Title:
CROSS BOW WITH PNEUMATIC COOKING ASSEMBLY
United States Patent 3561419
Abstract:
A repeating projectile launcher having an attached crossbow wherein there is a fluid actuated piston rod that retracts the string of the crossbow so as to cock the bow. The retractable piston rod has a fluid actuated coupling assembly on the forward end thereof so as to lockably engage an impeller connected to the bow string when the piston rod is in its forwardmost position. When the piston rod is retracted to its rearmost position a projectile is forced into the breach, the coupling assembly is disengaged from the piston rod and the piston rod is free to move forwardly under the force of the bow string to project a projectile.
US Patent References:
Log-dislodging air-gun
Mahern et al. - January 1921 - 1366577
Toy airplane catapult
Graham - November 1937 - 2099957
Coin gun
Thew - June 1965 - 3191588
Log-dislodging air-gun
Mahern et al. - January 1921 - 1366577
Toy airplane catapult
Graham - November 1937 - 2099957
Coin gun
Thew - June 1965 - 3191588
Application Number:
04/695059
Publication Date:
02/09/1971
Filing Date:
01/02/1968
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
124/51.100, 124/35.100, 124/53, 124/86
International Classes:
F41B5/12; F41B5/00; F41B5/00
Field of Search:
124/25,13A,35,26,27,41,53,52,14
Primary Examiner:
Pinkham, Richard C.
Assistant Examiner:
Browne, William R.
Claims:
I claim
1. A projectile launcher comprising:
2. A projectile launcher according to claim 1 wherein said launcher is a crossbow gun, said elastic means comprises an elastic bow frame extending laterally of and secured to said barrel, and a bow string secured at its ends to said bow frame and at its center to said impeller in such a way that retraction of said impeller deflects said bow frame.
3. A projectile launcher according to claim 2 wherein said impeller comprises a slide within said barrel including a tongue projecting externally of said barrel through a longitudinal slot in said barrel, and said bow string is attached to said tongue.
4. A projectile launcher according to Claim 1 including projectile infeed means comprising a projectile magazine on said barrel adjacent the breech end thereof for containing a number of projectiles, and projectile feed means operated by said retractor for feeding a projectile from said magazine into said barrel in front of said impeller in response to each retraction of said impeller.
5. A projectile launcher according to claim 1 wherein said pressurizing means comprises a hand pump on said launcher for manually pressurizing said actuator.
6. A projectile launcher according to claim 5 wherein said pressurizing means further comprises an inlet for connection to an external fluid pressure source, whereby said actuator may be selectively pressurized by said hand pump and said external pressurizing source.
7. A projectile launcher comprising:
8. A projectile launcher comprising:
9. A crossbow gun comprising:
1. A projectile launcher comprising:
2. A projectile launcher according to claim 1 wherein said launcher is a crossbow gun, said elastic means comprises an elastic bow frame extending laterally of and secured to said barrel, and a bow string secured at its ends to said bow frame and at its center to said impeller in such a way that retraction of said impeller deflects said bow frame.
3. A projectile launcher according to claim 2 wherein said impeller comprises a slide within said barrel including a tongue projecting externally of said barrel through a longitudinal slot in said barrel, and said bow string is attached to said tongue.
4. A projectile launcher according to Claim 1 including projectile infeed means comprising a projectile magazine on said barrel adjacent the breech end thereof for containing a number of projectiles, and projectile feed means operated by said retractor for feeding a projectile from said magazine into said barrel in front of said impeller in response to each retraction of said impeller.
5. A projectile launcher according to claim 1 wherein said pressurizing means comprises a hand pump on said launcher for manually pressurizing said actuator.
6. A projectile launcher according to claim 5 wherein said pressurizing means further comprises an inlet for connection to an external fluid pressure source, whereby said actuator may be selectively pressurized by said hand pump and said external pressurizing source.
7. A projectile launcher comprising:
8. A projectile launcher comprising:
9. A crossbow gun comprising:
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to weapons and more particularly to a novel repeating fluid pressure actuated projectile launcher.
2. Prior Art
Generally speaking, the present projectile launcher is characterized by a barrel containing a longitudinally movable projectile impeller which is retractable rearwardly in tee barrel against spring action to arm the launcher and then released to repel a projectile through the barrel. As will appear from the ensuing description, a variety of elastic means may be utilized to drive the impeller forwardly in its projectile impelling stroke. According to the preferred practice of the invention, however, this elastic means will comprise an elastic bow frame secured to the barrel and the bow string secured to the impeller. In this case, the launcher is, in effect, a crossbow.
Crossbows are one of the few relatively ancient weapons which are still in use. Crossbows, for example, were used in World War II and are currently being used in the Viet Nam conflict. Crossbows, or crossbowlike devices, however, are not limited to use as weapons and may be employed to fire and launch projectiles other than arrows. Illustrative of the modern crossbow and crossbowlike projectile launchers, for example, are those disclosed in prior art patent Nos. 3,108,583; 3,142,293; 3,125,998; 3,224,427; and 3,271,033.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved projectile launcher of the general class described. As already noted, this launcher is characterized, in general terms, by a barrel containing a projectile impeller which is retractable against spring action to arm the launcher and then released to propel a projectile through the barrel. The particular embodiment of the invention which has been selected for presentation in this disclosure is a crossbow, wherein the elastic means for driving the impeller forwardly in its projectile launching stroke comprises an elastic bow frame secured to the barrel and a bow string secured to the impeller. Accordingly, the disclosed launcher is, in effect, a crossbow. It will become readily evident as the description proceeds, however, that elastic means other than a bow may be utilized to drive the impeller through its launching stroke.
A primary feature of novelty of the invention resides in the fact that the impeller is retracted by fluid pressure. To this end, the present projectile launcher, or crossbow, is equipped with a fluid pressure actuator which may be releasably coupled to the impeller for retracting the latter to its armed position. A trigger actuated latch mechanism may be provided for locking the impeller in its retracted position in such a way that the impeller actuator or retractor may be vented and uncoupled from the impeller while the latter remains retracted. The impeller is then released to launch or fire a projectile by operation of the trigger mechanism. Additional features of novelty of the invention reside in the arrangement and construction of the fluid pressure actuated impeller retractor, the retractor coupling means, and the trigger actuated impeller latch mechanism. In the disclosed embodiment of the invention, for example, the retractor coupling means is fluid pressure actuated and communicates to the retractor pressurizing means in such a way that pressurizing of the retractor to retract the impeller engages the coupling means and venting of the retractor releases the coupling means.
The disclosed projectile launcher of the invention has a repeating action. To this end, the launcher is equipped with a novel automatic projectile feed mechanism including a projectile magazine and an infeed means operated by the projectile impeller for feeding a projectile from the magazine into the barrel in response to each retraction stroke of the impeller.
