Archery target sight

Abstract

An improved archery target sight, in which much of the unneeded weight present in support arms is removed. This sight utilizes a pair of lightweight rods, that are positioned lengthwise vertically to each other, and where the rods are gripped between a mounting block and clamp, with the rods placed in recessed grooves defined in the block and clamp. The rods extend outward from the bow to hold and position vertical adjustment sighting apparatus. A stop block may be attached along the length of the rods, where the stop block is adjacent to the mounting block and provides a means to set the placement of the rods in reference to the mounting block, by consistently placing the stop block immediately adjacent to the mounting block, so as to allow disassembly of the rods from the mounting block, and reattachment at a later time with an identical configuration achieved by repositioning the stop block against the mounting block.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention is an improved bow sight for use with archery bows, where the sight assists the archer in predetermining the expected arcing path of the arrow on a distant target, and for making adjustment allowances for targets at differing ranges. This particular improved bow sight utilizes a plurality of support rods that hold and position the vertical sighting apparatus out from the typical archery bow, where the multiple support rods have less mass than a single support arm, and with use of a stop block, clamp and mounting block, allow the entire apparatus to be detachable from the bow, and reattached when desired, and yet keeping the desired settings and position for the supporting rods.

[0002] Multiple rods, as opposed to a single extension arm, allow for a minimization of weight, which greatly advances the art of target sighting, and holding the bow and targeting system in a ready position. Employment of a single rigid shaft, which is the typical method used in prior art bow sights, requires that the single shaft have suitable strength to hold and position the vertical adjustment components rigidly in relationship to the bow. This single shaft, in order to have significant strength and flexing resistance, also generally denotes additional weight being added to the lightweight archery bow and sighting assembly. Any weight created by the rigid shaft itself will cause additional stress rotationally downward around the point of attachment for the entire sighting apparatus. The entire sighting apparatus effectively acts as a lever, pushing the front part of the bow downward.

[0003] The desirable archery sight, exhibiting lighter weight and less overall mass, results in a diminished amount of rotational force in supporting the targeting sight, and which allows the Archer to more easily hold the bow and maintain a motionless targeting stance prior to release.

[0004] This improved embodiment removes a significant portion of the mass generally attributed to the shaft portion of the typical archery sight. In this improved archery target sight a plurality of shafts are used to replace the traditional rigid shaft member that has the undesirable increased amount of mass.

[0005] Prior archery sights have relied upon a single extension arm to position the actual sighting members. Referring to U.S. Pat. No. 4,543,728 (Kowalski), an archery bow sight is shown, which utilizes an elongated rigid mounting bracket assembly, denoted as number 20, and depicted in FIG. 2 of said patent. This rigid mounting bracket assembly is a single armed apparatus, which denotes significant weight, as compared with the present assembly. It manner of detachment and reattachment also does not allow for a repetition of previously desired positioning for the rigid supporting arm.

[0006] Referring also to U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,777 (Saunders), a bow sight is shown and described, in which a single extension bar is shown, designated as number 30 in that patent, and which is shown and described as a single bar that is attached to the bow along its length, and support other apparatus that is positioned away from the bow itself.

[0007] In both of these patents referenced above, there is no contemplation given to reducing weight attributable to the extension members, through the use of multiple support members, nor is the manner of having the support arm assembly being detachable from the bow in a manner that allows simple reattachment with the same earlier settings available described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This invention uses a plurality of support rods, positioned vertically one above the other, to support targeting apparatus out away in front of the bow. Typically, the supporting members comprise a pair of rods, that have their forward ends disposed within sockets of a rod receiving block, with the rod receiving block having the adjusting sight members affixed thereto.

[0009] The rearward ends of the rods are positioned in recessed grooves defined in both a clamp and a mounting block, so that when the clamp and mounting block are urged together, they will grip the rods between them, holding the rods outward perpendicular to the bow length, and properly positioning the adjusting targeting apparatus out in front of the bow.

[0010] Once the rods are fixed in the desirable position within the clamp and mounting block, this position can be redetermined upon later reattachment using a stop block, that has a pair of parallel grooves, and which is positioned on the opposite side of the rods from the clamp member, but adjacent to the mounting block. The stop block is bolted to the clamp, with the rods between the stop block and clamp, so that it is adjacent to the mounting block, and is used as a reference point for removing and then replacing the rods in relation to the mounting block. In this manner, the sighting apparatus can be fixed as to position of the rod members, taken apart from the bow, and reattached when necessary, with the stop block allowing reattachment to be accomplished to the same position as previously made.

