US20130139799A1 - Arrow Rests With Brushes - Google Patents
Arrow Rests With Brushes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130139799A1 US20130139799A1 US13/310,756 US201113310756A US2013139799A1 US 20130139799 A1 US20130139799 A1 US 20130139799A1 US 201113310756 A US201113310756 A US 201113310756A US 2013139799 A1 US2013139799 A1 US 2013139799A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- launcher
- arrow
- shaped
- ready
- brush
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B5/00—Bows; Crossbows
- F41B5/14—Details of bows; Accessories for arc shooting
- F41B5/1403—Details of bows
- F41B5/143—Arrow rests or guides
Definitions
- Arrow rests are used in combination with a bow to support an arrow during draw and release of the bow's bowstring.
- An arrow rest may be designed to lift an arrow into a firing position as the bowstring is drawn by an archer.
- Archers desire an arrow resting surface that allows for precision and accuracy when firing an arrow.
- currently available arrow rest surfaces can wear down, affecting the performance of the arrow rest. Accordingly, there is a need for improved arrow rests with, for example, improved arrow rest surfaces.
- a launcher for a bow comprises: (1) a base; (2) at least one brush disposed on the base, the at least one brush defining an arrow support surface; and (3) a linking mechanism.
- the linking mechanism is connected to move the launcher from a first position to a second, ready-to-fire position when an arrow is at least partially supported on the arrow support surface, and the launcher is adapted so that, as the launcher moves from the first position to the second, ready-to-fire position, the at least one brush urges the arrow into a ready-to-fire position.
- a launcher comprises: (1) a base defining a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped arrow support; (2) at least one brush disposed on the arrow support portion, the at least one brush defining an arrow support surface; (3) an enclosure positioned adjacent the base; and a linking mechanism.
- the linking mechanism is adapted to upwardly rotate the base from a first position to a second, ready-to-fire position when an arrow is at least partially supported by the base's arrow support;
- the launcher is adapted, so that, as the base moves from the first position to the second, ready-to-fire position, the at least one brush urges the arrow into a ready-to-fire position;
- the arrow support portion is positioned at least substantially within the enclosure when the base is in the second, ready to fire position.
- FIGS. 1-3 are perspective views of a first embodiment of a drop away arrow rest as an arrow is moved from a first, dropped away position to a second, ready-to-fire position.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drop away arrow rest of FIG. 1 immediately following the firing of the arrow.
- FIGS. 5-7 are perspective views of a second embodiment of a drop away arrow rest as the drop away arrow rest is moved from a first, dropped away position to a second, ready-to-fire position.
- FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a locking mechanism.
- FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a locking mechanism.
- FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a locking mechanism.
- FIG. 8D is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a locking mechanism.
- FIG. 8E is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a locking mechanism.
- FIG. 8F is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 8E with a cord in the locked position.
- FIG. 8G is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the locking mechanism of FIG. 8E .
- FIG. 8H is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a locking mechanism.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the drop away arrow rest of FIG. 1 on a bow in a first, dropped away position.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the drop away arrow rest and bow of FIG. 9 in a second, ready-to-fire position.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the drop away arrow rest and bow of FIG. 9 immediately following the firing of the arrow.
- FIGS. 1-4 A drop away arrow rest 10 according to a first embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-4 .
- FIG. 1 shows the drop away arrow rest 10 in a first, dropped away position
- FIG. 3 shows the drop away arrow rest 10 in a second, ready-to-fire position.
- the drop away arrow rest 10 comprises: (1) a V-shaped launcher 200 ; (2) a C-shaped enclosure 100 ; (3) a cord 300 ; (4) a plurality of brushes 250 disposed adjacent an interior arrow support surface of the V-shaped launcher 200 ; and (5) a locking mechanism 350 .
- These various components are discussed in greater detail below.
- the V-shaped launcher 200 includes a base piece 210 , which may, for example, be in the shape of a cuboid.
- the base piece 210 may be is pivotally attached (e.g., to) adjacent the base of the C-shaped enclosure 100 .
- the V-shaped launcher is adapted to pivot about the lower end of the base piece 210 . As shown in FIG.
- the base piece 210 of the V-shaped launcher 200 extends substantially vertically (e.g., vertically) from the base of the C-shaped enclosure 100 when the V-shaped launcher 200 is in a second, ready-to-fire position and the drop away arrow rest 10 is in a substantially vertical (e.g., vertical) orientation.
- the base piece 210 of the V-shaped launcher 200 is substantially perpendicular to the ground when the V-shaped launcher 200 is in the second, ready-to-fire position and the drop away arrow rest 10 is in an upright orientation.
- the V-shaped launcher 200 comprises two arrow supports 220 , 230 that cooperate to form a V-shape from the top end of the base piece 210 of the V-shaped launcher.
- the arrow supports 220 , 230 are substantially straight (e.g., straight). In other embodiments of the V-shaped launcher 200 , the arrow supports 220 , 230 may be curved.
- the first arrow support 220 extends upwardly and away from the second arrow support 230 at an angle of at least about forty five degrees (e.g., forty five degrees) from vertical.
- the second arrow support 230 extends upwardly and away from the first arrow support 220 at an angle of at least about forty five degrees from vertical.
- the first and second arrow supports 220 , 230 form an angle of about ninety degrees between them.
- first and second arrow supports 220 , 230 may extend at any suitable angle from the base piece 210 such that an arrow can fit between the first and second arrow supports 220 , 230 .
- the first and second arrow supports 220 , 230 are substantially planar (e.g., planar).
- the plane of the V-shape formed by the first and second arrow supports 220 , 230 is disposed substantially perpendicular to (e.g., perpendicular to) the direction in which an arrow would be fired from the bow.
- the arrow supports 220 , 230 define an interior arrow support surface 240 as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the interior arrow support surface 240 is adapted to support the shaft of an arrow 50 when the V-shaped launcher 200 is in the second, ready-to-fire position.
- the interior arrow support surface 240 of the two arrow supports 220 , 230 further include a plurality of brushes 250 , which may serve essentially as an extension of the arrow support surface 240 .
- the V-shaped launcher 200 may include a biasing mechanism for biasing the V-shaped launcher 200 toward a particular home position.
- the particular home position may be a first, dropped away position as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the biasing mechanism may include a torsion spring.
- the biasing mechanism may include any other suitable mechanism for biasing the V-shaped launcher 200 towards the particular home position (e.g., a linear spring).
- the V-shaped launcher 200 includes a stopping mechanism that is adapted to prevent the biasing mechanism from biasing the V-shaped launcher 200 past the first, dropped away position.
- the stopping mechanism may include any suitable mechanism for preventing the biasing mechanism from biasing the V-shaped launcher 200 past the first, dropped away position (e.g., a pin).
- the launcher may include arrow supports 220 , 230 that form a shape other than a V-shape (e.g., a U-shape, a horizontal bar, or any other suitable shape to support an arrow).
- the V-shaped launcher 220 may be made of any suitable material (e.g., a suitable metal such as aluminum or steel, or plastic).
- the C-shaped enclosure 100 extends around the V-shaped launcher 200 in a substantially C-shape (e.g., C-shape) when the V-shaped launcher 200 is in the second, ready-to-fire position.
