Archery Sight with Detachable Range-Finding Electronics Module

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/641,460, filed on May 2, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The disclosure relates generally to an archery targeting system and, more particularly, to an archery sight; having a detachable range-finding electronics module and connect/disconnect system.

Archery sights have historically been comprised of a mounting system, aiming pin alignment system, and an aiming pin housing. The mounting system allows the archery sight to be fixed to the frame of a bow. Many existing mounting systems do not allow the archery sight to have any degrees of freedom; however, a few allow the archery sight to be adjusted in the z-axis direction using a captured sliding mount system. U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,109 is an example of this adjustable technology. This design allows the user to adjust the sight picture of the archery sight and allows the archery sight to be easily detached from the frame of the bow.

The aiming pin alignment system of a fixed-pin archery sight is a 2-axis adjustment system that allows the user to align the pins horizontally (x-axis) and vertically (y-axis), resulting in a more accurate shot.

The aiming pin housing integrates an annular shaped frame, aiming pins, and an aiming pin adjustment system. Traditionally, the aiming pins integrate fiber optic fibers to serve as aiming reticles. A fixed-pin archery sight comprises of a plurality of fiber optic aiming pins, aligned in a vertically stacked orientation. Each pin is vertically adjustable (y-axis) using the aiming pin adjustment system, and is sighted in for a specific range. For example, the pins of a four-pin archery sight might be calibrated for target distances of 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards. The frame of the housing has the utility of protecting the aiming pins from damage and provides a place for the aiming pins and other instruments to be secured to the archery sight.

Contemporary archery sights incorporate additional instruments such as a bubble level, a fiber optic aiming pin illuminating light, and a cant indicator. U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,570 discloses the attributes of a cant indicator.

When using a fixed-pin archery sight, the user is required to either actively measure the distance to the target or accurately guess the distance to make an accurate shot. Because some targets may move while performing a shot sequence, accurately guessing the distance to a target can be challenging. In response to this challenge, multiple bow sights have been created that integrate a rangefinder, allowing the user to make a more accurate shot. Examples of such range-finding archery sights are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,316,551, 8,739,419, and 11,022,403.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,551 discloses the use of a rangefinder, inclinometer, processor, manually actuated trigger button, LEDs, and an anemometer in its version of a range-finding archery sight. The user presses the trigger button to start the active ranging process. The inclinometer measures the slope angle of the archery shot, and the anemometer measures the wind strength and direction. The archery sight's processor receives inputs from these sensors to calculate a more accurate target distance calculation and allows the user to actively adjust for wind strength and direction. After calculating an accurate target distance, the processor illuminates one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are aligning in a vertically and horizontally stacked orientation within the aiming pin housing. Once illuminated, these LEDs are employed as aiming reticles to make an accurate shot. In addition to these attributes, the archery sight also stores one or more arrow profiles to further account for arrow and broadhead weight and drag characteristics. The electronics of this archery sight are fully integrated into the archery sight and cannot be easily removed. Finally, as designed, this archery sight is not functional if the electronics were removed, or if the archery sight lost power, making the sight not functional as an archery targeting system.

U.S. Pat. No. 11,022,403 discloses the use of a ranging module, projector, processor, memory, ambient light sensor, user interface, and arrow profiles in its version of a range-finding archery sight. The processor receives inputs from the ranging module to calculate the target distance and sends signals to the projector to display one or more aiming reticles. The projector uses one or more lasers and a mirrored system to project one or more digital aiming reticles onto a heads-up display. The projector system moves the aiming reticle vertically on the display based on the calculated target distance, giving the user an aiming point to make an accurate shot. The archery sight can store multiple arrow profiles in memory, which the processor uses to account for arrow weight and drag characteristics. If the archery sight is close to running out of power, the archery sight will project a plurality of digital fixed aiming reticles onto the heads-up display for a limited amount of time. Once the power fully runs out, the archery sight is not functional as an archery targeting system. Finally, the electronics are integrated into the archery sight, making it difficult to remove the electronics.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,419 discloses the use of a laser rangefinder, processor, power supply, trigger, and display in conjunction with a traditional fixed-pin archery sight. The user presses the trigger button to start the active ranging process. The laser rangefinder actively calculates the distance to the target, and the processor displays the distance on a backlit display. After the distance is displayed, the user reads the display and aligns the appropriate fiber optics aiming pin(s) with the target to make an accurate shot. Unlike the range-finding archery sights of U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,316,551 and 11,022,403, the range finding archery sight disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,419 is still functional without the electronics, or if the electrical package lost power. However, like the other range-finding archery sights, the electronics are integrated into the archery sight and cannot be easily detached from the archery sight.

