CROSSBOW WITH SAFETY LOCK

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/670,712, filed Jul. 12, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002]This application relates generally to a projectile launcher. Projectile launchers include a safety device to prevent inadvertent firing of a projectile from the projectile launcher.

SUMMARY

[0003]One embodiment relates to a crossbow. The crossbow includes a frame defining a projectile axis, a limb assembly coupled to the frame, a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member rotatably coupled with the limb assembly, a drawstring engaged with the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member, a string carrier slidably coupled with the frame, a trigger operatively coupled with the string carrier, and a safety operatively coupled to at least one of the string carrier and the trigger. The drawstring extends across the projectile axis and is configured to move between an undrawn position and a drawn position during operation of the crossbow. The string carrier is configured to selectively engage with the drawstring to move the drawstring from the undrawn position to the drawn position. The trigger is configured to cause the string carrier to selectively release the drawstring upon actuation of the trigger. The safety is configured to move between a safe position and a fire position. The safety is configured to prevent the string carrier from releasing the drawstring with the safety in the safe position. The safety is prohibited from moving from the safe position to the fire position in absence of a condition.

[0004]Another embodiment relates to a crossbow. The crossbow includes a frame defining a projectile axis, a stock including a protrusion extending therefrom, a limb assembly coupled to the frame, a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member rotatably coupled with the limb assembly, a drawstring engaged with the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member, the drawstring extending across the projectile axis and configured to move from an undrawn position and a drawn position during operation of the crossbow, and a string carrier slidably coupled with the frame and configured to selectively engage with the drawstring to move the drawstring from the undrawn position to the drawn position. The string carrier includes a string catch movable between (i) a closed position in which the string catch engages the drawstring and (ii) an open position in which the string catch releases the drawstring, a trigger operatively coupled with the string carrier and configured to cause the string carrier to selectively release the drawstring upon actuation of the trigger, a sear moveable between (i) an engaged position in which the sear couples with the string catch to retain the string catch in the closed position and (ii) a disengaged position in which the sear releases the string catch to the open position, an anti-dry fire lockout (ADF) moveable between (i) a disengaged position in which the ADF permits movement of the sear and (ii) an engaged position in which the ADF prevents the sear from moving to the disengaged position, a safety moveable between (i) a fire position in which the safety permits movement of the sear and (ii) a safe position in which the safety prevents the sear from moving to the disengaged position, and a safety lock moveable between (i) an unlocked position in which the safety lock permits movement of the safety and (ii) a locked position in which the safety lock prevents the safety from moving to the fire position. The trigger is configured to engage with the sear. The protrusion is configured to engage with the safety lock to move the safety lock to the unlocked position such that, responsive to the trigger engaging the sear, the string catch releases the drawstring when (i) the ADF is in the disengaged position, (ii) the safety lock is in the unlocked position, and (iii) the safety is in the fire position.

[0005]Still another embodiment relates to a string carrier slidably coupled with a crossbow and configured to selectively engage with a drawstring to move the drawstring from an undrawn position to a drawn position. The string carrier includes a string catch movable between (i) a closed position in which the string catch engages the drawstring and (ii) an open position in which the string catch releases the drawstring, a sear moveable between (i) an engaged position in which the sear couples with the string catch to retain the string catch in the closed position and (ii) a disengaged position in which the sear releases the string catch to the open position, an anti-dry fire lockout (ADF) moveable between (i) a disengaged position in which the ADF permits movement of the sear and (ii) an engaged position in which the ADF prevents the sear from moving to the disengaged position, a safety moveable between (i) a fire position in which the safety permits movement of the sear and (ii) a safe position in which the safety prevents the sear from moving to the disengaged position, and a safety lock moveable between (i) an unlocked position in which the safety lock permits movement of the safety and (ii) a locked position in which the safety lock prevents the safety from moving to the fire position. The string catch is configured to release the drawstring when (i) the ADF is in the disengaged position, (ii) the safety lock is in the unlocked position, and (iii) the safety is in the fire position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 is a top right isometric view of a crossbow, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007]FIG. 2 is a left side view of the crossbow of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008]FIG. 3 is a top view of the crossbow of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009]FIG. 4 is a front view of the crossbow of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010]FIG. 5 is a rear view of the crossbow of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011]FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a string carrier and a stock of the crossbow of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012]FIG. 7 is left side section view of the string carrier of FIG. 6, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013]FIG. 8 is a left side section view of the string carrier and the stock of FIG. 6 in a safety on state and with a safety lock of the string carrier of FIG. 6 in a locked position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014]FIG. 9 is a left side section view of the string carrier and the stock of FIG. 6 in the safety on state and with the safety lock of FIG. 8 in the locked position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015]FIG. 10 is a left side section view of the string carrier and the stock of FIG. 6 in the safety on state and with the safety lock of FIG. 8 in an unlocked position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016]FIG. 11 is a left side section view of the string carrier and the stock of FIG. 6 in a safety off state and with the safety lock of FIG. 8 in the unlocked position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017]FIG. 12 is a left side view of a string carrier and a stock of the crossbow of FIG. 1 and the string carrier including a safety lock in a locked position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018]Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0019]Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a crossbow (e.g., bow, projectile launcher, etc.), shown as crossbow 100, is shown. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the crossbow 100 is in a drawn configuration (e.g., cocked position, loaded position, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the crossbow 100 includes a frame (e.g., rail, chassis, body, shell, or other frame member), shown as frame 102, a limb assembly 104 coupled to the frame 102 at a distal end 106 (e.g., front end, down-range end) of the crossbow 100, and a cam assembly 108 (e.g., a rotatable member assembly 108) coupled to the limb assembly 104.

