Firing system for a crossbow

Abstract

A firing system for a crossbow having an arrow rest extending along an arrow rest axis, the firing system having a right limb and a left limb, the right limb being pivotable about a right limb axis and the left limb being pivotable about a left limb axis, the firing system further including a right cam and a left cam, the right cam having a right bow string groove and being rotatable about a right cam axis, the left cam having a left bow string groove and being rotatable about a left cam axis, the firing system having a bow string extending between the right and left cams and extending within the right and left bow string grooves, the bow string positionable between an un-cocked condition and a cocked or full draw condition wherein movement of the bow string from the un-cocked condition toward the cocked condition moves the right and left cams toward each other and pivots the right and left limbs about the right and left limbs axes respectively, the firing system further including a power assembly having a power cable and a spring assembly, the power cable having a forward end operably joined to the right and left limbs and a rear end operably joined to the spring assembly, the spring assembly having a power spring extending along a power spring axis between a first spring end and a second spring end and having a central spring opening, the power spring being below the arrow rest, the power cable extending through the central spring opening from the first spring end toward the second spring end, the rear end of the power cable being operably joined relative to the second spring end of the power spring, moving the bow string from the un-cocked condition to the cocked condition causing the right and left limbs to the pull forward end of the power cable forwardly wherein the operable engagement with the second spring end compressing the power spring by pulling the second spring end toward the first spring end to produce the shooting force to propel the archery arrow.

Claims

1. A firing system for a crossbow; the crossbow having an arrow rest extending along an arrow rest axis, the firing system comprising a right limb and a left limb, the right limb being pivotable about a right limb axis and the left limb being pivotable about a left limb axis, the firing system further including a right cam and a left cam, the right cam having a right bow string groove and being rotatable about a right cam axis, the left cam having a left bow string groove and being rotatable about a left cam axis, the firing system having a bow string extending between the right and left cams and extending within the right and left bow string grooves, the bow string positionable between an un-cocked condition and a cocked or full draw condition wherein movement of the bow string from the un-cocked condition toward the cocked condition moves the right and left cams toward each other and pivots the right and left limbs about the right and left limbs axes respectively, the firing system further comprising a power assembly having a power cable and a spring assembly, the power cable having a forward end operably joined to the right and left limbs and a rear end operably joined to the spring assembly, the spring assembly having a power spring extending along a power spring axis between a first spring end and a second spring end and having a central spring opening, the power spring being below the arrow rest axis, the power cable extending through the central spring opening from the first spring end toward the second spring end, the rear end of the power cable being operably joined relative to the second spring end of the power spring, moving the bow string from the un-cocked condition to the cocked condition causing the right and left limbs to pull the forward end of the power cable forwardly wherein the operable engagement with the second spring end compressing the power spring by pulling the second spring end toward the first spring end to produce the shooting force to propel the archery arrow.

2. The firing system of claim 1, wherein the power cable extends along a power cable axis and the firing system further including at least one re-directing pulley for the power cable, the at least one re-directing pulley further spacing the power cable axis from the arrow rest axis and aligning the spring axis to be parallel with the arrow rest.

3. The firing system of claim 2, wherein the at least one re-directing pulley for the power cable includes a 180 degree pulley such that the power cable extends along a first power cable axis and in a first direction before the 180 degree pulley and extends along a second power cable axis and in a second direction after the 180 degree pulley, the first power cable axis being generally parallel to the second power cable axis and the first direction being generally opposite of the second direction.

4. The firing system of claim 3, wherein the first spring end is rearwardly of the second spring end and the power spring is compressed rearwardly.

5. The firing system of claim 4, wherein the first power cable axis is between the second power cable axis and the arrow rest axis.

6. The firing system of claim 1, wherein the power cable includes a splitter wherein the power cable further includes a right power cable extension and a left power cable extension, the right limb extending from a right limb forward end to a right limb rearward end, the right limb having a right limb cable mount on a forward side of the right limb axis wherein the right power cable extension is operably joined to the right limb cable mount, the right cam axis being an a rearward side of the right limb axis, the left limb extending from a left limb forward end to a left limb rearward end, the left limb having a left limb cable mount on a forward side of the left limb axis wherein the left power cable extension is operably joined to the left limb cable mount, the left cam axis being an a rearward side of the left limb axis.

7. The firing system of claim 6, wherein the bow string extends around a forward side of the right and left bow string groves of the right and left cams such that when viewed from a crossbow top, the right cam rotates counter clockwise about the right cam axis and the left cam rotates clockwise about the left cam axis as the bow string is moved from the un-cocked condition to the cocked condition.

8. The firing system of claim 6, wherein the right limb and the left limb are L-shaped limbs.

9. The firing system of claim 1, wherein the power cable includes a splitter wherein the power cable further includes a right power cable extension and a left power cable extension, the firing system further including a riser having a V-shape configuration having a riser right arm and a riser left arm, the riser further being fixed relative to the arrow rest and having a firing cable channel between the riser right arm and the riser left arm.

10. The firing system of claim 9, wherein the right limb is pivotably connected to the riser right arm about the right limb axis and the left limb is pivotably connected to the riser left arm about the left limb axis.

11. The firing system of claim 10, wherein the right limb extends from a right limb forward end to a right limb rearward end, the right limb having a right limb cable mount on a forward side of the right limb axis wherein the right power cable extension is operably joined to the right limb cable mount, the right cam axis being on a rearward side of the right limb axis, the right limb having a right cam offset on the rearward side of the right limb axis and a right raised portion on the forward side of the right limb axis, the right limb cable mount being within the right raised portion, the right cam axis being on the rearward side of the right cam offset, the left limb extending from a left limb forward end to a left limb rearward end, the left limb having a left limb cable mount on a forward side of the left limb axis wherein the left power cable extension is operably joined to the left limb cable mount, the left cam axis being on a rearward side of the left limb axis, the left limb having a left cam offset on the rearward side of the left limb axis and a left raised portion on the forward side of the left limb axis, the left limb cable mount being within the left raised portion, the left cam axis being on the rearward side of the left cam offset.

12. The firing system of claim 11, wherein the right limb is a right limb base and the right limb further including a right limb top fixed relative to the right limb base forming a unified right limb assembly, the left limb is a left limb base and the left limb further including a left limb top fixed relative to the left limb base forming a unified left limb assembly.

13. The firing system of claim 12, wherein the right cam offset and the right raised portion are sized to allow the right limb top to be planar, the left cam offset and the left raised portion are sized to allow the left limb top to be planar.

14. The firing system of claim 11, wherein the right limb is L-shaped and the left limb is L-shape.

15. The firing system of claim 1, wherein the right cam has a right cam body including a right bow string cam disk that has the right bow string groove, the right cam further including a first timing cable cam disk including a first timing cable groove, the right cam having a timing cam spacer between the right bow string cam disk and the first timing cable cam disk, the right timing cam spacer having a right spacer thickness, the left cam has a left cam body including a left bow string cam disk that has the left bow string groove, the left cam further including a second timing cable cam disk including a second timing cable groove, the left cam having a left timing cam spacer between the left bow string cam disk and the second timing cable cam disk, the left timing cam spacer having a left spacer thickness, the firing system further included a first timing cable and a second timing cable, the first timing cable extending from the first timing cable groove of the right cam toward the left cam and the second timing cable extending from the second timing groove of the left cam toward the right cam, the right spacer thickness and the left spacer thickness being greater than 0.25 inches and positioning the first and second timing cables to pass from one side of the arrow rest to the other side of the arrow rest without any interference with remaining portions of the crossbow.

16. The firing system of claim 15, wherein the remaining portions of the crossbow further includes a pass through opening below the arrow rest, the first and second timing cables passing through the pass through opening.

17. The firing system of claim 1, further including a spring stabilizer, the crossbow including a spring mounting face or surface and the spring stabilizer being position between mounting face and first spring end, stabilizer having a stabilizer sleeve with a spring facing surface coaxial with the spring axis.

18. The firing system of claim 17, wherein the stabilizer sleeve is an inner stabilizer sleeve and the spring facing surface is an outwardly facing surface.

19. The firing system of claim 18, wherein the spring stabilizer further includes a stabilizer flange and a power cable opening wherein the power cable extends through the power cable opening and the stabilizer flange is between the first spring end and the spring mounting face.

20. The firing system of claim 19, wherein the spring stabilizer further includes stabilizer projection and the mounting surface further includes a stabilizer mounting opening that is shaped to receive the stabilizer projection, the power cable opening extending through the stabilizer projection.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a crossbow according to certain aspects of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the crossbow shown in FIG. 1 in an assembled condition with the foregrip removed and shown in an un-cocked position;

(4) FIG. 3 is a left side view of the crossbow shown in FIG. 2 with the foregrip;

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view of the crossbow shown in FIG. 3 in the un-cocked condition;

(6) FIG. 5 is a top view of the crossbow shown in FIG. 3 in the cocked or full drawn condition;

(7) FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the crossbow shown in FIG. 2 in the un-cocked condition;

(8) FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the crossbow shown in FIG. 2 in the un-cocked condition;

(9) FIG. 8 is a left side view of the crossbow shown in FIG. 2 in the un-cocked condition;

(10) FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of the crossbow shown in FIG. 3 taken along the arrow rest axis that is shown in the un-cocked condition;

(11) FIG. 10 are multiple views of the power assembly shown in both the un-cocked and the cocked positions;

(12) FIG. 11 are enlarged top and bottom views of the forward side of the crossbow shown in FIG. 3 shown in the un-cocked position;

(13) FIG. 12 are enlarged top and bottom views of the forward side of the crossbow shown in FIG. 3 shown in the cocked position;

(14) FIG. 13 are enlarged exploded and assembled views of a right limb assembly and a right cam assembly;

(15) FIG. 14 are enlarged exploded and assembled views of a left limb assembly and a right cam assembly;

(16) FIG. 15 is an enlarged assembled view of a bottom of the right limb assembly and the right cam assembly;

(17) FIG. 16 is an enlarged assembled view of a bottom of the left limb assembly and the right cam assembly;

(18) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a riser of the crossbow shown in the figures;

(19) FIG. 18 is a front view of the crossbow shown in FIG. 5 with an arrow positioned on the arrow rest; and,

(20) FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the crossbow shown in FIG. 18.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(21) Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-19 show a crossbow 10 having a crossbow stock 12 and an arrow rest 14 wherein the arrow rest allows an arrow (not shown) to be propelled along an arrow axis 15. Crossbow 10 further includes a trigger assembly 16 and can include a rear grip 18. Moreover, crossbow 10 can include any other feature known in the art or that will be known in the art without detracting from the invention of this application. In that crossbow stocks, arrow rests, trigger assemblies and rear grips are known in the art, these will not be discussed in detail in the interest of brevity. Any types of these components can be used without detracting from the invention of this application.

(22) Crossbow further includes a riser 30, a right limb assembly 40 and a left limb assembly 42 that are pivotably joined to riser 30 and which will be discussed in greater detail below. Rotatably joined to right limb assembly 40 is a right cam assembly 50 and rotatably joined to left limb assembly 42 is a left cam assembly 52, which also will be discussed in greater detail below. Crossbow 10 also includes a power assembly 60 that generates the shooting force to propel an archery arrow which again will be discussed in greater detail below.

(23) In greater detail, crossbow stock 12 and/or a component attached thereto includes a front mounting surface 80 that is shaped to receive riser 30 wherein riser 30 includes a mating mounting surface 82. While riser 30 is shown to be a separate component, this is not required. Riser 30 can be fixed relative to stock 12 with riser pins 86 and/or fasteners 88.

(24) Riser 30 can be V-shaped including a riser right arm 90 and a riser left arm 92. As is shown in the illustrated embodiments, riser 30 can be arcuately shaped, but a wide range of configuration could be utilized without detracting from the invention of this application.

(25) Riser right arm 90 includes a right limb mount 100 having a right limb mount thickness 102. Right limb mount 100 further includes a right limb pivot hole 110 along with an upper right limb mounting surface 112 and a lower right limb mounting surface 114. Riser right arm 90 can include a right clearance relief 120.

(26) Similarly, riser left arm 92 includes a left limb mount 130 having a left limb mount thickness 132. Left limb mount 130 further includes a left limb pivot hole 140 along with an upper left limb mounting surface 142 and a lower left limb mounting surface 144. Riser left arm 92 can include a left clearance relief 150.

(27) Between the left and right riser arms, riser 30 can include a firing cable channel 152. Channel 152 can include a wide range of features that can include, but are not limited to, a continuation of arrow rest 14 and/or arrow channel.

(28) Limbs 40 & 42 of the crossbow are pivotably joined to riser 30 about a limb axes 160 and 162, respectively, that are coaxial with right limb pivot hole 110 and left limb pivot hole 140. While the examples shown and described in this specification show one particular limb configuration, the invention of this application can work with a wide range of limb designs without detracting from the invention of this application. Moreover, while the limbs are described as assemblies, they could be formed from a single component wherein the word assembly is in relation to the features of the limbs and not the construction of the limbs. Even yet further, the use of the word assembly is that the limbs of this application could be formed by multiple components without detracting from the invention of this application.

(29) Again, right limb assembly 40 can have a wide range of configuration without detracting from the invention of this application. This can include, but is not limited to, one piece designs that make up the assembly or a multi-component designs as is shown in the drawings, which has been found to be preferred. In the example shown, assembly 40 includes a right limb base 170 and a right limb top 172. However, it should be noted that while the words like “top” and “bottom” are used in this application, this is in reference to the drawings only wherein is not to be limiting in nature for the disclosed device(s) and/or elements. Top 172 could also be on the bottom side without detracting from the invention. Right limb base 170 extends from a forward end 180 to a rearward end 182. Between the ends, base 170 includes a right limb base pivot hole 190, a right limb lower cam mount 192 and a right forward lower limb mount 194. Right limb base pivot hole 190 can include a right limb lower pivot hole bearing 200. Moreover, lower bearing 200 can include a two bearing arrangement including bearing 200a. Right limb base 170 further incudes a right limb cable groove 210 and a right limb cable mount 212. In the embodiments shown, right limb base 170 includes a right base offset 220 and a right base raised portion 222. The right base offset and the right base raised portion can be sized and oriented to allow for the thickness of the riser and the cam, which is shown in the drawings.

(30) Right limb top 172 of the assembly can be a planar component in view of right base offset 220 and right base raised portion 222 of limb base 170. However, as can be appreciated, either component could include the raised portion and/or the offset without detracting from the invention of this application. Right limb top 172 includes a right limb top pivot hole 230, a right limb upper cam mount 232 and a right forward upper limb mount 234. As is shown in the drawings, any and all of the components can include a wide range of features to reduce weight. This can include any means known in the art including but not limited to, use of lightweight materials, shaped designs and weight reducing openings as are shown. Moreover, all of the moving connections between components can utilize bearings to reduce friction and increase service life. In this respect, right limb top pivot hole 230 can include a right limb upper pivot bearing 240. Moreover, upper bearing 240 can include a two bearing arrangement including bearing 240a.

(31) Right limb assembly 40 further includes a right limb pivot pin 242 that pivotably joins right limb assembly 40 relative to riser 30. In greater detail, right limb pivot pin 242 extends through right limb top pivot hole 230, right riser limb pivot hole 110 and right limb base pivot hole 190 wherein bearings 200 and 240 can be utilized in this pivotal connection. Right limb assembly 40 can further include one or more washers 244 to further reduce friction and improve the pivoting action of the assembly. Any fastening system can be used to hold the assembly together including, but not limited to, fasteners 246.

(32) Similarly left limb assembly 42 can have a wide range of configuration without detracting from the invention of this application. This can include, but is not limited to, one piece designs that make up the assembly or multi-component designs as is shown in the drawings. In the example shown, assembly 42 includes both a left limb base 250 and a left limb top 252. Left limb base 250 extends from a forward end 260 to a rearward end 262. Between the ends, base 250 includes a left limb base pivot hole 270, a left limb lower cam mount 272 and a left forward lower limb mount 274. Left limb base pivot hole 270 can include a left limb lower pivot hole bearing 280. Left limb base 250 further incudes a left limb cable groove 290 and a left limb cable mount 292. In the embodiments shown, left limb base 250 includes a left base offset 300 and a left base raised portion 302. The left base offset and the left base raised portion can be sized and oriented to all for the thickness of the riser and the cam, which will be discussed more below.

(33) Left limb top 252 can be a planar component in view of left base offset 300 and left base raised portion 302 of limb base 250. However, as can be appreciated, either component could include the raised portion and/or the offset without detracting from the invention of this application. Left limb top 252 includes a left limb top pivot hole 310, a left limb upper cam mount 312 and a left forward upper limb mount 314. As is shown in the drawings, any and all of the components can include a wide range of features to reduce weight. This can include any means known in the art including but not limited to, use of lightweight materials, shaped designs and weight reducing openings as are shown. Moreover, all of the moving connections between components can utilize bearings and/or other friction reducing configurations or devices to reduce friction and increase service life. In this respect, left limb top pivot hole 310 can include a left limb upper pivot bearing 320.

(34) Left limb assembly 42 further includes a left limb pivot pin 322 that pivotably joins left limb assembly 42 relative to riser 30. In greater detail, left limb pivot pin 322 extends through left limb top pivot hole 310, left riser limb pivot hole 140 and left limb base pivot hole 270 wherein bearings 280 and 320 can be utilized in this pivotal connection. Moreover, lower bearing 280 can include a two bearing arrangement including bearing 280a. Similarly, bearing 320 can include a two bearing arrangement including bearing 320a.

(35) Left limb assembly 42 can further include one or more washers 324 to further reduce friction and improve the pivoting action of the assembly. Any fastening system can be used to hold the assembly together including, but not limited to, fasteners 326.

(36) Cams 50 & 52 of the crossbow are rotatably joined relative to limbs 40 & 42, respectively. Right cam assembly 50 rotates about a right cam axis 350 and left cam assembly rotates about a left cam axis 352. While the examples shown and described in this specification show one particular cam configuration, the invention of this application can work with a wide range of cam designs without detracting from the invention of this application. Moreover, while the cams are described as assemblies, they could be formed from a single component wherein the word assembly is in relation to the features of the cams and not the construction of the cams. Even yet further, the use of the word assembly is that the cams of this application could be formed by multiple components without detracting from the invention of this application.

(37) More particularly, right cam assembly 50, which rotates about right cam axis 350, is formed by a right cam body 360 that again can be formed by one or more components. Cam body 360 includes a right bow string cam disk 362, a right timing cam spacer 364 and a first timing cable cam disk 366. Cam body 360 further includes a right cam pivot hole 370, a right upper cam bearing 372 and a right lower cam bearing 374 wherein right cam assembly 50 is rotatably joined relative to right limb 40 about right cam axis 350. A right cam pin or axle 380 can be used for the rotational connection. The rotational connection can further include spacers 382 and/or washers 386 to further reduce friction, improve the pivoting action of the assembly and/or to better align the cam relative to the limb. Any fastening system can be used to hold the assembly together including, but not limited to, fasteners 388.

(38) Any pin or axle design could be used without detracting from the invention of this application for this cam and/or any movable component of the invention of this application.

(39) Right bow string cam disk 362 includes a right bow string groove 390 that is configured to have a pulley-like configuration shaped to receive a bow string 392. Cam body 360 further includes a right bow string mount 394. The shape and/or configuration of right bow string cam disk 362 and right bow string mount 394 can be any that are known in the industry or to be known in the future wherein further descriptions of these are not being provided in the interest of brevity. Right bow string cam disk 362 further includes a forward extent 400 and a rearward extent 402 that are in relation to the overall orientation of the crossbow during use. As can be appreciated, the specific circumferential location of these extents about the right bow string groove changes as the disk rotates. In the embodiment shown, bow string 392 generally exits the right bow string groove about the front extent of the disk.

(40) Cam body 360 further includes a first timing cable mount 410 to secure a first timing cable 412 and can include a first timing cable guide 414. First timing cable cam disk 366 includes a first timing cable groove 420 that is configured to have a pulley-like configuration shaped to receive first timing cable 412.

(41) Left cam assembly 52, which rotates about left cam axis 352, is formed by a left cam body 430 that again can be formed by one or more components. Cam body 430 includes a left bow string cam disk 432, a left timing cam spacer 434 and a second timing cable cam disk 436. Cam body 430 further includes a left cam pivot hole 440, a left upper cam bearing 442 and a left lower cam bearing 444 wherein left cam assembly 52 is rotatably joined relative to left limb 42 about left cam axis 352. A left cam pin or axle 450 can be used for the rotational connection. Any pin or axle design could be used without detracting from the invention of this application. Moreover, the rotational connection can further include spacers 452 and/or washers 454 to further reduce friction, improve the pivoting action of the assembly and/or to better align the cam relative to the limb. Any fastening system can be used to hold the assembly together including, but not limited to, fasteners 456.

(42) Left bow string cam disk 432 includes a left bow string groove 460 that is configured to have a pulley-like configuration shaped to receive an opposite end of bow string 392 as right bow string cam disk 362. Left cam body 430 further includes a left bow string mount 462. The shape and/or configuration of left bow string cam disk 432 and left bow string mount 462 can be any that are known in the industry or to be known in the future wherein further descriptions of these are not being provided in the interest of brevity. Left bow string cam disk 432 further includes a forward extent 470 and a rearward extent 472 that are in relation to the overall orientation of the crossbow during use. As can be appreciated, the specific circumferential location of these extents about the left bow string groove change as the disk rotates. In the embodiment shown, bow string 392 generally exits the left bow string groove about the front extent of the disk.

(43) Cam body 360 further includes a second timing cable mount 480 to secure a second timing cable 482 and can include a second timing cable guide 484. Second timing cable cam disk 436 includes a second timing cable groove 490 that is configured to have a pulley-like configuration shaped to receive second timing cable 482.

(44) Bow string 392 extends between a bow string right extent 500 and a bow string left extent 502. Right extent 500 can include a right bow string loop 504 that interengages with right bow string mount 394. Left extent 502 can include a left bow string loop 506 that interengages with left bow string mount 462.

(45) First timing cable 412 extends between a first timing cable right extent 510 and a first timing cable left extent 512. Right extent 510 can include a right first timing loop 514 that interengages with first timing cable mount 410 of right cam 40. Left extent 512 can include a left first timing loop 516 that extends about left cam pin or axle 450 of left cam 42. Similarly, second timing cable 482 extends between a second timing cable right extent 520 and a second timing cable left extent 522. Left extent 522 can include a left second timing loop 524 that interengages with second timing cable mount 480 of left cam 42. Right extent 520 can include a right second timing loop 526 that extends about right cam pin or axle 380 of right cam 40.

(46) Moreover, right timing cam spacer 364 can have a spacer right spacer thickness 530 and left timing cam spacer thickness 532 to ideally align timing cables 412 and 482 relative to the crossbow stock and arrow track to allow them to pass by the fore stock of the crossbow without any adverse engagement with the stock. In one set of embodiments, right and left spacer thicknesses 530 and 532 are greater than 0.25 inches. In another set of embodiments, right and left spacer thicknesses 530 and 532 are greater than 0.35 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, right and left spacer thicknesses 530 and 532 are greater than 0.40 inches. In even yet another set of embodiments, right and left spacer thicknesses 530 and 532 are greater than 0.50 inches. Moreover, the timing cable spacers can align the timing cables with an opening 536 in the crossbow stock 12 that is below arrow rest 14. By spacing the timing cable from the bow string and aligning them with an opening in the crossbow stock, the timing cables can freely move without creating adverse resistance or wear points with other components of the crossbow. Moreover, by reducing the timing cable spacing and using pass through opening 536, the spacing between the bow string disks and the timing cable disk can be minimize to minimize any moment produced between the differently directed forces in the bow string and the timing cables.

(47) Power assembly includes a power cable 550, a spring assembly 552 and can include a pulley system to allow for the ideal placement of the spring assembly within the crossbow.

(48) Power cable 550 extends from a rear end 560 to a forward end 562. As is shown, cable 550 includes a power cable splitter 564 between the ends that can be configured to split the forward end into a right power cable extension 570 and a left power cable extension 572. As is shown, splitter 564 is closer to forward end 562. In particular, splitter can be near riser 30. In one set of embodiments, splitter is at or near cable channel 152. Rear end 560 can include a rear end loop or spring side loop 580. Right power cable extension 570 can include a right extension loop 582 and a left power cable extension 572 can include a left extension loop 584. Right extension loop 582 is configured to interengage with right limb cable mount 212 of right limb assembly 40. As is shown in the example embodiment, right limb cable mount 212 is a part of right limb base 170. Moreover, right limb base 170 can include one or more right limb cable grooves 210 that can be arcuate to reduce stresses in right extension 570 during the power stroke of the crossbow. Similarly, left extension loop 584 is configured to interengage with left limb cable mount 292 of left limb assembly 42. As is shown in the example embodiment, left limb cable mount 292 is a part of left limb base 250. Moreover, left limb base 250 can also include one or more left limb cable grooves 290 that can be arcuate to reduce stresses in left extension 572 during the power stroke of the crossbow.

(49) Spring assembly 552 can have a wide range of configurations without detracting from the invention of this application. In its preferred configuration, spring assembly 552 includes a power spring 600 wherein rear end 560 of power cable 550 pulls on the power spring. Power spring 600 extends between a first spring end 602 and a second spring end 604 along a spring axis 606. Power spring 600 further includes coils 607 extending about a central spring opening 608.

(50) Power spring 600 can be a wide range of springs without detracting from the invention of this application. In a preferred set of embodiments, power spring 600 can be High Tensile Silicon Chrome spring, which produces the needed spring force while being lightweight and durable. Accordingly, power spring 600 can have a mass weight of spring of only about 0.55 pounds. Power spring can have a free length of about 6 inches between ends 602 and 604. The spring can have a solid height of about 2.97 inches with a total deflection of about 3.026 inches. Moreover, power spring 600 can have an outside diameter of about 1.7 inches with an inside diameter of about 1.134 inches. The spring rate (lbs/in) of power spring 600 can be 350 lbs/in. The max load at solid can be around 1,059.1 lbs. In the embodiment shown, power spring 600 can have about 9.259 active coils with a wire diameter of about 0.283 inches.

(51) In the embodiment shown, crossbow stock or receiver 12 includes a spring mounting face or surface 610 and spring assembly 552 can engage with spring mounting face or surface 610. Spring assembly can further include a spring stabilizer 612 that can be configured to engage and/or interengage with face or surface 610 to maintain and operable alignment between spring 600 and the crossbow. Spring stabilizer can be positioned between mounting face 610 and first spring end 602. In the embodiment shown, stabilizer 612 includes a stabilizer sleeve 614 having a spring facing surface 622 that can help maintain a desired orientation of power spring 600. Sleeve 614 can be an inner sleeve wherein spring facing surface 622 is an outer surface of the sleeve. Stabilizer can further include a stabilizer flange 624 and a power cable opening 626. Spring assembly 552 and/or stabilizer 612 can further include a stabilizer washer 630 configured to engage first spring end 602 and a stabilizer projection 628.

(52) Spring assembly 552 can further include a spring mounting cap or washer 640 configured to engage second spring end 604 and a cable mount pin 642 wherein rear end loop or spring side loop 580 is mounted about cable mount pin 642 such that when the power cable is pulled, second spring end 604 is pulled toward first spring end 602 thereby compressing spring 600 to produce the shooting force to propel the archery arrow. Stabilizer mounting surface 610 can further include a stabilizer mounting opening 650 that is shaped to receive a stabilizer projection 628 to further stabilize the spring and keep it in a desired orientation.

(53) Again, and according to yet further aspects of the invention, the firing system can include one or more re-directing pullies to change the direction of the force produced by the power cable. These re-directing pullies can include a lowering pulley arrangement to re-direct the power cable lower within the crossbow receiver thereby allowing spring 600 to be both below the arrow rest 14 and wherein spring axis 606 is parallel to and below arrow axis 15. In greater detail, power cable 550 extends along a power cable axis 652 and the one or more re-directing pullies can change the power cable axis. This can include, but is not limited to, a two-pulley lowering pulley arrangement (not shown) to lower power cable axis 652 to axis 652a wherein axis 652a is parallel to axis 652 and spaced further below bolt track or arrow rest 14, but the cable moves in the same general direction before and after the pulley. As can be appreciated, stacking the arrow rest and spring assembly can reduce size, reduce weight and produce a better center of gravity. Moreover, these spring arrangements of the firing system can be configured to have a spring axis that is parallel with the arrow rest axis. By having a parallel spring assembly, shooting forces align with the direction of the arrow as it is released.

(54) As is shown in the illustrated embodiments, the re-directing pullies can include a reversing pulley assembly 660 that re-directs the power cable 180 degrees to allow the power cable to pull power spring 600 rearwardly. In greater detail, power cable extends from the limbs along power cable axis 652. Reversing pulley assembly 660 both re-directs the power cable 180 degrees and lowers the power cable axis to power cable axis 652a that is further from and parallel to arrow axis 15, but that is moving in a generally opposite direction after the pulley. Power cable 550 enters central spring opening 608 at first spring end 602 and extends along power cable axis 652a that is generally parallel to and/or coaxial with spring axis 606 and extends toward second spring end 604 wherein rear end loop 580 allows rear end 560 of power cable 550 to engage second spring end 604. Accordingly, the pulling of power cable 550 causes the power cable to pull second spring end 604 rearwardly toward first spring end 602 thereby compressing spring 600. This arrangement has been found to move the center of gravity even further rearwardly when the cross bow is in the full draw or cocked condition. Moreover, the firing system can include a sleeve arrangement (not shown) that can engage an end of the spring and encircle the spring. In certain embodiments, this spring 600 can be housed within a fore grip 662 of the cross bow. Fore grip 662 can include a fore grip cap 664 to such that the fore grip fully encapsulate spring assembly 552. Fore grip 662 can further include guard flanges 666 that can protect the user's hand from the shooting action of the arrow being released from arrow rest 14. Fore grip 662 can also include a mounting arrangement that can include any mounting configuration including, but not limited to, mounting face 668 and one or more fastener openings 669. Moreover, fore grip 662 can have any features known in the art. Reversing pulley assembly 660 can include a power cable pulley 670 that rotates around a pulley axis 672 wherein pulley axis 672 is a horizontal axis transverse to and below arrow track axis 15. Pulley assembly can include a pulley bearing 680 and can rotate about a pulley pin 682. As is shown, pulley 670 is behind spring 600 wherein power cable pulls power spring 600 rearwardly thereby moving the weight of the spring rearwardly as it moves to the cocked condition. Moreover, spring axis 606 is both parallel to and below arrow track axis 15. In particular, second spring end 604 is the forward end of spring 600 and first spring end 602 is the rearward end of the spring. While not shown, reversing pulley assembly 660 can re-direct the power cable in other directions without detracting from the invention of this application. While re-directing the power cable is shown to be 180 degrees in the disclosed example to allow the power cable to pull power spring 600 rearwardly, it could also be at other angles. In one set of embodiments, the re-direction angle could be 90 degrees to allow the power cable to pull the power spring upwardly. In this embodiment, the foregrip could be a vertically extending foregrip. In one set of embodiments, the pulley system is to allow the power spring to be positioned below the plane of the arrow axis, the plane of the arrow rest, the plane of the limbs, the plane of the timing cable disks and/or the plane of the bow string discs.

(55) As is best shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10-12, crossbow 10 is shown in an un-cocked condition. As is best shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 9, 10-12 and 19, crossbow 10 is shown in a cocked or full draw condition. Moving the crossbow from the un-cocked condition to the cocked condition, which can include pulling bow string 392 rearwardly along arrow rest 14, when looking from the top of the crossbow, urges cam assemblies 50 and 52 toward one another. Since bow string 392 exits around the front sides of the cams, right cam assembly 50 rotates counterclockwise about right cam axis 350 as it moves toward arrow track 14 and left cam assembly rotates clockwise about left cam axis 352 as it moves toward arrow track 14. The movement of the cam assemblies toward one another, rotates right limb assembly 40 clockwise about right limb axis 160 and rotates left limb assembly 42 counter clockwise about left limb axis 162. Moreover, right and left cam assemblies 50 and 52 move toward arrow rest 14 rearwardly of limb axes 160 and 162 since right cam axis 350 and left cam axis 352 are behind right limb axis 160 and left limb axis 162, respectively.

(56) The movement of right limb assembly 40 clockwise about right limb axis 160 and the movement of left limb assembly 42 counter clockwise about left limb axis 162 in turn pulls on power cable 550. As power cable 550 is pulled by the limbs, this causes a pulling of second spring end 604 toward first spring end 602 thereby compressing spring 600 to produce the shooting force to propel the archery arrow.

(57) While considerable emphasis has been placed on the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that other embodiments, and equivalences thereof, can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined to form yet other embodiments of the invention of this application. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.