Archery bow sight fibre optic illuminator

Abstract

An archery bow sight fibre optic illuminator includes a housing with a light source mounting for mounting a light source device. The housing defines a plurality of fibre optic cable passages. The illuminator includes a rotatable selector which defines a rotatable selector light passage. The housing defines a rotatable selector receiving passage in which the rotatable selector is located in an assembled condition. The rotatable selector includes an actuator. In use, the light source provides a light beam which extends along the rotatable selector light passage towards the fibre optic cable passages. The rotation member is rotatably movable between an illumination position in which the light beam travels through the rotatable selector light passage to only one of the fibre optic cable passages and another position in which the light beam travels through the rotatable selector light passage to a different one of the fibre optic cable passages.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an archery bow sight fibre optic illuminator.2. The Prior Art

[0002] Compound bows are widely used for archery competitions, recreational use and, in some countries, for hunting, where this is permitted. A known and popular type of bow sight utilises sighting pins located in a sighting aperture which are illuminated by ambient light transmitted along fibre optic cables.

[0003] With this type of bow sight there are several possible pin configurations. For hunting, hunters typically use 1 pin, ranged for a particular target distance. Competition bow archers use several pins ranged for several distances. Because the fibre optic relies on being exposed to ambient light the user cannot dictate when or by how much the end of the sight pin is illuminated. A single pin sight would start to lose its effectiveness for a hunter in twilight or when entering a dimly-lit wooded area. A competition archer using a sight with several pins cannot control which pin is illuminated in ambient light since all pins are illuminated. In bright sunlight this causes a light ‘blur’ and makes it difficult for the archer to distinguish between multiple sight pins.

[0004] Some sight manufacturers have tried to overcome this problem by introducing an external light that shines through the transparent housing of the sight, directly onto the fibre optic cables. The drawback to this is that it illuminates all of the fibre optic cables causing the same light ‘blur’ experienced in bright sunlight.

[0005] In this specification, the word “substantially” is used to include the meaning of “exactly or for practical purposes, as will be understood by a skilled person in the technical field”. This includes some variation from “exactly” because of practical considerations. For example, in the technical field of this invention, “substantially horizontal” might include ±10° from the horizontal.

[0006] In this specification, a slot is an aperture or recess which is generally rectangular in plan having a length and a width in which the width is small relative to the length.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an archery bow sight fibre optic illuminator (“the illuminator”), the illuminator including:

[0008] a housing including a light source mounting for mounting a light source device, the mounting defining a mounting aperture;

[0009] the housing defining a plurality of fibre optic cable passages, each configured for receiving an end of a fibre optic cable;

[0010] the illuminator including a rotatable selector;

[0011] the rotatable selector defining a rotatable selector light passage;

[0012] the housing defining a rotatable selector receiving passage in which the rotatable selector is located in an assembled condition;

[0013] the rotatable selector including an actuator for rotatably turning the rotatable selector within the rotatable selector receiving passage;

[0014] wherein, in use, a light source device is mounted in the mounting and provides a light beam which extends through the mounting aperture, along the rotatable selector light passage towards the fibre optic cable passages;

[0015] the rotatable selector being rotatably movable between a plurality of rotary positions;

[0016] the rotary positions including one illumination position in which the light beam travels through the rotatable selector light passage to one only of the fibre optic cable passages and another illumination position in which the light beam travels through the rotatable selector light passage to a different one only of the fibre optic cable passages.

[0017] Possibly, the rotatable selector includes a rotation member, which, in the assembled condition, may be located in the rotatable selector receiving passage. Possibly, the rotation member includes a cylindrical outer surface. Possibly, the housing includes cylindrical internal side walls which may define the rotatable selector receiving passage, which may correspond in size and shape to the rotation member outer surface.

[0018] Possibly, the rotation member is formed integrally (i.e. in one piece) with the actuator.

[0019] Possibly, the rotation member defines a rotation member light passage, which may comprise part or all of the rotatable selector light passage.

[0020] Possibly, the rotary positions include a non-illumination position in which the rotatable selector prevents the light beam from reaching any of the fibre optic cable passages.

[0021] Possibly, in the non-illumination position, a part of the outer surface extends fully across the mounting aperture to prevent light transmission therebeyond.

[0022] Possibly, the rotation member light passage includes an entrance part, which, in the or one of the illumination positions may be located adjacent to the mounting aperture.

[0023] Possibly, the rotation member light passage includes a single pin selector part. Possibly the illumination positions include one or more single pin illumination positions. Possibly, in the or one of the single pin illumination positions, the rotation member light passage directs the light beam to the or a single one of the fibre optic cable passages.

[0024] Possibly, the rotation member light passage includes a multiple pin selector part. Possibly the illumination positions include a multiple pin illumination position. Possibly, in the multiple pin illumination position, the rotation member light passage directs the light beam to a plurality of the fibre optic cable passages and may direct the light beam to all of the fibre optic cable passages.

[0025] Possibly, the rotatable selector rotates around a rotation axis.

[0026] Possibly, the fibre optic cable passages are regularly spaced, possibly around the rotatable selector rotation axis, possibly at a regular fibre optic cable passage angular spacing.

[0027] Possibly, the rotatable selector includes an indexing arrangement. Possibly, the indexing arrangement aids or controls the rotational movement of the rotatable selector to the illumination position(s).

[0028] Possibly, the indexing arrangement is arranged to provide tactile feedback to a user that the rotatable selector is in one of the illumination positions.

[0029] Possibly, the housing includes an end wall, which may define in part the rotatable selector receiving passage.

[0030] Possibly, the indexing arrangement includes an indexing formation which may be formed on or located at or towards an end of the housing cylindrical internal side walls and may comprise a plurality of indexing projections which may define recesses therebetween.

[0031] Possibly, the indexing arrangement includes an indexing member which, in use, may engage the indexing formation.

[0032] Possibly, the indexing member comprises part of the rotatable selector.

[0033] Possibly, the housing includes internal wall surfaces. Possibly, the indexing formation comprises part of either one of the housing internal wall surfaces or the rotatable selector. Possibly, the indexing member comprises part of the other one of the housing internal wall surfaces or the rotatable selector.

[0034] Possibly, the indexing formation comprises a plurality of indexing projections which may define recesses therebetween. Possibly, the indexing member includes a finger. Possibly, in the or one of the illumination positions the finger locates in one of the recesses. Possibly, the finger is biased to locate in the one of the recesses.

[0035] Possibly, the finger is formed of a resiliently deformable material which may provide the biasing. Possibly, in use, to rotatably move the rotatable selector, it is necessary to deform the finger to move the finger from one recess to another past one of the indexing projections.

[0036] Possibly, the indexing arrangement includes a detent arrangement, which may comprise a ball and spring detent. Possibly, the indexing member comprises a spring-loaded ball located in a detent bore and the indexing formation comprises a detent recess, which in one of the illumination positions receives the spring-loaded ball.

[0037] Possibly the illuminator includes a coupling arrangement, which may couple the indexing member to the rotation member to move therewith.

[0038] Possibly, the indexing member includes a finger, which in the or one of the illumination positions may locate in one of the recesses.

[0039] Possibly, the finger is biased to locate in the one of the recesses.

[0040] Possibly, the finger is formed of a resiliently deformable material and may be formed of a rubber or plastics material, which provides the biasing. Possibly, in use, to rotatably move the rotatable selector, it is necessary to deform the finger to move the finger from one recess to another past one of the indexing projections.

[0041] Possibly, the coupling arrangement includes a boss which may be non-circular in cross-section and may project from the rotation member. Possibly, the central part of the indexing member may define a boss-receiving aperture, which may correspond in size and shape to the boss, so that, in an assembled condition, the boss-receiving aperture receives the boss, possibly to couple the index member to the rotation member. Possibly, in an assembled condition, the boss extends along the rotation axis.

[0042] Possibly, the indexing member includes a pair of arms which extend radially outwardly from the central part. Possibly, the indexing member includes two pairs of the fingers, possibly with one pair at a free end of each of the arms, possibly with one finger of each pair extending laterally generally circumferentially on each side of the respective arm. Possibly, each finger includes a relatively enlarged engaging formation which may be located at a free end of the respective finger. Possibly, each relatively enlarged engaging formation is arranged to locate radially outwardly further than the rest of the indexing member. Possibly, in the or one of the illumination positions, each engaging formation locates in one of the recesses.

[0043] Possibly, the engaging formations are arranged so that, in the or one of the illumination positions, each and every engaging formation is located in a different one of the recesses.

[0044] Possibly, the indexing projections and the engaging formations are shaped to permit rotation in both rotational directions. Possibly, the indexing projections are rounded. Possibly, the engaging formations are rounded.

[0045] Possibly, the indexing projections are regularly spaced, possibly around the rotatable selector rotation axis, possibly at a regular indexing projection angular spacing.

[0046] Possibly, the angular spacing of the indexing projections corresponds with the angular spacing of the fibre optic cable passages, with a correspondence ratio of 1:1, or possibly 1:2, or possibly 1:N where N is an integer.

[0047] Possibly, the rotation member outer surface defines an entrance aperture to the entrance part. Possibly, the entrance aperture is shaped like a slot and may have a length which may extend circumferentially relative to the rotation axis. Possibly, the entrance aperture subtends an obtuse angle which is greater than 90° and may be less than 180° and may be approximately 135°.

[0048] Possibly, the outer surface defines a single pin selector part aperture to the single pin selector part. Possibly, the single pin selector part aperture is circular, which may have a diameter which is substantially the same as that of the or each fibre optic cable passage. Alternatively, the single pin selector part aperture may be shaped like a slot and may have a length which may extend parallel to the rotation axis and a width which may be substantially the same as that of the or each fibre optic cable passage.

[0049] Possibly, the outer surface defines a multiple pin selector part aperture to the multiple pin selector part. Possibly, the multiple pin selector part aperture is shaped like a slot and may have a length which may extend circumferentially relative to the rotation axis. Possibly, the multiple pin selector part aperture subtends a multiple pin selector part aperture angle which may be less than 90° and may be approximately 45°.

[0050] Possibly, the illuminator includes a limit arrangement for limiting the rotation of the rotatable selector. The limit arrangement may include a limit pin and may include a limit slot defined by the rotation member. Possibly, the limit slot may have a length which may extend circumferentially relative to the rotation axis. Possibly, the limit pin locates in a limit pin aperture defined by the housing and may extend inwardly from the housing into the limit slot.

[0051] Possibly, the light source mounting defines a mounting passage, in which in use, the light source device is located.

[0052] In one embodiment, the mounting passage may extend along a mounting axis which extends substantially perpendicularly to the rotation axis.

[0053] Possibly, the illuminator includes the light source device, which may comprise a flashlight and may comprise a mini flashlight and may not comprise a laser.

[0054] Possibly, the light source device includes a controller for varying the power and / or the intensity of the light beam.

[0055] Possibly, the actuator comprises a gripping part, possibly for gripping by a user.

[0056] Possibly, the illuminator includes a mounting bracket, possibly for mounting to a bow sight.

[0057] Possibly, in use, the illuminator is mounted to a bow sight. Possibly, the bow sight defines a sighting aperture. The bow sight may include one or more sighting pins located in the sighting aperture. The bow sight may include one or more fibre optic cables for transmitting light to the or one of the sighting pins. The or each fibre optic cable may be located into the or one of the fibre optic cable passages.

[0058] Possibly, in use, the light source device is operated to produce the light beam, and the actuator is operated to rotate the rotatable selector to the or one of the illumination positions so that the light beam passes along the light passage and along the or one of the fibre optic cables to illuminate the or one of the sighting pins.

[0059] Possibly, the illuminator includes a bracket for attachment to the bow sight. Alternatively, the illuminator may be integrated with the bow sight.

[0060] The mounting passage may extend along a mounting axis which extends substantially parallel to the rotation axis and offset therefrom.

[0061] Possibly, the indexing member defines an indexing member light passage, which may comprise part or all of the rotatable selector light passage. Possibly, the indexing member light passage may be centered on the mounting axis and may be in the form of a slot, which may have a length which may extend towards the rotatable selector rotation axis and may be perpendicular to the rotatable selector rotation axis and may be spaced from the rotatable selector rotation axis by a passage radial spacing

[0062] Possibly, each fibre optic cable passage has an inlet aperture defined by an internal surface of the end wall. Possibly, each fibre optic cable passage inlet aperture may be in the form of a slot, which may have a length which may extend towards the rotatable selector rotation axis and may be perpendicular to the rotatable selector rotation axis and may be spaced from the rotatable selector rotation axis by the passage radial spacing, which may be the same passage radial spacing as the indexing member light passage.