[0020]The frame 102 includes a center rail 110 (e.g., center member 110) configured to support a projectile (e.g., an arrow, a bolt, etc.), shown as projectile 111 when the crossbow 100 is loaded and guide the projectile 111 during firing operations. A riser 112 is coupled to the frame 102 at the distal end 106 of the crossbow 100 and is configured to couple the limb assembly 104 to the frame 102. The crossbow 100 includes a stock 114 (e.g., a butt stock 114) coupled to the frame 102 at a proximal end 116 (e.g., rear end, up-range end) of the crossbow 100. The stock 114 may provide a support surface for a user to facilitate stabilizing the crossbow 100 during firing operations. In some embodiments, the stock 114 is integrally formed with the frame 102. In other embodiments, the stock is coupled to the center rail 110 and/or the frame 102. The stock 114 can include one or more rubberized pads (e.g., a pad to engage a user's chest or shoulder during operation of the crossbow 100). A cocking mechanism of the crossbow 100 can be integrated with or housed within the stock 114. For example, the stock 114 can be a rear portion of the crossbow 100 that can extend from the proximal end 116 of the crossbow 100 to some point between the proximal end 116 and the distal end 106. In some examples, the stock 114 can extend from the proximal end 116 to a rear-most end of the center rail 110 such that the stock 114 forms or is coupled with a rear of the center rail 110, for example.

[0021]The crossbow 100 is configured to support the projectile 111 (e.g., position the projectile 111 such that the projectile 111 is pointed in a down-range direction, in a direction towards a target positioned down-range from the distal end 106 of the crossbow 100, etc.) when the crossbow 100 is loaded. The crossbow 100 is further configured to guide the projectile 111 during firing operations such that the projectile 111 is suspended above the center rail 110 when the crossbow 100 is in the drawn configuration. In some examples, the projectile 111 does not directly contact the center rail 110 and is instead supported by an arrow rest and positioned some distance from the center rail 110. In other examples, the projectile 111 can be supported by the center rail or a portion thereof. When the crossbow 100 is fired, the projectile 111 is propelled (e.g., shot, thrust, fired, launched, etc.) from the crossbow 100 in a down-range direction and substantially along a projectile axis A (e.g., longitudinal centerline, flight path, etc.). The projectile axis A may be an axis defined by the frame 102, the center rail 110 of the frame 102, or some other portion of the crossbow 100. The projectile axis A is an axis along which the projectile 111 is loaded into the crossbow 100, an axis along which the projectile is supported before firing, and an axis along which the projectile 111 travels during operation of the crossbow 100 as the crossbow 100 is fired (e.g., as the crossbow 100 or a drawstring of the crossbow 100 moves from the drawn configuration to the released configuration). The projectile axis A extends in a direction between the distal end 106 and the proximal end 116 of the crossbow 100. The projectile axis A can be substantially parallel with the center rail 110.

[0022]The riser 112 is coupled to the limb assembly 104 such that the limb assembly 104 can flex relative to the riser 112. For example, the limb assembly 104 includes a plurality of flexible limbs 120 that each limb 120 extends from the riser 112, in a direction towards the proximal end 116 (e.g., in a direction towards a free end of the limbs 120). In other examples, the limbs 120 can extend in a direction towards the distal end 106, where the riser 112 is positioned between the proximal end 116 and the distal end 106, for example. The free ends of the flexible limbs 120 enable the flexible limbs 120 to flex relative to the riser 112 and generate a firing force that is applied to the projectile 111 as the crossbow 100 is fired. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the limb assembly 104 includes a first limb assembly 122 coupled to a first lateral side (e.g., a right side) of the riser 112 and a second limb assembly 124 coupled to a second lateral side (e.g., a left side) of the riser 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the first limb assembly 122 and the second limb assembly 124 both include two flexible limbs 120. In some embodiments, the first limb assembly 122 and the second limb assembly 124 both include more or less than two flexible limbs 120 (e.g., one flexible limb 120, three flexible limbs 120, etc.).

[0023]As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the cam assembly 108 includes a first cam 130 (e.g., a right cam, a first rotatable member) and a second cam 132 (e.g., a left cam, a second rotatable member). The first cam 130 is rotatably coupled to the free ends of the flexible limbs 120 of the first limb assembly 122, and the second cam 132 is rotatably coupled to the free ends of the flexible limbs 120 of the second limb assembly 124. For example, the first cam 130 and the second cam 132 can be respectively coupled to the flexible limbs 120 of the first limb assembly 122 and the flexible limbs 120 of the second limb assembly 124 and positioned some fixed distance (e.g., 0.5-2″, less than 0.5″, or greater than 2″) from the free end of the flexible limbs 120. The cam assembly 108 is coupled to a drawstring 134 that is configured to move between an undrawn (e.g., released, uncocked, unloaded) position and a drawn (e.g., cocked, loaded) position where the drawstring 134 is displaced along the projectile axis A in a direction toward the stock 114 (e.g., toward the proximal end 116). The first cam 130 and the second cam 132 each define at least one draw string journal. The drawstring journal (e.g., drawstring groove, journal, string guide) is configured to receive (e.g., engage with, wind or unwind, etc.) at least a portion of the drawstring 134. In the example shown, the first cam 130 and the second cam 132 each include two drawstring journals, where each receive a portion of a drawstring, such as a portion of a looped end of the drawstring 134. In other examples, the first cam 130 and the second cam 132 include one drawstring journal or more than two draw string journals. The first cam 130 and the second cam 132 are configured to let out (e.g., pay out, unwind) a predetermined length of the drawstring 134 therefrom when a string carrier (e.g., string carrier 150) operates to pull the drawstring 134 to the cocked position.

[0024]As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the first cam 130 and the second cam 132 each have upper string guides 140a and 140b and lower string guides 140c and 140d. The upper string guides 140a, 140b and the lower string guides 140c, 140d include a journal (e.g., helical journal, spiral journal, a journal having a three-dimensional curvature or path) sized to receive, take-up, let-out, or otherwise engage with at least one power cable 142. The upper string guides 140a, 140b extend in an upward vertical direction (e.g., substantially perpendicular to) from a top surface of the first cam 130 and the second cam 132, respectively. Similarly, the lower string guides 140c, 140d extend in a downward vertical direction (e.g., substantially perpendicular to) from a bottom surface of the first cam 130 and the second cam 132, respectively. The upper string guides 140a, 140b and the lower string guides 140c, 140d are configured to draw (e.g., take-up, wind, coil) a predetermined length of the power cables 142 thereon when a string carrier (e.g., string carrier 150) operates to pull the drawstring 134 to the cocked position. Although depicted as cams, it is understood that the first cam 130 and the second cam 132 can be otherwise configured. For example, the first cam 130 or the second cam 132 can be a pulley that engages with the drawstring 134 without winding or unwinding the drawstring within a string guide. In such an embodiment, the pulley can rotate relative to a limb of the crossbow 100, relative to a frame of the crossbow, or relative to some other member, for example.

[0025]In the depicted embodiment, as the drawstring 134 is displaced (e.g., moves, translates, is pulled, is drawn) from the undrawn position to the drawn position, the first cam 130 and the second cam 132 rotate relative to the flexible limbs 120, and the flexible limbs 120 flex relative to the riser 112. As the first cam 130 and the second cam 132 rotate, the power cables 142 are respectively wound on the upper string guides 140a, 140b and the lower string guides 140c, 140d (e.g., via a power cable journal). The flexing of the flexible limbs 120 loads the flexible limbs 120, where the load on the flexible limbs 120 is configured to launch the projectile 111 from the crossbow 100 via the drawstring 134. Once the drawstring 134 is in the drawn position, a user may selectively actuate a trigger 148 to release the drawstring 134 (e.g., from the string carrier 150) and unload the flexible limbs 120. The drawstring 134 then travels back to the undrawn position and the unloading of the flexible limbs 120 transfers the firing force to the projectile 111 nocked to the drawstring 134, which in turn fires the projectile 111 along the projectile axis A in a direction from the distal end 106 (e.g., a down-range direction toward a target).

[0026]As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the crossbow 100 includes a grip 146 is positioned between the distal end 106 and the proximal end 116 of the crossbow 100 along a bottom surface of the frame 102. In some embodiments, the grip 146 is integrally formed with the frame 102. The grip 146 includes an opening for a user to rest or place a finger. The grip 146 can have one or more concave indentations that are generally ergonomic. The grip 146 provides a point of support for a user of the crossbow 100. The grip 146 can be held by the user's hand. In some embodiments, the grip 146 is a pistol style grip. In some embodiments, a trigger 148 is positioned in the opening of the grip 146. The trigger 148 may be operatively coupled to a firing mechanism (e.g., a trigger linkage coupled to the trigger 148 and a trigger pawl) and the string carrier 150 such that actuating the trigger 148 (e.g., pulling the trigger 148) disengages the string carrier 150 from the drawstring 134 to fire the crossbow 100 and the projectile 111 down range.

[0027]In some embodiments, the crossbow 100 includes one or more pulley assemblies (e.g., lever assemblies), in addition to or as an alternative to the first cam 130 and the second cam 132, configured to engage with the drawstring 134. The pulley assemblies may be coupled to the limb assembly 104. In other embodiments, the pulley assemblies can be mounted to some other portion of the crossbow 100, such as a stationary location. The pulley assemblies may each include a pulley. The pulley may be coupled to a lever arm. The lever arm may be coupled to a power cable journal. The pulley of each pulley assembly may be configured to rotate about a pulley axis that is parallel with and spaced apart from the respective lever arm axis. The lever arm of the pulley assemblies may be configured to rotate about the lever arm axis. Because each pulley is rotatably coupled to a respective lever arm, each pulley may rotates about the respective lever arm axis as the lever rotates about the lever arm axis, which occurs during operation of the crossbow 100 as the drawstring 134 moves between a released position to a drawn position. As the lever arm rotates about the lever arm axis, the pulley may also rotate about the pulley axis.

[0028]In some embodiments, the crossbow 100 includes a pair of plates instead of the center rail 110 and the riser 112. In other words, the frame 102 may be constructed from the pair of plates. The limb assembly 104 may be coupled to the pair of plates. In particular, an upper limb 120 may be coupled to a top plate and a lower limb 120 may be coupled to a bottom plate of the crossbow 100. The top plate may define a first plane and the bottom plate may define a substantially parallel second plane. The drawstring 134 may be configured to move from the released position to the drawn position (and vice versa) within an opening between the top plate and the bottom plate to fire the projectile 111 from the crossbow 100. The top plate and the bottom plate may be coupled together via multiple columns (e.g., rods, blocks, linkages, or other generally slender members). For example, the top plate and the bottom plate can have corresponding mounting locations to which a column can be coupled to couple the top plate and the bottom plate together.

[0029]As shown in FIG. 6, the stock 114 includes a protrusion 144, shown as pin 144, extending therefrom. The pin 144 is configured to extend from the stock 114 in a direction towards the distal end 106. The pin 144 can be coupled with the stock 114 or integrally formed with the stock 114. In other embodiments, the pin 144 can be coupled with or extend from some other component of the crossbow 100 other than the stock 114 (e.g., the center rail 110 or some other component). The pin 144 is shown as having a cylindrical or rounded shape and defines a ramped (e.g., angled) face such that a bottom edge of the pin 144 extends farther away from the stock 114 than a top edge of the pin 144. In other embodiments, the pin 144 is otherwise suitably shaped (e.g., conical, cuboidal, etc.) with or without the ramped face. Although the protrusion 144 is shown as a pin 144, it is understood that the pin 144 can have a variety of shapes, profiles, dimensions and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030]As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5-10, the crossbow 100 includes a string carrier 150 configured to translate along the center rail 110 between an extended position and a retracted position to facilitate transitioning the crossbow 100 between released and drawn configurations (e.g., cocking the crossbow 100). For example, during cocking (e.g., drawing) operations the string carrier 150 translates (e.g., slides, moves, rolls, etc.) forward along the center rail 110 toward the riser 112 to engage the drawstring 134 while the crossbow 100 is in the released configuration. In some embodiments, the string carrier 150 is slidably engaged with the top plate and the bottom plate. Specifically, the string carrier 150 may include a projection or a slot and may be positioned in the opening between the top plate and the bottom plate. The projection or slot of the string carrier 150 may engage with a corresponding slot or projection of both the top plate and the bottom plate, and the engagement between the string carrier 150 and the top and bottom plate guides the string carrier 150 between a forward position and a rearward position. The string carrier 150 may selectively couple to (e.g., capture, engage with, etc.) the drawstring 134 such that when the string carrier 150 is translated rearward (e.g., along the center rail 110, between the top plate and the bottom plate) toward the proximal end 116 of the crossbow 100, the crossbow 100 transitions from the released configuration to the drawn configuration. The drawstring 134 is in a drawn (e.g., cocked) position or configuration when the crossbow 100 is in the drawn configuration. The drawstring 134 is in a released (e.g., uncocked, undrawn) position or configuration when the crossbow 100 is in the released configuration.

[0031]The string carrier 150 can be coupled with a cocking mechanism of the crossbow 100. The cocking mechanism can be a manual, mechanical, or electro-mechanical mechanism configured to move the string carrier 150 from a first position (e.g., a forward position in which the string carrier 150 initially engages with the drawstring 134) and a second position (e.g., a rearward position in which the string carrier 150 is positioned proximate the stock 114 and the drawstring 134 is in the drawn position). The cocking mechanism can be coupled with the string carrier 150 via a lead screw assembly, rope, web, tether, or some other flexible or semi-flexible member. The cocking mechanism can be manually operated by a user (e.g., a rope-cocking mechanism that detachably couples with the string carrier 150 or the drawstring 134 to allow the user to manually move the drawstring 134 and string carrier 150 toward the stock 114. The cocking mechanism can be or include a mechanical cocking mechanism that allows a user to turn a knob or rotate a handle to move the string carrier 150 and drawstring 134 toward the stock 114 with some mechanical advantage (e.g., a gear train). The cocking mechanism can further be an electro-mechanical cocking mechanism that allows a user to electrically actuate a mechanical assembly to move the string carrier 150 and drawstring 134 toward the stock 114.

[0032]As shown in FIGS. 5-10, the string carrier 150 includes a string carrier housing (e.g., shell, enclosure), shown as housing 152, configured to house one or more components or assemblies of the string carrier 150 therein. For example, the one or more components or assemblies of the string carrier 150 may be disposed within and supported within the housing 152 (e.g., at least partially disposed and/or supported within the housing 152). In some embodiments, the housing 152 may include two or more portions (e.g., sections, halves, shells) configured to couple with each other. In other embodiments, the housing 152 is integrally formed as a unitary body. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 152 defines a drawstring opening 154 along a front side thereof sized to receive the drawstring 134 to facilitate engaging the string carrier 150 with the drawstring 134. As shown in FIGS. 6-10, the housing 152 defines an opening 155 along a bottom side and a rear side thereof sized to receive at least a portion of the pin 144. The opening 155 could be elsewhere positioned on the housing 152.

[0033]As shown in FIG. 6, the string carrier 150 includes a safety lever, shown as safety switch 156, disposed along an exterior surface of the housing 152. In some embodiments, the safety switch 156 is otherwise positioned about the housing 152 or the crossbow 100 (e.g., along the frame 102). The safety switch 156 is engageable by a user (e.g., rotatable, pressable, switchable, actuatable) to selectively transition the crossbow 100 between a “safety on” state (e.g., a safe state, a first mode of operation) and a “safety off” state (e.g., a fire state, a second mode of operation). In the safety off state, operation of the crossbow 100 is limited such that the crossbow 100 can be fired (as discussed in greater detail below). In the safety on state, the crossbow 100 cannot be fired (e.g., if one or more additional conditions are satisfied as discussed in greater detail below).

[0034]As shown in FIGS. 6-10, the string carrier 150 includes a sear 162, a string catch 164, a safety 166 (e.g., a safety pawl 166), an anti-dry fire mechanism 168 (e.g., ADF, a dry fire lockout), and a safety lock 170. The sear 162, the string catch 164, the safety 166, the ADF 168, and the safety lock 170 are configured to be disposed, at least partially, within the housing 152 of the string carrier 150 and pivotably coupled to the housing 152 therein. In other embodiments, one or more of the sear 162, the string catch 164, the safety 166, the ADF 168, and the safety lock 170 can be external to the housing 152, directly coupled to the housing 152, indirectly coupled to the housing 152, or not coupled to the housing 152. In yet other embodiments, the string carrier 150 includes other components besides the sear 162, the string catch 164, the safety 166, the ADF 168, and the safety lock 170 that facilitate the operation of the string carrier 150 as herein described. In yet other embodiments, the string carrier 150 includes greater or fewer components than the sear 162, the string catch 164, the safety 166, the ADF 168, and the safety lock 170 herein described to accomplish the same or similar function.

