US20140083403A1

US20140083403A1 - Arrow Rests with Adjustable Brushes

Info

Publication number: US20140083403A1
Application number: US13/626,082
Authority: US
Inventors: Bahram Khoshnood
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-09-25
Filing date: 2012-09-25
Publication date: 2014-03-27

Abstract

An arrow rest for supporting an arrow on an archery bow. In various embodiments, the arrow rest includes a body and a plurality of brushes that are rotatably mounted to the body. The brushes define an aperture through which the arrow's shaft extends when the arrow is in a launching position. Each brush is adapted to allow a user to rotate the brush between first and second positions in which different outer surfaces of the brush engage and support the arrow. This allows a user to support the arrow with fresh bristles without replacing the brushes.

Description

BACKGROUND

Arrow rests may include brushes or similar features for supporting an arrow. Over time such brushes can wear down which may affect the accuracy and precision of the bow. Accordingly, there is a need for improved arrow rests that allow a user to easily provide fresh brush surfaces within the context of an arrow rest.

SUMMARY

An arrow rest for supporting an arrow that is in a launching position on a bow, in various embodiments, comprises a body and a plurality of brushes that are rotatably mounted adjacent the body where each of the plurality of brushes comprises a plurality of support surfaces. Each of the plurality of brushes is rotatable between a first position in which a first of the plurality of support surfaces for each of the plurality of brushes supports a shaft of the arrow when the arrow is in the launching position, and a second position in which a second of the plurality of support surfaces for each of the plurality of brushes is configured to support the arrow shaft when the arrow is in the launching position.
In another embodiments, an arrow rest for supporting an arrow that is in a launching position on a bow comprises a body, and at least one arrow support operatively coupled to the body, wherein the arrow support is adapted to allow a user to rotate the arrow support between a first position in which a first portion of the arrow support is configured to support a shaft of the arrow when the arrow is in the launching position, and a second position in which a second portion of the arrow support is configured to support the arrow shaft when the arrow is in the launching position.
In still another embodiment, an arrow rest for supporting an arrow that is in a launching position on a bow comprises a body defining an opening therethrough, wherein an inner circumferential surface of the body defines the opening, a mounting bracket operatively coupled to the body, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to removably attach the body to a bow, and three arrow supports each rotatably mounted to the body so that each arrow support extends radially inwardly from the inner circumferential surface, each of the three arrow supports further defining a respective axis of rotation and a plurality of outer surfaces, each arrow support rotatable between a first position in which one of the plurality of arrow support outer surfaces is configured to engage a shaft of an arrow when the arrow is in the launching position, and a second position in which a different one of the plurality of arrow support outer surfaces is configured to engage the arrow shaft when the arrow is in the launching position.
In another embodiment of an arrow support for supporting an arrow that is in a launching position on a bow, the arrow support comprises a support portion, a first brush that is rotatably mounted adjacent the support portion and that comprises a first bristle portion and a second bristle portion, and a second brush that is rotatably mounted adjacent the support portion and that comprises a first bristle portion and a second bristle portion, wherein the arrow support is adapted to be moved between (1) a first configuration, in which the first bristle portion of the first brush and the first bristle portion of the second brush cooperate to support the arrow while the arrow is in the launching position, and the second bristle portion of the first brush and the second bristle portion of the second brush don't cooperate to support the arrow while the arrow is in the launching position, and (2) a second configuration, in which the second bristle portion of the first brush and the second bristle portion of the second brush cooperate to support the arrow while the arrow is in the launching position, and the first bristle portion of the first brush and the first bristle portion of the second brush don't cooperate to support the arrow while the arrow is in the launching position.
In various embodiments, the plurality of brushes comprises three brushes that are spaced substantially equidistantly about the body. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of brushes defines an axis of rotation about which the brush may rotate, and each axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the arrow shaft. In still other embodiments, each of the plurality of brushes defines an axis of rotation about which the brush may rotate, and each axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the arrow shaft. In other embodiments, each plurality of support surfaces comprises three support surfaces. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of support surfaces comprises a plurality of bristles. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of support surfaces is concave. In some embodiments, the respective support surfaces of the plurality of brushes together define an aperture that is configured to receive the arrow shaft. In still other embodiments, a gap is defined between two adjacent brushes of the plurality of brushes to allow a fletching of the arrow to pass between the two adjacent brushes when the arrow is shot from the bow. In yet other embodiments, each of the plurality of support surfaces is formed at least partially from a plurality of bristles. In various other embodiments, the body is substantially C-shaped with a gap formed therein to allow the arrow to be inserted into an opening defined by the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an arrow rest on a bow.