[0063] Possibly, the indexing member light passage is substantially the same size and shape as each of the inlet apertures.

[0064] Possibly, the rotatable selector comprises the light source mounting. Possibly, the rotation member comprises part or all of the light source mounting. Possibly, the rotation member defines the mounting aperture and may define the light source mounting passage.

[0065] Possibly, the light source device includes an engagement part which may project axially and may include a thread formation.

[0066] Possibly, the indexing member defines a light source device receiving recess, which may include a thread formation.

[0067] Possibly, in the assembled condition, the engagement part extends through the mounting aperture and may locate in the light source device receiving recess. Possibly, in the assembled condition, the thread formation of the engagement part engages the thread formation of the engagement recess to secure the light source device in the assembled condition.

[0068] Possibly, the indexing member is formed integrally (i.e. as one part) with the rotation member, which may be formed integrally with the actuator. Possibly, a gap is defined between the arms of the indexing member and the rotation member to permit the arms to deform.

[0069] Possibly, the light source device is formed integrally with the housing.

[0070] Possibly, the illuminator includes an illuminator mounting for mounting the illuminator directly to a bow sight. Possibly, the illuminator mounting includes a connector formation which is connectable to a complementary connector formation of the bow sight. Possibly, the illuminator mounting connector formation extends along the rotation axis.

[0071] Possibly, the illuminator mounting connector formation comprises a male connector, which may be threaded.

[0072] Possibly, the illuminator mounting defines a fibre optic cable conduit passage, which may extend from the fibre optic cable passages defined by the housing through the illuminator mounting connector formation to the bow sight.

[0073] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bow sight assembly including a bow sight and an illuminator, the illuminator including:

[0074] a housing including a light source mounting for mounting a light source device, the mounting defining a mounting aperture;

[0075] the housing defining a plurality of fibre optic cable passages, each configured for receiving an end of a fibre optic cable;

[0076] the illuminator including a rotatable selector;

[0077] the rotatable selector defining a rotatable selector light passage;

[0078] the housing defining a rotatable selector receiving passage in which the rotatable selector is located in an assembled condition;

[0079] the rotatable selector including an actuator for rotatably turning the rotatable selector within the rotatable selector receiving passage;

[0080] wherein, in use, a light source device is mounted in the mounting and provides a light beam which extends along the rotatable selector light passage towards the fibre optic cable passage(s);

[0081] the rotatable selector being rotatably movable between a plurality of rotary positions;

[0082] the rotary positions including one illumination position in which the light beam travels through the rotatable selector light passage to one only of the fibre optic cable passages and another illumination position in which the light beam travels through the rotatable selector light passage to a different one only of the fibre optic cable passages.

[0083] Possibly, the illuminator is directly mountable to the bow sight. Possibly, in use, in a draw condition, the illuminator extends substantially vertically downwardly from the bow sight.

[0084] Possibly, the bow sight defines a sighting aperture and may include one or more sighting pins located in the sighting aperture. Possibly, the bow sight includes one or more fibre optic cables for transmitting light to the or one of the sighting pins.

[0085] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of illuminating a bow sight, the method including providing a bow sight illuminator, the illuminator including:

[0086] the illuminator including:

[0087] a housing including a light source mounting for mounting a light source device, the mounting defining a mounting aperture;

[0088] the housing defining a plurality of fibre optic cable passages, each configured for receiving an end of a fibre optic cable;

[0089] the illuminator including a rotatable selector;

[0090] the rotatable selector defining a rotatable selector light passage;

[0091] the housing defining a rotatable selector receiving passage in which the rotatable selector is located in an assembled condition;

[0092] the rotatable selector including an actuator for rotatably turning the rotatable selector within the rotatable selector receiving passage;

[0093] wherein, in use, a light source device is mounted in the mounting and provides a light beam which extends along the rotatable selector light passage towards the fibre optic cable passage(s);

[0094] the rotatable selector being rotatably movable between a plurality of rotary positions;

[0095] the rotary positions including one illumination position in which the light beam travels through the rotatable selector light passage to one only of the fibre optic cable passages and another illumination position in which the light beam travels through the rotatable selector light passage to a different one only of the fibre optic cable passages.

[0096] Possibly, the illuminator includes any of the features described in any of the preceding statements or following description. Possibly, the method includes any of the steps described in any of the preceding statements or following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0097] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, where multiple instances of the same or similar features exist, only a representative one or some of the instances of the features have been provided with numeric references for clarity.

[0098] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bow sight assembly including an archery bow sight fibre optic illuminator.

[0099] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the archery bow sight fibre optic illuminator (“the illuminator”) in a disassembled condition.

[0100] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the illuminator.

[0101] FIG. 4 is a plan view as indicated by arrow IV in FIG. 3 of the illuminator in an assembled condition.

[0102] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the illuminator as indicated by line V-V in FIG. 4 showing an index arrangement and with a rotatable selector removed.

[0103] FIGS. 6A to 6E are cross-sectional views of the illuminator as indicated by line V-V in FIG. 4, with the rotatable selector assembled in position, with the different views showing different rotational positions of the rotatable selector.

[0104] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of an illuminator.

[0105] FIG. 8 is another exploded perspective view of the second embodiment illuminator.

[0106] FIG. 9 is a view along arrow A of FIG. 7 of the second embodiment illuminator of a front face of a housing with other components of the illuminator removed.

[0107] FIG. 10 is a view along arrow A of FIG. 7 of the second embodiment illuminator of the front face of the housing with an indexing member in its assembled position but with other components of the illuminator removed.

[0108] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rear face of the housing of FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0109] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the rear face of the housing of FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0110] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment illuminator in an assembled condition.

[0111] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another bow sight assembly with a third embodiment illuminator.

[0112] FIG. 15 is a side view of the third embodiment illuminator.

[0113] FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the third embodiment illuminator without a light source device.

[0114] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment illuminator on the section line indicated by arrows XVII in FIG. 16.

[0115] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment illuminator on the section line indicated by arrows XVIII in FIG. 16.

[0116] FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment illuminator without a light source device.

[0117] FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of the third embodiment illuminator without a light source device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0118] FIGS. 1 to 6 show an archery bow sight fibre optic illuminator 20 (“the illuminator 20”). The illuminator 20 includes a housing 22. The housing 22 includes a light source mounting 76 for mounting a light source device 70. The mounting 76 defines a mounting aperture 74.