- a substantially C-shape e.g., C-shape
- the V-shaped launcher 200 and C-shaped enclosure 100 are oriented in substantially the same plane when the V-shaped launcher 200 is in the second, ready-to-fire position.
- the C-shaped enclosure 100 includes a first opening (e.g., the opening in the substantially circular perimeter of the C-shaped enclosure 100 ).
- the first opening in the C-shaped enclosure 100 is sufficiently large to allow the shaft of an arrow to pass through the first opening.
- the C-shaped enclosure 100 is adapted to cooperate with the V-shaped launcher 200 to maintain an arrow within the C-shaped enclosure 100 when the arrow is in the second, ready-to-fire position.
- the left arrow support of the V-shaped launcher 200 substantially obstructs (e.g., obstructs) the first opening in the C-shaped enclosure 100 such that the shaft of an arrow may no longer be able to pass through the first opening of the C-shaped enclosure 100 .
- the C-shaped enclosure 100 comprises a second opening.
- the second opening is disposed at the rear base of the C-shaped enclosure 100 .
- the second opening is sufficiently large to allow a cord 300 to pass through the second opening.
- the second opening may be adapted to house the locking mechanism 350 .
- the C-shaped enclosure 100 may be made of any suitable material (e.g., any suitable metal such as aluminum, or plastic).
- the cord 300 may be made of any appropriate, preferably strong and flexible, material (e.g., an appropriate synthetic material such as Kevlar).
- the cord 300 may be any suitable flexible and/or rigid element (e.g., a string, line, cable, chain, or rod).
- the cord 300 may include string or rope made from several twisted or woven strands.
- the cord 300 may include string or rope made from a single strand.
- the cord 300 runs through the second opening in the C-shaped enclosure 100 and through the locking mechanism 350 . As may be understood from FIGS.
- the cord 300 may be substantially coupled with (e.g., coupled with) the bowstring of an archery bow. As an archer pulls back on the arrow 50 , the bowstring pulls back on the cord 300 , which may cause the V-shaped launcher 200 to rise away from the first, dropped away position to the second, ready-to-fire position.
- the drop away arrow rest 10 includes a plurality of brushes 250 attached adjacent (e.g., to) an interior arrow support surface 240 of the V-shaped launcher 200 .
- each of the plurality of brushes 250 comprises a plurality of individual bristles.
- the brushes 250 extend substantially perpendicularly (e.g., perpendicularly) from the interior arrow support surface 240 .
- the brushes may be made of any material that is sufficiently stiff to raise an arrow from the first, dropped away position and support the arrow in the second, ready-to-fire position and sufficiently flexible to provide some give or play when an archer is preparing to fire an arrow (e.g., nylon or any other suitable material).
- the brushes 250 are attached adjacent (e.g., to) an interior arrow support surface of the V-shaped launcher 200 in a substantially circular (e.g., circular) clusters of bristles.
- the brushes 250 may be disposed in any other suitable grouping of bristles (e.g., square or triangular).
- the brushes 250 may be arranged to cover substantially all (e.g., all) of the interior support surface of the V-shaped launcher 300 .
- the clusters of bristles have substantially the same (e.g., the same) diameter.
- the substantially circular (e.g., circular) clusters of bristles are spaced apart from one another by a distance approximately equal to (e.g., equal to) the diameter of the circular clusters of bristles.
- the brushes 250 are disposed adjacent (e.g., to) the interior arrow support surface of the V-shaped launcher 200 in staggered rows.
- the staggered rows are arranged such that the center of an individual brush 250 (e.g., a substantially circular (e.g., circular) cluster of bristles) is disposed substantially adjacent to (e.g., adjacent to) the midpoint of two adjacent brushes in an adjoining row.
- a substantially circular (e.g., circular) cluster of bristles e.g., a substantially circular cluster of bristles
- drop away arrow rest 10 may include any appropriate arrangement of brushes 250 .
- Certain embodiments of the drop away arrow rest may include a checkerboard arrangement of brushes 250 on the interior arrow support surface of the V-shaped launcher 200 .
- Other embodiments may include any other suitable arrangement of brushes (e.g., a honeycomb arrangement, zigzag arrangement, etc.)
- the drop away arrow rest 10 includes a locking mechanism 350 .
- the locking mechanism is adapted to cooperate with the cord 300 to lock the drop away arrow rest in the second, ready-to-fire position.
- the locking mechanism 350 is adapted to exert opposing lateral forces on the cord 300 (e.g., pinch the cord 300 ) to lock the cord 300 when the drop away arrow rest 10 is in the second, ready to fire position.
- the locking mechanism 350 is disposed adjacent a rear lower portion of the C-shaped enclosure 100 .
- FIGS. 8A-G show various embodiments of a locking mechanism 350 A, 350 B-F.
- the locking mechanism may be adapted to exert opposing lateral forces on the cord 300 in order to lock the cord 300 in place.
- FIG. 8H particular embodiments of the locking mechanism 350 F may be adapted to cooperate with a bulge 360 F in the cord 300 to lock the cord 300 in place.
- FIG. 8A A first embodiment of a locking mechanism 350 A is shown in FIG. 8A .
- the first embodiment of a locking mechanism 350 A comprises a first cylinder 380 A and a second cylinder 390 A.
- the first and second cylinders 380 A, 390 A are substantially circular (e.g., circular) cylinders.
- the first and second cylinders may have any appropriately shaped profile (e.g., rectangular or triangular).
- the first and second cylinders are disposed substantially co-linearly (e.g., co-linearly).
- a locking mechanism 350 A according to the first embodiment may, for example, be housed within any appropriate enclosure.
- the first cylinder 380 A and the second cylinder 390 A may each be disposed within an opening that substantially corresponds to (e.g., corresponds to) the profile and size of the first and second cylinders 380 A, 390 A.
- the first cylinder 380 A is adapted to exert a lateral force against the cord 300
- the second cylinder 390 A is adapted to exert a lateral force against the cord 300 that opposes the lateral force of the first cylinder 380 a when the cord 300 is between the first and second cylinders 380 A, 390 A.
- the first embodiment of the locking mechanism 350 A may include a first and second biasing mechanism that are adapted to bias the first and second cylinders 380 A, 390 A toward each other and against the cord 300 .
- the first cylinder 380 A and second cylinder 390 A are adapted to cooperate to pinch together to hold the cord 300 in place when the drop away arrow rest 10 is in the second, ready-to-fire position.
- the locking mechanism may further comprise at least one tooth on the end of the first cylinder 380 A, second cylinder 390 A, or both 380 A, 390 A.
- the tooth may comprise a protrusion that extends from the portion of the first or second cylinder 380 A, 390 A that pinches against the cord 300 .
- FIG. 8B A second embodiment of a locking mechanism 350 B is shown in FIG. 8B .
- the second embodiment of the locking mechanism 350 B comprises a first biasing mechanism 360 B, a second biasing mechanism 370 B, a first ball bearing 380 B, and a second ball bearing 390 B.
- the first and second ball bearings are substantially spherical (e.g., spherical). In other embodiments, the first and second ball bearings may be any other appropriate shape (e.g., cubic).
- the first and second biasing mechanisms 360 B, 370 B are disposed adjacent an exterior portion of the first and second ball bearings 380 B, 390 B.
- first and second ball bearings 380 B, 390 B are disposed substantially co-linearly (e.g., co-linearly).
- a locking mechanism 350 B in the second embodiment may be housed within any appropriate enclosure.
- the first biasing mechanism 360 B and first ball bearing 380 B and the second biasing mechanism 370 B and second ball bearing 390 B may each be disposed within an opening that substantially corresponds to (e.g., corresponds to) the profile and size of the first and second ball bearings 380 B, 390 B.
- the first biasing mechanism 360 B is adapted to bias the first ball bearing 380 B against the cord 300
- the second biasing mechanism 370 B is adapted to bias the second ball bearing 390 B against the cord 300 when the cord 300 is between the first and second ball bearings 380 B, 390 B.
- the first and second biasing mechanisms 360 B, 370 B are springs.
- the first and second springs 360 B, 370 B may be sufficiently stiff to press the first and second ball bearings 380 B, 390 B together with sufficient force to hold the cord 300 in place between the first and second ball bearings 360 B, 370 B.
- the first ball bearing 380 B and second ball bearing 390 B are adapted to exert opposing lateral forces on the cord 300 to pinch together to hold the cord 300 in place when the drop away arrow rest 10 is in the second, ready-to-fire position.
- FIG. 8C A third embodiment of the locking mechanism 350 C is shown in FIG. 8C .
- the third embodiment of the locking mechanism comprises a first lock piece 380 C, a second lock piece 390 C pivotally mounted about a pin 395 C, and a biasing mechanism 370 C.
- the first lock piece 380 and second lock piece 390 C are disposed adjacent (e.g., to) and spaced a distance apart from one another.
- the first lock piece 380 C is a fixed extrusion made of any suitable material (e.g., a suitable metal such as aluminum, or plastic).
- the face of the first lock piece 380 C that contacts the cord 300 may have any suitable surface geometry.
- the face of the first lock piece 380 C curves away from the second lock piece 390 C.
- the first lock piece 380 C may have a substantially flat (e.g., flat) face.
- the face of the first lock piece 380 C may have a surface geometry that corresponds with the face of the second lock piece 390 C that contacts the cord 300 . For example, as shown in FIG.
- the first lock piece 380 C may have a face that curves inward, away from the second lock piece 390 C while the second lock piece 390 C has a face that comprises a protrusion that corresponds with the curve in the face of the first lock piece 380 C.
- the second lock piece 390 C is pivotally mounted about a pin 395 C.
- the biasing mechanism 370 C is disposed adjacent (e.g., to) an exterior portion of the second lock piece 390 C a distance apart from the pin 395 C.
- the biasing mechanism 370 C is adapted to bias the second lock piece 390 C about the pin 395 C and press the second lock piece against the cord 300 when the cord 300 is between the first lock piece 380 C and the second lock piece 390 C.
- the biasing mechanism 370 C is a spring.
- the spring may be sufficiently stiff to press the second lock piece 390 C against the cord 300 with sufficient force to hold the cord in place between the first lock piece 380 C and the second lock piece 390 C.
- the first lock piece 380 C and second lock piece 390 C are adapted to exert opposing lateral forces that facilitate holding the cord 300 in place when the drop away arrow rest 10 is in the second, ready-to-fire position.
- FIG. 8D A fourth embodiment of the locking mechanism 350 D is shown in FIG. 8D .
- the fourth embodiment of the locking mechanism 350 D includes a first flexible member 380 D and a second flexible member 390 D.
- the first and second flexible members are substantially co-planar (e.g., co-planer).
- the first flexible member 380 D comprises a first end
- the second flexible member 390 D comprises a second end.
- the first and second ends are disposed substantially adjacent (e.g., to) on another.
- the first flexible member 380 D and second flexible member 390 D further comprise a first and second biasing mechanism.
- the first biasing mechanism is adapted to bias the first end of the first flexible member 380 D toward the second end of the second flexible member 390 D
- the second biasing mechanism is adapted to bias the second end of the second flexible member 390 D toward the first end of the first flexible member 380 D.
- the first flexible member 380 D and second flexible member 390 D are adapted to exert equal opposing forces against the cord 300 while the cord is between the first flexible member 380 D and second flexible member 390 D. Such opposing lateral forces facilitate the locking of the cord 300 between the first and second ends of the first and second flexible members 380 D, 390 D.
- the first and second flexible members 380 D, 390 D may be made of any suitable, preferably flexible material (e.g., a suitable metal such as aluminum, or plastic) that is sufficiently flexible to allow the cord 300 to slide between the first and second flexible members 380 D, 390 D and sufficiently stiff to lock the cord 300 in place between the first and second flexible members 380 D, 390 D.
- a suitable metal such as aluminum, or plastic
- FIGS. 8E and 8F A fifth embodiment of the locking mechanism 350 E is shown in FIGS. 8E and 8F .
- the fifth embodiment of the locking mechanism 350 E includes a clip with a first end 380 E and a second end 390 E.
- the clip comprises a substantially continuous (e.g., continuous) tubular member that extends between the first end 380 E and the second end 390 E.
- the first end 380 E and the second end 390 E of the clip run substantially parallel (e.g., parallel) to one another when there is no cord 300 between the first and second ends 380 E, 390 E.
- FIG. 8E the first end 380 E and the second end 390 E of the clip run substantially parallel (e.g., parallel) to one another when there is no cord 300 between the first and second ends 380 E, 390 E.
- the remainder of the clip extends in a substantially tear drop shape (e.g., a tear drop shape) from the first and second ends 380 E, 390 E.
- Other embodiments of the clip may include a clip with any appropriate shape (e.g., a triangular shape).
- the clip may be made of any suitable material that is sufficiently flexible to allow the cord 300 to slide between the first and second ends 380 E, 390 E and sufficiently stiff to allow the first and second ends 380 E, 390 E to pinch the cord 300 when the cord 300 is between the first and second ends 380 E, 390 E.
- the first end 380 E and second end 390 E may include a biasing mechanism to bias the first end 380 E toward the second end 390 E to lock the cord 300 between the first end 380 E and the second end 390 E.
- a biasing mechanism to bias the first end 380 E toward the second end 390 E to lock the cord 300 between the first end 380 E and the second end 390 E.
- FIGS. 8E and 8F as the cord 300 slides between the first end 380 E and second end 390 E, the clip opens slightly to allow the cord 300 to pass between the first and second end 380 E, 390 E.
- the biasing mechanism biases the first and second ends 380 E, 390 E together to pinch the cord 300 and lock the cord 300 in place.
- the first and second ends 380 E, 390 E may exert opposing lateral forces on the cord 300 that facilitate locking the cord 300 when the drop away arrow rest 10 is in the second, ready-to-fire position.
- an upper connecting portion 385 G may extend between an upper end of the first end 380 G and the second end 390 G.
- the upper connecting portion 385 G is a substantially U-shaped tubular member.
- the upper connecting portion 385 G may be adapted to prevent the cord 300 from slipping out of the top portion of the locking mechanism 350 G when the cord 300 is in a locked position between the first and second ends 380 G, 390 G.
