Abstract:
A bow sight with light gathering point shaped pins with illuminated yardage indicia. The point shaped pins are individually adjustable with both gross set point adjustments and micro set point adjustments. The sight pins are structured as plates stacked within a pin housing supported by an adjustment bracket connecting to a riser mount secured to the bow stock. The light gathering sight and structures provide brighter illumination while retaining a fine resolution point along with illuminated yardage indicators facing towards the archer. Each of the sight pins is grossly adjustable in a vertical orientation and finely adjustable through separate sets of adjustment bolts. The pin housing surrounds the sight pin tips to form a sight window through which the archer may aim the bow. Structures are provided on the external surface of the surrounding pin housing to support Picatinny Rails for accessory attachments.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/482,739, filed May 5, 2011, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to archery bows and to bow sights. The present invention relates more specifically to a bow sight with light gathering point shaped pin structures, illuminated yardage indicia, secure pin retention, and individual pin micro-adjustment. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Traditional bow sights utilize circular polystyrene or acrylic fibers to gather light and project light toward the archer&#39;s eye from the tip of the circular fiber. These circular fibers are usually suspended by a metal or plastic pin. Traditional sights utilize from one to seven or more of these fibers suspended on pins to represent the various distance yardages of arrow impact. The different yardages are frequently represented by different color fibers. These pins are usually held in slots and are tightened and adjusted with an end bolt in the slot. This traditional sight configuration poses three major problems: 
         [0006]    The first problem relates to the fiber/point size. The larger the diameter of the fiber, the larger the fiber surface area, and thus the more light it gathers for increased brightness. However, the larger the diameter of the fiber the less accuracy it provides the archer. With a smaller fiber, accuracy increases but brightness decreases. An archer (especially a bow hunter) desires both accuracy and brightness. 
         [0007]    The second problem relates to identification of the various yardage pins. Traditional sights with multiple fiber optic pins become confusing as to which fiber represents which arrow impact distance. Remembering that a specific color represents a specific distance can be difficult, especially in a high stress situation like a tournament or hunting. 
         [0008]    The third problem relates to secure retention of the sight pin coupled with the ability to finely adjust the sight pin position. The end bolt in a slot utilized to adjust the pins up and down for their individual distances is a very inaccurate form of adjustment. As the bolt is loosened to adjust the pin, the pin can slip and move further or less than the archer desired. This can make it very difficult to precisely adjust the yardage points in the sight. 
         [0009]    The proposed invention solves these three problems in the following ways: 
         [0010]    First, the present invention provides both increased light gathering and a sharp targeting pin point. The complete pins are formed from light gathering material, such as polystyrene, plastic or acrylic. The tips of these light gathering pins are formed into a pointed edge. This pointed edge on each pin allows the shooter to have the extreme precision of a point for aiming. Since the complete body of the pin is gathering light with more combined surface area than standard sight fibers, it is also extremely bright. 
         [0011]    Second, the present invention provides a clear indication of the specific yardage associated with each sight pin. The edges of the pins that face the archer are coated in a dark color, preferably black. A small edge is left uncoated at the very edge for a bright aiming tip. The corresponding arrow impact yardage is also left uncoated in the form of the corresponding number. In this manner the yardage number also shines towards to the archer to eliminate pin yardage confusion. 
         [0012]    Finally, the present invention provides both secure retention of the sight pins in the targeting field of view, and the ability to finely adjust the position of the sight pins in the field of view. The pins have end bolts in slots for securing them into the housing. However the assembly also includes vertical micro-adjusting bolts. These bolts are designed to slowly and precisely move the pins individually up and down in the housing. This greatly improves the accuracy and stability of each sight pin. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The present invention therefore provides a bow sight with a number of light gathering point shaped pins with illuminated yardage indicia. The point shaped pins are individually adjustable within the targeting field of view with both gross set point adjustments and micro set point adjustments. The sight pins (up to seven typically) are structured as plate like structures stacked within a pin housing that is supported by an adjustment bracket connected to a riser mount secured to the bow stock. The light gathering sight pin structures provide brighter illumination while retaining a sharp resolution point along with illuminated yardage indicators facing towards the archer. Each of the sight pins is grossly adjustable and finely adjustable in a vertical orientation through separate sets of securing and adjustment bolts. The pin housing surrounds the sight pin tips to form a sight window through which the archer may aim the bow. Structures are also provided on the external surface of the open pin housing to support Picatinny Rails for accessory attachment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front side perspective view of the point bow sight assembly of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a back side perspective view of the point bow sight assembly of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a front face elevational view of the point bow sight assembly of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a front side elevational view of the point bow sight assembly of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the point bow sight assembly of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a back face elevational view of the point bow sight assembly of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 7A-7D  are detailed views of a typical rear sight pin structure of the point bow sight device of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 8A-8D  are detailed views of a typical front sight pin structure of the point bow sight device of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    Reference is made first to  FIGS. 1-6  for various views of the full assembly of the point bow sight of the present invention. There are four primary components to the point bow sight assembly  10 ; sight pin housing  12 , gang adjust bracket  14 , riser mount  16 , and the multiple yardage aiming points  20 . 
