Patent ID: 12188740

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.4illustrates a string guide system90for a bow with a reverse draw configuration92in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Power cables102A,102B (“102”) are attached to respective string guides104A,104B (“104”) at first attachment points106A,106B (“106”). Second ends108A,108B (“108”) of the power cables102are attached to axles110A,110B (“110”) of the opposite string guides104. In the illustrated embodiment, the power cables102wrap around or winds onto power cable take-ups112A,112B (“112”) located on the respective cam assembles104when in the released configuration116ofFIG.4.

In the reverse draw configuration92the draw string114is located adjacent down-range side94of the string guide system70when in the released configuration116. In the released configuration116ofFIG.4, the distance between the axles110may be in the range of less than about 16 inches to less than about 10 inches. In the drawn configuration118, the distance between the axles110may be in the range of about 4 inches to about 10 inches, and more preferably about 4 inches to about 9 inches, and still more preferably about 4 inches to about 8 inches. In one embodiment, the distance between the axles110in the drawn configuration118is less than about 8 inches, and alternatively, less than about 6 inches, and preferably less than about 4 inches. In another embodiment, the distance between the axles110in the drawn configuration118is about 10 inches or less. Bowstring and draw string are used interchangeably herein to the primary string used to launch arrows.

As illustrated inFIGS.5and6, the draw string114translates from the down-range side94toward the up-range side96and unwinds between the first and second string guides104in a drawn configuration118. In the illustrated embodiment, the string guides104counter-rotate toward each other in directions120more than 360 degrees as the draw string114unwinds between the string guides104from opposing cam journals130A,130B (“130”). In the illustrated embodiment, the string guides104rotate about 445 degrees.

The string guides104each include one or more grooves, channels or journals located between two flanges around at least a portion of its circumference that guides a flexible member, such as a rope, string, belt, chain, and the like. The string guides can be cams or pulleys with a variety of round and non-round shapes. The axis of rotation can be located concentrically or eccentrically relative to the string guides. The power cables and draw strings can be any elongated flexible member, such as woven and non-woven filaments of synthetic or natural materials, cables, belts, chains, and the like.

As the first attachment points106rotate in direction120, the power cables102are wrapped or wound onto cams126A,126B (“126”) with helical journals122A,122B (“122”), preferably located at the respective axles110. The helical journals122take up excess slack in the power cables102resulting from the string guides104moving toward each other in direction124as the axles110move toward each other.

The helical journals122serve to displace the power cables102away from the string guides104, so the first attachment points106do not contact the power cables102while the bow is being drawn (seeFIGS.7and8). As a result, rotation of the string guides104is limited only by the length of the draw string journals130A,103B (“130”). The power cables102are displaced along axes of rotation of the string guides104perpendicular to a plane of rotation of the draw string journals130. For example, the draw string journals130can also be helically in nature, wrapping around the axles110more than 360 degrees.

As a result, the power stroke132is extended. In the illustrated embodiment, the power stroke132can be increased by at least 25%, and preferably by 40% or more, without changing the diameter of the string guides104. The power stroke132can be in the range of about 8 inches to about 20 inches or about 12 inches to about 20 inches. For some applications, the power stroke can be greater than 20 inches. The present disclosure permits crossbows that generate kinetic energy of greater than 70 ft.-lbs. of energy with a power stroke of about 8 inches to about 15 inches. In another embodiment, the present disclosure permits a crossbow that generates kinetic energy of greater than 125 ft-lbs. of energy with a power stroke of about 10 inches to about 15 inches.

In some embodiments, the geometric profiles of the draw string journals130and the helical journals122contribute to let-off at full draw. A more detailed discussion of cams suitable for use in bows is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,979 (Yehle), which is hereby incorporated by reference. In another embodiment the crossbow is designed so the draw weight increases continuously to full draw. In particular, the slope of the power curve (draw force vs displacement) is positive as the draw string moves from the released configuration to the drawn configuration.

FIGS.7and8are enlarged views of the string guides104A,104B, respectively, with the draw string114in the drawn configuration118. The helical journals122have a length corresponding generally to one full wrap of the power cables102. The axes of rotation146A,146B (“146”) of the first and second helical journals122preferably extend generally perpendicular to a plane of rotation of the first and second string guides104. The helical journals122displace the power cables102away from the draw string114as the bow is drawn from the released configuration116to the drawn configuration118. Height140of the helical journals122raises the power cables102above top surface142of the string guides104. The resulting gap144permits the first attachment points106and the power cable take-ups112to pass freely under the power cables102. The length of the helical journals122can be increased or decreased to optimize draw force versus draw distance for the bow and let-off. The axes of rotation146of the helical journals122are preferably co-linear with axes110of rotation for the string guides104.

FIG.9Aillustrates an alternate string guide200in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Power cable take-ups202have helical journals204that permit the power cables102to wrap or wind around about two full turns or about 720 degrees. The extended power cable take-up202increases the gap206between the power cables102and top surface208of the string, guide200and provides excess capacity to accommodate more than 360 degrees of rotation of the string guides200.

FIG.9Billustrates an alternate string guide250in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The draw string journals252and the power cable journals254are both helical structures designed so that the draw string114and the power cables102can wrap two full turns around the string guide250.

FIG.9Cillustrates an alternate string guide270with a smooth power cable take-up272in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The power cable take-up272has a surface274with a height276at least twice a diameter278of the power cable102. In another embodiment, the surface274has a height276at least three times the diameter278of the power cable102. As a result, the power cables102follow a path that is not co-planar with the plane of rotation of the draw string journal on the string guide270. Biasing force280, such as from a cable guard located on the bow shifts the power cables102along the surface274away from top surface282of the string guide270when in the drawn configuration284.

FIG.10is a schematic illustration of bow150with a string guide system152in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Bow limbs154A,154B (“154”) extend oppositely from riser156. String guides158A,158B (“158”) are rotatably mounted, typically eccentrically, on respective limbs154A,154B on respective axles160A,160B (“160”) in a reverse draw configuration174.

Draw string162is received in respective draw string journals (see e.g.,FIGS.7and8) and secured at each end to the string guides158at locations164A,164B. When the bow is in the released configuration176illustrated inFIG.10, the draw string162is located adjacent the down-range side178of the bow150. When the bow150is drawn, the draw string162unwinds from the draw string journals toward the up-range side180of the bow150, thereby rotating the string guides158in direction166.

First power cable168A is secured to the first string guide158A at first attachment point170A and engages with a power cable take-up with a helical journal172A (seeFIGS.7and8) as the bow150is drawn. As the string guide158A rotates in the direction166, the power cable168A is taken up by the cam172A. The other end of the first power cable168A is secured to the axle160B.

Second power cable168B is secured to the second string guide158B at first attachment point170B and engages with a power cable take-up with a helical journal172B (seeFIGS.7and8) as the bow150is drawn. As the string guide158B rotates, the power cable168B is taken up by the cam172B. The other end of the second power cable168B is secured to the axle160A. Alternatively, the other ends of the first and second power cables168can be attached to the riser156or an extension thereof, such as the pylons32illustrated in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,899,217 (Islas) and U.S. Pat. No. 8,651,095 (Islas), which are hereby incorporated by reference. Any of the power cable configurations illustrated herein can be used with the bow150illustrated inFIG.10. The power cable take-ups172are arranged so that as the bow150is drawn, the bow limbs154are drawn toward one another.

FIG.11is a schematic illustration of a crossbow300with a reverse draw configuration302in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The crossbow300includes a center portion304with down-range side306and up-range side308. In the illustrated embodiment, the center portion304includes riser310. First and second flexible limbs312A,312B (“312”) are attached to the riser310and extend from opposite sides of the center portion304.

Draw string314extends between first and second string guides316A,316B (“316”). In the illustrated embodiment, the string guide316A is substantially as shown inFIGS.4-8, while the string guide316B is a conventional pulley.

The first string, guide316A is mounted to the first bow limb312A and is rotatable around a first axis318A. The first string guide316A includes a first draw string journal320A and a first power cable take-up journal322A, both of which are oriented generally perpendicular to the first axis318A. (See e.g.,FIG.8). The first power cable take-up journal322A includes a width measured along the first axis318A that is at least twice a width of power cable324.

The second string guide316B is mounted to the second bow limb312A and rotatable around a second, axis318B. The second string guide316B includes a second draw string journal320B oriented generally perpendicular to the second axis318B.

The draw string314is received in the first and second draw string journals320A,320B and is secured to the first string guide316A at first, attachment point324. The draw string extends adjacent to the down-range side306to the second string guide316B, wraps around the second string guide316B, and is attached at the first axis318A.

Power cable324is attached to the string guide316A at attachment point326. SeeFIG.4. Opposite end of the power cable324is attached to the axis318B. In the illustrated embodiment, power cable wraps324onto the first power cable take-up journal322A and translates along the first power cable take-up journal322A away from the first draw string journal320A as the bow300is drawn from the released configuration328to the drawn configuration (seeFIGS.5-8).

FIG.12is a schematic illustration of a dual-cam crossbow350with a reverse draw configuration352in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The crossbow350includes a center portion354with down-range side356and up-range side358. First and second flexible limbs362A,362B (“362”) are attached to riser360and extend from opposite sides of the center portion354. Draw string364extends between first and second string guides366A,366B (“366”). In the illustrated embodiment, the string guides366are substantially as shown inFIGS.4-8.

The string guides366are mounted to the bow limb362and are rotatable around first, and second axis368A,368B (“368”), respectively. The string guides366include first and second draw string journals370A,370B (“370”) and first and second power cable take-up journals372A,372B (“372”), both of which are oriented generally perpendicular to the axes368, respectively. (See e.g.,FIG.8). The power cable take-up journals372include widths measured along the axes368that is at least twice a width of power cables374A,374B (“374”).

The draw string364is received in the draw string journals370and is secured to the string guides316at first and second attachment points375A,375B (“325”).

Power cables374are attached to the string guides316at attachment points376A,376B (“376”). SeeFIG.4. Opposite ends380A,380B (“380”) of the power cables374are attached to anchors378A,378B (“378”) on the center portion354. The power cables374preferably do not cross over the center support354.

In the illustrated embodiment, power cables wrap374onto the power cable take-up journal372and translates along the power cable, take-up journals372away from the draw string journals370as the bow350is drawn from the released configuration378to the drawn configuration (seeFIGS.5-8).

The string guides disclosed herein can be used with a variety of bows and crossbows, including those disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/799,518, entitled Energy Storage Device for a Bow, filed Mar. 13, 2013 and Ser. No. 14/071,723, entitled DeCocking Mechanism for a Bow, filed Nov. 5, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIGS.13A and13Billustrate an alternate crossbow400in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The crossbow400includes a center rail402with a riser404mounted at the distal end406and a stock408located at the proximal end410. The arrow416is suspended above the rail402before firing. In one embodiment, the central rail402and the riser404may be a unitary structure, such as, for example, a molded carbon fiber component. In the illustrated embodiment, the stock408includes a scope mount412with a tactical, picatinny, or weaver mounting rail. Scope414preferably includes a reticle with gradations corresponding to the ballistic drop of bolts416of particular weight. The riser404includes a pair of limbs420A,420B (“420”) extending rearward toward the proximal end410. In the illustrate embodiment, the limbs420have a generally concave shape directed toward the center rail402. The terms “bolt” and “arrow” are both used for the projectiles launch by crossbows and are used interchangeable herein. Various arrows and nocks are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent Ser. No. 15/673,784 entitled Arrow Assembly for a Crossbow and Methods of Using Same, filed Aug. 10, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Draw string501is retracted to the drawn configuration405shown inFIGS.13A and13Busing string carrier480. As will be discussed herein, the string carrier480slides along the center rail402toward the riser404to engage the draw string501while it is in a released configuration (see e.g.,FIG.21A). That is, the string carrier480is captured by the center rail402and moves in a single degree of freedom along a Y-axis. The engagement of the string carrier480with the rail402(see e.g.,FIG.28E) substantially prevents the string carrier480from moving in the other five degrees of freedom (X-axis, Z-axis, pitch, roll, or yaw) relative to the center rail402and the riser404. As used herein, “captured” refers to a string carrier that cannot be removed from the center rail without disassembling the crossbow or the string carrier.

In an alternate embodiment, with the string carrier480in the retracted position as illustrated inFIGS.18A and18B, the draw string501can be manually retracted using a conventional cocking ropes or cocking sleds, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,128 (Bednar) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,491 (Bednar), using conventional cocking techniques.

When in the drawn configuration405tension forces409A,409B on the draw string501on opposite sides of the string carrier480are substantially the same, resulting in increased accuracy. In one embodiment, tension force409A is the same as tension force409B within less than about 1.0%, and more preferably less than about 0.5%, and most preferably less than about 0.1%. Consequently, cocking and firing the crossbow400is highly repeatable. To the extent that manufacturing variability creates inaccuracy in the crossbow400, any such inaccuracy are likewise highly repeatable, which can be compensated for with appropriate windage and elevation adjustments in the scope414(SeeFIG.13B). The repeatability provided by the present string carrier480results in a highly accurate crossbow400at distances beyond the capabilities of prior art crossbows.

By contrast, conventional cocking ropes, cocking sleds and hand-cocking techniques lack the repeatability of the present string carrier480, resulting in reduced accuracy. Windage and elevation adjustments cannot adequately compensate for random variability introduced by prior art cocking mechanism.

A cocking mechanism484(see e.g.,FIGS.18A and18B) retracts the string carrier480to the retracted position illustrated inFIG.13B. The crossbow400includes a positive stop (e.g., the stock408) for the string carrier480that prevents the draw string501from being, retracted beyond the drawn configuration405.

In the drawn configuration405the distance407between the cam axles may be in the range of about between about 6 inches to about 8 inches, and more preferably about 4 inches to about 8 inches. In one embodiment, the distance407between the axles in the drawn configuration405is less than about 6 inches, and alternatively, less than about 4 inches.

When in the drawn configuration405illustrated inFIG.13A(and the retracted position discussed herein) the narrow separation407between the cam axels results in a correspondingly small included angle403of the draw string501. The included angle403is the angle defined by the draw string501on either side of the string carrier480when in the drawing configuration405. The included angle403is preferably less than about 25 degrees, and more preferably less than about 20 degrees. The included angle403is typically between about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees. The present string carrier480includes a catch502(see e.g.,FIG.17A) that engages a narrow segment of the draw string501that permits the present small included angle403.