[0119] The housing 22 defines a plurality of fibre optic cable passages 26, each configured for receiving an end of a fibre optic cable 24.

[0120] The illuminator 20 includes a rotatable selector 30 which defines a rotatable selector light passage 124

[0121] The housing 22 defines a rotatable selector receiving passage 36 in which the rotatable selector 30 is located in an assembled condition.

[0122] The rotatable selector 30 includes an actuator 54 for rotatably turning the rotation member 34 within the rotation member receiving passage 36.

[0123] In use, the light source device 70 is mounted in the mounting 76 and provides a light beam 120 which extends along the rotatable selector light passage 124 towards the fibre optic cable passages 26.

[0124] The rotation member 34 is rotatably movable between a plurality of rotary positions including one illumination position in which the light beam 120 travels through the rotatable selector light passage 124 to only one of the fibre optic cable passages 26 and another illumination position in which the light beam 120 travels through the rotatable selector light passage 124 to a different one only of the fibre optic cable passages 26.

[0125] The rotatable selector 30 includes a rotation member 34, which, in the assembled condition, is located in the rotatable selector receiving passage 36. The rotation member 34 includes a cylindrical outer surface 58. The housing 22 includes cylindrical internal wall surfaces 126 which define the rotatable selector receiving passage 36, which corresponds in size and shape to the rotation member outer surface 58.

[0126] In one example, the rotation member 34 could be formed integrally (ie in one piece) with the actuator 54.

[0127] The rotation member 34 defines a rotation member light passage 38, which comprises part or all of the rotatable selector light passage 124.

[0128] The rotary positions include a non-illumination position in which the rotatable selector 30 prevents the light beam 120 from reaching any of the fibre optic cable passages 26.

[0129] In the non-illumination position, a part of the outer surface 58 extends fully across the mounting aperture 74 to prevent light transmission therebeyond.

[0130] The illuminator 20 includes an illuminator mounting 27 which includes a mounting bracket 28 for attachment to a bow sight bracket 16.

[0131] The rotation member light passage 38 includes an entrance part 64, which, in the or one of the illumination positions is located adjacent to the mounting aperture 74.

[0132] The rotation member light passage 38 includes a single pin selector part 62. The illumination positions include one or more single pin illumination positions. In the or one of the single pin illumination positions, the rotation member light passage 38 directs the light beam 120 to the or a single one of the fibre optic cable passages 26.

[0133] The illuminator 20 defines a plurality of fibre optic cable passages 26. In the example shown, the illuminator 20 defines five fibre optic cable passages 26.

[0134] The rotation member light passage 38 includes a multiple pin selector part 66. The illumination positions include a multiple pin illumination position. In the multiple pin illumination position, the rotation member light passage 38 directs the light beam 120 to a plurality of the fibre optic cable passages 26 and could direct the light beam 120 to all of the fibre optic cable passages 26.

[0135] The rotatable selector 30 rotates around a rotation axis 60.

[0136] The fibre optic cable passages 26 are regularly spaced around the rotatable selector rotation axis 60, at a regular fibre optic cable passage angular spacing 68.

[0137] In some examples, the fibre optic cable passage angular spacing 68 could be between 5° and 15°, could more desirably be between 7.5° and 12.5° and optimally could be approximately 10°.

[0138] The rotatable selector 30 includes an indexing arrangement 80, which aids or controls the rotational movement of the rotatable selector 30 to the illumination positions.

[0139] The indexing arrangement 80 is arranged to provide tactile feedback to a user that the rotatable selector 30 is in one of the illumination positions.

[0140] The housing 22 includes an end wall 114, which defines in part the rotatable selector receiving passage 36.

[0141] The indexing arrangement 80 includes an indexing formation 50 which is formed on or located at or towards an end of the housing cylindrical internal side wall surfaces 126 and comprises a plurality of indexing projections 82 which define recesses 84 therebetween.

[0142] The indexing arrangement 80 includes an indexing member 40 which, in use, engages the indexing formation 50.

[0143] The indexing member 40 comprises part of the rotatable selector 30.

[0144] The illuminator 20 includes a coupling arrangement 78, which couples the indexing member 40 to the rotation member 34 to move therewith.

[0145] The indexing member 40 includes a finger 46, which in the illumination positions locates in one of the recesses 84.

[0146] The finger 46 is biased to locate in the one of the recesses 84.

[0147] The finger 46 is formed of a resiliently deformable material which provides the biasing and could be formed of a rubber or plastics material.

[0148] In use, to rotatably move the rotatable selector, it is necessary to deform the finger 46 to move the engaging formation 48 from one recess 84 to another past one of the indexing projections 82.

[0149] The coupling arrangement 78 includes a boss (not shown) which is non-circular in cross-section and projects from the rotation member 34. The indexing member 40 includes a central part 42 which defines a boss-receiving aperture 88, which corresponds in size and shape to the boss, so that, in the assembled condition, the boss-receiving aperture 88 receives the boss, to couple the indexing member 40 to the rotation member 34. In the assembled condition, the boss extends along the rotation axis 60. In the example shown, the boss and the boss-receiving aperture 88 are square in cross-section.

[0150] In the example shown, the indexing member 40 includes a pair of arms 44 which extend radially outwardly from the central part 42. The indexing member 40 includes two pairs of the fingers 46, with one pair at a free end of each of the arms 44, with one finger 46 of each pair extending laterally generally circumferentially on each side of the respective arm 44. Each finger 46 includes a relatively enlarged engaging formation 48 which is located at a free end of the respective finger 46. Each relatively enlarged engaging formation 48 is arranged to locate radially outwardly further than the rest of the indexing member 40 so that, in one of the illumination positions, each engaging formation 48 locates in one of the recesses 84.

[0151] The engaging formations 48 are arranged so that, in the illumination positions, each and every engaging formation 48 is located in a different one of the recesses 84.

[0152] In the example shown, the indexing projections 82 and the engaging formations 48 are shaped to permit rotation in both rotational directions. In the example shown, the indexing projections 82 are rounded and the engaging formations 48 are rounded.

[0153] In the example shown, the indexing projections 82 are regularly spaced around the rotatable selector rotation axis 60, at a regular indexing projection angular spacing 52.

[0154] The angular spacing 52 of the indexing projections 82 corresponds with the angular spacing 68 of the fibre optic cable passages 26. In one example, the angular spacing 52 of the indexing projections 82 could correspond with the angular spacing 68 of the fibre optic cable passages 26 with a correspondence ratio, for example of 1:1 or 1:2, or in other examples, 1:N where N is an integer.

[0155] In the example shown, the angular spacing 52 of the indexing projections 82 is approximately 10° and the angular spacing 68 of the fibre optic cable passages 26 is approximately 10°, so the correspondence ratio in this example is 1:1.

[0156] The rotation member outer surface 58 defines an entrance aperture 90 to the entrance part 64. The entrance aperture 90 is shaped like a slot and has length 90L which extends circumferentially relative to the rotation axis 60. The entrance aperture 90 subtends an entrance aperture angle 90A which could be greater than 90° and could be less than 180° and desirably is approximately 135°.

[0157] The rotation member outer surface 58 defines a single pin selector part aperture 92 to the single pin selector part 62. In one example, as shown in FIG. 2, the single pin selector part aperture 92 could be substantially circular, having a diameter which is substantially the same as that of each fibre optic cable passage 26.

[0158] Alternatively, in another example as shown in FIG. 3, the single pin selector part aperture 92 could be shaped like a slot and could have a length 92L which extends parallel to the rotation axis 60 and a width 92W which is substantially the same as that of each fibre optic cable passage 26.

[0159] The outer surface 58 defines a multiple pin selector part aperture 94 to the multiple pin selector part 66. The multiple pin selector part aperture 94 is shaped like a slot and has a length 94L which extends circumferentially relative to the rotation axis 60. The multiple pin selector part aperture 94 subtends a multiple pin selector part aperture angle 94A which could be less than 90° and desirably could be approximately 45°.

[0160] The rotation member 34 is cylindrical and the rotation member receiving passage 36 is also cylindrical.

[0161] The illuminator 20 includes a limit arrangement 96 for limiting the rotation of the

[0162] rotatable selector 30. The limit arrangement 96 includes a limit pin 98 and a limit slot 100 defined by the rotation member 34. The limit slot 100 has a length 100L which extends circumferentially relative to the rotation axis 60. The limit pin 98 locates in a limit pin aperture 106 defined by the housing 22 and extends inwardly from the housing 22 into the limit slot 100.

[0163] The light source mounting 76 defines a mounting passage 102, in which in use, the light source device 70 is located. The mounting passage 102 extends along a mounting axis 104 which extends substantially perpendicularly to the rotation axis 60.

[0164] The illuminator 20 includes the light source device 70, which could comprise a flashlight 72 and could comprise a mini flashlight. The flashlight 72 could be a standard readily available item or could be bespoke to the illuminator 20.

[0165] Advantageously, the illuminator 20 does not require the light source device 70 to comprise a laser.

[0166] The light source device 70 includes a controller 108 for varying the power and / or the intensity of the light beam 120.

[0167] The actuator 55 comprises a gripping part 32, for gripping by a user.In Use

[0168] FIG. 1 shows a bow sight assembly 10, the assembly 10 including a bow sight 12 and a bow sight mounting bracket 16 for mounting the bow sight assembly 10 to a bow (not shown).

[0169] The bow sight 12 defines a sighting aperture 18, the bow sight 12 including five sighting pins 14 located in the sighting aperture 18, the bow sight 12 including five fibre optic cables for transmitting light to the sighting pins 14, the assembly 10 including the illuminator 20.

[0170] The illuminator 20 is mounted to the bow sight bracket 16 by the illuminator mounting 27 which includes an illuminator mounting bracket 28. Each fibre optic cable 24 is located into one of the fibre optic cable passages 26 of the illuminator 20.

[0171] The light source device 70 is mounted into the light source mounting passage 102.

[0172] The light source device 70 is operated to produce the light beam 120 which passes through the mounting aperture 74.

[0173] The actuator 54 is operated, for example, by a user gripping the gripping part 32, to rotate the rotatable selector 30.

[0174] As the rotatable selector 30 is rotated, the user will feel a resistance to rotation caused by the biasing of the engaging formations 48 into the recesses 84. However, while the resistance is sufficient to be noticeable, because the engaging formations 48 and the projections 82 are rounded, the rotatable selector 30 is easy to move and is movable in either one of the two rotational directions On moving the rotatable selector 30, the engaging formations 48 are biased to locate into the recesses 84, so that the rotatable selector 30 will naturally move in indexing steps which correspond to the spacing of the recesses 84 and the fibre optic cable passages 26, making it easy to select and illuminate different pins 14.

[0175] FIG. 6A shows the rotatable selector 30 in one single pin illumination position in which the light beam 120 passes through, in sequence, the mounting aperture 74, the light passage 38 and one of the fibre optic cable passages 26A. The light passage 38 comprises, in sequence of light transmission, the entrance aperture 90, the entrance part 64, the single pin selector part 62 and the single pin selector part aperture 92.

[0176] It will be noted that the selected fibre optic cable passage 26A is at one end of the line of fibre optic cable passages 26 and the mounting aperture 74 is aligned with one end of the entrance aperture 90.

[0177] FIG. 6B shows the rotatable selector 30 in another single pin illumination position in which the light beam 120 passes through, in sequence, the mounting aperture 74, the light passage 38 and another of the fibre optic cable passages 26B.

[0178] It will be noted that the selected fibre optic cable passage 26A is at the other end of the line of fibre optic cable passages 26 and the mounting aperture 74 is aligned with a central part of the entrance aperture 90.

[0179] From the position shown in FIG. 6B, the rotatable selector 30 can be rotated further to the position shown in FIG. 6C, which is the multiple pin illumination position. In this position, the light beam 120 passes through, in sequence, the mounting aperture 74, the light passage 38 and all of the fibre optic cable passages 26. The light passage 38 comprises, in sequence of light transmission, the entrance aperture 90, the entrance part 64, the multiple pin selector part 66 and the multiple pin selector part aperture 94. In this position, all of the pins 14 are illuminated. This provides a useful way of checking that the illuminator 20 has been installed correctly.

[0180] It will be noted that the mounting aperture 74 is now aligned with another end of the entrance aperture 90.