- FIG. 8H A sixth embodiment of the locking mechanism 350 F is shown in FIG. 8H .
- the sixth embodiment of the locking mechanism includes a bulge 380 F on the cord 300 and a notch 390 F.
- the bulge 360 F comprises a bead.
- the bulge may comprise a knot or any other appropriate bulge.
- the notch 370 D is sufficiently wide to allow the cord 300 to slide within the notch 370 D and sufficiently narrow to prevent the bulge 360 D from sliding past the notch 370 D.
- the bulge 360 D is adapted to substantially engage (e.g., engage) with the notch 370 D to lock the cord 300 in place.
- the bulge 360 F may be disposed on the cord 300 such that the bulge 360 F is adapted to substantially engage (e.g., engage) with the notch 370 F when the drop away arrow rest 10 is in the second, ready-to-fire position.
- the locking mechanism 350 functions by pinching the cord 300 in order to lock the drop away arrow rest 10 in the second, ready-to-fire position.
- the cord 300 is coupled with the drawstring of the archery bow such that when the drawstring is drawn, the cord 300 is pulled. Because the cord 360 is adapted to move the drop away arrow rest 10 from the first, dropped away position to the second, ready-to-fire position when pulled, drawing the drawstring moves the drop away arrow rest 10 into the second, ready-to-fire position.
- the cord 300 slides up between the two pinching sides of the locking mechanism 350 .
- the two pinching sides of the locking mechanism may include two cylinders as in the first locking mechanism embodiment, two springs and two ball bearings as in the second locking system embodiment, or any other suitable locking mechanism.
- the two pinching sides may pinch against the cord 300 , substantially locking (e.g., locking) the cord 300 in place.
- the cord 300 may be adapted to lock between the two pinching sides of the locking mechanism 350 when the drop away arrow rest 10 is in the second, ready-to-fire position.
- the locking mechanism 350 may be further adapted to release when the archery bow is fired such that the drop away arrow rest 10 returns to the first, dropped away position when the archery bow is fired.
- the release of the drawstring may cause the cord 300 to release from between the two pinching sides of the locking mechanism 350 , allowing the biasing mechanism of the V-shaped launcher 200 to bias the drop away arrow rest 10 back to the first, dropped away position.
- the force of the drawstring pulls the cord 300 from between the two pinching sides, releasing the locking mechanism.
- the drop away arrow rest 10 may be adapted to not substantially interfere with (e.g., not interfere with) the flight of the arrow.
- Alternative embodiments of the drop away arrow rest 10 may comprise components that are, in some respects, similar to the various components described above. Selected distinguishing features of these alternative embodiments are discussed below.
- a locking mechanism may include any appropriate combination of the locking mechanisms described in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments described above.
- a locking mechanism may include a first biasing mechanism and a cylinder as well as a second biasing member and a ball bearing.
- the first biasing mechanism may bias the cylinder against the ball bearing
- the second biasing mechanism may bias the ball bearing against the cylinder.
- the resulting opposing lateral force may facilitate the locking of the cord 300 .
- the drop away arrow rest 10 may include an enclosure other than a C-shaped enclosure. Other embodiments may include no enclosure around the V-shaped launcher 200 .
- the drop away arrow rest includes a substantially U-shaped (e.g., U-Shaped) enclosure with an opening at the top of the enclosure for the insertion of an arrow.
- an arrow rest may include other suitable mechanisms to move an arrow into a firing position.
- particular embodiments may include an arrow rest that rotates to lift an arrow into a firing position.
- a locking mechanism 350 may be adapted to lock any arrow rest in a firing position, or any other suitable position.
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Abstract
A launcher for a bow, according to various embodiments, comprises (1) a base, (2) at least one brush that is disposed on the base and defines an arrow support surface, and (3) a linking mechanism between the bow and the base. The linking mechanism is adapted to move the launcher from a first position to a second, ready-to-fire position, and the launcher is adapted to lift an arrow when moving from the first position to the second, ready-to-fire position. The brush may, for example, serve as a support surface for an arrow being fired from the bow.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/310,754 entitled “Arrow Rest Locking Mechanisms”, which was filed on Dec. 3, 2011, and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- Arrow rests are used in combination with a bow to support an arrow during draw and release of the bow's bowstring. An arrow rest may be designed to lift an arrow into a firing position as the bowstring is drawn by an archer. Archers desire an arrow resting surface that allows for precision and accuracy when firing an arrow. At times, currently available arrow rest surfaces can wear down, affecting the performance of the arrow rest. Accordingly, there is a need for improved arrow rests with, for example, improved arrow rest surfaces.
- A launcher for a bow, according to various embodiments, comprises: (1) a base; (2) at least one brush disposed on the base, the at least one brush defining an arrow support surface; and (3) a linking mechanism. In particular embodiments, the linking mechanism is connected to move the launcher from a first position to a second, ready-to-fire position when an arrow is at least partially supported on the arrow support surface, and the launcher is adapted so that, as the launcher moves from the first position to the second, ready-to-fire position, the at least one brush urges the arrow into a ready-to-fire position.
- A launcher, according to particular embodiments, comprises: (1) a base defining a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped arrow support; (2) at least one brush disposed on the arrow support portion, the at least one brush defining an arrow support surface; (3) an enclosure positioned adjacent the base; and a linking mechanism. In particular embodiments: (1) the linking mechanism is adapted to upwardly rotate the base from a first position to a second, ready-to-fire position when an arrow is at least partially supported by the base's arrow support; (2) the launcher is adapted, so that, as the base moves from the first position to the second, ready-to-fire position, the at least one brush urges the arrow into a ready-to-fire position; and (3) the arrow support portion is positioned at least substantially within the enclosure when the base is in the second, ready to fire position.
