Compact Winding Mechanism for Crossbow
First Claim
1. A crossbow comprising in combination:
- a. a riser having a central portion and opposing end portions;
b. first and second limbs coupled to the opposing end portions of the riser, the first limb extending from the riser toward a first limb tip, and the second limb extending from the riser toward a second limb tip;
c. a bowstring extending between the first limb tip and the second limb tip for propelling an arrow;
d. an elongated frame member having first and second opposing ends, the first end being coupled to the riser;
e. a trigger disposed proximate the second end of the elongated frame member for being pulled by a user;
f. a bowstring hook for selectively engaging the bowstring, the bowstring hook being responsive to the trigger for selectively releasing the bowstring when a user pulls the trigger; and
g. a string retractor coupled to the second end of the elongated frame member, the string retractor including;
i. a housing coupled to, and extending generally along, the second end of the elongated frame member above the trigger;
ii. a rope spool rotatably supported within the housing;
iii. a rope having a first end coupled to the rope spool, and having an opposing second end for pulling the bowstring away from the riser toward a drawn position proximate the second end of the elongated frame member; and
iv. a crank for rotating the rope spool to wind the rope about the rope spool in order to retract the bowstring.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A crossbow includes an elongated frame coupled to a riser at a first end thereof and attached to an upper housing at its second end generally above the trigger region. The riser supports a pair of flexible limbs, and a bowstring extends between such limbs. A bowstring retractor is provided within the upper housing and includes a rope spool used to wind a retractor rope for retracting the bowstring. First and second spool gears surround the rope spool for rotation therewith. A spur gear mounted on a drive axle engages one of the spool gears, and a crank can be engaged with the drive axle. A pawl engages the other spool gear to prevent unintentional unwinding of the retractor rope from the rope spool. A pawl release member disengages the pawl from its associated spool gear. Drawing the bowstring beyond its full draw position also disengages the pawl.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A crossbow comprising in combination:
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a. a riser having a central portion and opposing end portions; b. first and second limbs coupled to the opposing end portions of the riser, the first limb extending from the riser toward a first limb tip, and the second limb extending from the riser toward a second limb tip; c. a bowstring extending between the first limb tip and the second limb tip for propelling an arrow; d. an elongated frame member having first and second opposing ends, the first end being coupled to the riser; e. a trigger disposed proximate the second end of the elongated frame member for being pulled by a user; f. a bowstring hook for selectively engaging the bowstring, the bowstring hook being responsive to the trigger for selectively releasing the bowstring when a user pulls the trigger; and g. a string retractor coupled to the second end of the elongated frame member, the string retractor including; i. a housing coupled to, and extending generally along, the second end of the elongated frame member above the trigger; ii. a rope spool rotatably supported within the housing; iii. a rope having a first end coupled to the rope spool, and having an opposing second end for pulling the bowstring away from the riser toward a drawn position proximate the second end of the elongated frame member; and iv. a crank for rotating the rope spool to wind the rope about the rope spool in order to retract the bowstring. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification