ARCHERY SIGHT MOUNTING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An archery sight mounting assembly includes an elevation rail, elevation and windage assemblies for displacing an archery scope or aperture relative to the elevation rail, and a guide assembly connected with at least one of the elevation and windage assemblies. The guide assembly includes a pair of synthetic plastic gibs on either side of the assembly and a further gib beneath the assembly. The elevation and windage assemblies include locking assemblies, respectively, in line with a target to lock the assemblies in a fixed position. A mounting block assembly is removably connected with the windage assembly via a wedge locking connection. In addition, the mounting block assembly includes first, second and third axis devices for micro-adjusting the scope or aperture along three axes.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Archery sights are used by hunters and competition archers to increase the accuracy of a shot. The sights may be attached directly to a bow but are more typically mounted on a sight elevation rail which in turn is connected with an extension bar. A bow mount or mounting bracket is used to connect the extension bar with the bow. The extension bar is adjustable relative to the bow mount to properly position the sight aperture closer to or farther away from the archer.

The sight mounting assembly typically includes an elevation carriage mounted on the elevation rail for adjustment along a longitudinal axis and a windage carriage mounted on the elevation carriage for adjustment along an axis normal to the longitudinal axis. An aperture or scope is mounted on the windage carriage. By adjusting the elevation and windage carriages, an archer may position the aperture or scope in a preferred location.

For example, in archery competitions, targets may be arranged at a fixed distance from the archer or at multiple distances. Variable distance competitions require adjusting the position of the sight aperture along the elevation rail depending on the distance to the target. To accommodate the various distances, the elevation rail has an extended length for proper positioning of the sight aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Archery sight mounting devices that mount on a bow are known in the art. One such device is connected with an extension bar via suitable fasteners. In use, the extension bar generally extends horizontally and the archery sight apparatus extends vertically, with the sight being adjusted for elevation along the elevation bar. More particularly, the elevation carriage includes an elevation adjustment knob to operate an elevation drive assembly and the windage carriage includes a windage adjustment knob to operate a windage drive assembly.

While such a device normally operates satisfactorily, the mounting assembly is susceptible to excessive vibration between the windage and elevation carriages and between the elevation carriage and the elevation rail. Such vibrations have been addressed by providing a guide assembly including a pair of gibs at the sides of the elevation carriage between the elevation carriage and the elevation rail. While such a guide assembly operates satisfactorily, there is a need for an improved guide assembly which further limits vibrations.

Another drawback of prior sight mounting assemblies is that the degree of manual adjustment is limited owing to the structure of the elevation and windage drive assemblies. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved adjustment assembly which provides more precise positioning of the aperture and for an improved locking assembly for securing the windage and elevation carriages in a selected location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the invention to provide an archery sight mounting assembly including an elevation rail, an elevation carriage assembly slidably mounted on the elevation rail, a windage carriage assembly adjustably mounted on the elevation carriage assembly, and a guide assembly connected with one or both of the elevation and windage carriage assemblies. More particularly, the guide assembly includes first and second gibs arranged on opposite sides of the elevation and/or windage carriage assemblies and a third gib arranged beneath the bottom of the elevation and/or windage carriage assemblies. The third gib for the elevation carriage assembly is arranged between the elevation carriage assembly and the elevation rail and the third gib for the windage carriage assembly is arranged between the windage carriage assembly and the elevation carriage assembly.

The elevation carriage assembly further includes a keyway for accurate alignment of the elevation carriage assembly relative to the elevation rail in a first direction and a V-shape configuration for accurate alignment of the elevation carriage assembly relative to the elevation rail in a second direction normal to the first direction. A tension assembly is provided for the windage carriage assembly to lock and release the windage carriage assembly relative to the elevation carriage assembly. The tension assembly includes a lock lever which activates pressure movement of the tension assembly from tight to loose in the direction of a target to eliminate left and right arrow impact error from the locked to unlocked condition.

According to a preferred embodiment, the elevation carriage assembly further includes an elevation locking assembly to lock the elevation carriage assembly in a selected position on the elevation rail. The elevation locking assembly and the windage lock lever both activate tension movement aligned with the target.

According to a further object of the invention, the windage carriage assembly is displaceable along a first axis and a mounting block assembly is arranged on the windage carriage assembly for positioning a scope along second and third axes relative to the first axis. The mounting block assembly includes a first axis member, a second axis member rotatably connected with the first axis member, a third axis member rotatably connected with the second axis member, and a spring-biased adjustment assembly for adjusting the positions of the second and third axis members relative to the first axis member, respectively. Set screws connected with the second and third axis members are operable by the archer to provide micro-adjustment of the second and third axis members to desired positions along second and third axes, respectively, relative to the first axis.

According to yet another object of the invention, a connecting assembly is provided to removably connect the mounting block assembly with the windage carriage assembly. The connecting assembly includes a wedge containing a through-opening and a bolt arranged in the wedge through-opening and connected with a threaded opening in the windage carriage assembly. The bolt is operable to displace the wedge between lock and release positions in which the mounting block is pressed against and released from the windage carriage assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other objects and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from a study of the following specification when viewed in the light of the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective and top plan views of an archery sight mounting assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4a is an exploded perspective view of the tension and locking assembly for the elevation carriage assembly of the mounting assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4b is a perspective view of a lock lever of the elevation carriage assembly;

FIGS. 4c and 4d are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a tension lever of the elevation carriage assembly;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are top plan views of the elevation carriage assembly mounted on the elevation rail of the mounting assembly of FIG. 1, with FIG. 6 being rotated 180° relative to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9-12 are exploded perspective views of the elevation carriage assembly, respectively, showing various components thereof;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are partial sectional views of a release mechanism for the elevation carriage assembly in engaged and released conditions, respectively;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are perspective views of the windage carriage and windage yoke, respectively, of the windage carriage assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tension screw for the windage carriage assembly;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the windage carriage assembly;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a partially assembled windage carriage assembly;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the assembled windage carriage assembly and windage gibs;

FIG. 21 is a front left perspective view of the sight mounting assembly showing the components for the windage tension and lock lever assembly;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the first and second axis members of the scope mounting block assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the first and second axis members of FIG. 22 in a partially assembled condition;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the connected first and second axis members and the third axis member of the scope mounting block assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the first, second and third axis members of FIG. 24 in a partially assembled condition;

FIG. 26 is an end view of the assembled scope mounting block assembly;

FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a partial sectional view of the assembled scope mounting block assembly;

FIG. 29 is a sectional view taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a sectional view taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is an exploded end view of the connecting assembly for the scope mounting block assembly;

FIG. 32 is a top view of the scope mounting block and connecting assemblies;

FIG. 33 is a sectional view taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 32; and

FIG. 34 is a detailed sectional view of the portion of FIG. 33 taken along line 34 of FIG. 33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an archery sight mounting apparatus 2 that mounts on a bow. The apparatus is connected with an extension bar (not shown) via suitable fasteners. The extension bar is connected with a mounting plate attached to a bow (also not shown) via screws or other suitable fasteners as known in the art. In use, the extension bar generally extends horizontally and the archery sight apparatus extends vertically, with the sight being adjusted for elevation along an elevation rail 4.

The sight mounting assembly includes an elevation carriage assembly 6 mounted on the elevation rail and a windage carriage assembly 8 connected with the elevation carriage assembly. The elevation rail extends along a longitudinal axis and the elevation carriage assembly is displaced along the elevation rail by rotation of an elevation screw 10 having elevation knobs 12 at both ends. The windage carriage assembly is displaced relative to the elevation carriage assembly in a direction normal to the transverse axis of the elevation rail. An archery sight aperture (not shown) is connected with the windage carriage. The elevation and windage carriage assemblies are adjustable by an archer to adjust the position of the aperture for optimum performance.