         [0023]    The assembly of the present invention includes one to seven sight pins  20 , although more could be utilized. The sight pins  20  are formed from acrylic, polystyrene or any other type of self illuminating (light gathering) material. The sight pins  20  are preferably (but not necessarily) one to three inches in length. All sight pins  20  should be the same length so as to form a vertical column in the field of view. Each sight pin  20  is formed with a point. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 7A-7D  provide detailed views of one of the rear sight pin structures of the point bow sight device of the present invention. In the example shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , the point bow sight incorporates six sight pins, three front sight pins and three rear sight pins, alternating in the stacked arrangement shown. The sight pin coating  62  (in  FIGS. 7A-7D ) is formed from any dark coating (paint, plastic, film) and applied so that it forms the yardage number  64  and the aiming point  66 . The aiming point  66  can be formed into any type of arrow or triangle. The micro-adjustment holes  58  can be threaded into the self illuminating material of the rear sight pin  52  or threaded inserts can be utilized. Only one hole in each rear sight pin  52  will contain threads to accommodate a micro-adjustment bolt  22 . The remaining holes will be smooth to accommodate the other bolts that do not move the rear sight pin  52 . The end of the rear sight pin  52  (see  FIG. 7D ) will also be either directly threaded or utilize a threaded insert to accommodate the pin securing bolt  36 . The micro-adjustment bolts  22  are held securely into the pin housing  12  by the lock nut micro-adjustment bolts  42 . 
         [0025]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1-6 , the vertical micro-gang adjustment bolt  24  is of adequate length to run through the gang adjust bracket  14 , and is secured by the vertical micro-adjust lock nut  44 . The vertical securing bolt  40  is of adequate length to run through the gang adjust bracket  14  in the vertical securing bolt slot  46  and is secured by the vertical securing nut  30  in the vertical securing nut slot  48 . The horizontal micro-gang adjustment bolt  38  is of adequate length to run through the gang adjust bracket  14 , and is secured by the horizontal micro-adjust lock nut  28 . The horizontal securing bolt  26  is of adequate length to run through the gang adjust bracket  14  in the horizontal securing bolt slot  50  and is secured by the horizontal securing nut  32 . 
         [0026]    Pin housing  12  is constructed of (but not necessarily limited to) plastic, polymer, composite or alloy. Its shape generates protection for the sight pins  20  and supports the micro-adjustment bolts  22  and the pin securing bolts  36 . Gang adjustment bracket  14  is constructed of (but not necessarily limited to) plastic, polymer, composite or alloy. It supports the bolts used for micro gang adjustment and securing. The hole for the vertical micro-gang adjustment bolt  24  is directly threaded or utilizes an insert. The rest of the holes are smooth. 
         [0027]    The riser mount  16  is constructed of (but not necessarily limited to) plastic, polymer, composite or alloy. It supports the horizontal micro-gang adjustment bolt  38  with a threaded hole or insert. The hole for the horizontal securing bolt  26  is smooth. The view through point sight shows the multiple yardage aiming points  20 . The Picatinny Rail mount holes  34  will accommodate bolts that fasten the bolt-on Picatinny Rails  18 . One such Picatinny Rail is shown in  FIG. 1  although the structure of the embodiment shown provides for the placement of three additional rails spaced around the outside surface of the field of view section of the pin housing  12 . This field of view section of the housing may be structured with a different geometry that allows for more or fewer rail placements. 
