ARCHERY BOW SIGHT AND RANGE FINDER

Abstract

A bow sight with an adjustable range finder is described herein. The sight of the present invention is affixed in substantially the same vertical position as the bow to which it is attached. The range finder of the present invention moves independently of the sight. As the archer applies pressure to a conveniently positioned trigger, a ranging pin is rotated in relation to a guide pin and, as a result, the archer must raise the bow to accommodate. The archer will therefore necessarily shoot at an increased trajectory to compensate for the increased distance between the archer and the target.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a range finder and bow sight used on archery bows for sighting of a target. More specifically, the present invention relates to an adjustable mount to be mounted on a bow which allows adjustment of a range finder attached to the mount.

Bow sights are devices that may be attached to an archery bow to help the archer aim the bow. Although it is possible to shoot a bow without a sight at short range, it is difficult to do so accurately at longer ranges. Because of this, most conventional bows, and particularly compound bows, are outfitted with a bow sight.

The trajectory of an arrow changes significantly as a function of the distance between the bow and the target. In order to compensate for arrow drop over distance, many bow sights include multiple sight pins to assist the archer in determining the angle at which to hold the bow in order to properly accommodate the arrow drop. Some sight pins includes sight indicia, such as a fiber optic point, to make it easier for the archer to see, particularly in low light conditions. The sight indicia of the multiple sight points are most often aligned along a single, vertical axis or line, one over another. Depending on the range of the target, the archer must select a sight pin corresponding to the vertical distance to the target, and then align the sight indicia with the target.

There are many bow sight mounts on the market today which are adjustable. The problem with most adjustable bow sight mounts are that they are not easily adjusted during the aiming process on the fly or have a large complicated distance indexing systems for a single pin sight.

Accordingly, there is a need for a bow sight that allows easy adjustment for different distances immediately prior to shooting the bow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a bow sight and range finder are coupled with a mounting bracket, for securing the sight to a bow. The bow sight is oriented in substantially the same direction as the bow such that, when the bow is oriented in a vertical direction, the sight frame is oriented in substantially a vertical direction. The sight is attached to a sight frame and a first connecting member oriented in a generally downwardly direction is attached thereto. The distal end of the first connecting member is movably connected to the lower end of a second connecting member at a pivot point. The second connecting member is rotatably connected at a pivot point to the distal end of the first connecting member.

The second connecting member is generally horizontally configured with a finger grip positioned at or near the proximal end of connecting member and positioned to be within easy grasp of an archer using the bow. The distal end of the second connecting member is configured with a method of securing the distal end of the second connecting member to the lower end of the third connecting member at a pivot point by attaching the distal end of the second connecting member to the lower end of a third connecting member. The third connecting member is rotatably connected to the distal end of the second connecting member at a pivot point.

The third connecting member is generally vertically aligned on the same axis as the bow and is rotatably connected to a pin guide at a pivot point such that, as the finger grip is drawn towards the bow, the pivot point is drawn downward through the interrelated movement of the second connecting member and the third connecting member. As the finger grip is drawn towards the bow, the guide pin and the ranging pin pivot around a stationary pivot point causing the ranging pin to move vertically closer to the guide pin.

In one embodiment of the present invention an archer would place an arrow in the bow and apply tension to the bowstring to a point where the arrow is engaged and ready to shoot. By applying pressure to the finger grip, the archer can adjust the guide pin and the ranging pin to accommodate various shooting distances.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly certain aspects of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an at rest position;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an at rest position;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an at rest position;

FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an at rest position;

FIG. 5A is a right side elevation view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an at extended position;

FIG. 5B is a right side elevation view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an at extended position;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an extended position;

FIG. 7 is a left side elevation view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an at rest position;

FIG. 8 is a left side elevation view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an extended position;

FIG. 9 is a left side elevation view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an at rest position; and

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an at rest position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to an improved archery bow sight and range finder. The configuration and use of the presently preferred embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of contexts other than traditional payment card processing. Accordingly, the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention. In addition, the following terms shall have the associated meaning when used herein:

“bow sight” means an optical sight removably or otherwise attached to a bow for the purpose of generally outlining the desired target; and

“range finder” means a device causing the archer to shoot at an increased trajectory to compensate for the increased distance between the archer and the target.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a bow sight and range finder 100 are coupled with a mounting bracket 110, for securing the sight to a bow. The mounting bracket 110 may be secured to the bow 105 using any means known in the art. Mounting arm 115 connects mounting bracket 110 with sight frame 120 and is secured to the bow 105 in a manner that allows mounting arm 115 to be adjusted in a substantially horizontal plane. The adjustable attachment between mounting arm 115 and bow 105 may be accomplished through any means commonly known in the art.

