CROSSBOW CLAW STORAGE
A crossbow may include a main beam and a claw used to move a bowstring between an un-cocked position and a cocked position. The claw may be placed into a storage condition by engaging one or more storage locations positioned on the bottom side of the main beam.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/268,383, titled Crossbow Claw Storage, filed Feb. 23, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.
I. BACKGROUND A. Field of the InventionThis invention generally relates to methods and apparatuses related to crossbows and more specifically to methods and apparatuses related to the storage of crossbow claws.
B. Description of Related ArtCrossbows have been used for many years as a weapon for hunting and fishing, and for target shooting. In general, a crossbow includes a main beam and a bow mechanism supported to the main beam. The bow mechanism may have a pair of bow limbs and a bowstring engaged to the bow limbs. Often the bow mechanism has wheels on the bow limbs that receive the bowstring but this is not always the case. A trigger mechanism may be supported to the main beam and operable to hold the bowstring and to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow to shoot an arrow or bolt. The bowstring may be movable from an un-cocked position (sometimes referred to as an undrawn position) to a cocked position where the trigger mechanism holds the bowstring (sometimes referred to as a drawn position). This movement of the bowstring is typically referred to as cocking the crossbow, cocking the bow mechanism, and/or cocking the bowstring.
There are many known methods and apparatuses for cocking a bowstring. Some crossbows include a stirrup bracket mounted on the distal end of the crossbow. In such crossbows, the user places the stirrup bracket onto the ground and places a foot in the stirrup bracket. By applying the user's body weight to the grounded stirrup bracket, the user can draw the bowstring into the cocked position. It is also known to provide crossbows with cocking mechanisms. Such cocking mechanisms may include a drawing mechanism that may be operated by rotating an input shaft or pin. In some cases, the input shaft may be rotated by an electric motor, an engine, or the like. In other cases, the input shaft may be rotated manually, such as with a crank. Regardless of the particular drive mechanism used, known cocking mechanisms often include a device that engages the bowstring. Such devices go by different names, but one known name is a claw. The claw is engaged to the bowstring, in the un-cocked position, and the drawing mechanism is then operated to pull the claw, and thus the bowstring, until the bowstring is placed into the cocked position. The claw can then be removed from the bowstring.
An exemplary cocking mechanism is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,128, titled CROSSBOW BOWSTRING DRAWING MECHANISMS (“the '128 patent”). The '128 patent discloses a claw 46 that is moved by a drawing mechanism 22. After the crossbow is cocked, the claw 46 is removed from the bowstring and placed into a storage position. The storage location, as is typical in the art, is on top of the crossbow main beam close behind the location where the bowstring is held in the cocked position. The '128 patent shows the claw storage location with reference 67.
While the claw storage location shown in the '128 patent works well for its intended purposes, it may be desirable to store a claw at one or more other locations. This patent will explain how other claw storage locations for a crossbow may be used.
II. SUMMARYAccording to some embodiments of this invention, a crossbow may include: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 5) a top side; 6) a bottom side opposite the top side; 7) an arrow receiving surface adapted to receive an associated arrow; and 8) a first storage location positioned on the bottom side. A bow mechanism may be supported to the main beam and have: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position. A trigger mechanism may be supported to the main beam and may be selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow. A cocking mechanism may have: 1) a claw having: (a) a first lateral side; (b) a second lateral side opposite the first side; and (c) a bowstring engagement surface; 2) a drawing mechanism having: (a) a first cord portion extendable on the right lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the first lateral side of the claw; (b) a second cord portion extendable on the left lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side of the claw; and (c) first, second, third and fourth distinct wrap surfaces. The claw may be selectively operable to be placed in: 1) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; 2) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and 3) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at the first storage location. The drawing mechanism may be selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: 1) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to 2) the cocked condition and the cocked position. The drawing mechanism may be selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion onto the first wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion onto the second wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position. The claw may be selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion onto the third wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion onto the fourth wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition.
