UNSTRINGING STRUCTURE FOR ARCHERY DEVICE

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Fields of the Invention

The present invention relates to an unstringing structure for archery device, and more particularly, to a safer structure of unstringing when the bow is already strung.

2. Descriptions of Related Art

Archery is one of the emerging sports activities today. Not only can it strengthen physical fitness, but it can also train mental focus, which is why many people now choose archery as a leisure/sports activity. Archery equipment carries relatively high risks. Besides the arrows themselves, the bowstring also poses certain dangers. When users operate the bow, after stringing the bowstring, the typical sequence involves nocking the arrow, aiming, and pulling the trigger to release. During this process, users need to pay attention to safety mechanisms. To avoid dry firing (releasing the bowstring without an arrow, known as dry firing), which could cause the bowstring to snap back and hit the user, extra caution is needed. The elastic force of the bowstring is extremely powerful, and in severe cases, it can cause serious lacerations and injuries.

Furthermore, sometimes users need to unstring the bowstring due to external factors. Common practices include either dry firing the bow towards the ground or loading an arrow without an arrowhead and shooting towards the ground to release the tension in the bowstring. However, these methods are more associated with professional practices. Regular users typically do not know about these two unstringing methods mentioned above, which can lead not only to personal injury but also potential damage to both the bow and bowstring.

The present invention intends to provide an unstringing structure for archery device to eliminate the shortcomings mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an unstringing structure for an archery device and comprises a control housing installed in gun body, and the control housing is combined with a safety module and a trigger module. The control housing includes an opening which faces the gun stock of the gun body. A containing chamber is formed in the control housing and located adjacent to the safety module and the trigger module. The containing chamber communicates with the opening. A control member is installed in the control housing. A part of the control member is located inside the containing chamber, and another part of the control member protrudes beyond the opening. The control member is rotatable relative to the opening, and the part that protrudes beyond the opening of the control member is retracted into the containing chamber via the opening. A push rod member includes a clamping portion and a pushing portion respectively located at opposite ends of the push rod member. The clamping portion is clamped to the part of the control member located in the containing chamber. The pushing portion pushes the safety module and trigger module when the control member retracts into the containing chamber. A first elastic member is located between the control member and the pushing portion, and a second elastic member is located between the containing chamber and a first end of the control member. The first elastic member is biased between an outer surface of the control member and the pushing portion of the push rod member. The second elastic member is biased between the first end of the control member located in the containing chamber and an inner end wall of the containing chamber.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide users with a safer method of unstringing when the bow is already strung. Users only need to follow this safer operation method to unstring the bow, which not only prevents injury to the user but also helps maintain the lifespan of components such as the bow and bowstring.

The present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only, a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the operational state of the present invention as applied to the control housing of the gun body;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded dimensional view of one side of the control housing from FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 provides a detailed exploded view of the components shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows the rotational movement of the control member from FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows the elastic compression of the first elastic member after the rotation of the control member from FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 shows the displacement of the push rod member driven by the pressing of the control member from FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates how the protruding control rib of the pushing portion drives the linkage member to swing and releases the engagement of the string hook member engagement with the bowstring from FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 demonstrates how the tongue of the pushing portion drives the movement of the safety push rod from FIG. 8, and

FIG. 11 shows the operational state with the arrow and bowstring in ready-to-fire position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, the present invention relates to an unstringing structure for an archery device and comprises a control housing 200 installed in gun body, and the control housing 200 is combined with a safety module 300 and a trigger module 400. The control housing 200 includes an opening 201 which faces the gun stock 101 of the gun body. A containing chamber 200A is formed in the control housing 200 and located adjacent to the safety module 300 and the trigger module 400. The containing chamber 200A communicates with the opening 201. A cylindrical control member 1 is installed in the control housing 200. A part of the control member 1 is located inside the containing chamber 200A, and another part of the control member 1 protrudes beyond the opening 201 for users to operate the control member 1. The control member 1 is rotatable relative to the opening 201, and the part that protrudes beyond the opening 201 of the control member 1 is retracted into the containing chamber 200A via the opening 201. An L-shaped push rod member 2 includes a clamping portion 21 and a pushing portion 22 respectively located at opposite ends of the push rod member 2. The clamping portion 21 is clamped to the part of the control member 1 located in the containing chamber 200A. The control member 1 drives the push rod member 2. The pushing portion 22 pushes the safety module 300 and trigger module 400 when the control member 1 retracts into the containing chamber 200A. A first elastic member 3 is located between the control member 1 and the pushing portion 22, and a second elastic member 30 is located between the containing chamber 200A and a first end of the control member 1. The first elastic member 3 is biased between an outer surface of the control member 1 and the pushing portion 22 of the push rod member 2. The second elastic member 30 is biased between the first end of the control member 1 located in the containing chamber 200A and an inner end wall of the containing chamber 200A. By utilizing the pressing action of the control member 1 against the control housing 200, the mechanism can control and disengage the safety module 300 while simultaneously releasing the engagement between the trigger module 400 and a bowstring 500. This enables controlled, gradual movement of the bowstring 500 to its unstrung position.