The small included angle403that results from the narrow separation407provides limited space to accommodate conventional cocking mechanisms, such as cocking ropes and cocking sleds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,128 (Bednar); U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,491 (Bednar); U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,192 (Bednar et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 9,335,115 (Bednar et al.); and 2015/0013654 (Bednar et al.), which are hereby incorporated by reference. It will be appreciated that the cocking systems disclosed herein are applicable to any type of crossbow, including recurved crossbows that do not include cams (such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,041 (Ogawa) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,748,370 (Choma), which are hereby incorporated by reference) or conventional compound crossbows with power cables, that crossover,

FIGS.14A and14Bare top and bottom views of the riser404. Limbs420are attached, to the riser404near the distal end406by mounting brackets422A,422B (“422”). In the illustrated embodiment, distal ends424A,424B (“424”) of the limbs420extend past the mounting brackets422to create pocket426that contains arrowhead428. Bumpers430are preferably attached to the distal ends424of the limbs420. The tip of the arrowhead428is preferably completely contained within the pocket426.

Pivots432A,432B (“432”) attached to the riser404engage with the limbs420proximally from the mounting brackets422. The pivots432provide a flexure point for the limbs420when the crossbow400is in the drawn configuration.

Cams440A,440B (“440”) are attached to the limbs420by axle mounts442A,442B (“442”). The cams440preferably have a maximum diameter441less than the power stroke (see e.g.,FIG.5) divided by about 3.5 for a reverse draw configuration. For example, if the power stroke is about 13 inches, the maximum diameter441of the cams440is preferably less than about 3.7 inches. The cams440preferably have a maximum diameter441less than the power stroke (see e.g.,FIG.5) divided by about 5.0 for a non-reverse draw configuration. For example, if the power stroke is about 13 inches, the maximum diameter441of the cams440is preferably less than about 2.6 inches. The cams440preferably have a maximum diameter of less than about 4.0 inches, and more preferably less than about 3.5 inches. A highly compact crossbow with an included angle of less than about 25 degrees preferably has cams with a maximum diameter of less than about 3.0 inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, the axle mounts442are attached to the limbs420offset a distance446from the proximal ends444A,444B (“444”) of the limbs420. Due to their concave shape, greatest width448of the limbs420(in both the drawn configuration and the release configuration) preferably occurs at a location between the axle mounts442and the pivots432, not at the proximal ends444.

The offset446of the axle mounts442maximizes the speed of the limbs420, minimizes, limb vibration, and maximizes energy transfer to the bolts416. In particular, the offset446is similar to hitting a baseball with a baseball bat at a location offset from the tip of the bat, commonly referred to as the “sweet spot”. The size of the offset446is determined empirically for each type of limb. In the illustrated embodiment, the offset446is about 1.5 to about 4 inches, and more preferably about 2 to about 3 inches.

Tunable arrow rest490is positioned just behind the pocket426. A pair of supports492are secured near opposite sides of the bolt416by fasteners494. The supports492preferably slide in the plane of the limbs420. As best illustrated inFIG.14C, the separation496between the supports492can be adjusted to raise or lower front end of the bolt416relative to the draw string501. In particular, by increasing the separation496between the supports492the curved profile of the front end of the bolt416is lowered relative to the string carrier480(seeFIG.17A). Alternatively, by decreasing the separation496the curved profile of the bolt416is raised.

Various warning labels890,892are applied at various locations on the crossbow400. The warning labels890,892can be a variety of configurations, including pre-printed press sensitive labels on various substrates, laser printing, and the like. Another approach is to impregnate an anodized aluminum surface with a silver compound which, when exposed to a light source, creates an activated latent image. Development fixes the label inside the metal. Photosensitive anodized aluminum is then sealed in boiling water similarly to common anodized aluminum. For anodized and powder coated finishes on metals, such as aluminum, it is possible to directly print inks on the open-pore anodized aluminum surface to create digital, full-color warning labels that are subsequently sealed for high durability.

Another option is to create durable, multi-colored warning labels directly in the native oxide layer on anodized aluminum surfaces, without inks. The warning label is part of the aluminum oxide layer, and as such, cannot be easily removed or peeled-off. Creating warning labels directly in the native oxide layer on anodized aluminum is available from Deming Industries, Inc. of Coeur d'Alene, ID.

FIG.14Billustrates the bottom of the riser404. Rail450on the riser404is used as the attachment point for accessories, such as quiver452for holding bolts416and cocking handle454that engages with pins570to rotate the drive shaft564(seeFIG.18A).

FIG.14Dillustrates the cocking handle454in greater detail. Distal end700is configured to engage with drive shaft564and pins570illustrated inFIG.18A. Center recess702receives the drive shaft564and the undercuts704engage with the pins570when the system is under tension. Consequently, when cocking or uncocking the crossbow400the tension in the system locks the pins570into the undercuts704. When tension in the system is removed, the cocking handle454can be rotated a few degrees and disengaged from the drive shaft564.

The distal end700includes stem706that extends into hollow handle708. Pins710permit the stein706to rotate a few degrees around pin712in either direction within the hollow handle708. As best illustrated inFIG.14E, torque assembly714is located in hollow handle708that resists rotation of the stem706until a pre-set torque is reached Once that torque threshold is exceeded, the stem706breaks free of block716and rotates within the hollow handle708, generating an audible noise and snapping sensation that signal to the user that the crossbow400is fully cocked.

FIGS.14F and14Gillustrate a mounting system730for the quiver452and the cocking handle454. Quiver spine732includes a pair of mounting posts734spaced to engage with openings736in the mounting bracket738. Magazine catch740(seeFIG.14G) slides within mounting bracket738. Spring742biases the magazine catch740in direction744. Openings746in the magazine catch740engage with undercuts748on the mounting posts734under pressure from the spring742. To remove the quiver452the user presses the handle750in direction752until the openings746in the magazine catch740are aligned with the openings736in the mounting bracket738. Once aligned, the mounting posts734can be removed from the mounting bracket738.

FIG.15is a front view of the crossbow400with the draw string or the power cables removed to better illustrate the cams440having upper and lower helical journals460A,460B above and below draw string journal464. In the embodiment ofFIG.15, the journals460A,460B are generally symmetrical or mirror images of each other. As illustrated inFIG.21A, separate power cables610A,610B are operatively engaged with each of the helical journals460A,460B, and minimizing torque on the cams440. The draw string journal464defines plane466that passes through the bolt416. The helical journals460A,460B move the power cables610A,610B in directions468A,468B, respectively, away from the plane466as the bow400is drawn.

FIGS.16A and16Bare upper and lower perspective views of the cams440with the power cables and draw string removed. Recess470contains draw string mount472located generally in the plane466of the draw string journal464. Power cable attachment462A and pivot post463A correspond to helical journal460A. As best illustrated inFIG.16B, power cable attachment462B and pivot post463B corresponds to the helical journal460B. The pivot pots463serve to take-up a portion of the power cables610and redirect the power cables610onto the helical journals460.