[0011] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved support member, utilizing a plurality of support rods that are used for positioning sighting apparatus out in front of a bow.

[0012] It is a further object of this invention to provide a means of supporting the vertically adjustable targeting apparatus in front of the bow, using a minimum of weight, through the use of multiple support rods.

[0013] It is a further object of this invention to allow the elongated support member rods to be fixed in position in relation to a clamp and mounting block, and through the utilization of a stop block, that is fixed along the length of the support member rods, to be removed and then reattached with the position of the support rods being identical to the earlier desired settings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the improved archery target site and targeting adjustment apparatus, with the view being from the front of said improved archery target site.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the improved archery target site and targeting adjustment apparatus, with the view being from the upper right and rear side of the improved archery target site.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the improved archery target site as it would appear when attached to the typical archery bow.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the mounting block.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the mounting block shown in FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the clamp for the two rods.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the clamp for the two rods.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a side view of the stop block.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the stop block shown in FIG. 8.

[0023] FIG. 10 is an end view of the rod receiving block with the view being from the rear of said rod receiving block, with the rod sockets shown.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a side view of the rod receiving block.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a side view of the rods.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a partial exploded perspective view of the rods having the stop block fixed to the clamp, with the rods positioned between the clamp and the stop block, where the rods, clamp and stop block are depicted as being in position for placement against the mounting block using the clamp knob.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, the improved archery target sight 10 is shown. As is also shown in FIG. 3, the improved archery target sight 10 is comprised of an apparatus that is attached to an archery bow 90 using a mounting block 30 that is affixed securely to the bow 90, so as to project the improved archery target sight 10 forward of the bow 90, allowing vertically adjustable targeting apparatus to be positioned so that it is in a line of sight from the observing archer, or user of the bow 90, to the desired target. The forward portion of the improved archery target sight 10 supports various vertical adjustment components, which allow vertical adjustment of the various targeting sight members through which the archer can then used to line up the intended arrow trajectory prior to release.

[0028] There are several desirable attributes to an archery targeting system, which not only include accuracy for the settings, but also require that the archery target sight itself be able to be detachable from the bow 90, as well as exhibit durability with regard to regaining desired settings, with a minimum of mass.

[0029] The vertical adjustment components for a typical archery target sight comprise a sight adjustment guide 55, having uniformly spaced gear teeth 56, and a dovetail guide 57 which allows a rotating adjustment means holder 60 to slide vertically along the length of the sight adjustment guide 55. The sight adjustment guide 55 supports a sight block 75 and sight screw holder 71, which allows a sight screw 70 to be positioned vertically. Vertical manipulation of the sight adjustment components is accomplished through the rotation of spiraling threads 66 that contact the spaces between the teeth 56, and when the threads 66 are so rotated, the threads 66 will cause the rest of the entire vertical adjustment components to move vertically up or down along the spaced teeth 56, to move the targeting sight screw 70 to the appropriate position to account for anticipated arcing along the arrow trajectory path.

[0030] As adjustments are made to this set of vertical adjustment components while they are in use and attached to the bow 90, as shown in FIG. 3, the means to support the entire set of vertical adjustment components must be durable enough to prohibit any undesirable movement or slippage along the length of any supporting shaft.

[0031] Referring now also to FIG. 12, two rods 13 and 14 are shown, with rod 13 having a rear end 13a and a forward end 13b. Likewise, rod 14 has a rear end 14a and a forward end 14b. These rods, 13 and 14, are preferably elongated tubular members that exhibit a uniform diameter along their length from end 13a to 13b, and from end 14a to end 14b. Said rods 13 and 14 may be comprised of hollow tubes or solid members. Their external surface may exhibit uniform circumference, or a varied outer shape and size.

[0032] Optimally, these rods are composed of the lightweight sturdy material which resists flexing or deformation through use. Such rods 13 and 14 generally comprise carbon rods which give a weight that is typically 30 to 40 percent lighter than similar metallic framework assemblies. Multiple rods are used, since the load bearing properties of each rod 13 and 14 are each able to assist each other in their resistance to flexing and/or deformation, when used in conjunction one with another. This embodiment is shown as having two rods 13 and 14, but additional rods may be used, where the additional rods are each lighter than that required for the two rod configuration shown.

[0033] As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rods 13 and 14 are positioned so that rod 13 is directly above rod 14. This configuration supplies the maximum amount of resistance to vertical stress caused by the downward force of the adjustment components, while the improved archery target sight 10 is attached to the bow 90.

[0034] Rods 13 and 14 are held in position on their forward end areas 13b and 14b as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in which the forward end areas 13b and 14b of rods 13 and 14 are placed within sockets 15 and 16, defined by a rod receiving block 12. As is shown in FIGS. 2,10 and 11, the rod receiving block 12 comprises a sleeve portion 17, that extends perpendicular to a mounting flange 85, with the sleeve portion 17 defining sockets 15 and 16 that have a sufficient diameter and shape so as to receive and accommodate the forward end areas 13b and 14b of rods 13 and 14.

[0035] For purposes of clarification, the front end 13a of rod 13 is placed into socket 15, with a portion of the total length of said rod 13 pushed into said socket 15, and supported by said socket 15. The front end 14a of rod 14 is likewise pushed into socket 16 so that a portion of the total length of the rod 14 is contained within said socket 16.

[0036] Rods 13 and 14 are then secured within their respective sockets 15 and 16 through typical adhesive means such as epoxy type adhesives, or other materials that will bond with the surface of rods 13 and 14 and with the interior surface of sockets 15 and 16. Once rods 13 and 14 are so secured, they will protrude out of the sockets 15 and 16, with the remaining length of the rods 13 and 14 made parallel to each other through their positioning.

[0037] As is shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, the rod receiving block 12 is secured to the sight adjustment guide 55, typically through attachment bolts or screws which are placed through bolt holes 82 and 83, with the bolts or screws then attaching to the sight adjustment guide 55. In this manner, the position of the rods 13 and 14 becomes perpendicularly fixed with regard to the direction of movement and position of the vertical adjustment components. As is shown in FIG. 1, the linear position of the teeth 56 on the sight adjustment guide 55 are perpendicular to the length of rods 13 and 14. Therefore, the sighting adjustments made will be in perpendicular relationship to the length of said rods 13 and 14.

[0038] Bow 90 has an attached mounting block 30, as shown in FIG. 3. Mounting block 30 is secured to bow 90 typically through bolts or screws, but the mounting block 30 can be permanently attached if so desired. The mounting block 30 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. FIG. 4 depicts a view of the mounting block 30 as it would appear when positioned on a vertical standing bow 90, such as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 depicts the mounting block 30 in a cross sectional view. As is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mounting block 30 defines a parallel set of recessed grooves 33 and 34, which have a uniform depth along the length of said grooves 33 and 34. As it is also shown in FIG. 5, said grooves preferably comprise arcual concave walls that approximate the outer surface shape of rods 13 and 14. As is shown in FIG. 5, where rods 13 and 14 comprise tubular members, grooves 33 and 34 comprise uniformly curved edges that follow a common radius of a circle, with 180 degrees of the circle defined by the walls of grooves 33 and 34. It is not intended that the shape of said grooves 33 and 34 be restricted to being the shape and configuration defined above, but the grooves 33 and 34 may comprise any particular shape and configuration so as to closely match the outer surface of the supporting means, in this case rods 13 and 14.

[0039] Referring specifically to FIG. 4, grooves 33 and 34 are divided by a planar spacing surface, which extends along the length of the mounting block 30 from the front side edge 36 to the back side edge 38. Mounting block 30 also defines mounting bolt holes 35 which allow mounting bolts to be placed through said holes 35 with the terminating ends of the bolts being screwed into the actual bow 90, so that when the bolts are tightened, they will firmly fix the position of the mounting block 30, in relation to the bow 90. The mounting block 30 also has groove edges 32 that are parallel to, and uniform with the planar spacing surface 31.

[0040] The mounting block 30 also defines a centrally located clamp hole 37, into which a bolt is positioned and able to be tightened into said hole 37.

[0041] Referring again to FIG. 2, rods 13 and 14 are positioned and aligned into said grooves 33 and 34, with rod 13 being placed in groove 33, and rod 14 being placed into groove 34.

[0042] Clamp 40 is depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, and 13, but with particularity and in greater detail in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. FIG. 6 depicts the surface of clamp 40 that impacts against rods 13 and 14, along with the mounting block 30. Clamp 40 defines recessed grooves 43 and 44, in a similar manner as that of the mounting block 30. Clamp 40 has a flat planar spacer surface 45, and which defines a clamp hole 46. The clamp hole 46 allows a tightening bolt to be placed through the clamp hole 46, with the terminating end of said bolt screwing into the clamp hole 37 of the mounting block 30. When this bolt is tightened, typically using a tightening means such as a clamp knob 50, which rotates about a clamp hub 51, being part of the tightening bolt. Rotation of the clamp knob 50 will rotate clamp hub 51, causing the bolt to be screwed into the mounting block 30, with the clamp knob 50 then moving toward mounting block 30, thereby causing the clamp 40 to likewise move toward the mounting block 30.

[0043] Clamp 40, is shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. Said clamp 40 is positioned over the rods 13 and 14, so that the outer surface of rod 13 contacts the arcual concave groove 43 of clamp 40, with outer surface of rod 14 contacting the arcual concave groove 44 of clamp 40. When the rods 13 and 14 are thus positioned between the mounting block 30 and clamp 40, as shown in FIG. 1, the clamp knob 50 is able to be tightened, thereby causing clamp 40 to move toward mounting block 30, so that the rods 13 and 14 are squeezed between the clamp 40 and mounting block 30, until sufficient squeezing force is applied against the rods 13 and 14, so they are unable to move in relation to said block 30 and clamp 40. This configuration is shown in FIG. 1.

[0044] As one of the desirable aspects of this improved archery target sight 10 is its ability to be disassembled when desired, while yet retaining a minimum of effort to remount and reset the sight, the protruding portions of the improved archery target sight 10 are able to be removed from the grip of the mounting block 30 and clamp 40.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the stop block 20 is shown, in which FIG. 8 depicts a view of the stop block 20 that shows surface of the recessed grooves 23 and 24 that contact the outer surface of the rods 13 and 14. As is shown in FIG. 8, the stop block 20 has two recessed grooves 23 and 24 that are separated by a spacing surface 22, with the recessed groove depth and shape shown in FIG. 9. The recessed grooves, 23 and 24, mirror the outer surface of the rods 13 and 14, so that the recessed grooves 23 and 24 are defined as concave arcual surfaces that travel across the width of the stop block 20.

[0046] Stop block 20 is positioned along the length of the rods 13 and 14, using an attachment means that affixes the stop block 20 to clamp 40, using an attachment means. Typically, the attachment means will be a screw or bolt, that passes through the hole 21 of the stop block 20, and into the stop block bolt hole 48 of the clamp 40. Rods 13 and 14 are placed between the stop block 20 and clamp 40, with rod 13 positioned adjacent to the recessed groove 23 of the stop block 20, and the recessed groove 43 of clamp 40. Rod 14 is positioned adjacent to the recessed groove 24 of the stop block 20, and the recessed groove 44 of clamp 40. Through the tightening of the bolt that causes the stop block 20 and clamp 40 to be urged together, stop block 20 and clamp 40 will squeeze rods 13 and 14 between them, so that the stop block 20 will be fixed in relation to the rods 13 and 14 and clamp 40.

[0047] Referring now specifically to FIG. 13, the stop block 20 is shown tightened to the clamp 40, with rods 13 and 14 positioned and clamped between them, so that the stop block 20 and clamp 40 do not move along the length of the rods 13 and 14. The rods 13, 14, stop block 20 and clamp 40 are then able to be pressed against the mounting block 30, with the clamp knob 50 rotating a bolt that tightens the clamp 40 against the mounting block 30.

[0048] The purpose of the stop block 20 is to allow the archery user to determine and fix the optimum position of the rods 13 and 14 in relation to the mounting block 30. Causing the stop block 20 to be placed adjacent to the mounting block 30 along the length of rods 13 and 14, as shown in FIG. 1, while said stop block 20 and clamp 40 are positioned along the rods 13 and 14, gives the archery user a definite position of the rods 13 and 14.

[0049] The archery user, when setting the position of this improved archery target sight 10 will place the rods 13 and 14 in the respective grooves 23 and 24 of the stop block 20 and the grooves 43 and 44 of clamp 40. The stop block 20 and clamp 40 will be tightened together, gripping the rods 13 and 14, with the tightening accomplished through a tightening means, such as a threaded bolt. The rods 13 and 14 will then be placed in the grooves 33 and 34 of the mounting block 30, with the clamp 40 then tightened against the mounting block 30, gripping the rods 13 and 14. The stop block 20 should be positioned immediately adjacent to the mounting block side 36. When the archery user determines that the settings and configuration of the vertical sighting components are positioned in front of the bow 90, so that rods 13 and 14 are properly situated, then the clamp 40 is tightened fully against the mounting block 30, so as to rigidly hold rods 13 and 14 in place. Stop block 20 is then verified as being adjacent to and in contact with mounting block 30, and stop block 20 and clamp 40 are tightened together, to fix the exact position of the stop block 20. When disassembly is desired, such as shown and depicted in FIG. 13, the stop block 20 should remain in its fixed configuration with the clamp 40, allowing removal of the rods 13 and 14 from the mounting block 30. The rods 13 and 14 and vertical sighting apparatus can be stored or transported, and when the archery user again desires use of the improved archery target sight 10, reassembly is accomplished by placing the rods 13 and 14 in the position again as shown in FIG. 13, and then placing the rods 13 and 14 within the grooves 33 and 34 of the mounting block 30, with the stop block 20 placed against the side 36, shown and described in FIGS. 4 and 5, of the mounting block 30. The clamp 40 is then tightened to the mounting block 30, and when so tightened, the position of the rods 13 and 14 will be identical to the earlier desired specifications, due to the duplicative placement of the stop block 20 and mounting block 30 in relation to each other.

[0050] From the foregoing statements, summary and description in accordance with the present invention, it is understood that the same are not limited thereto, but are susceptible to various changes and modifications as known to those skilled in the art and we therefore do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein, but intend to cover all such changes and modifications which would be encompassed by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, comprising:

a. a mounting block, capable of being attached to an archery bow;

b. a clamp;

c. a plurality of support rods, which are positioned between the mounting block and clamp, where said mounting block and clamp are tightened together against the rods, so as to fix the position of the rods in relation to the mounting block and clamp;

d. a means to tighten the clamp against the mounting block; and

e. a rod receiving block, which receives the rod ends, and to which vertical sight adjustment components may be attached.

2. The improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, as recited in claim 1, in which the rods comprise carbon rods, having a uniform circumference and shape along their length.

3. The improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, as recited in claim 1, in which the mounting block defines a pair of parallel recessed grooves which allow placement of the rod lengths within said grooves.

4. The improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, as recited in claim 1, in which the clamp defines a pair of parallel recessed grooves which allow placement of the rod lengths within said grooves.

5. The improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, as recited in claim 1, in which the means to tighten the clamp against the mounting block comprises a clamp knob, that is able to rotate a tightening bolt.

6. The improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, as recited in claim 1, in which the rods are positioned vertically lengthwise in relation to one another.

7. An improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, having a means to mark and maintain a fixed desired position of support rods, allowing the support rods to be disassembled from a bow and reassembled to the identical configuration prior to the disassembly, comprising:

a. a mounting block, capable of being attached to an archery bow;

b. a clamp;

c. a stop block; and

d. a plurality of support rods, which are positioned between the clamp and a stop block, where said stop block and clamp are tightened together against the rods, so as to fix the position of the rods in relation to the stop block and clamp, and where said rods are able to be placed between said mounting block and clamp, with the stop block placed adjacent to the mounting block.

8. An improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, having a means to mark and maintain a fixed desired position of support rods, allowing the support rods to be disassembled from a bow and reassembled to the identical configuration prior to the disassembly, as recited in claim 7, in which the rods comprise carbon rods, having a uniform circumference and shape along their length.

9. An improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, having a means to mark and maintain a fixed desired position of support rods, allowing the support rods to be disassembled from a bow and reassembled to the identical configuration prior to the disassembly, as recited in claim 7, in which the mounting block defines a pair of parallel recessed grooves which allow placement of the rod lengths within said grooves.

10. An improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, having a means to mark and maintain a fixed desired position of support rods, allowing the support rods to be disassembled from a bow and reassembled to the identical configuration prior to the disassembly, as recited in claim 7, in which the clamp defines a pair of parallel recessed grooves which allow placement of the rod lengths within said grooves.

11. An improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, having a means to mark and maintain a fixed desired position of support rods, allowing the support rods to be disassembled from a bow and reassembled to the identical configuration prior to the disassembly, as recited in claim 7, in which the means to tighten the clamp against the mounting block comprises a clamp knob, that is able to rotate a tightening bolt.

12. An improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, having a means to mark and maintain a fixed desired position of support rods, allowing the support rods to be disassembled from a bow and reassembled to the identical configuration prior to the disassembly, as recited in claim 7, in which the rods are positioned vertically lengthwise in relation to one another.

13. An improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, having a means to mark and maintain a fixed desired position of support rods, allowing the support rods to be disassembled from a bow and reassembled to the identical configuration prior to the disassembly, as recited in claim 7, in which the stop block defines recessed grooves into which the rods are placed.

14. An improved archery target sight, capable of holding and positioning adjustable vertical sighting components forward of a bow shaft, having a means to mark and maintain a fixed desired position of support rods, allowing the support rods to be disassembled from a bow and reassembled to the identical configuration prior to the disassembly, as recited in claim 7, in which the stop block, when fixed in position to the rods, is placed adjacent to the mounting block, so as to determine the position of the rods in relation to the mounting block.