The elevation carriage assembly 6 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 7-12. The assembly includes an elevation carriage 14 and an elevation yoke 16. As shown in FIG. 12, the yoke includes a pair of spaced legs 16a, 16b containing lower aligned openings 18 which receive the screw 10 of the elevation rail and upper aligned openings 20 which are used to connect the yoke with the elevation carriage via a cam shaft 22 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 12. The top surfaces of the elevation yoke legs contain openings 24 each of which is configured to receive an end of a spring 26 as shown in FIG. 12. The upper ends of the springs are arranged in corresponding openings (not shown) in a lower surface of the elevation carriage. The assembled elevation carriage and yoke is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The elevation carriage 14 contains a pair of spaced parallel support surfaces 28, 30 which are configured to receive first 32 and second 34 synthetic plastic gibs as will be discussed below. As shown in FIG. 12, the elevation yoke 16 contains a pair of spaced parallel support surfaces 36, 38 which are configured to receive a third synthetic plastic gib 40 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the elevation screw 10 passes through the elevation yoke 16 with the elevation rail, and the cam shaft 22 connects the elevation carriage 14 with the elevation yoke 16. The first and second gibs 32, 34 are arranged on the elevation carriage support surfaces 28, 30 and abut against an interior surface of the elevation rail. The third gib 40 is arranged on the elevation yoke support surfaces 36, 38 and abut against the interior surface of the elevation rail. Preferably, the interior surface of the elevation rail is contoured with surfaces which match the configuration of the first, second, and third gibs. The first, second and third elevation gibs form a guide assembly for the elevation carriage assembly on the elevation rail. In addition, the elevation guide assembly is configured as a keyway for accurate alignment of the elevation carriage assembly relative to the elevation rail in a first direction. The elevation guide assembly further has a V-shape configuration for accurate alignment of the elevation guide assembly relative to the elevation rail in a second direction normal to the first direction.

A tension assembly for the elevation carriage assembly will now be described. It includes the first, second and third gibs and the cam shaft. More particularly, the cam shaft 22 passes through the aligned upper openings 20 of the elevation yoke 16 and through a bore 42 in the lower portion of the elevation carriage as shown in FIG. 12.

The cam shaft 22 has a generally cylindrical cam surface. When the cam shaft is rotated in opposite directions, the cam surface abuts against the elevation yoke to displace the yoke toward and away from the elevation carriage depending on the position of the cam surface. When the yoke is moved toward the elevation carriage by rotation of the cam shaft, the tension between the carriage and the yoke and the elevation bar is released. When the yoke is moved away from the elevation carriage, the carriage presses against the first, second and third gibs to increase the tension between the carriage and yoke and the elevation rail. The springs 26 between the elevation carriage and elevation yoke exert a constant internal pressure on the gibs in line with the target for accuracy and to deaden vibrations within the elevation carriage and elevation yoke.

A locking mechanism for the cam shaft is shown in FIGS. 1, 4a and 7. The cam shaft 22 includes an external head portion 22a which includes a plurality of ribs 22b around its external surface. As shown more particularly in FIG. 4b, a lock lever 44 has an opening 44a which fits over the cam shaft head portion 22a and includes recesses 44b in the inner surface of the opening which mate with the ribs 22b on the cam shaft head. A tension lever 45, shown in detail in FIGS. 4c and 4d, is provided which acts as a cover for the lock lever 44. In addition, the tension lever overlays and applies pressure on the lock lever to keep the lock lever held in place, thereby preventing any jiggling or movement of the lock lever during use in the bow vibration firing sequence. The tension lever contains a slot 45a through which a screw 46 passes for connection with a threaded opening in the elevation carriage 14. The screw 46 serves to locate the tension lever 45 rotatably to a set chosen position wherein a portion 45b of the tension lever makes contact with a stop tab 44c of the lock lever 44 to unlock more or less in a counterclockwise direction and control the amount of consistent tension between the gibs. The tension lever further includes a raised surface portion 45c which engages the lock lever to assist in holding the lock lever in place.

With the screw 46 loosened, the tension lever 45 can be rotated to set a stop position for the lock lever, limiting the amount of clockwise rotation of the lock lever. This allows the lock lever to rotate the cam shaft clockwise to the desired consistent minimum tension. The screw 46 is tightened to lock the tension lever in place and the consistent minimum tension is thus fixed when the lock lever is unlocked in the clockwise direction to make contact with the tension lever stop tab. With the lock lever rotated fully in the clockwise unlocking direction with the stop tab in contact with the tension lever peripheral edge portion, the compression applied by the yoke to the first, second and third gibs is also fixed to that chosen setting. The lock lever further compresses the tension to all the way tight when activated in the counterclockwise direction. The cam shaft is thereby rotated in the counterclockwise direction by the rib contact of the lock lever, thereby removing all slop in the gibs, resulting in the elevation carriage being locked in place.