FIGS.17A through17Dillustrate string carrier480for the crossbow400in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As best illustrated inFIG.21A, the string carrier480slides along axis482of the center rail402to the location483(seeFIG.21A) to capture the draw string501. After the string carrier480captures the draw string501, the cocking, mechanism484(seeFIGS.18A and18B) is used to return the string carrier480back to the position illustrated inFIGS.17A and17Bat the proximal end410of the crossbow400and into engagement with trigger558. In the preferred embodiment, the draw string501travels above the center rail402as it moves between the release configuration600and the drawn configuration405. The draw string501preferably moves parallel to the top surface of the center rail402.

The string carrier480includes fingers500on catch502that engage the draw string501. The catch502is illustrated in a closed position504. After firing the crossbow the catch502is retained in open position505(seeFIG.18B), such as far example, by spring510. In the illustrated embodiment, the catch biasing force is applied to the catch502by spring510to rotate in direction506around pin508and retains the catch502in the open position505. Absent an external force, the catch502automatically move to open position505(seeFIG.18B) and releases the draw string501. As used herein, “closed position” refers to any configuration that retains a draw string and “open position” refers to any configuration that releases the draw string.

In the closed position504illustrated inFIGS.17A,17B,18A, recess512on sear514engages low friction device513at rear edge of the catch502at interface533to retain the catch502in the closed position504. The sear514is biased in direction516by a sear biasing force applied by spring511to engage with and retain the catch502in the closed position504.

FIG.17Dillustrates the string carrier480with the sear514removed for clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, the low friction device513is a roller pin523mounted in rear portion of the catch520. In one embodiment, the roller pin523has a diameter corresponding generally to the diameter of the recess512. The roller pin523is preferably supported by ball bearings525to reduce friction between the catch502and the recess512when firing the crossbow400. A force necessary to overcome the friction at the interface533to release the catch502is preferably less than about 1 pound, substantially reducing the trigger pull weight. In an alternate embodiment, the positions of the roller pin523and the ball bearings525can be reversed so that the sear514engages directly on the ball bearings525. In another embodiment, the roller pin523or a low friction bearing structure can be location on the sear514.

In one embodiment, a force necessary to overcome the friction at the interface533to release the catch502is preferably less than the biasing force applied to the sear514by the spring511. This feature causes the sear514to return fully to the cocked position524in the event the trigger558is partially depressed, but then, released before the catch502releases the draw string501.

In another embodiment, a force necessary to overcome the friction at the interface533to release the catch502is preferably less than about 3.2%, and more preferably less than about 1.6% of the draw force to retain the draw string501to the drawn configuration. The draw force can optionally be measured as the force on the flexible tension member585when the string carrier480is in the drawn position (SeeFIG.18A).

Turning back toFIGS.17A and17B, when in safe position509shoulder520on safety522retains the sear514in a cocked position524and the catch502in the closed position504. Safety button530is used to move the safety522in direction532from the safe position509illustrated inFIGS.17A and17Bto free position553(seeFIG.18B) with the shoulder520disengaged from the sear514.

A dry fire lockout biasing force is applied by spring540to bias dry fire lockout542toward the catch502. Distal end544of the dry fire lockout542engages the sear514in a lockout position541to prevent the sear514from releasing the catch502. One of skilled in the art will recognize that the dry fire lockout542indirectly prevents the catch502from moving to the open position, but could directly engage with the catch502to prevent release of the draw string501. Even if the safety522is disengaged from the sear514, the distal end544of the dry fire lockout542retains the sear514in the cocked position524to prevent the catch502from releasing the draw string501.

FIG.17Cillustrates the string carrier480with the catch502removed for clarity. Nock417of the bolt416is engaged with the dry fire lockout542and rotated it in the direction546. Distal end544of the dry fire lockout542is now in disengaged position547relative to the sear514. Once the safety522is removed from the safe position509using the safety button530, the crossbow400can be fired. In the illustrated embodiment, the nock417is, a clip-on version that flexes to form a snap-fit engagement with the draw string501. Only when a bolt416is fully engaged with the draw string501will the dry fire lockout542be in the disengaged position547that permits the sear514to release the catch502.

FIGS.18A and18Billustrate the relationship between the string carrier480, the cocking mechanism484, and the trigger assembly550that form string control assembly551. The trigger assembly550is mounted in the stock408, separate from the string carrier480. Only when the string carrier480is fully retracted into the stock408is the trigger pawl552positioned adjacent to the sear514. When the user is ready to fire the crossbow400, the safety button530is moved in direction532to a free position553where the extension515is disengaged from the shoulder520. When the trigger558is depressed trigger linkage559rotates sear514in direction517to a de-cocked position557and the catch502moves to the open position505to release the draw string501.

As best illustrate inFIG.18B, after firing the crossbow the sear514is in a de-cocked position557and the safety522is in the free position553. The catch502retains the sear514in the de-cocked position557even though the spring511biases it toward the cocked position524. In the de-cocked position557the sear514retains the dry fire lockout542in the disengaged position547even though the spring540biases it toward the lockout position541. The extension515on the sear514is located in recess521on the safety522.

To cock the crossbow400again the string carrier480is moved forward to location483(seeFIG.21A) into engagement with the draw string501. Lower edge503of the catch502engages the draw string501and overcomes the force of spring510to automatically push the catch502to the closed position504(SeeFIG.18A). Spring511automatically rotates the sear514back into the cocked position524so recess512formed interface533with the catch502. Rotation of the sear514causes the extension515to slide along the surface of the recess521until it engages with the shoulder520on the safety522in the safe position509. With the sear514back in the cocked position524(SeeFIG.18A), the spring540biases dry fire lockout542to the lockout position541so the distal end544engages the sear514to prevent the catch502from releasing the draw string501(SeeFIG.18A) until an arrow is inserted into the string carrier480. Consequently, when the string carrier480is pushed into engagement with the draw string501, the draw string501pushes the catch502from, the open position505to the closed position504to automatically (i) couple the sear514with the catch502at the interface533to retain the catch502in the closed position504, (ii) move the safety522to the safe position509coupled with the sear514to retain the sear514in the cocked position524, and (iii) move the dry fire lockout542to the lockout position541to block the sear514from moving to the de-cocked position557.

The cocking mechanism484includes a rotating member, such as the spool560, with a flexible tension member, such as for example, a belt, a tape or webbing material585, attached to pin587on the string carrier480. As best illustrated inFIGS.19and20, the cocking mechanism484includes drive shaft564with a pair of drive gears566meshed with gear teeth568on opposite sides of the spool560. Consequently, the spool560is subject to equalize torque applied to the spool560during the cocking operation. Cocking handle454that releasably attaches to either of exposed ends of pin570of the drive shaft564.

A pair of pawls572A,572B (“572”) include teeth574(seeFIG.20) that are biased into engage with the gear teeth568. The pawls572are preferably offset ½ the gear tooth568spacing so that when the teeth574of one pawl572are disengaged from the gear teeth568, the teeth574on the other pawl572are positioned to engage the gear teeth568. Consequently, during winding of the spool560, the teeth574on one of the pawls572are always positioned to engage with the gear teeth568on the spool. If the user inadvertently released the cocking handle454when the crossbow400is under tension, one of the pawls572is always in position to arrest rotation of the spool560.