FIG. 2 is a detail view of the arrow rest on the bow of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the arrow rest of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of an arrow rest according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of an arrow rest according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the arrow rest of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an arrow rest according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 12B is a rear view of the arrow rest of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an arrow rest according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 13B is a rear view of the arrow rest of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an arrow rest according to a twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 14B is a rear view of the arrow rest of FIG. 14A.

FIGS. 15A-15L are perspective views of brushes for arrow rests according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various relevant embodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
An arrow rest 10 according to a particular embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-3. Referring in particular to FIG. 3, the arrow rest 10 comprises: (1) a body 18; (2) a stem 20; (3) a mounting bracket 22; and (4) a plurality of brushes 24A that are rotatably mounted to the body 18. These elements together form an arrow rest 10 and will be described in greater detail below.
Arrow Rest Body
Referring particularly to FIG. 3, the arrow rest body 18A is attached to the stem 20 by any suitable attachment means, such as weldments, fasteners, and adhesive or by a press fit. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the stem 20 may be integrally formed with body 18A. As should be understood from this figure, the mounting bracket 22 is slidably received on the stem 20 adjacent (e.g., to) an edge portion 28 of the body 18A. While the mounting bracket 22 is slidably received on the stem 20, it can be secured in a particular location by tightening a locking screw 38, which causes the mounting bracket 22 to create a press fit on the stem 20.
The body 18A also contains a plurality inward extending brush support arms, generally denoted as 26A that extend into an opening 19 defined by an inner circumferential surface 30 of the body 18A. The brush support arms 26A are configured to rotatably receive a brush, as further explained below. The brush support arms 26A are formed substantially perpendicular (e.g., perpendicular) to the body's inner circumferential surface 30 and extend radially inward from the surface 30. However, it should be understood that the brush support arms 26A may be disposed at an angle with respect to the body's inner circumferential surface 30. In various embodiments, each of the brush support arms 26A are formed from two generally parallel arms 32A and 34A. In some embodiments, the brush support arms 26A may be formed from a single arm. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, three brush support arms 26A are spaced equidistantly around the inner circumferential surface 30 (e.g. about 60 degrees apart from one another.). In various other embodiments, the arrow rest 10 may include only two brush support arms 26A (each with a corresponding brush), which are spaced apart approximately 180 degrees (e.g., 180 degrees) from one another. In still yet other embodiments, the arrow rest 10 may include only a single brush support arm (with a corresponding brush) that may, for example, be positioned opposite a fixed support.
While the body 18A is generally shown as octagonal in shape, it should be understood from this disclosure that the body may be formed in any suitable shape, for example, circular, square or polygonal. For example, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-10 illustrate a generally circular body. Moreover, in the various embodiments shown, the bodies 18A and 18B contain an open gap 36 that allows the user to easily insert an arrow into the arrow rest 10.
Referring to FIG. 2, the arrow rest 10 may be attached to a bow 5 in any suitable manner by mounting bracket 22 (e.g., using suitable fasteners such as screws). When attached to the bow 5, the arrow rest 10 is adapted to maintain an arrow 50 in a particular orientation relative to the bow 5. That is, referring once again to FIGS. 1-2, when the arrow rest 10 is mounted to a bow 5, an axis 14 of the bow 5 is substantially perpendicular to an axis 16 of arrow 50.
In particular embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-10, the arrow rest 10 comprises a substantially C-shaped circular body 18B having the gap 36 formed therein to allow the user to load an arrow 50 in the arrow rest. In these embodiments, the brush supports 26B are formed from two substantially parallel arms 32B and 34B that are fastened to the body 18B using suitable fasteners 41, for example, a screw or bolt. In other embodiments, parallel arms 32B and 34B may be welded, or attached in any other suitable way, to the body 18B.
In other embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 11-14, the arrow rests 10 comprise a substantially square shaped body 18C having rounded corners and a gap 36 formed therein to allow the user to load an arrow 50 in the arrow rest body. In these embodiments, the brush supports 32C are defined by a single arm integrally formed with the body 18C. In other embodiments, the brush supports 32C may be welded, or attached in any other suitable manner, to the body 18C. In particular and referring to FIG. 11A, the body 18C is operatively coupled to the mounting bracket 22 by the stem 20. The body 18C is slidably coupled to the stem 20 by a cylindrical shaped nut 39 that is received in a slot (not numbered) defined by the end 28 of the body 18C and a bolt 37. In this configuration, the C-shaped body 18C is slidable with respect to the stem 20 when bolt 37 is loosened, and is fixed to the stem 20 when the bolt 37 is tightened. The brush support arms 32C are generally spaced equidistant about the inner circumference of the body 18C approximately sixty degrees apart from one another. In other embodiments, the spacing may differ depending on the operation and use of the arrow rest.
