Patent Application
20250093128
The described examples relate generally to body stabilizer devices. In particular examples, the disclosure relates to body stabilizer devices that can stabilize a user's body when extending one or both arms outward to hold an apparatus to be used.
Outdoor and sports enthusiasts widely use apparatuses that need to be held up by one or both arms. For example, when target shooting, individuals must typically hold and aim a firearm (e.g., a rifle or pistol) or a bow (e.g., a compound bow, crossbow, long bow, or recurve bow). Holding an object with one or both arms extended outward can be a difficult task to perform, in terms of physically upholding the object as well as doing so steadily to maintain shot accuracy. Aiming and holding a bow can be also be difficult to perform as the upper body is used to draw back the bowstring and maintain the bow in a full-draw position (typically archery bows can have peak draw weights of between 45 to 90 pounds). Adding to the difficulty, many archers (including especially tournament archers) use bow stabilizers attached to the archer's bow, making the bow heavier to hold and aim.
Archers, in particular, compensate for the increased bow weight with incorrect body position or form (e.g., by raising the shoulder of the arm that pulls back on the bowstring, opposite the lowered shoulder that supports the bow). This compensation by the shooter often occurs as a natural reaction to additional weight being held in one hand and supported by one arm and therefore can occur subconsciously. Such inadvertent body compensation can lead to poor shot accuracy and inconsistent shot groups because of shoulder misalignment. With the shoulders out of alignment (e.g., due to compensation for the extra weight of the bow), undesirable forces can act on one or more of the bow, bowstring, release device, or arrow during the shot or follow through-which in turn can negatively affect the trajectory or flight of the arrow to a target. The foregoing can also be exacerbated by injury, pain, or weakness (e.g., shoulder weakness from an injured rotator cuff). Accordingly, there is a need for a body stabilizer that can help maintain proper body positioning (e.g., shoulder alignment) while holding an apparatus (e.g., a bow or firearm) with one or both arms extended.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to examples that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some examples described herein may be practiced.
An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus, such as a body stabilizer device. The apparatus can include a receptacle for receiving a stabilizer weight. The apparatus can further include a shoulder strap attached to the receptacle, the shoulder strap configured to position over a first shoulder between front and back body sides, and the receptacle being positionable in a suspended position below the shoulder strap and adjacent to a first lateral body side. The apparatus can include an anchor member to attach to a second lateral body side, the anchor member including a spliced portion defining an aperture sized and shaped to receive an arm and a second shoulder. The apparatus can include a connecting portion between the shoulder strap and the anchor member.
In some examples, the stabilizer weight comprises a weight to apply weight to or pull down on the first shoulder and inhibit the first shoulder from raising upward during a shooting sequence. In one or more examples, when the stabilizer weight is applied to the first shoulder (e.g., placed within the receptacle and in the suspended position), the stabilizer weight maintains in alignment the first shoulder relative to the second shoulder along a plane. In at least one example, when the stabilizer weight is applied to the first shoulder, the stabilizer weight moves a body center of mass toward a first lateral body side.
In some examples, the stabilizer weight can comprise rock, earth, or weighted material. In one or more examples, the stabilizer weight can be a removable weight. In at least one example, the receptacle is fitted to a size and a shape of the stabilizer weight. In particular examples, the receptacle can comprise at least one of an expandable portion or a collapsible portion.
In certain examples, the anchor member comprises a waist connector engageable with a belt or a clothing portion. In some examples, the connecting portion is configured to span an upper back portion at least partially between the first shoulder and the second shoulder. In one example, at least one of the shoulder strap, the anchor member, or the connecting portion is adjustable in length. In particular implementations, the shoulder strap comprises a first receptacle attachment portion and a second receptacle attachment portion opposite the first receptacle attachment portion. For example, the first receptacle attachment portion can be attached to a first receptacle face, and the second receptacle attachment portion can be attached to a second receptacle face opposite the first receptacle face. In one example, an upper periphery of the receptacle defines a receptacle opening for receiving the stabilizer weight. In a specific example, the receptacle opening is closeable.
Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus that includes a stabilizer weight and a tether. The tether can be engageable with a shoulder and attached to the stabilizer weight at opposing ends of the tether, the stabilizer weight enclosure being positionable in a suspended position below the tether and adjacent to a lateral body side.
In some examples, the apparatus further includes: an enclosure attached to the tether to hold the stabilizer weight; and an anchor member to secure the tether in position over the shoulder. In at least one example, the apparatus includes a vest, wherein the tether is integrated within an interior of the vest. In one or more examples, the stabilizer weight comprises gear or equipment including a quiver, a set of binoculars, or a rangefinder.
Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of shooting an archery bow or a firearm. The method can include: suspending a body stabilizer device from a user's shoulder, the body stabilizer device having a shoulder strap to suspend the weight from the user's shoulder; adding a stabilizer weight to the body stabilizer, the stabilizer weight being suspended from the shoulder via the strap; and engaging in a shooting sequence of an archery bow or a firearm while the body stabilizer device applies a downward force on the user's shoulder.
The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to representative examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the examples to one preferred example. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described examples as defined by the appended claims.
The following disclosure relates to a stabilizer device that can stabilize a user's body while holding an object or apparatus to be used to carry out a function (e.g., a bow or firearm). In these or other examples, the body stabilizer device is a wearable, hands-free device that ergonomically uses a stabilizer weight to counter or suppress a body's inadvertent compensation when hold an apparatus with one or both arms extended. In some examples, the stabilizer weight can also provide a counterbalancing effect by offsetting a load from holding the apparatus or object.
For example, the body stabilizer device of the present disclosure can brace or stabilize one or both shoulders. In some examples, the body stabilizer device can brace or stabilize a non-lifting shoulder opposite the lifting shoulder (where the lifting shoulder is connected to the extended arm holding the apparatus or object). To brace or stabilize the non-lifting shoulder, the body stabilizer device can include a stabilizer weight that applies a force to the top surface of the non-lifting shoulder, thereby maintaining the non-lifting shoulder in alignment with the opposite shoulder. Applying a force to the top surface of the non-lifting shoulder can be considered “pulling down” the shoulder. The body stabilizer device counters the body's natural inclination for the non-lifting shoulder to creep upward, which can happen subconsciously and automatically when the lifting shoulder supports or holds an apparatus or object. In so doing, the body stabilizer device helps maintain proper body positioning when holding an apparatus or object—that is, with both shoulders aligned (e.g., in a substantially horizontal position) relative to each other. By maintaining proper body positioning, the body stabilizer device can help improve shot performance (e.g., improve shot accuracy, tighten shot groups, and/or reduce shooting fatigue).
In certain implementations, the body stabilizer device can also impart other beneficial effects. To illustrate, in some examples, the body stabilizer device can use a stabilizer weight to shift a center of mass of a user toward the stabilizer weight (e.g., away from the held object). By shifting the center of mass of the user, the held object can be perceived by the user as being lighter. Specifically, the held object (being cantilevered relative to the user's body) is no longer the sole force acting on the user's body. The weight of the stabilizer weight can induce a moment arm that at least partially offsets another moment arm resulting from the apparatus or object being held. For instance, the stabilizer weight moment arm (based on the distance between the center of mass of the stabilizer weight and a body's pivot axis) can offset the object moment arm (based on the distance between the center of mass of the held object and the user's shoulder on the opposite body side). Thus, in a way of balancing applied loads, the resultant load upon the user's body (and specifically a user's shoulder) can be reduced. Accordingly, with the aid of a body stabilizer device, a user may be able to more easily lift, steady, and aim devices such as described above (e.g, a bow, rifle, handgun, etc.).
In these or other examples, a body stabilizer device can include a receptacle that is sized and shaped to receive a stabilizer weight (e.g., a removable weight, a permanent weight, equipment, rock, earth, or other material). The body stabilizer device can further include a shoulder strap attachable directly to the stabilizer weight or to the receptacle for holding the weight. The shoulder strap can comprise a tether, sling or band for placing directly on top of or positioning over a shoulder of a user to provide a downward force applied to the top of the user's shoulder. The receptacle can hang down below the shoulder strap adjacent to a user's side or torso region. The body stabilizer device can further include an anchor member that assists to maintain the body stabilizer device correctly positioned on the user (e.g., a waist strap or connector). In some examples, the body stabilizer device includes a connecting portion between the shoulder strap and the anchor member that can span an upper back portion (e.g., for additional support or load distribution). Alternatively, in some examples, the body stabilizer device can omit one or more of the foregoing elements. For example, a body stabilizer device can include a shoulder strap and an anchor member that wraps around a user between front and back sides of the user, where both ends of the anchor member are attached to the shoulder strap. In such an example, at least a connecting portion and a waist connector can be omitted.