In operation, the user presses the release576to disengage the pawls572from the spool560and proceeds to rotate the cocking handle454to move the string carrier480in either direction482along the rail402to cock or de-cocking the crossbow400. Alternatively, the crossbow400can be cocked without depressing the release576, but the pawls572will make a clicking sound as they advance over the gear teeth568.

FIGS.21A and21Billustrate the crossbow400in the released configuration600. Draw string501is located adjacent down-range side602of the cams440in a reverse draw configuration604. In the illustrated embodiment of the released configuration600the draw string501is adjacent stops606attached to power cable bracket608.

Upper power cables610A are attached to the power cable bracket608at upper attachment points612A and to power cable attachments462A on the cams440(see alsoFIG.22A). Lower power cables610B are attached to the power cable bracket608at lower attachment points612B and to the power cable attachments462B on the cams440(see alsoFIG.22B). The attachment points612are static relative to the riser404, rather than dynamic attachment points on the opposite limbs or opposite cams. As used herein, “static attachment point” refers to a cabling system in which power cables are attached to a fixed point relative to the riser, and not attached to the opposite limb or opposite cam.

In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment points612A,612B for the respective power cables610are located on opposite sides of the center rail402. Consequently, the power cables610do not cross over the center rail402. As used herein, “without crossover” refers to a cabling system in which power cables do not pass through a vertical plane bisecting the center rail402. In an alternate embodiment, the power cables610can optionally crossover the center rail402in a conventional format, such as illustrated inFIGS.4and5.

As best illustrated inFIG.21B, the upper and lower attachment points612A,612B on the power cable bracket608maintains gap614between the upper and lower power cables610A,610B greater than the gap at the axes of the cams440. Consequently, the power cables610A,610B angle toward each other near the cams440.

FIGS.22A and22Bare upper and lower perspective views of the cams440with the cables510,610A, and610B in the released configuration600. The cams440are preferably symmetrical so only one of the cams440is illustrated. Upper power cables610A are attached to power cable attachments462A, wrap around the upper pivots463A and then return toward the bow400to attach to the power cable bracket608(seeFIG.21A). The draw cable501is attached to the draw string mount472and then wraps almost completely around the cam440in the draw string journal464to the down range side602.

FIGS.23A and23Billustrate the crossbow400in the drawn configuration620. Draw string501extends from the down-range side602of the cams440in a reverse draw configuration604. As best illustrated inFIG.23B, the power cables610A,610B move away from the cams440as they wrap onto the upper and lower helical journals460A,460B. In the drawn configuration620the power cables610A,610B are generally parallel (compare the angled relationship in the released configuration600illustrated inFIG.21B). The resulting gap622permits the power cable attachments462and pivot463to pass under the power cables610without contacting them (see also,FIGS.24A and24B) as the crossbow400moves between the released configuration600and the drawn configuration620. As best illustrated inFIG.24C, gaps623between surfaces625of the cams440and the power cables610is greater than height627of the power cable attachments462and the pivots463.

FIGS.24A and24Bare upper and lower perspective views of the cams440with the cables510,610A, and610B in the drawn configuration620. The upper power cables610A wraps around the upper pivots463A and then onto the upper helical journal460A, before returning to the power cable bracket608(seeFIG.23A). Similarly, the lower power cables610B wraps around the lower pivots463B and then onto the lower journal460B, before returning to the power cable bracket608(seeFIG.23A). The draw cable501is attached to the draw string mount472unwraps almost completely from the draw string journal464of the cam440to the down range side602.

In the illustrated embodiment, the draw string journal464rotates at least 270 degrees and more typically at least 300 degrees. In one embodiment, the draw string journals464rotate at least 330 degrees. In another embodiment, rotation of the draw string journals464is between about 270 degrees and about 330 degrees, and more preferably from about 300 degrees to about 360 degrees, when the crossbow400is drawn from the released configuration600to the drawn configuration620. In another embodiment, the draw string journal464rotates more than 360 degrees (seeFIG.9A).

FIGS.25A and25Billustrate an alternate string carrier480A for the crossbow400in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The string carrier480A is similar to the assembly illustrated inFIGS.17A-17C, so the same reference numbers are used where applicable.

FIG.25Aillustrates the catch502is illustrated in a closed position504. The catch502is biased by spring510to rotate in direction506and retained in open position505(seeFIG.18B). Absent an external force, the catch502automatically releases the draw string501(SeeFIG.17A). In the closed position504illustrated inFIG.25A, recess512on sear514engages with low friction device513on the catch502to retain the catch502in the closed position504. The sear514is biased by spring519to retain the catch502in the closed position504. The safety522operates as discussed in connection withFIGS.17A-17C.

Spring540A biases dry fire, lockout542A toward the catch502. Distal end544A of the dry fire lockout542A engages the sear514in a lockout position541to prevent the sear514from releasing the catch502. Even if the safety522is disengaged from the sear514, the distal end544A of the dry fire lockout542A locks the sear514in the closed position504to prevent the catch502from releasing the draw string501.

As illustrated inFIG.25B, when the bolt416is positioned on the string carrier480A the rear portions or arms on the clip-on nock417extends past the draw string501(so a portion of the nook417is behind the draw sting501) and engages with the portion543A on the dry fire lockout542A, causing the dry fire lockout542A to rotate in direction546A so that the distal end544A is disengaged from the sear514. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion543A is a protrusion or finger on the dry fire lockout542A. Only when a bolt416is fully engaged with the draw string501will the dry fire lockout542A permit the sear514to release the catch502.

In the illustrated embodiment, the portion543A on the dry fire lockout542A is positioned behind the draw string location501A. As used herein, the phrase “behind the draw string” refers to a region between a draw string and a proximal end of a crossbow. Conventional flat or half-moon nooks do not extend far enough rearward to reach the portion543A of the dry fire lockout542A, reducing the chance that non-approved arrows can be launched bye the crossbow400.

FIGS.25A and25Billustrate elongated arrow capture recess650that retains rear portion419of the arrow416and the clip-on nock417engaged with the string carrier480A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The elongated arrow capture recess650extends along a direction of travel of an arrow launched from the crossbow400. The arrow capture recess650is offset above the rail402as is the rest490(seeFIG.14C) so the arrow416is suspended above the rail402(seeFIG.13B).

Upper roller652is located near the entrance of the arrow capture recess650. The upper roller652is configured to rotate in the direction of travel of the arrow416as it is launched. That is, the axis of rotation of the upper roller652is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the arrow416. The upper roller652is displaced within the slot in a direction generally perpendicular to the arrow416, while spring654biases the upper roller652in direction656against the arrow416. As best illustrated inFIG.25C, the arrow capture recess650extends rearward past the fingers500on catch502. The string carrier480A includes lower angled surfaces658A,658B (“658”) and upper angled surfaces660A,660B (“660”) configured to engage the arrow416around the perimeter of the rear portion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clip-on nock417must be fully engaged with the draw string510A near the rear of the arrow capture recess650to disengage the dry fire lock out542A. In this configuration (seeFIG.25B), the rear portion419of the arrow416is fully engaged with the arrow capture recess650, surrounded by the rigid structure of the string carrier480A.