The contemporary range-finding archery sights discussed above address the challenge of accurately guessing a target's distance; however, U.S. state regulations have presented additional challenges for the use of these contemporary technologies. Since these designs have become available, multiple states have passed hunting regulations that outlaw the use of archery sights that integrate electronics and/or rangefinders that aid a hunter in making a more accurate shot. Though some states have passed regulations outlawing the technology, most U.S. states still allow the use of the new technology. In addition to the new hunting regulations, the use of range-finding archery sights is typically illegal in competitive archery.

The challenges discussed above make it difficult to use existing range-finding archery sights in many situations. The current designs do not allow a user to remove the electronics that are fully integrated into the archery sight when hunting in a state that restricts the use of range-finding archery sights, or when participating in an archery competition. If the electronics are fully removed, two of the three designs discussed above would become non-functional as archery targeting systems. Furthermore, these restrictions and challenges potentially require the user to purchase multiple archery sights to comply with all rules and regulations that apply to the user's situation while using a bow.

The following introduces a selection of concepts in a simplified form in order to provide a foundational understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. The following is not an extensive overview of the disclosure, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure or to delineate the scope of the disclosure. The following merely presents some of the concepts of the disclosure as a prelude to the more detailed description provided thereafter.

The present disclosure relates generally to an archery sight that includes a fixed-pin archery sight, detachable range-finding electronics module, and connect/disconnect system.

The archery sight with detachable range-finding electronics module disclosed herein addresses all of the challenges involved with using the contemporary range-finding archery sights discussed above by coupling a fixed-pin archery sight with a detachable range-finding electronics module and connect/disconnect system. The electronics associated with the archery sight with detachable range-finding electronics module are integrated in the detachable range-finding electronics module, which is connected to the fixed-pin archery sight via the connect/disconnect system. Depending on the shooting situation, the detachable range-finding electronics module can be installed on, or remove from, the fixed-pin archery sight, complying with all rules and regulations. Furthermore, the archery sight with detachable range-finding electronics module of the present disclosure allows the archery sight to remain functional when the electronics are removed, or in the case when the detachable range-finding electronics module loses power.

An additional feature that sets the archery sight with detachable range-finding electronics module of the present disclosure apart from contemporary range-finding archery sights is the use of wireless technology for the user interface and the ranging trigger. The use of wireless technology in the ranging trigger provides more trigger placement options. The flexibility of a wireless trigger can also mitigate the problem of canting the bow while using the trigger design of the contemporary range-finding archery sights. By reducing the potential of canting the bow, the wireless ranging trigger design increases the accuracy of the archery shot.

In an embodiment, the fixed-pin archery sight is secured to the frame of a bow using a detachable mounting system. The aiming pin housing, located on the fixed-pin archery sight, holds a plurality of fiber optic aiming pins, creating a sight picture.

In an embodiment, the detachable range-finding electronics module contains the electronics required for the archery sight with detachable range-finding electronics module. The connect/disconnect system allows the detachable range-finding electronics module to be installed on, or removed from, the fixed-pin archery sight. Among the electronics housed in the detachable range-finding electronics module are a processor, rangefinder sensor, a plurality of illuminating elements, ranging trigger, power source, global positioning system (GPS) sensor, accelerometer, and visible calibration laser.

In an embodiment, the processor is configured to receive inputs from the ranging trigger, to start and stop the ranging process, and from the rangefinder sensor, to calculate the ranged distance to a target. Once the actual distance to the target is calculated, the processor illuminates one or more illuminating elements, which in turn illuminates the respective fiber optic aiming pins on the fixed-pin archery sight.

When the detachable range-finding electronics module is removed, the fiber optic aiming pins are illuminated by ambient light, returning the archery sight to a traditional fixed-pin archery sight. In other embodiments of the archery sight, the detachable range-finding electronics module incorporates one or more displays, display and parameter inputs, an illuminating element luminosity calibrator, a wireless communication module, one or more cameras, memory, and a timer switch to enhance the functionality of the archery sight.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the more detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the following detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the methods, systems, and apparatuses, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the concepts disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of what is claimed in the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numbers are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures, wherein showings therein are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure and not for purposes of limiting the same.

Various examples and embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand, however, that one or more embodiments described herein may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can include other features and/or functions not described in detail herein.

In an embodiment, an archery sight with detachable range-finding electronics module is comprised of a fixed-pin archery sight, a detachable range-finding electronics module, and a connect/disconnect system(sometimes referred to herein as a “connection system”). The fixed-pin archery sightincludes the basic non-electronic tools and features that aid in completing an accurate archery shot. The detachable range-finding electronics modulehouses the electronics necessary to enhance the archery sight. The connect/disconnect systemallows the detachable range-finding electronics moduleto be secured to, and removed from, the fixed-pin archery sight.

illustrates an embodiment of a fixed-pin archery sightwith a sliding frame mount. The fixed-pin archery sightof this embodiment is comprised of a mounting bracket, sliding mount arm, clamping finger, horizontal alignment bar, vertical adjustment fixture, aiming pin housing, a plurality of aiming pins, a plurality of fiber optic fiberswith opaque shielding, a plurality of fiber optic channels, and a plurality of fiber optic repositories.

is a side plane view of the fixed-pin archery sight shown in, illustrating an embodiment of the mounting bracket. The mounting bracketbolts to the frameof a bow using a common bolt pattern and is designed to hold and secure the sliding mount armusing a dovetail feature and a set screw.illustrates a fixed-pin archery sightwith a sliding frame mount mounted to the frameof a compound bow, according to an embodiment.

The sliding mount armallows the archery sight to be adjusted along the z-axis, adjusting the sight picture.illustrates the sight picture of an embodiment of a fixed-pin archery sight. As the sliding mount armis slid further back in the mounting bracket, the aiming pinsappear to be larger on a distant target(e.g., as shown in). As the sliding mount armis slid further forward in the mounting bracket, the aiming pinsappear to be smaller on the distant target. The sight picture is comprised of the appearance of the aiming pinson the distant targetand how much of the distant targetand the surrounding area is seen within the annular shape of the aiming pin housing.

illustrates an embodiment of a static fixed-pin archery sight, which incorporates a static frame mount. In this embodiment, the static frame mountreplaces the sliding mount armand mounting bracketfeatures of the embodiment that incorporates a sliding frame mount, as described above and shown in. The sight picture may not be adjustable along the z-axis in this embodiment.

As shown in, the clamping fingerenables the sliding mount arm, or static frame mount, to be secured to the horizontal alignment bar, in an embodiment. The clamping fingeris tightened around the horizontal alignment barusing a screw, fixing the sliding mount arm, or static frame mount, to the horizontal alignment bar.

As shown in, the horizontal alignment barallows the aiming pinsto be adjusted along the x-axis, in an embodiment. This x-axis adjustment of the aiming pinsadjusts the archery shot in the windage direction (along the x-axis).

illustrates an embodiment of a micro adjusting fixed-pin archery sight, which integrates a horizontal alignment barthat includes an integrated horizontal adjustment screw. In this embodiment, the sliding frame mount, as described above and shown in, is attached to the integrated horizontal adjustment screwusing a traveler. As the integrated horizontal adjustment screwis rotated in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, the horizontal alignment barmoves in and out along the x-axis.

As shown in, the vertical adjustment fixtureincorporates slots, where a plurality of aiming pinsare attached and secured in a vertically stacked orientation, in an embodiment.illustrates a plurality of aiming pinsin a vertically stacked orientation inside an embodiment of an aiming pin housing. The slotsin the vertical adjustment fixtureallow the aiming pinsto be adjusted in the vertical direction (y-axis) so that each aiming pincan be calibrated for its intended target distance.

illustrates an embodiment of a horizontal alignment barthat is secured to the vertical adjustment fixtureusing a screwthat tightens the horizontal alignment bararound the vertical adjustment fixture. In this embodiment, a dovetail slot feature is integrated into the horizontal alignment barin the shape of a feature on the vertical adjustment fixture. Loosening the securing screwin this embodiment allows the vertical adjustment fixtureto be adjusted in the vertical (y-axis) direction, giving additional room for the aiming pinsto be adjusted in the y-axis.

illustrates an embodiment of a micro adjusting fixed-pin archery sight, which integrates a vertical adjustment fixturethat includes an integrated vertical adjustment screw. In this embodiment, the horizontal alignment baris attached to the integrated vertical adjustment screwusing a traveler. As the integrated vertical adjustment screwis rotated in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, the vertical adjustment fixturemoves up and down along the y-axis, also moving the aiming pinsalong the y-axis.

