Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02716632 2013-08-16
PORTABLE COCKING DEVICE
I. Background
A. Field of Invention
[0001] This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses of
bowstring drawing devices and even more particularly, to the art of methods
and
apparatuses of portable cocking devices for drawing a bowstring of a crossbow.
B. Description of the Related Art
[00021 It is known to increase the speed and accuracy at which a projectile is
propelled from an archery device is to increase the stiffness of the outwardly
extending
bow limbs. However, increasing the stiffness of the outwardly extending bow
limbs
results in an increase in the effort or force required when pulling or drawing
the
bowstring into position for firing. At some point, simply increasing the
stiffness of the
outwardly extending bow arms becomes counterproductive since users do not have
the
physical strength to pull back or draw the bowstring into position for firing
and
maintain this position until the user has sighted his or her target and is
ready to release
the bowstring. Furthermore, if the user is struggling to maintain the drawn
position of
the bowstring, his or her aim will be negatively affected.
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[0003] In a crossbow, a longitudinally extending main beam, commonly called
the stock, includes a trigger mechanism which holds the bowstring in the drawn
position,
allowing the user to sight a target without manually holding and maintaining
the draw
weight. This allows the stiffness of the bow limbs to be increased
significantly, and
modern crossbows can have bowstring pull weights of 150 pounds or more.
Although
the trigger maintains the drawn position of the bowstring, drawing the
bowstring into
engagement with the trigger mechanism is still very difficult. It is readily
apparent that
with high pull weights, even operating a crossbow could be difficult, if not
impossible,
for many users having limited physical strength. This is particularly true for
target
practice or other situations where the crossbow is cocked numerous times.
[0004] In order to draw the crossbow bowstring and cock the crossbow, the user
must have sufficient physical strength to draw the full bowstring draw weight
of the
crossbow. Devices have been used in conjunction with crossbows to make this
cocking
operation easier for users to accomplish. For example, some crossbows include
a stirrup,
which is mounted to one end of the crossbow. In such crossbows, the user
places the
stirrup onto the ground and places a foot onto the stirrup to support the
crossbow for
cocking. By applying the user's body weight to the grounded stirrup, the user
can draw
the crossbow bowstring into cocked position. Although helpful, this provides
only
limited advantage. In addition, it is very difficult to properly draw the
bowstring in a
manner that the limbs are each tensioned to the same degree, or the bow is
drawn in a
balanced manner relative to the outwardly extending limbs of the crossbow such
that
when the bowstring is released from the crossbow trigger mechanism, an
equalized force
will be imparted to the projectile or arrow positioned therein. This balancing
of the
forces imparted on the bowstring by means of the crossbow limbs is
particularly
important for shooting accuracy in using the crossbow, and also adds to safety
of use.
[0005] Although known crossbow bowstring cocking devices work well for their
intended purpose, conventional manual crank winch devices and leverage-type
cocking
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devices are often large, heavy, and cumbersome and commonly must be connected
and
disconnected from the crossbow with each use. In many cases instead of
simplifying the
cocking procedure, these known devices add complexity or cost, are too
cumbersome to
handle and use effectively, and/or fail to ensure that the bowstring is drawn
in a balanced
manner. It remains desirable to develop cocking devices that are small, light,
or not
cumbersome, or which draw the bowstring in a balanced manner.
Summary of the Invention
[0006] According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, a device may
comprise a first handle, a second handle, a housing, a first hook member, and
a second
hook member. The first handle may be connected to a first end of a flexible
member.
The second handle may be operatively connected to the flexible member. The
first and
second handles are adapted to be grasped by a user. The housing may comprise a
retraction device operatively connected to a second end of the flexible
member. The
retraction device may be adapted to retract at least a portion of the flexible
member into
an interior portion defined by the housing. The first hook member may be
slidably
coupled to the flexible member. The first hook member may comprise a first
attachment
assembly and a first coupling assembly. The second hook member may be slidably
coupled to the flexible member. The second hook member may comprise a second
attachment assembly and a second coupling assembly. The first and second hook
members may be positioned between the first and second handles. The first and
second
attachment assemblies may be adapted to receive at least a portion of a
bowstring of a
crossbow and the first and second coupling assemblies may be adapted to at
least
partially enable the movement of the first and second hook members along at
least a
portion of the flexible member.
[0007] According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, a kit may
comprise a crossbow and a cocking device. The crossbow may comprise a main
beam
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including a stock having a butt portion and a barrel having an upper surface
suitable for
receiving an arrow to be fired from the crossbow; a pair of outwardly
extending bow
limbs operatively coupled to the distal end of the barrel; a bowstring
operatively
connected between the bow limbs; and, a trigger mechanism operatively coupled
to the
main beam, wherein the bowstring may be drawn rearward across the upper
surface of
the barrel and retained by the trigger mechanism such that the bowstring can
be
selectively released to propel the arrow from the crossbow. The cocking device
may
comprise a first handle, a second handle, a housing, a first hook member, and
a second
hook member. The first handle may be connected to a first end of a flexible
member.