In one embodiment, the lower angled surfaces658do not support the arrow416in the arrow capture recess650unless the clip-on nock417is used. In particular, the upper angled surfaces660prevent the nock417from rising upward when the crossbow400is fired, but the arrow417tends to slide downward off the lower angled surfaces658unless the clip-on nock417is fully engaged with the draw string510A.

By contrast, prior art crossbows typically include a leaf spring or other biasing structure to retain the arrow against the rail. These devices tend to break and are subject to tampering, which can compromise accuracy.

FIGS.25D-25Fillustrate additional details about the nock417for use with the present crossbow400. Prongs850flex outward852until the draw string510is seated in semi-circular opening854. In order to withstand the forces generated in high-powered bows, the nook417is preferably molded from a reinforced polymeric material (or blend of polymeric materials). Suitable materials and other aspects of the nook417are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/631,016, entitled HIGH IMPACT STRENGTH LIGHTED NOCK ASSEMBLY, filed, Jun. 23, 2017 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/631,004, entitled HIGH IMPACT STRENGTH NOCK ASSEMBLY, filed Jun. 23, 2017, the entire disclosure of which are both hereby incorporated by reference.

The portion543A on the dry fire lockout542A engages with the nock417in region856behind the draw string510, causing the dry tire lockout542A to rotate in direction546A so that the distal end544A is disengaged from the sear514. The region856is preferably at least about 0.1 inches long. Flat regions858illustrated inFIG.25Fare preferably separate by a distance860of about 0.250 inches, which corresponds to gap between fingers500on a bowstring catch502for the crossbow (SeeFIG.25C). The flat regions858are securely captured between the fingers500to retain the nock417in the correct orientation relative to the draw string510, resulting in precise and repeatable registration of the nook417to the catch502. In particular, an axis of the opening854is retained parallel with the draw string510in the drawn configuration.

FIG.25Gillustrates the arrow416for use in an arrow assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present, disclosure. The arrow416includes threaded front insert862that receives an arrow head864with a threaded stem866having compatible threads. Shaft868includes fletching870and rear opening872configured to receive the nook417and a variety of other lighted and non-lighted nock assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.25Hillustrates nook assembly880and bushing884, which can be used with or without light assembly882, in the arrow416in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bushing884is preferably constructed from a light weight metal and is sized to be receive rear opening872of the arrow shaft868. In the illustrated embodiment, the bushing884includes shoulder886that engages with rear end of the arrow shaft868.

The present application is also directed to a plurality of matched weight arrows416configured to have substantially the same weight, whether used with our without a lighted assembly882or different weight tip864, so their flight characteristics are the substantially the same. As used herein, “matched weight arrows” refers to a plurality of arrows with the same functional characteristics, such as for example, length, stiffness, weight, and diameter, that exhibit substantially similar flight characteristics when launch from the same bow. The present matched weight arrows416have a weight difference of less than about 10%, more preferably less than about 5%, and most preferably less than about 2%. In operation, matched weight arrows can be used interchangeable without adjusting the sight or scope on the bow.

For a non-lighted arrow416, for example, the bushing884and the nock417are inserted into the rear opening872, without the lighted assembly882. For a lighted arrow416, for example, the lighted assembly882and bushing884are inserted into the rear opening872. Since the lighted assembly882and bushing884are heavier than just the nock417and bushing884, the weight of the lighted arrow is adjusted by removing weight from the shaft868, the threaded front insert862, or the fletching870, so the lighted arrow weighs substantially the same as a non-lighted arrow. In one embodiment, weight is removed from the front insert862of the lighted arrow to offset the weight added by the light assembly882. In another embodiment, two different rear bushings884of different weight are used to offset some or all of the weight difference. In another embodiment, weight is added to the non-lighted arrows416, such for example, in the threaded front insert862or the rear bushing884, equal to the amount of weight added by the lighted assembly882. Consequently, the user can carry both lighted arrows and non-lighted arrows having substantially the same weight and flight characteristics. These matched weight arrows416can be used interchangeable without effecting accuracy.

FIG.26Aillustrates an alternate the cocking handle720with an integral, clutch to prevent excessive torque on the cocking mechanism484and tension on the flexible tension member585in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed in connection withFIG.14D, distal end700is configured to engage with drive shaft564and pins570. Center recess702receives the drive, shaft564and the undercuts704engage with the pins570when, the system is under tension. Consequently, when cocking or uncorking the crossbow400the tension in the system locks the pins570into the undercuts704. When tension in the system is removed, the cocking handle454can be rotated a few degrees and disengaged from the drive shaft564.

FIG.26Bis an exploded view of the cocking handle720ofFIG.26A. Distal end700contains a torque control mechanism722. Coupling724that engages with the drive shaft564is contained between a pair of opposing friction washers726and a pair of opposing notched washers728within head729. Pins730couple the notched washers728. One or more spring washers732, such as for example Belleville washers, conical spring washers, and the like, maintain a compressive load on the coupling724to control the torque applied to the drive shaft564. The magnitude of the compressive load applied to the coupling establishes a pre-set maximum torque that can be, applied to the drive shaft564. The maximum torque or break-away torque at which the coupling724slips relative to the cocking handle720preferably corresponds to about 110% to about 150% of the force on the flexible tension member585during cocking of the crossbow400.

In an alternate embodiment, the drive shaft564is three discrete pieces565A,565B,565C connected by torque control mechanisms located in housings567A,567B. A torque control mechanism722generally as illustrated inFIG.26Bmay be used.

The string carrier480hits a mechanical stop when it is fully retracted, which corresponds to maximum draw string501tension. Tension on the draw string501is highly repeatable and uniform throughout the string system due to the operation of the string carrier480. Further pressure on the cocking handle720causes the coupling724to slip within the head729, preventing excessive torque on the cocking mechanism484and tension on the flexible tension member585.

FIGS.27A-27Cillustrates an alternate tunable arrow rest750in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The tunable arrow rest750includes housing760that is positioned just behind the pocket426. A pair of spring loaded support rollers752are rotatably secured in slots754by pins756. The support rollers752rotate, freely around the pins756. When compressed, the support rollers752can be independently displaced in directions758. Springs764(seeFIG.27B) bias the pins756and the support rollers752to the tops of the slots.

As best seen inFIG.27Bwith the housing760removed, arrow rest750is mounted to distal end776of the center rail402by fasteners762. Each of the support rollers752is biased to the tops of the slots754by the springs764. Rotating member766is provided at the interface between the support rollers752and the springs764to reduce friction and permit the support rollers752to turn freely.

As best seen inFIGS.27C and27Dthe housing760includes enlarged openings768with diameters larger than the diameters of the fasteners762. Consequently, the position of the arrow rest750can be adjusted (i.e., tuned) in at three degrees of freedom—the Y-direction770, the Z-direction772, and roll774relative to the center rail402.FIG.27Dillustrates an arrow412with arrowhead428positioned on the support rollers752and the various degrees of freedom770,772,774available for tuning the arrow rest750.

FIGS.28A-28Eillustrate alternate cocking systems800in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the cocking mechanism484located in the stock408and the flexible tension member585are not required. In one embodiment, the string carrier480when not engaged with the draw string501slides freely back and forth along the rail between the released configuration and the drawn configuration. At least one cocking rope engagement mechanism802is attached to the string carrier480. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of pulleys804are pivotally attached to opposite sides of the string carrier480brackets806and pivot pins808.