         [0028]    Necessary components of the assembly include the structure of each of the rear sight pins  52 , the sight pin coating  62 , the aiming point  66 , and the yardage number indicia  64 . These elements are necessary to provide a lighted aiming point with a visible yardage indicator. The pin housing  12  is required to hold the sight pins  20 . The micro-adjustment bolts  22 , vertical micro-gang adjustment bolt  24 , horizontal micro-gang adjustment bolt  38 , and gang adjust bracket  14  are optional features that provide preferred adjustment and precision. The bolt-on Picatinny Rails  18  are optional features that allow the mounting of accessories to the sight. Additional micro-adjustment mechanisms could be added to the sight to increase adjustability of the aiming points. An LED with associated battery power could be added to the sight for low-light illumination. Tritium could be added to the sight pins  20  for artificial lighting. 
         [0029]    As an example, reference is made to  FIGS. 7A-7D  for a description of the manner in which rear sight pins  52  are used for aiming. With the proposed invention, the aiming point  66  of the rear sight pin  52  is used to generate a very precise aiming tool. The aiming point  66  is formed by the tip of the rear sight pin  52  and the sight pin coating  62 . The sight pin coating  62  also forms the yardage number  64 . Both the aiming point  66  and the yardage number  64  are generated from the contrast between the dark sight pin coating  62  and the bright light projecting sight pin material. 
         [0030]    Referring back to  FIGS. 1-6 , the sight pins  20  are micro-adjusted up and down within the pin housing  12  by turning the micro-adjustment bolts  22 . The micro-adjustment bolts  22  are threaded through one (and only one) of the micro-adjustment holes in each sight pin. The other micro-adjustment bolts  22  travel through a non-threaded micro-adjustment hole in the sight pin. This allows the sight pins  20  to be moved individually up and down by turning a different micro-adjustment bolt  22  for each sight pin  20 . 
         [0031]    After adjustment is finalized for each sight pin  20 , the pin securing bolts  36  are used to tighten and secure the sight pins  20  into place. The pin securing bolts  36  travel up and down in slots in the pin housing  12 . The pin housing  12  has a slot that accommodates the gang adjustment bracket  14 . The gang adjustment bracket  14  has a threaded hole or threaded insert that interfaces with the vertical micro-gang adjustment bolt  24 . The pin housing  12  also supports the vertical micro-gang adjustment bolt  38  and allows it to free spin so that the pin housing  12  is transmitted up and down as the bolt head is turned. The vertical micro-adjust lock nut  44  keeps the vertical micro-gang adjustment bolt  24  tight in the assembly. The pin housing  12  also contains the vertical securing bolt slot  46  and the vertical securing nut slot  48 . The vertical securing bolt  40  slides up and down in these slots. 
         [0032]    The vertical securing bolt  40  is tightened down to secure the pin housing  12  to the gang adjust bracket  14  once the vertical adjustments have been completed. The vertical securing bolt  40  is tightened down into the vertical securing nut  30 . The vertical securing nut  30  is prevented from spinning by the vertical securing nut slot  48 . The gang adjust bracket  14  has a slot that accommodates the riser mount  16 . The riser mount  16  has a threaded hole or threaded insert that interfaces with the horizontal micro-gang adjustment bolt  38 . The gang adjust bracket  14  also supports the horizontal micro-gang adjustment bolt  38  and allows it to free spin so that the pin housing  12  is moved side-to-side as the bolt head is turned. The horizontal micro-adjust lock nut  28  keeps the horizontal micro-gang adjustment bolt  38  tight in the assembly. The gang adjust bracket  14  also contains the horizontal securing bolt slot  50  and the horizontal securing nut slot  51 . The horizontal securing bolt  26  slides side-to-side. The horizontal securing bolt  26  is tightened down to secure gang adjust bracket  14  to the riser mount  16  once the horizontal adjustments have been completed. The horizontal securing bolt  26  is tightened down into the horizontal securing nut  32 . The horizontal securing nut  32  is prevented from spinning by the horizontal securing nut slot  51 . The riser mount  16  also has a smooth hole that accommodates the horizontal securing bolt  26 . The riser mount  16  is mounted to the bow using the standard IBO sight holes. The bow is aimed while looking through the view through point sight and using the multiple aiming points  20 . The Picatinny Rail mount holes  34  are threaded to accommodate bolts holding the bolt-on Picatinny Rails  18 . This allows accessories such as lights, lasers, etc. to be mounted directly to the sight. 