The second handle may be operatively connected to the flexible member. The
first and
second handles are adapted to be grasped by a user. The housing may comprise a
retraction device operatively connected to a second end of the flexible
member. The
retraction device may be adapted to retract at least a portion of the flexible
member into
the housing. The first hook member may be slidably coupled to the flexible
member.
The first hook member may comprise a first attachment assembly and a first
coupling
assembly. The second hook member may be slidably coupled to the flexible
member.
The second hook member may comprise a second attachment assembly and a second
coupling assembly. The first and second hook members may be positioned between
the
first and second handles. The first and second attachment assemblies may be
adapted to
receive at least a portion of a bowstring of a crossbow and the first and
second coupling
assemblies may be adapted to at least partially enable the movement of the
first and
second hook members along at least a portion of the flexible member.
100081 According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, a method may
comprise the steps of: (a) providing a crossbow; (b) providing a cocking
device; (c)
attaching the first and second hook members to the bowstring; (d) adjusting
the flexible
member to cause a first length of the flexible member to extend between the
first and
second hook members; (e) positioning the first length around a portion of the
main beam
of the crossbow; (f) exerting a rearward force to draw the bowstring, wherein
the
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rearward force is exerted by utilizing the first and second handles; (g)
slidably moving
the first hook member or the second hook member relative to the flexible
member,
wherein the movement of the first hook member or the second hook member allows
the
bowstring to be drawn in a balanced manner; (h) retaining the bowstring in the
trigger
mechanism; (i) disengaging the cocking device from the crossbow; and, (j)
retracting the
flexible member, wherein the retraction of the flexible member at least
partially causes
the cocking device to comprise a stowed position. The crossbow may comprise: a
main
beam including a stock having a butt portion and a barrel having an upper
surface
suitable for receiving an arrow to be fired from the crossbow; a pair of
outwardly
extending bow limbs operatively coupled to the distal end of the barrel; a
bowstring
operatively connected between the bow limbs; and, a trigger mechanism
operatively
coupled to the main beam. The bowstring may be drawn rearward across the upper
surface of the barrel and retained by the trigger mechanism such that the
bowstring can
be selectively released to propel the arrow from the crossbow. The cocking
device may
comprise: a first handle, a second handle, a housing, a first hook member, and
a second
hook member. The first handle may be connected to a first end of a flexible
member.
The second handle may be operatively connected to the flexible member. The
first and
second handles are adapted to be grasped by a user. The housing may comprise a
retraction device operatively connected to a second end of the flexible
member. The
retraction device may be adapted to retract at least a portion of the flexible
member into
the housing. The first hook member may be slidably coupled to the flexible
member.
The first hook member may comprise a first attachment assembly and a first
coupling
assembly. The second hook member may be slidably coupled to the flexible
member.
The second hook member may comprise a second attachment assembly and a second
coupling assembly. The first and second hook members may be positioned between
the
first and second handles. The first and second attachment assemblies may be
adapted to
receive at least a portion of a bowstring of a crossbow and the first and
second coupling
assemblies may be adapted to at least partially enable the movement of the
first and
second hook members along at least a portion of the flexible member.
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[0009] One advantage of the present subject matter is that it provides a
portable,
compact, lightweight, cost-effective device that is easy to use. Further, the
portable
cocking device eliminates the difficult or complex installation process
associated with
many conventional cocking devices.
[00101 Another advantage of the present subject matter is that it enables the
bowstring to be drawn in a balanced manner relative to the outwardly extending
limbs of
the crossbow such that when the bowstring is released from the crossbow
trigger
mechanism, an equalized force will be imparted to the projectile or arrow
positioned
therein.
[0011] Still other benefits and advantages of the present subject matter will
become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a
reading and
understanding of the following detailed specification.