A variety of conventional cocking ropes810can releasably engage with the pulleys804. The hooks found on conventional cocking ropes are not required. As best illustrated inFIG.28C, the user pulls handles812to draw the string carrier480to the retracted position814. The cocking rope810can be a single discrete segment of rope or two discrete segments of rope. In the illustrated embodiment, two discrete cocking ropes810are each attached to opposite sides of the stock408at anchors816and wrap around the pulleys804to provide the user with mechanical advantage when cocking the bow400.

It will be appreciated that a variety of different cocking rope configurations can be used with the string carrier480, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,128 (Bednar); U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,491 (Bednar); U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,192 (Bednar et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 9,335,115 (Bednar et al.); and 2015/0013654 (Bednar et al.), which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment, the cocking ropes810retract into handles812for convenient storage. For example, protrusions826on handles812can optionally contain a spring-loaded spool that automatically retracts the cocking ropes810when not in use, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,192 (Bednar et al.). In another embodiment, a retraction mechanism for storing the cocking ropes when not in use are attached to the stock408at the location of the anchors816such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,491 (Bednar). In another embodiment, a cocking rope retraction system with a spool and crank handle can be attached to the stock408, such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,174,884.

In operation, when the draw string501is in the released configuration600the user slides the string carrier480forward along, the rail into engagement with the draw string501. The catch502(see e.g.,FIG.25A) on the string carrier480engages the draw string501as discussed herein. The user pulls the handles812until the string carrier480is retained in the retracted position814by retaining mechanism817. The retaining mechanism817retains the string carrier480in the retracted position814independent of the cocking ropes810. That is, once the string carrier480is in the retracted position814the retaining mechanism817the cocking ropes810can be removed and stored.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.28D and28Ethe retaining mechanism817is hook818attached to the stock configured to couple with pin819on the string carrier480. Release lever820moves the hook818in direction822to disengage it from the pin819on the string carrier480. When the crossbow is in the drawn configuration, the force824applied to the string carrier480by the draw string prevent the hook818from inadvertently disengaging from the pin819on the string carrier480. During transport the string carrier480can be secured to either the draw string501in the release configuration600or to the hook818in the retracted configuration814without the draw string501attached.

In another embodiment, the string carrier480can be positioned in the retracted position814without the draw string501attached. The draw string501is then retracted using a conventional cocking ropes or cocking sleds, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,128 (Bednar) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,491 (Bednar). It will be appreciated that any of the cocking system484,800,900(see below) can be used alone or in combination with the string carrier480. The cocking ropes810of the cocking system800can also be used in combination with the cocking systems484,900in some applications. In particular, nothing herein precludes the use of the cocking ropes810on a crossbow that also includes the cocking systems484or900,

FIG.28Fillustrates an alternate embodiment where the cocking rope810is a single segment that wraps around the stock408rather than requiring anchors816. The opposite ends of the cocking rope810then wrap around the cocking rope engagement mechanisms on opposite sides of the string carrier480. The user pulls the handles812toward the proximal end of the crossbow400to manually retract the string carrier480to the retracted position and the draw string to the drawing configuration.

In order to de-cock the crossbow400, the user pulls the handles812to retract the string carrier480toward the stock408a sufficient amount to disengage the hook818from the pin819. In one embodiment, the user rotates the release lever820in direction821about 90 degrees. The release lever820biases the hook818in direction822, but the force824prevents the hook818from moving in direction822. The user then pulls the handles812toward the stock408to remove the force824from the hook818. Once the pin819clears the hook818the biasing force applied by the release lever820moves the hook818in direction822. The user can now slowly move the string, carrier480toward the released configuration600.

As illustrated inFIG.29extensions830on the string carrier480are engaged with undercuts832in the rail402. Consequently, the string carrier480is captured by the rail402and can only move back and forth along the rail402(Y-axis), but cannot move in the Z-axis or X axis direction, or in pitch834, roll836, or yaw838, relative to the draw string501. In an alternate embodiment, the extension830are located on the exterior surface of the rail402and the string carrier480wraps around the rail402to engage the undercuts832. In one embodiment, the extensions830are retractable so the string carrier480can be removed from the rail402. With the extensions830in the extended position illustrated inFIG.29the string carrier480is captured by the rail402.

In particular, when in the drawn configuration tension forces on the draw string501on opposite sides of the string carrier480are substantially the same, within less than about 1.0%, and more preferably less than about 0.5%, and most preferably less than about 0.1%. Consequently, cocking and firing the crossbow400is highly repeatable.

To the extent that manufacturing variability creates inaccuracy in the crossbow400, any such inaccuracy are likewise highly repeatable, which can be compensated for with appropriate windage and elevation adjustments in the scope414(SeeFIG.13B). The repeatability provided by the present cocking systems484,800results in a highly accurate crossbow400at distances beyond the capabilities of prior art crossbows. For example, the cocking systems484,800in combination with windage and elevation adjustments permits groupings of three arrows in a three-inch diameter target at about 100 yards, and groupings of three arrows in a two-inch diameter target at about 50 yards.

FIGS.30A-30Fillustrate an alternate cocking mechanism900in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Rotation of the rotating member902is effectuated by the pair of drive gears566on the drive shaft564illustrated inFIGS.19and20that mesh with, gear teeth568. The drive shaft564would be mounted in location903but is omitted for clarity. Rather than the pawls572illustrated inFIGS.19and20, however, rotation of the rotating member902is controlled by an internal rotation arrester910controlled by release960. As will be discussed in further detail, the crossbow400can be cocked without the pawls572making a clicking sound as they advance over the gear teeth568. A suitable cocking system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Publ. 2018/0051856 entitled Cocking System for a Crossbow, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As illustrated inFIG.30B, rotating member902includes non-cylindrical core904with offset pin906. The flexible tension member585is captured between the core904and the pin906. The oppose end908of the flexible tension member585is attached to pin587on the string carrier480(seeFIG.18A).

As illustrated inFIGS.30B and30C, the rotating member902includes center opening912with diameter914greater than diameter916of support shaft918. A plurality of interference members920are located in gap922between the center opening912and the support shaft918. The support shaft918is prevented from rotating relative to the support rail402by key924bolted to the support rail402and positioned in slot925on the support shaft918(seeFIG.30A). In the illustrated embodiment, the interference members920are elongated rods axially aligned with the support shaft918, but could be elongated members with a non-circular cross section, spherical, elliptical, or a variety of regular or irregular shapes.

Inside surface940of the center opening912in the rotating member902is smooth, but the outside surface942of the support shaft918includes a series of recesses926that receive the interference members920. In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses926are elongated and axially aligned with the support shaft918. Each recess926includes a sloped surface930that terminates at stop surface932. The sloped surfaces930can be flat or curved to create a camming action as the interference members920move from between first and second locations972,974.

In an alternate embodiment, the recesses926can be located on the inside surface940of the rotating member902or on both the inside surface940and the outside surface942of the support shaft918. In another embodiment, the recesses926have a shape corresponding to a shape of the interference members920, such as spherical or elliptical.