Other examples of a body stabilizer device can include a flexible tether attachable to a user's body or clothing. The flexible tether can be tensioned by stepping on the tether to create a similar offset to the weight of a held object (as described above). In such examples, a discrete weight (or weighted receptacle) is omitted in place of a tensioned tether to create or apply an appropriate downward force on the user's shoulder.
In other examples, a body stabilizer device can include a modified version of a backpack or harness that can be manipulated to apply a downward force on a user's shoulder (rather than a backward pulling force, such as with a typical backpack). For example, a sling backpack can be equipped with compartments or pockets for a stabilizer weight that can apply a force in a downward direction on the shoulder or pull downwardly from directly below the shoulder to create the desired downward force. Similarly, a body stabilizer device can include a vest with one or more pockets for creating a vest weighted disproportionately to a particular side. In some examples, a stabilizer weight can be integrated with the vest interior and be suspended from the user's shoulder to apply a downward force on the shoulder or similarly draw the shoulder downward (or keep the shoulder in place level with the other shoulder). Other examples of a body stabilizer device can include a stabilizer weight that is positionable directly atop a user's shoulder to apply a downward force directly on the shoulder to maintain alignment (e.g., substantially horizontally aligned relative to the other shoulder while on flat ground).
In yet other examples, a body stabilizer device can include a suspendable quiver. The suspendable quiver can include a quiver that is sized and shaped to hold arrows, and is somewhat similar to a hip quiver, but suspended (e.g., via a strap) from the user's shoulder. The weight of the suspended quiver and arrows can serve as a body stabilizer when hung from a user's shoulder in this manner.
These and other examples are discussed below with reference to
In these or other examples, the receptacle 102 can include one or more elements sized and shaped to hold an item (particularly a weighted item, such as a stabilizer weight discussed below). Examples of the receptacle 102 include an enclosure, container, housing, bag, satchel, pocket, compartment, sack, basket, or carrier. In some examples, the receptacle 102 comprises a weight itself, and in other examples the receptacle comprises a combination of connecting surfaces, panels, walls, or faces (e.g., a first receptacle face 122 and an opposing second receptacle face 124). The faces of the receptacle 102 may be formed of a single piece of material (e.g., that wraps circumferentially to form a singular, uniform sidewall with mated ends and bottom portions). In other examples, the faces of the receptacle 102 may include multiple discrete faces joined together (via threading, stitching, ties, machining, bonding, molding, fasteners, or the like). For instance, the first receptacle face 122 and the second receptacle face 124 may include two separate panels joined together in a U-shaped fashion (e.g., to form opposing sides and a bottom floor of the receptacle 102).
The faces (e.g., the first receptacle face 122 and the second receptacle face 124) can define a receptacle opening 116. In particular, an upper periphery 115 includes a top edge of the first receptacle face 122 and the second receptacle face 124 that defines the metes and bounds of the receptacle opening 116. In at least some examples, the receptacle opening 116 is closeable. For instance, the upper periphery 115 can include a drawstring, tie, zipper, flap, or other member to seal or at least partially close shut the receptacle opening 116.
In alternative examples, the first receptacle face 122 and the second receptacle face 124 define the upper periphery 115 as a closed top portion. In this alternative example, there is no receptacle opening 116, and the interior volume is at least partially sealed (e.g., to retain a permanent or non-removable stabilizer weight). In other examples, different edges of the first receptacle face 122 and the second receptacle face 124 can define a different receptacle opening (e.g., a side opening or bottom opening in the receptacle 102).
The receptacle 102 can include a variety of different shapes and sizes. In some examples, the receptacle 102 comprises a rigid shape, a predetermined shape, a fixed shape, a flexible shape, or an adjustable shape. In particular examples, the receptacle 102 is sized and shaped to receive a stabilizer weight (e.g., a stabilizer weight 130 described below in relation to
The receptacle 102 can include a variety of different materials. For example, the receptacle 102 can comprise a weighted material itself (or even a weight itself) sufficient for purposes of functioning as a counterbalance according to the present disclosure. The receptacle 102 can also include one or more materials such as leather, fabric, metal, plastic, foam, canvas, rubber, silicone, etc. Additionally, in some examples, the receptacle 102 can include a combination of multiple materials (e.g., a leather interior and an outer fleece shell).