In another embodiment, the vertical adjustment fixtureand aiming pin housingare integrated into each other as one piece. In this embodiment, the vertical adjustment fixtureis not secured to the aiming pin housingusing screws or other means.

As shown in, the aiming pin housingis a shroud that protects the aiming pinsfrom damage, in an embodiment. In this embodiment, the aiming pin housingalso allows additional tools to be integrated into the fixed-pin archery sight. These additional tools can include a level indicatorand cant indicator. Furthermore, the fiber optic channelsand fiber optic repositoriesfeatures of the fixed-pin archery sightare integrated into the aiming pin housing, in an embodiment.

As shown in, the level indicatoraids the user in keeping the bow frameoriented in a vertical position that is perpendicular to the x-z plane, in an embodiment. This ensures that the bow is not canted in the roll direction (around z-axis) during an archery shot. In this embodiment, the level indicatoris a bubble level. The bubble level contains an air bubble within a liquid filled transparent tube. When the bow frameis held perpendicular to the x-z plane, the air bubble becomes oriented between two indica that are centered on the transparent tube. In this orientation, the level indicatorinforms the user that the bow frameis being held in a vertical position that is perpendicular to the x-z plane. In this embodiment, the level indicatoris attached to the aiming pin housingin a horizontal position, adjacent to the aiming pins.

illustrates another embodiment of a level indicatorthat is integrated into an embodiment of a detachable range-finding electronics module. This embodiment uses an accelerometerand a displayto display the orientation of the bow frame. The accelerometermeasures the angle at which the detachable range-finding electronics moduleis being held in the roll (around z-axis) direction, and the displaydisplays the detachable range-finding electronics module'sorientation using an indica. In this embodiment, the accelerometeris secured inside the detachable range-finding electronics module. The displayis attached to the outside of the detachable range-finding electronics modulein an orientation that is rearward facing to the user and adjacent to the aiming pin housing, in an embodiment.

An additional embodiment of the aiming pin housingintegrates a cant indicator. The cant indicatorallows the user to determine if the bow frameis being canted in the pitch (around x-axis) and/or yaw (around y-axis) directions during the process of an archery shot. In one embodiment, the cant indicator incorporates a display indica and a fiber optic fiber. The fiber optic fiberbacklights the display indica. For calibration purposes, the indica is adjustable in the x and y-axes. The cant indicatoris oriented adjacent to the aiming pins. Additional embodiments of the cant indicatorare described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,570 B1.

illustrates another embodiment of a cant indicatorthat is integrated into an embodiment of a detachable range-finding electronics module. This embodiment uses an accelerometerand a displayto display the orientation of the detachable range-finding electronics module, much like the embodiment of a digital level indicatordiscussed above. In this embodiment, the accelerometermeasures the angles at which the detachable range-finding electronics moduleis being held in the pitch (around x-axis) and yaw (around y-axis) directions, and the displaydisplays the detachable range-finding electronics module'sorientation using an indica.

As shown in, the fiber optic channelssecure the shielded fiber optic fibersto the aiming pin housingbefore the fiber optic fibersenter their respective fiber optic repository, in an embodiment. In this embodiment, the fiber optic channelsare integrated into the top face of the aiming pin housingin a way that allows the top of the shielded fiber optic fibersto sit below, or level with, the top surface of the aiming pin housing. This allows the top face of the aiming pin housingto sit flush with the bottom face of the detachable range-finding electronics modulewhen the detachable range-finding electronics moduleis installed on the fixed-pin archery sight.

As shown in, the fiber optic repositoriesallow the excess unshielded fiber optic fibersto be wound around postsin a pattern that increases the illuminating surface area of the fiber optic fibers, increasing the amount of light channeled to the tip of the fiber optic fibersin the aiming pins, in an embodiment. In this embodiment, the fiber optic repositoriesalso secure the fiber optic fibersto the aiming pin housing. The number of fiber optic repositoriesis proportionate to the number of aiming pinsintegrated into the fixed-pin archery sight. The fiber optic repositoriesare spaced and oriented in a way where the illuminating elementsthat are integrated into the detachable range-finding electronics moduleare positioned directly above, and in-line with, each illuminating element'srespective aiming pin'sfiber optic fiberwhen the detachable range-finding electronics moduleis attached to the fixed-pin archery sight. For example, the 20-yard illuminating elementis positioned directly above, and in-line with, the 20-yard aiming pinfiber optic repository. In this embodiment, the fiber optic repositoriesare integrated into the top face of the aiming pin housingin a way where the top face of the aiming pin housingsits flush with the bottom face of the detachable range-finding electronics modulewhen the detachable range-finding electronics moduleis installed on the fixed-pin archery sight.

is a detailed section plane view of an embodiment of a fiber optic repositorythat utilizes an embodiment of a securing featurethat includes a securing clampand a tightening screw. In this embodiment, the fiber optic fibersare secured to their respective fiber optic repositoryusing the securing featuredescribed above. Each fiber optic repositoryintegrates a securing feature. In this embodiment, the securing clampis in the shape of the fiber optic repositoryand fits around the poststhat the fiber optic fibersare wound around. The securing clampis transparent, allowing ambient light and light from the illuminating elementsto pass through to illuminate the fiber optic fibers. The tightening screwexerts a downward force on the securing clampas the tightening screwis screwed into the top of the aiming pin housing, tightening the securing clamponto the fiber optic fiberand preventing the fiber optic fiberfrom becoming unsecured from the fiber optic repository.

is a detailed section plane view of an embodiment of a fiber optic repositorythat incorporates a simple securing feature, which integrates a securing post. In this embodiment, the securing postincorporates through holeand countersunk holefeatures. The securing posthas a through holethat starts at the top of the securing postand exits out the side of the securing postin a multitude of directions. Additionally, a countersunk hole featureis located at the top of the securing post. The securing postallows a fiber optic fiberto be threaded through the securing post, entering the side of the securing postand exiting out the top. This embodiment orients the tip of the fiber optic fiberparallel to its respective illuminating element, improving aiming pinillumination.

illustrates an embodiment of the vertically stacked aiming pinsinstalled on an embodiment of a fixed-pin archery sight. Each aiming pinholds a fiber optic fiberwhich channels visible light to the tip of the aiming pin. The aiming pinholds its fiber optic fiberin an orientation where the end of the fiber optic fiberis approximately parallel to the user's eyewhen the user is at draw with the bow. In this embodiment, the fiber optic fibersare threaded through the aiming pinsand routed to their respective fiber optic repositories, located on the top face of the aiming pin housing.

is a plane break view of an embodiment of a fiber optic fiber. As discussed above, the fiber optic fiberaids in channeling visible light to the tip of an aiming pin. In this embodiment, an opaque shieldingis used to shield the fiber optic fiberfrom ambient light, reducing the amount of ambient light absorbed and channeled through each fiber optic fiberwhile the detachable range-finding electronics moduleis installed on the fixed-pin archery sight. In the embodiment illustrated in, the opaque shieldingis a heat shrink material. In another embodiment, the opaque shieldingis an opaque coating.

In another embodiment of the fixed-pin archery sight, the physical features of the aiming pins, aiming pin housing, and vertical adjustment fixtureact as the opaque shielding. In this embodiment, through holes are used to channel the fiber optic fibersto their respective fiber optic repositories. Physical opaque material covers the fiber optic fiberson all sides, preventing ambient light from illuminating the fiber optic fibersin areas other than the fiber optic repositories.

As shown in, the detachable range-finding electronics modulecontains the electronics associated with the range-finding archery sight, in an embodiment.illustrates the embodiment of this detachable range-finding electronics moduleinstalled on an embodiment of a fixed-pin archery sight.

is a schematic illustration of a basic embodiment of the electronics integrated in the detachable range-finding electronics module, in an embodiment. In this embodiment, a processor, rangefinder sensor, power source, ranging trigger, accelerometer, global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a plurality of illuminating elements, and a visible calibration laserare contained in the detachable range-finding electronics module.