- Having described various embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
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FIGS. 1-3 are perspective views of a first embodiment of a drop away arrow rest as an arrow is moved from a first, dropped away position to a second, ready-to-fire position. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drop away arrow rest ofFIG. 1 immediately following the firing of the arrow. -
FIGS. 5-7 are perspective views of a second embodiment of a drop away arrow rest as the drop away arrow rest is moved from a first, dropped away position to a second, ready-to-fire position. -
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a locking mechanism. -
FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a locking mechanism. -
FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a locking mechanism. -
FIG. 8D is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a locking mechanism. -
FIG. 8E is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a locking mechanism. -
FIG. 8F is a perspective view of the locking mechanism ofFIG. 8E with a cord in the locked position. -
FIG. 8G is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the locking mechanism ofFIG. 8E . -
FIG. 8H is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a locking mechanism. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the drop away arrow rest ofFIG. 1 on a bow in a first, dropped away position. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the drop away arrow rest and bow ofFIG. 9 in a second, ready-to-fire position. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the drop away arrow rest and bow ofFIG. 9 immediately following the firing of the arrow. - A drop away
arrow rest 10 according to a first embodiment is shown inFIGS. 1-4 .FIG. 1 shows the drop awayarrow rest 10 in a first, dropped away position andFIG. 3 shows the drop awayarrow rest 10 in a second, ready-to-fire position. In this embodiment, the drop awayarrow rest 10 comprises: (1) a V-shaped launcher 200; (2) a C-shaped enclosure 100; (3) acord 300; (4) a plurality ofbrushes 250 disposed adjacent an interior arrow support surface of the V-shaped launcher 200; and (5) alocking mechanism 350. These various components are discussed in greater detail below. - V-Shaped Launcher
- In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 3 , the V-shaped launcher 200 includes abase piece 210, which may, for example, be in the shape of a cuboid. Thebase piece 210 may be is pivotally attached (e.g., to) adjacent the base of the C-shaped enclosure 100. As may be understood formFIGS. 1-3 , the V-shaped launcher is adapted to pivot about the lower end of thebase piece 210. As shown inFIG. 3 , thebase piece 210 of the V-shaped launcher 200 extends substantially vertically (e.g., vertically) from the base of the C-shaped enclosure 100 when the V-shaped launcher 200 is in a second, ready-to-fire position and the drop awayarrow rest 10 is in a substantially vertical (e.g., vertical) orientation. As may be understood fromFIG. 3 , thebase piece 210 of the V-shaped launcher 200 is substantially perpendicular to the ground when the V-shaped launcher 200 is in the second, ready-to-fire position and the drop awayarrow rest 10 is in an upright orientation. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the V-shaped launcher 200 comprises two arrow supports 220, 230 that cooperate to form a V-shape from the top end of thebase piece 210 of the V-shaped launcher. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3 , the arrow supports 220, 230 are substantially straight (e.g., straight). In other embodiments of the V-shaped launcher 200, the arrow supports 220, 230 may be curved. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3 , thefirst arrow support 220 extends upwardly and away from thesecond arrow support 230 at an angle of at least about forty five degrees (e.g., forty five degrees) from vertical. Thesecond arrow support 230 extends upwardly and away from thefirst arrow support 220 at an angle of at least about forty five degrees from vertical. The first and second arrow supports 220, 230 form an angle of about ninety degrees between them. - In other embodiments, the first and second arrow supports 220, 230 may extend at any suitable angle from the
base piece 210 such that an arrow can fit between the first and second arrow supports 220, 230. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 , the first and second arrow supports 220, 230 are substantially planar (e.g., planar). When the V-shaped launcher is in the second, ready-to-fire position as shown inFIG. 3 , the plane of the V-shape formed by the first and second arrow supports 220, 230 is disposed substantially perpendicular to (e.g., perpendicular to) the direction in which an arrow would be fired from the bow. - In the embodiment of the V-
shaped launcher 200 shown inFIGS. 1-4 , the arrow supports 220, 230 define an interiorarrow support surface 240 as shown inFIG. 3 . The interiorarrow support surface 240 is adapted to support the shaft of anarrow 50 when the V-shaped launcher 200 is in the second, ready-to-fire position. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4 , the interiorarrow support surface 240 of the two arrow supports 220, 230 further include a plurality ofbrushes 250, which may serve essentially as an extension of thearrow support surface 240. - The V-
shaped launcher 200 may include a biasing mechanism for biasing the V-shaped launcher 200 toward a particular home position. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4 , the particular home position may be a first, dropped away position as shown inFIG. 1 . In particular embodiments, the biasing mechanism may include a torsion spring. In other embodiments, the biasing mechanism may include any other suitable mechanism for biasing the V-shapedlauncher 200 towards the particular home position (e.g., a linear spring). In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , the V-shapedlauncher 200 includes a stopping mechanism that is adapted to prevent the biasing mechanism from biasing the V-shapedlauncher 200 past the first, dropped away position. The stopping mechanism may include any suitable mechanism for preventing the biasing mechanism from biasing the V-shapedlauncher 200 past the first, dropped away position (e.g., a pin). - Other embodiments of the launcher may include arrow supports 220, 230 that form a shape other than a V-shape (e.g., a U-shape, a horizontal bar, or any other suitable shape to support an arrow). The V-shaped
launcher 220 may be made of any suitable material (e.g., a suitable metal such as aluminum or steel, or plastic). - C-Shaped Enclosure
- As shown in
FIG. 3 , in particular embodiments, the C-shapedenclosure 100 extends around the V-shapedlauncher 200 in a substantially C-shape (e.g., C-shape) when the V-shapedlauncher 200 is in the second, ready-to-fire position. As shown inFIG. 3 , the V-shapedlauncher 200 and C-shapedenclosure 100 are oriented in substantially the same plane when the V-shapedlauncher 200 is in the second, ready-to-fire position. - In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 3 , the C-shapedenclosure 100 includes a first opening (e.g., the opening in the substantially circular perimeter of the C-shaped enclosure 100). In particular embodiments, the first opening in the C-shapedenclosure 100 is sufficiently large to allow the shaft of an arrow to pass through the first opening. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3 , the C-shapedenclosure 100 is adapted to cooperate with the V-shapedlauncher 200 to maintain an arrow within the C-shapedenclosure 100 when the arrow is in the second, ready-to-fire position. As may be understood fromFIG. 3 , when the V-shapedlauncher 200 is in the second, ready-to-fire position, the left arrow support of the V-shapedlauncher 200 substantially obstructs (e.g., obstructs) the first opening in the C-shapedenclosure 100 such that the shaft of an arrow may no longer be able to pass through the first opening of the C-shapedenclosure 100. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 , the C-shapedenclosure 100 comprises a second opening. In this embodiment, the second opening is disposed at the rear base of the C-shapedenclosure 100. In the present embodiment, the second opening is sufficiently large to allow acord 300 to pass through the second opening. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , the second opening may be adapted to house thelocking mechanism 350. - In particular embodiments, the C-shaped
enclosure 100 may be made of any suitable material (e.g., any suitable metal such as aluminum, or plastic). - Cord
- In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 4 , thecord 300 may be made of any appropriate, preferably strong and flexible, material (e.g., an appropriate synthetic material such as Kevlar). In various embodiments, thecord 300 may be any suitable flexible and/or rigid element (e.g., a string, line, cable, chain, or rod). In particular embodiments, thecord 300 may include string or rope made from several twisted or woven strands. In other embodiments, thecord 300 may include string or rope made from a single strand. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4 , thecord 300 runs through the second opening in the C-shapedenclosure 100 and through thelocking mechanism 350. As may be understood fromFIGS. 9-11 , in particular embodiments, thecord 300 may be substantially coupled with (e.g., coupled with) the bowstring of an archery bow. As an archer pulls back on thearrow 50, the bowstring pulls back on thecord 300, which may cause the V-shapedlauncher 200 to rise away from the first, dropped away position to the second, ready-to-fire position. - Brushes
