MODULAR CROSSBOW

Abstract

A modular crossbow for shooting a bolt and a method of customizing thereof. One modular crossbow comprises a tiller; a prod comprising a bow and a bow string, the bow attached to the tiller by a prod fastener at a predefined prod location; and a trigger mechanism attached to the tiller by a trigger mechanism fastener at a predefined trigger mechanism location, the trigger mechanism arranged to hold the bow string in a cocked position and allow shooting the bolt by releasing the bow string. The prod fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined prod location along the tiller, and the trigger mechanism fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined trigger mechanism location along the tiller.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/400,014 filed on Mar. 9, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference, and claims the benefit thereof.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of sport appliances, and more particularly, to a modular crossbow.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Crossbows serve various purposes, depending on aims, field conditions, users and regulatory circumstances.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide a modular crossbow for shooting a bolt. One modular crossbow comprises: a tiller; a prod comprising a bow and a bow string, the bow attached to the tiller by a prod fastener at a predefined prod location; and a trigger mechanism attached to the tiller by a trigger mechanism fastener at a predefined trigger mechanism location, the trigger mechanism arranged to hold the bow string in a cocked position and allow shooting the bolt by releasing the bow string. The prod fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined prod location along the tiller, and the trigger mechanism fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined trigger mechanism location along the tiller.

Accordingly, according to aspects of the present invention, there is provided a modular crossbow further comprising any of a handle, a butt, bases for supporting bolts, a magazine, and rail interface systems.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of customizing a crossbow for shooting a bolt to a user and circumstances. One method comprises: modularly mounting a prod and a trigger mechanism on a tiller at predefined locations; and adjusting the locations in respect to the user and the circumstances. The modularly mounting is carried out by using adjustable fasteners for mounting the prod and the trigger mechanism.

These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the present invention are: set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable by practice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of embodiments thereof made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIGS. 1 to 7 are schematic illustrations of a modular crossbow for shooting a bolt, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate various fasteners for holding tracks and elements of the modular crossbow, according to some embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic high level flowchart illustrating a method of customizing a crossbow for shooting a bolt to a user and circumstances, according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

FIGS. 1 to 7 are schematic illustrations of a modular crossbow 100 for shooting a bolt 99, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIGS. 2 to 5 are perspective views in various configurations of modular crossbow 100, FIG. 6 is an exploded view, FIG. 7 is a bottom view. Modular crossbow 100 comprises a tiller 125, a prod 140 and a trigger mechanism 160. Prod 140 comprises a bow 141 and a bow string (not shown), bow 141 is attached to tiller 125 by a prod fastener 142 at a predefined prod location 143. Trigger mechanism 160 is attached to tiller 125 by a trigger mechanism fastener 152 at a predefined trigger mechanism location 153. Trigger mechanism 160 is arranged to hold the bow string in a cocked position and allow shooting bolt 99 (see FIG. 5) by releasing bow string 150. Prod fastener 142 is configured to allow changing the predefined prod location 143 along tiller 125. Trigger mechanism fastener 152 is configured to allow changing predefined trigger mechanism location 153 along tiller 125.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modular crossbow 100 further comprises a handle 111 attached to tiller 125 by a handle fastener 112 at a predefined handle location 113, wherein handle fastener 112 is configured to allow changing predefined handle location 113 along tiller 125.