It will appear from the ensuing description that the present projectile launcher and crossbow may be operated by various types of working fluids, including both gaseous and liquid fluids derived from a variety of external fluid pressure sources. Moreover, according to a further preferred and unique feature of the invention, the launcher is equipped with a manually operable pump to permit manual pressurizing of the impeller retractor in the event that an external fluid pressure source is not available.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a projectile launcher, in this instance a crossbow, according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the crossbow;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged section taken on line 3-3 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged section taken on line 4-4 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged section taken on line 5-5 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an enlargement of the left-hand portion of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged section taken on line 7-7 in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged section taken on line 8-8 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 9 is a section taken on line 9-9 in FIG. 8; and
FIGS. 10 through 13 illustrate the operation of the projectile launcher or crossbow.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to these drawings, there is illustrated a projectile launcher 10 according to the invention having a frame 12 including a barrel 14. Slidable within this barrel is a projectile impeller 16. Impeller 16 is movable longitudinally of the barrel 14 between a retracted position (FIG. 13) adjacent the rear end of the barrel and an extended position (FIG. 10) adjacent the front end of the barrel. An elastic means 18 is connected between the barrel and impeller in such a way that the elastic means is stressed by rearward retraction of the impeller in the barrel. According to a primary feature of the present invention, the launcher is equipped with a fluid pressure actuator or retractor 20 for driving the impeller rearwardly to its retracted position in response to pressurizing of the retractor. Coupling means 22 are provided for releasably coupling the retractor to the impeller. Accordingly, the impeller, when retracted may be released from the retractor to permit forward projection of the impeller by the elastic means 18. Included in the launcher are pressurizing means 24 for selectively pressurizing the impeller retractor 20. As noted earlier, and hereinafter explained in detail, the impeller retractor may be pressurized from an external pressure source 26 or from a hand pump 28 mounted directly on the launcher. The launcher 10 is equipped with means 30 for positioning a projectile 32 to be launched within the barrel 14 in front of the projectile impeller 16, whereby forward projection of the impeller by the elastic means 18 propels the projectile through the barrel. In this instance, the projectile positioning means 30 comprises an automatic projectile feed mechanism including a magazine 34 for containing a number of the projectiles 32 and an infeed means 36 operated by the impeller 16 for feeding a projectile from the magazine into the barrel 14, forwardly of the impeller, in response to each retraction stroke of the impeller. Also embodied in the projectile launcher 10 is a trigger operated latching mechanism 37 for releasably locking the projectile impeller 16 in its retracted position to permit venting of the impeller retractor 20 and disengagement of the retractor coupling 22, to release the impeller from the retractor, while the impeller is retained in its retracted or armed position to condition the launcher for subsequent firing by actuation of the trigger mechanism.
Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, it will be observed that the launcher frame 12 comprises an elongate frame structure which may be cast, machined, or otherwise fabricated. The barrel 14 forms the front end of this frame. The impeller retractor 20 has a cylinder 38 which, in this instance, is coaxially secured to and extends rearwardly from the rear end of the barrel 14 so as to form the rear end of the launcher frame 12. Longitudinally movable in the retractor cylinder 38 is a plunger 40 including a rod 42 and a piston 44 on the rear end of the rod. Piston 44 slides within the cylinder 38. The plunger rod 42 extends forwardly through the front end wall 46 of the cylinder 38. The plunger is slidably supported in and sealed to this wall. The rear end of the cylinder is closed by a rear end wall 48 containing a vent port 50.
It is evident at this point that the retractor cylinder 38 parallels the launcher barrel 14, whereby the retractor plunger 40 is movable longitudinally of the barrel. More specifically, in the disclosed embodiment, the plunger is movable along the axis of the barrel and projects forwardly from the cylinder 38 into the rear end of the barrel. Referring particularly to FIG. 3, it will be observed that the plunger rod 42 is composed of concentric outer and inner tubes 52 and 54 which are radially spaced to define an intervening annular flow space 56. The rear ends of the tubes 52, 54 are rigidly joined to the plunger piston 44. The front ends of the tubes are rigidly joined to a cylindrical fitting 58. As will be explained presently, this fitting forms part of the retractor-impeller coupling 22. Extending axially through the inner tube 54 of the plunger rod 42 is a compression coil spring 60. The rear end of this spring seats against the rear cylinder wall 48. The front end of the spring seats against the forward plunger rod fitting 58. When the retractor plunger 40 occupies its rear retracted position of FIGS. 3, 12 and 13, the plunger spring 60 is compressed in such a way that when the plunger is released, the spring urges the plunger forwardly to its extended position of FIG. 11. Extending centrally through the spring is a spring retaining rod 62. The rear end of this rod is threaded in the rear cylinder wall 48 and serves to retain the spring against buckling during extension and retraction of the plunger 40.
Referring now particularly to FIG. 6, it will be seen that the projectile impeller 16 has a generally tubular slide 64 which fits slidably within the bore 66 of the barrel 14. Slide 64 has an integral tongue 68 which projects radially from the slide and through a longitudinal slot 70 in the upper side of the barrel 14. Extending centrally through the slide is a bore 72. The wall of this bore is circumferentially grooved at 74 to define an annular, forwardly presented latching shoulder 76 on the slide. The externally projecting portion of the impeller slide tongue 68 has a rearwardly opening slot 78. Positioned within this slot, on an axis normal to and intersecting the axis of the barrel 14, is a circumferentially grooved roller 80. Roller 80 is rotatably supported for turning on its central axis by an axle or pin 82 fixed in the slide tongue 68.
Referring to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the elastic projectile impeller driving means 18 comprises an elastic bow frame 84. The center of this bow frame is rigidly secured to the front end of the launcher barrel 14 by means of a mounting bracket 86. Bow frame 84 is located directly above the barrel 14 in a plane, parallel to the barrel, containing impeller roller 80. Attached at its ends to the ends of the bow frame 84 is a bow string 88. This bow string is trained about the impeller roller 80. The barrel mounting bracket 86 may be loosened to release the bow frame 84 for removal from the launcher frame 12. In this regard, it will be observed that the forwardly opening slot 78 in the impeller tongue 68 permits disengagement of the bow string 88 from the impeller roller 80. It is now evident, therefore, that rearward retraction of the projectile impeller 16 in the barrel 14 deflects the bow frame 84 from its broken line position to its full line position in FIG. 1 with the result that a spring force is produced on the impeller for driving the latter forwardly in the barrel.
As already noted, the projectile launcher 10 is equipped with releasable coupling means 22 for connecting the fluid pressure actuated retractor 20 to the impeller 16 for retraction of the impeller by fluid pressure. To this end, the illustrated coupling means comprises, in part, the fitting 58 on the front end of the retractor plunger rod 42. The front end of this fitting is reduced and axially bored to form an extension 90 on which is fitted a generally disc-shaped latch collar 92. Fixed to the front end of the extension 90 is a conical shoulder 94 which retains the latch collar 92 in position on the extension. Referring to FIG. 7, it will be observed that the central opening 96 in the latch collar 92 which receives the extension 90 is elongated to permit lateral movement of the latch collar relative to the extension. The spring 98 acting between the extension and collar urges the latter to its position of FIG. 6 and solid line position of FIG. 7. In this position of the collar, hereinafter referred to as its retracted position, the collar is concentric with the retractor plunger in fitting 58.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 6, it will be observed that the front end of the plunger front end fitting 58, the latch collar 92, and the fitting shoulder 94 are dimensioned to fit slidably within the central opening 72 in the projectile impeller 16 when the collar is retracted. When the fitting 58 is fully inserted into the impeller opening 72, the latch collar 92 is radially aligned with the internal groove 74 in the impeller. The collar spring 98, however, normally retains the latch collar 92 in its concentric, retracted position of FIG. 7 so that the collar does not enter the groove. Under these conditions, the coupling 22 is effectively disengaged so that the projectile impeller 16 remains disconnected from the retractor plunger 40.
As already noted, and shown best in FIG. 3, the front end of the retractor plunger rod 42 extends slidably through the front end wall 46 of the retractor cylinder 38. Accordingly, there is defined between this wall and the plunger piston 44 an annular pressure chamber 100. According to the present invention, this chamber is pressurized to drive the retractor plunger 40 rearwardly against the action of its forward return spring 60. To this end, the retractor pressurizing means 24 comprises a passage 102 which opens, at one end, to the front end of the chamber 100, and communicates, at its other end, to the fluid pressure source 26 through a control valve 104. This control valve has a body 106 rigidly secured to the upper side of the retractor cylinder 38. Valve body 106 has an inlet 108 for connection to the external fluid pressure source 26. The valve body also has a vent 110 opening to atmosphere. Slidably mounted within the valve body 106 is a side valve member 112 for selectively communicating the retractor pressurizing passage 102 to the inlet 108 and the vent 110. In the position of this valve member illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the passage 102 communicates to the vent 110 for venting the retractor pressure chamber 100. A valve spring 114 urges the valve member to this position. Movement of the valve member 112 to the right in FIG. 3 communicates the pressurizing passage 102 to the inlet 108 and simultaneously blocks off the vent 110, thus to condition the pressurizing means for flow of working fluid under pressure from the external source 26 into the launcher pressure chamber 100.
The valve member 112 is urged to and normally retained in its retractor venting position of FIG. 3 by the valve spring 114. In this position, the left-hand or front end of the valve member protrudes beyond the front end of the valve housing 106 in FIG. 3. The valve member 112 is movable rearwardly to its retractor pressurizing position by a valve actuator 116. The illustrated valve actuator comprises a lever which is pivotally supported on a shaft 118 fixed to the launcher frame 12. One arm 120 of the lever seats against the protruding end of the valve member 112. The opposite arm 122 of the lever is located in a readily accessible position at one side of the launcher frame and provides a handle by which the lever may be rotated to retract the valve member 112 rearwardly against the action of its spring 114 to its retractor pressurizing position.
It is now evident, therefore, that when the valve actuator 116 occupies its normal position of FIG. 3, the pressure chamber 100 of the impeller retractor 20 is vented to atmosphere. Counterclockwise rotation of the valve actuator 116 reverses the position of the retractor valve 104 to communicate the retractor pressure chamber 100 to the external fluid pressure source 26 and thereby pressurize the chamber. Pressurizing of this chamber drives the retractor plunger 40 rearwardly to its retracted position of FIG. 3 against the action of the plunger forward return spring 60.
According to the present invention, the latch collar 92 of the impeller-retractor coupling 22 is extended laterally by fluid pressure to its latching position illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 7. In this latching position, the collar is eccentrically disposed relative to the retractor plunger front fitting 58 and is disposed for latching engagement within the internal groove 74 of the projectile impeller 16. To this end, the rear end of the fitting 58 is formed with a cylinder 124 in which is slidable a piston 126. A spring 128 positioned between this piston and the front end of the cylinder 124 urges the piston rearwardly in the cylinder to its retracted position of FIG. 6. Secured to and extending forwardly from the front side of the piston 126 is a cam finger 130. The front end of this finger extends slidably through a longitudinal slot 132 in the retractor plunger fitting 58. The front end of the finger 130 is beveled, as shown, for engaging an internal, beveled camming surface 134 on the latch collar 92. It will be observed that when the piston 126 occupies its retracted position of FIG. 6, the beveled front end of the cam finger 130 is spaced from the latch collar cam surface 134 so that the collar remains in its retracted position of the FIG. Forward movement of the piston 126, against the action of its return spring 128, moves the beveled end of the cam finger 130 forwardly into camming engagement with the latch collar cam surface 134. This camming engagement cams the latch collar 92 laterally, and upwardly in FIG. 6, to a latching position wherein the collar is disposed for latching engagement within the internal groove 74, in the projectile impeller 16. The latch cylinder 124, rearwardly of the latch engaging piston 126, communicates to the retractor pressure chamber 100 through the annular flow space 56 and a radial port 136 in the retractor plunger rod 42. It is now obvious, therefore, that admission of working fluid under pressure to the chamber 100 of the impeller retractor 20, to retract its plunger 40, simultaneously pressurizes the latching cylinder 124 rearwardly of the latching piston 126 to drive this piston forwardly and thereby extend the latching collar 92 laterally to its latching position.
Consider now the operation of the projectile launcher 10 to this point. Assuming that the launcher valve 104 occupies its venting position of FIG. 3, the projectile impeller 16 and the retractor plunger 40 will be urged to their forward positions of FIG. 11 by the launcher bow 18 on the plunger return spring 60, respectively. In these forward positions, the impeller-retractor coupling 22 projects axially into the central opening 72 in the impeller slide 64, as illustrated best in FIGS. 3 and 6. Since the retractor is currently vented to atmosphere, however, the latch collar 92 of the coupling 22 is retained in its retracted position of FIG. 7 by the latch collar spring 98. Accordingly, the impeller 16 and the retractor plunger 40 are not actually latched to one another. The launcher valve actuator 116 is now rotated to actuate the launcher valve 104 to its retractor pressurizing position. This action results in pressurizing of the retractor pressure chamber 100 and the latching cylinder 124 from the external fluid pressure source 26. Pressurizing of the latching cylinder 124 drives the latching piston 126 forwardly to extend the latch collar 92 laterally to its latching position and thereby couple the impeller 16 to the retractor plunger 40. Pressurizing of the retractor chamber 100 retracts the plunger and impeller rearwardly in unison to the fully retracted positions of FIG. 12. At this point, the impeller is latched in its retracted position by the trigger operated mechanism 37 to permit venting of the retractor 20 without return of the impeller and retractor plunger to their forward positions. The launcher is now armed. The launcher is fired by actuating the trigger mechanism 37, in the manner explained below, to release the impeller 16. The impeller is then driven forwardly at high velocity by the launcher bow 18. The retractor plunger 40 is also returned forwardly, at a somewhat lower velocity than the impeller, by its return spring 60.
Turning now particularly to FIGS. 3 and 6, it will be seen that the trigger mechanism 37 comprises a trigger 138 rigid on the lower end of an arm 140. The upper end of this arm is pivoted on the valve actuator pivot shaft 118. Pivotally attached at one end to the trigger arm 140 is a link 142 which extends forwardly from the arm and slidably through a guide block 144 rigid on the forward end of the retractor cylinder 38. This guide block is counterbored at 146 to receive a latch keeper 148 on the forward end of the link. In this instance, the keeper 148 is secured to the link 142 by a lost motion connection 150, for reasons to be explained presently. Acting between the rear end of the counterbore 146 and the rear end of the keeper 148 is a spring 152 which urges the keeper, and hence the link 142, forwardly. Fixed to the guide block 144 is a stop pin 154 which is engageable with a shoulder 156 on the keeper 148 to limit forward travel of the latter under the action of its spring 152. The keeper 148 has a forward reduced end or tongue 158 which extends forwardly from the guide block 144. A latch member 160 is pivoted at its rear end within the front end of the guide block counterbore 146 for swinging on an axis normal to the common longitudinal axis of the link 142 and the keeper 148. Pivoted latch 160 has a recess 162 in its underside, confronting the keeper tongue 158, and a forward latch shoulder 164.
Inwardly formed on the impeller tongue 68 is a latching boss 166 having a latch bore 168 on the axis of the trigger actuated link 142 and keeper 148. This latch bore is dimensioned to receive the keeper tongue 158 and pivoted latch 160 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6.
As the impeller 16 approaches its full limiting position, during retraction of the impeller by pressurizing of the retractor 20 in the manner explained earlier, the impeller latch boss 166 initially engages the front end of the pivoted latch 160 and cams the latter downwardly in FIG. 6 sufficiently to enable the front end of the latch to enter the latch bore 168. In this regard, it will be understood that the trigger actuating link 142 and keeper tongue 158 are sufficiently flexible to accommodate this downward camming of the latch 160. Shortly after entrance of the front end of the latch into the latch bore, the impeller latch boss 166 engages the front end of the keeper tongue 158 and shifts the latter rearwardly, against the action of its spring 152, to a position wherein the front end of the keeper registers with the latch recess 162. This permits continued retraction of the impeller 16 to its rear limiting position of FIG. 6. In this rear limiting position, the latch shoulder 164 on the pivoted latch 160 is located forwardly of the latch boss 166. At this point, the forward thrust of the currently compressed latch keeper spring 152 returns the latch keeper 148 forwardly to its position of FIG. 6, wherein the forward end of the keeper tongue 158 extends into the impeller latch bore 168. The forward wall of the latch recess 162 is beveled, as shown, so that this forward return of the keeper cams the pivoted latch 160 upwardly to its latching position of FIG. 6, wherein the impeller 16 is locked in its retracted position. Attention is directed to the fact that the front and rear annular edges of the impeller latch bore 168 are beveled to facilitate the above described latch engaging action.
The latch mechanism just described is released, to free the projectile impeller 16 for forward motion under the action of the launcher bow 18, by rearward depression of the trigger 138. This depression of the trigger retracts the keeper tongue 158 rearwardly from the impeller latch bore 168, thus permitting the pivoted latch 160 to swing downwardly and thereby release the impeller 16 for forward motion.
It is now evident that assuming the impeller 16 and retractor plunger 40 occupy their forward positions of FIG. 11, as a result of venting of the retractor 20, shifting of the launcher valve 104 to its retractor pressurizing position results in initial latching of the impeller to the plunger and rearward retraction of the impeller and plunger in unison to the positions of FIG. 12. The impeller is then latched in this retracted position by the trigger mechanism 37, thus permitting the retractor 20 to be vented, as in FIG. 13, by return of the valve 104 to its vent position. The impeller is released for return to its forward position by rearward depression of the trigger 138. The impeller is then driven forwardly at high velocity by the launcher bow 18. The retractor plunger 40 is returned forwardly at a slightly slower velocity to complete one operating cycle of the present projectile launcher or crossbow gun.
The projectile feed mechanism 30 (FIGS. 4, 9) operates to feed the projectile 32 into the barrel 14 in succession in response to extension and retraction of the retractor plunger 40. To this end, the feed magazine 34 comprises a removable magazine 34 which opens upwardly to a projectile transfer channel 170 extending longitudinally of the barrel just below the breach end of the barrel. The rear end of this channel opens downwardly to the projectile infeed means 36 and upwardly to the bore 66 through an infeed opening 172 in the wall of the barrel 14. Slidable within the transfer guideway 170 is a projectile transfer slide 174. Slide 174 has a forward projectile feed block 176 and a rear cam 178 which are spaced a distance approximating or just slightly greater than the length of the projectile 32. The feed block 176 and cam 178 are joined by a connecting strut 180 (FIGS. 5, 8) which slides in a groove in the wall of the transfer guideway 170. A tension spring 182 connected between the front end of the guideway and the projectile feed block 176 urges the projectile transfer guide 174 to its forward position of FIG. 9. In this position, the space between the projectile feed block 176 and cam 178 is aligned with the projectile magazine 34 to permit the upper projectile 32 in the magazine to enter the space under the upward thrust of the magazine spring (not shown).
Fixed to and rising from the rear end of the transfer slide cam 178 is a pin 184. This pin is located in the path of a lower projection 186 on the front retractor plunger fitting 58. This projection slides within a lower groove 188 in the wall of the bore 66. During rearward retraction of the impeller 16 with the retractor plunger 40 in the manner explained above, the plunger projection 186 engages the transfer slide pin 184 as the plunger approaches its fully retracted position and pulls the transfer slide 174 rearwardly from its forward position of FIGS. 9, 11 to its rear retracted position of FIGS. 4, 12. This retraction of the transfer slide drives the projectile 32 currently caged between the slide feed block 176 and cam 178 to a position opposite the projectile infeed opening 172 in the barrel 14. The projectile 32 is then translated upwardly into the barrel 14, to a position in front of the impeller 16, by the projectile infeed means 36. To this end, the infeed means comprises a projectile infeed block 190 movable within a housing 192 on the launcher frame 12. Infeed block 190 is spring loaded upwardly by the compression spring 194 and is connected to the housing 192 by a pin and slot connection 196. When the transfer slide 174 is driven rearwardly to its position of FIGS. 4, 12 by the retracting plunger 40, the infeed block 190 translates the projectile 32 in the slide upwardly into the bore 66 in front of the impeller 16. When the launcher is subsequently fired, the transfer slide 174 is returned, by the slide spring 182, to its position of FIG. 9 to pick up the next projectile from the magazine 34. During this forward return of the transfer slide, the slide cam 178 engages a rounded cam surface 198 on the projectile infeed block 190 and retracts the latter downwardly against the action of its spring 194.
It is now evident, therefore, that the projectiles 32 are fed in succession from the magazine 34 to the bore 66 in front of the impeller 16 in response to successive rearward retraction strokes of the impeller with the impeller retraction plunger 40. As already noted, the projectile magazine comprises a clip which may be removed for reloading when empty.
The overall operation of the present projectile launcher or crossbow gun is depicted in sequential fashion in FIGS. 10 through 13. Briefly reviewing this operation, the launcher is armed by pulling the valve actuator 116 rearwardly to shift the launcher valve 104 to its retractor pressurizing position. The impeller-retractor coupling 22 is then engaged to latch the impeller 16 to the retractor plunger 40, and the plunger and impeller are driven rearwardly in unison by fluid pressure. As the plunger approaches this retracted position, it pulls the projectile transfer slide 174 rearwardly to effect infeed movement of the projectile 32 into the bore 66 in front of the impeller. The impeller 16 and retractor plunger 40 are locked in retracted position by the trigger mechanism 37. After the impeller is thus locked in retracted position, the valve actuator 116 may be rotated forwardly to return the launcher valve 104 to that position, thus to disengage the impeller-retractor coupling 22 and release the retractor plunger 40 for return to its forward position under the action of the plunger spring 60. The launcher or crossbow gun is now armed. If desired, the valve 104 may be enclosed in a sound suppression cover or housing 200 to reduce the noise occasioned by venting of working fluid from the retractor.
The launcher or crossbow gun is fired by depressing the trigger 138 to release the impeller 16. The impeller is then driven forwardly at high velocity by the currently stressed launcher bow 18 to propel at high velocity the projectile 32 which is currently positioned in front of the impeller. The retractor plunger 40 follows the impeller to complete one firing cycle of the launcher, upon return of the impeller and plunger to their forward positions. In order to facilitate holding and aiming of the launcher or crossbow gun, the launcher frame 12 may be equipped with automatic weapon-type hand grips 202. Also, as noted earlier, the launcher is equipped with a hand pump 28 for manually pressurizing the retractor 20 in the event an external pressure source 26 is not available.
A variety of external pressure sources and working fluids may be used to pressurize the impeller retractor 20 of the present launcher or crossbow gun. Among these energy sources and fluids are compressed air, solid propellant gas generators, compressed gas cartridges, liquefied gas, and electrical and combustible gas ignition. Also, a variety of projectiles may be fired from the present launcher or crossbow gun. Some of these various projectiles are tubular projectiles having shaped or serrated leading edges, thin stabilized projectiles, arrows, hand grenades, projectiles containing explosively actuated needles which, during launch, are explosively extended for finer penetration, pellets, and a variety of other projectiles, depending upon the use of the launcher or crossbow gun. In the case of some of these various projectiles, it may be desirable or necessary to load the projectiles by hand into the bore 66 in front of the impeller 16. The present projectile launcher or crossbow gun may be utilized for a wide variety of applications, including both weapon and nonweapon applications. Some of these applications, for example, are a mobile weapon launcher, a livestock tranquilizer, and a fishing line caster. Obviously, the present launcher and crossbow gun are susceptible of many other uses. The present launcher and crossbow gun obviously possess all of the usual advantages of this type of device, to wit, silence, flashless, soundless, and yet accuracy and deadliness.
While the invention has been disclosed in connection with one of its physical embodiments, various modifications of the invention are possible within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to weapons and more particularly to a novel repeating fluid pressure actuated projectile launcher.
2. Prior Art
Generally speaking, the present projectile launcher is characterized by a barrel containing a longitudinally movable projectile impeller which is retractable rearwardly in tee barrel against spring action to arm the launcher and then released to repel a projectile through the barrel. As will appear from the ensuing description, a variety of elastic means may be utilized to drive the impeller forwardly in its projectile impelling stroke. According to the preferred practice of the invention, however, this elastic means will comprise an elastic bow frame secured to the barrel and the bow string secured to the impeller. In this case, the launcher is, in effect, a crossbow.
Crossbows are one of the few relatively ancient weapons which are still in use. Crossbows, for example, were used in World War II and are currently being used in the Viet Nam conflict. Crossbows, or crossbowlike devices, however, are not limited to use as weapons and may be employed to fire and launch projectiles other than arrows. Illustrative of the modern crossbow and crossbowlike projectile launchers, for example, are those disclosed in prior art patent Nos. 3,108,583; 3,142,293; 3,125,998; 3,224,427; and 3,271,033.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved projectile launcher of the general class described. As already noted, this launcher is characterized, in general terms, by a barrel containing a projectile impeller which is retractable against spring action to arm the launcher and then released to propel a projectile through the barrel. The particular embodiment of the invention which has been selected for presentation in this disclosure is a crossbow, wherein the elastic means for driving the impeller forwardly in its projectile launching stroke comprises an elastic bow frame secured to the barrel and a bow string secured to the impeller. Accordingly, the disclosed launcher is, in effect, a crossbow. It will become readily evident as the description proceeds, however, that elastic means other than a bow may be utilized to drive the impeller through its launching stroke.
A primary feature of novelty of the invention resides in the fact that the impeller is retracted by fluid pressure. To this end, the present projectile launcher, or crossbow, is equipped with a fluid pressure actuator which may be releasably coupled to the impeller for retracting the latter to its armed position. A trigger actuated latch mechanism may be provided for locking the impeller in its retracted position in such a way that the impeller actuator or retractor may be vented and uncoupled from the impeller while the latter remains retracted. The impeller is then released to launch or fire a projectile by operation of the trigger mechanism. Additional features of novelty of the invention reside in the arrangement and construction of the fluid pressure actuated impeller retractor, the retractor coupling means, and the trigger actuated impeller latch mechanism. In the disclosed embodiment of the invention, for example, the retractor coupling means is fluid pressure actuated and communicates to the retractor pressurizing means in such a way that pressurizing of the retractor to retract the impeller engages the coupling means and venting of the retractor releases the coupling means.
The disclosed projectile launcher of the invention has a repeating action. To this end, the launcher is equipped with a novel automatic projectile feed mechanism including a projectile magazine and an infeed means operated by the projectile impeller for feeding a projectile from the magazine into the barrel in response to each retraction stroke of the impeller.
It will appear from the ensuing description that the present projectile launcher and crossbow may be operated by various types of working fluids, including both gaseous and liquid fluids derived from a variety of external fluid pressure sources. Moreover, according to a further preferred and unique feature of the invention, the launcher is equipped with a manually operable pump to permit manual pressurizing of the impeller retractor in the event that an external fluid pressure source is not available.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a projectile launcher, in this instance a crossbow, according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the crossbow;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged section taken on line 3-3 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged section taken on line 4-4 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged section taken on line 5-5 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an enlargement of the left-hand portion of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged section taken on line 7-7 in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged section taken on line 8-8 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 9 is a section taken on line 9-9 in FIG. 8; and
FIGS. 10 through 13 illustrate the operation of the projectile launcher or crossbow.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to these drawings, there is illustrated a projectile launcher 10 according to the invention having a frame 12 including a barrel 14. Slidable within this barrel is a projectile impeller 16. Impeller 16 is movable longitudinally of the barrel 14 between a retracted position (FIG. 13) adjacent the rear end of the barrel and an extended position (FIG. 10) adjacent the front end of the barrel. An elastic means 18 is connected between the barrel and impeller in such a way that the elastic means is stressed by rearward retraction of the impeller in the barrel. According to a primary feature of the present invention, the launcher is equipped with a fluid pressure actuator or retractor 20 for driving the impeller rearwardly to its retracted position in response to pressurizing of the retractor. Coupling means 22 are provided for releasably coupling the retractor to the impeller. Accordingly, the impeller, when retracted may be released from the retractor to permit forward projection of the impeller by the elastic means 18. Included in the launcher are pressurizing means 24 for selectively pressurizing the impeller retractor 20. As noted earlier, and hereinafter explained in detail, the impeller retractor may be pressurized from an external pressure source 26 or from a hand pump 28 mounted directly on the launcher. The launcher 10 is equipped with means 30 for positioning a projectile 32 to be launched within the barrel 14 in front of the projectile impeller 16, whereby forward projection of the impeller by the elastic means 18 propels the projectile through the barrel. In this instance, the projectile positioning means 30 comprises an automatic projectile feed mechanism including a magazine 34 for containing a number of the projectiles 32 and an infeed means 36 operated by the impeller 16 for feeding a projectile from the magazine into the barrel 14, forwardly of the impeller, in response to each retraction stroke of the impeller. Also embodied in the projectile launcher 10 is a trigger operated latching mechanism 37 for releasably locking the projectile impeller 16 in its retracted position to permit venting of the impeller retractor 20 and disengagement of the retractor coupling 22, to release the impeller from the retractor, while the impeller is retained in its retracted or armed position to condition the launcher for subsequent firing by actuation of the trigger mechanism.
Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, it will be observed that the launcher frame 12 comprises an elongate frame structure which may be cast, machined, or otherwise fabricated. The barrel 14 forms the front end of this frame. The impeller retractor 20 has a cylinder 38 which, in this instance, is coaxially secured to and extends rearwardly from the rear end of the barrel 14 so as to form the rear end of the launcher frame 12. Longitudinally movable in the retractor cylinder 38 is a plunger 40 including a rod 42 and a piston 44 on the rear end of the rod. Piston 44 slides within the cylinder 38. The plunger rod 42 extends forwardly through the front end wall 46 of the cylinder 38. The plunger is slidably supported in and sealed to this wall. The rear end of the cylinder is closed by a rear end wall 48 containing a vent port 50.
It is evident at this point that the retractor cylinder 38 parallels the launcher barrel 14, whereby the retractor plunger 40 is movable longitudinally of the barrel. More specifically, in the disclosed embodiment, the plunger is movable along the axis of the barrel and projects forwardly from the cylinder 38 into the rear end of the barrel. Referring particularly to FIG. 3, it will be observed that the plunger rod 42 is composed of concentric outer and inner tubes 52 and 54 which are radially spaced to define an intervening annular flow space 56. The rear ends of the tubes 52, 54 are rigidly joined to the plunger piston 44. The front ends of the tubes are rigidly joined to a cylindrical fitting 58. As will be explained presently, this fitting forms part of the retractor-impeller coupling 22. Extending axially through the inner tube 54 of the plunger rod 42 is a compression coil spring 60. The rear end of this spring seats against the rear cylinder wall 48. The front end of the spring seats against the forward plunger rod fitting 58. When the retractor plunger 40 occupies its rear retracted position of FIGS. 3, 12 and 13, the plunger spring 60 is compressed in such a way that when the plunger is released, the spring urges the plunger forwardly to its extended position of FIG. 11. Extending centrally through the spring is a spring retaining rod 62. The rear end of this rod is threaded in the rear cylinder wall 48 and serves to retain the spring against buckling during extension and retraction of the plunger 40.
Referring now particularly to FIG. 6, it will be seen that the projectile impeller 16 has a generally tubular slide 64 which fits slidably within the bore 66 of the barrel 14. Slide 64 has an integral tongue 68 which projects radially from the slide and through a longitudinal slot 70 in the upper side of the barrel 14. Extending centrally through the slide is a bore 72. The wall of this bore is circumferentially grooved at 74 to define an annular, forwardly presented latching shoulder 76 on the slide. The externally projecting portion of the impeller slide tongue 68 has a rearwardly opening slot 78. Positioned within this slot, on an axis normal to and intersecting the axis of the barrel 14, is a circumferentially grooved roller 80. Roller 80 is rotatably supported for turning on its central axis by an axle or pin 82 fixed in the slide tongue 68.
Referring to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the elastic projectile impeller driving means 18 comprises an elastic bow frame 84. The center of this bow frame is rigidly secured to the front end of the launcher barrel 14 by means of a mounting bracket 86. Bow frame 84 is located directly above the barrel 14 in a plane, parallel to the barrel, containing impeller roller 80. Attached at its ends to the ends of the bow frame 84 is a bow string 88. This bow string is trained about the impeller roller 80. The barrel mounting bracket 86 may be loosened to release the bow frame 84 for removal from the launcher frame 12. In this regard, it will be observed that the forwardly opening slot 78 in the impeller tongue 68 permits disengagement of the bow string 88 from the impeller roller 80. It is now evident, therefore, that rearward retraction of the projectile impeller 16 in the barrel 14 deflects the bow frame 84 from its broken line position to its full line position in FIG. 1 with the result that a spring force is produced on the impeller for driving the latter forwardly in the barrel.
As already noted, the projectile launcher 10 is equipped with releasable coupling means 22 for connecting the fluid pressure actuated retractor 20 to the impeller 16 for retraction of the impeller by fluid pressure. To this end, the illustrated coupling means comprises, in part, the fitting 58 on the front end of the retractor plunger rod 42. The front end of this fitting is reduced and axially bored to form an extension 90 on which is fitted a generally disc-shaped latch collar 92. Fixed to the front end of the extension 90 is a conical shoulder 94 which retains the latch collar 92 in position on the extension. Referring to FIG. 7, it will be observed that the central opening 96 in the latch collar 92 which receives the extension 90 is elongated to permit lateral movement of the latch collar relative to the extension. The spring 98 acting between the extension and collar urges the latter to its position of FIG. 6 and solid line position of FIG. 7. In this position of the collar, hereinafter referred to as its retracted position, the collar is concentric with the retractor plunger in fitting 58.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 6, it will be observed that the front end of the plunger front end fitting 58, the latch collar 92, and the fitting shoulder 94 are dimensioned to fit slidably within the central opening 72 in the projectile impeller 16 when the collar is retracted. When the fitting 58 is fully inserted into the impeller opening 72, the latch collar 92 is radially aligned with the internal groove 74 in the impeller. The collar spring 98, however, normally retains the latch collar 92 in its concentric, retracted position of FIG. 7 so that the collar does not enter the groove. Under these conditions, the coupling 22 is effectively disengaged so that the projectile impeller 16 remains disconnected from the retractor plunger 40.
As already noted, and shown best in FIG. 3, the front end of the retractor plunger rod 42 extends slidably through the front end wall 46 of the retractor cylinder 38. Accordingly, there is defined between this wall and the plunger piston 44 an annular pressure chamber 100. According to the present invention, this chamber is pressurized to drive the retractor plunger 40 rearwardly against the action of its forward return spring 60. To this end, the retractor pressurizing means 24 comprises a passage 102 which opens, at one end, to the front end of the chamber 100, and communicates, at its other end, to the fluid pressure source 26 through a control valve 104. This control valve has a body 106 rigidly secured to the upper side of the retractor cylinder 38. Valve body 106 has an inlet 108 for connection to the external fluid pressure source 26. The valve body also has a vent 110 opening to atmosphere. Slidably mounted within the valve body 106 is a side valve member 112 for selectively communicating the retractor pressurizing passage 102 to the inlet 108 and the vent 110. In the position of this valve member illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the passage 102 communicates to the vent 110 for venting the retractor pressure chamber 100. A valve spring 114 urges the valve member to this position. Movement of the valve member 112 to the right in FIG. 3 communicates the pressurizing passage 102 to the inlet 108 and simultaneously blocks off the vent 110, thus to condition the pressurizing means for flow of working fluid under pressure from the external source 26 into the launcher pressure chamber 100.
The valve member 112 is urged to and normally retained in its retractor venting position of FIG. 3 by the valve spring 114. In this position, the left-hand or front end of the valve member protrudes beyond the front end of the valve housing 106 in FIG. 3. The valve member 112 is movable rearwardly to its retractor pressurizing position by a valve actuator 116. The illustrated valve actuator comprises a lever which is pivotally supported on a shaft 118 fixed to the launcher frame 12. One arm 120 of the lever seats against the protruding end of the valve member 112. The opposite arm 122 of the lever is located in a readily accessible position at one side of the launcher frame and provides a handle by which the lever may be rotated to retract the valve member 112 rearwardly against the action of its spring 114 to its retractor pressurizing position.
It is now evident, therefore, that when the valve actuator 116 occupies its normal position of FIG. 3, the pressure chamber 100 of the impeller retractor 20 is vented to atmosphere. Counterclockwise rotation of the valve actuator 116 reverses the position of the retractor valve 104 to communicate the retractor pressure chamber 100 to the external fluid pressure source 26 and thereby pressurize the chamber. Pressurizing of this chamber drives the retractor plunger 40 rearwardly to its retracted position of FIG. 3 against the action of the plunger forward return spring 60.
According to the present invention, the latch collar 92 of the impeller-retractor coupling 22 is extended laterally by fluid pressure to its latching position illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 7. In this latching position, the collar is eccentrically disposed relative to the retractor plunger front fitting 58 and is disposed for latching engagement within the internal groove 74 of the projectile impeller 16. To this end, the rear end of the fitting 58 is formed with a cylinder 124 in which is slidable a piston 126. A spring 128 positioned between this piston and the front end of the cylinder 124 urges the piston rearwardly in the cylinder to its retracted position of FIG. 6. Secured to and extending forwardly from the front side of the piston 126 is a cam finger 130. The front end of this finger extends slidably through a longitudinal slot 132 in the retractor plunger fitting 58. The front end of the finger 130 is beveled, as shown, for engaging an internal, beveled camming surface 134 on the latch collar 92. It will be observed that when the piston 126 occupies its retracted position of FIG. 6, the beveled front end of the cam finger 130 is spaced from the latch collar cam surface 134 so that the collar remains in its retracted position of the FIG. Forward movement of the piston 126, against the action of its return spring 128, moves the beveled end of the cam finger 130 forwardly into camming engagement with the latch collar cam surface 134. This camming engagement cams the latch collar 92 laterally, and upwardly in FIG. 6, to a latching position wherein the collar is disposed for latching engagement within the internal groove 74, in the projectile impeller 16. The latch cylinder 124, rearwardly of the latch engaging piston 126, communicates to the retractor pressure chamber 100 through the annular flow space 56 and a radial port 136 in the retractor plunger rod 42. It is now obvious, therefore, that admission of working fluid under pressure to the chamber 100 of the impeller retractor 20, to retract its plunger 40, simultaneously pressurizes the latching cylinder 124 rearwardly of the latching piston 126 to drive this piston forwardly and thereby extend the latching collar 92 laterally to its latching position.
Consider now the operation of the projectile launcher 10 to this point. Assuming that the launcher valve 104 occupies its venting position of FIG. 3, the projectile impeller 16 and the retractor plunger 40 will be urged to their forward positions of FIG. 11 by the launcher bow 18 on the plunger return spring 60, respectively. In these forward positions, the impeller-retractor coupling 22 projects axially into the central opening 72 in the impeller slide 64, as illustrated best in FIGS. 3 and 6. Since the retractor is currently vented to atmosphere, however, the latch collar 92 of the coupling 22 is retained in its retracted position of FIG. 7 by the latch collar spring 98. Accordingly, the impeller 16 and the retractor plunger 40 are not actually latched to one another. The launcher valve actuator 116 is now rotated to actuate the launcher valve 104 to its retractor pressurizing position. This action results in pressurizing of the retractor pressure chamber 100 and the latching cylinder 124 from the external fluid pressure source 26. Pressurizing of the latching cylinder 124 drives the latching piston 126 forwardly to extend the latch collar 92 laterally to its latching position and thereby couple the impeller 16 to the retractor plunger 40. Pressurizing of the retractor chamber 100 retracts the plunger and impeller rearwardly in unison to the fully retracted positions of FIG. 12. At this point, the impeller is latched in its retracted position by the trigger operated mechanism 37 to permit venting of the retractor 20 without return of the impeller and retractor plunger to their forward positions. The launcher is now armed. The launcher is fired by actuating the trigger mechanism 37, in the manner explained below, to release the impeller 16. The impeller is then driven forwardly at high velocity by the launcher bow 18. The retractor plunger 40 is also returned forwardly, at a somewhat lower velocity than the impeller, by its return spring 60.
Turning now particularly to FIGS. 3 and 6, it will be seen that the trigger mechanism 37 comprises a trigger 138 rigid on the lower end of an arm 140. The upper end of this arm is pivoted on the valve actuator pivot shaft 118. Pivotally attached at one end to the trigger arm 140 is a link 142 which extends forwardly from the arm and slidably through a guide block 144 rigid on the forward end of the retractor cylinder 38. This guide block is counterbored at 146 to receive a latch keeper 148 on the forward end of the link. In this instance, the keeper 148 is secured to the link 142 by a lost motion connection 150, for reasons to be explained presently. Acting between the rear end of the counterbore 146 and the rear end of the keeper 148 is a spring 152 which urges the keeper, and hence the link 142, forwardly. Fixed to the guide block 144 is a stop pin 154 which is engageable with a shoulder 156 on the keeper 148 to limit forward travel of the latter under the action of its spring 152. The keeper 148 has a forward reduced end or tongue 158 which extends forwardly from the guide block 144. A latch member 160 is pivoted at its rear end within the front end of the guide block counterbore 146 for swinging on an axis normal to the common longitudinal axis of the link 142 and the keeper 148. Pivoted latch 160 has a recess 162 in its underside, confronting the keeper tongue 158, and a forward latch shoulder 164.
Inwardly formed on the impeller tongue 68 is a latching boss 166 having a latch bore 168 on the axis of the trigger actuated link 142 and keeper 148. This latch bore is dimensioned to receive the keeper tongue 158 and pivoted latch 160 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6.
As the impeller 16 approaches its full limiting position, during retraction of the impeller by pressurizing of the retractor 20 in the manner explained earlier, the impeller latch boss 166 initially engages the front end of the pivoted latch 160 and cams the latter downwardly in FIG. 6 sufficiently to enable the front end of the latch to enter the latch bore 168. In this regard, it will be understood that the trigger actuating link 142 and keeper tongue 158 are sufficiently flexible to accommodate this downward camming of the latch 160. Shortly after entrance of the front end of the latch into the latch bore, the impeller latch boss 166 engages the front end of the keeper tongue 158 and shifts the latter rearwardly, against the action of its spring 152, to a position wherein the front end of the keeper registers with the latch recess 162. This permits continued retraction of the impeller 16 to its rear limiting position of FIG. 6. In this rear limiting position, the latch shoulder 164 on the pivoted latch 160 is located forwardly of the latch boss 166. At this point, the forward thrust of the currently compressed latch keeper spring 152 returns the latch keeper 148 forwardly to its position of FIG. 6, wherein the forward end of the keeper tongue 158 extends into the impeller latch bore 168. The forward wall of the latch recess 162 is beveled, as shown, so that this forward return of the keeper cams the pivoted latch 160 upwardly to its latching position of FIG. 6, wherein the impeller 16 is locked in its retracted position. Attention is directed to the fact that the front and rear annular edges of the impeller latch bore 168 are beveled to facilitate the above described latch engaging action.
The latch mechanism just described is released, to free the projectile impeller 16 for forward motion under the action of the launcher bow 18, by rearward depression of the trigger 138. This depression of the trigger retracts the keeper tongue 158 rearwardly from the impeller latch bore 168, thus permitting the pivoted latch 160 to swing downwardly and thereby release the impeller 16 for forward motion.
It is now evident that assuming the impeller 16 and retractor plunger 40 occupy their forward positions of FIG. 11, as a result of venting of the retractor 20, shifting of the launcher valve 104 to its retractor pressurizing position results in initial latching of the impeller to the plunger and rearward retraction of the impeller and plunger in unison to the positions of FIG. 12. The impeller is then latched in this retracted position by the trigger mechanism 37, thus permitting the retractor 20 to be vented, as in FIG. 13, by return of the valve 104 to its vent position. The impeller is released for return to its forward position by rearward depression of the trigger 138. The impeller is then driven forwardly at high velocity by the launcher bow 18. The retractor plunger 40 is returned forwardly at a slightly slower velocity to complete one operating cycle of the present projectile launcher or crossbow gun.
The projectile feed mechanism 30 (FIGS. 4, 9) operates to feed the projectile 32 into the barrel 14 in succession in response to extension and retraction of the retractor plunger 40. To this end, the feed magazine 34 comprises a removable magazine 34 which opens upwardly to a projectile transfer channel 170 extending longitudinally of the barrel just below the breach end of the barrel. The rear end of this channel opens downwardly to the projectile infeed means 36 and upwardly to the bore 66 through an infeed opening 172 in the wall of the barrel 14. Slidable within the transfer guideway 170 is a projectile transfer slide 174. Slide 174 has a forward projectile feed block 176 and a rear cam 178 which are spaced a distance approximating or just slightly greater than the length of the projectile 32. The feed block 176 and cam 178 are joined by a connecting strut 180 (FIGS. 5, 8) which slides in a groove in the wall of the transfer guideway 170. A tension spring 182 connected between the front end of the guideway and the projectile feed block 176 urges the projectile transfer guide 174 to its forward position of FIG. 9. In this position, the space between the projectile feed block 176 and cam 178 is aligned with the projectile magazine 34 to permit the upper projectile 32 in the magazine to enter the space under the upward thrust of the magazine spring (not shown).
Fixed to and rising from the rear end of the transfer slide cam 178 is a pin 184. This pin is located in the path of a lower projection 186 on the front retractor plunger fitting 58. This projection slides within a lower groove 188 in the wall of the bore 66. During rearward retraction of the impeller 16 with the retractor plunger 40 in the manner explained above, the plunger projection 186 engages the transfer slide pin 184 as the plunger approaches its fully retracted position and pulls the transfer slide 174 rearwardly from its forward position of FIGS. 9, 11 to its rear retracted position of FIGS. 4, 12. This retraction of the transfer slide drives the projectile 32 currently caged between the slide feed block 176 and cam 178 to a position opposite the projectile infeed opening 172 in the barrel 14. The projectile 32 is then translated upwardly into the barrel 14, to a position in front of the impeller 16, by the projectile infeed means 36. To this end, the infeed means comprises a projectile infeed block 190 movable within a housing 192 on the launcher frame 12. Infeed block 190 is spring loaded upwardly by the compression spring 194 and is connected to the housing 192 by a pin and slot connection 196. When the transfer slide 174 is driven rearwardly to its position of FIGS. 4, 12 by the retracting plunger 40, the infeed block 190 translates the projectile 32 in the slide upwardly into the bore 66 in front of the impeller 16. When the launcher is subsequently fired, the transfer slide 174 is returned, by the slide spring 182, to its position of FIG. 9 to pick up the next projectile from the magazine 34. During this forward return of the transfer slide, the slide cam 178 engages a rounded cam surface 198 on the projectile infeed block 190 and retracts the latter downwardly against the action of its spring 194.
It is now evident, therefore, that the projectiles 32 are fed in succession from the magazine 34 to the bore 66 in front of the impeller 16 in response to successive rearward retraction strokes of the impeller with the impeller retraction plunger 40. As already noted, the projectile magazine comprises a clip which may be removed for reloading when empty.
The overall operation of the present projectile launcher or crossbow gun is depicted in sequential fashion in FIGS. 10 through 13. Briefly reviewing this operation, the launcher is armed by pulling the valve actuator 116 rearwardly to shift the launcher valve 104 to its retractor pressurizing position. The impeller-retractor coupling 22 is then engaged to latch the impeller 16 to the retractor plunger 40, and the plunger and impeller are driven rearwardly in unison by fluid pressure. As the plunger approaches this retracted position, it pulls the projectile transfer slide 174 rearwardly to effect infeed movement of the projectile 32 into the bore 66 in front of the impeller. The impeller 16 and retractor plunger 40 are locked in retracted position by the trigger mechanism 37. After the impeller is thus locked in retracted position, the valve actuator 116 may be rotated forwardly to return the launcher valve 104 to that position, thus to disengage the impeller-retractor coupling 22 and release the retractor plunger 40 for return to its forward position under the action of the plunger spring 60. The launcher or crossbow gun is now armed. If desired, the valve 104 may be enclosed in a sound suppression cover or housing 200 to reduce the noise occasioned by venting of working fluid from the retractor.
The launcher or crossbow gun is fired by depressing the trigger 138 to release the impeller 16. The impeller is then driven forwardly at high velocity by the currently stressed launcher bow 18 to propel at high velocity the projectile 32 which is currently positioned in front of the impeller. The retractor plunger 40 follows the impeller to complete one firing cycle of the launcher, upon return of the impeller and plunger to their forward positions. In order to facilitate holding and aiming of the launcher or crossbow gun, the launcher frame 12 may be equipped with automatic weapon-type hand grips 202. Also, as noted earlier, the launcher is equipped with a hand pump 28 for manually pressurizing the retractor 20 in the event an external pressure source 26 is not available.
A variety of external pressure sources and working fluids may be used to pressurize the impeller retractor 20 of the present launcher or crossbow gun. Among these energy sources and fluids are compressed air, solid propellant gas generators, compressed gas cartridges, liquefied gas, and electrical and combustible gas ignition. Also, a variety of projectiles may be fired from the present launcher or crossbow gun. Some of these various projectiles are tubular projectiles having shaped or serrated leading edges, thin stabilized projectiles, arrows, hand grenades, projectiles containing explosively actuated needles which, during launch, are explosively extended for finer penetration, pellets, and a variety of other projectiles, depending upon the use of the launcher or crossbow gun. In the case of some of these various projectiles, it may be desirable or necessary to load the projectiles by hand into the bore 66 in front of the impeller 16. The present projectile launcher or crossbow gun may be utilized for a wide variety of applications, including both weapon and nonweapon applications. Some of these applications, for example, are a mobile weapon launcher, a livestock tranquilizer, and a fishing line caster. Obviously, the present launcher and crossbow gun are susceptible of many other uses. The present launcher and crossbow gun obviously possess all of the usual advantages of this type of device, to wit, silence, flashless, soundless, and yet accuracy and deadliness.
While the invention has been disclosed in connection with one of its physical embodiments, various modifications of the invention are possible within the spirit and scope of the following claims.