- In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-4 , the drop awayarrow rest 10 includes a plurality ofbrushes 250 attached adjacent (e.g., to) an interiorarrow support surface 240 of the V-shapedlauncher 200. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4 , each of the plurality ofbrushes 250 comprises a plurality of individual bristles. As may be understood fromFIG. 3 , thebrushes 250 extend substantially perpendicularly (e.g., perpendicularly) from the interiorarrow support surface 240. In particular embodiments, the brushes may be made of any material that is sufficiently stiff to raise an arrow from the first, dropped away position and support the arrow in the second, ready-to-fire position and sufficiently flexible to provide some give or play when an archer is preparing to fire an arrow (e.g., nylon or any other suitable material). - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 5 , thebrushes 250 are attached adjacent (e.g., to) an interior arrow support surface of the V-shapedlauncher 200 in a substantially circular (e.g., circular) clusters of bristles. In other embodiments of the drop away arrow rest, thebrushes 250 may be disposed in any other suitable grouping of bristles (e.g., square or triangular). In particular embodiments of the drop awayarrow rest 10, thebrushes 250 may be arranged to cover substantially all (e.g., all) of the interior support surface of the V-shapedlauncher 300. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3 , the clusters of bristles have substantially the same (e.g., the same) diameter. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4 , the substantially circular (e.g., circular) clusters of bristles are spaced apart from one another by a distance approximately equal to (e.g., equal to) the diameter of the circular clusters of bristles. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 5 , thebrushes 250 are disposed adjacent (e.g., to) the interior arrow support surface of the V-shapedlauncher 200 in staggered rows. The staggered rows are arranged such that the center of an individual brush 250 (e.g., a substantially circular (e.g., circular) cluster of bristles) is disposed substantially adjacent to (e.g., adjacent to) the midpoint of two adjacent brushes in an adjoining row. - Other embodiments of the drop away
arrow rest 10 may include any appropriate arrangement ofbrushes 250. Certain embodiments of the drop away arrow rest may include a checkerboard arrangement ofbrushes 250 on the interior arrow support surface of the V-shapedlauncher 200. Other embodiments may include any other suitable arrangement of brushes (e.g., a honeycomb arrangement, zigzag arrangement, etc.) - Locking Mechanism
- In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-4 , the drop awayarrow rest 10 includes alocking mechanism 350. In various embodiments, the locking mechanism is adapted to cooperate with thecord 300 to lock the drop away arrow rest in the second, ready-to-fire position. In various embodiments, thelocking mechanism 350 is adapted to exert opposing lateral forces on the cord 300 (e.g., pinch the cord 300) to lock thecord 300 when the drop awayarrow rest 10 is in the second, ready to fire position. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , thelocking mechanism 350 is disposed adjacent a rear lower portion of the C-shapedenclosure 100. -
FIGS. 8A-G show various embodiments of alocking mechanism FIGS. 8A-F the locking mechanism may be adapted to exert opposing lateral forces on thecord 300 in order to lock thecord 300 in place. As shown inFIG. 8H , particular embodiments of thelocking mechanism 350F may be adapted to cooperate with abulge 360F in thecord 300 to lock thecord 300 in place. - Various embodiments of the locking mechanism are described below.
- A first embodiment of a
locking mechanism 350A is shown inFIG. 8A . The first embodiment of alocking mechanism 350A comprises afirst cylinder 380A and asecond cylinder 390A. In the first embodiment shown inFIG. 8A , the first andsecond cylinders locking mechanism 350A according to the first embodiment may, for example, be housed within any appropriate enclosure. For example, thefirst cylinder 380A and thesecond cylinder 390A may each be disposed within an opening that substantially corresponds to (e.g., corresponds to) the profile and size of the first andsecond cylinders - As may be understood from
FIG. 8A , thefirst cylinder 380A is adapted to exert a lateral force against thecord 300, and thesecond cylinder 390A is adapted to exert a lateral force against thecord 300 that opposes the lateral force of the first cylinder 380 a when thecord 300 is between the first andsecond cylinders locking mechanism 350A may include a first and second biasing mechanism that are adapted to bias the first andsecond cylinders cord 300. In the first embodiment of thelocking mechanism 350A, thefirst cylinder 380A andsecond cylinder 390A are adapted to cooperate to pinch together to hold thecord 300 in place when the drop awayarrow rest 10 is in the second, ready-to-fire position. - Various embodiments of the locking mechanism may further comprise at least one tooth on the end of the
first cylinder 380A,second cylinder 390A, or both 380A, 390A. In particular embodiments, the tooth may comprise a protrusion that extends from the portion of the first orsecond cylinder cord 300. - A second embodiment of a
locking mechanism 350B is shown inFIG. 8B . The second embodiment of thelocking mechanism 350B comprises afirst biasing mechanism 360B, asecond biasing mechanism 370B, a first ball bearing 380B, and a second ball bearing 390B. In the second embodiment of thelocking mechanism 350B, the first and second ball bearings are substantially spherical (e.g., spherical). In other embodiments, the first and second ball bearings may be any other appropriate shape (e.g., cubic). In the embodiment shown inFIG. 8B , the first andsecond biasing mechanisms second ball bearings second ball bearings locking mechanism 350B in the second embodiment may be housed within any appropriate enclosure. For example, thefirst biasing mechanism 360B and first ball bearing 380B and thesecond biasing mechanism 370B and second ball bearing 390B may each be disposed within an opening that substantially corresponds to (e.g., corresponds to) the profile and size of the first andsecond ball bearings - As may be understood from
FIG. 8B , thefirst biasing mechanism 360B is adapted to bias the first ball bearing 380B against thecord 300, and thesecond biasing mechanism 370B is adapted to bias the second ball bearing 390B against thecord 300 when thecord 300 is between the first andsecond ball bearings FIG. 8B , the first andsecond biasing mechanisms second springs second ball bearings cord 300 in place between the first andsecond ball bearings locking mechanism 350B shown inFIG. 8B , the first ball bearing 380B and second ball bearing 390B are adapted to exert opposing lateral forces on thecord 300 to pinch together to hold thecord 300 in place when the drop awayarrow rest 10 is in the second, ready-to-fire position. - A third embodiment of the
locking mechanism 350C is shown inFIG. 8C . The third embodiment of the locking mechanism comprises afirst lock piece 380C, asecond lock piece 390C pivotally mounted about apin 395C, and abiasing mechanism 370C. In the third embodiment ofFIG. 8C , the first lock piece 380 andsecond lock piece 390C are disposed adjacent (e.g., to) and spaced a distance apart from one another. In the third embodiment, thefirst lock piece 380C is a fixed extrusion made of any suitable material (e.g., a suitable metal such as aluminum, or plastic). - As shown in
FIG. 8C , the face of thefirst lock piece 380C that contacts thecord 300 may have any suitable surface geometry. In the third embodiment shown inFIG. 8C , the face of thefirst lock piece 380C curves away from thesecond lock piece 390C. In various embodiments, thefirst lock piece 380C may have a substantially flat (e.g., flat) face. In particular embodiments, the face of thefirst lock piece 380C may have a surface geometry that corresponds with the face of thesecond lock piece 390C that contacts thecord 300. For example, as shown inFIG. 8C , thefirst lock piece 380C may have a face that curves inward, away from thesecond lock piece 390C while thesecond lock piece 390C has a face that comprises a protrusion that corresponds with the curve in the face of thefirst lock piece 380C. - As may be understood from
FIG. 8C , thesecond lock piece 390C is pivotally mounted about apin 395C. In the third embodiment of thelocking mechanism 350C, thebiasing mechanism 370C is disposed adjacent (e.g., to) an exterior portion of thesecond lock piece 390C a distance apart from thepin 395C. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 8C , thebiasing mechanism 370C is adapted to bias thesecond lock piece 390C about thepin 395C and press the second lock piece against thecord 300 when thecord 300 is between thefirst lock piece 380C and thesecond lock piece 390C. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 8C , thebiasing mechanism 370C is a spring. In this embodiment, the spring may be sufficiently stiff to press thesecond lock piece 390C against thecord 300 with sufficient force to hold the cord in place between thefirst lock piece 380C and thesecond lock piece 390C. In the third embodiment of thelocking mechanism 350C, thefirst lock piece 380C andsecond lock piece 390C are adapted to exert opposing lateral forces that facilitate holding thecord 300 in place when the drop awayarrow rest 10 is in the second, ready-to-fire position. - A fourth embodiment of the