A drive mechanism releasably connects the elevation carriage 14 with the elevation screw 10. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the bottom of the elevation carriage 14 contains an opening which receives a nut 48. Referring also to FIGS. 13 and 14, the nut is pivotally connected with the elevation carriage and is characterized by an axial throughbore 50 defined by an inner surface of the nut. The throughbore extends from a first or top end of the nut to a second or bottom end of the nut. Adjacent the first end, one side of the inner surface contains first threads 51. At the second end, the opposite side of the inner surface contains second threads 52. The nut is threadably connected with the screw 10 as shown in FIG. 13 in which the elevation carriage has been removed for clarity. Rotation of the screw 10 by either of the knobs 12 displaces the nut along the length of the screw. When the nut is connected with the elevation carriage, rotation of the screw serves to displace the carriage along the elevation bar. Preferably, the movement is incremental owing to the manner in which one of the knobs is connected with the elevation bar. As is known in the art, a ball bearing (not shown) is arranged in a recess in an end surface of the elevation rail, and the surface of the knob which faces the end surface of the elevation rail contains a plurality of spaced openings adjacent to the outer edge of the knob, opposite the opening in the bar end surface. The knob openings are adapted to receive the ball bearing as the knob is rotated, so that the ball bearing acts as an incremental stop known as a “click” both felt and heard by the archer for the knob as it is rotated.

In the drive mechanism for the elevation carriage according to the invention, the nut 48 is pivotally connected with the elevation carriage 14 via journals 54 on opposite sides of the nut which are seated in recesses in the carriage. A projection 55 of the nut mates to a swivel nut link 56 which is connected between the carriage and the nut as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The link includes a slot 58 which receives the projection 55 on the nut 48. The link is operated by a thumb button 60 connected with the elevation carriage via thumb button posts or legs 61 arranged in openings 62 in the elevation carriage as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11. The thumb button is connected with the carriage via springs 64 which receive the legs 61 of the button and bias the button to a normal position shown in FIG. 13. However, when the button is depressed against the force of the springs, the legs of the button engage tabs on the link to displace the link and thus tilt or pivot the nut 48 relative to the elevation carriage to a release position as shown in FIG. 14. When pivoted to the release position, the first 51 and second 52 threads on the nut are free of the threads on the screw 10 so that the nut and carriage are free to slide along the screw. Thus, depression of the thumb button by the user enables the user to quickly change the elevation of the carriage relative to the elevation rail. This coarse adjustment is much quicker than manual rotation of the knobs 12 to incrementally move the carriage relative to the elevation bar. When the thumb button is released, the link pivots the nut 48 to a drive position shown in FIG. 13 wherein the first and second threads 51, 52 engage the threads of the screw 10.

As set forth above and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 15-20, a windage carriage assembly 8 is connected with the elevation carriage 14. The windage carriage is adjustable with respect to the elevation carriage in a direction perpendicular to the elevation adjustment of the carriage relative to the elevation rail 4. The windage carriage assembly includes a windage carriage 66 connected with a windage yoke 68 which are shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, respectively. Similar to the elevation yoke 16, the windage yoke includes a spaced pair of legs 68a, 68b which contain aligned upper openings 70 and aligned lower openings 72. The windage carriage contains upper 74 and lower 76 openings as well. A pair of spaced springs 78 (FIG. 18) are arranged between the upper portions of the legs of the windage yoke and the bottom surface of the windage carriage. More particularly, the windage yoke leg upper surfaces each contain a recess 80 for receiving a lower edge of a spring 78 and the lower surface of the windage carriage contains corresponding recesses which receive an upper end of a spring 78. With the springs in place and the lower part of the windage carriage 66 arranged between the legs 68a, 68b of the windage yoke, the upper openings of the yoke and carriage are aligned to receive a dowel pin 82 as shown in FIG. 19. A retaining screw 84 is threaded into a further opening 86 in the leg 68a of the yoke to retain the dowel pin in place.

