Robert Bennet Simonton

US Patent:

6390642, May 21, 2002

Filed:

Feb 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/505109

Inventors:

Robert Wayne Simonton - Parker CO 80134

International Classification:

F21V 3300

US Classification:

362203, 362253, 362276, 473570

Abstract:

An illuminated archery arrow that includes conventional components such as a tubular shaft, a pointed head attached to the forward end of the shaft, fletchings on the rearward portion of the shaft and a nock at the rear end of the shaft. The arrow structure also includes a novel and improved tail lighting assembly carried interiorly of the rearward portion of the arrow shaft. The lighting assembly comprises a light source disposed in proximity to a light transmitting nock, a battery for powering the light source, a normally open switch responsive to a magnetic field for closing the switch contacts, and other circuit elements that interconnect the battery and the light source. Depending upon the circuit configuration, the battery voltage may be applied intermittently to the light source and then turned off or applied constantly for a specified time and then turned off. The switch contacts are closed by passing the arrow shaft through the field of a magnet attached to the archers bow in proximity to the path taken by the arrow as it is launched by the bow. When illuminated by the closing of the switch contacts, the light source is visible through the nock, permitting improved visual tracking and locating of the arrow.