Crossbow Arrow Rest

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/595,218, filed Mar. 4, 2024, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/589,613, filed Jan. 31, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/776,354, filed Jan. 29, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/798,399, filed Jan. 29, 2019, the entire content of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates generally to crossbows and more specifically to arrow support in a crossbow. Crossbows are generally known in the art and are used to launch projectiles, such as an arrow or bolt.

Arrows are available in a variety of different sizes, materials, weights, etc. An archer may desire to use different types of arrows with the same crossbow. When using a traditional crossbow with a fixed arrow support, using arrows with different specifications can produce unpredictable results. For example, a crossbow might have high accuracy when using a first arrow specification but have poor accuracy when using a second arrow specification.

There remains a need for novel crossbow designs that are a capable of maintaining a desired accuracy level when using different arrow specifications.

All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.

A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification is provided as well only for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

In some embodiments, crossbow comprises a frame, a bow portion comprising a bowstring, a latch and a trigger. An arrow rest is supported by the frame at a first location. The frame is also arranged to support the arrow rest at a second location. A distance between the latch and the first location is different from a distance between the latch and the second location.

In some embodiments, the first location comprises a first aperture and the second location comprising a second aperture. In some embodiments, an aperture comprises helical threads.

In some embodiments, the arrow rest comprises a first support member and a second support member. In some embodiments, the arrow rest comprises a body member arranged to support the first support member and the second support member. In some embodiments, the arrow rest comprises a bracket arranged to support the body member and the bracket is arranged to contact the frame. In some embodiments, the body member is arranged to extend through an aperture in the frame.

In some embodiments, the frame comprises a groove. In some embodiments, the groove comprises a first portion having a first width and a second portion having a second width, and the arrow rest attachment locations are oriented in the second portion of the groove.

In some embodiments, the crossbow comprises a clamping fastener arranged to elastically deform a portion of the frame and the arrow rest is formed integrally in the frame adjacent to the clamping fastener. In some embodiments, a clamping fastener comprises a screw and a nut.

In some embodiments, the frame comprises a groove and the arrow rest comprises a first fastener and a second fastener arranged on opposite sides of the groove. In some embodiments, the first location comprises a first aperture and a second aperture arranged on opposite sides of the groove, wherein the first fastener is engaged with the first aperture and the second fastener is engaged with the second aperture.

In some embodiments, an arrow rest comprises a body comprising a base, a first support member and a second support member, and the base comprises a central aperture. In some embodiments, the frame comprises a supporting surface arranged to contact the base. In some embodiments, the base is arranged to self-center on the supporting surface. In some embodiments, the base and the supporting surface comprise complimentary V-shaped surfaces.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention.

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

shows an embodiment of a crossbow. In some embodiments, a crossbowcomprises components as described in US 2018/0224237, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, a crossbowcomprises a bow portion, a rail, a prodattaching the bow portionto the rail, a string latchand a trigger. Desirably, the bow portioncomprises limbs and a bowstring. In some embodiments, the string latchis arranged to retain the bowstringin a cocked orientation and the triggeris arranged to release the string latchand cause the crossbowto fire. In some embodiments, the bow portioncomprises a compound bow, for example comprising rotating members and one or more power cables. In some embodiments, the prodis a structural component of the crossbowthat attaches limbs to the rail. In some embodiments, the crossbowcomprises a structural frame. In some embodiments, the framecomprises the railand the prod. Desirably, the crossbowdefines a shooting axis.

Desirably, the crossbowcomprises an arrow rest. In some embodiments, the arrow restis arranged to support an arrow. In some embodiments, the crossbowsupports an arrow at two locations. In some embodiments, the crossbowsupports an arrow at the bowstringnear the latchin the drawn/cocked orientation. In some embodiments, the crossbowsupports an arrow at the arrow rest. In some embodiments, the arrow restcomprises a front arrow support location.

In some embodiments, the arrow restis repositionable on the crossbow. In some embodiments, the arrow restis attached to the frame. In some embodiments, the arrow restis attached to the rail. In some embodiments, the arrow restis repositionable on the crossbowbetween a plurality of attachment orientations. In some embodiments, the arrow restis repositionable on the crossbowbetween a plurality of attachment locations. In some embodiments, the arrow restcan be moved along a length of the crossbow. In some embodiments, an arrow restis moveable between a first position and a second position with respect to the rail. In some embodiments, the first position and second position comprise different attachment locationsalong the length of the rail. In some embodiments, the first position and second position comprise different attachment locationsthat are spaced along the length of the shooting axis, which may be located at different distances from the latch.