The shoulder strap 104 can include one or more elements to support the receptacle 102. In particular examples, the shoulder strap 104 comprises a tether sized and shaped to position over a shoulder between front and back body sides. Thus, the shoulder strap 104 can engage, rest upon, or be positioned on a top surface of a shoulder or in an area on the shoulder between an upper arm area and a neck area. In some examples, the receptacle 102 is positionable in a suspended position below the shoulder strap 104 and adjacent to a lateral body side (e.g., adjacent a rib cage below the armpit area, next to a waist area, or adjacent a leg portion). Accordingly, the shoulder strap 104 can include a tether, support, strap, cord, tie, or securement member from which the receptacle 102 can hang.
In these or other examples, the shoulder strap 104 includes a first attachment portion 118 and a second attachment portion 120. The first attachment portion 118 and the second attachment portion 120 can correspond to respective end portions (or opposing ends) of the shoulder strap 104. The first attachment portion 118 and the second attachment portion 120 can be formed integral to the shoulder strap 104, or else attached thereto. In particular examples, the first attachment portion 118 is attached to the first receptacle face 122, and the second attachment portion 120 is attached to the second receptacle face 124. In one or more examples, at least one of the first attachment portion 118 or the second attachment portion 120 can be removably attachable to the receptacle faces of the receptacle 102.
The receptacle 102 further includes the anchor member 106. The anchor member 106 can include one or more members to attach the body stabilizer device 100 to a second lateral body side opposite the body side where the receptacle 102 is positioned. Additionally or alternatively, the anchor member 106 can provide a stabilizing member to positionally stabilize or retain the body stabilizer device 100 in place (e.g., so as to prevent the body stabilizer device 100 from sliding around, slipping off, or changing to undesired positions). In certain implementations, the anchor member 106 can also provide a body stabilizing effect or a lifting effect for the lifting arm/shoulder that holds an object. For example, the weight of the stabilizer weight in the receptacle 102 can cause the shoulder strap 104 to apply a weight to, pull down, or otherwise create downward tension the non-lifting shoulder, yet simultaneously cause the anchor member 106 to lift up or at least brace the lifting shoulder on the opposite body side. The anchor member 106 can therefore include one or more of a tether, band, support, strap, cord, tie, or securement member.
In these or other examples, the anchor member 106 can include a spliced portion 110. The spliced portion 110 includes one or more members sized and shaped to receive an arm and a second shoulder (i.e., the lifting shoulder). In particular, the spliced portion 110 can include an anterior portion 111 and a posterior portion 112 that define an aperture 113 that is sized and shaped to receive an arm and second shoulder. In such a case, the anterior portion 111 and the posterior portion 112 can include separate straps or tethers that anchor together at a shoulder area and then diverge around the shoulder and arm (e.g., the anterior portion 111 to the front side of the arm and shoulder, and the posterior portion 112 to the back side of the arm and shoulder).
Other alternatives are contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, the anchor member 106 can include a cuff (e.g., a bicep cuff) that attaches to the lifting shoulder/arm instead of straddling a portion of the lifting shoulder/arm as shown for the spliced portion 110.
