TAKEDOWN CROSSBOW

Abstract

A crossbow, or an assembly for a crossbow, that allows the crossbow to be broken down for storage or transport, and then easily assembled together again for operational use. A riser may be attached to the barrel of the crossbow and that can receive the limbs. The riser is attached using pins or securing devices that can be easily removed to allow the riser to be removed from the barrel. By removing all but a foremost securing device, the riser can be rotated to a storage position. One of the securing devices may be used to attach a stirrup to the riser in a hinge-like fashion, wherein the stirrup can be rotated to one of several positions.

Description

BACKGROUND

A plethora of information about the history of the crossbow is available in the literature but, probably the most interesting rendition is presented by “The Ancient Standard” website that provides a brief history of the crossbow dating bath to the 4^th century BC. In this article, the author describes the creators of the crossbow must have had some very intense warfare in mind as the crossbow is one of the deadliest projectile weapons known to man. There is quite a bit of uncertainty over when and where the crossbow was first created and used, but evidence for its use first appears around the 4th century BC in China.

The earliest definitive evidence for Chinese crossbow use comes from manuscripts dating to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC in China, associated with the followers of Chinese philosophy Mohism, developed by a man named Mozi. This philosophy, although it asserted a belief in universal love, also called for the development of a political structure within which there was no central authority other than Mozi's writings. As such, I would suppose that the “universal love” concept of Mozi really should be described as a universal love of self. The Mohists developed many ideas on fortification, statecraft, as well as agricultural theories, and were soon hired as advisors for the leaders of warring states.

Keeping this in mind, perhaps it isn't so unusual that the first reference to crossbows appears in Chinese philosophical writings—the document discusses the use of a giant crossbow catapult during the 6th and 5th centuries BC. Because the use of the crossbow occurred before the manuscript was written, it cannot be said for sure whether use of the crossbow originated in China—though it is certainly possible. However, Sun Tzu's book bearing the title of THE ART OF WAR also refers to the use of crossbows, and this book first appeared around 400 BC.

There are also reliable records that crossbows were used in 341 BC at the Battle of Ma-Ling, and by the end of the 3rd century BC, the crossbow had been very well developed and was a standard weapon used in Chinese warfare. In fact, Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb from 210 BC contained several crossbow pieces, strewn about between the Terracotta Warrior statues.

In the Greek world, the earliest documented evidence for crossbow use was during the

Siege of Motya in 397 BC, described by the scholar Heron of Alexandria in his book on war machines from the 1st century BC. Alexander the Great is known to have used crossbows for the siege of Tyre in 332 BC—and his crossbows were the first to have documented use of ballista construction, which used torsion spring bundle technology to increase projectile force. The ballista construction could actually shoot lighter projectiles, providing higher velocities over a much longer distance.

As improvements to the crossbow continued, the Greek world soon saw the introduction of a smaller, sniper model called the Scorpio. By the time the Siege of Rhodes came around in 305 BC, siege towers were being constructed with multiple crossbows: a large ballistae at the bottom, designed to demolish the parapet and rid it of troops, while the top of the siege towers held armor-piercing Scorpios to snipe soldiers patrolling city walls. It turned out that these types of crossbows were so effective in ancient warfare that the basic styles and functions saw very minimal change until well into the Middle Ages.

Today, crossbows are increasing popular items for hunters. Any of the states in the

United States now allow the use of crossbows for hunting as archery equipment in that modern day crossbows all shoot arrows not bolts as previous centuries use of the crossbow when it was used primarily as a weapon of warfare.

The use of an arrow in a crossbow limits its ranging qualities due to the fact there is not enough substantial weight in the arrow to carry it long distances. However the use of a high quality arrow does increase the accuracy of the crossbow substantially, especially carbon crossbow arrows.

Crossbows of the 21st century are far superior in materials and craftsmanship than ever before in history. Todays modern crossbow has superior laminated limbs, composite materials used for stocks are more stable, the use of steel and aluminum parts for wear factor, precision machined parts, all of which adds up to a superior built crossbow.