As shown in FIG. 15, the windage carriage 66 contains a pair of spaced parallel support surfaces 88, 90 which are configured to receive first 92 and second 94 windage gibs which are shown in FIGS. 3 and 20. Similarly, the windage yoke 68 contains a pair of spaced parallel support surfaces 96, 98 which are configured to receive a third windage gib 100 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 20. The third windage gib 100 is arranged between the windage yoke and the elevation carriage as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, the elevation carriage 14 includes further spaced parallel support surfaces 102, 104 in an upper portion of a cavity of the elevation carriage as shown in FIGS. 9-11. The further support surfaces 102, 104 extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the support surfaces 28, 30 for the first and second elevation gibs 32, 34 which are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The first, second and third windage gibs form a guide assembly for the windage carriage assembly on the elevation carriage assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 15 and 16, a windage adjustment screw 106 passes through aligned lower threaded openings 76 of the windage carriage 66 and through aligned lower openings 72 in the windage yoke 68. The lower opening 76 in the windage carriage is threaded to mate with the threads of the windage adjustment screw 106. A knob 108 is connected with the remote end of the windage adjustment screw as shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, rotation of the windage adjustment screw in opposite directions displaces the windage carriage in opposite directions relative to the elevation carriage perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elevation rail 4.

A tension system is provided for the windage carriage to adjust the tension between windage carriage and the elevation carriage. The windage tension system includes the first 92, second 94 and third 100 windage gibs and a windage tension screw 110 (FIG. 17) threadably connected with the windage carriage. The bottom end of the windage tension screw 110 engages the dowel pin 82 as shown in FIG. 3. Rotation of the screw 110 in a clockwise direction pushes downward on the dowel pin in the windage yoke to tighten the first, second and third windage gibs to increase tension in line with the target between the windage carriage and the windage yoke. Rotation of the screw in a counterclockwise direction reduces tension. The springs 78 (FIG. 18) between the windage carriage and windage yoke exert a constant internal pressure in line with the target on the windage gibs for accuracy and to deaden vibrations within the windage carriage and windage yoke.

As shown more particularly in FIG. 21, a windage lock lever 112 has an opening 112a which fits over the head of the windage tension screw 110 and includes recesses in the inner surface of the opening which mate with the ribs on the windage tension screw head. A screw 114 is connected with a threaded opening in the windage tension screw head and holds the windage lock lever 112 in place on the tension screw 110. A squash nylon ball 110a is arranged in a threaded opening 66a of the windage carriage and engages the windage tension screw 110. A lock set screw 110b is arranged in the threaded opening 66a and is operable to press the nylon ball 110a against the windage tension screw to keep the tension screw and windage lock lever from coming loose. With the tension lock lever fixed, the compression applied by the yoke to the first, second and third windage gibs is also fixed. A set screw 115 passes through a threaded opening in the windage carriage and acts as a stop for the windage lock lever in a counterclockwise unlock direction. This results in a fixed minimal tension between the windage gibs when the lock lever is unlocked. Push effort is required to move the windage lock lever to the lock or unlock position. Rotating the lock lever all the way to tight in the clockwise direction results in slop being removed with the gibs tight, locking the windage carriage in place.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the tension/lock levers for both the elevation carriage assembly and the windage carriage assembly actuate forces which are aligned, and more particularly, in line with the target. This facilitates quick and accurate adjustment of the tension for both the elevation and windage carriage assemblies to provide accuracy and eliminate vibrations therein when shots are fired by the archer whether the lock levers are locked or unlocked.

As described above, the windage carriage is displaced in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the elevation rail. The direction of movement of the windage carriage is referred to hereinbelow as the first axis. FIGS. 21-26 illustrate a multi-axis scope mounting block assembly which is connected with the windage carriage for positioning the scope along second and third axes normal to the first axis.

The multi-axis scope mounting block assembly includes a first axis member 116, a second axis member 118 rotatably connected with the first axis and a third axis member 120 rotatably connected with the second axis member. As noted above, the windage carriage is displaceable along a first axis. Since the first axis member is connected with the windage carriage, it thus moves with the carriage along the first axis. The second axis member is rotatable about a second axis normal to the first axis and the third axis member is rotatable about a third axis normal to the first and second axes.

The first, second, and third axes referenced herein are not to be confused with the manner in which archers adjust a sight. In practice, archers adjust a first axis at the connection between the elevation rail and the extension bar, thus adjusting the elevation rail to be vertical to the sky. Archers adjust the second axis by leveling the scope, i.e., tilting it up or down while the first axis is level to simultaneously achieve leveling the elevation rail vertically and the scope horizontally. Archers adjust the third axis by pushing the scope away or toward them to achieve level while tilting the bow forward and backward, when shooting up or downhill.