In addition to the spliced portion 110, the anchor member 106 can further include a waist connector 114. The waist connector 114 can include one or more elements engageable with a belt or a clothing portion. For example, the waist connector 114 can attach to a user's belt, belt loop, pant pocket, etc., thereby preventing gravity's pull from displacing the body stabilizer device 100 off of a user. Indeed, the waist connector 114 can anchor the body stabilizer device 100 in place such that the receptacle 102 on the opposite body side hangs at a constant height or position relative to the user's body. In particular examples, the waist connector 114 can include a button connection, clasp, hook, latch, locking pin, safety pin, interlocking member, or a suitable fastener. Alternatively, in some examples, the waist connector 114 can be omitted (e.g., as shown and described below in relation to
In at least some examples, the spliced portion 110 also includes length adjusters 126 for adjusting a length of the anchor member 106. However, it will be appreciated that at least one of the shoulder strap 104 or the connecting portion 108 can additionally (or alternatively) include length adjusters. The length adjusters 126 includes one or more elements for adjusting a fit of the body stabilizer device 100. For example, via the length adjusters 126, the body stabilizer device 100 can adjust to different shoulder widths, different torso lengths, different body girths, different hanging positions or heights for the receptacle 102, etc. Similarly, via the length adjusters 126, the body stabilizer device 100 can also adjust in size to accommodate different clothing layers (e.g., jackets, coats, vests, etc.). As more particularly shown in
The body stabilizer device 100 can further include the connecting portion 108. The connecting portion 108 can include one or more members positioned between the shoulder strap 104 and the anchor member 106. For example, the connecting portion 108 is configured to span an upper back portion at least partially between the user's shoulders. The connecting portion 108 is attached to the shoulder strap 104 at a first connecting end. The connecting portion 108 is attached to the anchor member 106 at a second connecting end.
Furthermore, and similar to the anchor member 106, the connecting portion 108 can also provide one or more desired effects. For example, the connecting portion 108 can enhance load distribution and support for the receptacle 102 when weighted with a stabilizer weight. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting portion 108 can stabilize or brace an upper back portion of a user. In some instances, the connecting portion 108 can specifically compress upon the shoulder blade area of the lifting shoulder to provide a localized stabilizing or bracing effect.
Although not shown, the body stabilizer device 100 can include a variety of additional features. For example, the body stabilizer device 100 can include loops, pockets, or clips to retain a user's gear (e.g., loops to secure rifle cartridges, pockets to retain extra broadheads, field points, or primers, or clips to hold an archery trigger release). Additionally or alternatively, the body stabilizer device 100 can include such features for retaining food, water, devices (e.g., a hand radio), emergency supplies, or personal belongings (e.g., wallet, keys, camera, phone, etc.).
Further shown in
Still, in other examples, the stabilizer weight 130 can include any other weight, such as gear or equipment, attached directly to the shoulder strap 104 to avoid the need of the receptacle 102. For instance, and as described below in relation to
As will be described in more detail below in relation to subsequent figures, the stabilizer weight 130 (when inserted into the receptacle 102) can help apply a downward force on a top surface of the shoulder, or draw the shoulder downwardly, to maintain a user's shoulder in substantial alignment (e.g., substantially horizontal) with the other shoulder. Specifically, with the stabilizer weight 130, the body stabilizer device 100 can help to prevent shoulder creep or upward movement to prevent or mitigate shoulder misalignment (particularly when holding an object).
Additionally or alternatively, using the stabilizer weight 130, the body stabilizer device 100 can help balance loads on the user's body when using the body stabilizer device 100 and an apparatus or object is held out away from the user's body. In particular examples, the stabilizer weight 130 can at least partially offset a moment arm induced by a held object (e.g., to reduce a shoulder load for at least the lifting shoulder).
Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, based on this disclosure, that the stabilizer weight 130 can include a variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and densities. Furthermore, the stabilizer weight 130 can include multiple weights, interchangeable weights, stackable weights, tunable weights, etc. For example, the stabilizer weight 130 can include a configurable amount of weight (depending on the desired stabilizer weight/stabilizing effect or depending on the weight of the held object). In at least some examples, the stabilizer weight 130 comprises a predetermined weight (e.g., from about 2 pounds to about 60 pounds).
Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in
As shown in
Specifically,
Although the body stabilizer device 100 is shown in a particular configuration, the body stabilizer device 100 can be adjusted in various ways. For example, the body stabilizer device 100 can be moved to opposite shoulder sides (e.g., for left-handed shooters that hold or support a bow or firearm with their right hand, arm, and shoulder).
Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in
In particular,
By applying the downward force 401, the body stabilizer device 100 can provide one or more advantages to the user-particularly during a shooting sequence. For example, the downward force 401 can provide a stabilizing effect or leveling effect to the shoulders 402, 404 (e.g., in a substantially horizontal position while the user is on level ground). In particular, the downward force 401 on the shoulder 404 (e.g., the non-lifting shoulder) helps maintain the shoulder 404 in alignment with the shoulder 402 along a plane 405. In some examples, the plane 405 can be substantially horizontal or substantially parallel to or substantially coplanar with an aiming/optical plane or a shooting plane between the object 400 and a target. The term “substantially” should be interpreted as +/− about 2 degrees, +/− about 5 degrees, +/− about 10 degrees, or +/− about 15 degrees.