[0035]The string catch 164 includes a recess 172 defined by at least one engagement feature 174 (e.g., a finger, a hook) configured to receive the drawstring 134 and facilitate selectively retaining the drawstring 134 by the string catch 164. The string catch 164 is pivotably coupled to the housing 152 between an open position (e.g., a position in which the string catch 164 does not retain the drawstring 134) and a closed position (e.g., a position in which the string catch 164 is configured to engage with and retain the drawstring 134, such as to transition the crossbow 100 to the drawn configuration). In some embodiments, after firing the crossbow 100, the string catch 164 is biased to the closed position by a spring 176. In other embodiments, after firing the crossbow 100, the string catch 164 is biased to the open position by the spring 176.

[0036]As shown in FIGS. 6-10, the sear 162 includes a recess 178 (e.g., a shoulder, a notch, a valley) structured to engage with the string catch 164 or a component coupled thereto (e.g., positioned proximate a rear end of the string catch 164). When the string catch 164 is engaged with the sear 162 within the recess 178 (e.g., when the sear 162 is in a first, engaged position), the string catch 164 is retained in the closed position. Similarly, when the string catch 164 is disengaged from the sear 162 (e.g., when the sear 162 is in a second, disengaged position), the string catch 164 can transition to the open position to release the drawstring 134 and fire the crossbow 100. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sear 162 is biased in direction towards the distal end 106 by a spring 180 (e.g., to the first, cocked position, in a counterclockwise direction, to engage with and retain the string catch 164 in the closed position, etc.).

[0037]As shown in FIGS. 6-10, the safety 166 includes a shoulder 182 configured to engage with the sear 162. When the sear 162 is engaged with the safety 166 (e.g., the safety on state), the sear 162 is retained in a position in which the sear 162 retains the string catch 164 in the closed position. For example, the sear 162 is inhibited from rotating to the second, disengaged position in a clockwise direction (as viewed from FIGS. 6-10) such that the string catch 164 remains engaged with the sear 162 within the recess 178. When the sear 162 is disengaged from the safety 166 (e.g., the safety off state or fire state), the sear 162 may pivot (e.g., rotate in clockwise direction) to the second, disengaged position to transition the string catch 164 to the open position (e.g., if the ADF 168 is disengaged from the sear 162). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the safety 166 is biased in direction towards the distal end 106 by a spring 184 (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction as shown, to engage with the sear 162). The safety 166 is coupled with the safety switch 156 such that engaging with the safety switch 156 (e.g., rotating the safety switch 156) facilitates selectively rotating the safety 166 to transition the crossbow 100 between the safety on state and the safety off state (e.g., if the safety lock 170 is in an unlocked position as discussed in greater detail below).

[0038]As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the ADF 168 is configured to rotate between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, a proximal end 188 of the ADF 168 is configured engage with the sear 162 to prevent the sear 162 from releasing the string catch 164 (e.g., thereby preventing the crossbow 100 from firing). In some embodiments, a distal end 186 of the ADF 168 can engage with at least a portion of the string catch 164 with the ADF 168 in the engaged position. In some embodiments, the ADF 168 does not directly engage (e.g., contact) the string catch 164 or sear 162 and yet still prevents the sear 162 from releasing the string catch 164 because of indirect or other engagement between the ADF 168 and the sear 162. In this manner, even if the safety 166 is disengaged from the sear 162, the proximal end 188 of the ADF 168 retains the sear 162 (e.g., in the first, engaged position) to prevent the string catch 164 from rotating and releasing the drawstring 134.

[0039]A portion of the projectile 111 engaged with the drawstring 134 (e.g., a nock of a bolt/arrow) is configured to engage with the distal end 186 of the ADF 168 to rotate the ADF 168 (e.g., in a counter-clockwise direction as shown) and transition the ADF 168 to the disengaged position. In the disengaged position (see, e.g., FIG. 7), the distal end 186 of the ADF 168 is positioned such that rotation of the sear 162 from the first, engaged position to the second, disengaged position is permitted (e.g., clockwise rotation to transition the string catch 164 to the open position). Accordingly, regardless of whether the safety lock 170 is engaged with or disengaged from the sear 162, the ADF 168 is configured to prevent the string catch 164 from releasing the drawstring 134 unless the projectile 111 is loaded (e.g., nocked, engaged, etc.) with the drawstring 134. In some embodiments, the ADF 168 is biased to the engaged position by a spring 190 (e.g., in a clockwise direction, to engage with the sear 162 and the string catch 164 to retain the string catch 164 in the closed position, etc.).