         [0033]    The riser mount  16  mounts to the bow using the standard IBO bolt holes. The gang adjust bracket  14  is secured to the riser mount  16  using the horizontal securing bolt  26 . The horizontal micro-gang adjustment bolt  38  is turned to move the gang adjustment bracket  14  and thus the sight pins  20  side to side. This function allows the shooter to sight in the windage of the sight pins  20 . The pin housing  12  is secured to the gang adjust bracket  14  using the vertical securing bolt  40 . The pin housing  12  is moved up and down using the vertical micro-gang adjustment bolt  24 . This allows the shooter to sight in the elevation of the top sight pin  20 . Each individual sight pin  20  is secured to the pin housing  12  using the pin securing bolts  36 . Each individual sight pin  20  is moved vertically using its own micro-adjustment bolt  22  that corresponds to its specific yardage number. Turning the micro-adjustment bolts  22  allows the shooter to precisely adjust the elevation of each individual sight pin  20 . The brightly lit yardage numbers are displayed to the shooter through the dark sight pin coatings. The dark sight pin coatings also form the brightly lit triangle or point at the end of the sight pins  20 . This point is used by the shooter for precise aiming of the bow. The bolt-on Picatinny Rails  18  can be utilized by the shooter to mount lights, lasers or cameras to the sight. This allows for these mechanisms to be very closely in line with the shooter&#39;s line of sight. This is very convenient when hunting from blinds that might disrupt the light path or camera view path if mounted elsewhere on the bow. 
         [0034]    The sight pins  20  would be fabricated using injection molding or CNC machining The rest of the components could be fabricated using injection molding, CNC machining, MIMs, casting or die casting. The assembly hardware is standard. All of the bolts used for micro-adjusting may require additional machining for adequate thread length. 
         [0035]    An archer or shooter would use the invention by first mounting the sight to the bow utilizing the standard IBO bolt holes. The shooter would then aim at the target with the point of the top sight pin. After the shot, the shooter would loosen either of the securing bolts and use the micro-gang adjustment bolts to move the pin housing and thus the top sight pin to where the arrow is impacting. The top pin should correspond to the vertical impact point of its corresponding yardage number. The micro-adjustment bolt can be utilized to fine-tune the sight pin. Once the arrow is impacting precisely at the tip of top sight pin at its corresponding yardage, the remaining pins below should be sighted in. These pins only require elevation adjustment. These adjustments are performed utilizing the individual micro-adjustment bolts that correspond to their yardage number. Once all of the sight pins are sighted in, all of the securing bolts should also be tight so that the entire assembly is secure. The sight can then be utilized for target shooting or hunting at various yardage points. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 7A-7D  are detailed figures showing the structure of a typical rear sight pin of the present invention.  FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a rear sight pin removed from the assembly of the point bow sight. Rear sight pin  52  generally comprises sight pin body  56  having a front face  60  and a point edge  54 . Positioned through body  56  are a number of micro-adjusted holes  58 , the function of which is described above. 
         [0037]    Sight pin coating  62  comprises an opaque, preferably black, coating over the front face  60  of sight pin  52  that forms both yardage number indicia  64  and aiming point indicia  66 . This structure is seen best in  FIG. 7B  and shows the presentation of the sight pin to the archer during use.  FIG. 7C  is a top plan view of the rear sighting pin  52  of the present invention, while  FIG. 7D  is an end plan view of the rear sight pin  52  of the present invention. In  FIG. 7D , pin securing aperture  68  is shown positioned to receive one of the pin securing bolts  36  as described above. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 8A-8D  are detailed figures showing the structure of a typical front sight pin of the present invention.  FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a front sight pin removed from the assembly of the point bow sight. Front sight pin  72  generally comprises sight pin body  76  having a front face  80  and a point edge  74 . Positioned through body  76  are a number of micro-adjusted holes  58 , the function of which is described above. 
         [0039]    Sight pin coating  82  comprises an opaque, preferably black, coating over the front face  80  of sight pin  72  that forms both yardage number indicia  84  and aiming point indicia  86 . This structure is seen best in  FIG. 8B  and shows the presentation of the sight pin to the archer during use.  FIG. 8C  is a top plan view of the rear sighting pin  72  of the present invention, while  FIG. 8D  is an end plan view of the rear sight pin  72  of the present invention. In  FIG. 8D , pin securing aperture  88  is shown positioned to receive one of the pin securing bolts  56  as described above. 
         [0040]    Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred embodiments, this description has been provided by way of explanation only, and is not intended to be construed as a limitation of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize modifications in the present invention that might accommodate specific bow structures and specific forms of archery. Such modifications as to structure, size, and even the specific arrangement of components, where such modifications are coincidental to the type of bow or type of archery, do not necessarily depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.