According to some embodiments of this invention, a crossbow may include: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 5) a top side; 6) a bottom side opposite the top side; 7) an arrow receiving surface adapted to receive an associated arrow; 8) a first storage location positioned on the bottom side; and 9) a second storage location, distinct from the first storage location, positioned on the bottom side. A bow mechanism may be supported to the main beam and may have: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position. A trigger mechanism may be supported to the main beam and may be selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow. A cocking mechanism may have: 1) a claw having: (a) a first lateral side; (b) a second lateral side opposite the first side; and (c) a bowstring engagement surface; and 2) a drawing mechanism having: (a) a first cord portion extendable on the right lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the first lateral side of the claw; and (b) a second cord portion extendable on the left lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side of the claw. The claw may be selectively operable to be placed in: 1) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; 2) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and 3) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at one of the first and second storage locations. The drawing mechanism may be selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: 1) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to 2) the cocked condition and the cocked position. The claw may be selectively movable while remaining operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions from the cocked condition; to one of: 1) the storage condition at the first storage location; and 2) the storage condition at the second storage location.
According to some embodiments of this invention, a crossbow may include: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 5) a top side; 6) a bottom side opposite the top side; 7) an arrow receiving surface adapted to receive an associated arrow; and 8) a first storage location positioned on the bottom side. A bow mechanism may be supported to the main beam and may have: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position. A trigger mechanism may be supported to the main beam and may be selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow. A cocking mechanism may have: 1) a claw having: (a) a first lateral side; (b) a second lateral side opposite the first side; and (c) a bowstring engagement surface; and 2) a drawing mechanism having: (a) a first cord portion extendable on the right lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the first lateral side of the claw; and (b) a second cord portion extendable on the left lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side of the claw. The claw may be selectively operable to be placed in: 1) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; 2) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and 3) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at the first storage location. The drawing mechanism may be selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: 1) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to 2) the cocked condition and the cocked position. The claw may be selectively movable while remaining operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions from: 1) the cocked condition; to 2) a position on the top side of the main beam; to 3) a position proximal to the proximal end of the main beam; to 4) a position on the bottom side of the main beam; to 5) the storage condition.
The present subject matter may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present subject matter only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components,
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The amount of wrap and unwrap on the rap surfaces may vary. In some embodiments, the cord portions wrap/unwrap at least 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the cord portions wrap/unwrap at least 180 degrees. For example, if storage location 900 is used, the cord portions 200, 202 may wrap about 180 degrees around the housing rap surface 910. In some embodiments, the cord portions wrap/unwrap about 360 degrees. For example, if storage location 902 is used, the cord portions 200, 202 may wrap/unwrap about 360 degrees around the housing rap surface 910.
Numerous embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of the present subject matter. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
Claims
1. A crossbow comprising:
- a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 5) a top side; 6) a bottom side opposite the top side; 7) an arrow receiving surface adapted to receive an associated arrow; and 8) a first storage location positioned on the bottom side;
- a bow mechanism supported to the main beam and having: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position;
- a trigger mechanism supported to the main beam and selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow; and
- a cocking mechanism having: 1) a claw having: (a) a first lateral side; (b) a second lateral side opposite the first side; and (c) a bowstring engagement surface; and 2) a drawing mechanism having: (a) a first cord portion extendable on the right lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the first lateral side of the claw; (b) a second cord portion extendable on the left lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side of the claw; and (c) first, second, third and fourth distinct wrap surfaces;
- wherein: 1) the claw is selectively operable to be placed in: (a) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; (b) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and (c) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at the first storage location; 2) the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; 3) the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to: (a) wrap at least part of the first cord portion onto the first wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (i) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (ii) the cocked condition and the cocked position; (b) wrap at least part of the second cord portion onto the second wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (i) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (ii) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 4) the claw is selectively operable to: (a) wrap at least part of the first cord portion onto the third wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (i) the cocked condition; to (ii) the storage condition; and (b) wrap at least part of the second cord portion onto the fourth wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (i) the cocked condition; to (ii) the storage condition.
2. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein:
- each of the first, second, third and fourth distinct wrap surfaces are each at least partially arc shaped;
- the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion at least 90 degrees onto the first wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion at least 90 degrees onto the second wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and
- the claw is selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion at least 90 degrees onto the third wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion at least 90 degrees onto the fourth wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition.
