CROSSBOW HAVING IMPROVED BARREL AND ARROW
An improved arrow has an arrow shaft having a first diameter, a first end defining a tip and a second end defining an area that interacts with the string of a crossbow. A first ring is formed proximate the first end of the arrow shaft and has a second diameter and a first length. A second ring is formed proximate the second end of the arrow shaft and has a third diameter and a second length. In various embodiments, the second and third diameters are larger than the first diameter of the arrow shaft and may be equal. The first and second rings function to allow the arrow to be shot from a crossbow having a barrel to reduce the amount of friction that exists between the arrow and the barrel walls and to reduce the amount of noise generated as the arrow traverses and exits the barrel.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/676,614, filed Apr. 1, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDThe present invention relates generally to crossbows and related arrows. More particularly, the present invention relates to a crossbow having a barrel and improved arrows for use in a crossbow having a barrel.
Crossbows have an extensive history dating back to medieval times, although modern crossbows have evolved significantly from the crossbows used centuries ago. Modern crossbows generally employ either a track type or trackless design for launching an arrow. In a track type crossbow design, the arrow rests in a track located on the stock of the crossbow in the fully-drawn, cocked position. The arrow is launched from the crossbow by being pushed down the track, with the bowstring and the arrow both maintaining intimate contact with the track until the arrow has cleared the bow. Arrows used in this type of crossbow are usually blunt at the rear end of the arrow. The bowstring that propels the arrow simply pushes against the blunt end of the arrow to propel the arrow from the crossbow.
In the trackless type crossbow design, the arrow is supported on an arrow rest towards the front of the arrow shaft and the rear of the arrow is nocked to the bowstring in the same manner as is used in conventional bows.
Modern crossbows, however, whether of the track or trackless variety, often produce considerable noise when fired, which may be unpleasant in a hunting application, among others. Additionally, there are numerous adverse effects on arrow flight that can result from a loud, rattling arrow release. The designs disclosed herein seek to address many of the concerns that arise with modern track and trackless crossbows.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one embodiment, an archery arrow comprises: (1) an elongated shaft that has a first end, an opposite second end, and a first diameter; (2) a tip coupled to the first end; and (3) one or more fletching coupled to the shaft. The arrow has a first shaft portion coupled to the shaft proximate the shaft first end. The first shaft portion comprises a second diameter and a first length. The arrow also has a second shaft portion coupled to the shaft proximate the shaft second end. The second shaft portion comprises a third diameter and a second length. In various embodiments, the second diameter and the third diameter are equal to each other and are larger than the first diameter.
In various embodiments, an arrow comprises an elongated shaft having a first end, an opposite second end, and a diameter. The arrow has a first shaft portion coupled to the shaft proximate the shaft first end. The first shaft portion comprises a first diameter. The arrow also has a second shaft portion coupled to the shaft proximate the shaft second end. The second shaft portion comprises a second diameter. The first diameter and the second diameter are larger than the diameter of the elongated shaft. In various embodiments, the first shaft portion comprises a first ring and the shaft second portion comprises a second ring. In some embodiments, the first and second rings may be formed from a variety of materials such as (1) a metal; (2) ceramics; (3) polymers; (4) polytetrafluoroethylene; (5) a metal alloy; (6) a ceramic alloy; (7) nylon; or (8) acetyl resins. The first and second rings may be secured onto the elongated shaft by a securing means such as: (1) a press-fit; (2) an adhesive; (3) a pin; (4) a rivet; (5) a screw; or (6) a friction stir welding. In various embodiments the first diameter and the second diameter are substantially equal in size.
In various embodiments, a crossbow and an arrow for use in the crossbow comprises a body with a barrel coupled thereto. The barrel has a first end and an opposite second end, an axis that extends between the first end and the second end, and an elongated bore that passes transverse to the axis. The crossbow further comprises: (1) first and second limbs coupled to the barrel proximate to the first end; and (2) a bow string that passes through the elongated bore and that has a first end that couples to the first limb, and a second end that couples to the second limb. The arrow comprises an elongated shaft having a first end, an opposite second end, and a diameter. The arrow has a first shaft portion coupled to the elongated shaft proximate the shaft first end. The first shaft portion comprises a first diameter. The arrow also has a second shaft portion coupled to the shaft proximate the shaft second end. The second shaft portion has a second diameter. The first diameter and the second diameter are larger than the diameter of the elongated shaft. When the arrow is loaded in the barrel, the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion raise the elongated shaft off of a surface of the barrel to minimize the amount of friction between the elongated shaft and the barrel.
