Crossbow discharge bolt and method

• US 9,945,646 B2
• Filed: 01/05/2015
• Issued: 04/17/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Barnett Outdoors L L C
• Original Assignee: Barnett Outdoors L L C
• Inventors: Barnett, David A.
• Primary Examiner(s): RICCI, JOHN A
• Application Number:
  US14/589,645
• Publication Number:
  US 20160195373A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,198 Days
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 5/12 Crossbows
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 5/148 Accessories and tools for bow shooting not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 6/02 Arrows; Crossbow bolts; Harpoons for hand-held spring or air guns
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 6/04 Archery arrows F42B6/08, F41B5/06, F42B12/362 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 6/08 Arrow heads; Harpoon heads

Abstract

A crossbow discharge bolt for preventing damage to a crossbow associated with dry firing. The crossbow discharge bolt has a length of 10 inches or less and a weight of at least 330 grains. The length may be in the range of 6 to 10 inches. The weight may be in the range of 330 to 600 grains.

Claims

1. A crossbow discharge bolt comprising:

a shaft having a front end, a middle portion, a central bore, and an outer diameter;

a tip attached to the front end of the shaft, the tip having an outer diameter, the tip including an external portion positioned exterior to the front end of the shaft and an extension portion extending longitudinally from the external portion and positioned within the central bore of the shaft;

one or more fletches attached to the middle portion of the shaft;

wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a length of 10 inches or less and a weight of at least 330 grains;

wherein the shaft has a solid interior and wherein the central bore of the shaft is formed by placement of the solid interior of the shaft around the extension portion of the tip;

wherein the external portion of the tip terminates at a blunt tip end; and

wherein the outer diameter of the tip is not greater than the outer diameter of the shaft.

2. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a length of 9 inches or less.

3. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a length of 8 inches or less.

4. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a length of 7 inches or less.

5. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a length in the range of 6 to 10 inches.

6. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a length in the range of 7 to 9 inches.

7. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a length in the range of 7.5 to 8.5 inches.

8. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a weight of at least 400 grains.

9. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a weight of at least 450 grains.

10. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a weight of at least 500 grains.

11. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a weight of at least 550 grains.

12. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a weight in the range of 330 grains to 600 grains.

13. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a weight in the range of 400 grains to 550 grains.

14. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a weight in the range of 450 grains to 500 grains.

15. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein one of the fletches includes a recess.

16. The crossbow discharge bolt of claim 1, wherein one of the fletches is formed of a glow in the dark material.

17. A method of uncocking a crossbow, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a crossbow discharge bolt comprising;

a shaft having a front end, a middle portion, and a central bore, and an outer diameter;

a tip attached to the front end of the shaft, the tip having an outer diameter, the tip including an external portion positioned exterior to the front end of the shaft and an extension portion extending longitudinally from the external portion and positioned within the central bore of the shaft;

one or more fletches attached to the middle portion of the shaft;

wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a length of 10 inches or less and a weight of at least 330 grains;

wherein the shaft has a solid interior and wherein the central bore of the shaft is formed by placement of the solid interior of the shaft around the extension portion of the tip;

wherein the external portion of the tip terminates at a blunt tip end; and

wherein the outer diameter of the tip is not greater than the outer diameter of the shaft;

b) positioning the crossbow discharge bolt on a track of the crossbow with the crossbow in a cocked position; and

c) firing the crossbow with the crossbow discharge bolt by activating a trigger of the crossbow.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a length of 9 inches or less.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a length of 7 inches or less.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a weight of at least 400 grains.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the crossbow discharge bolt has a weight of at least 550 grains.