3. The crossbow of claim 2 wherein:
- the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion at least 180 degrees onto the first wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion at least 180 degrees onto the second wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and
- the claw is selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion at least 180 degrees onto the third wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion at least 180 degrees onto the fourth wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition.
4. The crossbow of claim 3 wherein:
- the claw is selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion about 360 degrees onto the third wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion about 360 degrees onto the fourth wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition.
5. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein:
- the drawing mechanism comprises a housing supported to the main beam;
- the first wrap surface comprises a first spool positioned: 1) on the right lateral side of the main beam; and 2) within the housing;
- the second wrap surface comprises a second spool, distinct from the first spool, positioned: 1) on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 2) within the housing;
- the third wrap surface is positioned: 1) on the right lateral side of the main beam; and 2) on an outer surface of the housing; and
- the fourth wrap surface is positioned: 1) on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 2) on an outer surface of the housing.
6. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein:
- the first wrap surface comprises a first spool positioned on the right lateral side of the main beam;
- the second wrap surface comprises a second spool, distinct from the first spool, positioned on the left lateral side of the main beam;
- the first and second spools are engaged to a spool shaft having a spool shaft axis;
- the first storage location is positioned: 1) below the spool shaft axis; and 2) proximal to the spool shaft axis;
- the main beam has a second storage location: 1) distinct from the first storage location; 2) positioned on the bottom side of the main beam; 3) positioned below the spool shaft axis; and 4) positioned distally of the spool shaft axis; and
- the claw is selectively operable to be placed in the storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at the second storage location.
7. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein when the claw is moved from the cocked condition to the storage condition:
- at least a portion of the first cord portion unwraps from the first wrap surface; and
- at least a portion of the second cord portion unwraps from the second wrap surface.
8. A crossbow comprising:
- a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 5) a top side; 6) a bottom side opposite the top side; 7) an arrow receiving surface adapted to receive an associated arrow; 8) a first storage location positioned on the bottom side; and 9) a second storage location, distinct from the first storage location, positioned on the bottom side;
- a bow mechanism supported to the main beam and having: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position;
- a trigger mechanism supported to the main beam and selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow; and
- a cocking mechanism having: 1) a claw having: (a) a first lateral side; (b) a second lateral side opposite the first side; and (c) a bowstring engagement surface; and 2) a drawing mechanism having: (a) a first cord portion extendable on the right lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the first lateral side of the claw; and (b) a second cord portion extendable on the left lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side of the claw;
- wherein: 1) the claw is selectively operable to be placed in: (a) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; (b) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and (c) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at one of the first and second storage locations; 2) the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 3) the claw is selectively movable while remaining operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions from the cocked condition; to one of: (a) the storage condition at the first storage location; and (b) the storage condition at the second storage location.
9. The crossbow of claim 8 wherein:
- the drawing mechanism includes: 1) a first spool upon which the first cord portion wraps when the drawing mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; 2) a second spool upon which the second cord portion wraps when the drawing mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position;
- the first and second spools are engaged to a spool shaft having a spool shaft axis;
- the first storage location is positioned: 1) below the spool shaft axis; and 2) proximal to the spool shaft axis; and
- the second storage location is positioned: 1) below the spool shaft axis; and 2) distal to the spool shaft axis.
10. The crossbow of claim 8 wherein:
- the drawing mechanism includes: 1) a first spool upon which the first cord portion wraps when the drawing mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 2) a second spool upon which the second cord portion wraps when the drawing mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position;
- the first and second spools are engaged to a spool shaft having a spool shaft axis;
- when the claw is in the storage condition at the first storage location: 1) a portion of the claw is positioned above the spool shaft axis; and 2) a portion of the claw is positioned below the spool shaft axis; and
- when the claw is in the storage condition at the second storage location: 1) a portion of the claw is positioned above the spool shaft axis; and 2) a portion of the claw is positioned below the spool shaft axis.
