Retractable arrow launch ramp with compound crossbow

• US 4,796,598 A
• Filed: 03/06/1987
• Issued: 01/10/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert L. Jones
• Original Assignee: Robert L. Jones
• Inventors: Jones, Robert L.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Assistant Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US07/022,981
• Time in Patent Office: 676 Days
• Field of Search: 124/25, 124/41 R, 124/41 A, 124/20 B, 124/22, 124/24 R
• US Class Current: 124/25
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 5/143 Arrow rests or guides

Abstract

A compound crossbow in which a forwardly disposed retractable arrow launch ramp is utilized to retain an arrow in position for discharge. Activation of the trigger discharges the arrow and simultaneously moves the retractable arrow launch ramp to a position which does not interfere with the forward travelling arrow. The retractable arrow rest permits the archer to move without the risk of the arrow moving into a position precluding the archer from discharging the arrow. The arrow launch ramp is removed completely from the flight path of the arrow prior to the arrow arriving at the arrow launch ramp position.

Claims

1. A compound crossbow comprising:

an elongated hollow stock member having first and second terminating end portions,

a pair of bow limbs disposed adjacent said first terminating end portion, said bow limbs each terminating at one end thereof in a cable pulley assembly, each pulley assembly comprising two wheel pulleys,

an endless arrow cable strung about said pulley assemblies thereby forming a pair of crossed over cables positioned forward of a third cable, said third cable adapted to engage an arrow,

an arrow launch ramp assembly disposed within the hollow stock member and located at a position defined as being past a mid-point between said first and second stock terminating ends, said arrow launch ramp being pivotally mounted onto said stock member and including a forward terminating end having a pair of generally parallel spaced arms and a seat portion describing a surface generally parallel to said stock member when said arrow launch is in an upward position,

trigger and arrow holding means mounted on said second terminating end of said stock member,

biasing means for normally retaining said arrow launch ramp in an arrow support position when said third cable is drawn and hooked to the arrow holding means,

the forward most part of an arrow being placed upon said seat portion and the most rearward part of said arrow engaged by said third cable, and

means for urging said arrow launch ramp to a position generally parallel to a plane described by said stock member upon the release of said third cable thereby removing said arrow launch ramp from the arrow flight path upon the discharge of said arrow.

2. A compound crossbow comprising:

an elongated stock member being hollow throughout its length, a pair of bow limbs disposed adjacent one terminating end thereof,

means for stringing an endless cable across said bow arms such that three cable portions are strung across said bow limbs such that two cable portions cross each other and a third cable portion disposed rearwardly of said two crossed over cable portions,

an arrow launch ramp assembly pivotally disposed within said hollow stock portion and having a member thereof protruding through said hollow stock member at a location immediately adjacent said crossed over cable portions, said protruding member including an extending projection terminating at one end thereof in a pair of generally parallel extending arms forming a seat platform at a closing end of said generally parallel arms,

said seat platform when in an operational position adapted to receive the forward portion of an arrow,

trigger and arrow cable holding means disposed at a terminating end of said elongated stock member,

biasing means for retaining said arrow launch ramp in an elevated position when said third cable portion is drawn to said arrow cable holding means,

the forward most part of an arrow being placed upon said seat portion and the most rearward part of said arrow engaged by said third cable, and

said arrow launch ramp being urged to a position generally parallel to a plane described by said stock member upon the release of said third cable thereby removing said arrow launch ramp from the arrow flight path upon the discharge of said arrow