According to some embodiments of the invention, tiller 125 may further comprise two parallel tracks 120, one at either side of bolt 99. Alternatively, tracks 120 may be posited above bolt 99 or at a lateral configuration. Tracks 120 may comprise a single track, below, above or lateral to bolt 99. For example, the single track may be posited on a perpendicular plane comprising bolt 99. Track configuration may be selected to optimize strength and usability considerations. According to some embodiments of the invention, tiller 125 may comprises a proximal end 126 and a distal end 127, and further comprising a butt 110 attached to proximal end 126 of the tiller 125.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modular crossbow 100 further comprises a basis 161 attached to the tiller by a basis fastener 162 (in this example, comprising two pieces) at a predefined basis location 163. Basis 161 is arranged to support bolt 99, and may be arranged to support bolt 99 from below bolt 99 or, in particular, from above bolt 99. Supporting bolt 99 from above allow loading bolts 99 from below tiller 125 and thereby leaving a free line of sight above tiller 125.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modular crossbow 100 further comprises a set of bases 161 of varying lengths (set not shown), arranged to be attachable to tiller 125 by basis fastener 162 at the same or at different predefined basis locations 163. Various bases 161 may be used and replaced for each other responsive to various users of the modular crossbow, local regulations, aims, and so forth. Bases 161 may be preloaded with bolts 99, allowing quick loading simultaneously with exchanging bases 161. In particular, basis fastener 162 may be configured to allow changing predefined basis location 163 along tiller 125. Alternatively, modular crossbow 100 may be used without any basis 161 at all, e.g., using a magazine.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modular crossbow 100 further comprises at least one rail interface system 174, such as a Picatinny rail connected to prod 140 or to distal end 127 of tiller 125. Rail interface systems 174 may be used to connect accessories such as a flashlight, sights, grips, a bipod, and optical equipment.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modular crossbow 100 further comprises at least one laser sight 176 attached below prod 140, to tiller 125, or to rail interface system 174. For example, modular crossbow 100 may comprise two or more laser sights 176 configured for different ranges, e.g., with different colors.

According to some embodiments of the invention, tracks 120 may comprise slits 166 (see FIG. 6) arranged to improve the holding of: prod fastener 142; trigger mechanism fastener 152; handle fastener 112; basis fastener 162; and other fasteners. Slits 166 may designate locations for fasteners 182 along tracks 120.

According to some embodiments of the invention, tracks 120 may have a telescopic structure, or may comprise several track elements connectable to each other, both versions allowing changing the length of track 120.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate various fasteners 182, 152 for holding tracks 120 and elements of modular crossbow 100, according to some embodiments of the invention. Fastener 182 comprises a middle part 179 and two protrusions 178, each with a holder 180 arranged to releasably hold tracks 120. For example, holder 180 may have a hole 184 going through protrusion 178 and a fastening element 181 allowing the fastening and release of holder 180. Releasing holder 180 allows moving fastener 182 along tracks 120, or removing the fastener from tracks 120. Middle part 179 may be modified to hold various parts of modular crossbow 100, thereby configuring fastener 182 to function as: prod fastener 142; trigger mechanism fastener 152; handle fastener 112; and basis fastener 162. Fastener 182 may be constructed to hold any number of tracks, such as one, two or three tracks. Two fasteners 182 may be joined to hold a part of modular crossbow 100, such as rail interface system 174 (FIG. 8B), basis 161 (see basis fastener 162 in FIG. 6), or trigger mechanism 160 (see trigger mechanism fastener 152) as exemplified in FIG. 8C, wherein trigger mechanism 160 is fitted into cavity 185 in middle part 179. The hold of fastener 182 may be improved by slits 166 (see FIG. 6). Slits 166 may designate locations for fasteners 182 along tracks 120.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modular crossbow 100 further comprises a magazine (not shown) attached to tiller 125 by a magazine fastener (not shown) at a predefined magazine location (not shown). The magazine may be arranged to hold several bolts 99 at various positions, wherein at least one position allows shooting bolt 99 by releasing the bow string from a cocked position. The magazine fastener may be configured to allow changing predefined magazine locations along tiller 125.

FIG. 9 is a schematic high level flowchart illustrating a method of customizing a crossbow for shooting a bolt to a user and circumstances, according to some embodiments of the invention. The method comprises the following stages: modularly mounting a prod and a trigger mechanism on a tiller at predefined locations (stage 200); and adjusting the locations in respect to the user and the circumstances (stage 210). Modularly mounting (stage 200) is carried out by using adjustable fasteners for mounting the prod and the trigger mechanism (stage 201).