11. The crossbow of claim 8 wherein:
- the first storage location has a main beam storage surface that is concave shaped;
- the second storage location has a main beam storage surface that is concave shaped; and
- the claw has a claw storage surface that is convex shaped and adapted to be selectively engaged to the concave shaped storage surfaces of both the first storage location and the second storage location.
12. The crossbow of claim 8 wherein:
- the first cord portion is a first end of a single continuous cord and the second cord portion is a second end of the single continuous cord.
13. The crossbow of claim 8 wherein:
- the first cord portion has a generally rectangular cross-section with a width W1 and a thickness T1;
- the second cord portion has a generally rectangular cross-section with a width W2 and a thickness T2;
- the ratio W1/T1 is at least 3.0; and
- the ratio W2/T2 is at least 3.0.
14. The crossbow of claim 8 wherein:
- the claw is generally U-shaped having: 1) a first leg; 2) a second leg; and 3) a mid-portion that interconnects the first and second legs;
- the first and second storage locations have a main beam storage surface that is one of a concave and a convex surface;
- the claw has a claw storage surface that is the other of a concave and a convex surface;
- the claw storage surface engages the first and second storage locations to place the claw into the storage condition; and
- the claw storage surface is positioned on the mid-portion of the claw.
15. A crossbow comprising:
- a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 5) a top side; 6) a bottom side opposite the top side; 7) an arrow receiving surface adapted to receive an associated arrow; and 8) a first storage location positioned on the bottom side;
- a bow mechanism supported to the main beam and having: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position;
- a trigger mechanism supported to the main beam and selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow; and
- a cocking mechanism having: 1) a claw having: (a) a first lateral side; (b) a second lateral side opposite the first side; and (c) a bowstring engagement surface; and 2) a drawing mechanism having: (a) a first cord portion extendable on the right lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the first lateral side of the claw; and (b) a second cord portion extendable on the left lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side of the claw;
- wherein: 1) the claw is selectively operable to be placed in: (a) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; (b) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and (c) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at the first storage location; 2) the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 3) the claw is selectively movable while remaining operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) a position on the top side of the main beam; to (c) a position proximal to the proximal end of the main beam; to (d) a position on the bottom side of the main beam; to (e) the storage condition.
16. The crossbow of claim 15 wherein:
- the drawing mechanism includes: 1) a first spool upon which the first cord portion wraps when the drawing mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; 2) a second spool upon which the second cord portion wraps when the drawing mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position;
- the first and second spools are engaged to a spool shaft having a spool shaft axis; and
- the first storage location is positioned: 1) below the spool shaft axis; and 2) proximal to the spool shaft axis.
17. The crossbow of claim 15 wherein:
- the main beam has a second storage location positioned on the bottom side, distinct from the first storage location;
- the claw is selectively operable to be placed in a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at one of the first and second storage locations;
- the claw is selectively movable while remaining operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) a position on the top side of the main beam; to (c) a position proximal to the proximal end of the main beam; to (d) a position on the bottom side of the main beam; to (e) the storage condition at the second storage location.
18. The crossbow of claim 15 wherein:
- the first cord portion is a first end of a single continuous cord and the second cord portion is a second end of the single continuous cord.
19. The crossbow of claim 15 wherein:
- the first cord portion has a generally rectangular cross-section with a width W1 and a thickness T1;
- the second cord portion has a generally rectangular cross-section with a width W2 and a thickness T2;
- the ratio W1/T1 is at least 3.0; and
- the ratio W2/T2 is at least 3.0.
20. The crossbow of claim 15 wherein:
- the claw is generally U-shaped having: 1) a first leg; 2) a second leg; and 3) a mid-portion that interconnects the first and second legs;
- the first storage location has a main beam storage surface that is one of a concave and a convex surface;
- the claw has a claw storage surface that is the other of a concave and a convex surface;
- the claw storage surface engages the main beam storage surface to place the claw into the storage condition; and
- the claw storage surface is positioned on the mid-portion of the claw.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 23, 2023
Publication Date: Aug 24, 2023
Inventor: Richard BEDNAR (Akron, OH)
Application Number: 18/173,350