[0181] FIGS. 6D and 6E show two possible non-illumination positions of the rotatable selector 30 in which the outer surface 58 of the rotation member 34 extends fully across the mounting aperture 74 to prevent light transmission therebeyond. This provides a positive closure of the fibre optic cable passages 26 to prevent light being transmitted to the pins 14.

[0182] Advantageously, the illuminator 20 permits the illumination of individual pins 14. It is mechanically simple and robust and does not utilise electrical sensors or circuitry to control the illumination of the pins 14, which would require the provision of a battery and hence increase weight and also carry the risk of battery exhaustion. The selection of the pins 14 is precise and can be undertaken by feel which is useful in a hunting situation in the dark or low light.Other Embodiments

[0183] FIGS. 7 to 12 show examples of other embodiments of the invention, many features of which are similar to those already described in relation to the embodiment of FIG. 1 to 6. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments will only be described in so far as they differ from the embodiment already described. Where features are the same or similar, the same reference numerals have been used and the features will not be described again.Second Embodiment

[0184] FIGS. 7 to 13 show a second embodiment of an archery bow sight fibre optic illuminator 220.

[0185] In this embodiment, the mounting axis 104 of the mounting passage 102 extends substantially parallel to the rotatable selector rotation axis 60 and offset therefrom.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 9, each fibre optic cable passage 26 has an inlet aperture 110 defined by the internal surface of the end wall 114. Each fibre optic cable passage inlet aperture 110 is in the form of a slot, which has a length which extends radially relative to the rotatable selector rotation axis 60. Each fibre optic cable passage inlet aperture 110 is spaced from the rotatable selector rotation axis 60 by a fibre optic cable passage radial spacing 130.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 10, the indexing member 40 defines an indexing member light passage 128, which comprises part or all of the rotatable selector light passage 124. The indexing member light passage 128 is in the form of a slot, which has a length which extends radially relative to the rotatable selector rotation axis 60. The indexing member light passage 128 is spaced from the rotatable selector rotation axis by an indexing member light passage radial spacing 131.

[0188] The indexing member light passage 128 is substantially the same size and shape as each of the fibre optic cable inlet apertures 110, and the same fibre optic cable passage radial spacing 130 is substantially the same as the indexing member light passage radial spacing 131.

[0189] In this embodiment, the rotatable selector 30 comprises the light source mounting 76. The rotation member 34 comprises part or all of the light source mounting 76. The rotation member 34 defines the light source mounting passage 102 and the mounting aperture 74.

[0190] The light source device 70 includes an engagement part 132 which projects axially and includes a thread formation 122.

[0191] The indexing member 40 defines a light source device receiving recess 112 which includes a thread formation (not shown).

[0192] Referring to FIG. 13, in the assembled condition, the engagement part 132 extends through the mounting aperture 74 and locates in the light source device receiving recess 112. In moving to the assembled condition, the light source device 70 is twisted so that the thread formation 122 of the engagement part 132 engages the thread formation of the light source device receiving recess 112, which secures the light source device 70 and the indexing member 40 to the rotation member 34.

[0193] In this embodiment, there are four fibre optic cable passages 26.

[0194] In use, the light source device 70 is operated to provide a light beam 120 which extends from the light source device 70 along the mounting axis 104 and through the indexing member light passage 128.

[0195] The rotatable selector 30 is rotated. As the rotatable selector 30 is rotated, the light source device 70 and the indexing member 40 with the indexing member light passage 128 are also rotated, so that the light beam 120 moves in an arc around the rotatable selector rotation axis 60, illuminating the fibre optic cable passage inlet apertures 110 one by one.

[0196] In each of the illumination positions, the indexing member light passage 128 is aligned with one of the fibre optic cable passage inlet apertures 110, so that the light beam 120 extends into the respective fibre optic cable passage 26.

[0197] In this example, it is not possible to illuminate all of the fibre optic cable passage inlet apertures 110 at the same time.

[0198] Advantageously, in this embodiment, the light beam 128 is aligned or parallel with the light source device mounting axis 104 and the rotatable selector rotation axis 60 in all of the illumination positions, which means that the light intensity is consistent and maximised in all of the illumination positions.

[0199] The indexing arrangement 80 is arranged so that the angular locations of each of the fibre optic cable passages 26 correspond to the engaging formations 48 of the indexing member 40 being located in the recesses 84 between the indexing projections 82. The resiliently deformable arms 44 bias the engaging formations 48 to locate in the recesses 84 and this provides a tactile indication to the user that the light source device 70 is correctly aligned to illuminate a selected one of the pins 14.

[0200] In this embodiment, the indexing angle 52 is 20° and the fibre optic cable passage angular spacing 68 is 40°, so that the correspondence ratio is 1:2. This means that it is necessary to rotate the rotatable selector 30 by two index movements to move the light beam 120 to the next fibre optic cable passage 26 and pin 14, ie move the engaging formations 48 over two sets of indexing projections 82.

[0201] In comparison with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, this embodiment provides better illumination of the pins, is less complex and is easier to manufacture. The illuminator 220 is less bulky sideways so that, when in position on a bow, its centre of gravity is closer to the draw plane along which the archer draws the bow so that the illuminator 220 is less likely to affect the balance of the bow.Third Embodiment

[0202] FIGS. 14 to 18 show a third embodiment of an archery bow sight fibre optic illuminator 320 (“the third embodiment illuminator 320”).

[0203] The third embodiment illuminator 320 includes a housing 22, an illuminator mounting 27 and a rotatable selector 30.

[0204] In this embodiment, the rotatable selector 30 comprises the light source mounting 76 and defines the light source device mounting passage 102.

[0205] The rotatable selector 30 includes an indexing arrangement 80 which comprises a rotation member 34 and an indexing member 40 which is of similar form to those of the previous embodiments. The indexing member 40 is connected to the rotation member 34 by a coupling arrangement 78 comprising a non-circular coupling formation 136.

[0206] In this embodiment, the mounting axis 104 of the mounting passage 102 is coaxial with the rotatable selector rotation axis 60.

[0207] The third embodiment illuminator 320 is directly mounted to the bow sight 12 as shown in FIG. 14. In use, in a draw condition, (i.e. when an archer is drawing a drawstring of a bow with the bow vertical), the illuminator 320 extends substantially vertically downwardly from the bow sight 12. This means that the weight of the third embodiment illuminator 320 is close to the draw plane as mentioned above.

[0208] To accomplish this, the illuminator 320 includes an illuminator mounting 27 for mounting the illuminator 320 directly to the bow sight 12. The illuminator mounting 27 includes a connector formation 133 which is connectable to a complementary connector formation (not shown) of the bow sight 12. The illuminator mounting connector formation 133 extends along the rotation axis 60.

[0209] The illuminator mounting connector formation 133 comprises a male connector 134, which in the example shown is threaded.

[0210] The illuminator mounting 27 defines a fibre optic cable conduit passage 116 which extends from the fibre optic cable passages 26 defined by the housing 22 through the male connector 134 to the bow sight 12. Advantageously, this provides mechanical protection for the fibre optic cables.

[0211] In the example shown, the illuminator mounting 27 is connected to the housing 22 by a threaded connection arrangement 118.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 17, the end wall 114 of the housing 22 defines a plurality of fibre optic cable passages 16 which are equispaced around the rotation axis 60, at the same radial spacing therefrom.

[0213] The end wall 114 includes a projecting boss 138 which is received within a boss receiving aperture 150 defined by the indexing member 40 and permits rotation of the indexing member 40 therearound.

[0214] As shown in FIG. 18, the indexing member 40 defines a plurality of light passages 128 comprising a single pin selector aperture 92 and a multiple pin selector aperture 94. This means that in this example, the rotatable selector 30 can set to select a single pin from the plurality, or all of the plurality of the pins at the same time.

[0215] The light source mounting 76 defines light source mounting apertures 74 which permit light transmission from the light source device 70 to the indexing member light passages 128.

[0216] In use, the third illuminator 320 is mounted to the bow sight 12, with the fibre optic cables 24 located into the fibre optic cable passages 26. The light source device 70 is located in the light source device mounting passage 102 and operated to produce a light beam 120 which passes through the mounting aperture 74.

[0217] The rotatable selector 30 is rotated to align the single pin selector aperture 92 with a selected one of the fibre optic cable passages 26 or to align the multiple pin selector aperture 94 with all of the fibre optic cable passages 26. The light beam 120 then illuminates the selected pins on the bow sight.

[0218] The coaxial arrangement of the mounting axis 104 of the mounting passage 102 and the rotatable selector rotation axis 60 permits a compact arrangement and a reduction in the number of components, reducing complexity and cost.Fourth Embodiment

[0219] FIG. 19 shows a fourth embodiment illuminator 420 which is somewhat similar to the third embodiment illuminator 320 in that it mounts directly to the bow sight 12 and has a coaxial arrangement of the mounting axis 104 of the mounting passage 102 and the rotatable selector rotation axis 60.

[0220] The fourth embodiment illuminator 420 includes a housing 22, an illuminator mounting 27 and a rotatable selector 30. In this embodiment, the illuminator mounting 27 comprises the threaded male connector 134 which projects from the housing 22 and is integrally formed therewith.

[0221] In this embodiment, the rotatable selector light passages 124 are defined by an end wall 30A of the rotatable selector 30 and comprise a single pin selector aperture 92 and a multiple pin selector aperture 94. In use, these selectably align with the fibre optic cable passages 26 defined by the end wall 114 of the housing 22 as the rotatable selector 30 is rotated.

[0222] In this embodiment, the illuminator 420 comprises an indexing arrangement 80. The indexing arrangement 80 comprises a detent arrangement 150, which comprises a ball and spring detent. Other similar spring plunger detent arrangements could be used. In the example shown, the detent arrangement 150 includes a ball 152 and spring 156 located in a detent bore 154 defined by the end wall 114 of the housing 22 and extending parallel to the rotation axis 60, with a plurality of detent recesses 158 defined in the end wall 30A of the rotatable selector 30 in which the ball 152 locates. The positions of the detent recesses 158 correspond to the rotational positions when the rotatable selector light passages 124 are aligned with the fibre optic cable passages 26 as described above. The detent arrangement 80 provides tactile confirmation to a user that the correct position has been located, and serves to retain the rotatable selector 30 in the correct positions.

[0223] To simplify manufacturing and reduce cost and complexity, standardised detent arrangements can be utilised. With this in mind, this embodiment further reduces complexity and cost relative to previous embodiments.

[0224] The fourth embodiment illuminator 420 includes a retaining arrangement 142 to hold the rotatable selector 30 to the housing 22. The retaining arrangement 142 includes a retaining pin 144 which extends along the rotational axis 60 through a plain hole defined by the end wall 114 to threadably engage within a threaded hole 148 defined by the end wall 30A of the rotatable selector 30.

[0225] Operation of the fourth embodiment illuminator 420 is similar to that of the third embodiment illuminator 320.Fifth Embodiment

[0226] FIG. 20 shows a fifth embodiment illuminator 520 which is the same as the fourth embodiment, except that the indexing arrangement 80 comprises a plurality of detent arrangements 150 each of which extends radially.Other Modifications

[0227] Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The illuminator 20 could include any suitable number of fibre optic cable passages 26. The light source device could be of any suitable design and could be different to that shown. The illuminator itself could be of any suitable size and shape and could be formed of any suitable material (within the scope of the specific definitions herein).

[0228] The various components of the illuminator could be of any suitable size and formed of any suitable material (within the scope of the specific definitions herein).

[0229] The illuminator mounting bracket 28 could be of any suitable design, to suit the bow sight 12. The illuminator 20 could be integrated with the bow sight 12.

[0230] The indexing projections and the engaging formations could be shaped differently eg, sloped rather than rounded, and could be shaped to permit rotation in one rotational direction only. Different numbers of indexing projections and the engaging formations could be provided from that shown.

[0231] In another embodiment, the indexing member could be formed integrally (ie as one part) with the rotation member, which could also be formed integrally with the actuator, with a gap being defined between the arms of the indexing member and the rotation member to permit the arms to deform.

[0232] The indexing member could include a different number of arms to those shown. In one example, the indexing member includes a pair of arms. In another example, the indexing member includes only one arm.

[0233] The light source device could be formed integrally with the housing.

[0234] The skilled person will appreciate that the features of the indexing formation and indexing member could be provided differently. For example, the indexing formation could be provided on the rotatable selector and the indexing member could comprise or be mounted to the housing internal wall surface.

[0235] Any of the features or steps of any of the embodiments shown or described could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the overall disclosure of this document.

[0236] There is thus provided an archery bow sight fibre optic illuminator with a number of advantages over conventional arrangements. In particular, the illuminator permits the selective illumination of individual pins. Advantageously the illuminator does not require power for the actuation of the rotatable selector and provides tactile feedback to permit operation by feel.

Claims

1. An archery bow sight fibre optic illuminator comprising:a housing including a light source mounting for mounting a light source device, the mounting defining a mounting aperture;the housing defining a plurality of fibre optic cable passages, each configured for receiving an end of a fibre optic cable;the illuminator including a rotatable selector;the rotatable selector defining a rotatable selector light passage;the housing defining a rotatable selector receiving passage in which the rotatable selector is located in an assembled condition;the rotatable selector including an actuator for rotatably turning the rotatable selector within the rotatable selector receiving passage;wherein, in use, a light source device is mounted in the mounting and provides a light beam which extends through the mounting aperture, along the rotatable selector light passage towards the fibre optic cable passages;the rotatable selector being rotatably movable between a plurality of rotary positions;the rotary positions including one illumination position in which the light beam travels through the rotatable selector light passage to one only of the fibre optic cable passages and another illumination position in which the light beam travels through the rotatable selector light passage to a different one only of the fibre optic cable passages.

2. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the rotary positions include a non-illumination position in which the rotatable selector prevents the light beam from reaching any of the fibre optic cable passages.

3. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the light source device is formed integrally with the housing.

4. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the rotatable selector rotates around a rotation axis, and the fibre optic cable passages are regularly spaced around the rotatable selector rotation axis.

5. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the illuminator includes an indexing arrangement which aids or controls the rotational movement of the rotatable selector to the illumination positions and is arranged to provide tactile feedback to a user that the rotatable selector is in one of the illumination positions.

6. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the illuminator includes an indexing arrangement which includes an indexing formation and an indexing member; wherein, in use, the indexing member engages the indexing formation.

7. The illuminator of claim 6, wherein the housing includes internal wall surfaces; the indexing formation comprises part of either one of the housing internal wall surfaces, or the rotatable selector and the indexing member comprises part of the other one of the housing internal wall surfaces or the rotatable selector.

8. The illuminator of claim 6, wherein the housing includes internal wall surfaces; the indexing formation comprises part of either one of the housing internal wall surfaces or the rotatable selector and the indexing member comprises part of the other one of the housing internal wall surfaces or the rotatable selector; the indexing formation comprises a plurality of indexing projections which define recesses therebetween; the indexing member includes a finger, which in the or one of the illumination positions locates in one of the recesses, and wherein the finger is biased to locate in the one of the recesses.

9. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the illuminator includes an indexing arrangement which includes an indexing formation and an indexing member; wherein, in use, the indexing member engages the indexing formation; wherein the housing includes internal wall surfaces; the indexing formation comprises part of either one of the housing internal wall surfaces or the rotatable selector and the indexing member comprises part of the other one of the housing internal wall surfaces or the rotatable selector; the indexing formation comprises a plurality of indexing projections which define recesses therebetween; the indexing member includes a finger, which in the or one of the illumination positions locates in one of the recesses, and wherein the finger is biased to locate in the one of the recesses; wherein the finger is formed of a resiliently deformable material which provides the biasing and wherein, in use, to rotatably move the rotatable selector, it is necessary to deform the finger to move the finger from one recess to another past one of the indexing projections.

10. The illuminator of claim 9, wherein the indexing member includes a central part and a pair of arms which extend radially outwardly from the central part; the indexing member includes two pairs of the fingers, with one pair at a free end of each of the arms, with one finger of each pair extending laterally generally circumferentially on each side of the respective arm; and wherein each finger includes a relatively enlarged engaging formation which is located at a free end of the respective finger; wherein each relatively enlarged engaging formation is arranged to locate radially outwardly further than the rest of the indexing member and wherein in the or one of the illumination positions, each engaging formation locates in one of the recesses.

11. The illuminator of claim 6, wherein the housing includes internal wall surfaces; the indexing formation comprises part of either one of the housing internal wall surfaces or the rotatable selector and the indexing member comprises part of the other one of the housing internal wall surfaces or the rotatable selector; wherein the indexing arrangement includes a detent arrangement which comprises a ball and spring detent; the indexing member comprises a spring loaded ball located in a detent bore and the indexing formation comprises a detent recess, which in one of the illumination positions receives the spring loaded ball.

12. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the rotatable selector light passage comprises a single pin selector aperture.

13. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the rotatable selector also defines a multiple pin selector aperture, which permits multiple pins to be illuminated.

14. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein, in use, the light source device extends along a mounting axis; the rotatable selector rotates around a rotation axis; and the mounting axis is coaxial with or parallel to the mounting axis.

15. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the rotatable selector rotates around a rotation axis; the illuminator includes an illuminator mounting for mounting the illuminator directly to a bow sight; the illuminator mounting includes a connector formation which is connectable to a complementary connector formation of the bow sight; and wherein the illuminator mounting connector formation extends along the rotation axis.

16. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the illuminator includes an illuminator mounting, the illuminator mounting includes a connector formation which is connectable to a complementary connector formation of the bow sight; wherein the illuminator mounting defines a fibre optic cable conduit passage which extends from the fibre optic cable passages defined by the housing through the illuminator mounting connector formation to the bow sight.

17. A bow sight assembly including a bow sight and an illuminator, the illuminator comprising:a housing including a light source mounting for mounting a light source device, the mounting defining a mounting aperture;the housing defining a plurality of fibre optic cable passages, each configured for receiving an end of a fibre optic cable;the illuminator including a rotatable selector;the rotatable selector defining a rotatable selector light passage;the housing defining a rotatable selector receiving passage in which the rotatable selector is located in an assembled condition;the rotatable selector including an actuator for rotatably turning the rotatable selector within the rotatable selector receiving passage;wherein, in use, a light source device is mounted in the mounting and provides a light beam which extends through the mounting aperture, along the rotatable selector light passage towards the fibre optic cable passages;the rotatable selector being rotatably movable between a plurality of rotary positions;the rotary positions including one illumination position in which the light beam travels through the rotatable selector light passage to one only of the fibre optic cable passages and another illumination position in which the light beam travels through the rotatable selector light passage to a different one only of the fibre optic cable passages.

18. The bow sight assembly of claim 17, wherein the illuminator is directly mountable to the bow sight; and wherein in use, in a draw condition, the illuminator extends substantially vertically downwardly from the bow sight.

Images