Arrow support systems for arrow launching devices

Abstract

An arrow support system is used in compact arrow launching devices. An arrow rest is formed as an extended portion of a movable arrow release within a compact arrow launching device that utilize the arrow release to also cock and de-cock device. The arrow rest captures a significant portion of radial arrow shaft surface in order to secure the arrow through all modes of use. This high amount of arrow shaft capture is possible because the structure is a part of the movable release mechanism and not a separate structure providing potential interference with the moveable release during operation. In embodiments where the launching device uses pneumatic propulsion, an arrow support, that is viable in a variety of embodiments of an airgun, includes an arrow rest that captures a significant portion of radial arrow shaft surface in order to secure the arrow through all modes of use.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An arrow support system comprising:
 an elongated body having an opening formed therethrough along a longitudinal axis thereof; and   a plurality of slots, communicating with the opening and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein:   the opening is operable to closely fit an arrow shaft therein;   the plurality of slots are operable to fit fletching from the arrow therein; and   the opening and the plurality of slots extend to at least one end of the elongated body.   
     
     
         2 . The arrow support system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body is integrated with a release mechanism of an arrowing launching device. 
     
     
         3 . The arrow support system of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a top arrow support extending from the release mechanism to form an upper portion of the elongated body; and   a lower arrow support structure extending from the release mechanism to form a lower portion of the elongated body.   
     
     
         4 . The arrow support system of  claim 3 , wherein the top arrow support includes first and second radial profile portions separated by a linear gap. 
     
     
         5 . The arrow support system of  claim 4 , wherein the linear gap forms one of the plurality of slots. 
     
     
         6 . The arrow support system of  claim 5 , wherein the first radial profile is attached to the second radial portion by a bridge disposed radially away from the linear gap. 
     
     
         7 . The arrow support system of  claim 3 , wherein two of the plurality of slots are formed from a space between the top arrow support and the lower arrow support structure. 
     
     
         8 . The arrow support system of  claim 2 , wherein the elongated structure has a length to retain the fletching of the arrow therein, along with from about 1 to about 8 inches of the arrow shaft at a nock end of the arrow. 
     
     
         9 . The arrow support system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated structure operable to be disposed within a barrel of an airgun. 
     
     
         10 . The arrow support system of  claim 9 , wherein the opening extends from a first end to a second, opposite end of the elongated structure. 
     
     
         11 . The arrow support system of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of slots extends from a first end to a second, opposite end of the elongated structure. 
     
     
         12 . The arrow support system of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the opening provides close clearance with the arrow shaft; and   the plurality of slots provides close clearance with the fletching of the arrow.   
     
     
         13 . The arrow support system of  claim 9 , wherein the elongated structure is operable to house at least 75 percent of the arrow shaft therein. 
     
     
         14 . The arrow support system of  claim 9 , wherein the elongated structure is operable to house at least 90 percent of the arrow shaft therein. 
     
     
         15 . An arrow support system for an arrow launching device having a movable release mechanism, the arrow support system comprising:
 an elongated body, integrated with the movable release mechanism, having an opening formed therethrough along a longitudinal axis thereof;   a plurality of slots, communicating with the opening and extending outwardly therefrom;   a top arrow support extending from the movable release mechanism to form an upper portion of the elongated body; and   a lower arrow support structure extending from the movable release mechanism to form a lower portion of the elongated body, wherein:   the opening is operable to closely fit an arrow shaft therein;   the plurality of slots are operable to fit fletching from the arrow therein;   the opening and the plurality of slots extend to at least one end of the elongated body; and   two of the plurality of slots are formed from a space between the top arrow support and the lower arrow support structure.   
     
     
         16 . The arrow support system of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the top arrow support includes first and second radial profile portions separated by a linear gap; and   the linear gap forms one of the plurality of slots.   
     
     
         17 . The arrow support system of  claim 15 , wherein the elongated structure has a length to retain the fletching of the arrow therein, along with from about 1 to about 8 inches of the arrow shaft at a nock end of the arrow. 
     
     
         18 . An arrow support system for an arrow launching that uses pneumatic propulsion, the arrow support system comprising:
 an elongated body, operable to be disposed within a barrel of an airgun, having an opening formed therethrough along a entirety of a longitudinal axis thereof; and   a plurality of slots, communicating with the opening and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein:   the opening is operable to fit an arrow shaft therein;   the plurality of slots are operable to fit fletching from the arrow therein; and   the elongated structure is operable to house at least 75 percent of the arrow shaft therein.   
     
     
         19 . The arrow support system of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the opening provides close clearance with the arrow shaft; and   the plurality of slots provides close clearance with the fletching of the arrow.   
     
     
         20 . The arrow support system of  claim 18 , wherein the elongated structure is operable to house at least 90 percent of the arrow shaft therein.