locking mechanism 350D is shown inFIG. 8D . The fourth embodiment of thelocking mechanism 350D includes a firstflexible member 380D and a secondflexible member 390D. In this embodiment, the first and second flexible members are substantially co-planar (e.g., co-planer). As shown inFIG. 8D , the firstflexible member 380D comprises a first end, and the secondflexible member 390D comprises a second end. In this embodiment, the first and second ends are disposed substantially adjacent (e.g., to) on another. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 8D , the firstflexible member 380D and secondflexible member 390D further comprise a first and second biasing mechanism. The first biasing mechanism is adapted to bias the first end of the firstflexible member 380D toward the second end of the secondflexible member 390D, and the second biasing mechanism is adapted to bias the second end of the secondflexible member 390D toward the first end of the firstflexible member 380D. In the fourth embodiment, the firstflexible member 380D and secondflexible member 390D are adapted to exert equal opposing forces against thecord 300 while the cord is between the firstflexible member 380D and secondflexible member 390D. Such opposing lateral forces facilitate the locking of thecord 300 between the first and second ends of the first and secondflexible members flexible members cord 300 to slide between the first and secondflexible members cord 300 in place between the first and secondflexible members - A fifth embodiment of the
locking mechanism 350E is shown inFIGS. 8E and 8F . The fifth embodiment of thelocking mechanism 350E includes a clip with afirst end 380E and asecond end 390E. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 8E and 8F , the clip comprises a substantially continuous (e.g., continuous) tubular member that extends between thefirst end 380E and thesecond end 390E. As may be understood fromFIG. 8E , thefirst end 380E and thesecond end 390E of the clip run substantially parallel (e.g., parallel) to one another when there is nocord 300 between the first and second ends 380E, 390E. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 8E , the remainder of the clip extends in a substantially tear drop shape (e.g., a tear drop shape) from the first and second ends 380E, 390E. Other embodiments of the clip may include a clip with any appropriate shape (e.g., a triangular shape). The clip may be made of any suitable material that is sufficiently flexible to allow thecord 300 to slide between the first and second ends 380E, 390E and sufficiently stiff to allow the first and second ends 380E, 390E to pinch thecord 300 when thecord 300 is between the first and second ends 380E, 390E. - The
first end 380E andsecond end 390E may include a biasing mechanism to bias thefirst end 380E toward thesecond end 390E to lock thecord 300 between thefirst end 380E and thesecond end 390E. As may be understood fromFIGS. 8E and 8F , as thecord 300 slides between thefirst end 380E andsecond end 390E, the clip opens slightly to allow thecord 300 to pass between the first andsecond end FIG. 8F , when thecord 300 is between the first and second ends 380E, 390E, the biasing mechanism biases the first and second ends 380E, 390E together to pinch thecord 300 and lock thecord 300 in place. When thecord 300 is between the first and second ends 380E, 390E, the first and second ends 380E, 390E may exert opposing lateral forces on thecord 300 that facilitate locking thecord 300 when the drop awayarrow rest 10 is in the second, ready-to-fire position. - In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in
FIG. 8G , an upper connectingportion 385G may extend between an upper end of thefirst end 380G and thesecond end 390G. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 8G , the upper connectingportion 385G is a substantially U-shaped tubular member. In particular embodiments, the upper connectingportion 385G may be adapted to prevent thecord 300 from slipping out of the top portion of thelocking mechanism 350G when thecord 300 is in a locked position between the first and second ends 380G, 390G. - A sixth embodiment of the
locking mechanism 350F is shown inFIG. 8H . The sixth embodiment of the locking mechanism includes a bulge 380F on thecord 300 and a notch 390F. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 8H , thebulge 360F comprises a bead. In other embodiments, the bulge may comprise a knot or any other appropriate bulge. In the sixth embodiment of thelocking mechanism 350D, the notch 370D is sufficiently wide to allow thecord 300 to slide within the notch 370D and sufficiently narrow to prevent the bulge 360D from sliding past the notch 370D. - As may be understood from
FIG. 8H , the bulge 360D is adapted to substantially engage (e.g., engage) with the notch 370D to lock thecord 300 in place. Thebulge 360F may be disposed on thecord 300 such that thebulge 360F is adapted to substantially engage (e.g., engage) with thenotch 370F when the drop awayarrow rest 10 is in the second, ready-to-fire position. - In various embodiments of the
locking mechanism 350, thelocking mechanism 350 functions by pinching thecord 300 in order to lock the drop awayarrow rest 10 in the second, ready-to-fire position. In various embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 9-11 , thecord 300 is coupled with the drawstring of the archery bow such that when the drawstring is drawn, thecord 300 is pulled. Because the cord 360 is adapted to move the drop away arrow rest 10 from the first, dropped away position to the second, ready-to-fire position when pulled, drawing the drawstring moves the drop awayarrow rest 10 into the second, ready-to-fire position. - In various embodiments, as the drawstring is drawn, the
cord 300 slides up between the two pinching sides of thelocking mechanism 350. The two pinching sides of the locking mechanism may include two cylinders as in the first locking mechanism embodiment, two springs and two ball bearings as in the second locking system embodiment, or any other suitable locking mechanism. As thecord 300 slides between the two pinching sides of thelocking mechanism 350, the two pinching sides may pinch against thecord 300, substantially locking (e.g., locking) thecord 300 in place. Thecord 300 may be adapted to lock between the two pinching sides of thelocking mechanism 350 when the drop awayarrow rest 10 is in the second, ready-to-fire position. - The
locking mechanism 350 may be further adapted to release when the archery bow is fired such that the drop awayarrow rest 10 returns to the first, dropped away position when the archery bow is fired. In certain embodiments, the release of the drawstring may cause thecord 300 to release from between the two pinching sides of thelocking mechanism 350, allowing the biasing mechanism of the V-shapedlauncher 200 to bias the drop awayarrow rest 10 back to the first, dropped away position. As the drawstring is released to fire an arrow, the force of the drawstring pulls thecord 300 from between the two pinching sides, releasing the locking mechanism. As shown may be understood fromFIG. 11 , in the first, dropped away position, the drop awayarrow rest 10 may be adapted to not substantially interfere with (e.g., not interfere with) the flight of the arrow. - Alternative embodiments of the drop away
arrow rest 10 may comprise components that are, in some respects, similar to the various components described above. Selected distinguishing features of these alternative embodiments are discussed below. - 1. Mixed Locking Mechanism
- Various embodiments of the locking mechanism may include any appropriate combination of the locking mechanisms described in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments described above. For example, a locking mechanism may include a first biasing mechanism and a cylinder as well as a second biasing member and a ball bearing. In such an embodiment, the first biasing mechanism may bias the cylinder against the ball bearing, and the second biasing mechanism may bias the ball bearing against the cylinder. In such an embodiment, the resulting opposing lateral force may facilitate the locking of the
cord 300. - 2. Non C-Shaped Enclosure
- Particular embodiments of the drop away
arrow rest 10 may include an enclosure other than a C-shaped enclosure. Other embodiments may include no enclosure around the V-shapedlauncher 200. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 5-7 , the drop away arrow rest includes a substantially U-shaped (e.g., U-Shaped) enclosure with an opening at the top of the enclosure for the insertion of an arrow. - 3. Other Lifting Arrow Rests
- Particular embodiments of an arrow rest may include other suitable mechanisms to move an arrow into a firing position. For example, rather than a V-shaped
launcher 200, particular embodiments may include an arrow rest that rotates to lift an arrow into a firing position. In particular embodiments, alocking mechanism 350 may be adapted to lock any arrow rest in a firing position, or any other suitable position. - Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, as will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, the invention may take form in a variety of different mechanical and operational configurations. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that the modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended exemplary concepts. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.