[0040]As shown in FIGS. 7-11, the safety lock 170 is configured to move between a first (e.g., locked) position and a second (e.g., unlocked) position. The safety lock 170 can rotate, move linearly, or move non-linearly between the first position and the second position. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 7-11, the safety lock rotates between the first position and the second position to engage or disengage the safety 166. The safety lock 170 includes a first portion, shown as extension 192, that extends at least partially within the opening 155 defined by the housing 152. In the locked position (see, e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9), the safety lock 170 prevents movement (e.g., rotation) of the safety 166 from a safe position (e.g., a safety on position) to a fire position (e.g., a safety off position). For example, an attempt to move the safety switch 156 to transition the crossbow 100 from the safety on state to the safety off state (e.g., moving the safety 166 from the safe position to the fire position) is inhibited due to an engagement between the safety 166 and the safety lock 170 (e.g., when the safety lock 170 is in the locked position). In such examples, the engagement between the safety lock 170 and the safety 166 prevents safety 166 from moving to the safety off position, which in turn prevents the sear 162 from releasing the string catch 164 (e.g., thereby preventing the crossbow 100 from firing). In some embodiments, when the safety lock 170 is in the locked configuration, the safety lock 170 may not be in contact (e.g., directly engage with) the safety 166. In such embodiments, an attempt to move the safety switch 156 to move the safety 166 from the safe position to the fire position causes the safety 166 to move and engage with the safety lock 170, thereby inhibiting movement of the safety 166 past the safety lock 170 (and retaining the crossbow 100 in the safety on state). In such embodiments, the safety lock 170 may be functionally or operatively engaged with the safety 166 to retain the crossbow 100 in the safety on state and inhibit movement of the safety 166 to the fire position because, even though the safety 166 may not be in direct contact with the safety lock 170, an attempt to move the safety 166 from the safe position to the fire position will bring the safety 166 into contact (e.g., direct contact or indirect contact) with the safety lock 170 such that the safety lock 170 inhibits movement of the safety 166 to prevent the safety 166 from moving to the fire position. When the safety lock 170 is in the unlocked configuration, movement (e.g., rotation) of the safety 166 is permitted (e.g., the safety 166 does not contact or engage with the safety lock 170 when rotated by the safety switch 156) such that movement of the sear 162 is permitted (e.g., clockwise rotation to transition the string catch 164 to the open position when the safety switch 156 transitions the crossbow 100 to the safety off state). As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the safety lock 170 is biased to the locked position by a spring 194 (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction as shown).

[0041]The crossbow 100 includes the safety lock 170 to prevent movement of the safety switch 156 or the safety 166 from the safety on (e.g., safe) position to the safety off (e.g., fire) position. Specifically, the crossbow 100 includes the safety lock 170 to prevent movement of the safety switch 156 or the safety 166 from the safety on position to the safety off position until the safety lock 170 is moved to some position (e.g., the unlocked position) where the safety 166 or safety switch 156 are permitted to move from the safety on position to the safety off position. Until the safety lock 170 is disengaged from the safety switch 156 or the safety 166, the crossbow 100 cannot be fired (e.g., the drawstring 134 cannot be released to launch the projectile 111) because the safety switch 156 or safety 166 are locked in the safety on position.

[0042]In order for the safety 166 to move from the safety on (e.g., safe) position to the safety off (e.g., fire) position, the safety lock 170 must disengage from the safety 166 (e.g., the safety lock 170 must be in the unlocked configuration). According to an exemplary embodiment, to transition the safety lock 170 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the string carrier 150 must be sufficiently proximate to the stock 114 such that the crossbow 100 is in a fully drawn position. Specifically, the string carrier 150 must translate to a sufficient degree (e.g., amount, distance) along the center rail 110 in a direction towards the proximal end 116 of the crossbow 100 and toward the stock 114 such that the pin 144 extends within the opening 155 defined by the housing 152 to contact the safety lock 170 and move the safety lock to the unlocked position and out of engagement with the safety 166. According to the depicted embodiment, the pin 144 can contact the extension 192 of the safety lock 170, which can extend at least partially into the opening 155. As the string carrier 150 approaches the stock 114 (e.g., as the drawstring 134 nears the drawn position), the pin 144 can at least partially extend into the opening 155 to contact the extension 192 of the safety lock 170. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the pin 144 engages with the extension 192 of the safety lock 170 to move the safety lock 170.

[0043]For example, as viewed from FIGS. 10 and 11, the pin 144 can contact the safety lock 170 to rotate the safety lock 170 in a clockwise direction to the unlocked position. In other examples, the pin 144 can contact the safety lock 170 to cause the safety lock 170 to move linearly and out of engagement with the safety 166. For example, the safety lock 170 can engage a down-range side of the safety 166 such that, when the safety lock 170 moves at least partially in a down-range direction (e.g., a direction toward the distal end 106) away from the safety 166, the safety lock 170 disengages from the safety 166. In various embodiments, the string carrier 150 is translated rearward to a fully cocked position) before (i) the safety 166 can be transitioned to the fire position and (ii) the string catch 164 can be transitioned to the open position to release the drawstring 134. In some embodiments, the extension 192 of the safety lock 170 extends outside of the housing 152 (e.g., from a rear end thereof) such that pin 144 does not extend within the opening 155 to engage with the safety lock 170. In other embodiments, the extension 192 of the safety lock 170 can extend beyond the housing 152 such that the extension 192 (or some other part of the safety lock 170 contacts the stock 114 directly or otherwise contacts some portion of the stock 114 to cause the safety lock 170 to move to the unlocked position.

