Abstract:
A crossbow bowstring drawing device which can be operated in two seconds, has one moving part, and is relatively simple and inexpensive to make. It reduces the necessary applied force so that any adult with normal motion capability can operate it. The basis for the device is a curved lever unit, appropriately curved to provide a pulling force on the bowstring as the lever is pulled up and back. The pivot point for the lever can be built into the bow during manufacture, or retrofitted on existing crossbows. It provides a balanced draw quicker and permits uncocking quicker without damage to the bow or string, than presently existing crossbow cocking devices.

Description:
REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims an invention disclosed in Provisional Application No. 60/510,583 filed Oct. 14, 2003, by Will Lee Crites, Jr. and John Blair Weiss; a crossbow cocking device entitled “KWICK-COCK”. The benefit under 35 USC. of the United States provisional application, and the license for foreign filing under 35 USC. Sctn. 184, and 37 Code of Federal Regs, 5.11 and 5.15, is hereby claimed, and the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
       [0002]     Inventors: Will Lee Crites, Jr., 14325 W. 89 th  St., Lenexa, Kans. 66215 John Blair Weiss, 23339 Victory Rd., Spring Hill KS, 66083 
                                                       U.S. Class:   124/25           Field of Search:   124/25                      
 
         [0003]     References Cited  
                                                 U.S. Patents                                3,670,711   June 1972   Firestone   124/25       3,739,765   June 1973   Moore   124/25       4,258,689   March 1981   Barnett   124/25       4,545,358   October 1985   Collins   124/25       4,593,675   June 1986   Waiser   124/25       4,594,994   June 1986   Williams   124/25       4,603,676   August 1986   Luoma   124/25       4,649,891   March 1987   Bozek   124/25       4,649,892   March 1987   Bozek   124/25       4,699,117   October 1987   Waiser   124/25       4,719,897   January 1988   Gaudreau   124/25       4,732,134   March 1988   Waiser   124/25       4,766,874   August 1998   Nishioka   124/25       4,796,598   January 1989   Jones   124/25       4,827,894   May 1989   Schaliberger   124/25       4,879,987   November 1989   Nishioka   124/25       4,917,071   April 1990   Bozek   124/25       4,942,861   July 1990   Bozek   124/25       5,115,795   May 1992   Farris   124/25       5,220,906   June 1993   Choma   124/25       5,243,956   September 1993   Luering   124/25       5,522,373   June 1996   Bamett   124/25       5,823,172   October 1998   Suggitt   124/25       6,095,128   August 2000   Bednar   124/25       6,286,496   September 2001   Bednar   124/25       6,705,304   March 2004   Pauluhn   124/25                  
 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The history of the crossbow, dating back to medieval times, is well known. It allows the archer to draw the bowstring before actual need, reducing motion that could be observed by an enemy or game, and shooting the arrow more accurately by not having the muscles under stress when the arrow is released. A crossbow is also more compact and therefore more concealable than a longbow.  
         [0005]     Crossbow bowstrings require extensive pulling pressure to place the bowstring at its most rearward position, i.e., the “cocked” position where the bowstring is held by the bowstring latch; preparing the bow to accept the arrow. These pulling pressures on many crossbows currently on the market are from 150 pounds, suitable for medium game, up to 200 pounds for very large or dangerous game.  
         [0006]     This required cocking effort is much greater than that of a traditional longbow or a compound bow, which are typically from 40 to 80 pounds; and extremely difficult for most persons. The crossbows&#39; greater cocking pressures result from the shorter bow arms, which must be stiffer in order to propel an arrow with comparable velocities to those produced by longbows.  
         [0007]     This cocking effort is beyond the ability of many persons, and in the case of the heaver pull bows, beyond the ability of most persons. Even if the strength of the individual is adequate, repeated drawing of the bowstring can result in injury. Therefore, cocking devices for crossbows are a necessity for most persons and desirable for all.  
