator position to the first safety activator position
and the de-cock activator 222 from the second de-cock activator
position to the first de-cock activator position. The reset
mechanism 320 may include a reset activator biasing device 324 that
applies a reset activator biasing force that biases the reset
activator 322 into the first reset activator position.
[0069] With reference now to FIGS. 7, 9-10 and 33-34, in some
embodiments, the reset activator 322 may be moved between the first
and second reset activator positions by pivoting the reset
activator 322. The reset activator 322 may, for example, have an
opening 328 that receives a pivot pin 330, supported to the housing
70, about which the reset activator 322 pivots. In some
embodiments, the reset activator 322 is moved from the first reset
activator position to the second reset activator position by
pivoting the reset activator 322 in direction 332. The biasing
device 324 may bias the reset activator 322 to pivot about pivot
pin 330 in direction 334.
[0070] With reference now to FIGS. 4, 7, 9-10, 24-25, and 33-34, in
some embodiments, the reset activator 322 may include a surface 336
for use by a user to manually move the reset activator 322 from the
first reset activator position into the second reset activator
position. In some embodiments, shown, surface 336 is concave curved
and facing upward which is useful in receiving the user's finger.
In some embodiments, when the reset activator 322 is in the first
reset activator position, surface 336 extends outward through a
housing opening outside of the housing 70 as shown in FIG. 4. In
some embodiments, shown, the surface 336 extends proximally. To
move the reset activator 322 into the second reset activator
position, the user may push surface 336 downward with the result
shown in FIG. 18. In some embodiments, surface 336 is positioned on
one end of the reset activator 322 and the opposite end of the
reset activator has a surface 338 (see FIGS. 24 and 34) that
selectively operatively engages surface 340 of the safety lock 136
(see FIG. 24). In some embodiments, shown, surface 338 is convex
curved and surface 340 is planar. When the reset activator 322 is
moved from the first reset activator position into the second reset
activator position, surface 338 may slide on surface 340. The
engagement of surfaces 338 and 340 is visible in FIG. 25.
[0071] With reference now to FIGS. 7, 9-10 and 24-25, in some
embodiments, when the user moves the reset activator 322 from the
first reset activator position into the second reset activator
position, the safety lock 136 may move from the first safety lock
position to the second safety lock position by pivoting clockwise
(in FIGS. 24-25) about pivot pin 182. In some embodiments, safety
lock 136 may have a surface 342 that operatively engages a surface
344 of the de-cock lock 228 (see FIG. 24). In some embodiments,
shown, surface 344 is on a proximal end of an extension 346 that
extends proximally from the de-cock lock 228. As a result of the
engagement of surfaces 342 and 344, movement of safety lock 136
from the first safety lock position to the second safety lock
position causes de-cock lock 228 to move from the first de-cock
lock position to the second de-cock lock position by pivoting
de-cock lock 228 clockwise (in FIGS. 24-25) about pivot pin
262.
[0072] With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, 7-11 and 18-20, operation
of the crossbow 10 to fire the crossbow will now be described.
First the user may use the cocking mechanism 30 to move the
bowstring 18 from the un-cocked position to the cocked position. As
explained above, in some embodiments cocking the bowstring 18 is
accomplished using a drawing mechanism 34 and a claw 32. The user
may then counter rotate the handle 50 to remove tension from the
cocking cable segments 44, 44 and then remove and store the claw
32. The handle 50 then may be removed, if desired. Before the
crossbow 10 can be fired, the user may have to do two things.
First, the user may have to properly insert the arrow (not shown).