[0044]According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the string carrier 150 omits the safety lock 170 and the stock 114 omits the pin 144. As shown in FIG. 12, the string carrier 150 includes a spring and magnet assembly, shown as safety lock 200, configured to be disposed, at least partially, within the housing 152 of the string carrier 150. The safety lock 200 includes a ledge (e.g., a shoulder feature), shown as engagement structure 202, a biasing element, shown as spring 204 coupled with the engagement structure 202, and at least one magnet 206. In some embodiments, the safety lock 200 includes two magnets 206, more than two magnets 206, or one magnet 206. The engagement structure 202 may be made from or include a magnetic material such that the engagement structure 202 is configured to magnetically couple with or be magnetically attracted to the magnets 206, for example. In some embodiments, the engagement structure 202 includes a magnet coupled thereto to facilitate a magnetic connection (e.g., coupling, attraction, etc.) with the magnets 206, for example. As shown in FIG. 12, the spring 204 is configured to bias the engagement structure 202 to a first (e.g., locked) position in a direction towards the safety 166. The spring 204 is disposed within the housing 152 along a rear wall thereof (e.g., a wall of the housing 152 closest to the proximal end 116 and extends in a direction towards the distal end 106. In the locked position (see, e.g., FIG. 12), the engagement structure 202 is configured to engage (e.g., contact, interface, touch, etc.) the safety 166 to prevent rotation of the safety 166 from the safe position to the fire position. For example, an attempt to rotate the safety switch 156 to transition the crossbow 100 from the safety on state to the safety off state (e.g., moving the safety 166 from the safe position to the fire position) is inhibited due to an engagement between the safety 166 and the engagement structure 202 of the safety lock 200 (e.g., when the engagement structure 202 is biased to the locked position by the spring 204). In such examples, the engagement between the engagement structure 202 and the safety 166 prevents safety 166 from moving to the safety off position, which in turn prevents the scar 162 from releasing the string catch 164 (e.g., thereby preventing the crossbow 100 from firing). When the safety lock 200 is in the unlocked configuration, rotation of the safety 166 is permitted (e.g., the safety 166 does not contact or engage with the engagement structure 202 when rotated by the safety switch 156) such that rotation of the sear 162 is permitted (e.g., clockwise rotation to transition the string catch 164 to the open position when the safety switch 156 transitions the crossbow 100 to the safety off state).

[0045]As shown in FIG. 12, the magnets 206 are coupled with the stock 114. The magnets 206 are positioned along a surface of the stock 114 facing the string carrier 150 (e.g., facing the distal end 106). In some embodiments, the magnets 206 are otherwise positioned or arranged about the stock 114. In order for the safety 166 to be enable to move from the safety on (e.g., safe) position to the safety off (e.g., fire) position, the engagement structure 202 of the safety lock 200 must disengage from the safety 166 (e.g., the engagement structure 202 must be in the unlocked configuration). According to an exemplary embodiment, to transition the engagement structure 202 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the string carrier 150 must be sufficiently proximate to the stock 114 such that the crossbow 100 is in a fully drawn position. Specifically, the string carrier 150 must translate to a sufficient degree (e.g., amount, distance) along the center rail 110 in a direction towards the proximal end 116 of the crossbow 100 and toward the stock 114 such that a magnetic connection (e.g., a sufficient magnetic attraction) is established between the engagement structure 202 and the magnets 206 to overcome the bias from the spring 204 and translate (e.g., pull under force of magnetic attraction) the engagement structure 202 to the unlocked position and out of engagement with the safety 166. As the string carrier 150 approaches the stock 114 (e.g., as the drawstring 134 nears the drawn position), the magnetic attraction occurs between the engagement structure 202 and the magnets 206, and after the string carrier 150 translates to the sufficient degree, the magnetic force (e.g., a pulling force, a force on the engagement structure 202 in a direction towards the magnets 206) on the engagement structure 202 is greater than the spring force on the engagement structure 202 such that the spring 204 compresses and the engagement structure 202 translates to the unlocked position and out of engagement with the safety 166. In this manner, the string carrier 150 is translated rearward to a fully cocked position) before (i) the safety 166 can be transitioned to the fire position and (ii) the string catch 164 can be transitioned to the open position to release the drawstring 134.

[0046]In such embodiments (e.g., embodiments including the safety lock 170 and the pin 144, embodiments including the safety lock 200, etc.), the string carrier 150 must be sufficiently close to the stock 114-or the drawstring 134 must be sufficiently drawn-in order for a user to fire the crossbow 100, thereby creating an additional condition that must be satisfied before the crossbow 100 can be fired. This additional condition can ensure proper or optimal functioning of the components of the crossbow 100 (e.g., the components of the string carrier 150) or ensure proper or optimal operation of the crossbow 100 by a user (e.g., reduce the likelihood of misuse by a user), for example. Although the disclosed embodiments depict a particular implementation of the safety lock 170 and the safety lock 200, both in terms of the described structural implementation and its functional effect of creating a condition related to position of the string carrier 150 relative to the stock 114 that must be satisfied before the safety switch 156 or safety 166 can be moved to the safety off position, it is understood that the structural and functional implementations of the safety lock 170 and the safety lock 200 can vary in other embodiments.

[0047]For example, the safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200 can be otherwise transitioned from the locked position to the unlocked configuration (e.g., responsive to pushing a second safety button, responsive to pulling a lever, responsive to some other signal) without using the pin 144 that engages the extension 192 of the safety lock 170, or without using the engagement structure 202, the spring 204, and the magnets 206, respectively. In various embodiments, the safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200 (e.g., the engagement structure 202) can be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position via mechanical, electromechanical, or electrical means. For example, the crossbow 100 can include a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, a touch sensor, or some other sensor) positioned on the housing 152 of the string carrier 150 to detect a position of the string carrier 150 relative to the stock 114 or some other feature of the crossbow 100, where the position of the string carrier 150 can indicate how close the string carrier 150 is to the stock 114 or, said another way, how far the drawstring 134 has been drawn. The safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200 can be electromechanically actuated based on the received signal. For example, a sensor could transmit a signal to a controller electrically coupled with an electric actuator (e.g., motor) of the safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200 that causes the electric actuator to rotate the safety lock 170 or translate the engagement structure 202, respectively. In other embodiments, an electric actuator coupled with the safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200 can be actuated when an electrical connection is established between the string carrier 150 and the stock 114 or some other component of the crossbow 100. For example, an electrical circuit (e.g., loop) or connection can be established via physical contact between a first electrical contact on the string carrier 150 and a second electrical contact (e.g., a contact positioned on the stock 114). When the first and second electrical contacts contact each other, the electrical circuit is complete, and the electrical actuator of the safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200 can move the safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200 to the unlocked position. In such embodiments, the safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200 can remain in the locked position until the position of the string carrier 150 is sufficiently close (e.g., within one centimeter, within 5 mm, within 2 mm, or within some other distance of the stock 114).