III. Brief Description of the Drawings
[0012] The subject matter described herein may take physical form in certain
parts and arrangement of parts, a non-limiting embodiment of which will be
described in
detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings
which form a
part hereof and wherein:
[0013] FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a cocking
device engaged with a bowstring of a crossbow;
[0014] FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cocking
device in a stowed position;
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[0015] FIGURE 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cocking
device in a stowed position;
[0016] FIGURE 4 shows a perspective view of a hook member;
[0017] FIGURE 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cocking
device;
[0018] FIGURE 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cocking
device positioned around a portion of a crossbow to allow for the engagement
and
drawing of a bowstring;
[0019] FIGURE 7 shows a partial view of an embodiment of a crossbow having a
cocking device engaged with the bowstring;
[0020] FIGURE 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a retraction
mechanism of a cocking device;
[0021] FIGURE 9 shows a flow chart depicting one method for utilizing a
cocking device to draw a bowstring of a crossbow;
[0022] FIGURE 10 shows a partial exploded view of a second embodiment of a
cocking device to draw a bowstring of a crossbow;
[0023] FIGURE 11 shows a partial exploded view of a second embodiment of a
cocking device to draw a bowstring of a crossbow;
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[0024] FIGURE 12 shows a partial view of an embodiment of a crossbow having
a cocking device engaged with the bowstring.
IV. Detailed Description
[0025] Referring now to figures 1-12 wherein the showings are for purposes of
illustrating certain embodiments of the present subject matter only and are
not for
purposes of limiting the same, FIGURE 1 shows a crossbow depicted generally at
1. The
crossbow 1 may comprise a main beam 5. The main beam 5 may comprise of a stock
6
and a barrel 7. The stock 6 may comprise a butt portion 6' designed to be
positioned
against the shoulder of the associated user during firing of the crossbow 1.
The barrel 7
may comprise an upper surface 7' suitable for receiving an arrow or bolt. A
grip, not
shown, may extend from the lower surface of the main beam 5 proximate to a
trigger
mechanism 4. The trigger mechanism 4 may be operatively coupled to the main
beam 5
and may be adapted to retain and selectively release a bowstring 2 to propel
an arrow or
bolt from the crossbow 1. A pair of outwardly extending bow limbs 3, 3' may be
operatively coupled to the distal end of the barrel 7. The bowstring 2 may be
operatively
connected to and extend between the ends of the bow limbs 3, 3'. In certain
embodiments, the crossbow 1 may comprise a compound bow wherein the bowstring
2
may be received by cams or pulleys 8 rotatably coupled to the ends of the bow
limbs 3,
3'. The crossbow 1 may be configured such that when the bowstring 2 is drawn
back
towards the butt portion 6' the bow limbs 3, 3' may flex or bend thereby
storing potential
energy in the crossbow 1. The bowstring 2 may be drawn rearwardly across the
upper
surface 7' until being received and selectively retained by the trigger
mechanism 4.
Although a certain embodiment of the crossbow is shown to describe a cocking
device
10, the cocking device 10 may be utilized with any type of crossbow chosen
with sound
judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
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100261 With reference now to FIGURES 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10 the cocking device 10
may comprise a portable device that can be conveniently carried by the user
and
subsequently utilized to draw the bowstring 2 of the crossbow 1 in a balanced
manner.
The cocking device 10 may comprise a portable, compact, lightweight, cost-
effective
device that may be easy to use and may eliminate the difficult or complex
installation
process associated with many conventional crossbow bowstring cocking devices.
The
cocking device 10 may comprise a device that enables the bowstring 2 to be
drawn in a
balanced manner relative to the pair of outwardly extending bow limbs 3, 3' of
the
crossbow 1 such that when the bowstring 2 is released from the trigger
mechanism 4, an
equalized force will be imparted to an arrow or bolt positioned on the upper
surface 7' of
the barrel 7. In a first embodiment, as shown, without limitation, in Figures
2 and 3, the
cocking device 10 may comprise first and second hook members 14, 15, a
flexible
member 11, first and second handles 12, 13, and a housing 16. In a second
embodiment,
as shown in Figure 10, without limitation, the cocking device 10 may comprise
first and
second hook members 14, 15, a flexible member 11, first and second handles 12,
13'.
The first and second hook members 14, 15 may comprise a first end having a
coupling
assembly 17 and a second end having an attachment assembly 18. The coupling
assembly 17 may comprise a device adapted to slidably couple the first and
second hook
members 14, 15 to the flexible member 11. In one embodiment, the coupling
assembly
17 may comprise a pulley assembly 40, shown in FIGURE 4, comprising a block 41
and
a sheave 42 positioned adjacent to the first end of the first and second hook
members 14,
15. In another embodiment, the coupling assembly 17 may comprise a spindle,
not
shown, positioned at least partially within the first and second hook members
14, 15. The
spindle, not shown, may be rotatably coupled to the first and second hook
members 14,
15 and may define an aperture extending through the first end of the first and
second
hook members 14, 15 suitable for receiving the flexible member 11. In yet
another
embodiment, the coupling assembly may comprise a hollow ring, not shown, that
defines
an aperture formed through the first end of the first and second hook members
14, 15.
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[0027] With reference now to FIGURES 1 and 4, the attachment assembly 18
may be adapted to enable the selective attachment of the first and second hook
members
14, 15 to the bowstring 2. In one embodiment, the attachment assembly 18 may
comprise
a hook-shaped appendage 19 extending from the second end of the attachment
assembly
18. The hook-shaped appendage 19 may comprise a substantially U-shaped portion
adapted to selectively engage the bowstring 2. The hook-shaped appendage 19
may be
designed to be positioned about a portion of the bowstring 2 such that the
bowstring 2
may be retained by the hook-shaped appendage 19 as the bowstring 2 is drawn
rearward
towards the trigger mechanism 4. Optionally, the hook-shaped appendage 19 may
comprise a latch or similar device that is pivotally connected to the
attachment assembly
18 and biased to normally enclose the opening of the hook-shaped appendage 19
to at
least partially assist in retaining the bowstring 2 as the bowstring 2 is
being drawn.
[0028] With reference to FIGURES 1-3, in a first embodiment, the first and
second handles 12, 13 may be operatively connected to the flexible member 11
and may
be adapted to be securely grasped by the associated user to draw the bowstring
2. In a
first embodiment, the first and second handles 12, 13 may each comprise a T-
shaped
device having an upper portion 20 adapted to be grasped by the user when
drawing the
bowstring 2 of the crossbow 1 and a stem portion 21 extending substantially
perpendicular therefrom. In a second embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the
second
handle 13' may comprise a substantially T-shaped device integrally engaged
with a
housing 60. The second embodiment may further comprise an upper portion 20
adapted
to be grasped by the user when drawing the bowstring 2 of the crossbow 1 and a
stem
portion 21 extending substantially perpendicular therefrom. In certain
embodiments, the
handles may comprise or be replaced with elements adapted to engage with a
user in an
alternative manner. In certain embodiments, one or more of the handles 12, 13,
or 13'
may comprise or be replaced by a strap (not shown), a loop or appliance
adapted for
operational engagement with a user's wrist or elbow. In certain embodiments,
one or
more of the handles 12, 13, or 13' may comprise or be replaced by a device or
appliance
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(not shown) adapted for operational engagement with a prosthetic hand or other
prosthesis of the type sometimes used by some specially-abled users.
[0029] In either of a first or second embodiment, the first and second handles
12,
13 or 12, 13' may comprise first and second magnets 46, 47, respectively. The
first and
second magnets 46, 47 may comprise conventional magnets having a pair of
oppositely
charged poles and may be positioned within or coupled to the first and second
handles 12,
13 or 12, 13'. The first and second magnets 46, 47 may be positioned within
the first and
second handles 12, 13 or 12, 13' such that when proximately located the first
and second
magnets 46, 47 may urge the first and second handles 12, 13 or 12, 13' into
contact with
each other. In one embodiment, the first and second magnets 46, 47 may be
positioned
within or coupled to the first and second handles 12, 13 or 12, 13' such that
the poles of
the first and second magnets 46, 47 extend along the longitudinal axis of the
upper
portion 20. In another embodiment, the first and second magnets 46, 47 may be
positioned within or coupled to first and second handles 12, 13 or 12, 13'
such that the
poles of the first and second magnets 46, 47 extend along the longitudinal
axis of the
stem portion 21.
[0030] With reference now to FIGURES 1, 4, 7, and 10 the flexible member 11
may comprise a relatively flexible, elongated member, such as, for example, a
rope,
string, strap, cable, or woven chord, comprising elasticity and shock load
properties
suitable for being utilized to draw the bowstring 2.
[0031] In a first embodiment, the flexible member may comprise a first end ha
fixedly attached to the first handle 12 and a second end llb operatively
connected to the
housing 16. The second handle 13 and the first and second hook members 14, 15
may be
slidably coupled to the flexible member 11 such that the first and second hook
members
14, 15 are positioned between the first and second handles 12, 13. In one
embodiment,
the flexible member 11 may extend through a channel 48 formed through the
second
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handle 13. The channel 48 may comprise a diameter suitable to receive the
flexible
member 11 such that the second handle 13 can slide substantially freely along
at least a
portion of the flexible member 11. The channel 48 may extend through the
substantial
center of the second handle 13 substantially along the longitudinal axis of
the stem
portion 21. The flexible member 11 may be slidably coupled to the first and
second hook
members 14, 15 such that the flexible member 11 extends through the swallow 49
of the
pulley assembly 40. Stated differently, the flexible member 11 may be slidably
coupled
to the first and second hook members 14, 15 such that the flexible member 11
extends
through the space formed between the block 41 and the sheave 42 of the pulley
assembly
40. In another embodiment, the flexible member 11 may extend through the
aperture
defined by the spindle, not shown, or through the hollow ring, not shown,
positioned at
least partially within the first end of the first and second hook members 14,
15.
100321 In a second embodiment, as shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12, the flexible
member may comprise a first end ha fixedly attached to the first handle 12 and
a second
end lib operatively connected to the second handle 13'. The first and second
hook
members 14, 15 may be slidably coupled to the flexible member 11. In certain
embodiments, when in a substantially fully stowed configuration, such as,
without
limitation, that shown in Figure 10, the first and second hook members 14, 15
are
positioned adjacent to the first and second handles 12, 13'. In certain
embodiments,
when in a deployed configuration, such as, without limitation, that shown in
Figure 12,
the first and second hook members 14, 15 are positioned between the first and
second
handles 12, 13'. In certain embodiments, the first and second hook members 14,
15 are
positioned along the flexible member 11 that connects the first and second
handles 12,
13'. In one embodiment, the flexible member 11 may extend into a channel 48'
communicating with the housing 60 of second handle 13'. The channel 48' may
comprise a diameter suitable to receive the flexible member 11 such that the
second
handle 13 can accept at least a portion of the flexible member 11. The channel
48' may
extend into the substantial center of the second handle 13 substantially along
the
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longitudinal axis of the stem portion 21. The flexible member 11 may be
slidably
coupled to the first and second hook members 14, 15 such that the flexible
member 11
extends through the swallow 49 of the pulley assembly 40. Stated differently,
the flexible
member 11 may be slidably coupled to the first and second hook members 14, 15
such
that the flexible member 11 extends through the space formed between the block
41 and
the sheave 42 of the pulley assembly 40. In another embodiment, the flexible
member 11
may extend through the aperture defined by the spindle, not shown, or through
the hollow
ring, not shown, positioned at least partially within the first end of the
first and second
hook members 14, 15.
100331 With reference now to FIGURES 7 and 8, the housing 16 may be
operatively coupled to the second end lib of the flexible member 11. In one
embodiment, the housing 16 may comprise a retraction device 50. The retraction
device
50 may be positioned substantially within the housing 16 and may be adapted to
selectively or automatically retract the flexible member 11 such that at least
a portion of
the flexible member 11 is positioned within the housing 16. In one embodiment,
the
retraction device 50 may comprise a shaft member 51 rotatably coupled to the
housing
16. The shaft member 51 may comprise a pair of end plates 52 connected to the
ends of
the shaft member 51 such that the end plates 52 rotate in conjunction with the
rotation of
the shaft member 51. The end plates 52 may comprise a size and shape suitable
for
retaining the flexible member 11 as more fully described below. In one
embodiment, the
second end lib of the flexible member 11 may be operatively connected to the
shaft
member 51. In a more specific embodiment, the second end lib of the flexible
member
11 may be fixedly connected to the shaft member 51. The retraction device 50
may
further comprise a biasing member 53, such as, for example, a spring,
operatively
coupled to the shaft member 51 to enable the selective or automatic retraction
of at least a
portion of the flexible member 11. The biasing member 53 may urge the shaft
member
51 to rotate in a first direction. The rotation of the shaft member 51 in the
first direction
may cause the flexible member 11 to be wound about the circumference of the
shaft
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member 51 between the end plates 52 thereby causing the retraction of at least
a portion
of the flexible member 11 into the housing 16. In one embodiment, the
retraction device
50 may comprise a ratchet gear 54 and a pawl 55. The ratchet gear 54 may
comprise a
separate member carried by shaft member 51 or may comprise one of the end
plates 52.
The ratchet gear 54 may cooperate with the pawl 55 to permit rotation of the
shaft
member 51 in one direction and to selectively prevent the rotation of the
shaft member 51
in the opposite rotational direction. In one embodiment, the pawl 55 may be
resiliently
biased to a position between adjacent teeth formed about the circumference of
the ratchet
gear 54. The pawl 55 may comprise a distal end that extends from the housing
16 or is
otherwise accessible to be selectively actuated by the user to cause the pawl
55 to be
disengaged from the ratchet gear 54 thereby permitting the rotation of the
shaft member
in both rotational directions. In certain embodiments, the biasing member 53
may
comprise a clock spring, a torsion spring, another type of spring, or similar
mechanism
which will operate to enable the selective or automatic retraction of at least
a portion of
the flexible member 11. In certain embodiments, the biasing member 53 may
operate
similarly to the springs in tape measures or other mechanisms adapted to
permit selective
or automatic rewinding of a component.
[0034] With reference now to FIGURE 10, in a second embodiment, the second
handle 13' may be operatively coupled to the second end lib of the flexible
member 11.
In one embodiment, the second handle 13' may comprise a retraction device 150.
In
certain embodiments, the housing 60 operatively engaged with second handle 13'
may
comprise a retraction device 150. The retraction device 150 may be positioned
substantially within the housing 60 and may be adapted to selectively or
automatically
retract the flexible member 11 such that at least a portion of the flexible
member 11 is
positioned within the housing 60. In certain embodiments, the retraction
device 150 may
be adapted to selectively or automatically retract substantially all of
flexible member 11
with the exception of the portions of flexible member 11 that are wrapped
about sheaves
42 of hooks 14 and 15. In certain embodiments, the retraction device 150 may
comprise
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a frame element or cassette 102 adapted for insertion or installation within
housing 60 of
the second handle 13'. In certain embodiments, housing 60 may completely or
substantially completely shroud or cover the retraction device 150. The
cassette 102 may
comprise one or more perforations, slots, or holes 102a, adapted to support or
engage
other components of the retraction device 150. As shown in Figure 10, and
without
limitation, in certain embodiments, optional cassette 102 may be formed from
folded
sheet metal. In certain embodiments, optional cassette 102 may comprise holes
or other
adaptations to accept and rotatably engage a shaft member 151. In certain
embodiments,
optional cassette 102 is omitted and other components such as housing 60 or
handle 13'
may comprise holes or other adaptations to accept and rotatably engage a shaft
member
151. In certain embodiments, a shaft member 151 may be adapted to rotatably
retain a
hub 152 placed thereon. A hub 152 may comprise a size and shape suitable for
retaining
the flexible member 11 as more fully described below. In certain embodiments,
hub 152
comprises a circumferential surface 152b about which the flexible member 11
may be
wound. In certain embodiments, hub 152 comprises an axis hole 152a into which
a
suitable axle, such as shaft member 151, may be inserted in order to rotatably
retain hub
152. In certain embodiments, the second end lib of the flexible member 11 may
be
operatively connected to hub 152. The retraction device 150 may further
comprise a
biasing member 153, such as, for example, a spring or spring loaded bushing,
operatively
coupled to hub 152 to enable the selective or automatic retraction of at least
a portion of
the flexible member 11. The biasing member 153 may urge hub 152 to rotate in a
first
direction. The rotation of hub 152 in the first direction may cause the
flexible member 11
to be wound about circumferential surface 152b thereby causing the retraction
of at least
a portion of the flexible member 11 into the housing 60. In certain
embodiments, and
without limitation, the retraction device 150 may further comprise one or more
of a
spacer 154, and spacer 155, a spring 156, a clip 157, and a pin 158. In
certain
embodiments, the biasing member 153 may comprise a clock spring, a torsion
spring,
another type of spring, or similar mechanism which will operate to enable the
selective or
automatic retraction of at least a portion of the flexible member 11. In
certain
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embodiments, the biasing member 153 may operate similarly to the springs in
tape
measures or other mechanisms adapted to permit selective or automatic
rewinding of a
component.
[0035] In certain embodiments, both handles 12 and 13' may comprise either or
both of a retraction device 50 or a retraction device 150.
[0036] With reference to FIGURES 7, 8, and 12, in the certain embodiment, the
housing 16 may comprise a latch mechanism 56 secured to the housing 16 or
housing 60
or second handle 13'. The latch mechanism 56 may comprise a device suitable
for
selectively attaching the cocking device 10 to the clothing or equipment of
the associated
user. In one embodiment, the latch mechanism 56 may be rotatably connected to
the
outer surface of the housing 16 or housing 60 or second handle 13'. The latch
mechanism 56 may be adapted to receive a portion of the clothing or equipment,
such as,
for example, a belt loop or pack strap, of the associated user to selectively
retain the
cocking device 10 suspended therefrom during periods of non-use thereby
allowing the
cocking device 10 to be conveniently carried and borne by the associated user.
In a more
specific embodiment, the latch mechanism 56 may comprise a hook, or similar
device,
having a latch 56a biased to normally enclose the opening defined thereby to
at least
partially prevent the unintentional detachment of the cocking device 10 from
the clothing
or equipment of the associated user. In another embodiment, the latch
mechanism 56
may be connected to a string, rope, cord, or similar item, that can be
extended and
retracted from within the housing 16 or housing 60 or second handle 13' in a
manner
similar to the retraction of the flexible member 11 described above.