By aiding the shoulder 404 to remain level with the shoulder 402 along the plane 405, the body stabilizer device 100 can provide improved stability in aiming. Specifically, by helping to prevent or reduce the body's natural tendency to raise the shoulder 404 above the plane 405 during the shooting sequence-which is a counterproductive measure the user can unknowingly perform to balance the weight of the held object 400—the body stabilizer device 100 can stabilize the shoulder 404 in a correct shooting position along the plane 405. This way, the body stabilizer device 100 can provide enhanced muscle-memory training to counteract the body's inherent tendency for the off shoulder (i.e., the shoulder opposite the apparatus, such as bow or firearm, being held) to elevate or move up during the shooting process. With improved technique, form, and/or steady aiming, the body stabilizer device 100 in turn can lend to better shot accuracy (e.g., relative to a bullseye or center of a target) and/or better shot precision (e.g., shot groups or shots relative to other shots).
The stabilizer weight 130 comprises a weight to at least partially offset a moment arm induced by the held object 400. For example, the stabilizer weight 130 comprises a center of mass 416. The weight of the stabilizer weight 130 can act through the center of mass 416 along a plane 424. A stabilizer moment arm is therefore created. The stabilizer moment arm can be defined by the weight of the stabilizer weight 130 multiplied by a distance (e.g., a distance 418) between the center of mass 416 of the stabilizer weight 130 and a pivot point on the user. The pivot point on the user can be the user's hip joint, the user's spine, etc. In some examples, the pivot point on the user can be positioned on (or at least kinematically modeled as corresponding to) the plane 420 through the center of the user's body. The stabilizer moment arm may therefore correspond to a distance 418 (i.e., the distance between the plane 420 and the plane 424 corresponding to the weight of the stabilizer weight 130).
In these or other examples, the stabilizer moment arm from the weight of the stabilizer weight 130 can offset the object moment arm from the weight of the held object 400. In some cases, the stabilizer moment can substantially offset the object moment (i.e., meaning that the resultant comparative loads upon the user's shoulders approaches zero). In other cases, the stabilizer moment arm can lend to a reduced (but non-zero) resultant load compared to the sole object moment arm acting on the user.
Described another way, the stabilizer weight 130 can offset a perceived weight of the held object 400 when at least partially supported by the shoulder 402. To do so, the stabilizer weight 130 moves a body center of mass toward the stabilizer weight 130 and the lateral body side 300 when the stabilizer weight 130 is suspended from the shoulder or otherwise placed within the receptacle 102 and suspended from the shoulder in place (e.g., hanging adjacent to the lateral body side 300). Specifically, the body center of mass 412a for the user can shift a distance 414 to a body center of mass 412b positioned along plane 422. By shifting the body's center of mass away from the object 400, the held object 400 can be perceivably lighter. Specifically, the held object 400 remains cantilevered when held in place, but the perceived effect of holding the object 400 can be mitigated (e.g., to feel less heavy or burdensome to hold in position).
Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in
The body stabilizer device 500 can include a shoulder portion 502, a foot hold 504, a middle portion 506, and connections 508. In some examples, the shoulder portion 502 includes a shoulder engagement (e.g., a pad or cushion). In some examples, the shoulder portion 502 includes a grip-enhancing material, coating, or feature. For example, the shoulder portion 502 can include a rubber coating, a silicone overmold, etc. In particular examples, the shoulder portion 502 is sized and shaped to at least partially cover, encapsulate, or obscure a band. The band can connect to the middle portion 506 via one of the connections 508.
The middle portion 506 can extend to another connection 508 adjacent to the foot hold 504. In some examples, the middle portion 506 can be stepped on by a user at a location along the middle portion 506 to provide the desired tension (i.e., stabilizer force 510) in the body stabilizer device 500. Depending on the anchoring location of the foot along the middle portion 506, the body stabilizer device 500 can have a greater or lesser magnitude of tension for the stabilizer force 510. In at least some examples, as the stabilizer force 510 increases, the greater the counterbalancing or bracing effect the body stabilizer device 500 can provide. For example, greater magnitudes of tension for the stabilizer force 510 can more easily hold down the shoulder 404, thereby preventing shoulder misalignment relative to the plane 405 (as discussed above). Additionally or alternatively, certain magnitudes of tension for the stabilizer force 510 can balance or offset applied loads between the lateral body sides 300, 302 (as also discussed above).
