The present invention relates generally to an archery bow and more specifically to a finger sling used by an archer with an archery bow.
Archery is practiced both as a hunting technique and a recreational sport activity. In both scenarios, accuracy is of the utmost importance. Using bow sites and mechanical releases can help, but they are relatively ineffective if the archer cannot find and maintain a proper shooting position at full draw and release. It is the process of finding and maintaining this proper shooting position that leads to accurate shooting for most archers.
In practicing archery, maintaining the bow in the line of the shot from the release of the bow string until the notch end of the arrow has passed the bow is critical to the accuracy of the shot. When the bow is drawn with no torque applied through the grip, the arrow direction and the sighting direction coincide. However, when torque is applied to a drawn bow, the arrow parallels the sighting direction, but the bow is aimed in the direction of the applied torque. This results in changing the direction of the bow, thereby effecting the accuracy of the shot. Thus, it is preferable to minimize any torque applied by the archer to the bow.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to archer finger sling. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
It is an object of the invention to provide a finger sling that is configured about the riser of the bow using a hook and loop strap so that the finger sling does not impart torque to the bow during the shot.
As seen in
Finally, the finger sling system 100 includes a palm orthotic 109 that can be used in combination with the finger sling. The orthotic 109 is a substantially triangular shaped pad with a convex surface. The orthotic 109 is sized to fit the surface of bow's riser at the location where the user's hand would contact the riser. The orthotic 109 is positioned narrow side up, so the wide portion of the orthotic fits in the upper portion of the user's hand closest to the thumb. The orthotic 109 is typically fastened to the riser using a glue or adhesive tape and works to comfortably hold the user's palm into a predetermined position during use of the bow without slippage. This prevents rotation or a torque like movement of the user's wrist that will affect the user's aim. Those skilled in the art will recognize that loop 101, loop 103, fastening strop 105 and orthotic 109 can be made of a flexible rubberized material such as rubber, neoprene or the like. This type of material is flexible while repealing both water and dirt.
Finally,
Thus, an embodiment of the invention is directed to a finger sling assembly for use when gripping an archery bow that includes a first finger loop whose diameter is sized for the index finger or middle finger. A second finger loop whose diameter is also used that is sized for a thumb. A joining member attaches the first finger loop to the second finger loop and sized in length so the first finger loop and second finger loop are a predetermined distance from one another. A fastening loop is configured to loop though the first finger loop and second finger loop for attaching the first finger loop and second finger loop to the archery bow. An orthotic and shim can be attached to the bow a predetermined distance from the first finger loop and second finger loop so to fit within a user's palm and provide comfort and preventing torque when shooting arrows from the bow.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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