Please refer to FIG. 11, which shows the operational state when a user is preparing to shoot, with the arrow 600 and bowstring 500 in ready-to-fire position (safety module 300 in safe mode, the trigger module 400 unable to release). When external factors require unstringing, the user can first remove the arrow 600 and then operate the control member 1 by using the following procedures. First, hold the bowstring 500 with one hand, and use the other hand to rotate the control member 1 and then press it inward toward the containing chamber 200A. During this pressing action, due to the assembly between the control member 1 and the clamping portion 21 of the push rod member 2, the displacement of the control member 1 simultaneously drives the movement of the push rod member 2. The movement of push rod member 2 causes its pushing portion 22 to activate both the safety module 300 and trigger module 400. This action switches the safety module 300 from safe mode to firing mode while simultaneously releasing the trigger module 400 restriction. As a result, the bowstring 500 is no longer constrained by the trigger module 400 and can be released.

At this point, the user can slowly release the bowstring 500 back to its original unstrung position. This controlled release method prevents the rapid snap-back of the bowstring 500, protecting the user's hands from potential string-related injuries. With the combination of the control member 1 and push rod member 2, there is no longer a need to use additional arrows (without arrowheads) to achieve the unstringing of the bowstring 500. This design provides multiple benefits: it reduces unnecessary wear and tear on the bow itself, and for users, it not only enhances safety but also reduces the burden of carrying extra equipment. Evidently, this invention offers users both improved convenience and enhanced safety features.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 11, the primary function of the safety module 300 is to provide users with a safeguard before shooting to prevent accidental discharge and potential dangers or misfires that could occur due to inattention. The ability to toggle the safety module 300 effectively prevents unintended activation of the trigger module 400.

The safety module 300 includes a safety push rod 301, a first spring control assembly 302, and a second spring control assembly 303. The safety push rod 301 includes two directional handles 304 extending from two sides thereof. The control housing 200 has two corresponding slots 202 located corresponding to the two directional handles 304. Each directional handle 304 protrudes through the slot 202 corresponding thereto. A sliding track 203 is formed in the control housing 200 and located corresponding to each slot 202. Each slot 202 communicates with the sliding track 203. The safety push rod 301 is slidable in the sliding rack 203. The first spring control assembly 302 and the second spring control assembly 303 are installed inside the control housing 200. One of two ends of the first spring control assembly 302 and one of two ends of the second spring control assembly 303 elastically protrude into the sliding track 203. Another one of the two ends of the second spring control assembly 303 elastically presses against a portion of the trigger module 400. When the safety push rod 301 moves (The safety module 300 can be manually controlled to switch between safety mode and firing mode, or alternatively, it can be indirectly controlled through the pressing action of this invention's control member 1.), the two directional handles 304 move along the slots 202. The safety push rod 301 presses against the second spring control assembly 303, so that said another one of the two ends of the second spring control assembly 303 that elastically presses against a portion of the trigger module 400, restricts the trigger module 400. The safety push rod 301 includes a recessed tooth section 305 located corresponding to the first spring control assembly 302. The tooth section 305 includes multiple concave sections 305A and multiple convex sections 305B that interconnect alternately. During a movement of the safety push rod 301, the first spring control assembly 302 is movably engaged with these concave sections 305A and convex sections 305B, thereby securing a positioning of the safety push rod 301 after movement as shown in FIG. 4.

The trigger module 400 includes a string hook member 401 for restricting the bowstring 500, a linkage member 402, a first swing member 403, a second swing member 404, a string blocking member 405, and a trigger assembly 406. The first swing member 403 is pivotally mounted in a bottom chamber 200B of the control housing 200 and is positioned beneath the safety module 300. The second spring control assembly 303 elastically presses against one end of the first swing member 403. A first end of the linkage member 402 is assembled to the first swing member 403, and a second end of the linkage member 402 extends toward the containing chamber 200A and is partially located within the containing chamber 200A. The pushing portion 22 of the push rod member 2 pushes the linkage member 402 to swing when the control member 1 is pushed. The second swing member 404 is pivotally assembled in the bottom chamber 200B opposite to the linkage member 402. A portion of the second swing member 404 protrudes from the control housing 200 and is connected to the trigger assembly 406.

The string blocking member 405 is pivotally assembled inside the control housing 200 and located close to the second swing member 404. A reset spring member 700 has one of two ends thereof pressing against the control housing 200, and another one of the two ends of the reset spring member 700 presses against the string blocking member 405. The control housing 200 includes a string hook section channel 204 formed at one end thereof for the installation of the bowstring 500 and the arrow 600. The string hook section channel 204 communicates with the sliding track 203. The string blocking member 405 is driven by the spring force of the reset spring member 700 to partially protrude into the string hook section channel 204 (this serves to block the bowstring 500 before the arrow 600 is loaded, preventing any sudden, unexpected release of the bowstring 500).