Claims (25)
1. A launcher for a bow comprising:
a base;
at least one brush disposed on said base, said at least one brush defining an arrow support surface; and
a linking mechanism, wherein:
said linking mechanism is connected to move said launcher from a first position to a second, ready-to-fire position when an arrow is at least partially supported by said arrow support surface; and
said launcher is adapted so that, as said launcher moves from said first position to said second, ready-to-fire position, said at least one brush urges said arrow into a ready-to-fire position.
2. The launcher of claim 1 , wherein said linking mechanism extends between a bow string of said bow and said base portion.
3. The launcher of claim 1 , wherein:
said base comprises a substantially V-shaped portion that is mounted to pivot upwardly from said first position to said ready-to-fire position; and
said at least one brush is disposed adjacent at least one interior surface of said V-shaped portion.
4. The launcher of claim 3 , wherein said arrow support surface is substantially V-shaped.
5. The launcher of claim 1 , wherein:
said base comprises a substantially U-shaped portion that is mounted to pivot upwardly from said first position to said ready-to-fire position; and
said at least one brush is disposed adjacent at least one interior surface of said U-shaped portion.
6. The launcher of claim 5 , wherein said arrow support surface is substantially U-shaped.
5. The launcher of claim 1 , wherein said at least one brush comprises a plurality of bristles.
6. The launcher of claim 5 , wherein said plurality of bristles comprises a plurality of bristle clusters.
7. The launcher of claim 6 , wherein said bristle clusters are substantially circular.
8. The launcher of claim 6 , wherein said bristle clusters are substantially rectangular.
9. The launcher of claim 6 , wherein said bristle clusters are disposed in a staggered arrangement.
10. The launcher of claim 9 , wherein said bristle clusters are disposed in a honeycomb arrangement.
11. The launcher of claim 9 , wherein said bristle clusters are disposed in a zigzag arrangement.
12. The launcher of claim 9 , wherein said bristle clusters are disposed in a checkerboard arrangement.
13. The launcher of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of bristles covers substantially all of said arrow support surface.
14. The launcher of claim 1 , wherein said at least one brush comprises a plurality of brushes.
15. The launcher of claim 1 , wherein said at least one brush is sufficiently stiff to support an arrow.
16. The launcher of claim 15 , wherein said at least one brush is sufficiently flexible to flex slightly in response to an arrow is placed on said at least one brush.
17. The launcher of claim 16 , wherein:
said linking mechanism is adapted to move said launcher from said second, ready-to-fire position to said first position substantially immediately following a firing of said bow; and
when said launcher is in a substantially vertical orientation, a top of said launcher in said second, ready-to-fire position is at a higher position than said top of said launcher in said first position.
18. A launcher comprising:
a base defining a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped arrow support portion;
at least one brush disposed on said arrow support portion, said at least one brush defining an arrow support surface;
an enclosure positioned adjacent said base; and
a linking mechanism between a portion of said bow and said base, wherein:
said linking mechanism is adapted to upwardly rotate said base from a first position to a second, ready-to-fire position when an arrow is at least partially supported by said base;
said launcher is adapted so that, as said base moves from said first position to said second, ready-to-fire position, said at least one brush urges said arrow into a ready-to-fire position; and
said arrow support portion is positioned at least substantially within said enclosure when said base is in said second, ready to fire position.
19. The launcher of claim 18 , wherein said enclosure is substantially C-shaped or U-shaped.
20. The launcher of claim 18 , wherein said arrow support portion is substantially V-shaped.
21. The launcher of claim 20 , wherein said enclosure is substantially C-shaped.
22. The launcher of claim 21 , wherein:
said substantially C-shaped enclosure is adapted to cooperate with said substantially V-shaped launcher to maintain said arrow within said substantially C-shaped enclosure and said substantially V-shaped launcher when said substantially V-shaped launcher is in said second, ready to fire position.
23. The launcher of claim 18 , wherein said arrow support portion is substantially U-shaped.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/310,756 US20130139799A1 (en) | 2011-12-03 | 2011-12-04 | Arrow Rests With Brushes |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/310,754 US8960174B2 (en) | 2011-12-03 | 2011-12-03 | Arrow rest locking mechanisms |
US13/310,756 US20130139799A1 (en) | 2011-12-03 | 2011-12-04 | Arrow Rests With Brushes |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/310,754 Continuation-In-Part US8960174B2 (en) | 2011-12-03 | 2011-12-03 | Arrow rest locking mechanisms |
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US20130139799A1 true US20130139799A1 (en) | 2013-06-06 |
Family
ID=48523104
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/310,756 Abandoned US20130139799A1 (en) | 2011-12-03 | 2011-12-04 | Arrow Rests With Brushes |
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN104807373A (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2015-07-29 | 保联企业股份有限公司 | Bow structure with antiskid holding handle |
US20190025006A1 (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2019-01-24 | Bear Archery, Inc. | Arrow rest |
US10605560B1 (en) * | 2010-01-10 | 2020-03-31 | John Paul Schaffer | Adjustable arrow lift and slide rest |
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Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10605560B1 (en) * | 2010-01-10 | 2020-03-31 | John Paul Schaffer | Adjustable arrow lift and slide rest |
CN104807373A (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2015-07-29 | 保联企业股份有限公司 | Bow structure with antiskid holding handle |
US20190025006A1 (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2019-01-24 | Bear Archery, Inc. | Arrow rest |
US10443968B2 (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2019-10-15 | Bear Archery, Inc. | Arrow rest |
US20200096285A1 (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2020-03-26 | Bear Archery, Inc. | Arrow rest |
US10746500B2 (en) | 2017-07-20 | 2020-08-18 | Bear Archery, Inc. | Arrow rest |
US11280574B2 (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2022-03-22 | Bear Archery, Inc. | Arrow rest |
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