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

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a crossbow may include a main beam; a compound bow assembly mounted to the main beam; and, a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for use in holding a bowstring in a cocked position. The crossbow may include wheels at opposite ends of the bow that operatively receive the bowstring. The wheels may be separated by a wheel distance (WD) when the crossbow is in an un-cocked position. The crossbow may also have a power stroke distance (PD) and the ratio WD/PD may be less than 2.0.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a crossbow comprises a stock, a first limb, a first rotatable member, a second limb and a second rotatable member. A bowstring, a first cable and a second cable each extend between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. The crossbow defines a shooting axis. The first cable is offset from the shooting axis in a first direction and the second cable is offset from the shooting axis in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: A device for transferring energy to propel a payload with added velocity after launch includes a first component having a mass (m1), and a second component having a mass (m2). As an assembly, the first and second components are positioned to establish a compression chamber between them that is dimensionally responsive to their relative movements. And, a payload is mounted on a selected component of the assembly. In operation, a driving force is exerted against one component of the assembly to propel the entire assembly along a predetermined flight path. Contemporaneously with this acceleration, the two components are moved toward each other. In turn, this compresses gas in the gas chamber to generate potential energy that is transferred as the gas expands to separate the payload from the assembly with added velocity.

Abstract: A compound archery bow includes a bow handle having projection limbs, and first and second pulleys mounted on the limbs for rotation around on axles. A bow cable arrangement includes a bowstring cable extending from a bowstring anchor through a bowstring let-out groove at the first pulley and then toward the second pulley, a first cable extending from a first anchor through a portion of a groove on the first pulley and then toward the second pulley, and a second cable extending from a second anchor through a portion of a groove on the first pulley and then toward the second pulley. The first cable includes a yoke having a first end connected to the first anchor, a split second end connected to the first axle on opposite sides of the first pulley, and a third end extending toward the second pulley. The yoke preferably includes an idler pulley mounted on a bracket.

Abstract: A trigger assembly for activating a firing mechanism. The trigger assembly includes a trigger having a sear arm with a first sear surface, and a firing element including a body portion with a second sear surface and an engagement portion for engagement with the firing mechanism, for activating the firing mechanism. The trigger assembly also includes a captured roller positioned for engagement with the first and second sear surfaces. The trigger is pivotable between a load position, in which the captured roller is held between the first and second sear surfaces, and a release position, in which the second sear surface is disengaged from the captured roller and the firing element is released. The firing element is pivotable between a first position, in which the firing element is held by the captured roller, and a second position, in which the firing element is disengaged from the captured roller.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has one or more of the following improvements: a bolt retainer which downwardly biases a bolt in position forward of a forward rest position of a bowstring; a mounting rail associated with a lower surface of a frame rearward of a finger-pull mechanism, where the mounting rail is configured to allow one or more accessories to be mounted thereto; a finger-pull mechanism positioned at, or forward of, a midway point of the frame; a string latch positioned more than six inches rearward of the finger-pull mechanism; a sighting device having an eyepiece, where the eyepiece is positioned in alignment with, or forward of, the string latch; a ratio of length of pull distance of the crossbow to bull-pup distance of the crossbow being two-to-one or less; and a foot stirrup configured to stabilize the crossbow during cocking, and to provide a bipod during aiming/shooting.

Abstract: An improved crossbow is provided having an active finger guard that is integrated into the barrel or stock on each side of the stock which runs parallel to the track or area that the arrow sits in for a length of at least where the string is at rest to where the string is held or secured in the ready or firing position. The guard extends outward from the stock in a direction for a length that is perpendicular to the stock or axis/plane of the track or barrel covering the fingers from easily moving up into the path of the string. The guard includes a shield on each side that pivots down or out of the way as not to interfere in any way with the cocking or drawing phase of the crossbow be it done by hand or with the assistance of what is known and understood to be a cocking aid. Each shield is spring urged upward so as to always be deployed in a protective position.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has a frame, first and second limbs, a bowstring, and a bolt retainer. The first and second limbs are secured to the frame. The bowstring extends between the first and second limbs and is configured to move between a forward rest position and a rearward cocked position. The bolt retainer downwardly biases a bolt forward of the forward rest position of the bowstring.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has a frame, a firing assembly, and a sighting device. The frame has a forward end and a rear end. The firing assembly is operatively associated with the frame. The firing assembly has a string latch which is positioned between the forward and rear ends of the frame. The sighting device has an eyepiece and is connected to the crossbow in a manner which provides that the eyepiece is positioned in alignment with, or forward of, the string latch.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has a frame and a firing assembly. The frame has a forward end and a rearward end. The firing assembly has a finger-pull mechanism. The finger-pull mechanism is positioned at, or forward of, a midway point of the frame between the forward end and the rearward end.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has an elongated frame and a foot stirrup. The elongated frame has a forward end portion. The foot stirrup is secured to the forward end portion of the elongated frame. The foot stirrup has first and second portions. The first portion of the foot stirrup is configured to extend forward of the elongated frame to the second portion. The second portion of the foot stirrup is configured to extend downwardly from the first portion. The downwardly extending second portion of the foot stirrup provides increased surface area to stabilize the crossbow during a cocking operation. The downwardly extending second portion of the foot stirrup is further configured to act as a bipod when the crossbow is aimed and fired.