When the interference members920are adjacent the stop surfaces932in the second location974the rotating member902can rotate freely around the support shaft918. As the interference members920ride up sloped surfaces930toward the first locations972near the tops946of the sloped surfaces930, however, the interference members920are compressed between the inside surface940of the center opening912and the outside surface942of the support shaft918to create compression forces944that prevents rotation of the rotating member902relative to the support shaft918. The compressive forces944acts generally along radial lines extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support shaft918through each of the interference members920.

The recesses926are oriented so that when tension force948is placed on the flexible tension member585(seeFIGS.30A and30B) the interference members920tend to shift toward the first locations972at the tops946of the sloped surfaces930, hence, creating compression forces944that arrest rotation of the rotating member902. That is, rotation of the rotating member902to unwind the flexible tension member585tends to move the interference members920toward the first locations972.

As illustrated inFIG.30D, support bearings950support the rotating member902on the support shaft918and maintain concentricity relative to the support shaft918. In the illustrated embodiment, sets of interference members920A,920B (“920”) are located on opposite sides of the support bearings950. Each set of interference members920A,920B is constrained to the support shaft918within respective recesses926by housings952A,952B (“952”), respectively. The housings952include openings956that expose the interference members920to permit engagement with inside surface940of the center opening912.

The housings952include flat surfaces954that couple with the release960. As illustrated inFIG.30E, the flat surfaces954couple with corresponding flat surfaces on the release960.

The housings952can rotate relative to the support, shaft918to shift the interference members920within the recesses926. The housings952are biased by springs962in direction970to bias the interference members920toward the first locations972near the tops946. When the release960is depressed the housings952are rotated in the opposite direction971to shift the interference members920toward the second locations974. Consequently, unless the release960is depressed the interference members920counteract the tension force948and prevent rotation of the rotating member902.

In operation, as the user presses the release960the housings952are rotated in direction971to shift they interference members920along the sloped surfaces930toward the second location974near the stop surfaces932. In this configuration the compression forces944are substantially reduced and the rotating member902can turn freely round the support shaft918, permitting, the flexible tension member585to be unwound. This configuration is typically used to move the string carrier480forward into engagement with the draw string501or to transfer the tension force948to the cocking handle454during de-cocking. If the flexible tension member585is under load, the user must first rotate the cocking handle454forward toward the top of the crossbow400to release the tension force948before the release960can be depressed.

Once the string, carrier480is engaged with the draw string501, the user can rotates the cocking handle454to cock the crossbow400. Operation of the rotation arrester910is substantially silent. Operation of the springs962on the release960bias the housings952in direction970so the interference members920are urged to the first locations972. If at any time the user releases the cocking handle454, the force948on the flexible tension member585and the bias on the housings952automatically shift to the first location972to activate the rotation arrester910(unless the release960is depressed) and prevent rotation of the rotating member902.

FIGS.31A-31Care perspective, top, and side views of a reduced length crossbow400with the trigger assembly550moved forward along the center rail402in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Locating the trigger assembly550well in front of the bowstring catch502on the string carrier480when in the drawn configuration is commonly known as a bullpup configuration. Various crossbows with a bullpup configuration are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,671,923 (Goff et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 9,140,516 (Hyde); U.S. Pat. No. 9,528,789 (Biafore et al.); and U.S. Pat. No. 9,658,025 (Trpkovski), which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The bullpup configuration of the present crossbow400preferably includes substantially the same components as the other embodiments disclosed herein, including the riser404mounted at the distal end406of the center rail402and the stock408located at the proximal end410. The stock408includes an integral check rest1012located over the string carrier480when in the retracted position. The riser404includes the limbs420extending rearward toward the proximal end410. String carrier480is captured by and slides in the center rail402as discussed herein. The string carrier480can be moved to the retracted position using the disclosed cocking mechanisms484,900, the cocking ropes810(see e.g.,FIGS.18A and28A), or any other suitable mechanism.

In the illustrated embodiment, the release576for the cocking mechanism484,900is located in the butt-plate1010of the stock408. In operation, the user wraps his fingers around the butt-plate1010during cocking/de-cocking of the crossbow400, while operating the release576with his thumb.

In the illustrated embodiment, scope mount412extends from a location behind the string carrier480on the stock408to the power cable bracket608on the riser404. In an alternate embodiment, the scope mount412can be attached to just the stock408or to just the power cable bracket608, without the attachment point on the stock408.

Locating the trigger558forward along the center rail402permits the stock408to be substantially shortened. In one embodiment, the trigger558and hand grip1004are located between about 4 inches to about 10 inches forward of the string carrier480(when in the retracted position) and closer to the distal end406than in the other embodiments disclosed herein, with a corresponding decrease in the length of the stock408. In another embodiment, the trigger558and hand grip1004are located proximate the midpoint1006between the distal end406and the proximal end410of the crossbow400ofFIG.31. In the preferred embodiment, the trigger558and hand grip1004are near the midpoint1006within 10%, and more preferably 5%, of the overall length of the crossbow400ofFIG.31. For example, if the overall length of the crossbow400is 28 inches, the trigger558and hand grip1004are located within 2.8 inches of the midpoint11006, and more preferably within 1.4 inches of the midpoint1006.

Locating the trigger558and hand grip1004near the midpoint1006provides better balance and reduces the overall length of the crossbow400. The front to back center of gravity is located closer to the hand grip1004. As used herein, center of gravity refers primarily to the forward and back center of gravity, since it is assumed the side-to-side center of gravity is located along a central longitudinal axis of the center rail402. In the preferred embodiment, the front to back center of gravity1008of the crossbow400is near the midpoint1006within 15%, and more preferably 10%, of the overall length of the crossbow400. For example, if the overall length of the crossbow400is 28 inches, the front to back center of gravity1008is located within 4.2 inches of the midpoint1006, and more preferably within 2.8 inches of the midpoint1006.

One of the difficulties with bullpup format crossbows is that the user's head and face, may come into contact with the cocked bowstring. The extremely small include angle403of the draw string501when the crossbow400is in the drawn configuration (see e.g.,FIGS.13A and14A) that sweeps the draw string501forward and closer to the center rail402to create a gap between the bowstring and the user's face. In the preferred embodiment, the included angle403is less than about 25 degrees and more preferably less than about 20 degrees. The extremely narrow separation between the limbs420when in the drawn configuration combined with the siring carrier480permit a significantly smaller included angle403than on conventional crossbows.

FIG.32illustrates the crossbow400with the stock408and center rail402hidden to reveal the trigger assembly550. The trigger assembly550is substantially the same as illustrated inFIG.18A, except that trigger linkage559is elongated to compensate for moving the trigger558forward closer to the distal end406(seeFIG.31C). When the trigger558is depressed trigger linkage559rotates sear514in the clockwise direction to a de-cocked position557and the catch502moves to the open position505to release the draw string501(see e.g.,FIG.18B).

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within this disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges which may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the various methods and materials are now described. All patents and publications mentioned herein, including those cited in the Background of the application, are hereby incorporated by reference to disclose and described the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

Other embodiments, are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes disclosed. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Thus the scope of this disclosure should be determined by the appended, claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than, the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present disclosure, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims.