FOLDING DEVICE FOR A BOW WEAPON, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A FOLDING DEVICE FOR A BOW WEAPON, AND BOW WEAPON

Abstract

A folding device for an archery weapon, in particular for a crossbow, includes a shaft connecting section, having two limbs, each of which has a free end and a shaft-side end pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section, with two locking pawls, each of which is pivotably mounted on the shaft-side end of the shaft connecting section, which are each pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section. The pawls are pivotably arranged in such a way that the limbs can each be secured in a closed position of the respective pawls for unfolding and/or clamping a bow and in an open position of the respective pawls the limbs are each released for folding.

Claims

1. A folding device for a bow weapon, comprising: a shaft connecting section, two limbs, each having a free end and a shaft-side end pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section, and two pawls which are each pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section, wherein the pawls are pivotably arranged in such a way that the limbs each are fixable in a closed position of the respective pawls for unfolding and/or tensioning a bow, and that the limbs are each released in an open position of the respective pawls for folding.

2. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the limbs are foldable in a predetermined direction, and, when the bow is unfolded, the pawls are releasable by means of a movement of the limbs in opposite direction to the predetermined direction for pivoting from the closed position into the open position.

3. The folding device of claim 2, wherein securing elements, are provided for securing the limbs, when the bow is unfolded, against an undesired movement counter to the predetermined direction.

4. The folding device of claim 3, wherein the securing elements are securing pawls.

5. The folding device of claim 3, wherein the securing elements are configured to be pivotable independently of each other.

6. The folding device of claim 2, wherein a spring is provided on each of the pawls, which spring exerts a pretension on each of the pawls, so that the pawls automatically latch into the closed position when the limbs are unfolded against the predetermined direction in order to secure the limbs.

7. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the limbs are pivotable independently of each other for folding and unfolding.

8. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the pawls are configured to be pivotable independently of each other.

9. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the limbs are each mounted on the shaft connecting section by means of a pivotable limb receiving means.

10. The folding device of claim 9, wherein the pawls and the securing elements are each engageable by means of a locking pin secured in the limb receiving means.

11. The folding device of claim 10, wherein the pawls and the securing elements are each engageable by means of the same locking pin.

12. The folding device of claim 9, wherein the limb receiving means are formed with a recess for receiving the respective limbs or locking pins.

13. The folding device of claim 12, wherein the limb receiving means are formed at least in sections with a double-T cross-section.

14. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the shaft connecting section for connection to a shaft of an archery weapon is formed as a hollow profile.

15. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the shaft connecting section for connection to a shaft of an archery weapon is formed as a U-profile.

16. The folding device of claim 1, wherein the folding device is configured for a crossbow.

17. A method of manufacturing a folding device for an archery weapon, comprising the following manufacturing steps: providing a shaft connecting section, two limbs, two limb receiving means, two locking pins and two pawls; fixing the locking pins to the limb receiving means; pivotably linking the limb receiving means to the shaft connecting section; pivotably linking the pawls to the shaft connecting section offset from the limb receiving means such that the pawls are engageable with a respective pawl secured to the limb receiving means; and attaching the limbs to the limb receiving means.

18. The method of manufacturing a folding device of claim 17, wherein a step of pivotally linking two securing members to the shaft connecting section is further provided such that the securing members are also engageable with a respective one of the locking pins attached to the limb receiving means.

19. The method of manufacturing a folding device of claim 17, wherein the pawls are each placed on a first side, in particular on an inner side inside an intermediate space receiving the limb, and wherein the securing elements are each placed on a second side, in particular an outer side outside the intermediate space, of the limb receiving means.

20. A bow weapon, comprising: a shaft; and a folding device comprising: a shaft connecting section, two limbs, each having a free end and a shaft-side end pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section, and two pawls which are each pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section, wherein the pawls are pivotably arranged in such a way that the limbs each are fixable in a closed position of the respective pawls for unfolding and/or tensioning a bow, and that the limbs are each released in an open position of the respective pawls for folding, wherein the folding device is connected to the shaft by means of the shaft connecting section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments given in the scheuratic figures of the drawings, in which:

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a folding device;

[0043] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a folding device according to a further embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the folding device according to FIG. 2;

[0045] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the folding device according to FIGS. 2 and 3;

[0046] FIG. 5 shows the folding device according to FIG. 4, having a released limb;

[0047] FIG. 6 shows the folding device according to FIG. 4, having a folded limb;

[0048] FIG. 7 is an isometric exploded view of a folding device; and

[0049] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a bow weapon.

[0050] The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention, thereby illustrating embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serving to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Further embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will be apparent from the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0051] In the figures of the drawing, identical elements, features and components that have the same function and the same effect are each given the same reference numbers, unless otherwise stated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a folding device 1 having a reduced number of components.

[0053] The folding device 1 comprises a central shaft connecting section 2, two limbs 3, two pawls 4 and two locking pins 11. It is therefore a folding device with a reduced number of components.

[0054] The shaft connecting section 2 is configured both for a connection to the shaft and for central pivotable positioning of the other components. For this purpose, the pawls 4 and the limbs 3 are each pivotably mounted on the shaft connecting section 2, as symbolised by the connecting circles drawn in FIG. 1. The locking pawls 4 and the limbs 3 are mounted offset to each other on the shaft connecting section 2.

[0055] The locking pins 11 are connected to the respective limbs 3. The pawls 4 are pivotably arranged in such a way that they can engage in the pawls 11 connected to the limbs 3.

[0056] When a pawl 4 engages in the respective locking pin 11, the pawl is in its closed position, and the associated limb 3 is secured for unfolding and/or clamping a bow. If the pawl 4 is moved out of engagement and into an open position 6, the limb 3 is released again for folding.

[0057] The folding device 1 and the components thereof are mirror-symmetrically arranged around the mirror axis as is indicated in FIG. 1. The reference numbers of the mirror-symmetrical components are additionally marked with an “a” for better clarity.

[0058] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a folding device 1 according to a further embodiment.

[0059] This embodiment of a folding device 1 comprises a central shaft connecting section 2, two limbs 3, two locking pawls 4, two locking pins 11, two securing pawls 8 and two limb receiving means 10. The functional relationship between limbs 3 and pawls 4 is the same as has been described with respect to FIG. 1.

[0060] FIG. 1 also shows a predetermined direction 7 in which the limbs 3 can be folded. When the bow is unfolded, the pawls 4 can also be released by moving the limbs 3 against the predetermined direction 7 in order to pivot from the closed position 5 to the open position 6.

[0061] The shaft connection section 2 is, in addition to a central U-profile for connection to a shaft, also configured for mounting of the other components. Only as an example, the shaft connection section 2 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to have the shape of a U-profile. In further embodiments, other profiles, in particular hollow profiles, would also be conceivable for connecting the shaft.

[0062] The pawls 4, limb receiving means 10 and securing pawls 8 are pivotably mounted on the two opposite legs of the U-profile on the respective outer side. The pawls 4 and securing pawls 8 are mounted offset to the limb receiving means 10 on the shaft connection section 2. The pawls 4 and securing pawls 8 are pivotably mounted at a common pin on the shaft connection section 2 at the same point one above the other. Separate pins are provided for the pivotable mounting of the limb receiving means 10.

[0063] In addition, two optional string stoppers 12 are mounted on the shaft connection section 2 for purely illustrative purposes. The string stoppers 12 are mounted on extensions in the predetermined direction of the opposite legs.

[0064] The limbs 3 have a curved shape which is usual for bow weapons, and which supports a harmonious course of a neutral fibre. Furthermore, a string which is attached to the limbs under tension is moved behind the limbs 10 in this way. The limbs 3 are curved in such a way to run substantially parallel to the course of the string at their free end and at their shaft-side end. In between, the limbs 3 each run in the form of a sloping curve.

[0065] In addition, the folding device 1 has a projectile guidance 13 which is firmly connected to the web of the shaft connection section 2. Two fastening means 14, exemplarily in the form of screws, are provided on the web at the side of the projectile guidance 13 for fastening to the shaft. The projectile guidance 13 has a flat surface with a groove arranged centrally between the vertical legs of the shaft connection section 2 in order to guide a projectile in the direction of firing.

[0066] In the embodiment shown, the securing elements 8 are, as an example, securing pawls. The securing pawls are pivotably mounted at their shaft-side end on the shaft connection section 2. The free end is hook-shaped in such a way that it can be positively engaged with the respective locking pin 11. In this way, the respective limb receiving means 10 and limbs 3 are secured in the unfolded state against an unwanted movement against the predetermined direction 7, which would release the pawls into the open position 6. In further embodiments, however, this function of the securing elements 8 can also be achieved by components which are configured in a different way.

[0067] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the folding device 1 according to FIG. 2.

[0068] As can be seen from this view, the free ends of the limbs 3 are specially configured to receive a string. The free ends therefore have a tapered shape to receive the loop ends of the string.

[0069] The limbs 3 are secured by two fastening means 15, which are in this case cap screws as an example, to a central web of the cross-sectionally double-T-shaped limb receiving means 10. In the embodiment shown, two fastening means 15 are provided to fix the limbs 3 in translation and rotation. In addition, the limbs 3 are positively received between and enclosed by the flanges of the limb receiving means 10.

[0070] In the embodiment shown, the locking pawls 4 are U-shaped in cross-section, and are also arranged between the flanges of the limb receiving means 10. Due to their U-shape, the pawls 4 engage with the locking pins 11 at two points simultaneously. The locking pins 11 are secured in recesses of the limb receiving means 10. In addition, as is shown in the Figure, the engagement of the pawls 4 and securing elements 8 can be seen on the same locking pin 11 in each case. The engagement point of the securing elements 8 in the locking pin 11 is located outside the limb receiving means 10, and is therefore easily visible to the user. The engagement points of the locking pawls are protected inside the limb receiving means 10 in order to avoid injuries and contamination.

[0071] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the folding device 1 according to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0072] The folding device 1 is shown in a cross-section approximately halfway up the limbs 3.

[0073] In the embodiment shown, the limbs 3 are connected to the web of the limb receiving means 10 by two fastening means 15. In addition, the pivotable mounting of the limbs 10 to the shaft connection section 2 by means of corresponding bearings 18 is shown.

[0074] The pawls 4 are configured in the shape of U-profiles, and are—in their closed position 5—positively connected to the locking pin 11 by a hook 17 which partially engages behind the locking pin and which is formed with a recess inside the pawl 4.

[0075] An actuation area 16 is formed at the free end of the respective pawl 4 for manual pivoting of the pawls 4. In addition, the pivotable mounting of the pawls 10 to the shaft connection section 2 by means of respective bearings 18 is shown.

[0076] For the pivotable mounting of the respective limb receiving means 10 and pawls 4, the folding device 1 has two bearings 18 on each side, on which the limb receiving means 10 and pawls 4 are pivotably received with a pin. In the embodiment shown, the bearings 18 are configured as sleeves, as an example. As shown, the bearings 18 are attached vertically, i.e. perpendicularly to the course of the limbs 3, to the shaft connecting section 2, in this case purely by way of example by means of a material bond by means of welding.

[0077] FIG. 5 shows the folding device 1 according to FIG. 1 having a released limb 3.

[0078] In contrast to the illustration according to FIG. 4, the upper limb 3 in the illustrated position of the associated pawl 4 is moved against the predetermined direction 7 and the pawl 4 is thereby released.

[0079] By moving the limb 3 against the predetermined direction 7, it is also possible to move the pawl 4, exemplarily by a manual actuation of the actuation area 16, also against the predetermined direction 7. Consequently, the hook 17 no longer engages positively in the locking pin 11, and the limb 3 is released from the pawl 4 for folding.

[0080] The upper pawl 4 is therefore in its open position 6. A requirement for the illustrated movement of the limb 3 against the predetermined direction 7 is that the upper securing element 8, shown in FIG. 2, is not engaged with the locking pin 11.

[0081] FIG. 6 shows the folding device 1 according to FIG. 4, with the limb 3 folded.

[0082] The limb 3 is now folded in the predetermined direction 7. The pawl 4 and the securing element 8 are not engaged with the limb. The lower limb 3 can be folded in the same way in order to transport or store the folding device 1 or a corresponding bow weapon.

[0083] By moving the limbs 3 from the folded position against the predetermined direction 7, the bow can be unfolded again or mounted with the string hooked in.

[0084] FIG. 7 shows an isometric exploded view of a folding device 1.

[0085] To ensure that the pawls 4 automatically engage when the limbs 3 are unfolded, a spring 9 is provided on each of the pawls 4.

[0086] In the embodiment shown, the spring 9 is configured as a torsion spring, and is located inside a spring retainer 19 which is supported on the respective pawl. In order to apply a pre-tension, the springs 9 in the assembled state rest with one end on the spring holder 19, and with the other end on the shaft connection section 2. In this way, the springs 9 exert a pre-tension on the respective pawls 4. This pre-tension causes the pawls 4 to automatically engage in the closed position 5 when the limbs 3 are unfolded against the predetermined direction 7, as soon as the limbs 3 are unfolded or stretched far enough.

[0087] For manufacturing the folding device 1, the respective pawls 4 and securing elements 8 are pivotably attached to the shaft connecting section 2 by means of the bearings 18, here exemplarily one above the other and by means of the same fastening means 26, which here are exemplarily configured as screw bolts with associated screw nut 27. Similarly, the limb receiving means 10 are offset from the pawls 4 and securing elements 8 by means of fastening means 28, which are in this case, as an example, also screw bolts, and are hinged pivotably by means of the bearings 18 on the shaft connection section 2. In addition, the respective locking pins 11 are guided through the recesses of the limb receiving means 10 and are then fastened. The pawls 4 are each placed on an inner side within an intermediate space accommodating the limb, and the securing elements 8 are each placed on an outer side outside the intermediate space of the limb receiving means 10.

[0088] The locking pins 11 are each secured in recesses in the limb receiving means 10, for example by passing through the recesses.

[0089] The securing elements 8 are hinged to the shaft connection section 2 in such a way that they can be engaged in the locking pins 11. The pawls 4 are received within the legs of the limb receiving means 10 in such a way that the respective hook 17 can be engaged with the locking pin 11.

[0090] The fastening of the limbs 3 within the limb receiving means 10 is accomplished by means of the fastening means 15, which are in this case screws. The fastening means 15 are attached to the shaft-side end of the limbs 3 with the respective limbs receiving means 10, here for example through throughholes provided in the limbs.

[0091] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a bow weapon 20.

[0092] As shown in the depicted embodiment, the bow weapon 20 is made up of several components. The shaft 21 is the component which connects all the main assemblies to each other. It has an elongated shape consisting of a front shaft and a buttshaft. The front shaft is configured to receive several components, including the folding device 1 by means of the shaft connection section 2. The connection can be accomplished by any kind of fastening means, rails, clamps or the like. For example, the shaft connecting section 2 is screwed to the shaft 21. The assembly of the folding device 1 by means of the shaft connecting section 2 on the bow weapon 20 is therefore easy to carry out.

[0093] The buttshaft, here for example a full shaft, is shaped to support and stabilise the bow weapon 20 when in use. The buttshaft may also be implemented as a folding or retractable shaft, and is formed for support in the shoulder region of a user. In addition, a trigger 22, a follower 23 and a sight 24 are provided for use of the bow weapon. The trigger 22 is mounted on the underside in the centre of the shaft 21 and can be operated by the user, for example with the finger. The follower 23, which is configured to receive the string, is released by means of the trigger 22. When the limbs 3 are unfolded and the string is clamped in the nut 23, the string is released by actuating the trigger 22 in order to load projectiles, in particular arrows, in the direction of fire 25. The sight 24 is located approximately opposite the trigger 22 on the upper side centrally on the shaft 21. Depending on the application of the bow weapon 20, the alignment of the firing direction 25 can be specified by means of the sight 24.

[0094] Although the present invention has been fully described above on the basis of exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto, but can be modified in a variety of ways.

[0095] For example, other types of fasteners can be used in addition to screws, of course.

[0096] Furthermore, the shape of the limb receiving means 10 in particular can be different from the shape as shown. For example, instead of a double T-profile shape, the limb receiving means can also have a U-profile shape or any other shape suitable for pivoting limb receiving means.

[0097] Furthermore, various designs of the pawls 4 are conceivable. For example, instead of the hooks 17, other types of connection can be used, such as a snap connection or screw connection. It would also be conceivable to divide the pawl 4 into two components in order to realise the form-fitting enclosure of the locking pin 11 with two parts.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0098] 1 Folding device [0099] 2 Shaft connecting section [0100] 3, 3a Limb [0101] 4, 4a Locking pawl [0102] 5, 5a Closed position [0103] 6 Open position [0104] 7 Predetermined direction [0105] 8, 8a Securing element [0106] 9, 9a Spring [0107] 10, 10a limb receiving means [0108] 11, 11a Locking pin [0109] 12, 12a string stopper [0110] 13 Projectile guidance [0111] 14, 14a Fastening means [0112] 15, 15a Fastening means [0113] 16, 16a Operating range [0114] 17, 17a Hook [0115] 18, 18a Bearing [0116] 19, 19a Spring retainer [0117] 20 Bow weapon [0118] 21 Shaft [0119] 22 Trigger [0120] 23 Nut [0121] 24 Sight [0122] 25 Firing direction [0123] 26 Fastening means [0124] 27 Screw nut [0125] 28 Fastening means