Abstract: A crossbow may include a crossbow barrel having reduced weight and increased strength and shock resistance to the crossbow. This invention may also aid in improving torsional resistance, improving specific stiffness, and increasing compresses strength. The invention may also reduce friction between a barrel and a bow string to increase bow string life. The invention may also reduce the friction between a barrel and a bow to allow added arrow distance. Additionally, the crossbow may decrease both vibration and sound.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a crossbow may include a main beam; a compound bow assembly mounted to the main beam; and, a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for use in holding a bowstring in a cocked position. The crossbow may include wheels at opposite ends of the bow that operatively receive the bowstring. The wheels may be separated by a wheel distance (WD) when the crossbow is in an un-cocked position. The crossbow may also have a power stroke distance (PD) and the ratio WD/PD may be less than 2.0.

Abstract: A trigger assembly for a crossbow or other weapon system. The trigger assembly includes a trigger arm coupled between a trigger and a sear. The trigger arm is not parallel to the line of fire, thereby allowing for increased mechanical advantage and a smoother, safer trigger pull. The trigger assembly incorporates various safety measures, including a dry fire mechanism which prevents the unintentional damaging and potentially dangerous release of the bowstring before an arrow is positioned on the rail of the crossbow. The trigger assembly allows for various adjustments to vary the trigger length and pull, while maintaining smoothness and preventing the unintentional or inadvertent release of the bowstring.

Abstract: A crossbow setting device which assists with efficiently setting a crossbow into an armed position. The crossbow setting device generally includes a platform which includes a receiver aperture leading to a pathway extending inwardly from its front end. A locking member is slidably positioned within the receiver aperture so that it may traverse the pathway. A receiver opening comprised of a pair of slots is formed in an upper surface of the platform tangentially with respect to the pathway. By retracting the locking member, positioning the stirrup of a crossbow through the receiver opening and re-inserting the locking member, the crossbow may be locked into an upright position for use on-the-fly or to aid in setting the crossbow into an armed position.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a crossbow may include a main beam; a compound bow assembly mounted to the main beam; and, a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for use in holding a bowstring in a cocked position. The crossbow may include wheels at opposite ends of the bow that operatively receive the bowstring. The wheels may be separated by a wheel distance (WD) when the crossbow is in an un-cocked position. The crossbow may also have a power stroke distance (PD) and the ratio WD/PD may be less than 2.0.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has forward and rearward ends, a firing assembly having a finger-pull mechanism, and a butt member having a rear end. The crossbow has a length of pull that is positioned forward of the rearward end of the crossbow, where the length of pull is defined as a distance between the finger-pull mechanism and the rear end of the butt member.

Abstract: A grip guard may be used with a crossbow that has a main beam including a stock and a barrel. The grip guard may have a first wall that is positioned between the stock and the barrel and a second wall that extends outwardly from the main beam. The first wall may have dampening properties to attenuate sounds and vibrations caused by firing the crossbow and the second wall may prevent a user's fingers from inadvertently extending from the handle toward the barrel.