In one embodiment of the present invention, sight frame 120 is oriented in substantially the same direction as bow 105 such that, when bow 105 is oriented in a vertical direction sight frame 120 is oriented in substantially a vertical direction. Flange 125 is positioned at the lower end of sight frame 120 and is configured with a method of securing flange 125 to the proximal end of first connecting member 130, such as, for example, by attaching flange 125 to the proximal end of first connecting member 130 by a bolt positioned through a bore therethrough, by a rivet positioned through a bore therethrough, or by other means known in the art. First connecting member 130 is rotatably connected to flange 125.

First connecting member 130 may be any width and thickness suitable for the present application. However, in one embodiment the overall length of first connecting member 130 is between 1.25 inches and 1.75 inches, with a preferred length of approximately 1.58 inches and the thickness of first connecting member is between 0.1 inches and 0.4 inches, with a preferred thickness of approximately 0.25 inches.

The distal end of first connecting member 130 is movably secured to the lower end of second connecting member 135 at pivot point 133 such as, for example, by attaching the distal end of first connecting member 130 to the lower end of second connecting member 135 by a bolt positioned through a bore therethrough, by a rivet positioned through a bore therethrough, or by other means known in the art. Second connecting member 135 is rotatably connected at pivot point 133 to the distal end of first connecting member 130.

Second connecting member 135 may be any width and thickness suitable for the present application. However, in one embodiment the overall length of second connecting member 135 is between 1.75 inches and 2.25 inches, with a preferred length of approximately 2.00 inches and the thickness of second connecting member is between 0.1 inches and 0.4 inches, with a preferred thickness of approximately 0.25 inches.

Second connecting member 135 is configured with a finger grip 140 positioned at or near its proximal end of connecting member 135 and positioned to be within easy grasp of an archer using bow 105. The finger grip 140 may be any configuration by which an archer may draw the proximal end of connecting member 135 towards bow 105.

The distal end of second connecting member 135 is configured with a method of securing the distal end of second connecting member 135 to the lower end of third connecting member 145 at pivot point 138 such as, for example, by attaching the distal end of second connecting member 135 to the lower end of third connecting member 145 by a bolt positioned through a bore therethrough, by a rivet positioned through a bore therethrough, or by other means known in the art. Third connecting member 145 is rotatably connected to the distal end of second connecting member 135 at pivot point 138.

Third connecting member 145 may be any width and thickness suitable for the present application. However, in one embodiment the overall length of third connecting member 145 is between 2.75 inches and 3.25 inches, with a preferred length of approximately 3.06 inches and the thickness of second connecting member is between 0.1 inches and 0.4 inches, with a preferred thickness of approximately 0.25 inches. The distance between pivot point 138 and pivot point 150 may be approximately 2.5 inches.

Third connecting member 145 is rotatably connected to pin guide 148 at pivot point 150 such that, as finger grip 140 is drawn towards bow 105, pivot point 150 is drawn downward through the interrelated movement of second connecting member 135 and third connecting member 145. As will be described further below, as finger grip 140 is drawn towards bow 105, pivot point 150 causes guide pin 160 and ranging pin 165 to pivot around stationary pivot point 155. Pivot point 150 may be connected to pin guide 148 by a bolt positioned through a bore therethrough, by a rivet positioned through a bore therethrough, or by other means known in the art. Bow sight 180 is either integrally connected or securely attached to sight frame 120.

Each of the first connecting member 130, second connecting member 135, third connecting member 145 and pin guide 148 may be constructed from an aluminum alloy, such as Aluminum 6061, which in certain embodiments is anodized to a black finish. The black finish reduces or eliminates glare and reflection and the use of an aluminum alloy provides the necessary strength at low weight. It may also be desirable to add grooves 182 in sight 180 or to remove other portions of the foregoing members in order to further reduce the weight of bow sight and range finder 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2, showing a right side elevation view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an at rest position, and to FIG. 3, showing a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bow sight and range finder of the present invention in an at rest position. Mounting arm 115 connects mounting bracket 110 (not shown) with sight frame 120 and is secured to the bow 105 in a manner that allows mounting arm 115 to be adjusted in a substantially horizontal plane. The distal end of first connecting member 130 is movably secured to the lower end of second connecting member 135 at pivot point 133. Second connecting member 135 is rotatably connected at pivot point 133 to the distal end of first connecting member 130.