The string blocking member 405 partially protrudes into the string hook section channel 204 by a spring force of the reset spring member 700. The string hook member 401 is pivotally assembled in an upper chamber 200C of the control housing 200. A portion of the string hook member 401 protrudes from the upper chamber 200C and is positioned in the bottom chamber 200B. The string hook member 401 includes a catch section 4010 that is engaged with the first swing member 403. The string hook member 401 includes a hook claw section 4011 for hooking the bowstring 500. A trigger spring 800 is biased between the string blocking member 405 and an inner wall surface of the upper chamber 200C.

The trigger assembly 406 includes a trigger member 4060 and a connecting rod 4061. The connecting rod 4061 is pivotally connected between the second swing member 404 and the trigger member 4060. When the trigger member 4060 is activated, the connecting rod 4061 indirectly pivots the second swing member 404, and the safety module 300 is switched to a firing-ready state. The second swing member 404 controls the first swing member 403 to swing so as to disengage the first swing member 403 from the string hook member 401, thereby releasing restriction of the string hook member 401 to the bowstring 500 as shown in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the control member 1 includes a cylindrical head section 11, a neck section 12, a flange section 13, and a tail section 14. The neck section 12 is connected between the head section 11 and the flange section 13. The tail section 14 is connected to the flange section 13 opposite to the neck section 12. The inner end wall of the containing chamber 200A includes a circular hole 205 which is located corresponding to the tail section 14. The second elastic member 30 is installed in this circular hole 205. The clamping portion 21 of the push rod member 2 is clamped to the neck section 12. When the control member 1 moves toward the circular hole 205, the second elastic member 30 located in the circular hole 205 is compressed and the push rod member 2 is moved to activate the safety module 300 and the trigger module 400.

In order to prevent users from accidentally triggering the control member 1 when pressing it is not intended, which could result in an unexpected release of the bowstring 500, the head section 11 includes a protruding blocking rib 15 extending from an outer surface thereof. A blocking plate 206 protrudes from an inner periphery of the opening 201 in the control housing 200. The blocking plate 206 divides the opening 201 into a first hole area 201A and a second hole area 201B, wherein the first hole area 201A is larger than the second hole area 201B. Before the control member 1 is pushed and pressed against the control housing 200, the protruding blocking rib 15 is stopped by the blocking plate 206. When the control member 1 is rotated, the protruding blocking rib 15 is removed from the blocking plate 206 and is aligned with the second hole area 201B, so that the head section 11 and protruding blocking rib 15 are located corresponding with the first hole area 201A and second hole area 201B, thereby enabling an external force to be applied to press the control member 1. As a result, this indirectly disengages both the safety module 300 and trigger module 400, allowing for the slow and controlled unstringing operation of the bowstring 500, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 10.

The push rod member 2 serves as the primary linking mechanism between the control member 1 and both the safety module 300 and trigger module 400. The push rod member 2 takes the form of a vertical plate-like block. The clamping portion 21 of the push rod member 2 includes a concave arc groove 211 formed at the end corresponding to the control member 1. A portion of the control member 1 is fitted into the concave arc groove 211. The pushing portion 22 is connected perpendicular to the clamping portion 21. The pushing portion 22 has a receiving hole 221 that corresponds to the first elastic member 3. The control member 1 has a recess 131 that corresponds to the receiving hole 221. Two ends of the first elastic member 3 are respectively installed and positioned in the receiving hole 221 and the recess 131. This prevents the first elastic member 3 from disengaging and ensures that when operation is complete, the control member 1 can return to its original position, allowing the protruding blocking rib 15 to maintain contact and remain limited by the blocking plate 206, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7.

In order to simultaneously perform the disengagement operation of both the safety module 300 and the trigger module 400. One side of the pushing portion 22 corresponding to the trigger module 400 includes at least one horizontally protruding control rib 222. When the control member 1 is pressed, the at least one protruding control rib 222 pushes against the trigger module 400 so as to release an engagement with a bowstring 500. The pushing portion 22 includes a tongue 223 which moves and pushes the safety module 300 when the control member 1 is pressed. Through the implementation of the tongue 223 and at least one protruding control rib 222, when the push rod member 2 is displaced, it can simultaneously disengage both the safety module 300 and trigger module 400. This enables controlled, gradual release and reset of the bowstring 500, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 10.

Due to the incorporation of the first and second elastic members 3, 30, the present invention provides stability to the movement of the push rod member 2. As a result, the push rod member 2 experiences a greater degree of elastic thrust to ensure controlled movement. The containing chamber 200A in the control housing 200 includes a recessed groove track 207 formed in an inner periphery thereof. The tongue 223 has at least one guide block 224 protruding from one side thereof. The at least one guide block 224 is partially positioned within the groove track 207. During the movement of the push rod member 2, the at least one guide block 224 moves along the groove track 207.

In addition to the groove track 207 in the containing chamber 200A, another groove track 207 is installed on the opposite side of the containing chamber 200A. These groove tracks 207 primarily accommodate the at least one protruding control rib 222. During the movement of the push rod member 2, the at least one protruding control rib 222, like the at least one guide block 224, can move along the track pattern of the groove track 207. Moreover, the installation of these groove tracks 207 helps stabilize the movement of the push rod member 2 and prevents it from disengaging. This configuration ensures more stable operation of the control member 1, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8 through 10.

While we have shown and described the embodiment in accordance with the present invention, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.