When you factor in all these advantages there are still factors that are inherit to modern crossbows that make them inaccurate though. Such factors include the fact that there is no exact nocking point, there is no leveling device to keep the crossbow perfectly horizontal for shot to shot consistency, and crossbow arrows are short and thus harder to stabilize in flight. However, another disadvantage in the use of a crossbow, especially for the hunter that is digging deep into the woods in search of the “perfect spot”, is that the crossbow is cumbersome to carry due to its shape. It is also difficult to store for traveling purposes. Thus, there is a need in the art for a crossbow that overcomes these and other shortcomings.

Hunting with crossbows has become increasingly popular among the handicap as the device can be loaded and placed, ready for fire, without much additional effort—such as what is required for hunting with a standard bow. As it may be difficult for such a hunter to climb a tree or a hunting stand with a standard crossbow, there is a need for a crossbow that can be easily disassembled or reconfigured in a manner that is easier for storage and transport.

BRIEF SUMMARY

As a brief summary, some of the aspects and features that can be incorporated into various embodiments of the takedown crossbow is presented. At least three embodiments are anticipated, including a crossbow with a detachable or moveable riser, a riser and stirrup assembly that can be attached or removed from a crossbow barrel, and a riser that can be attached or removed from a crossbow barrel. Looking at the assembly embodiment, the assembly includes a stirrup and a riser. The stirrup may be attached in a hinge-like manner to a front end of the riser with a securing device. The riser may be attached to the barrel by inserting one or more securing devices through apertures defined by the riser and the barrel.

In operational state, the assembly is attached to the barrel of the crossbow and the stirrup is in an extended position—extending longitudinally from the front of the barrel on a plane that is substantially parallel with the barrel. To move to a non-operational state, the stirrup can be rotated downward 90 degrees, or even folded under the barrel by rotating 180 degrees. Further, by removing all but a front most securing device and then rotating the riser upward from the barrel. In addition, each of the securing devices can be removed so that the entire assembly can be detached from the barrel for storage. These and other features, aspects and embodiments are presented in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the structure of a typical crossbow enhanced by features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial view of the front of an exemplary crossbow into which aspects of the present invention have been incorporated.

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of another embodiment for attaching the riser to the barrel.

FIG. 4 is a partial view of the crossbow of FIG. 2 shown with the stirrup in a folded state.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the crossbow of FIG. 2 illustrating how the riser can be disconnected from the barrel.

FIG. 6 is a partial view of the crossbow of FIG. 2 illustrating the riser and the stirrup being disconnected from the barrel in a fully disassembled state.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of another feature that can be incorporated into various embodiments for attaching the riser to the barrel in a non-operational state.

FIG. 8 is a close-up view of another embodiment that includes two additional features that can be incorporated into various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention, as well as features and aspects thereof, is directed towards providing crossbow, or an assembly for a crossbow, that allows the crossbow to be broken down for storage or transport, and then easily assembled together again for operational use. In general, embodiments presented herein may include a riser that is attached to the barrel of the crossbow and that can receive the limbs. In one embodiment, the riser is attached using pins or securing devices that can be easily removed to allow the riser to be removed from the barrel. In addition, by removing all but a foremost securing device, the riser can be rotated to a storage or transport position. In addition, one of the securing devices may be used to attach a stirrup to the riser in a hinge-like fashion, wherein the stirrup can be rotated to one of several positions, such as 90 degrees or 180 degrees. Now turning to the figures in which like elements are represented by like labels throughout the several views, additional embodiments, as well as features and aspects that can be incorporated into one or more embodiments are described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the structure of a typical crossbow enhanced by features of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the typical crossbow 100 includes a stock 102. The stock 102 can be described as including a butt 104 and a fore grip 106. The stock 102 can be made of a variety of materials and, as non-limiting examples, the stock 102 can be constructed of wood, cast metal, rubber or composite materials. The stock can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. On the topside of the stock 102, the crossbow typically includes a sight bridge 108 onto which a sight (not illustrated) can be mounted. In front of the sight bridge 108, an arrow retention spring 110 and a latch 112 are used to respectively hold the arrow in position and then release the arrow in response to a user actuating a trigger 114. A barrel 120 interfaces the body 102 to a bow portion 130 of the crossbow. The barrel 120 defines a grove, referred to as the flight groove or arrow track 122 in which the arrow resides prior to being released or fired. The grooved track 122 on the top of the barrel 120 allows the arrow to be in perfect alignment with the string for consistent accuracy. The barrel 120 can be constructed in a variety of manners but, as a non-limiting example, the barrel can be made of aluminum or polymer.

