Patent Application
20240302126
The present invention relates to archery, and more particularly to a mount for mounting an archery stabilizer to an archery bow.
Many archers add stabilizers to their archery bows to counter pitch, roll or yaw movement of the bow, to add forward weight to the bow, and/or to attenuate vibration in the archery bow upon shooting the bow. Generally, these stabilizers are weighted and project forwardly from a riser of the bow. Many archery stabilizers are in the form of a cylindrical weighted rod that projects forwardly several inches from the riser. The rod typically includes a rearwardly projecting, threaded stud that screws into a corresponding threaded hole in the riser. The construction of stabilizers varies, depending on the application. For example, stabilizers used on hunting bows are generally small and compact to enable a bow hunter to adequately maneuver the archery bow in a hunting situation. Stabilizers used for competitive shooting, where there are not space constraints, tend to be rather large.
Regardless of the construction, archery stabilizers typically increase the overall dimensions of an archery bow from front to rear when attached to the bow. Accordingly, many archers will remove the archery stabilizer from the bow when transporting the bow, particularly when transporting the bow in a compact bow case that does not have space to accommodate the stabilizer. After transport, the archer will reattach the stabilizer to the bow. An issue arises in such reattachment, particularly where the stabilizer includes a logo on the side of the stabilizer. The archer usually will desire the logo to align perfectly and neatly along the stabilizer, so that is easily readable. However, because the stabilizer is screwed with its stud into the riser, this alignment typically requires trial and error installation of the stabilizer to properly align the logo. Sometimes, archers will use one or more spacer washers to index the logo to a particular point when screwing the stud into the riser. These washers, however, can become lost in transport. Further, over time parts can wear, and logo alignment can change due to the stabilizer being rotated too far or too little when being attached to the bow riser.
Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the field of attaching archery stabilizers to archery bows, and particularly when attempting to consistently index the stabilizer relative to the riser.
An archery stabilizer mount is provided and can include a base that indexes an archery stabilizer in a fixed, angular orientation relative to the base, and a bracket, which attaches to an archery bow riser, where the base is selectively installable and removable from the bracket without altering the stabilizer orientation relative to the base and/or the archery bow.
In one embodiment, the archery stabilizer can include a reference element aligned with and/or oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated archery stabilizer. The reference element can be a branding element having a branding axis.
In another embodiment, the branding element optionally can be more visible or easily read or perceived when the branding axis lays in an aesthetic plane, for example, a horizontal plane. The base can register with the bracket to index the archery stabilizer perfectly in the fixed, angular orientation so that the branding element lays in the aesthetic plane.
In still another embodiment, the branding element can include one or more alphanumeric characters extending along the branding axis. These characters can comprise a brand, a logo, a message or other information.
In yet another embodiment, the mount can include a lock operable in a lock mode to secure the base relative to the bracket, and in an unlocked mode to enable the base to be removed from the bracket, along with the archery stabilizer. The lock can be transitioned from the locked to unlocked modes, so the base can be repeatedly installed relative to and removed from the bracket while maintaining the reference element in the fixed angular orientation relative to the base and to the bracket. In turn, after an initial calibration, this can ensure that the branding element is aligned with the aesthetic plane each and every time the archery stabilizer and base are joined with the bracket to mount the stabilizer to the archery bow.
In even another embodiment, the bracket can include a first bracket rail and a second bracket rail, and can define a bracket fastener hole. A bracket fastener can project though the bracket fastener hole and can secure the bracket to an archery bow riser.
In a further embodiment, the base can include a first base rail and a second base rail. The base can define a stabilizer fastener hole having a stabilizer fastener hole axis aligned with the bracket fastener hole axis.
In still a further embodiment, the mount and bracket can be structured so that when the base is installed relative to the bracket, the first base rail interfaces with the first bracket rail and the second base rail interfaced with the second bracket rail.
In yet a further embodiment, the stabilizer fastener hole axis can be parallel to the bracket fastener hole axis when the base is installed relative to the bracket. The bracket fastener and bracket fastener hole can be covered by the base when the base is installed relative to the bracket.
In even a further embodiment, the lock can include a lever joined with a lock fastener of the lock, and a cam. The cam can be moveable relative to and/or can engage at least one of the base rails and/or the mount rails to urge the rails into engagement with one another. In turn, this can clamp the base relative to the mount and secure the mount in a fixed position relative to the riser.
In another embodiment, the lock can include a secondary fastener disposed transverse to a lock fastener. The secondary fastener can engage the lock fastener to secure the lock fastener in a fixed position. Optionally, the secondary fastener can be a set screw, and can be secured against the lock fastener after the lock is calibrated to apply a clamping force. The lock can thereby operate in to apply a consistent clamping force due to the lock fastener being in the fixed position.
In still another embodiment, a method is provided. The method can include securing a base to a riser of an archery bow with a fastener projecting in a riser hole defined by the riser, the base including a first base rail and an opposing second base rail; providing an elongated archery stabilizer including a reference element aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongated archery stabilizer; indexing the reference element in a preselected angular orientation relative to a mount including a first mount rail and an opposing second mount rail; securing the elongated archery stabilizer to the mount in a fixed manner, with the reference element being fixed in the preselected angular orientation relative to the mount; interfacing the first base rail with the first mount rail, and the second base rail with the second mount rail so that the mount registers with the base; and operating a lock to secure the mount in a fixed position relative to the base and the riser.
The reference element can remain in the preselected angular orientation relative to the mount and thus the riser during a subsequent removal and re-installation of the elongated archery stabilizer relative to the riser by aligning the first and second mount rails with the first and second base rails.
In yet another embodiment, the method can include covering the fastener with the mount as the mount registers with the base.
In even another embodiment, the method can include tightening a retaining element, for example a nut, disposed between the bracket and the base, to engage the elongated archery stabilizer to index and secure the reference element of the archery stabilizer in the fixed angular orientation relative to the base. The retaining element can be located between all the rails when the base is installed relative to the bracket.
In a further embodiment, the method can include moving a lever joined with a lock fastener of the lock; and engaging a cam against at least one of the first and second base rails to urge the at least one of the first and second mount rails into engagement with the mount. The first and second mount rails can engage the first and second base rails, respectively, to clamp the base relative to the mount and secure the mount in a fixed position relative to the riser.
The current embodiments provide an archery stabilizer mount and related method that consistently and accurately mount an archery bow stabilizer relative to an archery bow. In so doing, the base can be repeatedly installed relative to the bracket while maintaining a reference element, for example a branding element, in the fixed angular orientation relative to the base and to the bracket, and thus the riser. This can provide consistent positioning and orientation of the reference element to facilitate viewing and/or perception of the same. An archer can thus confidently install, remove and reinstall the archery stabilizer using the current mount, knowing that the reference element will be consistently aligned to the archer's preferences each and every time. Therefore the user need not be consumed with trial and error positioning of the stabilizer and alignment of the reference element every time the archer removes and reinstalls the stabilizer. This can save significant time and effort in preparing the archery bow for use with the stabilizer.
These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiment and the drawings.
Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.
A current embodiment of the archery stabilizer mount is shown in
As shown in
As mentioned above, the stabilizer 50 can be disposed in a preselected angular orientation. Optionally, this preselected angular orientation of the stabilizer can correspond to the reference element 55 coinciding with the branding axis 55A and the longitudinal axis LA of the archery stabilizer 50 and/or the fastener hole 38 laying in a horizontal plane HP when the archery bow is held or drawn by a user and the riser 101 extends upright in a vertical plane VP as shown in
The archery stabilizer 50 can be secured to the base 30 in a preselected angular orientation as well. For example, with reference to
The component of the mount 10 will now be described in further detail with reference to
The first side wall 21S and second side wall 22S can be separated and can form a pocket P therebetween. The pocket P can be bounded as well by the forward surface 23F of the plate 23 of the bracket. That forward surface 23F optionally can define a tapered recess 23T that can receive the head 25H of the bracket fastener 25. Of course, the recess and head can have different shapes, but otherwise the recess can be configured to receive the head so that the outer surface of the head is flush with the forward surface 23F of the plate 23. In this manner, the retaining element 37 associated with the mount 30 can easily fit within the pocket P of the base 20. Optionally, the pocket P can be bounded by a curved cup shape wall 23C that transitions to the respective sidewalls 21S and 22S. This cup wall 23C can form a stop that engages the retaining element when the retaining element is moved in the pocket P and the base rails slide or move within the respective undercuts or relative to the bracket rails.
As shown in
To provide movement to the bracket capture wall, or any other mechanism that might be used to effectively clamp, hold or otherwise secure the first and second bracket rails relative to the first and second base rails, or vice versa, a lock 60 can be included. As shown, the lock 60 can interface with the capture plate 26, but just as likely could interface with some other component associated with one or more of the rails, to generally move one rail toward another rail, whether on the bracket or on the base. The lock 60 optionally can include a lock fastener 63 including a first end 61 and a second and 62. The second end 62 and shaft 63S can be inserted into the hole 29H. The lock fastener 63 can project through a fastener hole 29H defined by the bracket 20, optionally under, below or alongside the pocket P, optionally forward of the plate 23. This second end 62 can project through a first hole 26H1 defined by the capture plate 26 to further interface with a pivot nut 67. The pivot nut 67 can define a threaded bore 67H and the second end 62 of the lock fastener 63 can be threaded into the threaded bore 67H. The pivot nut 67 can be received in a set of holes 66H defined by a lever 66. The lever 66 can be rotatable about an axis 66A and generally about the pivot nut 67. The lever 66 can include a control surface 66T which can be engaged and operated manually by an operator. The lever 66 can further include a cam 66C that can interface with a side surface of the capture plate 26 to move the capture plate 26 and thus secure the base relative to the bracket via interfacing of the respective rails of each of the base and the bracket. In some cases, one or more bushings 66B can be disposed between the cam 66C and the sidewall of the capture plate 26. These bushings can be made from brass, polymers, composites or other materials to facilitate sliding movement of the cam relative thereto, and thus operation of the cam rotating about the axis 66A. The bushings also can operate as a wear surface for the cam.
As mentioned above, the lock can be operable 60 to contact, engage, position and/or clamp the first bracket rail relative to the first base rail and/or the second bracket rail relative to the second base rail, thereby securing the base 30 relative to the bracket 20 and thus to the riser when the bracket is secured to the riser with the bracket fastener 25. The lock can be operable in an unlocked mode to enable the base to be removed from the bracket, for example, as shown in
The base rails and the bracket rails optionally can be configured with respective undercuts and rail parts as shown that can engage, contact, interface or clamp with one another. In some applications, the rails can be configured as picatinny rails and components that interface with one another to secure the base and bracket to one another. In other applications, the rails can be configured as weaver type or dovetail type rails and components that interface with one another to secure the base and bracket to one another. The respective rails can include corresponding wedge shapes and ramped surfaces so that when they engage one another, they exert corresponding locking forces relative to one another. It will be appreciated that either the base or the bracket can include the lock or capture plate, or some other mechanism to secure the rails, or more generally the base and the bracket to one another in a releasable and repeatably lockable manner.
Optionally, the lock 60 can include a secondary fastener 68 that can engage the lock fastener 68 along a portion of the shaft 63S of that lock fastener 63. As an example, the secondary fastener 68 can be in the form of a set screw including a tip 68T as shown in
As an example, a user can tighten the lock fastener 63 in direction T which in turn engages the pivot nut 67. This can draw the pivot nut and the cam 66C closer to the wall, and change the amount of force M that is required to engage the lever 66 and move it in direction K to disengage the cam 66C sufficiently from the capture plate 26 and thereby release the rail 22R from the second base rail 32R. The user can calibrate and/or select a suitable amount of force for the movement K to disengage and reengage the rails and thus clamp the base 30 relative to the bracket 20. The user can adjust the amount of tightening T of the lock fastener 63 relative to the pivot nut 67 to provide a calibrated amount of force M that allows the lever 66 to be moved, yet adequately engage the cam 66C with the capture wall 26 to secure the base solidly relative to the bracket. The user optionally can engage the secondary faster 68 against the lock fastener 63 and secure that lock fastener 63 in a fixed position relative to the bracket. This in turn can prevent the lock fastener 63 from backing out or rotating in a direction opposite direction T and loosening from the pivot nut on the opposite side of the bracket. In turn, this can maintain the amount of force M sufficient to move the lever 66. As mentioned above, the secondary fastener 68 can be in the form of a set screw and can have an axis SSA that is transverse and optionally perpendicular or orthogonal to an axis of the lock fastener 63.
The base 30 as shown in
With reference to
As shown further in
The archery bow stabilizer 50 used in conjunction with the stabilizer mount 10 can come in a variety of configurations. As shown, it can be in the form of an elongated rod having a longitudinal axis LA. The stabilizer 50 can have an exterior surface 50E. This exterior surface 50E can include a reference element 55, which as mentioned above can be in the form of a branding element having a branding axis 55A. The branding axis 55 can be offset at distance D1 from the longitudinal axis LA. This distance D1 can correspond with an outwardly emanating ray extending from the longitudinal axis LA to the branding access 55A. This ray R1 can be clocked to, aligned with or point to a particular reference line 30R, which although shown on a side of the base 30 can be located at any location 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis. The precise clocking of the ray can correspond to alignment of the reference element in a particular orientation such that it can be easily read or perceived. Sometimes, the ray R1, when the base 30 is installed relative to the bracket 20, can be disposed in a horizontal plane HP as shown in
Optionally, as mentioned above, the archery stabilizer can be of an elongated form. The stabilizer can be of various lengths, for example, 6 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, etc. As also mentioned above, the stabilizer 50 can include a clamp 50C that secures to one or more secondary stabilizers 50S. These other stabilizer 50S can be of an elongated form as well, generally forming bars that can extend forward and/or rearward and/or laterally away from the primary stabilizer 50. One or more of the stabilizers 50 also can be outfitted to include one or more weights 50W1, 50W2 that are disposed at a distal end of the elongated stabilizer 50, distal from the base and bracket. These weights can come in varying dimensions and weights. Some of the weights can be at least 1 ounce, at least 2 ounces, at least 3 ounces, at least 4 ounces, at least 5 oz, at least 10 oz, at least 15 ounces or other weights, depending on the application. The weights also can be stacked relative to one another and held on the distal end of the stabilizer via a weight fastener 50WF shown in
A method of using the archery stabilizer mount 10 of the current abandonment will now be described with reference to
More particularly, the archery stabilizer 50 can be secured to the base 30 and calibrated so that the reference element 55, for example a logo having a branding axis 55A is aligned with a reference line 30R. A stud 53 or other shaft of the stabilizer can be placed through the stabilizer faster hole 30H and can project into the retaining element recess 34H. The retaining element 37 can be threaded onto the stud. As the retaining element 37 is turned onto the stud, the annular ring 37R enters the recess and the tapered section 37T can engage the corresponding recess tapered portion 34HT until the base 30 is sufficiently clamped between the nut 37 and the stabilizer 50. The user can align the axis 55A as best they can with the reference line 30R or generally estimate a position such that the reference element will be at a predetermined angular orientation relative to the base for installation on the bracket, and thus the bow, to provide a desired aesthetic and/or visual effect of the stabilizer, and any suitable weight distribution of any secondary stabilizer 50S or other component.
The user can move the base 30 in direction G as shown in
When in this position, the riser fastener 25 can be covered or concealed with the base and or retaining element 37, optionally before the base is locked relative to the bracket. This riser fastener can be the sole or single element securing the bracket to the riser. With the base mounted relative to the bracket in a suitable manner, the user can actuate the lock 60. Generally, the lock can be operated to clamp or secure the base in a fixed position relative to the bracket and the riser 101. More specifically, the lever 66 can be operated and rotated about the pivot axis 66A in direction J, for example, shown in
When the lever is moved and the cam 66C engages the capture plate 26, the capture plate moves in the direction of the arrows and exerts a force F as shown in
With the current embodiment of the archery riser mount 10, after the archery stabilizer and bow are used, the stabilizer and mount can be quickly detached from the bracket. To do so, the user can move the lever 66 in direction K shown in
Although the different elements and assemblies of the embodiments are described herein as having certain functional characteristics, each element and/or its relation to other elements can be depicted or oriented in a variety of different aesthetic configurations, which support the ornamental and aesthetic aspects of the same. Simply because an apparatus, element or assembly of one or more elements is described herein as having a function does not mean its orientation, layout or configuration is not purely aesthetic and ornamental in nature.
Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention bracketed on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).
In addition, when a component, part or layer is referred to as being “joined with,” “on,” “engaged with,” “adhered to,” “secured to,” or “coupled to” another component, part or layer, it may be directly joined with, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured to, or coupled to the other component, part or layer, or any number of intervening components, parts or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly joined with,” “directly on,” “directly engaged with,” “directly adhered to,” “directly secured to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between components, layers and parts should be interpreted in a like manner, such as “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent” and similar words. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; Y, Z, and/or any other possible combination together or alone of those elements, noting that the same is open ended and can include other elements.
