ARROW SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR ARROW LAUNCHING DEVICES

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/666,875, filed Jul. 2, 2024, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to arrow support systems within compact arrow launching devices and, more specifically, to arrow support systems for arrow launching devices that utilize either pneumatic propulsion or a moveable arrow release to tension the bow string.

2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Conventional systems of supporting arrows or bolts are widely known. However, these conventional systems have limitations.

Release clearance limitations reduce the viable locations to provide arrow support, while limited radial support options are available due to arrow fletching and string clearance requirements, there exists very little or no arrow shaft spine support, and the service life is rather short because the wear is concentrated onto a limited area of the support surfaces.

Pneumatic stem systems that mount the arrow shaft in a sleeve-like fashion over the stem lack consistency in accurately delivering the arrow to the target. The stems generally float in an unsupported manner within a larger barrel, and vibrations during the shot result in the stem randomly guiding the arrow down range. Arrow shaft collar and fletch support systems are also limited in accuracy, as the system only supports the arrow at the front of the shaft via the collar and the rear of the shaft via the fletching contact with the inside of the barrel.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a novel arrow support system that can overcome the above limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is achieved by providing the novel moveable release mechanisms to produce a new, simplified, safe and reliable method of fully supporting an arrow during the cocking, loading, firing and de-cocking process.

The housing of a movable arrow release provides an elongated structure protruding from the front end that radially captures a significant portion of the nock end of an arrow shaft. The elongated structure permits fletching clearance which allows arrow support well beyond the position of fletching and bow string clearance during all modes of operation. The close radial capture of the arrow shaft greatly reduces vibration, which greatly enhances the spinal strength of the arrow at the critical moment the bowstring imparts energy to the arrow during the arrow launching sequence. Additionally, the close radial capture of a significant length of the arrow shaft greatly enhances consistency of arrow flight, which enhances accuracy. Safety is also enhanced as the rest also presents a formidable shield should a defect in the arrow shaft cause a catastrophic shaft fragmentation during the firing sequence. Finally, the service life of the arrow support is greatly extended because the friction is dissipated over such significant area of surface contact.

Another aspect of the present invention is achieved by providing a novel, fixed position, linear-radial support to produce a new and simplified method of consistently supporting an arrow within an airgun barrel.

The elongated structure within the airgun barrel extends most of the length of the barrel. The elongated structure embodies an extruded profile relief that matches the profile of the arrow shaft outer diameter as well as the fletching silhouette. The elongated profile provides just enough clearance to permit the fletching and arrow shaft to slide fore and aft within the structure. The close radial capture of the entire arrow shaft greatly reduces movement from vibration during the shot sequence and greatly increases consistency of arrow flight, which enhances accuracy. Additionally, the structure reduces the perceived noise from the shot.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an arrow support system comprising an elongated body having an opening formed therethrough along a longitudinal axis thereof; and a plurality of slots, communicating with the opening and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the opening is operable to closely fit an arrow shaft therein; the plurality of slots are operable to fit fletching from the arrow therein; and the opening and the plurality of slots extend to at least one end of the elongated body.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an arrow support system for an arrow launching device having a movable release mechanism comprising an elongated body, integrated with the movable release mechanism, having an opening formed therethrough along a longitudinal axis thereof; a plurality of slots, communicating with the opening and extending outwardly therefrom; a top arrow support extending from the movable release mechanism to form an upper portion of the elongated body; and a lower arrow support structure extending from the movable release mechanism to form a lower portion of the elongated body, wherein the opening is operable to closely fit an arrow shaft therein; the plurality of slots are operable to fit fletching from the arrow therein; the opening and the plurality of slots extend to at least one end of the elongated body; and two of the plurality of slots are formed from a space between the top arrow support and the lower arrow support structure.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an arrow support system for an arrow launching that uses pneumatic propulsion comprising an elongated body, operable to be disposed within a barrel of an airgun, having an opening formed therethrough along a entirety of a longitudinal axis thereof; and a plurality of slots, communicating with the opening and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the opening is operable to fit an arrow shaft therein; the plurality of slots are operable to fit fletching from the arrow therein; and the elongated structure is operable to house at least 75 percent of the arrow shaft therein.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a movable radial-rail arrow release;

FIG. 2A and 2B is a frontal profile view of FIG. 1, without and with an arrow engaged in the system, respectively;

FIGS. 3 is a side view of the moveable radial-rail arrow release depicted within a compact arrow launching device, loaded with an arrow, in the ready to shoot position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the system being loaded to cock, positioned with an arrow within the type of arrow release that uses the arrow nock to tension the bowstring;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the system positioned to cock a compact arrow launching device with the type of release that directly tensions the bowstring;

FIG. 6 is the same configuration as FIG. 5, now showing the system in the cocked position, ready to be loaded with an arrow.

FIG. 7 is perspective view of an airgun radial-rail arrow support;

FIG. 8 is the same view of FIG. 7 including an arrow prior to loading;

FIG. 9 is the same view as FIG. 8 depicting a loaded arrow;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are frontal profile views of FIG. 9, without and with an arrow engaged in the system, respectively;

FIG. 11A is a frontal view of an airgun radial-rail arrow support utilized within a stem-driven propulsion system, whereas FIG. 11B is shown within a barrel-driven system;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of half an airgun barrel assembly containing a radial-rail arrow support;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an airgun barrel assembly containing a radial-rail arrow support, prior to being loaded with an arrow; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an airgun barrel assembly containing a radial-rail arrow support, loaded with an arrow.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal configuration of a commercial implementation of any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may be configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide an arrow support system for compact arrow launching devices. In embodiments where the launching device uses a movable arrow release to tension a bow string, an arrow rest is formed as an extended portion of a movable arrow release within such a compact arrow launching device that utilizes the arrow release to also cock and de-cock the device. The arrow rest captures a significant portion of radial arrow shaft surface in order to secure the arrow through all modes of use. This high amount of arrow shaft capture is possible because the structure is a part of the movable release and not a separate structure providing potential interference with the moveable release during operation.