         [0008]     This invention, named “QWICK-COCK”, is a bowstring drawing device and related attach mechanisms. Although many cocking devices have been invented, most are complicated and time consuming to manufacture and operate. The exception is a rope device, simple, but of limited value, reducing the cocking effort by only about one-half.  
         [0009]     Only two devices are commonly seen in sporting goods stores: rope and rotary. As mentioned above, the rope is of limited advantage, and the rotary is complicated compared to this invention, typically requiring 25 to 30 seconds to operate. This invention is simple and can be operated in 2 seconds or less. It places the center of the bowstring on the latch; a requirement for accuracy. Although existing devices generally also center the bowstring, much more time is required.  
         [0010]     This invention permits fast uncocking. Uncocking is necessary because tension on the bow limbs cannot be maintained indefinitely without damage to the bow. Most bow warranties are usually voided by “dry-firing”; that is pulling the trigger without an arrow in place. If an arrow is not fired during a hunt, for example, most bow manufacturers recommend carrying a low quality arrow with a blunt point, called a fieldpoint, for firing into the ground or other backstop to uncock. This is usually not convenient, and under certain conditions, not safe. It also requires the archer to carry an extra arrow specifically for this purpose, and if he forgets, an expensive arrow must be sacrificed. Most existing cocking devices, and all presently available in stores, cannot be used to uncock. Some cocking devices that have been invented, but not commercially viable, do permit uncocking without damage to the bow, but require more time.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     A dual lever pivoting below the bowstring latch, curved to provide a drawing pressure (back) on the bowstring, as the lever is moved first up and then back and down.  
         [0012]     This dual lever is made of two levers, one on each side of the crossbow body, (or stock) and joined at the muzzle end of the bow by a handle. This handle is used by the archer to operate the cocking device.  
         [0013]     If a straight lever was used, the first pressure would be primarily up, and would pull the bowstring up instead of back. By curving the lever, a backward pulling pressure is achieved, drawing the bowstring rearward to engage the bowstring latch.  
         [0014]     By locating the pivot point of the lever below the bowstring latch, the leverage increases as the lever moves back; and the required pressure by the archer on the lever handle decreases as the backward pulling pressure on the bowstring increases.  
         [0015]     The pivot points can be manufactured into the bow body. For existing bows, ways to provide these pivot points are included in this invention. These pivot points, whether installed at manufacture or afterward, are a part of this invention.  
         [0016]     After cocking, the lever can be left on the bow for additional shots, or quickly removed as the shooter prefers.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [heading-0017]     Orientation of the Crossbow Directions:  
         [0018]     All directions are referenced to the crossbow when placed on a horizontal surface such as a table top. Up or top means above the crossbow or moving in that direction. Down or bottom means below the crossbow, or moving in that direction. Front means the arrowhead end of the crossbow; back means the shoulder stock end of the crossbow. Side means the view with the bow limbs in their least visible position.  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a crossbow with the cocking lever in the front position before cocking.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a top view with the cocking lever in the back position engaging the bowstring in the bowstring latch.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a top view with the cocking lever in the front position with the bow cocked and ready for firing.  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a crossbow with the cocking lever in the front position before cocking.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a side view with the cocking lever in the back position as the bowstring engages the bowstring latch.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a side view with the cocking lever in the front position with the bow cocked and ready for firing.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is side view of the clamp holding the lever in the front position both before and after cocking.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged side view of the pivot point attachment shown in  FIGS. 4, 5 , and  6 , which shows bows where the trigger is below and in front of the bowstring latch. This pivot point attachment is used on bows which do not have a pivot point installed when the bow is manufactured.  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the pivot point attachment on those bows where the trigger is below the bowstring latch. This pivot point attachment is used on those bows which do not have a pivot point installed when the bow is manufactured.  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the pivot point attachment in  FIG. 9 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0029]     In the accompanying drawings, the number and description of the parts are common to all drawings  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 10 , although all parts do not appear in all drawings. Parts numbered  1  through  13  and part  19  and  26  are parts of a typical crossbow without the invention. Parts numbered  14  through  18  and  20  through  27  pertain to the invention.  
         [0030]      FIGS. 1, 2 , and  3  are top view drawings of the crossbow and invention.  
         [0031]     Reference characters that pertain to the crossbow and the invention are shown in  FIG. 1 . To aid in clarity, references characters that pertain only the crossbow are not repeated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , which show only the reference characters pertaining to the invention.  
         [0032]      FIGS. 4, 5 , and  6  are side view drawings of the crossbow and invention.  
         [0033]     Reference characters that pertain to the crossbow and the invention are shown in  FIG. 4 , To aid in clarity, references characters that pertain only to the crossbow are not repeated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , which show only the reference characters pertaining to the invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the front end of a crossbow with the clamp ( 15 ) and the lever ( 14 ) in place, in the before cocking position, and also in the after cocking position.  
         [0035]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the pivot bolt ( 17 ) on those crossbows that have the trigger ( 13 ) in front of the bowstring latch,  FIGS. 4, 5  AND  6 . showing the inlay ( 19 ) on the back side of the pistol grip ( 12 ); providing a pivot bolt support positioned below the bowstring latch ( 11 ). Bowstring latch ( 11 ), and the trigger ( 13 ), do not appear in  FIG. 8 ; an expanded view focusing on the detail surrounding the pivot bolt ( 17 ).  
         [0036]      FIGS. 9 and 10  are side and bottom views respectively, of a device to provide pivot bolts ( 17 ) on those crossbows in which the bowstring latch ( 11 ) is above the trigger ( 13 ).  
         [0037]     The following part numbers are common to all drawings, although not all parts are visible in all drawings.  
         [heading-0038]     Part No.  
         [none]    
       
         
           
               1  Shoulder stock  
               2  Rear sight  
               3  Bowstring latch housing  
               4  Arrow hold  
               5  Arrow groove  
               6  Forearm  
               7  Bowstring  
               8  Bow limbs  
               9  Front sight  
               10  Stirrup  
               11  Bowstring latch  
               12  Pistol grip  
               13  Trigger  
               14  Lever  
               15  Lever clamps  
               16  Lever handle  
               17  Lever pivot bolt  
               18  Inlay (wood, plastic, or metal to provide support for pivot bolt)  
               19  Trigger housing  
               20  Steel tubing flattened vertically  
               21  Steel tubing left round  
               22  Steel tubing flattened horizontally  
               23  Weld  
               24  Plate. (to fasten front end of pivot mount to crossbow forearm)  
               25  Machine screw and nut  
               26  Forearm screw  
               27  Lever clamp screws.  
           
         
       
     
         [0066]     Existing crossbows have several variations. but the primary differences pertain to: (A) The bowstring arrangement, and (B) the placement of the bowstring latch.  
         [0067]     (A) The bowstring arrangements are primarily two: 1. A single string going from the far end of one bow limb to the far end of the other bow limb. 2. An interlacing string wound through cams on the ends of the bow limbs.  
         [0068]     (B) The placement of the bowstring latch also has two basic categories: 1. The bowstring latch placed above and to the rear of the trigger, 2. The bowstring latch placed almost directly above the trigger.  
         [0069]     This invention is applicable to these and other presently existing crossbows.  
         [0070]     Referring to the following drawings, and to the above reference characters, part numbers, and part names,  FIG. 1  is a top view of the crossbow with the curved levers ( 14 ) visible on either side of the forearm ( 6 ), the levers made into single unit by the lever handle ( 16 ) and hereinafter referred to in the singular, “lever”. In this view, the lever ( 14 ) is in the front position and clamped by securing clamps ( 15 ) prior to drawing (cocking) the bowstring.  FIG. 4  is a side view of this position of the lever.  
         [0071]     All crossbows require lubricant to the forearm ( 6 ) and bowstring ( 7 ). In the present invention, lubricant is also applied to the lever ( 14 ), although not necessary before each use. To operate, the archer grasps the lever handle ( 16 ), and with a foot in the stirrup ( 10 ), and the other hand on the shoulder stock ( 1 ), pulls the lever up and then back towards the stock ( 1 ) until the bowstring ( 7 ) engages the bowstring latch ( 11 ), which is visible in  FIGS. 4, 5  and  6  under the bowstring latch housing ( 3 ). It can also be operated with one hand on the stirrup ( 10 ) and the other on the lever handle ( 16 ) while resting the stock ( 1 ) on the archer&#39;s leg. This full draw or cocked situation is showed in  FIG. 2 , top view, and  FIG. 5 , side view.  
         [0072]     After cocking, the lever ( 14 ) is returned to the forward position as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 6 , with the bow limbs ( 8 ) bent under tension and the bowstring ( 7 ) in full draw (cocked) secured by the bowstring latch ( 11 ) and the lever ( 14 ) is secured by the lever clamps ( 15 ).  
         [0073]     An arrow can now be placed in the arrow groove ( 5 ) with back portion of the arrow under the arrow hold ( 4 ) and is ready for release by pressing the trigger ( 13 ) which releases the bowstring latch ( 11 ).  
         [0074]      FIGS. 1 and 4  are of the crossbow and invention top and side views before cocking.  
         [0075]      FIGS. 2 and 5  are of the crossbow and invention top and side views during cocking.  
         [0076]      FIGS. 3 and 6  are of the crossbow and invention top and side views after cocking.  
         [0077]     The curved levers ( 14 ) are constructed of round steel tubing of sufficient hardness and diameter to withstand bending when in use. For crossbows with lighter pulling pressure, those up to 165 pounds, tubing of {fraction ( 5 / 16 )} inch OD (Outside Diameter) with a wall thickness of 0.049 inch. Chromium-molybdenum 4130 steel or a metal with a similar hardness rating should be used. For those crossbows with a pulling pressure of between 165 and 180 pounds, the same material tubing with an OD of {fraction ( 3 / 8 )} inch and 0.058 inch wall thickness; and for 180 pounds and heavier, the same material tubing with an OD of {fraction ( 7 / 16 )} inch and a wall thickness of 0.065 inch is adequate. Tubing with an OD (Outside Diameter), wall thickness, and metal rating other than the above will work, but could have disadvantages of optimal weight and rigidity of the lever ( 14 ).  
         [0078]     The curvature of the lever ( 14 ) varies with the distance from the bowstring latch ( 11 ) to the bowstring ( 7 ) when the bowstring ( 7 ) is at rest before cocking. At the point where the lever ( 14 ) begins to exert pressure on the bowstring ( 7 ), the angle between the bowstring ( 7 ) and forearm ( 6 ) should be at least 50 degrees. This angle should increase as the lever ( 14 ) is moved upward and back and approach 90 degrees as it nears the bowstring latch ( 11 ), and pulls the bowstring ( 7 ) to the arrow hold ( 4 ) and engages the bowstring latch ( 11 ). The angles can vary somewhat without negating the function of the lever, but these are recommended angles.  
         [0079]     The curve of the lever ( 14 ) can be made by use of a tube bender or a jig (form). Cold bending can be done on the lighter weight tubing, {fraction ( 5 / 16 )} inch OD (Outside Diameter) without collapsing the tubing wall, but heat application is necessary on the ⅜ and {fraction (7/16)} inch OD tubing.  