As shown in FIG. 22, an end surface of the second axis member 118 has a post 118a extending therefrom. The post is arranged in a corresponding slot 116a (FIG. 30) in the first axis member 116 so that the second axis member is rotatable relative to the first axis member about a second axis normal to the first axis. The end surface of the second axis member further contains a pair of spaced threaded openings 118b. The first axis member 116 contains a pair of spaced openings 116b which are configured to align with the openings 118b of the second axis member when the post 118a thereof is arranged in the corresponding slot 116a of the first axis member. A pair of screws 122 pass through the openings 116b of the first axis member into the threaded openings 118b of the second axis member to connect the second axis member with the first axis member as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. The first axis member openings 116b are either slotted or oversized to allow a limited degree of movement of the screws therein to afford rotation of the second axis member relative to the first axis member. The degree of rotation is limited by the length of the slot in which the post moves.

The third axis member 120 is rotatably connected with the second axis member 118 in a manner similar to the connection between the second axis member and the first axis member. Thus, the third axis member includes a post or projection 120a which is configured to fit within a corresponding slot 118c in the second axis member as shown in FIG. 24. The third axis member 120 is connected with the second axis member 118 via a pair of screws 124 which pass through aligned oversized openings or slots 118d in the second axis member into threaded openings in the bottom of the third axis member 120. The degree of rotation of the third axis member 120 relative to the second axis member 118 about a third axis normal to the first and second axes is limited by the length of the slot of the second axis member in which the third axis member post is arranged. The third axis member 120 contains a central opening 120b configured to receive a scope or aperture. A further screw 126 is provided to clamp the scope or aperture within the central opening. The assembled scope mounting block assembly is shown in FIGS. 24 and 26.

Micro-adjustment of the second axis member relative to the first axis member and the third axis member relative to the second axis member is accomplished via set screws and springs for the second and third axis members. These will be described with reference to FIGS. 27, 29 and 30.

The slot 116a of the first axis member contains a pair of oppositely extending channels 116c and 116d as shown in FIG. 30. The channel 116c is closed at one end and opens into the slot at the other end. The channel 116d is threaded and opens into the slot at one end and to the exterior of the first axis member at the other end. A spring 128 is arranged in the channel 116c and a set screw 130 is arranged in the threaded channel 116d. The spring and set screw abut against opposite sides of the post 118a of the second axis member. The archer uses a tool such as a hex wrench to rotate the set screw 130 into and out of the channel, thereby to displace the post within the first axis member slot 116a and rotate the second axis member about the second axis relative to the first axis member. The spring 128 normally biases the post in a first direction of rotation, while the set screw is operable to displace the post against the biasing force of the spring.

Similarly, the slot 118b of the second axis member 118 contains a pair of oppositely extending channels 118c and 118d as shown in FIG. 29. The channel 118c is closed at one end and opens into the slot at the other end. The channel 118d is threaded and opens into the slot at one end and to the exterior of the second axis member 118 at the other end. A spring 132 is arranged in the channel 118c and a set screw 134 is arranged in the channel 118d. The spring 128 and the set screw 130 abut against opposite sides of the post 120a of the third axis member 120. Rotation of the set screw 134 in opposite directions displaces the third axis member toward and away from the post relative to the biasing force of the spring to rotate the third axis member about the third axis relative to the second axis member.

The set screws and springs of the first and second axis members are in constant contact with the posts of the second and third axis members, respectively. The spring-biased adjustment of the second and third axis members affords a higher degree of precision, i.e. a micro-adjustment, in positioning a scope or aperture than is possible with a manual adjustment of these members.