Insertion of the arrow causes the dry-fire link 192 to move from
the first dry-fire link position to the second dry-fire link
position. Second, the user may have to move the safety activator
132 from the first safety activator position into the second safety
activator position. Note that movement of the safety activator 132
from the first safety activator position into the second safety
activator position does not move the de-cock activator 222 from the
first de-cock activator position into the second de-cock activator
position. As explained above, in some embodiments this movement of
the safety activator 132 is accomplished by pushing the safety
activator 132 laterally inward overcoming the biasing force of the
safety activator biasing device 134. If the user now pulls the
trigger 66, the crossbow 10 will fire; shooting the arrow and
returning the crossbow 10 to the un-cocked position. Firing the
crossbow 10 moves the trigger link 64 from the first trigger link
position (shown in FIG. 8) to the second trigger link position
(shown in FIG. 11). This movement of the trigger link 64 permits
the string latch biasing device 84 to move the string latch 62 from
the first string latch position (shown in FIG. 8) to the second
string latch position (shown in FIG. 11).
[0073] With reference now to FIGS. 7-11 and 24-25, in some
embodiments, the safety lock 136 may have a surface 178 (see FIGS.
24 and 7) that operatively engages surface 184 of the string latch
62 (see FIG. 14) when the string latch 62 moves into the second
string latch position. The engagement of surface 184 with surface
178 is shown in FIG. 11. This engagement causes the safety lock 136
and the de-cock lock 228 to pivot clockwise from their safety lock
and de-cock lock first positions (shown in FIG. 24) to their safety
lock and de-cock lock second positions (shown in FIG. 25). This
permits the de-cock activator biasing device 224 to maintain the
de-cock activator 222 in the first de-cock activator position. Even
if the user moved the de-cock activator 222 into the second de-cock
activator position, once the de-cock activator 222 is released by
the user, the de-cock activator biasing device 224 will immediately
move the de-cock activator 222 back into the first de-cock
activator position.
[0074] With reference now to FIGS. 7-10 and 18-20, if the user
decides not to fire the crossbow after moving the safety activator
132 from the first safety activator position to the second safety
activator position, the user can reset the safety activator 132. In
one embodiment, the user can reset the safety activator 132 by
moving the reset activator 322 from the first reset activator
position to the second reset activator position overcoming the
biasing force of the reset activator biasing device 324. This
motion causes the safety lock 136 to move from the first safety
lock position to the second safety lock position, overcoming the
biasing force of the safety lock biasing device 138. This permits
the safety activator biasing device 134 to move the safety
activator 132 from the second safety activator position back to the
first safety activator position. When the user releases the reset
activator 322, the reset activator biasing device 324 moves the
reset activator 322 from the second reset activator position back
to the first reset activator position. Note that throughout these
actions the de-cock activator 222 remains in the first de-cock
activator position.
[0075] With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, 7-10, 18 and 21, operation
to de-cock the crossbow by moving the bowstring 18 from the cocked
position to the un-cocked position will now be described. With the
bowstring 18 in the cocked position, the user may remove the arrow
if it had been inserted. The user may then place the claw 32 back
onto the main beam 12 in engagement with the bowstring 18 and put
the handle 50 back on. Next, the user may rotate the handle 50 so
that the cocking cable segments 44, 44 are taut (shown in FIG. 4).
The user may then move the de-cock activator 222 from the first
de-cock activator position into the second de-cock activator
position. As explained above, in some embodiments this is
accomplished by pushing the de-cock activator 222 laterally inward
overcoming the biasing force of the de-cock activator biasing
device 224. As also explained above, moving the de-cock activator
222 from the first de-cock activator position into the second
de-cock activator position simultaneously moves the safety
activator 132 from the first safety activator position into the
second safety activator position--permitting movement of the string
latch 62 and the trigger link 64.