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises modularly mounting a basis on the tiller, the basis arranged to support the bolt, and the basis selected in relation to the user and the circumstances (stage 215). The basis may be arranged to support the bolt from below the bolt or, in particular, from above the bolt. Supporting the bolt from above allow loading bolts from below the tiller and thereby leaving a free line of sight above the tiller. The basis may be selected from a set of bases of varying lengths and arranged to be attachable to the tiller at the same or at different predefined basis locations. Various bases may be used and be replaced for each other responsive to various users of the modular crossbow, local regulations, aims, and so forth.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises modularly mounting a magazine arranged to hold a plurality of bolts at a plurality of positions (stage 220). At least one position allows shooting the bolt by releasing the bow string from a cocked position. The magazine may be arranged to allow optimal functionality of the modular crossbow.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises modularly mounting a handle on the tiller at a location selected in relation to the user and the circumstances (stage 225). The method may further comprise modularly mounting a butt onto the tiller in a position related to the user and circumstances.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises connecting at least one rail interface system to either the tiller or the prod (stage 230). The rail interface system may be used to connect accessories such as a flashlight, sights, grips, a bipod, and optical equipment to the tiller or to the prod.

In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments.

Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “one embodiment” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions.

It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only.

The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples.

It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the invention.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above.

It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.

If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element.

It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.

The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only.

Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined.

The present invention may be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles, referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A modular crossbow for shooting a bolt comprising:

a tiller;

a prod comprising a bow and a bow string, the bow attached to the tiller by a prod fastener at a predefined prod location; and

a trigger mechanism attached to the tiller by a trigger mechanism fastener at a predefined trigger mechanism location, the trigger mechanism arranged to hold the bow string in a cocked position and allow shooting the bolt by releasing the bow string,

wherein the prod fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined prod location along the tiller, and

wherein the trigger mechanism fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined trigger mechanism location along the tiller.

2. The modular crossbow of claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the tiller by a handle fastener at a predefined handle location, wherein the handle fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined handle location along the tiller.

3. The modular crossbow of claim 1, wherein the tiller comprises a proximal end and a butt attached to the proximal end of the tiller.

4. The modular crossbow of claim 1, further comprising a basis attached to the tiller by a basis fastener at a predefined basis location, wherein the basis is arranged to support the bolt.

5. The modular crossbow of claim 4, wherein the basis is arranged to support the bolt from below the bolt.

6. The modular crossbow of claim 4, wherein the basis is arranged to support the bolt from above the bolt.

7. The modular crossbow of claim 4, further comprising a set of bases of varying lengths, arranged to be attachable to the tiller by the basis fastener.

8. The modular crossbow of claim 4, wherein the basis fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined basis location along the tiller.

9. The modular crossbow of claim 1, further comprising at least one rail interface system.

10. The modular crossbow of claim 9, wherein at least one rail interface system is connected to the prod.

11. The modular crossbow of claim 9, wherein the tiller comprises a proximal end and a distal end and wherein at least one rail interface system is connected to the distal end of the tiller.

12. The modular crossbow of claim 1, further comprising a magazine attached to the tiller by a magazine fastener at a predefined magazine location, wherein the magazine is arranged to hold a plurality of bolt at a plurality of positions, wherein at least one position allows shooting the bolt by releasing the bow string from a cocked position.

13. The modular crossbow of claim 1, wherein the tiller comprises two parallel tracks, one at either side of the bolt.

14. The modular crossbow of claim 1, further comprising at least one laser sight attached below the prod.

15. The modular crossbow of claim 14, wherein at least two laser sights configured for different ranges are attached below the prod.

16. A method of customizing a crossbow for shooting a bolt to a user and circumstances, the method comprising: wherein the modularly mounting is carried out by using adjustable fasteners for mounting the prod and the trigger mechanism.

modularly mounting a prod and a trigger mechanism on a tiller at predefined locations; and

adjusting the locations in respect to the user and the circumstances,

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising modularly mounting a basis on the tiller, the basis arranged to support the bolt, and the basis selected in relation to the user and the circumstances.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising modularly mounting a magazine arranged to hold a plurality of bolts at a plurality of positions.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising modularly mounting a handle on the tiller at a location selected in relation to the user and the circumstances.

20. A fastener for a modular crossbow with at least one track, comprising: wherein releasing the holder allows at least one of: moving the fastener along the at least one track, removing the fastener from the at least one track.

a middle part arranged to hold a part of the modular crossbow; and

at least one protrusion, each comprising a holder arranged to releasably hold the at least one track,