The multi-axis mounting block assembly is removably connected with the windage carriage via a wedge connection which will be described with reference to FIGS. 31-33. As shown in FIG. 31, the windage carriage 66 and the first axis member 116 of the mounting block assembly are configured to receive a wedge 136 which is operable to hold or press the first axis member of the mounting block assembly against the windage carriage. As shown in FIG. 15, the windage carriage includes a contoured surface 66a and contains a threaded opening 138 in an upper surface and within the contour of the carriage. The threaded opening preferably extends at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the carriage. As shown in FIGS. 31 and 33, a bolt or screw 140 having a knob 142 at an outer end is threadably connected with the threaded opening 138 of the windage carriage. Preferably, a spring 144 is arranged around the screw between the wedge 136 and the surface of the windage carriage surrounding the threaded opening 138. The wedge preferably contains a locator boss 136a on an outer surface which fits against a corresponding indentation 116e of the first axis member 116 of the mounting block assembly. When the mounting block is properly positioned on the windage carriage, the locator boss of the wedge is arranged in the indentation of the mounting block assembly first axis member and the screw 140 is tightened to press the wedge against the spring, the mounting block assembly first axis member and the windage carriage to securely connect the mounting block assembly with the windage carriage. Loosening of the screw 140 draws the wedge away from the mounting block assembly base and windage carriage to allow the mounting block assembly to be removed.

The angular arrangement of the screw 140 and threaded opening 138 in the mounting block improves the accessibility of the knob of the screw for the archer for quick removal or connection of the mounting block assembly. Of course, the connection assembly would still operate sufficiently if the screw and threaded opening were arranged parallel to the vertical axis of the windage carriage.

Further assistance for properly locating the mounting block assembly on the windage carriage is provided by an additional location and connection assembly between the windage carriage and the base of the mounting block. In this regard, the windage carriage 66 contains a further opening 146 opposite the contoured surface 66a as shown in FIGS. 18-20. In addition, the first axis member 116 of the mounting block assembly contains a threaded opening 116f beyond the opening 116e as shown in FIG. 25. A ball detent locator 148 and spring 150 are arranged in the first axis member opening 116f as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. The spring 150 is pressed against the ball detent locator by a set screw 152.

While in accordance with the provisions of the patent statute, the preferred forms and embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made without deviating from the inventive concepts set forth above.

Claims

1. An archery sight mounting assembly, comprising (a) an elevation rail having a longitudinal axis;

(b) an elevation assembly slidably mounted on said elevation rail;

(c) a windage assembly connected with said elevation assembly for displacing an archery scope mounted thereon in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of said elevation rail; and

(d) a guide assembly connected with at least one of said elevation and windage assemblies, said guide assembly including first and second elevation gibs arranged on opposite sides of said at least one of said elevation and guide assemblies and a third elevation gib arranged beneath said at least one of said elevation and guide assemblies.

2. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein a guide assembly is connected with said elevation assembly and with said windage assembly, said elevation guide assembly including first and second elevation gibs arranged on opposite sides of said extension rail, respectively, adjacent to said elevation assembly and a third elevation gib arranged above said extension rail and beneath said elevation assembly, said windage guide assembly including first and second windage gibs arranged on opposite sides of said windage assembly, respectively, adjacent to said elevation carriage and a third windage gib arranged above said elevation assembly and beneath said windage assembly.

3. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein said elevation assembly comprises an elevation carriage, and further comprising a keyway for accurate alignment of said elevation carriage relative to said elevation rail in a first direction and a V-shape configuration for accurate alignment of said elevation carriage relative to said elevation rail in a second direction normal to said first direction.

4. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein said windage assembly comprises a windage carriage and a windage yoke, said first and second windage gibs being arranged on opposite sides of said windage yoke.

5. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein said windage assembly further comprises a tension assembly arranged between said windage carriage and said windage yoke, said tension assembly including a tension screw arranged between said windage carriage and said windage yoke, said tension screw being operable to draw said windage yoke against said elevation carriage to lock and release said windage carriage assembly relative to said elevation carriage.

6. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 5, wherein said tension assembly further comprises a lock lever connected with said tension screw adjacent to said windage carriage and operable to control a degree of tension applied between said windage yoke and said elevation carriage, thereby to lock and release said windage carriage in a selected position relative to said elevation carriage, said lock lever activating pressure movement of said tension screw from tight to loose in a direction of a target, thereby eliminating left and right arrow impact error from the locked to unlocked condition.

7. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 6, wherein said tension assembly further comprises at least one spring arranged adjacent to said tension screw to supply consistent minimum tension to said tension assembly.

