Archery quiver assembly

Abstract

This quiver assembly comprises an archery quiver and a mounting member which attaches to the quiver. The mounting member provides an improved archery assembly that has a quick detach mounting system. The archery quiver assembly includes the following features: quick detach mounting system, one vertical and two angled locking positions, vertically adjustable, accepts mechanical or fixed broadheads, grips aluminum or carbon arrows, and ultra quiet design. The design assembly also includes a unique arrow gripper.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an assembly that includes a quickly, detachable, archery quiver mounting system. The mounting system has unique finger tabs. The archery quiver also includes a unique arrow gripper.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the sport of archery, both for hunting and for target shooting, a quantity of arrows should be readily available to the archer. Quivers are known for carrying a supply of arrows. Typically, the quivers are attached to the side of a bow. The quivers, however, may be attached to any structure such as a bow, hip belt, tree stand, or the like. Quivers conveniently and safely transport the arrows for an archer.

A quiver is a type of carrying case used by an archer to hold a supply of arrows. An archer should be able to quickly and easily insert arrows into the quiver. More importantly the archer must be able to quickly and easily remove the arrows, as needed, such as when encountering a quarry.

Many known quivers attach to the bow by screws or bolts so that it is necessary to unbolt or unscrew the quiver when removal is desired. In the field, however, this process is cumbersome, time consuming and usually requires a tool Quick release mounting system also are known in the art.

Many of these previously known detachable bow quivers, however, are only loosely attached to the bow and are prone to rattling. Furthermore, many of these previously known detachable bow quivers are prone to unintended and accidental detachment from the bow, particularly when the quiver is bumped against an object.

On the archery range and in hunting, the quiver is not constantly in use. Quiver hangers, such as the hanger described in my pending patent application, are desirable for allowing the archer free use of his hands and providing a means for putting the quiver aside without laying against a tree where it can be damaged if it falls or placing it on the ground which brings the quiver in contact with leaves, twigs, dirt, bark, and mud.

However, another need exists for a new and improved archery quiver that has a quick detach mounting system. The quick detach mount may be used alone or in combination with my hanger. Another preferred embodiment is a unique arrow gripper.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved archery quiver that has a quick detach mounting system. The archery quiver of this invention includes the following features: quick detach mounting system, one vertical and two angled locking positions, vertically adjustable, built in treelimb hanger, accepts mechanical or fixed broadheads, grips aluminum or carbon arrows and ultra quiet design. The archery quiver also includes a unique arrow gripper.

The archery quiver of this invention is sold under the trademark Treelimb™ and is available from Treelimb Products, LLC. The quiver of this invention comprises a quiver for holding a plurality of arrows; a mounting member attached to the quiver for mounting the quiver to a third structure such as a bow. The mounting member comprises a first structure for quickly coupling and decoupling the mounting member to the third structure; and further comprises a second structure for holding the quiver in at least one locking position. The mounting member provides an arrangement forming a tool-free operation. In another preferred embodiment, the quiver assembly further comprises an arrow gripper attached to the quiver. The arrow gripper includes an arrow gripper cap for attaching the gripper to the quiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of an archery quiver according to this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an archery quiver according to this invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the archery quiver according to this invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of the archery quiver of this invention attached to a bow.

FIG. 5 is a front view and a back view of pivot 22 according to this invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view and a back view of lock block 24 according to this invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of lever 26 and lever 28 according to this invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view and back view of mounting bracket 32 according to this invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view and side view of gripper 50 according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of an archery quiver according to this invention. FIG. 1 shows archery quiver assembly 10 comprising quiver shaft (frame) 12. Notched channel guide 14 is attached to shaft 12 by conventional means such as screws or other fasteners. Elongated shaft 12 and elongated guide 14 generally are aligned with the length of a bow or the shaft of an arrow. FIG. 1 also shows mounting member 20.

Mounting member 20 comprises pivot 22, lock block 24, lever 26, lever 28, spring 30 and mounting bracket 32. Lock block 24 defines cavity 34 which houses end 36 of lever 26. Lock block 24 also defines cavity 38 which houses end 40 of lever 28. End 36 of lever 26 engages pivot 22. End 40 of lever 28 engages end 42 of spring 30. End 44 of spring 30 engages cavity 46 of mounting bracket 32.

FIG. 1 also shows gripper 50 and gripper cap 52. Gripper 50 includes a plurality of orifices 54 which circumscribe a plurality of pins 56 extending from base 58 of shaft 12. Gripper cap 52 includes a plurality of detents 60. Detents 60 engage pins 56 and lock gripper 50 in place against base 58.

FIG. 1 also shows hood 70 and foam 72. Hood 70 attaches to shaft 12 by conventional means such as screws or other fasteners. Hood 70 houses foam 72 and foam 72 engages the tips of the arrows.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of archery quiver 10 according to this invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of archery quiver 10 according to this invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of archery quivery 10 attached to a bow. Mounting bracket 32 is attached to bow 80 by conventional means such as screws or other fasteners. FIG. 4 also shows archery quiver 10 housing arrow 82. As shown in FIG. 1, lever 28 is used to mount and dismount quiver 10 from bow 80. Lever 26 is used to adjust the position of quiver 10 in relationship to bow 80. As previously disclosed, quiver 10, bow 80 and arrow 82 generally are in vertical alignment with each other.

Quiver assembly 10 comprises a quiver for holding a plurality of arrows; mounting member 20 attached to the quiver for mounting the quiver to a third structure such as a bow. Mounting member 20 comprises a first structure 32 for quickly coupling and decoupling the mounting member to the third structure; and mounting member 20 further comprises a second structure 22 for holding the quiver in at least one locking position. Mounting member 20 provides an arrangement forming a tool-free operation. Quiver assembly 10 further comprises vertical shaft 12 and vertical shaft 12 further comprises a vertical bracket 14 with a pair of vertical rails for engaging pivot 22 of mounting member 20. Mounting member 20 further comprises mounting bracket 32, locking block 24, pivot 22, a first lever 26 and a second lever 28 co-operating to engage the quiver and the third structure. Lock block 24 slidably engage the vertical rails of vertical bracket 14. Pivot 22 rotatably engages vertical bracket 14, and first lever 26 engages pivot 22 for holding the quiver in the at least one locking position. Second lever 28 engages locking block 24 for coupling and decoupling lock block 24 to bracket 32 attached to the third structure.

Quiver assembly 10 further comprising an arrow gripper 50 attached to shaft 12 with arrow gripper cap 52. Arrow gripper 50 further comprises an elastomeric material having plurality of orifices 62 therein wherein each orifices 62 have a slot 64 communicating with an exterior surface of the gripper. The third structure generally is a bow, hip belt, tree stand, tree or tree branch. Preferably the third structure is bow 70.

First lever 26 and second lever 28 of mounting member 20 each have an actuator portion adapted for human fingers to facilitate coupling and decoupling and to facilitate holding the locking position. The actuator portion adapted for human fingers further comprises thumb tabs. Second structure 20 for holding the quiver in at least on locking position is operable to generate a resisting force sufficient to hold the quiver in position and to resist inadvertent movement. The at least one locking position further comprises one vertical position and two angled locking position. Vertical shaft 12 of the quiver has bottom 58 and bottom 58 further comprises plurality of pins 56 engaging gripper cap 52 for attaching gripper 50 to the quiver.

FIG. 5 is a front view and a back view of pivot 22 according to this invention. Irregular surface 80 of pivot 22 mates with ridges 82 of vertical bracket 14. Regular surface 84 of pivot 22 mates with central orifice 86 of lock block 24. Orifice 86 has a regular surface 88 which circumscribes regular surface 84.

FIG. 6 is a front view and a back view of lock block 24 according to this invention. FIG. 6 shows orifice 86 and regular surface 88 in greater detail. FIG. 6 also shows channel 90 for slidably engaging vertical rails 92 of vertical bracket 14.

FIG. 7 is a side view of lever 26 and lever 28 according to this invention. Ends 94 and 96 of levels 26 and 28 have a tear-drop shape adapted for human fingers or thumbs.

FIG. 8 is a front view and back view of mounting bracket 32 according to this invention. FIG. 8 shows cavity 46 in greater detail. Fasteners (not shown) secure bracket 32 to bow 80 through orifices 100.

FIG. 9 is a top view and side view of gripper 50 according to this invention. Orifices 54 and 62 are shown. Slots 64 are shown in greater detail in the top view of gripper 50.

The present invention is an archery quiver assembly for adjustably and detachably mounting an archery quiver to a bow, belt, tree stand, tree, branch, or other foundation structure. The quiver may be modular in construction to permit exchange of components with alternative components. A preferred quiver mount includes a resilient adapter to enable tool-free, quiet, connection to a bow. A quiver, suspended from a bow with such a resilient mount, also acts as part of a vibration dampening system.

The invention is a system to hold a quiver in a position relative to an object while providing a range of adjustment in the position of the object along an axis of the quiver. The invention herein will be described in terms of attached the quiver to a bow. The apparatus typically can include a mount adapted for attachment. The mount includes a gripping structure arranged to form a tool-free coupling with cooperating gripped structure. The gripping structure functions to generate a resisting force sufficient to hold the quiver in position and to resist inadvertent movement. The mount includes an actuator portion being adapted for human fingers to displace the gripping structure whereby to facilitate coupling and decoupling of the quiver. The quiver may include interchangeable components such as: a first hood and a first arrow holder spaced apart from the first hood by a first rail. Changes in appearance may include different coloration, surface treatments to alter reflectivity, or changes in size, including length. Rails typically have a pair of substantially parallel edges, such as provided by a plurality of approximately parallel rods. The rail includes a pair of tubular shafts, each of the shafts being adapted at first and second ends to receive threaded fasteners, whereby to attach the hood and an arrow holder. It is currently preferred for the fasteners to be oriented such that an axis of the fasteners is aligned with an axis of the shafts.

The archery quiver includes a rail removably connected at a first end to a first hood in which to receive arrow heads; and a first arrow holder spaced apart from the first hood by the rail. The first arrow holder includes slots adapted in which removably to receive arrow shafts, and the arrow holders may be removably connected to the rail. The quiver is combined with a mount configured for attachment to a structure from which the quiver is to be suspended, such as a bow, tree stand, or archer's hip. The mount is adapted for variable engagement along an axis of the rail, whereby to provide a substantially infinite adjustment in mounted position along a potion of the rail axis. The mounts are adapted for tool-free engagement and disengagement with the rail. The invention may also include a second mount attached to the rail. The rail may be axially discontinuous, thereby forming a multi-piece quiver system. A second arrow holder may be included in a quiver. The second arrow holder may be adapted for variable positioning, between the first arrow holder and the hood, along an axis of the rail. The quiver may include a plurality of interchangeable hoods providing different surface adornment. A quiver according to the invention may also include a plurality of interchangeable rails whereby to form quivers having different lengths between a hood and an arrow holder. Preferred mounts include one or more resilient adapters structured to dissipate vibrational energy from a vibrating bow from which the adapter depends to at least a quiver attached to the mount.

The invention includes an archery quiver and quiver mount, having: a rail connected at a first end to a first hood in which to receive arrow heads; a first arrow holder carried by the rail and spaced apart from the first hood; and a mount configured for attachment to a structure from which the quiver is to be suspended, the mount being adapted for variable engagement along an axis of the rail. The mount may have an actuator portion configured for tool-free human finger actuation whereby to displace gripping structure of the mount to facilitate coupling or decoupling between the mount and the rail. Exemplary mounts include a first and second channel to interface with cooperating rail structure. Openings of the channels may be oriented in nonparallel directions or substantially to face each other. In one currently preferred embodiment, the opening of the channels are oriented substantially transverse to each other. In any case, the mount is desirably configured for releasably attachment to the rail. Suitable rails may include a pair of rods having nominally circular cross-sections and oriented in approximately parallel axial alignment. Useful rod cross-sections are typically between about ¼ and ¾ inches in diameter. Other rails may be formed by any structure having two spaced apart approximately parallel edges adapted for engagement with the mount. Desirable mounts are formed, at least in part, from material having the characteristics necessary to act as a vibration dampening system, in concert with a quiver attached thereto, for a bow on which the mount and quiver are attached. Sometimes first and second foam layers are disposed in the hood, with the second foam layer being removable to adjust for different size arrow tips.

Any of the parts described herein may be made of plastic or metal. The plastics may be thermoset or thermoplastic polymers. The thermoplastic polymers used may be natural substances. However, preferred are synthetics such as polyvinyl chloride, nylons, fluorocarbons, linear polyethylene, polyurethane prepolymer, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyester and acrylic resins.

The present invention provides an improved archery quiver that has a quick detach mounting system. The archery quiver of this invention includes the following features: quick detach mounting system, one vertical and two angled locking positions, vertically adjustable, built-in treelimb hanger, accepts mechanical or fixed broadheads, grips aluminum or carbon arrows, and ultra quiet design.

The archery quiver assembly of this invention also may include the hanger of U.S. Ser. No. 11/388,514 filed Mar. 23, 2006. Both are sold under the trademark Treelimb® and is available from Treelimb Products, LLC.

Modifications

Specific compositions, methods, or embodiments discussed are intended to be only illustrative of the invention disclosed by this specification. Variation on these compositions, methods or embodiments are readily apparent to a person of skill in the art based upon the teachings of this specification and are therefore intended to be included as part of the inventions disclosed herein.

The above detailed description of the present invention is given for explanatory purposes. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the whole of the foregoing description is to be construed in an illustrative and not a limitative sense, the scope of the invention being defined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A quiver assembly comprising:

a quiver for holding a plurality of arrows;

a mounting member attached to the quiver for mounting the quiver to a third structure;

wherein the mounting member comprises a first structure for quickly coupling and decoupling the mounting member to the third structure; and

wherein the mounting member further comprises a second structure for holding the quiver in at least one locking position.

2. A quiver assembly according to claim 1 wherein the mounting member further comprises an arrangement forming a tool-free operation.

3. A quiver assembly according to claim 1 wherein the quiver further comprises a vertical shaft and the vertical shaft further comprises a vertical bracket with a pair of vertical rails for engaging the mounting member.

4. A quiver assembly according to claim 3 wherein the mounting member further comprises a mounting bracket, a locking block, a pivot, a first lever and a second lever co-operating to engage the quiver and the third structure.

5. A quiver assembly according to claim 4 wherein the lock block slidably engages the vertical rails of the vertical bracket.

6. A quiver assembly according to claim 4 wherein the pivot rotatably engages the vertical bracket, and the first lever engages the pivot for holding the quiver in the at least one locking position.

7. A quiver assembly according to claim 4 wherein the second lever engages the locking block for coupling and decoupling the locking block to the bracket attached to the third structure.

8. A quiver assembly according to claim 1 further comprising an arrow gripper attached to the quiver.

9. A quiver assembly according to claim 8 wherein the arrow gripper cap for attaching the gripper to the quiver.

10. A quiver assembly according to claim 8 wherein the arrow gripper further comprises an elastomeric material having plurality of orifices therein wherein each of the orifices have a slot communicating with an exterior surface of the gripper.

11. A quiver assembly according to claim 1 wherein the structure is a bow, hip belt, tree stand, tree or tree branch.

12. A quiver assembly according to claim 1 wherein the structure is a bow.

13. A quiver assembly according to claim 4 wherein the first lever and the second lever of the mounting member each have an actuator portion adapted for human fingers to facilitate coupling and decoupling and to facilitate holding the locking position.

14. A quiver assembly according to claim 13 wherein the actuator portion adapted for human fingers further comprises thumb tabs.

15. A quiver assembly according to claim 13 wherein the actuator portion has a tear drop shape.

16. A quiver assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second structure for holding the quiver in at least on locking position is operable to generate a resisting force sufficient to hold the quiver in position and to resist inadvertent movement.

17. A quiver assembly according to claim 1 wherein the at least one locking position further comprises one vertical position and two angled locking position.

18. A quiver assembly according to claim 9 wherein the vertical shaft of the quiver has a bottom and the bottom further comprises a plurality of pins engaging the gripper cap for attaching the gripper to the quiver.

19. A quiver assembly according to claim 1 wherein the mounting member is a tool free structure.

20. A quiver assembly according to claim 19 wherein the mounting member further comprises a pivot and cam lock.

21. A quiver assembly according to claim 10 wherein the arrow gripper is configured to secure a plurality of arrows having different shaft diameters.