Various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for utilizing a crossbow having a barrel are described below. In the course of this description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Various embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
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In yet other particular embodiments, the first slot 44 and second slot 46 are further adapted to accommodate various fletching sizes and configurations. For example, the height of the first and second slots 44, 46, as measured from the central axis 22 of the generally circular bore 22 to the outer end of the slots 44, 46, i.e. the radius, and a width of the first and second slots may vary depending on the application. For example, based on the type, height, and orientation of the arrow fletching, the first and second slots 44, 46 may be larger or smaller to accommodate varying fletching sizes. The first and second slots 44, 46 may be configured, for example, to allow a helical fletching to pass through the first and second slots 44, 46 without obstructing the flight of the arrow or damaging the fletching while traveling within the barrel 18.
Bow AssemblyReferring to again to
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In the embodiment shown, the pistol grip 26 is coupled to the stock 20 intermediate the barrel first end 34 and the barrel second end 36. The trigger guard 35 may be coupled at a first end 35a to the pistol grip 26 and at a second end 35b to the stock 20. In a particular embodiment, the fore stock grip 28 may be coupled to the barrel 18 proximate the barrel first end 34. The fore stock grip 28 is utilized as known in the art to stabilize the bow from large changes in inertia produced by firing. In various other embodiments, the fore stock grip 28 may function as a quiver.
Improved ArrowReferring to
In certain embodiments, the shaft second end 53b may couple to the bowstring 51 by a notch 61 formed in an end of the arrow shaft. In various embodiments, the notch 61 may be a “U” or “V” shaped notch, within which the bowstring 51 may be positioned. In particular embodiments, the arrow fletching 57 may positioned intermediate the shaft first end 53a and the shaft second end 53b, more proximate the shaft second end 53b than the shaft first end 53a. The fletching 57, in various embodiments, may be plastic, feather, and/or a plastic polymer. The fletching 57 may further be “high-profile”, standard, or parabolic in shape, and in particular embodiments may vary in length and height, (e.g., between 0.5-5 inches). The fletching 57 may be further configured with a variety of turns (e.g., straight fletch, offset fletch, or helical fletch).
In various embodiments, a first shaft portion (e.g., a first ring) 59a is coupled to the shaft 53 proximate the shaft first end 53a, and the first ring 59a has a second diameter D2 and first length. In particular embodiments, a second shaft portion (e.g., a second ring) 59b is coupled to the shaft 53 proximate the shaft second end 53b, and the second ring 59b has a third diameter D3 and a second length. In various embodiments, the first and second rings 59a, 59b are located on the arrow shaft 53 intermediate the shaft first and second ends 53a, 53b, respectively. Particularly, the first ring 59a is positioned on the shaft 53 intermediate the shaft first and second ends 53a, 53b and located proximate the shaft first end 53a. The second ring 59b is positioned on the shaft 53 intermediate the shaft first and second ends 53a, 53b and located proximate the shaft second end 53b.
In particular embodiments, the first ring 59a and the second ring 59b may be coupled to the elongated shaft 53 in various means as may be understood in the art. For example, in various embodiments, the first ring 59a and the second ring 59b may be secured to the elongated shaft 53 by a securing means, such as a press-fit, an adhesive, a pin, a rivet, a screw, or friction stir welding. In various other embodiments, the first ring 59a and second ring 59b may be integrally formed with the elongated shaft 53. In yet other embodiments, the first ring 59a and second ring 59b may be formed from any suitable material such as, for example: metal, ceramics, polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, a metal alloy, a ceramic alloy, nylon, or acetyl resins. The arrow shaft 53 may be manufactured from any suitable material, for example, carbon fiber, reinforced plastics, polymers, wood, aluminum, or a combination of materials.
In various embodiments, the second diameter D2 of the first ring 59a and the third diameter D3 of the second ring 59b are greater than the first diameter D1 of the arrow shaft 53.
In particular embodiments, the diameter D2 and D3 of the first and second rings 59a, 59b, respectively, is 4-15 mm. In other embodiments, the first ring diameter D2 and the second ring diameter D3 are larger than the diameter D1 of the shaft 53. In various embodiments, the second diameter D2 and the third diameter D3 are equal.
In particular embodiments, the length of the first ring 59a and the length of the second ring 59b are between approximately 2 mm and 70 mm. In various other embodiments, the length of the first ring 59a and the length of the second ring 59b are between approximately 10 mm and 30 mm. In yet other embodiments, the length of the first and second rings 59a, 59b is approximately 20 mm. The first and the second rings 59a, 59b also have an inner diameter that is substantially the same diameter as the arrow shaft 53 and an outer diameter that is substantially the same size as the diameter of the circular cross-section of the elongated bore 22. The first and second rings 59a, 59b function to minimize the contact between the elongated arrow shaft 53 and the inner surface of the barrel 18 (e.g., edges 45a and surfaces 45b), thereby reducing friction. Minimizing friction aids in optimizing the kinetic energy and muzzle velocity of the arrow upon launch and reduces the noise generated by the contact of the arrow 50 with the barrel 18. That is, referring to
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A first cable 168 has a first section 168a coupled to the first mounting pin 160, a second section 168b coupled to the second mounting pin 168, and a third section 168c that wraps around the second cam 158 and anchors to the second cam 158. The first cable first and second sections 168a, 168b combine at a point 168d intermediate the body 150 and the first cam 154 to create the first cable third section 168c. The first cable third section 168c extends from the point 168d, traverses through a lower mounting bracket 170 (
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A bowstring 174 is also anchored to the first and second cams 154, 158. When the bowstring 174 is pulled toward a second end of the body 150b in order to cock the crossbow 111, the second cam 158 rotates counterclockwise (with reference to
As shown in
The bow assembly 130 has a first and a second flexible limb 108, 110 coupled to the barrel cap 106 that extend outwardly from the barrel cap 106. The first and second flexible limbs 108, 110 are mirror images of each other. The first flexible limb 108 has a first and a second end 108a, 108b. In addition, the second flexible limb 110 has a first and a second end 110a, 110b.
The first flexible limb 108 has a first upper limb portion 112 and a first lower limb portion 114. A first cam 116 is located intermediate the first upper limb portion 112 and the first lower limb portion 114 of the first limb second end 108a. The first cam 116 is coupled to the first upper limb portion 112 by a first mounting pin 118 and coupled to the first lower limb portion 114 by a second mounting pin 122. The first cam 116 is mounted for rotation about the mounting pins 116, 118. In addition, the first cam 116 is configured to rotatably receive a bowstring 140, which will be discussed in more detail below.
Similar to the first flexible limb 108, the second flexible limb 110 has a second upper limb portion 124 and a second lower limb portion 126. A second cam 128 is located intermediate the second upper limb portion 124 and the second lower limb portion 126 at the second limb second end 110b. The second cam 128 is coupled to the second upper limb portion 124 by a third mounting pin 132 and coupled to the second lower limb portion 126 by a fourth mounting pin 134. The second cam 128 is mounted for rotation about the mounting pins 132, 134. The first cam 128 is configured to rotatably receive the bowstring 140, as discussed below. The first, second, third, and fourth mounting pins 118, 122, 132, 134 may be any suitable connection means (e.g., screws, bolts, fasteners, etc.).
First CableReferring to
The first cable first section 136a is coupled to the first mounting pin 118. The first cable first section 136a extends from the first mounting pin 118 and traverses through an upper mounting bracket 138 coupled to a top surface of the barrel 102c. The upper mounting bracket 138 may be secured to the barrel top surface 102c by any suitable securing means (e.g., a press-fit, an adhesive, a pin, a rivet, a screw, or friction stir welding). In various embodiments, the upper mounting bracket 138 may be integrally formed with the barrel 102. In particular embodiments, the upper mounting bracket 138 may be formed from any suitable material (e.g., metal, ceramics, polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, a metal alloy, a ceramic alloy, nylon, or acetyl resins). Referring to
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Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, as will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, the invention may take form in a variety of different mechanical and operational configurations. For example, elements shown in the embodiments of
Claims
1. A crossbow comprising:
- a. a body comprising: i. a first end; ii. an opposite second end, iii. a top surface, iv. a bottom surface, and v. an axis that extends between the first end and the second end,
- b. a first limb having a first end operatively coupled to the body and a second end;
- c. a second limb having a first end operatively coupled to the body and a second end;
- d. a first cable comprising: i. a first end operatively coupled to the first limb second end; and ii. a second end that splits into: a first portion having a second end that is operatively coupled to the second limb second end; and a second portion having a second end that is operatively coupled to the second limb second end;
- e. a second cable comprising: i. a first end operatively coupled to the second limb second end; and ii. a second end that splits into: a first portion having a second end that is operatively coupled to the first limb second end; and a second portion having a second end that is operatively coupled to the first limb second end;
- f. a bow string that comprises a first end that is operatively coupled to the first limb and a second end that is operatively coupled to the second limb, wherein the first cable, first portion is positioned above the body top surface, the first cable, second portion is positioned below the body bottom surface, the second cable, first portion is positioned above the body top surface, and the second cable, second portion is positioned below the body bottom surface.