The barrel 120 also includes a riser 124 onto which the limbs 132R and 132L of the bow 130 are mounted. A string 134 is attached to the ends of the limbs 132R and 132L that are distal from the riser 124 in the illustrated embodiment. The limbs of the crossbow can be constructed of a variety of materials and in various configurations. Two such configurations include recursive or compound limbs. The limbs of a recursive crossbow (as illustrated in FIG. 1) are typically longer and the barrel 120 is also typically longer than that used for a compound configuration. In a compound crossbow, the distal ends of the limbs include a cam or wheel through which the string 134 is threaded and provides additional leverage and power in the launching of the arrows or bolts. The limbs and barrel of the recursive crossbow are increased in length to deliver power similar to that of a compound crossbow.

At the front of the crossbow 100 a cocking stirrup is placed which allows the user to hold the crossbow steady when applying the pressure to cock and load a projectile, such as an arrow or bolt. Typically, the archer's foot is placed into the cocking stirrup when the crossbow is being cocked to help to prevent the crossbow from slipping under the pressure.

FIG. 2 is a partial view of the front of an exemplary crossbow into which aspects of the present invention have been incorporated. One feature available in various embodiments of the disclosed crossbow and riser-mounting configuration is the rotating stirrup. In FIG. 2, the riser 224 is shown connected to the barrel 220 but the limbs of the crossbow 200 have been removed. The stirrup 240 is shown in its operational state, fully upright and read to be used for cocking In its operational state, the stirrup is substantially parallel to the plane of the barrel 220. The riser 224 is connected to the barrel with two securing devices 210 and 220. In the embodiment described, the connecting devices are pins that extend through apertures of the barrel 220 and the riser 224 to hold the riser 224 in place when installed. However, it will be appreciated than in other embodiments, other devices can be utilized rather than pins. As non-limiting examples, the securing devices may include threaded screws, rods or non-threaded bolts with cotter pins, self-locking implanted cotter pins, such as the SLIC PIN manufactured by PIVOT POINT INC. and as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,039, ball lock pins, double ball detent pins, push button pins, clevis pins, lynch pins, wire lock pins, tab lock pins etc. It will be appreciated that although the illustrated embodiment shows the use of two such securing devices, in other embodiments only one such securing device may be used while in other embodiments three or more such securing devices may be utilized, as well as a mixture of two or more types of such securing devices.

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of another embodiment for attaching the riser to the barrel.

In this embodiment, the riser 324 is connected to the barrel 320 by a securing device 310 and, the backside of the riser 324 includes a recess 330. The barrel 320 includes a fixed protruding knob or removable securing device 312. In operation, the recess 330 can be slid over the knob 312 and then secured by securing device 310. It will be appreciated that a similar structure could be utilized on the opposing side of the riser 324 that is not visible. Other similar configurations or alternatives are also anticipated for various embodiments of the crossbow, such as using a fixed nob on the front portion of the riser 224, etc.

FIG. 4 is a partial view of the crossbow of FIG. 2 shown with the stirrup in a folded or refracted state. The stirrup includes a hinged-like mechanism (best seen as element 242 of FIG. 6). The securing device 210 extends through aperture 250A of the riser 224, aperture 252A of the barrel 220, aperture 244 of the stirrup 240, aperture 252B of the barrel 220 and aperture 250B of the riser 224 in securing the riser 224 to the barrel 220. In such a configuration, the pin 210 and the aperture 244 of the stirrup 240 operate to create the hinged-like mechanism. As such, the stirrup 224 can be rotated downward in the direction of arrow 260 to move the stirrup into a folded or retracted state. In some embodiments, spring loaded ball detents 410, flanges or detents with indentations, or other suitable configurations can be integrated into the stirrup 240 and/or the walls of the barrel 220 to bias or hold the stirrup 240 in its operational state and then, pressure can be applied to break such bias and cause the stirrup to rotate to the folded position. For example, a dip internal to the barrel 220 could align with a spring loaded ball detent 410 when the stirrup is in its operational position. In addition, a second spring loaded detent (such as element 420 in FIG. 6) may be used to bias or secure the stirrup 240 in its folded state.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stirrup 240 is shown as being moveable for about 90 degrees of rotation. However, it will be appreciated that a higher degree of rotation can be achieved by modifying the barrel 220 and or hinge-like element 242 to allow for such additional movement and thus, the present application anticipates rotation of the stirrup 240 from 0 degrees to at least 180 degrees in different embodiments.