Brushes
Still referring to FIG. 3, the arrow rest 10 comprises a plurality of brushes 24A that are rotatably mounted adjacent (e.g., to and between) respective pairs of brush support arms 26A. In the embodiment shown in this figure, each of the parallel arms 32A and 34A is substantially planar (e.g., planar) and extends radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 30 of the body 18A. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the parallel arms 32A and 34A are integrally formed with the body 18A. However, in other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6-10, the parallel arms 32B and 34B are attached to body 18B by fasteners (e.g. screws, bolts, weldments or any other suitable fastener).
In various embodiments, the parallel arms 32A and 34A are substantially co-facing (e.g., co-facing) and spaced a distance apart from one another. In particular embodiments, the parallel arms 32A and 34A are spaced apart a distance that is sufficient to allow a brush 24A to fit therebetween. In various embodiments, each of the parallel arms 32A and 34A define a substantially circular (e.g., circular) opening (not pictured) adjacent the distal end of the arm such that a center of the opening in arm 32A and a center of an opening in arm 34A is substantially co-linear along a line that is perpendicular to the face of each opening. In various embodiments, the parallel arm openings may have a diameter that is about the same as a diameter of a rod 40 that may, for example, be press fitted into the corresponding openings or fastened therein by threads, a nut or any other suitable fastener. In particular embodiments, the rod 40 may be adapted to rotate freely within the arm substantially circular openings. In other embodiments, the rod 40 may be adapted to lock in a particular orientation within the arm substantially circular openings by tightening a bolt or a screw that forms a press fit between the arms and the brush. In still other embodiments, the brush 24A may be adapted to allow a user to selectively lock the brush in various orientations within the arms.
The parallel arms 32A and 34A are disposed such that an axis 42 that extends through the center of their respective openings is substantially perpendicular (e.g., perpendicular) to the arrow shaft's central axis 16 when the arrow 50 is supported by the arrow rest 10 and within the shooting position. In other embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-10, the parallel arms 32B and 34B may be disposed such that an axis 42B through the center of their respective openings is substantially parallel (e.g., parallel) to the arrow shaft's central axis 16 when the arrow 50 is placed within the arrow rest 10.
Still referring to FIG. 3, an outer circumferential surface 44 of each mounted brush together defines an opening (not numbered) that is configured to receive the shaft of arrow 50. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the outer circumferential surface 44 of each brush is concave in shape such that all of the support surfaces defined by the bristles together substantially define a circular aperture 46 having a diameter that is substantially (e.g. exactly) the same as the diameter of the arrow shaft. In this way, when the shaft of the arrow 50 is disposed between the brush outer circumferential surfaces 44, the brushes support the shaft. Moreover, because any two adjacent brushes are spaced apart from each other, a gap 46 is formed between adjacent brushes 24A that allows a fletching 48 on the arrow 50 to pass through the respective gap 46 when the arrow is shot from the bow 5. In this way, while the brush surfaces 44 maintain the arrow in a particular orientation, the brushes will not interfere with the flight of the arrow since each fletching 48 can pass unobstructed through a respective gap 48. Thus, in various embodiments, the various brush support arms 24A, 24B, 32C are positioned so that each fletching on the arrow to be fired aligns with a gap 48 formed between two of the arrow rest's respective brushes.
In various other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11-14, each brush 24 is coupled to the body 18C by the respective single brush support arm 32C. For example and referring specifically to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A, each brush 241 is operatively coupled to a respective brush support arm 32C by a screw 40 and bolt 41. In various embodiments, brush 241 may rotate with respect to the brush support arm 32C about screw 40, and in other embodiments, the brushes may be rotationally fixed. In still other embodiments, the brushes may be rotationally fixed but, moveable when the user rotates the brush. In these embodiments, the brushes may contain a locking mechanism that maintains each brush in a set position until rotational force overcomes the locking mechanism.