2. The crossbow of claim 1, wherein the first cable further comprises:
- a. a first section intermediate the first cable, first end and the first cable, first portion and first cable, second portion, wherein the first section comprises the first cable, first end and a second end;
- b. a second section intermediate the first cable, first section and the first cable, first portion, second end, wherein the first section comprises a first end and the first cable, first portion, second end; and
- c. a third section intermediate the first cable, first portion and the first cable, second portion, second end, wherein the third section comprises a first end and the first cable, second portion, second end.
3. The crossbow claim 2, wherein:
- a. the first cable, first section, second end is coupled to the first cable, second section, first end; and
- b. the first cable, first section, second end is coupled to the first cable, third section, first end.
4. The crossbow of claim 2, wherein the first cable, first section is formed integral with the first cable, second section and the first cable, third section.
5. The crossbow of claim 2, wherein the body further comprises a barrel having a through-hole formed along the axis of the body, wherein:
- a. the first cable, second section is positioned above a top surface of the barrel;
- b. the first cable, third section is positioned below a bottom surface of the barrel; and
- c. the first cable, first section, second end, the first cable, second section first end and the first cable, third section first end are all positioned intermediate the first limb first and second ends.
6. The crossbow of claim 5, wherein
- a. the barrel comprises an elongated slot formed along a plane that intersects the axis;
- b. the bowstring passes through the slot.
7. The crossbow of claim 1, further comprising:
- a. a first cam operatively coupled to the first limb second end;
- b. a second cam operatively coupled the second limb second end;
- c. at least one pin coupled to the first limb second end; and
- d. at least one pin coupled to the second limb second end, wherein: i. the first cable first end is operatively coupled to the first cam, ii. the first cable first portion second end is operatively coupled to the second limb at least one pin, and iii. the first cable second portion second end is operatively coupled to the second limb at least one pin.
8. The crossbow of claim 5, further comprising a first bracket coupled to the top surface of the barrel and a second bracket coupled to one of the bottom surface of the barrel or the bottom surface of the body, wherein:
- a. the first cable second section is supported by the first bracket; and
- b. the first cable third section is supported by the second bracket.
9. A crossbow comprising:
- a. a body comprising: i. a first end; ii. an opposite second end, iii. a top surface, iv. a bottom surface, and v. an axis that extends between the first end and the second end,
- b. a first limb having a first end operatively coupled to the body and a second end;
- c. a second limb having a first end operatively coupled to the body and a second end;
- d. a first cable comprising: i. a first cable portion having a first end and a second end; and ii. a second cable portion having a first end and a second end:
- e. a second cable comprising: i. a third cable portion having a first end and a second end; and ii. a forth cable portion having a first end and a second end, and
- f. a bow string that comprises a first end that is operatively coupled to the first limb and a second end that is operatively coupled to the second limb, wherein a first section of the first cable portion proximate the first end and a first section of the second cable portion proximate the first end are secured together to form a first section of the first cable, a first section of the third cable portion proximate the first end and a first section of the fourth cable portion proximate the first end are secured together to form a first section of the second cable, the first end of the first cable portion and the first end of the second cable portion are operatively coupled to the first limb second end, the second end of the first cable portion and the second end of the second cable portion are operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the first end of the third cable portion and the first end of the fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the second end of the third cable portion and the second end of the fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the first limb second end, the first cable first section is positioned intermediate the first limb second end and the body such that the first cable portion is positioned above the body top surface and the second cable portion is positioned below the body bottom surface, the second cable first section is positioned intermediate the second limb second end and the body such that the third cable portion is positioned above the body top surface and the fourth cable portion is positioned below the body bottom surface.