In some embodiments, an arrow restcomprises a fixed arrow rest, for example comprising parts that do not move with respect to the crossbowas the arrow is launched from the crossbow.

In some embodiments, a plurality of predetermined attachment locationsare provided along the length of the rail. In some embodiments, a spacing between adjacent attachment locationsis constant. In some embodiments, an attachment location comprises an aperture.

shows the crossbowofwith an embodiment of an arrow restremoved.shows an exploded view of the embodiment of the arrow rest. In some embodiments, an arrow restcomprises a body membercomprising a first support memberand a second support member.

In some embodiments, the first support memberand a second support memberare shaped similarly to one another. In some embodiments, the first support memberand the second support membercomprise an elongate, curved shape. In some embodiments, the first support memberand the second support memberare spaced apart from one another, for example to provide a gap for arrow fletching. In some embodiments, the body membercomprises a shaftand the support members,extend from the shaft. In some embodiments, the support members,collectively support an arrow. In some embodiments, the first support membercomprises a first supporting surfacearranged to contact an arrow and the second support membercomprises a second supporting surfacearranged to contact the arrow. In some embodiments, a distance between the shaftand the supporting surfaces,comprises a spacing to allow arrow fletching to pass.

In some embodiments, the arrow restcomprises a bracket. In some embodiments, a bracketis used to attach the body memberto the crossbow. In some embodiments, the body memberis received in the bracket. In some embodiments, the bracketis attached to the railby a fastener. In some embodiments, the fastenerengages an attachment location. In some embodiments, the fastenerengages an aperture. In some embodiments, the arrow restcan be moved by attaching the fastenerto different apertures. In some embodiments, each attachment locationcomprises an aperturecomprising helical threads.

In some embodiments, the body membercomprises a shaft. In some embodiments, the shaftcomprises a non-circular cross-sectional shape and the bracketcomprises a non-circular receptacle. In some embodiments, the shaftis attachable to the bracketin only one orientation, and the orientation of the support members,with respect to the bracketis not adjustable. In some embodiments, the shaftcomprises a circular cross-sectional shape and the bracketcomprises a circular receptacle. In some embodiments, the body memberis moveable with respect to the bracket. In some embodiments, the shaftcomprises a central axis and the body memberis rotatable about the central axis with respect to the bracket. In some embodiments, the bracketcomprises an adjustment screwthat is used to set the orientation of the body memberwith respect to the bracket.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the arrow restis oriented within the rail. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the body memberis oriented within the rail. In some embodiments, the railcomprises a groovethat extends along the length of the rail. In some embodiments, the grooveprovides clearance for an arrow. In some embodiments, the groovecomprises an enlarged portion, for example near the front portion of the rail. In some embodiments, the attachment locationsand enlarged portionoverlap along the length of the rail. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the arrow restis oriented in the enlarged portion. In some embodiments, the enlarged portionprovides clearance for the arrow rest.

shows another view of the embodiment of a crossbow of. In some embodiments, a portion of the body memberextends through an aperturein the rail. In some embodiments, the shaftextends through an aperturein the rail. In some embodiments, the fastenerattaches the arrow restto one apertureand the body memberextends through an adjacent aperture. In some embodiments, pairs of aperturesare provided along the length of the rail. In some embodiments, the arrow restcan be repositioned between adjacent aperturesalong the length of the rail.

show another embodiment of a crossbow. In some embodiments, the railcomprises an integral arrow rest. In some embodiments, the railcomprises an arrow support locationand comprises a first supporting surfaceand a second supporting surface. In some embodiments, a clamping fasteneris attached to the rail. In some embodiments, the clamping fastenerapplies forces to the railthat elastically deform the rail. In some embodiments, a distance across the grooveat the arrow support locationis reduced slightly due to elastic deformation of the rail. In some embodiments, the supporting surfaces,are aligned with the clamping fastener.

In some embodiments, the railcomprises a plurality of attachment locationssuitable for a clamping fastener. In some embodiments, an attachment locationcomprises a pair of aperturesaligned with one another on opposing sides of the shooting axis.

In various embodiments, a clamping fastenercan provide any suitable amount of deformation to the rail. In some embodiments, the railis elastically deformed such that the supporting surfaces,near the clamping fastenersupport an arrow, but the arrow does not contact the railat locations spaced away from the clamping fastener. In some embodiments, a clamping fastenerprovides a few thousands of an inch of deflection, or more. In some embodiments, a clamping fastenerprovides between 1/1000 and 10/1000 of an inch of deflection.