Second connecting member 135 is configured with a finger grip 140 positioned at or near its proximal end of connecting member 135. The finger grip 140 may be any configuration by which an archer may draw the proximal end of connecting member 135 towards bow 105. The distal end of second connecting member 135 is configured with a method of securing the distal end of second connecting member 135 to the lower end of third connecting member 145 at pivot point 138. Third connecting member 145 is rotatably connected to the distal end of second connecting member 135 at pivot point 138.

Third connecting member 145 is rotatably connected to pin guide 148 at pivot point 150 such that, as finger grip 140 is drawn towards bow 105, pivot point 150 is drawn downward through the interrelated movement of second connecting member 135 and third connecting member 145.

Guide pin 160 and ranging pin 165 may be any length known in the art. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, guide pin 160 is substantially longer than ranging pin 165 so that, in use, guide pin 160 is not confused with ranging pin 165. Guide pin 160 and ranging pin 165 are preferably made of aluminum or other metal and consist of a thin, needle-like rod extending laterally from sight 180. At its end farthest from the base, ranging pin 165 may have a bulb which may be colored red, green or other color desired by the archer. The end of ranging pin 165 may be a small, bright dot which is to ultimately (e.g., after ranging) be aimed at the desired area of the target. Guide pin 160 may alternatively be a substantially solid pin-like element and may extend all or part of the distance from sight frame 120 to sight 180.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, guide pin 160 and ranging pin 165 are adjustable using adjuster 161 and adjuster 166 respectively. Adjuster 161 and 166 can be any adjustment mechanism known in the art, such as a thumbscrew, a nut and bolt, a compression attachment or the like. The function and operation of this adjustment mechanism will be readily understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

Also as shown in FIG. 4, the distal end of first connecting member 130 is movably secured to the lower end of second connecting member 135 at pivot point 133 and a spring mechanism is positioned between first connecting member 130 and second connecting member 135 around pivot point 133 in such a manner that, as finger grip 140 is drawn toward bow 105, spring mechanism 142 is increasingly placed in tension. When finger grip 140 is released, spring mechanism 142 returns to its original position, thereby causing first connecting member 130 and second connecting member 135 to pivot around pivot point 133 to return to their original position.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG. 6 which show the range finder of the present invention in an extended position. As finger grip 140 is drawn towards bow 105, second connecting member 135 is drawn towards bow 105 in a downwardly direction causing third connecting member 145 to pivot around pivot point 138, whereby third connecting member 145 causes pin guide 148 to rotate around pivot point 155. As pin guide 148 rotates around pivot point 155, guide pin 160 rotates in an arc with radius r1 and ranging pin 165 rotates in an arc with radius r2. As can be seen from FIG. 5A, the difference in distance between pivot point 155 and guide pin 160 and between pivot point 155 and ranging pin 165 causes guide pin 160 to move more slowly in the vertical position than ranging pin 165 as finger grip 140 is drawn toward bow 105. This relative movement of guide pin 160 and ranging pin 165 causes the sight to be considerably more accurate than those known in the art. Spring mechanism 142 acts to draw all members back to their original position upon release of finger grip 140.

As is the case with all archery sights, the bow sight and range finder 100 must undergo some initial adjustments once mounted on a bow 105. An archer will mount the sight to a bow 105 with mounting bracket 110. The archer will then perform basic windage and elevation adjustments by standing at a predetermined distance from the target and shooting arrows at a bulls-eye or other small target area. The archer can then adjust guide pin 160 upwardly or downwardly, using calibrations 170 as a guide.

More specifically, when using the device of the present invention, an archer would first calibrate the sight by shooting at a known distance. In one embodiment of the invention, the sight is calibrated at 20 yards. Guide pin 160 is placed directly underneath the target and ranging pin 165 is placed at the desired point of contact. One or both of the guide pin 160 and the ranging pin 165 may be adjusted for calibration. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, guide pin 160 is adjusted using calibrations 170 as a guide so that ranging pin 165 will be a desired position above the pre-determined point. For example, the distance between the belly and the back of a white tail deer is approximately 12 inches. When calibrating the sight for a white tail deer, the hunter would stand 20 yards from the target and position guide pin 160 a fixed distance X determined by the distance above the bottom of the belly the archer will target, but less than 12 inches. When shooting at 20 yards and placing guide pin 160 X inches under the desired target, ranging pin 165 should be directly on the desired target.