10. The crossbow of claim 9, wherein the first cable portion and the second cable portion proximate the first ends are secured together by a first covering selected from a group consisting of:
- a. a polymer sheathing;
- b. a rubber sheathing;
- c. a wire wrapping;
- d. a cloth wrapping; and
- e. one or more rings.
11. The crossbow of claim 9, further comprising:
- a. a first bracket operatively coupled to the body; and
- b. a second bracket operatively coupled to the body,
- wherein:
- one of the first bracket and the second bracket support the first cable portion and the third cable portion; and
- the other of the first bracket and the second bracket support the second cable portion and the fourth cable portion.
12. The crossbow of claim 11, wherein:
- a. the body further comprises a barrel;
- b. at least one of the first bracket and the second bracket are coupled to the barrel.
13. The crossbow of claim 9, further comprising:
- a. a first cam operatively coupled to the first limb second end;
- b. a second cam operatively coupled to the second limb second end;
- c. one or more pins operatively coupled to the first limb second end, and
- d. one or more pins operatively coupled to the second limb second end,
- wherein: the first end of the first cable portion and the first end of the second cable portion are operatively coupled to the first cam, the second end of the first cable portion and the second end of the second cable portion are operatively coupled to the one or more pins operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the first end of the third cable portion and the first end of the fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the second cam, and the second end of the third cable portion and the second end of the fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the one or more pins operatively coupled to the first limb second end.
14. The crossbow of claim 13, wherein the first cam is rotatably mounted on the one or more pins operatively coupled to the first limb second end and the second cam is rotatably mounted on the one or more pins operatively coupled to the second limb second end.
15. The crossbow of claim 9, further comprising: wherein:
- a. a first cam rotatably coupled to the first limb second end by a first pin;
- b. a second cam rotatably coupled to the second limb second end by a second pin;
- i. the first end of the first cable portion and the first end of the second cable portion are operatively coupled to the first cam,
- ii. the first end of the third cable portion and the first end of the fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the second cam, and
- iii. the arrangement of the first cable and the second cable minimize any forces exerted: on the first cam and in a direction parallel to the first pin; and on the second cam and in a direction parallel to the second pin.
16. A crossbow comprising:
- a. a body comprising: i. a first end; ii. an opposite second end, iii. a top surface, iv. a bottom surface, and v. an axis that extends between the first end and the second end,
- b. a first limb having a first end operatively coupled to the body and a second end;
- c. a second limb having a first end operatively coupled to the body and a second end;
- d. a first cable comprising: i. a first section having a first end and a second end; ii. a second section having a first end and a second end; and iii. a third section having a first end and a second end:
- e. a bow string that comprises a first end that is operatively coupled to the first limb and a second end that is operatively coupled to the second limb, wherein the first section first end is operatively coupled to the first limb second end, the first section second end is operatively coupled to both the second section first end and the third section first end, the second section second end is operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the third section second end is operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the second section is positioned above the body top surface, and the third section is positioned below the body bottom surface.
17. The crossbow of claim 16, further comprising a second cable comprising:
- a. a fourth section having a first end and a second end;
- b. a fifth section having a first end and a second end; and
- c. and a sixth section having a first end and a second end;
- wherein: the fourth section first end is operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the fourth section second end is operatively coupled to both the fifth section first end and the six section first end, the fifth section second end is operatively coupled to the first limb second end, the sixth section second end is operatively coupled to the first limb second end, the fourth section is positioned above the body top surface, and the fifth section is positioned below the body bottom surface.
18. The crossbow of claim 16, wherein the body comprises a barrel.
19. The crossbow of claim 16, wherein the first section, the second section and the third section of the first cable are integrally formed with one another.
20. The crossbow of claim 16, further comprising:
- a. a first bracket operatively coupled to the body, wherein the second section is supported by the first bracket; and
- b. a second bracket operatively coupled to the body, wherein the third section is supported by the second bracket.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 4, 2016
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2016
Inventor: Bahram Khoshnood (Cumming, GA)
Application Number: 15/090,243