In some embodiments, a clamping fastenercomprises a boltand a nut. In some embodiments, a nutcomprises a cap nut. In some embodiments, the boltabuts a first side of the railand the nutabuts a second side of the rail.

show another embodiment of a crossbow. In some embodiments, an arrow restcomprises a pair of support membersengaged with the rail. In some embodiments, the pair of support memberscomprise a first fastenerand a second fastener. In some embodiments, the first fastenercomprises a first supporting surfaceand the second fastenercomprises a second supporting surface.

In some embodiments, a plurality of attachment locationsare provided along the length of the rail. In some embodiments, an attachment locationcomprises a pair of apertureslocated on opposite sides of the groove. In some embodiments, an attachment locationcomprises a pair of apertureslocated on opposite sides of the shooting axis. In some embodiments, a railcomprises a top flangethat defines the groove, and the aperturesare formed in the top flange.

In some embodiments, the fasteners,comprise screws arranged to engage the apertures. In some embodiments, the aperturescomprise helical threads.

In some embodiments, a height of a fastener,can be adjusted by using a spacerbetween the fastener,and the rail. In some embodiments, a spacercomprises a washer. The size of a spacer can be adjusted as desired.

shows an arrow restcomprising a pair of support membersattached to an attachment locationthat is different from the attachment locationshown in.

shows another embodiment of a crossbow. In some embodiments, an arrow restcomprises a body memberpositioned in the rail. In some embodiments, the railcomprises a supporting surfacearranged to support the arrow rest. In some embodiments, the supporting surfaceextends parallel to the shooting axis. In some embodiments, the supporting surfacecomprises a plurality of attachment locations. In some embodiments, an attachment locationcomprises an aperture. In some embodiments, the supporting surfacecomprises a plurality of aperturesspaced along a length of the rail.

show views of the embodiment ofwith the arrow restremoved. An embodiment of a support surfaceis shown from multiple angles.

In some embodiments, the arrow restis repositionable between a plurality of attachment locationsdefined on the supporting surface.

In some embodiments, a fastenerattaches the arrow restto the supporting surface. In some embodiments, a fastenerengages an aperture.

show different views of an embodiment of an arrow rest. In some embodiments, an arrow restcomprises a body membercomprising a base, a first support memberand a second support member. In some embodiments, the basecomprises an aperturearranged to receive a fastener. In some embodiments, the apertureis located between the first support memberand the second support member. In some embodiments, the support members,comprise contoured shapes and orient the supporting surfaces,offset from the aperture, which allows a fastener to fit between the supporting surfaces,for installation. In some embodiments, the supporting surfaces,comprise inwardly extending flange portions of the support members,.

also shows an embodiment of a supporting surfaceof the rail. In some embodiments, the baseof the arrow restand the supporting surfacecomprise complimentary shapes. In some embodiments, arrow restand the supporting surfacecomprise complimentary V-shaped structures that provide for self-alignment between the railand arrow rest. In some embodiments, the basecomprises declining surfaces that are arranged to abut inclining surfaces on the supporting surface. In some embodiments, the components are arranged to self-alignment as disclosed between the rail and prod in U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,430, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

show another embodiment of a crossbow. In some embodiments, a crossbowcomprises an arrow restand a location of the arrow restis adjustable. In some embodiments, the position of the arrow restis continuously variable along a length of the shooting axis.

In some embodiments, the railcomprises a supporting surfacethat is arranged to support the arrow rest. In some embodiments, the supporting surfacecomprises a plurality of attachment locations. In some embodiments, the supporting surfacecomprises a slotthat extends along a length portion of the rail. In some embodiments, a fastenerthat attaches the arrow restto the railis oriented in the slot. In some embodiments, the arrow restcan be attached to the railanywhere along the length of the slot.

In some embodiments, the arrow restis attached to the supporting surfaceusing a fastenerand a nut. In some embodiments, the fastenerand nutclamp the body portionof the arrow restagainst the supporting surface.

shows a sectional view of the crossbowof. In some embodiments, the railcomprises a channel. In some embodiments, the channelis constructed and arranged to engage the nut. For example, the nutcan be sized to fit in the channel, and flat sides of the nutcan abut sides of the channel. In some embodiments, the channelbraces the nutagainst rotation and eases installation of an arrow rest. In some embodiments, a channelis formed in the supporting surface.

In various embodiments, a railcan be made using any suitable method. In some embodiments, the railis extruded and then machined. In some embodiments, a supporting surfaceof the railis formed as the railis extruded.

In some embodiments, a crossbowsupports an arrow at a forward arrow support locationand a rear arrow support location. In some embodiments, the rear arrow support locationcomprises a bowstring, for example near the latchin a drawn/cocked configuration. In some embodiments, the forward arrow support locationcomprises an arrow rest. In some embodiments, the forward arrow support locationis moveable along a length of the crossbow.