Another aspect that may be incorporated into various embodiments of the crossbow is a rotating rise. FIG. 5 is a partial view of the crossbow of FIG. 2 illustrating how the riser can be rotated from an operational state to a folded state. In illustrated embodiment, the securing device 212 is shown as being removed from the apertures that extend through the riser 224 and the barrel 220 (shown as being attached to stock 204). Once the securing device 212 is removed, the riser 224 can be rotated about the securing device 210 to the folded position. In the illustrated embodiment, the stirrup 240 is illustrated in its operational state. However, it should be appreciated that the stirrup 240 may also be rotated 90 degrees when the riser is also rotated substantially 90 degrees, such that the stirrup 240 is parallel to a plane or line running the length of the barrel 220.

FIG. 6 is a partial view of the crossbow of FIG. 2 illustrating the riser and the stirrup being disconnected from the barrel in a fully disassembled state. In this embodiment, both the securing devices 210 and 212 are shown as being removed by extracting the securing devices from the corresponding apertures, thereby allowing the riser 224, along with the bow portion (not shown) and the stirrup 240 to be fully removed from the barrel 220. Once the riser 224 is removed from the barrel 220. The securing devices 210 and 212 can then be replaced through the apertures of the barrel 220 to prevent the securing devices 210 and 212 from being lost or misplaced. Alternatively, one of the securing devices can be placed through the corresponding apertures of the riser 224 and the stirrup 240 to keep these two components together.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of another feature that can be incorporated into various embodiments for attaching the riser to the barrel in a non-operational state. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 720 may include an aperture 750 passing through the top of the barrel 220 and the riser 724. Further, the sides of the riser 755 may include a cutout 760 that has the same opening width as the width of the barrel 720. In this embodiment, the riser 724 and stirrup 740 assembly can be disconnected from the barrel 720 by removing securing devices 710 and 712. The riser 224 can then be rotated 90 degrees such that the cutout 760 straddles the barrel 720. One of the securing devices 710 and 712 can then be inserted through aperture 750 to secure the riser 724 to the barrel 720. In this configuration, the limbs attached to the risers 724 are parallel to the barrel 720 to help facilitate carrying, storage and packaging. The stirrup 740 can then be rotated downward approximately 90 degrees or, all the way to approximately 180 degrees depending on the particular embodiment.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, rather than securing the riser to the barrel through the sides of the riser, the riser can be secured by passing securing devices through the top and bottom of the riser and barrel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in such embodiments, the ends of the securing devices that are located within the arrow track would need to be recessed or have a low or no profile. FIG. 8 is a close-up view of another embodiment that includes two additional features that can be incorporated into various embodiments. One feature illustrates that the riser 824 can be secured to the barrel 820 by means of one or more securing devices (not shown) that are secured through the apertures defining pass-though 850 and 870. Thus, similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4-6, the riser can be removed from the barrel by removing the vertically oriented securing devices. In such an embodiment, the stirrup 840 may be fixed or, in addition a securing device that operates as a hinge-like device similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2 may be utilized. FIG. 8 also illustrates another feature that can be incorporated into various embodiments. This feature utilizes a pivoting pin or a securing device, in addition to or in lieu of one or more of the illustrated securing devices 210 and 212, can be incorporated into the invention. Such a pivoting pin or securing device can extend through one of the pass-through holes 850 or 870. Thus, the securing device and/or pin would go through the top of the riser 824 and through an aperture in the barrel 820. In other embodiments, the pivoting pin may simply extend from the top of the barrel 820 upwards and through an aperture of the riser 824. Other configurations are also anticipated. In any such embodiments, the side 890 of the riser 824 may include a hinged connection 892 to the body of the riser 824. Such a feature allows the sides 890 of the riser 824 to be raised in accordance with arrow 895 and the riser to be rotated around the pivot pin approximately 90 degrees such that the limbs of the bow portion are substantially parallel with the barrel 820. In other embodiments, the riser 824 may not include sides and simply be mounted to the barrel using one or more securing devices that extend down through the top of the riser 824 and barrel 820 through corresponding apertures. Again, in such an embodiment, one of the securing devices can be removed to allow the riser to rotate about the other securing device such that the limbs of the bow portions are substantially parallel with the barrel 820. In some embodiments the pivot pin may be permanently attached or affixed to the riser 824 and barrel 820 such that the components cannot be taken apart, while in other embodiments, the pivot pin can be removed to allow for the disassembly of the components. In such embodiments, the rotating stirrup aspects may or may not be incorporated as well and as such, a rotating, fixed or no stirrup options are anticipated in the various embodiments.