In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may consist of a plurality of radially extending teeth formed on the brush hub that engage a corresponding tooth formed on the brush support arm adjacent the brush teeth so that the brush teeth engage with the tooth formed on the brush support arm. In this configuration, the support arm tooth maintains the brush in a first position until the user rotates the brush. In still other embodiments where the brushes are rotationally fixed but, moveable by the user, the brushes may be maintained in a fixed position by frictional force until the user exerts a rotational force that overcomes the frictional force. Thus, it should be understood by reference to this disclosure that many suitable locking mechanisms may be used to rotationally fix the brush in a first position while allowing it to be moved to a second position. In various embodiments the axis 42 (FIG. 11B) is positioned perpendicular to the arrow shaft's central axis 16 so that the brush surface 44 aligns with the arrow shaft's axis 16 (FIG. 11B).
FIGS. 3-14 show the arrow rest 10 with various embodiments of brushes and brush configurations. FIGS. 15A-15L show various brush embodiments from FIGS. 3-14. As shown in these figures, each brush 24A-24L comprises a central portion 52A-52L (See FIGS. 15A-15L) that defines a substantially circular (e.g., circular) opening 56A-56L that is dimensioned to be rotatably received on the rod 40. In particular embodiments, such as the embodiments of FIGS. 4, 9, and 10, the brush central portions 52B, 52G, 52H is a substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular) prism. In the embodiments in FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13 and 14, the brush central portion 52A, 52C, 52D, 52E, 52F, 521, 52K and 52L is substantially cylindrical (e.g., a circular cylinder). In other embodiments such as that shown in FIG. 12, the brush central portion 52J may be substantially triangular (e.g., triangular) or any other suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, or hexagonal). Each brush 24A-24L further comprises a plurality of bristles 54A-54L that extend substantially radially outward from its respective brush central portion 52A-52L in various arrangements as described in more detail below. In various embodiments, the bristles 54A-54L may have any suitable diameter and length, and may be sufficiently stiff to support an arrow.
First Brush Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 15A, the brush 24A comprises a plurality of bristles 54A that are substantially evenly spaced along both the length of the brush central portion 52A and around the brush's circumference. In this embodiment, the length of the bristles 54A is greater on the outer portions of the brush's central portion 52A than on the interior portions of the brush central portion. As may be understood from this figure, in this embodiment, the ends of the bristles 54A cooperate to define a substantially concave-shaped (e.g., V-shaped) support surface 44 for supporting an arrow 50. In particular embodiments, this substantially V-shaped (e.g., V-shaped) support surface may be sized to correspond generally to an arrow's shaft. As previously discussed above, when three brushes, such as brush 24A, are equally spaced about the arrow rest's body 18A (see FIG. 3), the respective V-shaped portions of the brushes together define an aperture in which the arrow shaft sits.
Second Brush Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 15B, the brush 24B comprises a plurality of bristles 54B that extend substantially perpendicularly from the outer surfaces of the substantially rectangular central portion 52B. In this embodiment, the length of the bristles 54B are such that the bristle's ends define a substantially concave (e.g., a V-shaped) support surface 44B for supporting an arrow's shaft. In various embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 15B, the bristles may be disposed on all four outer surfaces of the brush's central portion. In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the bristles may be disposed on two of the central portion's opposing outer surfaces. In other embodiments, the brush may comprise bristles that extend from any combination of the central portion's outer surfaces. As previously discussed above, when three brushes are equally spaced about the arrow rest's body 18A (see FIG. 4), the respective V-shaped portions of the brushes together define an aperture in which the arrow shaft sits.
Third Brush Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 15C, the brush 24C comprises a plurality of bristles 54C that are substantially evenly spaced both along the length and circumference of the brush central portion 52C. In this embodiment, the bristles 54C extend at an angle from the central portion outer surface of about sixty degrees. In various embodiments, the bristles may extend at any suitable angle from the central portion outer surface (e.g., between about 45 degrees and 80 degrees). In this embodiment, the length of the bristles 54C is greater on the outer portions of the brush central portion 52C than on the middle of the central portion. As may be understood from this figure, the ends of the bristles 54C define a substantially concave (e.g., V-shaped) support surface 44C for supporting an arrow 50. As previously discussed above, when three brushes are equally spaced about the arrow rest's body 18A (see FIG. 5), the respective V-shaped portions of the brushes together define an aperture in which the arrow shaft sits.
Fourth Brush Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 15D, the brush 24D comprises a plurality of bristles 54D that are substantially evenly spaced along both the length and the circumference of the brush central portion 52D. In this embodiment, the bristles 54D are all substantially the same length. As may be understood from this figure, the ends of the bristles 54D define a curved support surface for supporting an arrow's shaft. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, when three brushes are spaced equidistantly around the inner circumference of body 18B, the bristles of each brush define a surface 44D, which, when the arrow rest is in use, rests against the arrow shaft approximately 60 degrees apart from an adjacent brush surface. In this manner, the brushes 24D serve to support the shaft of an arrow 50 as shown in FIG. 6.