[0037] With reference now to FIGURES 1-12, to utilize a cocking device 10 to
draw the bowstring 2, the first and second hook members 14, 15 may be
selectively
attached to the bowstring 2 utilizing the coupling assembly 17, step 110. In
one
embodiment, the crossbow 1 may be positioned substantially vertically with the
beam 5
16
CA 02716632 2010-10-08
upright. In certain embodiments, the crossbow 1 may be positioned
substantially
vertically with the beam 5 upright such that the bow limbs 3 rest against the
ground and
the barrel 7 extends substantially perpendicular therefrom or generally upward
from the
ground. The first and second hook members 14, 15 may be selectively attached
to the
bowstring 2 such that the first and second hook members 14, 15 are positioned
adjacent
to opposing sides of the main beam 5. The positioning of the first and second
hook
members 14, 15 adjacent to opposing sides of the main beam 5 may cause the
first and
second handles 12, 13 or the first and second handles 12, 13' to also be
positioned
adjacent to opposing sides of the main beam 5 wherein the first and second
hook
members 14, 15 are positioned between the first and second handles 12, 13 or
the first
and second handles 12, 13'. The flexible member 11 may be adjusted such that a
first
length 11c of the flexible member 11 is caused to extend between the first and
second
hook members 14, 15, step 112. The first length 11c may comprise a length
suitable to
allow the first length 11c to be positioned or looped around a portion of the
main beam 5,
step 114. In one embodiment, the first portion 11c of the flexible member 11
may be
positioned or looped around an upper portion of the stock 6 located behind the
trigger
assembly 4. In another embodiment, the first portion 11c of the flexible
member 11 may
be positioned or looped around a lower rearward portion of the stock 6. The
first portion
11c can be positioned or looped around any portion or component of the
crossbow 1
chosen with sound judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art that
allows the
bowstring 2 to be drawn and selectively retained by the trigger mechanism 4.
100381 With continued reference to FIGURES 1-12, the associated user may then
grasp the first and second handles 12, 13 or the first and second handles 12,
13' and exert
a generally rearward force by pulling substantially simultaneously on the
first and second
handles 12, 13 or the first and second handles 12, 13', step 116. In certain
embodiments,
the portable cocking device may provide some mechanical advantage affecting
the
generally rearward force needed to draw the bowstring 2. In certain
embodiments, as will
be described more fully herebelow, the generally rearward force may be
substantially less
17
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than the draw weight of the crossbow. The slidably coupled first and second
hook
members 14, 15 may enable the even distribution of the pulling force being
transferred to
the bowstring 2 resulting in the even drawing of the bowstring 2. In the first
embodiment, the coupling of the second handle 13 and the first and second hook
members 14, 15 permits the second handle 13 and the first and second hook
members 14,
to slide substantially freely along the flexible member 11 thereby ensuring
that the
bowstring 2 is drawn in a balanced manner, step 118. In the first embodiment,
uneven
distribution of the pulling force may cause the sliding movement of the second
handle 13,
the first hook member 14, and/or the second hook member 15 relative to the
flexible
10 member 11 thereby causing the bowstring 2 to be drawn in a balanced manner.
In the
second embodiment, the coupling of the first and second hook members 14, 15
permits
the first and second hook members 14, 15 to slide substantially freely along
the flexible
member 11 thereby ensuring that the bowstring 2 is drawn in a balanced manner,
step
118. The generally rearward force may cause the movement of the bowstring 2
towards
15 the butt portion 6' of the stock 6 until the bowstring 2 is engaged and
retained by the
trigger mechanism 4, step 120. Upon engagement of the bowstring 2 by the
trigger
mechanism 4, the cocking device 10 can be disengaged from the crossbow 1
thereby
allowing the subsequent firing of the crossbow 1, step 122. In the first
embodiment, the
disengagement of the cocking device 10 from the crossbow 1 may cause the
retraction
device 50 to retract at least a portion of the flexible member 11 into the
housing 16, step
124. In the second embodiment, the disengagement of the cocking device 10 from
the
crossbow 1 may cause the retraction device 50 to retract at least a portion of
the flexible
member 11 into the second handles 13', step 124. In the first embodiment, the
retraction
device 50 may cause the retraction of the flexible member 11 such that the
second handle
13 and the first and second hook members 14, 15 are moved towards the first
end ha of
the flexible member 11. In the second embodiment, the retraction device 50 may
cause
the retraction of the flexible member 11 such that the first and second hook
members 14,
15 are moved towards the first end 1 1 a of the flexible member 11.
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100391 In another equally acceptable way of using the a cocking device 10 to
draw the bowstring 2, step 110 may be performed after step 114 and before step
116.
That is, another equally acceptable way of using the a cocking device 10 to
draw the
bowstring 2, comprises the steps of adjusting the flexible member 11 such that
a first
length 11c of the flexible member 11 is caused to extend between the first and
second
hook members 14, 15, step 112; positioning or looping the first length 11c
around a
portion of the main beam 5, step 114; attaching the first and second hook
members 14, 15
to the bowstring 2 utilizing the coupling assembly 17, step 110; and then
proceeding with
steps 116 through 124 as noted above.
