Archery sight with detachable range-finding electronics module

Abstract

Provided is an archery sight that integrates a detachable range-finding electronics module and connect/disconnect system. The detachable range-finding electronics module contains the electronics required for the range-finding archery sight. The connect/disconnect system allows the detachable range-finding electronics module to be installed on, or removed from, the fixed-pin archery sight. When the target distance is calculated while the detachable range-finding electronics module is installed, one or more illuminating elements illuminate one or more fiber optic aiming pins on the fixed-pin archery sight, which are used to make an accurate shot. When the detachable range-finding electronics module is removed, the fiber optic aiming pins are illuminated by natural ambient light, returning the archery sight to a traditional fixed-pin archery sight.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A targeting system for an archery bow, the targeting system comprising:
 a fixed-pin archery sight adapted to be secured to a frame of the archery bow;   a detachable range-finding electronics module adapted to be attached to the fixed-pin archery sight, wherein the detachable range-finding electronics module houses one or more electronic components; and   a connect/disconnect system for securing the detachable range-finding electronics module to the fixed-pin archery sight.   
     
     
         2 . The targeting system of  claim 1 , wherein the fixed-pin archery sight comprises:
 a mounting bracket adapted to be secured to the frame of the archery bow;   a horizontal alignment bar for adjusting the fixed-pin archery sight along a first axis;   a sliding mount arm secured to the horizontal alignment bar for adjusting the fixed-pin archery sight along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;   a vertical adjustment fixture for adjusting the fixed-pin archery sight along a third axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis; and   an aiming pin housing secured to the vertical adjustment fixture in which a plurality of fiber optic aiming pins are held.   
     
     
         3 . The targeting system of  claim 2 , wherein
 the detachable range-finding electronics module comprises an alignment pin,   the fixed-pin archery sight comprises an alignment slot, and   the alignment pin of the detachable range-finding electronics module is adapted to mate with the alignment slot of the fixed-pin archery sight when the detachable range-finding electronics module is attached to the fixed-pin archery sight.   
     
     
         4 . The targeting system of  claim 2 , wherein the fixed-pin archery sight further comprises:
 a plurality of fiber optic fibers, each of which is held in a respective one of the plurality of fiber optic aiming pins and is adapted to channel visible light to an end of the aiming pin;   a plurality of fiber optic repositories, each of which is adapted to receive a respective one of the plurality of fiber optic fibers; and   a plurality of fiber optic channels adapted to secure the fiber optic fibers to the aiming pin housing.   
     
     
         5 . The targeting system of  claim 4 , wherein the fiber optic channels are integrated into a surface of the aiming pin housing such that the fiber optic fibers sit below, or level with, the surface of the aiming pin housing. 
     
     
         6 . The targeting system of  claim 4 , wherein the fiber optic repositories are integrated into a surface of the aiming pin housing such that the surface of the aiming pin housing is flush with a surface of the detachable range-finding electronics module when the detachable range-finding electronics module is attached to the fixed-pin archery sight. 
     
     
         7 . The targeting system of  claim 4 , wherein each of the fiber optic repositories is oriented such that a corresponding illuminating element housed in the detachable range-finding electronics module is positioned directly above, and in-line with, the respective fiber optic fiber received in the fiber optic repository when the detachable range-finding electronics module is attached to the fixed-pin archery sight. 
     
     
         8 . The targeting system of  claim 4 , wherein each of the fiber optic fibers includes an opaque shielding adapted to shield the fiber optic fiber from ambient light. 
     
     
         9 . The targeting system of  claim 8 , wherein the opaque shielding is a heat shrink material. 
     
     
         10 . The targeting system of  claim 8 , wherein the opaque shielding is an opaque coating. 
     
     
         11 . The targeting system of  claim 4 , wherein each of the fiber optic repositories includes a winding post around which the respective fiber optic fiber is wound. 
     
     
         12 . The targeting system of  claim 11 , wherein each of the plurality fiber optic repositories comprises:
 a securing clamp adapted to fit around the winding post; and   a tightening screw adapted to exert a downward force on the securing clamp to tighten the securing clamp onto the fiber optic fiber.   
     
     
         13 . The targeting system of  claim 12 , wherein the securing clamp is transparent such that ambient light passes through the securing clamp to illuminate the fiber optic fiber. 
     
     
         14 . The targeting system of  claim 11 , wherein each of the plurality fiber optic repositories comprises a securing post through which the fiber optic fiber is threaded. 
     
     
         15 . The targeting system of  claim 14 , wherein the securing post includes a through hole and a countersunk hole. 
     
     
         16 . The targeting system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more electronic components housed within the detachable range-finding electronics module include one or more of a processor, a rangefinder sensor, a power source, a ranging trigger, an accelerometer, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, an illuminating element, and a visible calibration laser. 
     
     
         17 . The targeting system of  claim 16 , wherein the detachable range-finding electronics module integrates a rangefinder sensor aiming calibration system adapted to allow a ranging beam of the rangefinder sensor to be adjusted in at least one direction. 
     
     
         18 . The targeting system of  claim 1 , wherein the detachable range-finding electronics module includes a plurality of illuminating elements, each of which is associated with a different actual distance. 
     
     
         19 . The targeting system of  claim 18 , further comprising an illuminating element gasket which surrounds each of the illuminating elements and is adapted to prevent radiant light from leaking over to one or more adjacent fiber optic repositories. 
     
     
         20 . The targeting system of  claim 1 , wherein the connect/disconnect system comprises:
 a slot;   a catch hook;   a hinge;   at least one snap-fit hinge;   a snap lock; and   a latch assembly.