         [0080]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the clamp ( 15 ) holding the cocking lever ( 14 ) in place before and after cocking. On some crossbows, the length of the clamp ( 15 ) will have to be longer (higher) to accommodate lever ( 14 ) positions in the varying configurations of crossbows. Although only one clamp ( 15 ) is visible in  FIG. 7 , two are required as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 , and  3 , one for each side of the lever ( 14 ), and secured to both sides of the sturrup ( 10 ). This clamp ( 15 ) is constructed of one inch wide  4130  steel of 0.040 inch thickness, formed around the sides of the sturrup ( 10 ) drilled and filed to exert enough pressure on the lever ( 14 ) to hold it in place during recoil; and attached to the sturrup ( 10 ) with machine screws ( 27 ).  
         [0081]      FIG. 8  is a side view enlargement of the area surrounding the inlay ( 18 ) supporting the pivot bolt ( 17 ) on those crossbows which have the bowstring latch ( 11 ) back of the trigger ( 13 ). The ends of the lever ( 11 ) on both sides of the inlay ( 18 ) are flattened, rounded and drilled to accept the pivot bolt ( 17 ). The bowstring latch ( 11 ) and the trigger ( 13 ) are outside the scope of  FIG. 8 . The inlay ( 18 ) can be constructed of any material to provide a bearing surface for the pivot bolt ( 17 ), and fastened to the back of the pistol grip ( 12 ) and to the area of the shoulder stock ( 1 ) as shown with an adhesive appropriate to the material. Suitable materials for the inlay ( 18 ) are hardwood, plastic or metal. The inlay ( 18 ) is used on crossbows that do not have a pivot bolt installed during the manufacture of the crossbow. The pivot bolt ( 17 ) is in one piece and goes through the inlay ( 18 ). This pivot bolt ( 17 ) is of 8740 alloy steel and {fraction ( 3 / 16 )} inch, although other bolts would also perform satisfactorily. This pivot bolt ( 17 ) can have a head on one end and a nut on the other, or can have a quick release nut on both ends for quick removal of the lever ( 14 ) if the archer desires, or left in place for multiple shots.  
         [0082]      FIG. 9  is a side view, and  FIG. 10  is bottom view, of a device to provide a pivot bolt ( 17 ) on those crossbows that have the trigger ( 13 ) below the bowstring latch ( 11 ). This places the pivot bolt ( 17 ) below and slightly in back of the bowstring latch ( 11 ). This device is constructed from round steel tubing, {fraction ( 5 / 16 )} inch OD (Outside Diameter), wall thickness 0.049 inch of 4130 chromium-molybdenum steel, or a metal with a similar hardness rating. Larger OD tubing, and a larger wall thickness will also work, but has more bulk and weight than is needed. The {fraction ( 5 / 16 )} inch tubing provides adequate support for the pivot bolts, one on each side of the forearm ( 6 ), and the welds ( 23 ) attaching the pivot bolts ( 17 ) to the steel tubing ( 21 ).  
         [0083]     The steel tubing is flattened vertically ( 20 ) around the pistol grip, left in its original round shape ( 21 ) around the pivot bolts ( 17 ), and flattened horizontally ( 22 ) at the front end where it is attached to the plate ( 24 ), by use of a machine screw and nut ( 25 ). The plate ( 24 ) is secured to the forearm ( 6 ) by a screw ( 26 ). On those crossbows having this screw ( 26 ) as part of the original manufacture, as many do, the screw ( 26 ) can be removed and then reinserted through the plate ( 24 ) securing the plate to the forearm ( 6 ). Since the pivot bolts ( 17 ) do not go through the forearm ( 6 ), but only through the tubing ( 21 ), welds on both sides of the tubing ( 21 ) are necessary to provide strength to withstand cocking pressures. Most readily available bolts ( 17 ) are satisfactory, but those bolts made of  4037  or  8740  alloy steel are preferred. Bolts of {fraction ( 3 / 16 )} inch diameter are adequate.  
         [0084]     This description of the preferred embodiments is in detail, however it should be understood that reference to these details is not intended to limit the scope of this invention, but are illustrative of the application of the principles of this invention as described in claims section of this application.  
         [0085]     Note:  FIG. 4  is suggested as the view to be included on the front page of the patent application publication and patent.