US2997999A

US2997999A - Automatic arrow loader

Info

Publication number: US2997999A
Application number: US775565A
Authority: US
Inventors: Wiley K Crowder
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1958-11-21
Filing date: 1958-11-21
Publication date: 1961-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 1978-08-29

Description

Aug. 29, 1961 w. K. CROWDER AUTOMATIC ARROW LOADER 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 21, 1958 INVENTO M1? A? -Cruz/A2 BY BMW Viv/@04 yrrvxws/c'.

1961 w. K. CROWDER 2,997,999

AUTOMATIC ARROW LOADER Filed Nov. 21, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

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AUTOMATIC ARROW LOADER Filed Nov. 21, 1958 v 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

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United States Fatent 2,997,999 AUTOMATIC ARROW LOADER Wiley K. Crowder, Troy, Mich. (3255 Windcroft, Pontiac, Mich.) Filed Nov. 21, 1958, Ser. No. 775,565 13 Claims. (Cl. 124-52) This invention relates to an automatically operable arrow loader for. use with a bow. More particularly, the invention is directed to a device adapted for attachment to a conventional bow' and having provisions for holding a second arrow in a storage position when a first arrow to be fired isstrung onto the bowstring and which device is automatically operable in response to shooting of the first arrow to position the second arrow crosswise of the bow onto the bowstring imposition to be fired. By means of this inventionit is therefore possible to automatically load a second arrow into shooting position on a bow immediately upon the shootingof a first arrow from the bow.' The movable arrow holder for the second arrow is responsive to vibrations such as those caused by firing of the first arrow, which vibrations act as a trigger means for the device, thereby 'obtaining automatic positioning of the second arrow into shooting position on the bow.

A principal object of the invention is to provide a device for carryingan arrow. on albow and for automatically positioning such arrow crosswise of the bow in response to the shooting of a first arrow from the bow.

A further object of the invention is to provide an automatically operable device for loading an arrow into shooting position on a bow. A

A further object of the invention is to provide a means for enabling successive shots from a bow in a minimum amount of time.

Another object of the invention is to provide an arrow loader'of the type described which is simple in construction and which is adapted for use with any. conventional type of bow.

Other and further objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims and may be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, of which there are three sheets, which by way of illustration show a preferred embodiment of the invention and what I now consider to be the best mode of applying the principles thereof. Other embodiments of the invention may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the; appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bow having the arrow loader of this invention mounted thereon;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the arrow loader;

FIG; 3 is a front elevational view of the device;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken online L-4 of FIG. 3;

'FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the loader showing the same just after it has been triggered to position the arrow carried thereby into firing position on the bow;

FIG.,6 is aside elevational view showing the device after the arrow has been correctly positioned and released from the arrow holder; and

FIG. ,7 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the device when in the position shown in FIG. 6.

The arrow loader of the present invention is adapted for use with a bow of any conventional design and 1 having a bowstring 12 secured to the ends of the bow in The loader 14 V wi in e b ar a ro nsl len s t 6 and i pivotingthe arrow holder 50 in a counterclockwis e d' ec- 2,997,999 P tented Au 29, 19 i ice 2 immediately upon firing of the arrow, 18 is adaptedtp position the arrow 16 into shooting position with the arr riow strung on the bowstring 12. Y

The device includes a supporting bracket in the of an elongated rod 20. having securing straps 2 2 and; 24 secured to its opposite ends by screws 26. The straps; 2 2 and 24 are provided with a series of aligned apertures 28 by means of which the device may be secured to the how 10 adjacent the central portion of the bow by suitable screws or bolts 30 extending through two or more fthg aligned apertures 28 in each of the straps to position the rod 20 in spaced parallel relation to the'bow. 10,

A trunnion 32 is slidably and rotatably mounted on h rod h r nn n. 2 ncl d x eae ry ia: d fi a wall a p wall 6 nd. a o e M1138; The trunnion may be made of a single. piece ofsheet nretal formed as shown and having aligned openings in the upper and

lower walls

36 and 38 throughfwhich the 20 extends. The aperture in thelower wall 38;.nray hp provided with a bushing 40, while h upper wall; 36 .3 p ov d h a bushing d fi in n ated. lot 44. The trunnion 32 is rotatable on the rod 20fand'slid; able axially along the rod in a manner to be described.