[0076] With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, 7-10, 12-14 and 24-25, next
the user may rotate handle 50 drawing the claw 32 and bowstring 18
further proximally. This motion of the claw 32 causes the bowstring
18 to operatively engage surface 106 of the string latch 62 (shown
in FIG. 8) moving the string latch 62 from the first string latch
position to the third string latch position. As explained above,
this motion of the string latch 62 causes the de-cock link 226 to
move from the second de-cock link position to the first de-cock
link position; which causes the trigger link 64 to move from the
first trigger link position to the second trigger link position. In
some embodiments, the motion of the string latch 62 from the first
string latch position to the third string latch position causes the
operative engagement of surface 186 of the string latch 62 (shown
in FIG. 14) with surface 268 of the de-cock lock 228 (shown in
FIGS. 8-9). This engagement, shown in FIG. 12, may cause the
de-cock lock 228 to pivot clockwise (as shown in FIG. 24) about
pivot pin 262. In some embodiments, shown, surface 186 is convex
curved and surface 268 is a laterally extending tab having a
circular cross-section.
[0077] With reference now to FIGS. 1-2, 7-10, 12-13 and 24-25, the
user can continue to counter rotate handle 50 permitting the claw
32 and bowstring 18 to continue moving distally. This motion
permits the string latch biasing device 84 to move the string latch
62 in direction 78 (see FIG. 8). When the string latch 62 comes out
of engagement with the de-cock activator 222, the de-cock activator
biasing device 224 moves the de-cock activator 222 from the second
de-cock activator position into the first de-cock activator
position. Continued counter rotation of handle 50 permits further
distal movement of the claw 32 and bowstring 18 which moves the
bowstring 18 away from surface 106 of the string latch 62
permitting the string latch biasing device 84 to move the string
latch 62 into the second string latch position (shown in FIG. 13).
As noted above, in some embodiments, this motion of the string
latch 62 may result in the operative engagement of surface 184 of
the string latch 62 with surface 178 of the safety lock 136. This
engagement causes the safety lock 136 and the de-cock lock 228 to
pivot clockwise from their safety lock and de-cock lock first
positions (shown in FIG. 24) to their safety lock and de-cock lock
second positions (shown in FIG. 25). This permits the safety
activator biasing device 134 to move the safety activator 132 from
the second safety activator position back to the first safety
activator position.
[0078] With reference now to FIGS. 1-2, 7-13 and 31, as the user
continues to counter rotate handle 50 and the claw 32 and bowstring
18 continue moving distally, the bowstring 18 may engage the
de-cock link 226, as explained above, causing the de-cock link 226
to begin moving back toward the second de-cock position which
simultaneously causes the dry-fire link 192 to begin moving back
toward the first dry-fire link position. As the bowstring 18 moves
distally out of engagement with the de-cock link 226, the dry-fire
link biasing device 210 may bias the dry-fire link 192 into the
first dry-fire link position simultaneously moving the de-cock link
226 into the second de-cock link position. In some embodiments,
this motion of the de-cock link 226 into the second de-cock link
position is limited because surface 286 of the de-cock link 226
(shown in FIG. 31) operatively engages surface 234 of the housing
70 (shown in FIG. 13). Engagement of these surfaces is shown in
FIG. 11. In some embodiments, shown, surface 286 is planar and
surface 234 is convex curved. In some embodiments, surface 234 is
composed at least in part of an elastic material to absorb
vibrations and extend wear. Once the claw 32 has moved the
bowstring 18 distally to the un-cocked position, the user can
remove the claw 32 and, if desired, the handle 50.
[0079] With reference now to FIGS. 7-10, 18, 21 and 24-25, if the
user has moved the de-cock activator 222 from the first de-cock
activator position into the second de-cock activator position but
then decides not to move the bowstring 18 to the un-cocked
position, the de-cock activator 222 can be reset. In one
embodiment, the user can reset the de-cock activator 222 by moving
the reset activator 322 from the first reset activator position to
the second reset activator position overcoming the biasing force of
the reset activator biasing device 324. As explained above, this
motion of the reset activator 322 causes the safety lock 136 to
move from the first safety lock position to the second safety lock
position (overcoming the biasing force of the safety lock biasing
device 138) and simultaneously causes the de-cock lock 228 to move
from the first de-cock lock position to the second de-cock lock
position (overcoming the biasing force of the de-cock lock biasing
device 230). This permits the safety activator biasing device 134
to move the safety activator 132 from the second safety activator
position back to the first safety activator position and
simultaneously permits the de-cock activator biasing device 224 to
move the de-cock activator 222 from the second de-cock activator
position back to the first de-cock activator position. When the
user releases the reset activator 322, the reset activator biasing
device 324 moves the reset activator 322 from the second reset
activator position back to the first reset activator position.