In embodiments where the launching device uses pneumatic propulsion, an arrow support, that is viable in a variety of embodiments of an airgun, includes an arrow rest that captures a significant portion of radial arrow shaft surface in order to secure the arrow through all modes of use.

The system enables a novel method of safely, easily and reliably launching an arrow with high consistency in trajectory and reduced noise.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved arrow support system for compact arrow launching devices that employ a moveable release mechanism to tension the string and fire the arrow, generally denominated 100 herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention, system 100 is shown supporting an arrow 200. Integrated to the front of a release mechanism 130 is a top arrow support 110 and a lower arrow support 120. The separation between these two structures permits the arrow fletching 210 travel clearance as well as a bowstring of the launching device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B further illustrate the profile of the arrow shaft support. FIG. 2A depicts the top arrow support 110 having two radial profile portions 121 and 122 separated by a linear gap 125 between the support portions. The lower arrow support structure 120 has a radial profile 123 to support the underside of the arrow shaft. FIG. 2B illustrates the profile of an arrow 200. The top arrow fletching vane 212 is shown within the linear gap 125 between the two radial supports 121 and 122 of top arrow support 110. The vane 212 is permitted clearance along the entire length of the top arrow support 110. While top arrow support 110 could be designed as stand-alone structures, with radial support 121 as one structure and 122 as another, the preferred design is formed a single structure having a bridge 126 that bridges over the top of the arrow fletching vane 212. The bridge 126 can be disposed radially away from the linear gap 125 to permit the arrow fletching to pass through the linear gap 125 without contacting the bridge 126. The underside of arrow 200 is supported between fletching vane 211 and 210 by radial support 123.

As can be seen in FIG. 2B, the arrow 200 is closely radially captured within the structure 100. The radial supports 121, 122, 123 can contact or nearly contact the arrow 200. For example, as uses herein, the “close” radial capture can be defined as having the radial supports 121, 122, 123 as being in contact with or within about 0.02 inch, often within 0.001 inch of the arrow 200.

The top arrow support 110 and the lower arrow support structure 120 can integrally extend from the release mechanism 130 to radially capture a significant portion of the nock end 220 of an arrow shaft 201. The elongated structure provided by the top arrow support 110 and the lower arrow support structure 120 permits fletching clearance which allows arrow support well beyond the position of fletching and bow string clearance during all modes of operation. As used above, a “significant” portion of the nock end of the arrow shaft, as best seen in FIG. 1, for example, can extend beyond the fletching a distance from about 1 inch to about 12 inches, for example.

FIG. 3 shows the movable radial arrow support system implemented within compact arrow launching device 300. System 100 is shown in a position where the arrow 200 is loaded and the compact arrow launching device 300 is in a loaded position ready to fire the arrow.

FIG. 4 illustrates the movable radial arrow support system 100 configured in a type of compact arrow launching device that uses the release to engage the arrow nock as the means to draw back the bowstring, thus cocking and loading the device simultaneously. Typically, system 100 is guided along a track on the top of compact arrow launching device 300, however, it can also be implemented without a guide track.

As a comparative implementation, FIG. 5 shows system 100 configured with the type of compact arrow launching device that utilizes the release mechanism to engage the bowstring to first cock the bow string, then load the arrow into the cocked device. System 100 is shown in a position where it is engaged to the bowstring prior to cocking the device.

FIG. 6 depicts system 100 in the same type of compact arrow launching device shown in FIG. 5. System 100 is now shown in the cocked position in this type of arrow launching device prior to the arrow being loaded.

Referring to FIGS. 7 through 14, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved arrow support system 700 for firing an arrow when the arrow utilizing pneumatic propulsion.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, in accordance with the present invention, system 700 is shown.

FIG. 8 depicts the system 700 prior to being loaded with an arrow 200.

FIG. 9 is a view of FIG. 2 with the arrow 200 in a loaded position.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the profile features within system 700 supporting the features of an arrow. Profile feature 701 follows the contour of an arrow shaft 201, and profile features 702 follows the contours of the fletching vanes 202. Close clearances allow for smooth arrow travel in and out of the support while maintaining maximum radial capture.

The elongated profile of the system 700 provides just enough clearance to permit the fletching and the arrow shaft to slide fore and aft within the structure. As used herein, “close” clearances can have the arrow shaft 201 being in contact with or within about 0.02 inch to about 0.001 inch of the profile feature 701 (that is, the interior surface of the system 700).

The elongated structure of the system 700 captures a significant portion of the length of the radial arrow shaft surface in order to secure the arrow through all modes of use. As used herein, a “significant” portion of the arrow shaft includes over 50 percent of the arrow shaft, typically over 75 percent of the arrow shaft, and often, over 90 percent of the arrow shaft. In some embodiments, a “significant” portion may include from about 1 to about 12 inches of the arrow shaft.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are comparative views. FIG. 11A shows the profile of a pneumatic stem 800 floating in the middle of the shaft profile of system 700. Alternatively, system 700 can also be used in systems where the barrel 400 is the primary guidance support for an arrow, as shown in FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12 shows half of the assembly of the barrel 400 on an airgun 401, in which system 700 is mounted.

FIG. 13 is a view of a full airgun barrel 400 assembly, equipped with system 700 prior to an arrow 200 being loaded.

FIG. 14 illustrates a full airgun barrel 400 assembly, equipped with system 700 with an arrow 200 loaded.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different ones of the disclosed elements.

The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.