n. ar w hqlder 50 p v a v mo nted 01 11. 1 .1: iq 2. by a p e t d n hro h pp s a t 1! extending fianges54 and SS-formed on the trunnign32f. The arrow holder 50 includes a tubular portion 56 adap es i e ha r 16 91 apia emri nQnweb' ece i h Pi Pi T h ld 50 may b me e plas f resilient m o i QY l h I mat iialiwhiqli. i l enable it, o es nt y r p n w Th tubular Wall. p o oi he unnieafizi s rar i d wi a am l t 0 h naa v rti a port on eat: P I 1-PO iQ l-6 e A amv ol ow 66 s ead a stew 6 e red q nd oi qt a terallv from lIG rod 20. The cam follower 66 is eccentrically mountedon the screw 68 for a purpose to be described and'projeets into. h m Qt60 nt e runni 2 w s e mining a si t n i e r n iqn 32 ithered 2,0; m s slides a al along he. d he pi ot put-52 has-a. hoolfll extending tera y h r from-f The tre; e d of a p n 74 3.56 i. mh hoolflfli wh le e low r ndv f the spr n s c n ie dfi aamrit! havin a ho ked nd 78 aniadius abl WlW TQ L he ower en N 1 19 20. y as rew 1,- he r .4 ex ends th ou he nterim oil ev runnisafi. hr u h ts ag ment ith h b k 70- r s hem w o dsrf' 'flin a clockw rsctis i as e es1.. 3 and sq hatihe lar arrow hold n PQ IiQlJ 5 we! be substantially horizontally disposed. This posit: the arrow holder50 is illustrated in FIGS. 6; and 7.

' 4 o m d on h n of h P at Por o 8 illie ha e:

e h the v ti ally w edin a1i6 9 an aliiat of the trunnion 32. i

The arrow loaderis loaded by placing ax arrovy 16 tion, as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 5, until the arrow16 is substantially vertically disposed. Thispiyoting ,O-f 'tl} holder 50 will alsopivot the hook 70-t'o the 'positign shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The trunnion 32-is then slid up wardlyalong the rod 20 to the position shown in FIGS.

2 and 3, the slot 60 and camfollower 66' effecting-rotation the hook 70 will rest against the outer side of the upper supporting strap 22. The direction of the force of the spring 74 acting through the hook 70 is such that the upper end of the trunnion 32 will be forced laterally to T cause the upper bushing 42 to seat on the detent lug 90 to f-holdthe trunnion and arrow holder in the upper or loaded a position thereof. This is the storage position of the second arrow 16, and the bow may be used in a conventional manner'with the arrow 18 at this time.

-'- '-"'Wh'e'n the first arrow 18 is shot from the bow 10, the

ivi brations resulting from release of the bowstring 12 will a engagement with the detent lug 90 to trigger the device. The adjustments previously referred to can be utilized to enable operation of the loader by forces such as the vibrations caused by release of the bowstring upon shooting an arrow so that the device is automatically operable to position a second arrow into shooting position.

A locking arm" 100 is pivoted on a horizontal axis to the rod 20 above the lug 90 and is employed as a safety device to prevent accidental triggering and actuation of the automatic loader. When the trunnion is in its elevated or loaded position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the locking arm 109 may be swung downwardly to engage a flat 102 formed on the top wall 36 of the trunnion and thereby prevent the trunnion from moving off of the detent lug v The automatic arrow loader described herein enables two shots to be obtained in very rapid succession since shooting of the first arrow triggers the device to string the second arrow on the bowstring and drawing back the second arrow in the customary manner automatically disengages the arrow from the arrow holder.