Abstract: A decocking device for use with a crossbow, the device including a resistance system, including a fluid containing cylinder having a movable piston and a shaft extending from the piston, the piston being movable between a first position and a second position, and the cylinder including an orifice having a size and extending through the piston to enable fluid to travel from one side of the piston to the other and to control the movement of the piston to a desired rate; a mounting system including a bracket securable to the crossbow for releasably securing the resistance system to the crossbow; and a bowstring coupling system coupled to the resistance system and including a cable having a first portion releasably securable to the bowstring and a second portion of the cable passing by a fixed location on the shaft of the resistance system.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has a frame, a firing assembly, and a mounting rail. The frame has a lower surface. The firing assembly is associated with the frame and has a finger-pull mechanism. The mounting rail is associated with the lower surface of the frame rearward of the finger-pull mechanism, and the mounting rail is configured to allow one or more accessories to be mounted thereto. One accessory which can be mounted to the mounting rail is a butt member which has a rear end which is configured to abut a front of a user. The butt member can be adjustably mounted to the mounting rail to provide that the butt member is movable along the mounting rail between a forward position and a rearward position.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has forward and rearward ends, a firing assembly having a finger-pull mechanism, and a butt member having a rear end. The crossbow has a length of pull that is positioned forward of the rearward end of the crossbow, where the length of pull is defined as a distance between the finger-pull mechanism and the rear end of the butt member.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of archery devices, specifically to devices known as crossbows. Historically. crossbows have had a single foot stirrup, centered at the front end of the crossbow, to assist the user in the cocking procedure. Though functional, a single stirrup does not allow the user to naturally center the crossbow with his body while cocking the crossbow, which may cause miss-alignment of the bow string, as well as possible loss of balance and fatigue. By placing a stirrup on both sides of the barrel of the crossbow, the user may use his left foot, right foot, or both feet to cock the crossbow, and the crossbow is automatically centered to the users body.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which has a frame and first and second limbs secured to the frame. A bowstring extends between the first and second limbs and is configured to move between a forward rest position and a rearward cocked position. A beam is secured to the frame forward of the forward rest position of the bowstring and is configured to extend over the forward rest position of the bowstring. The beam is configured to allow one or more accessories to be mounted thereon.

Abstract: A crossbow is provided which, in a first preferred embodiment, has a frame having a rear end, and a firing assembly and a butt member, each of which are associated with the frame. The firing assembly also has a finger-pull mechanism. The butt member has a rear end which is configured to abut a front of a shoulder of a user, and the butt member is positioned between the finger-pull mechanism and the rear end of the frame. In a second preferred embodiment, the crossbow has a frame having a rear end and first and second limbs secured to the frame. A bowstring extends between the first and second limbs and is configured to move between a forward rest position and a rearward cocked position. The rear end of the frame is configured to be positioned rearward of a front of a shoulder of a user.

Abstract: A bow limb retaining assembly comprises a limb and a retainer having a cavity for receiving the limb. The retainer comprises opposed lateral surfaces, a first abutting surface arranged to contact a compression surface of the limb and a second abutting surface arranged to contact a tension surface of the limb. A first length portion of the retainer includes the first abutting surface and excludes the second abutting surface, and a second length portion of the retainer includes the second abutting surface and excludes the first abutting surface.

Abstract: A stock is attached to a recoil pad or a crank assembly by a sliding joint assembly. The stock includes one portion of the sliding joint assembly and the recoil pad and crank assembly include the other portion of the sliding joint assembly. The portions of the sliding joint assembly have complementary shapes, such as a tongue and a slot.

Abstract: A kit for converting a compound bow into an inline crossbow includes a draw-lock bar with a mechanism to attach the bow to one end. Near the other end of the draw-lock bar is a trigger assembly that attaches to one side of the bar and a string latch and release assembly that attaches to an opposite side of the bar. The trigger assembly and the latch/release assembly—can be attached on either side of the bar such that the bow is configured for left or right hand shooting. The trigger assembly is attached to the bar well forward of the latch/release assembly, and an actuator rod that passes inside of the draw-lock bar connects the trigger with the string latch/release. A sliding cover over the string latch prevents the released bow string from stinging the archer's cheek.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a bow portion defining a first central vertical axis and a stock portion defining a second central vertical axis. The bow portion comprises an interfacing portion and the stock portion comprises a complimentary interfacing portion. The interfacing portion and the complimentary interfacing portion are arranged to provide self-alignment of the stock portion with the bow portion, such that the first central vertical axis and the second central vertical axis are coaxial.

Abstract: A spring loaded crossbow and, more particularly, a crossbow having a firing system with a single spring assembly and a pair of cranks each having a first leg engageable against the single spring assembly and second legs to support rotatable archery cams.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a stock, a bow portion and a cable guide member. The bow portion comprises a power cable and a second cable. The cable guide member comprises a first channel and a second channel. At least a portion of the first channel is non-parallel to the second channel.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a crossbow system comprises a crossbow comprising a stock and a bow portion. The bow portion comprises a bowstring having a nocking point. The crossbow defines a shooting axis. The stock comprises a rope anchor located below the shooting axis. The crossbow system further comprises a cocking rope constructed and arranged to engage the bowstring and to be anchored to the rope anchor.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a prod may include a rail-engagement portion configured to engage a rail extending along a longitudinal axis extending proximally from the rail-engagement portion; a peripheral surface including a foot-engagement region; and, optionally, a bow-engagement portion configured to engage a bow or a bow limb. In one or more embodiments, prod or crossbow accessory engages a crossbow, wherein the prod or crossbow accessory includes a first foot-engagement region and a second foot-engagement region.

Abstract: A compound archery bow includes a bow handle having projecting limbs, and first and second pulleys mounted on the limbs for rotation around respective axes. A bow cable arrangement includes a bowstring cable extending from a bowstring anchor through a bowstring let-out groove on the first pulley and then toward the second pulley. A first power cable extends from a first power cable anchor through a power cable let-out arrangement on the first pulley toward the second pulley, and a second power cable extends from the second pulley through a power cable take-up arrangement on the first pulley to a second power cable anchor on the first pulley. Draw of the bowstring cable away from the handle lets out bowstring cable from the bowstring let-out groove and rotates the first pulley around the first axis, lets out the first power cable from the power cable let-out arrangement on the first pulley and takes up the second power cable into the second power cable take-up arrangement on the first pulley.

Abstract: A crossbow includes a handle or barrel having a bolt support surface, a forward end with at least one flexible limb, and a rearward end. A support on the barrel overlies at least a portion of the bolt support surface. A bolt retaining spring on the support extends toward the bolt support surface for holding a bolt on the support surface. The retaining spring extends from the support at a downward and rearward angle toward the bolt support surface and then at an upward and rearward angle to a free end between the bolt support surface and the support. The spring preferably is of one-piece construction having a first portion underlying and secured to the support, a second portion extending downwardly and rearwardly from a forward end of the first portion, and a third portion extending upwardly and rearwardly from the second portion and the bolt support surface.

Abstract: A crossbow may comprise a main beam, a trigger mechanism, a bow assembly, and a barrel cable suppressor. First and second cables may pass through a cable slot formed in a barrel member. The first and second cables may be received by first and second cams respectively such that the rotation of the first and second cams in a first direction causes the first and second limbs to be pulled generally inward towards the main beam. The barrel cable suppressor may be positioned at least partially within the cable slot and may at least partially suppresses vibrations and noise caused by the first and second cables when the bowstring is released from the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved bows (e.g., crossbows and/or vertical bows). More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous bows having improved limbs, trigger releases, safety mechanisms and/or dry fire mechanisms. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for fabricating bows (e.g., crossbows/vertical bows) having improved limbs (e.g., crossbow limbs), trigger releases, safety mechanisms and/or dry fire mechanisms, and wherein the bows provide increased arrow speed and/or more efficient release of stored energy.

Abstract: A compound bow or crossbow employs bowstring cams with bowstring cam grooves and power cord cam grooves. Preferably a pair of generally identical power cord cam grooves are positioned axially above and below the bowstring cam groove. The power cords are anchored to a fixed anchor point, e.g., a pylon, on the near end of the riser or on the near side of the crossbow bar or stock. The power cords do not cross over to the other limb. The reduction in the number of cam wheels and pulleys and in the number of strings or cords results in greater efficiency and higher transfer of energy from the bow to the arrow or bolt. There is no drop-off in pull weight at full draw. The bolt or arrow accelerates throughout the travel of the bowstring, resulting in significantly higher velocity.

Abstract: A portable device for drawing the bowstring of a crossbow. The cocking device may be designed to prevent the uneven drawing of the crossbow and may eliminate the complex installation process typically required to retro-fit an existing crossbow with known cocking devices.

Abstract: A crossbow includes a riser having projecting limbs with first and second pulleys mounted on the limbs for rotation around respective axes. A barrel extends from the riser, and a bowstring cable extends between the pulleys outside of the barrel for engaging and propelling a projectile. A pair of pulley rotation power cables extend between the pulleys through slots in the barrel, and a spacer is disposed adjacent to the riser and disposed in the barrel for engagement by the pulley rotation power cables at the end of the power stroke to dampen vibration from the riser and cables to absorb vibration that otherwise might be transmitted to the barrel.

Abstract: A kit is provided to convert a compound archery bow into a left or right handed inline (vertical limb) crossbow. The conversion kit includes a mounting plate attachable to a side of the bow riser section to hold a socket to receive a draw-lock bar which can be removed for take-down and storage. The draw-lock bar has a series of laterally spaced bolt holes to attach a grip with a trigger release latch assembly at a selectable draw length. The bar can be rotated and attached to either side of the bow, and the trigger and grip can be reposition within the trigger housing for left, right or horizontal shooting. The string latch assembly has an anti-dryfire lever that is only moved from the blocking position when an arrow is nocked. The kit also provides a hinged cocking stirrup, and a front hand vertical grip on the riser side opposite the draw-bar socket. Also disclosed is a dedicated hybrid compound bow for dedicated use with kit as an inline or traditional crossbow. The hybrid compound bow is made especially.

Abstract: A flight track assembly of a crossbow stock having a base component dimensioned to attach to an upper portion of the crossbow stock and a flight track component disposed on an upper surface of the base component. The flight track component is formed by one continuous piece or two rails. The flight track component is secured to the base component by an attachment mechanism. For example, the attachment mechanism is a projection extending from a lower surface of the flight track component designed to slide into a recess in the upper surface of the base component. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism is a projection extending from the lower surface of the flight track component designed to engage a cooperating projection on the upper surface of the base component.

Abstract: The pneumatically driven projectile weapon combines the tensioned line of a conventional crossbow or archery bow with mechanical and pneumatic compression, thus increasing the power and accuracy of the weapon. A spring-biased cylinder is mounted within a hollow weapon stock, similar to a conventional rifle or shotgun stock, and is interconnected via an internal pulley system to the tensioned line. Firing tension in the line to launch a projectile, such as an arrow or the like, is created by compression of the spring-biased pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A crossbow may comprise a safety device that provides the user a visual means other than the mechanical positioning of the various components of the crossbow to quickly and accurately determine the firing condition of the crossbow. The safety device may comprise an illuminated marker that emits a specific color of light to denote the firing condition of the crossbow. In another embodiment, the safety device may comprise a mechanical assembly that is raised and lowered to denote the firing condition of the crossbow. In yet another embodiment, the safety device may comprise an electric switch that causes an illuminated marker to emit a light or a mechanical assembly to raise or lower in order to denote the firing condition of the crossbow.

Abstract: A crossbow with rotating limb pockets has a rifle-like frame with forward, outward limb arch supports which support pivot pins at their distal ends. Rotating limb pockets are pivotally and rearwardly secured to the arch support pivot pins. Limbs with distal cams supporting cables and bow string are suitably fixed to the limb pockets such as by screws. Forwardly the limb pockets are pivotally secured to links which are pivotally joined to a forward and rearward moving actuator controlled by a crank mechanism. Extending the actuator rotates the limb pockets outwardly and the limb cams inwardly to a low poundage state for easy cocking of the string and loading a bolt or arrow. Retracting the actuator rotates the limb pockets inwardly and the limb cams outwardly to a high poundage state ready for shooting.

Abstract: A cocking device for drawing the bowstring of a crossbow that can be selectively installed on an existing crossbow. The cocking device comprises a shape designed to prevent the cocking device from being improperly installed.

Abstract: A crossbow trigger mechanism operable to fire an arrow or bolt. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger operatively connected to a pair of jaws for holding a tensioned crossbow string when the jaws are in a closed position. An arrow or bolt is insertable between the upper and lower jaws.

Abstract: A crossbow employs bowstring redirecting wheels, over which the bowstring travels, to keep the bowstring aligned with the main force vectors where the bowstring meets the tips of the crossbow power limbs or spring limbs. The bowstring is anchored to a fixed anchor points, which can be on the pylons on which the redirecting wheels are mounted, or may be at the tips of the spring limbs. In one embodiment the bowstring passes over a pulley wheel at the tip of the spring limb. This crossbow arrangement achieves superior acceleration, and can be constructed of smaller transverse dimension than conventional or compound crossbows.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a bowstring drawing mechanism for drawing and controllably releasing a crossbow bowstring comprises a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism protects the bowstring drawing mechanism from damage caused by over-cranking and allows the user to controllably release the bowstring from the drawn position.

Abstract: A crossbow includes a barrel with a bowstring rail and an arrow support area on the rail. An arrow retention spring is carried by the barrel for releasably holding the arrow on the arrow support area prior to launch. The arrow support area includes a first arrow rest area adjacent to an end of the bowstring rail and a second arrow rest area beneath the arrow retention spring. An arrow on the barrel is out of contact with and spaced from the bowstring rail except in the first and second rest areas. Provision of the spaced rest areas, particularly the second rest area beneath the arrow retention spring, stabilizes an arrow on the barrel prior to launch.