100401 The retraction of the flexible member 11 may cause the movement of the
second handle 13 or 13' towards the first end ha of the flexible member 11 and
therefore
towards the first handle 12. The movement of the second handle 13 or 13'
towards the
first end ha may cause opposite poles of the first and second magnets 46, 47
to urge the
first and second handles 12, 13 or the first and second handles 12, 13'
together into a
stowed position. In certain embodiments, the first and second handles 12, 13
or the first
and second handles 12, 13' may comprise mechanical fasteners (not shown) to
hold the
first and second handles 12, 13 or the first and second handles 12, 13'
together into a
stowed position. Mechanical fasteners (not shown) may comprise a clip, a
clamp, a
catch, a hoop and loop fastener, or other mechanical fasteners. In certain
embodiments, a
cocking device 10 may comprise mechanical fasteners (not shown) to hold the
first and
second handles 12, 13 or the first and second handles 12, 13' together into a
stowed
position in addition to or in the alternative to the first and second magnets
46, 47. The
stowed position may comprise a position that allows for the convenient storage
and
transport of the cocking device 10. The cooperation of the retraction device
50 and the
first and second magnets 46, 47 may urge the cocking device 10 into the stowed
position
when the first and second hook members 14, 15 are not engaged with the
bowstring 2. In
the first embodiment, the stowed position may comprise a position wherein the
further
retraction of the flexible member 11 is prevented by the positioning of the
second handle
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13 relative to the housing 16 and the first end ha of the flexible member 11.
The second
handle 13 may be positioned in contact with the first handle 12 and the first
and second
hook members 14, 15 may be positioned adjacent to the ends of the stem
portions 21 of
the first and second handles 12, 13, as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3. In the
second
embodiment, the stowed position may comprise a position wherein the further
retraction
of the flexible member 11 is prevented by the positioning of the second handle
13'
relative to the first end lla of the flexible member 11.
100411 The above description of a method of utilizing a cocking device 10 to
draw the bowstring 2 provides a method wherein the cocking device 10 is used
in a
manner that provides a substantial mechanical advantage to the associated
user. That is,
without limitation, and as shown in Figures 1, 6, 7, and 12, a user pulling on
each of the
two handles, 12 and 13 or 12 and 13', with some force X, will exert four times
that force,
4X, less some minor losses due to friction, heat, hysteresis and the like, on
the bowstring
2. In other words, the practical mechanical advantage may approach the
theoretical
mechanical advantage of 2.
100421 In some embodiments, the first portion 11c of the flexible member 11
that
is positioned or looped around an upper portion of the stock 6, may interface
with stock 6
in a manner that provides for substantial friction, adhesion, or other holding
forces so that
the first portion 11c of the flexible member 11 will not substantially slip or
move with
respect to the stock 6 during use. In certain embodiments, the first portion
11c of the
flexible member 11 may comprise a material that promotes friction forces or
adhesive
forces between it and stock 6. In some embodiments, the first portion 11c of
the flexible
member 11 that is positioned or looped around an upper portion of the stock 6,
may
interface with stock 6 in a manner that provides for substantial slippage or
motion so that
the first portion 11c of the flexible member 11 may move, slip, or slide with
respect to
the stock 6 during use. In certain embodiments, the first portion 11c of the
flexible
CA 02716632 2010-10-08
member 11 may comprise a material that promotes movement or lubrication or
diminishes friction between the first portion 11c of the flexible member 11
and stock 6.
[0043] In some embodiments, and without limitation, the above description of a
method of utilizing a cocking device 10, provides a pulley system or a
mechanically
similar system with more than two pulleys or mechanically similar elements
(not shown).
In some embodiments, and without limitation, the above description of a method
of
utilizing a cocking device 10, provides a pulley system or mechanically
similar system
with two or more suspended pulleys or mechanically similar elements in each of
the hook
members 14, 15 (not shown). In some embodiments, and without limitation, the
above
description of a method of utilizing a cocking device 10, provides a pulley
system or a
mechanically similar system with a plurality of pulleys or mechanically
similar elements
engagable to the stock 6 (not shown). In some embodiments, and without
limitation, the
above description of a method of utilizing a cocking device 10, provides a
compound
pulley system with a plurality of pulleys engagable to the stock 6 (not
shown).
[0044] In some embodiments, and without limitation, the first and second hook
members 14, 15 may be integrally connected, coupled together, or otherwise
joined into a
single unit (not shown).
[0045] The embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may
incorporate
changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of the
present
subject matter. It is intended to include all such modifications and
alterations in so far as
they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof
21