[0048]In other embodiments, the safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200 is configured to disengage from the safety 166 or safety switch 156 when some other condition is satisfied. For example, rather than a condition requiring sufficient proximity between the string carrier 150 and the stock 114 (e.g., requiring the drawstring 134 to be drawn to a sufficient degree), the safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200 can be configured to move to the unlocked position when some other condition is satisfied, where satisfaction of said other condition will allow the safety switch 156 or the safety 166 to move to the safety off position and further allow the crossbow 100 to be fired. For example, the requisite condition could be the presence of a user's non-trigger hand on a foregrip of the crossbow 100, which could indicate the user's readiness to fire the crossbow 100 in a preferred and controlled manner. In other examples, the condition could be the presence of the user's arm or shoulder against the stock 114, which could also indicate the user's readiness to fire the crossbow 100. In still other examples, the condition could be the presence of a user's hand away from a path of the drawstring 134, as determined by an optical, vision, proximity, or laser sensor configured to transmit a signal to an electrical actuator coupled with the safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200. The condition can be a degree of flexion of at least one flexible limb 120 of the first limb assembly 122 or the second limb assembly 124, as measured by an angle sensor, strain gauge, or some other sensor, for example. The condition can be a degree of rotation of the first cam 130 or the second cam 132, as measured by an angle sensor or some other sensor, for example. The condition can be a distance between an axle of the first cam 130 and a second cam 132, as measured by a proximity sensor or some other sensor. In other embodiments, the condition is some other condition or combination of multiple conditions that can generally promote proper use, function, or performance of the crossbow 100.

[0049]As shown in FIGS. 7-11, a ball detent 196 is biased (e.g., by a spring) vertically downwards. The ball detent 196 is configured to extend in front of the safety 166 to retain the safety 166 in the fire position (e.g., when rotation of the safety 166 is not inhibited by the safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200). In some embodiments, if the safety 166 is not sufficiently rotated (e.g., not fully rotated to the fire position), the ball detent 196 does not extend in front of the safety 166, and the safety 166 is biased by the spring 184 to the safe position.

[0050]According to an exemplary embodiment, the crossbow 100 is permitted to be fired (e.g., the string catch 164 is permitted to transition to the open position to release the drawstring 134) when at least three conditions are satisfied (e.g., completed). According to an exemplary embodiment, a first condition includes disengaging the ADF 168 from the sear 162, a second condition includes disengaging the safety lock 170 or the safety lock 200 from the safety 166, and a third condition includes disengaging the safety 166 from the sear 162. In such an arrangement, the third condition cannot be satisfied without first satisfying the second condition. Put another way, the third condition (or some other condition) can be dependent on first satisfying the second condition (or some other condition). Accordingly, if either the first condition, the second condition, or the third condition are not satisfied, (i) the sear 162 is inhibited from rotating between the first, engaged position and the second, disengaged position (e.g., rotating clockwise as viewed from FIGS. 7-12) and (ii) the drawstring 134 cannot be released from the string catch 164 (e.g., the string catch 164 is inhibited from transitioning from the closed position to the open position). In other embodiments, each of the conditions can be satisfied independent of each other.

[0051]The first condition is satisfied when the projectile 111 is nocked with the drawstring 134. After loading the projectile 111 (e.g., nocking the projectile 111 to the drawstring 134), a nock of the projectile 111 engages with the distal end 186 of the ADF 168 such that the ADF 168 rotates (e.g., rotates counterclockwise as viewed from FIGS. 7-11) and out of engagement with the sear 162. The second condition is satisfied when the string carrier 150 is translated rearward (e.g., to a fully retracted position) such that the pin 144 engages with the safety lock 170 to rotate the safety lock 170 from the locked position to the unlocked position. In embodiments where the safety lock 170 and the pin 144 are omitted and replaced with the safety lock 200, the second condition is satisfied when the string carrier 150 is translated rearward (e.g., to a substantially fully retracted position) such that a magnetic attraction occurs between the engagement structure 202 and the magnets 206 to overcome the bias from the spring 204 and translate the engagement structure 202 to the unlocked position and out of engagement with the safety 166. The third condition is satisfied (i) after satisfying the second condition and (ii) when the user switches the safety switch 156 (e.g., and the safety 166 coupled therewith) from the safe position to the fire position. The safety 166 rotates (e.g., rotates clockwise as viewed from FIGS. 7-12) when moved to the fire position such that the safety 166 disengages from the sear 162, thereby permitting (i) rotation of the sear 162 and (ii) transition of the string catch 164 from the closed position to the open position to fire the crossbow 100.

[0052]As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean +/−10% of the disclosed values. When the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are applied to a structural feature (e.g., to describe its shape, size, orientation, direction, etc.), these terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0053]It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0054]The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using one or more separate intervening members, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0055]References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0056]Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps or operations, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above.

[0057]It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the projectile launcher as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.