7 While I have illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, it is understood that this is capable of modification, and I therefore do not wish to be limited to the precise details set forth but desire to avail myself. of such changes and alterations as fall within the 7 purview of the following claims.

drop vertically while rotating around the rod 20 by means I of the engagement of the spiral slot 64 in the trunnion and the cam follower 66 on the rod. The cam lug 92 will be engaged by the forward edge of the elongated slot 44 as the trunnion descends to shift the upper end of the trunnion forwardly, thereby causing the trailing edge of the bushing 42 to seat upon the detent lug 94 as shown in FIG. 5. 'The spring 74 will also pivot the arrow holder 50 in a clockwise direction at such time and the device is shown in FIG. 5 after the'trunnion has seated upon the detent lug 94 and while the holder 50 is being pivoted to bring the arrow 16 into operative position on the bow 10. The spiral portion 64 of the slot 60 in the trunnion will efiect about 90 rotation of the trunnion and the arrow holder carriedthereby to bring the arrow into the correct position along the left-hand side of the how 10. As the e arrow 16 swings downwardly, the notch 96 in the end thereof willengage the bowstring. The arrow will remain within the tubular portion 56 of the holder 50 at such time. As soon as the arrow 16 is strung onto the bow in the manner described the arrow may be drawn back in the customary manner, which will result in the trunnion 32 being tilted slightly toward the bow to disengage the bushing 42 from the detent 94, whereupon the trunnion will drop further along the rod 20 to the position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in which the lower bushing 40 engages the P The arrow 16 may be'easily detached from the holder. 50 during this movement of the trunnion since the arrow will then be positioned just above the hand which grips thebow. As the trunnion drops to the position shown in FIG. 6, the arrow will be lifted out of the holder and is then in position to be fired. The correct position of the arrow 16 within the arrow holder to insure that the notched end of the arrow engages the bowstring ,12 when the deviceis actuated can readily be determined when the arrow is inserted into the holder.

It will be seen that the arrow loader is capable of being 4 "used with bows of different sizes and of any conventional "design; The tension of the spring 74 may be. adjusted ,to give proper functioning of the device by adjusting the I claim:

1. An automatically operable arrow loader for use with a bow, comprising an arrow holder, and means movably supporting said holder on the bow for movement between a first position in which an arrow carried by said holder is disposed generally parallel to the. bow, and a second position in which the arrow is disposed crosswise of the bow, means for biasing said holder toward said second position, and detent means holding said arrow holder in said first position.

2. An arrow loader according to claim 1 wherein said detent means is responsive to vibrations such as caused by shooting a first arrow to release said holder for movement to said second position.

3. An arrow loader according to claim 1 wherein said means movably supporting said arrow holder includes a supporting bracket and means adapted to secure said bracket to said bow, said arrow holder being mounted on said bracket for movement, simultaneously; in a direction parallel to the bow; in an are from one side of the bow to the other; and pivotal movement on an axis normal to the bo w. V v

4. An automatically operable arrow loader for use with a bow, comprising an arrow holder, and means adapted for movably supporting said holder on the bowfor movement between a first position in which an arrow carried by said holder is disposed at one side of and generally parallel to the how, a second position in which the arrow is disposed crosswise of and on the other side of the bow, and a third position in which the arrow is disengaged from said arrow holder, and means for biasing said holder toward said third position, and first and second detent means for holding said arrow holder in said first and second positions.

5. An arrow loader according to claim 4 wherein said 'first detent means is responsive to vibrations caused by shooting a first arrow from the bow to release said arrow holder for movement from said first to said second posi 'tion, and wherein said second detent means is responsive to drawing of the arrow when in said second position to release said holder for movement from said second to said third position. a 1 6. An automatic arrow loader for use with a bow, comprising'a supporting bracket adapted for attachment to a how, an arrow holder movably supported on said bracket, and means constraining said holder for movement on said bracket between a' first position in which an arrow carried 'by said' holder is disposed generally parallel to the bow, andra second position in which the arrow is disposed crosswise of the bow and lies in a plane containing the bowstring, said supporting bracket including a rod disposed in spaced, generally parallel relation to said bow, a trunnion slidably and rotatably carried by said rod, said arrow holder being pivotally mounted on said trunnion, spring means urging said holder and trunnion toward said second position, and detent means for releasably holding said holder and trunnion in said first position.

7. An automatically operable arrow loader for use with a bow, comprising an arrow holder movably supported on the bow, spring means urging said arrow holder to a position in which an arrow carried by said holder is strung on the bowstring in position to be fired, said holder being movable into a storage position in which the arrow is disposed generally parallel to the bow, and detent means for holding said arrow holder in said storage position, said detent means being responsive to vibrations such as caused by shooting a first arrow to release said holder for movement to string the arrow carried by the holder on the bowstring.