Fifth Brush Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 15E, the brush 24E comprises a plurality of bristles 54E that are substantially evenly spaced both along the length and around the circumference of the brush central portion 52E. In this embodiment, the length of the bristles 54E varies around the circumference of the brush central portion 52E so as to define four substantially V-shaped (e.g.,
V-shaped) support surfaces 44E spaced evenly about the brush's central portion 52E. As previously discussed above, when three brushes are equally spaced about arrow rest's body 18B (see FIG. 7) they together define an aperture in which the arrow shaft sits.
Sixth Brush Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 15F, the brush 24F comprises a plurality of bristles 54F that are substantially evenly spaced both along the length and circumference of the brush central portion 52F. In this embodiment, the bristles 54F are all substantially the same length and have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the bristles shown in the various other embodiments. As may be understood from this figure, the ends of the bristles define a substantially flat (e.g., flat) support surface 44F for supporting an arrow's shaft.
Seventh Brush Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 15G, the brush 24G comprises a plurality of bristles 54G that extend substantially perpendicularly from each surface of a substantially rectangular central portion 52G. In this embodiment, the bristles 54G are substantially the same length, and define four substantially flat (e.g., flat) support surfaces 44G for supporting an arrow shaft as shown in FIG. 9.
Eighth Brush Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 15H, the brush 24H comprises a plurality of bristles 54H that extend from all four sides of the central portion 52H. In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in this figure, the bristles 54H extend at an angle of about sixty degrees from the central portion's outer surfaces. In other embodiments, the bristles may extend at any suitable angle from the outer surfaces (e.g., between about 45 degrees and 80 degrees) such that the bristle ends define a surface suitable for supporting an arrow. As may be understood from this figure, the bristle ends define a substantially flat (e.g., flat) support surface 44H for supporting an arrow shaft.
Ninth Brush Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 11A-11B and 15I, the brush 241 comprises a plurality of bristles 541 that extend from the outer circumference of the central portion 521. In this embodiment, the bristles 541 are all substantially the same length. As may be understood from this figure, the ends of the bristles 541 define a flat support surface for supporting an arrow's shaft. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, when three brushes are spaced equidistantly around the inner circumference of body 18C, the bristles of each brush define a surface 441, which, when the arrow rest is in use, rests against the arrow shaft approximately 60 degrees apart from an adjacent brush surface. In this manner, the brushes 241 serve to support the shaft of an arrow 50 as shown in FIG. 11B.
Tenth Brush Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 12A-12B and 15J, the brush 24J comprises a plurality of bristles 54J that extend from each of the three sides of the central portion 52J. In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in this figure, the bristles 54J extend at an angle of about sixty degrees from the central portion's outer surfaces. In other embodiments, the bristles may extend at any suitable angle from the outer surfaces (e.g., between about 45 degrees and 80 degrees) such that the bristle ends define a surface suitable for supporting an arrow. As may be understood from this figure, the bristle ends define a substantially flat (e.g., flat) support surface 44J for supporting an arrow shaft.
Eleventh Brush Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 13A-13B and 15K, the brush 24K comprises two brushes that extend from an outer circumference of the central portion 52K and are spaced apart from each other by a fixed distance so as to define a gap (not numbered) between the adjacent brushes. In this embodiment, the bristles 54K are all substantially the same length. As may be understood from this figure, the ends of the bristles 54K define two flat support surfaces for supporting an arrow's shaft. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A-13B, when three brushes are spaced equidistantly around the inner circumference of body 18C, the bristles of each brush define a surface 44K, which, when the arrow rest is in use, rests against the arrow shaft approximately 60 degrees apart from an adjacent brush surface. In this manner, the brushes 24K serve to support the shaft of an arrow 50 as shown in FIG. 13B.
Twelfth Brush Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 14A-14B and 15L, the brush 24L comprises a plurality of bristles 54L that extend from the outer circumference of the central portion 52L. In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in this figure, the bristles 54L are of varying lengths so that the ends of the bristles defines a substantially hexagonal surface suitable for supporting an arrow. As may be understood from this figure, the bristle ends define six substantially flat (e.g., flat) support surfaces 44L for supporting an arrow shaft.

Exemplary Use

The arrow rest 10 may be used in combination with an archery bow (e.g., a compound bow or other suitable bow). As discussed above, each brush is rotatably mounted adjacent a respective brush support arm 26A, 26B or 32C. In other embodiments, the brushes may be substantially coupled (e.g., coupled) to the rod, which may then be adapted to rotate within the substantially parallel arms 32A, 32B and 34A, 34B. In particular embodiments, the brush may be adapted to allow a user to lock the brush (e.g., using a suitable locking mechanism such as a screw or a press fit between arms 32A, 32B and 34A, 34B) in a particular orientation about the brush's axis of rotation. In other embodiments, the brush may be adapted to allow a user to selectively lock the brush (e.g., using a suitable locking mechanism such as a screw) in any of a plurality of particular angular orientations about the brush axis of rotation.
In particular embodiments, the brushes are adapted to allow a user to adjust the position of each brush (e.g., by rotating each brush into a different orientation about its center of rotation) such that a different portion of the support surface defined by the brush's bristles support the arrow. In particular embodiments, rotation of the brushes by the user may allow the arrow rest to provide a support surface for the arrow that comprises substantially new bristles (e.g., bristles that have not previously supported an arrow as the arrow is being shot from a bow). For example, for the arrow rest 10 in FIG. 3, the user may adjust the orientation of the three brushes 24A by rotating them about their respective axes of rotation such that a different portion of the V-shaped support surface 44 defined by the ends of the bristles supports the arrow. In the arrow rest shown in FIG. 5, a user may adjust the brushes 24C about their axes of rotation such that a different V-shaped support surface defined by the bristles support the arrow.

Alternative Embodiments

Alternative Number of Brushes
In the arrow rest embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-14, three brushes are shown spaced equidistantly about the inner circumference of body 18A, body 18B or body 18C. In various other embodiments, less than three brushes may be used to support the shaft of arrow 50. For example, in some embodiments, two brushes may be spaced apart from each other such that the surfaces of the brushes together support the arrow shaft. In still other embodiments, a single brush and a fixed non-brush surface cooperate to support the arrow shaft. In yet other embodiments, more than three brushes may be used.
Mixed Brush Embodiments
In particular embodiments, an arrow rest may comprise any combination of the brush embodiments described above. For example, in particular embodiments, an arrow rest may comprise one brush such as the brush 24B described in the embodiment from FIG. 4 and two brushes such as the brush 24C described in FIG. 5. In other embodiments, an arrow rest may comprise any suitable combination of any number of the brush embodiments described above.
Brush Rotation
In the embodiments described herein, while each brush is rotatably received on a support rod 40 the brush may be maintained in a particular orientation by friction or a suitable locking mechanism. In other alternate embodiments, each brush may freely rotate around its respective rod, or, if the brush is fixed on the rod, the rod may freely rotate in the arm holes.

CONCLUSION

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

We claim:

1. An arrow rest for supporting an arrow that is in a launching position on a bow, said arrow rest comprising:

a. a body; and

b. a plurality of brushes that are rotatably mounted adjacent said body, each of said plurality of brushes comprising a plurality of support surfaces, wherein each of said plurality of brushes is rotatable between:

i. a first position in which a first of said plurality of support surfaces for each of said plurality of brushes supports a shaft of said arrow when said arrow is in said launching position; and

ii. a second position in which a second of said plurality of support surfaces for each of said plurality of brushes is configured to support said arrow shaft when said arrow is in said launching position.

2. The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein said plurality of brushes comprises three brushes that are spaced substantially equidistantly about said body.

3. The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein

a. each of said plurality of brushes defines an axis of rotation about which said brush may rotate; and

b. each axis of rotation is substantially parallel to said arrow shaft.

4. The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein

b. each axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to said arrow shaft.

5. The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein each plurality of support surfaces comprises three support surfaces.

6. The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of support surfaces comprises a plurality of bristles.

7. The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of support surfaces is concave.

8. The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein the respective support surfaces of said plurality of brushes together define an aperture that is configured to receive said arrow shaft.

9. The arrow rest of claim 8, further comprising a gap defined between two adjacent brushes of said plurality of brushes to allow a fletching of said arrow to pass between said two adjacent brushes when said arrow is shot from said bow.

10. The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein said each of said plurality of support surfaces is formed at least partially from a plurality of bristles.

11. The arrow rest of claim 1, wherein said body is substantially C-shaped with a gap formed therein to allow said arrow to be inserted into an opening defined by said body.

12. An arrow rest for supporting an arrow that is in a launching position on a bow, said arrow rest comprising:

a. a body; and

b. at least one arrow support operatively coupled to said body, wherein said arrow support is adapted to allow a user to rotate said arrow support between:

i. a first position in which a first portion of said arrow support is configured to support a shaft of said arrow when said arrow is in said launching position; and

ii. a second position in which a second portion of said arrow support is configured to support said arrow shaft when said arrow is in said launching position.

13. The arrow rest of claim 12, wherein

a. said body defines an opening therethrough,

b. an inner circumferential surface of said body defines said opening, and

c. said at least one arrow support is operatively coupled to said inner circumferential surface.

14. The arrow rest of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of arrow supports operatively coupled to said inner circumferential surface and spaced substantially equidistantly about said inner circumferential surface.

15. The arrow rest of claim 12, wherein

a. said at least one brush defines an axis of rotation about which said brush rotates; and

b. said at least one axis of rotation is substantially parallel to said arrow shaft.

16. The arrow rest of claim 12, wherein said at least one arrow support further comprises an outer surface that is concave.

17. The arrow rest of claim 12, wherein an outer surface of said at least one arrow support is formed from a plurality of flexible bristles.

18. An arrow rest for supporting an arrow that is in a launching position on a bow, said arrow rest comprising:

a. a body defining an opening therethrough, wherein an inner circumferential surface of said body defines said opening;

b. a mounting bracket operatively coupled to said body, wherein said mounting bracket is configured to removably attach said body to a bow; and

c. three arrow supports each rotatably mounted to said body so that each arrow support extends radially inwardly from said inner circumferential surface, each of said three arrow supports further defining a respective axis of rotation and a plurality of outer surfaces, each arrow support rotatable between:

i. a first position in which one of said plurality of arrow support outer surfaces is configured to engage a shaft of an arrow when said arrow is in said launching position; and

ii. a second position in which a different one of said plurality of arrow support outer surfaces is configured to engage said arrow shaft when said arrow is in said launching position.

19. The arrow rest of claim 18, wherein said axis of rotation for each arrow support is substantially perpendicular to said arrow shaft when said arrow is in said launching position.

20. The arrow rest of claim 18, wherein said each of said plurality of arrow support outer surfaces comprises a plurality of bristles.

21. The arrow rest of claim 20, wherein when said plurality of arrow support outer surfaces are aligned to support said arrow in said launching position, said plurality of arrow support outer surfaces cooperate to form an aperture having a width that is substantially equal to a diameter of said arrow shaft.

22. The arrow rest of claim 18, wherein each of said three arrow supports comprises a substantially circular brush, and said plurality of outer surfaces are different bristle portions of said brush.

23. An arrow support for supporting an arrow that is in a launching position on a bow, said arrow support comprising:

a. a support portion;

b. a first brush that is rotatably mounted adjacent said support portion and that comprises a first bristle portion and a second bristle portion; and

c. a second brush that is rotatably mounted adjacent said support portion and that comprises a first bristle portion and a second bristle portion, wherein said arrow support is adapted to be moved between:

(1) a first configuration, in which:

a) said first bristle portion of said first brush and said first bristle portion of said second brush cooperate to support said arrow while said arrow is in said launching position; and

b) said second bristle portion of said first brush and said second bristle portion of said second brush don't cooperate to support said arrow while said arrow is in said launching position;

(2) a second configuration, in which:

a) said second bristle portion of said first brush and said second bristle portion of said second brush cooperate to support said arrow while said arrow is in said launching position; and

b) said first bristle portion of said first brush and said first bristle portion of said second brush don't cooperate to support said arrow while said arrow is in said launching position.

24. The arrow support of claim 23, wherein said arrow support is adapted to be moved from said first configuration to said second configuration by rotating each of said first and second brushes about their respective central axes.

25. The arrow support of claim 23, wherein:

a. said arrow support comprises a third brush that is rotatably mounted adjacent said support portion and that comprises a first bristle portion and a second bristle portion;

b. when said arrow support is in said first configuration, said first bristle portion of said third brush cooperates with said first bristle portion of said first brush and said first bristle portion of said second brush to support said arrow while said arrow is in said launching position; and

c. when said arrow support is in said second configuration, said second bristle portion of said third brush cooperates with said second bristle portion of said first brush and said second bristle portion of said second brush to support said arrow while said arrow is in said launching position.