After calibration, the archer will move away from the target and place an arrow 185 in the bow as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 and apply tension to the bowstring to a point where the arrow 185 is engaged and ready to shoot. By applying pressure to finger grip 140, the archer can adjust guide pin 160 and ranging pin 165 to accommodate various shooting distances. FIG. 7 shows an archer that has applied slight pressure to finger grip 140, thereby causing slight movement to ranging pin 165 and FIG. 8 shows an archer that has applied greater pressure to finger grip 140, thereby causing ranging pin 165 to move further in relation to guide pin 160.

More specifically, the archer will place guide pin 160 directly under the belly of the animal being hunted. For example, a moose, may present a target area on the order of 30-32 inches, so a target 30-32 inches in height may be used to calibrate the bow. In this case, an archer would shoot from a distance which would not result in any downward arc due to gravitational pull, such as approximately 15 to 20 yards, and place the guide pin 160 at a distance that is approximately 30-32 inches below ranging pin 165. The archer may adjust the guide pin 160 using the thumbscrew or other means described above. By establishing guide pin 165 at ranging pin 165 in its initial position, the sight will have effectively been calibrated to accurately perform a ranging function up to distances of about 75 yards or more.

Once the guide pin 160 has been set, the archer can incrementally move farther away from the target and shoot additional arrows at the target while aiming the ranging pin 165 at the desired spot on the target. The increments at which the archer moves back from the target may be any of one or more feet, half-yards, yards, or the increments may be left up to the archer himself. As the archer moves away from the target, the archer will find that the distance between the base of the target in relation to the guide pin 160 and the target spot, or “bull's eye,” narrows. To accommodate, the archer will place draw finger grip closer to bow 105, thereby causing ranging pin 165 to move closer to guide pin 160 which, in turn, causes the archer to raise his bow 105 proportionately.

FIG. 9 shows a bow sight an range finder of the present invention wherein the archer has drawn bow 105 to its ready position. The archer has his finger on finger grip 140 and is prepared to draw finger grip 140 proximal to bow 105. As the archer applies pressure to finger grip 140, ranging pin 165 begins rotating around pivot point 155. As ranging pin 165 draws closer to guide pin 160, the archer will raise bow 105 proportionately as the distance between guide pin 160 and ranging pin 165 narrows.

Prior to taking the bow into the field, the archer will adjust guide pin 160 based on the type of game being hunted using calibrations 170. If the game being hunted is small, guide pin 160 will be adjusted upwardly using adjustment mechanism 161. If the game being hunted is larger, guide pin 160 will be adjusted downwardly using adjustment mechanism 161. Once guide pin 160 is adjusted, there is no further need to make adjustments or alter the bow sight in the field.

Upon encountering the desired game (e.g., a deer) in the field, the archer will simply look through the sight 180, place guide pin 160 directly under the belly of the target game, and pull finger grip 140 until ranging pin 165 is directly over the target. The target will appear to be smaller at increasing distances and the framing of the target with guide pin 160 and ranging pin 165 performs a ranging function based on the rotation of ranging pin around pivot point 155.

When holding bow 105 at full draw, the archer will see the movement of guide pin 160 and ranging pin 165 as purely vertical movement, even though, as seen in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, guide pin 160 and ranging pin 165 actually travel in arcs along two different radii. Since the archer must keep ranging pin 165 on the target, he must raise bow 105 as ranging pin 105 moves lower vertically. The archer will therefore necessarily shoot at an increased trajectory to compensate for the increased distance between the archer and the target.

Referring now to FIG. 10 wherein the bow sight and range finder 100 of the present invention is in an at rest position. Arrow 185 has not been drawn back and bow 105 has not been placed under tension. Bow sight 180 is substantially vertically aligned with bow 105 and guide pin 160 and ranging pin 165 are substantially vertically aligned with bow sight 180. As ranging pin 165 rotates around pivot point 155, sight 180 remains substantially vertically aligned with bow 105.

A sight according to the present invention can be used for aiming and ranging in connection with any system in which projectiles having repeatable, regular initial launch characteristics are shot or launched. The sight of the present invention is not limited to use in archery applications, although that is the use for which it was originally conceived.