8. An archery sight mounting system, comprising

(a) an elevation rail having a longitudinal axis;

(b) an elevation assembly slidably mounted on said elevation rail; and

(c) a windage assembly connected with said elevation assembly for displacing an archery scope mounted thereon in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of said elevation rail, said windage assembly including a windage locking mechanism for locking said windage assembly in a desired location on said elevation assembly, said windage locking mechanisms being aligned with a target.

9. An archery sight mounting system as defined in claim 8, wherein said windage locking mechanism comprises a tension assembly including a tension screw operable to control a degree of tension applied between said windage assembly and said elevation assembly and a lock lever connected with said tension screw adjacent to said windage assembly and operable to control a degree of tension applied between said windage assembly and said elevation assembly, thereby to lock and release said windage assembly in a selected position relative to said elevation assembly, said lock lever activating pressure movement of said tension screw from tight to loose in a direction of the target.

10. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein said elevation assembly includes an elevation locking assembly including an elevation locking mechanism for locking said elevation assembly in a desired location on said elevation rail, said elevation locking mechanism being aligned with a target.

11. An archery sight mounting system as defined in claim 10, wherein said elevation locking mechanism comprises a cam arranged between said elevation assembly and said elevation rail and a cam lever for rotating said cam between lock and release positions, said cam lever being aligned with the target.

12. An archery sight mounting assembly, comprising

(a) a windage assembly displaceable along a first axis;

(b) a mounting block assembly arranged on said windage assembly for positioning a scope along at least one axis relative to the first axis, said mounting block assembly including a first axis member, a second axis member rotatably connected with said first axis member, and a spring biased adjustment assembly for adjusting a position of said second axis member relative to said first axis member.

13. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said first axis member contains a first opening and said second axis member includes a post arranged in said first axis member first opening, said post defining a second axis about which said second axis member rotates relative to said first axis member, said second axis being perpendicular to said first axis.

14. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 13, wherein said spring biased adjustment assembly comprises

(a) a pair of aligned channels arranged in said first axis member, said channels extending from opposite sides of said first opening in said first axis member;

(b) a spring arranged in one channel of said pair of aligned channels, respectively, said spring abutting against one side of said post of said second axis member; and

(c) a set screw arranged in and threadably connected with another channel of said pair of aligned channels, said set screw abutting against a side of said post of said second axis member opposite said springs, whereby rotation of said set screw by an archer displaces said post to rotate said second axis member relative to said first axis member to accurately position the scope.

15. An archery sight mounting apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein said first axis member contains at least one first threaded opening to receive a first connection screw which passes through a slot arranged in said second axis member to connect said second axis member with said first axis member, said first connection screw being tightened to lock said second axis member in an adjusted location after adjustment of said set screws by the archer.

16. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 15, wherein said second axis member contains a first opening and further comprising a third axis member rotatably connected with said second axis member, said third axis member including a post arranged in said first opening of said second axis member, said post defining a third axis perpendicular to said first and second axes.

17. An archery sight mounting assembly, comprising

(a) a windage assembly displaceable along a first axis; and

(b) a multi-axis mounting block arranged on said windage assembly for positioning a scope along second and third axes relative to the first axis; and

(c) a connecting assembly for removably connecting said multi-axis mounting block with said windage assembly, said connecting assembly including a wedge containing a through-opening and a bolt arranged in said wedge through-opening and connected with a threaded opening in said windage assembly, said bolt being operable to displace said wedge between lock and release positions in which said multi-axis mounting block is pressed against and released from said windage assembly.

18. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 17, wherein said connecting assembly further comprises a spring arranged on said bolt between said wedge and said windage assembly.

19. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein said multi-axis mounting block contains a contoured surface adjacent said bolt, said wedge including a locator boss on an outer surface thereof configured to engage said contoured surface of said multi-axis mounting block, whereby said wedge is locked between said multi-axis mounting block and said windage assembly when said connecting assembly is in the locked position.

20. An archery sight mount, comprising

(a) a guide assembly for a carriage of the sight mount, said guide assembly including at least one gib arranged on at least three sides of the carriage; and

(b) a locking assembly for locking said gibs in line with a target.

21. An archery sight mounting assembly as defined in claim 20, wherein said carriage comprises one of an elevation carriage mounted on an elevation rail and a windage carriage connected with said elevation carriage.