8. An automatically operable arrow loader for use with a. bow, comprising a rod, means for supporting said rod from the how, a trunnion slidably and rotatably carried by said rod, an arrow holder pivotally mounted on said trunnion, spring means urging said arrow holder and trunnion to a position in which the arrow carried by said holder is disposed crosswise of the bow in position to be fired, said holder and trunnion being movable into a storage position in which the arrow is disposed generally parallel to the bow, and detent means for holding said arrow holder and trunnion in said storage position, said detent means being responsive to vibrations such as caused by shooting a first arrow to release said trunnion and holder for movement by said spring means.

9. An arrow loader according to claim 8 including a safety lock for preventing release of said trunnion from said storage position.

10. An arrow loader according to claim 8 including a second detent for limiting movement of said trunnion by said spring means, said trunnion being movable with the arrow as the arrow is drawn back so as to disengage said trunnion from said second detent for further movement by said spring means thereby to disengage the arrow from said holder.

11. An automatic arrow loader for use with a bow, comprising a rod, means for securing the rod to a bow in spaced generally parallel relation to the bow, a trunnion slidably and rotatably carried by said rod, an arrow holder pivotally mounted on said trunnion on an axis normal to said rod, spring means urging said arrow holder to a position on the trunnion in which an arrow carried by said holder is disposed crosswise of the bow, said spring means also urging said trunnion axially along said rod in one direction, said holder being pivotable on said trunnion and the latter being movable along said rod in the opposite direction into a storage position in which the arrow is disposed generally parallel to and at one side of the bow, a first detent on said rod for holding said trunnion and arrow holder in said storage position, a second detent on said rod, said first detent being responsive to vibrations such as caused by shooting a first arrow from the bow to release said trunnion and holder for pivotal movement of said holder to said crosswise position and axial movement of said trunnion into engagement with said second detent, cam means on said rod and trunnion for eltecting rotative movement of said trunnion as the same moves from said storage position into engagement with said second detent, thereby to string the arrow carried by the holder on the bowstring with said arrow disposed crosswise and on the other side of the bow, said trunnion being movable with the arrow as the arrow is drawn back to disengage said trunnion from said second detent to effect further axial movement of said trunnion in said one direction thereby to disengage said arrow from said holder.

'12. An automatic arrow loader for use with a bow, comprising a supporting bracket adapted to be secured to a bow, a trunnion movably mounted on said bracket, an arrow holder pivotally mounted on said trunnion, said holder being pivotable on said trunnion and the latter being movable on said bracket into a storage position in which the arrow is disposed generally parallel to and at one side of the bow, a first detent vfor holding said trunnion and arrow holder in said storage position, a second detent, said first detent being responsive to vibrations such as caused by shooting a first arrow to release said trunnion and holder for pivotal movement of said holder and movement of said trunnion on said bracket into engagement with said second detent thereby to string the arrow carried by the holder on the bowstring with said arrow disposed crosswise and on the other side of the bow, said trunnion being disengaged from said second detent as the arrow is drawn back to effect further movement of said trunnion on said bracket thereby to disengage said arrow from said holder.

'13. An automatic arrow loader for use with a bow, comprising a supporting bracket adapted to be secured to a how, an arrow holder movably mounted on said bracket, spring means urging said arrow holder to a position on the bracket in which an arrow carried by said holder is disposed crosswise of the bow, said holder being movable against said spring means into a storage position in which the arrow is disposed generally parallel to the bow, a first detent on said bracket for holding said arrow holder in said storage position, a second detent on said bracket, said first detent being responsive to vibrations caused by shooting a first arrow to release said holder for movement to said crosswise position and into engagement with said second detent, thereby to string the arrow carried by the holder on the bowstring with said arrow disposed crosswise of the bow, said holder being disengaged from said second detent as the arrow is drawn back to efiect further movement of said holder thereby to disengage said arrow from said holder.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,210,332 Kvistad Dec. 26, 1916 2,464,068 Bear Mar. 8, 1949 2,575,126 Ramsey Nov. 13, 1951 2,801,625 Vose Aug. 6, 1957