While the present system and method has been disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other embodiments have also been enabled. Even though the foregoing discussion has focused on particular embodiments, it is understood that other configurations are contemplated. In particular, even though the expressions “in one embodiment” or “in another embodiment” are used herein, these phrases are meant to generally reference embodiment possibilities and are not intended to limit the invention to those particular embodiment configurations. These terms may reference the same or different embodiments, and unless indicated otherwise, are combinable into aggregate embodiments. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. The term “connected” means “communicatively connected” unless otherwise defined.

When a single embodiment is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one embodiment may be used in place of a single embodiment. Similarly, where more than one embodiment is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single embodiment may be substituted for that one device.

In light of the wide variety of bow sighting devices known in the art, the detailed embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, what is claimed as the invention is all such modifications as may come within the spirit and scope of the following claims and equivalents thereto.

None of the description in this specification should be read as implying that any particular element, step or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope. The scope of the patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims and their equivalents. Unless explicitly recited, other aspects of the present invention as described in this specification do not limit the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for aiming a projectile at a target comprising:

a sight frame attached to a bow and positioned in a substantially vertical orientation and having a flange extending downwardly therefrom;

a first connecting member rotatably connected to the sight frame at the flange and extending downwardly and distally therefrom;

a second connecting member rotatably connected to a distal end of the first connecting member and extending substantially horizontally therefrom, the second connecting member also having a trigger mechanism extending substantially vertically therefrom wherein the trigger mechanism is configured to draw the second connecting member closer to the bow;

a third connecting member rotatably connected to a distal end of the second connecting member and extending upwardly and proximally therefrom;

a pin guide rotatably connected to the uppermost end of the third connecting member at a first pivot point, and also separately rotatably connected to the sight frame at a second pivot point, the first pivot point being located distally from the second pivot point, and the pin guide also having a guide pin and a ranging pin positioned thereon and extending perpendicular therefrom, wherein the guide pin is positioned closer to the second pivot point than the ranging pin;

wherein as the trigger mechanism is drawn towards the bow, movement of the second connecting member causes the third connecting member to pivot around the first pivot point and around the second pivot point such that the vertical movement of the guide pin is less than the vertical movement of the ranging pin.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein as the trigger mechanism is drawn towards the bow, the guide pin moves around a first radius r1 and the ranging pin moves around a second radius r2 and the second radius r2 is greater than the first radius r1.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the guide pin is movable relative to the second pivot point.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein a circular sight is affixed to the sight frame wherein the pin guide, the guide pin and the ranging pin are inside the aperture of the circular sight and the circular sight remains stationary during use.

5. A device for aiming a projectile at a target comprising:

a sight frame affixed to a bow in a substantially vertical configuration;

a pin guide rotatably affixed to the sight frame at a pivot point at its lower end, an adjustable guide pin extending horizontally therefrom,

wherein the guide pin, the ranging pin and the pivot point all being in substantially vertical alignment;

wherein, the pivot point, the guide pin and the ranging pin are all in a substantially vertical alignment with the guide pin being positioned nearer the pivot point than the ranging pin initially but, in use, the guide pin and the ranging pin rotate around the pivot point such that the vertical movement of the guide pin is less than the vertical movement of the ranging pin.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein, in use, the guide pin moves around a first radius r1 and the ranging pin moves around a second radius r2 and the second radius r2 is greater than the first radius r1.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the guide pin is adjustable relative to the second pivot point.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein a circular sight is affixed to the sight frame wherein the pin guide, the guide pin and the ranging pin are inside the aperture of the circular sight and the circular sight remains stationary during use.

9. A method for aiming a projectile at a target comprising:

affixing a sight frame to a bow, said sight frame having a pin guide rotatably affixed thereto, the pin guide having a pivot point at its lower end, an adjustable guide pin extending horizontally therefrom, and a ranging pin extending horizontally therefrom, the guide pin, the ranging pin and the pivot point all being in an initial position in substantially vertical alignment with the guide pin being positioned nearer the pivot point than the ranging pin;

calibrating the sight by shooting an arrow from the bow at a distance of twenty yards with the sight in the initial position so that, when the guide pin is placed the desired distance below the target, the ranging pin is positioned on the target;

sighting a target at a distance greater than twenty yards by rotating the guide pin and the ranging pin around the pivot point such that the vertical movement of the guide pin is less than the vertical movement of the ranging pin.