[0080] With reference now to FIGS. 7-10, 16-17, 22, 24-25 and
33-34, in some embodiments, whenever the trigger link 64 is in the
second trigger link position, the reset activator 322 may be
prevented from being moved into the second reset activator
position. Thus, the reset activator 322 may be prevented from
accessing the safety lock 136 or the de-cock lock 228. This
prevention may be accomplished because any attempt to move the
reset activator 322 from the first reset activator position to the
second reset activator position is prevented when surface 350 of
the reset activator 322 (shown in FIGS. 33-34) operatively engages
surface 158 of the trigger link 64 (shown in FIG. 16). The
proximity of surfaces 350 and 158 are visible in FIG. 11. As a
result, the safety activator 132 and de-cock activator 222 can only
be reset when the trigger link 64 is in the first trigger link
position and the string latch 62 is in the first string latch
position. In some embodiments, whenever the trigger link 64 is in
the second trigger link position, the safety activator 132 may be
prevented from being moved from the second safety activator
position to the first safety activator position. This prevention
may be accomplished because any attempt to move the safety
activator 132 from the second safety activator position to the
first safety activator position is prevented when surface 148 of
the safety activator 132 (shown in FIG. 22) operatively engages
surface 164 of the trigger link 64 (shown in FIG. 17). In some
embodiments, shown, surfaces 148 and 164 are planar. The proximity
of surfaces 148 and 164 are apparent in FIG. 7. As a result, the
safety activator 132 can only be moved into the first safety
activator position when the trigger link 64 is in the first trigger
link position and the string latch 62 is in the first string latch
position.
[0081] With reference now to FIGS. 18-22, in some embodiments, one
or more visual indicators may be provided to assist the user. As
discussed above, surface 160 of the safety activator 132 may be
used to indicate that the safety activator 132 is in the second
safety activator position when it extends through the housing 70.
As also discussed above, visual indicators may be provided by
having portions of components extending (or not extending) through
openings in the housing 70. One or more written indications may be
provided. FIG. 19, for example, shows indicator 140 serving as a
label for the de-cock activator 222. In one specific embodiment,
indicator 140 is "DE-COCK." FIG. 19 also shows indicator 142
serving as a label for the safety activator 132. In one specific
embodiment, indicator 142 is "PUSH TO FIRE." FIG. 20 shows
indicator 144 serving as a label for the safety activator 132 on
the opposite side of the housing 70. In one specific embodiment,
indicator 144 is "NO-PUSH." One or more image indications may be
provided. FIG. 19, for example, shows indicator 146 serving as an
image for the safety activator 132. In one specific embodiment,
indicator 146 is an image of a hand with a finger extended toward
an image of the safety activator 132. One or more size and/or shape
indications may be provided. FIG. 18, for example, shows surface
150 (see FIG. 22) of the safety activator 132 having a triangular
shape while surface 240 (see FIG. 30) of the de-cock activator 222
has a circular shape. Surface 150 of the safety activator 132 also
has a greater area that the surface 240 of the de-cock activator
222. One or more color indications may be provided. As discussed
above, surface 160 of the safety activator 132 may be colored red.
Indicators 140 and 142 may be colored red and indicator 146 may be
colored white. Any visual indicators chosen with the sound
judgement of a person of skill in the art may be used with
embodiments of this invention.
[0082] Numerous embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods
and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without
departing from the general scope of the present subject matter. It
is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so
far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the
equivalents thereof.
[0083] Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
* * * * *