In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, “comprise”, “include” and “have”, and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements, or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

The present invention has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of the present invention that are described and embodiments of the present invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art. Thus, although one feature may be described in conjunction with a particular embodiment, it should be appreciated that such feature, as well as variants thereof could be utilized in other embodiments aw well.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. An assembly that can be adjoined to the barrel of crossbow to allow disassembly or folding of the crossbow, the assembly comprising:

a stirrup; and

a riser;

the stirrup being attached in a hinge-like manner to a front end of the riser with a first securing device; and

the riser being attached to the barrel by inserting one or more securing devices through apertures defined by the riser and the barrel.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the stirrup extends longitudinally from the barrel on a plane that is substantially parallel with the barrel in an operational state and can be rotated to a non-operational state by applying downward pressure on the stirrup.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the stirrup can be rotated approximately 90 degrees.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the stirrup can be rotated approximately 180 degrees.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the stirrup can be rotated at least between 0 and 180 degrees.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the riser is secured to the barrel with the first securing device and a second securing device, and the riser rests on top of the barrel in an operational position and can be rotated to a non-operational position by removing the second securing device and rotating the riser about the axis of the first securing device.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the riser is secured to the barrel with the first securing device and a second securing device, and the riser rests on top of the barrel in an operational position and can be removed from the barrel by removing the first and second securing devices and lifting the riser.

8. A riser that can be adjoined to the barrel of crossbow to allow disassembly or folding of the crossbow, the riser comprising:

a stirrup; and

a riser;

the riser being attached to the barrel by inserting one or more securing devices through apertures defined by the riser and the barrel.

9. The riser of claim 8, wherein the riser is secured to the barrel with a first securing device and a second securing device, and the riser rests on top of the barrel in an operational position and can be rotated to a non-operational position by removing the second securing device and rotating the riser about the axis of the first securing device.

10. The riser of claim 9, wherein the first securing device is located proximate to the front of the barrel and riser and the second securing device is located proximate to the back of the riser and the stock of the crossbow.

11. The riser of claim 10, wherein the stirrup is attached in a hinge-like manner to a front end of the riser with the first securing device and extends longitudinally from the front of the barrel on a plane that is substantially parallel with the barrel in an operational state and can be rotated to a non-operational state by applying downward pressure on the stirrup.

12. The riser of claim 11, wherein the stirrup can be rotated approximately 90 degrees.

13. The riser of claim 11, wherein the stirrup can be rotated approximately 180 degrees.

14. The riser of claim 11, wherein the stirrup can be rotated at least between 0 and 180 degrees.

15. A crossbow that can transition from an operational state to a non-operational state, such as for storage or transport, the crossbow comprising:

a stock;

a barrel affixed to the stock, extending away from the stock and defining an arrow slot; and

a riser that can be attached to the end of the barrel that is distal to the stock, the riser being attached to the barrel with one or more securing devices.

16. The crossbow of claim 15, further comprising a stirrup, the stirrup being attached to a front end of the riser.

17. The crossbow of claim 16, wherein the stirrup is attached to the front end of the riser in a hinge-like manner with a first securing device that extends through an aperture of the riser, an aperture of the barrel and a tube defined by the stirrup.

18. The crossbow of claim 17, wherein the stirrup extends longitudinally from the barrel on a plane that is substantially parallel with the barrel in an operational state and can be rotated to a non-operational state by applying downward pressure on the stirrup.

19. The crossbow of claim 16, wherein the riser is secured to the barrel with the first securing device and a second securing device, and the riser rests on top of the barrel in an operational position and can be rotated to a non-operational position by removing the second securing device and rotating the riser about the axis of the first securing device.

20. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the riser is secured to the barrel with the first securing device and a second securing device, and the riser rests on top of the barrel in an operational position and can be removed from the barrel by removing the first and second securing devices and lifting the riser.