The foot hold 504 can include a segment of the band defining an aperture sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of a foot or shoe of the user. In alternative examples, the foot hold 504 can be omitted.
The body stabilizer device 500 can also be adjusted in various ways. For example, it will be appreciated that one or more of the connections 508 can be adjusted to lengthen certain segments of the body stabilizer device 500 and/or provide a better fit to the user.
Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in
As mentioned, the body stabilizer device 700 can omit one or more features of the body stabilizer device 100. In particular, the body stabilizer device 700 includes an anchor member 708 that is devoid of a waist connector and connecting portion. Rather, the anchor member 708 (as a single continuous member) extends from one portion of the shoulder strap 704 to another portion of the shoulder strap 704, thereby forming an opening for a user's body to fit therein. This opening can be adjusted for size and fit relative to the user. In this way, the anchor member 708 can secure the shoulder strap 704 in a position over the shoulder 404 (and/or secure the enclosure 702 and stabilizer weight 130 against the lateral body side 300).
Other examples according to the present disclosure are described below. For example, alternative examples of the body stabilizer device 700 can include a harness, sling, fanny pack, or backpack-all modified to apply a vertical load downward on a top surface of the user's shoulder or to pull directly down on the user's shoulder 404 by suspending the stabilizer weight 130 directly below the shoulder 404.
Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in
In addition to the quiver 801, more weight in the form of a stabilizer weight 804 can be added to create a larger downward force 806. The stabilizer weight 804 (which is the same as or similar to the stabilizer weight 130) can be positioned within a receptacle 802. The receptacle 802 can be the same as or similar to the receptacle 102 described above. In some examples, the receptacle 802 is positioned (e.g., removably positioned) on an exterior surface of the quiver 801. Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle 802 can be integrated into the interior volume of the quiver 801. In these or other examples, the receptacle 802 can be positioned along a longitudinal axis of the quiver 801 at a desired height.
In yet still other aspects of the disclosure, the quiver 801 can be substituted for other types of gear or equipment. For example, binoculars, rangefinders, spotting scopes, skis, ski poles, scabbards, holsters, etc. can similarly be suspended from or otherwise yoked over the shoulder 404 to provide the downward force 806 through the shoulder strap 808.
Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in
The body stabilizer device 900 can further include a receptacle 902, which can be the same as or similar to the receptacle 102 described above. In some examples, and as shown, the receptacle 902 is positioned (e.g., removably positioned) within an interior portion of the vest 901. For instance, the receptacle 902 may include an interior pocket stitched inside the vest 901. In particular examples, the receptacle 902 is permanently affixed to the inner surface of the vest 901. Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle 902 can be integrated on an exterior portion of the vest 901. In these or other examples, the receptacle 902 can be arranged or positioned on a side of the vest 901 to disproportionately weight the vest 901 to one side with a stabilizer weight.
Additionally, the receptacle 902 can be sized and shaped to receive a stabilizer weight 904 (which is the same as or similar to the stabilizer weight 130). As with the foregoing stabilizer weights, the stabilizer weight 904 can provide a stabilizer force 906 (i.e., a downward force on the user's shoulder) acting through a shoulder strap 808 to pull down or apply a downward force on the user's shoulder to maintain alignment of the user's shoulders (thereby reducing or preventing upward shoulder movement or creep during a shooting sequence). Like the receptacle 902, the shoulder strap 808 can be integrated into an interior and/or exterior portion of the vest 901. In some examples, the shoulder strap 808 is threaded through openings in the vest 901. Additionally or alternatively, the shoulder strap 808 can be permanently attached (e.g., via stitching) to a shoulder region of the vest 901. Additionally or alternatively, the shoulder strap 808 can be removably attached via one or more fasteners (e.g., button snaps, clips, clasps, Velcro® attachments, etc.).
Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in
Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in
The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described examples. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described examples. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific examples described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the examples to the precise forms disclosed.
It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Indeed, various inventions have been described herein with reference to certain specific aspects and examples. However, they will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions disclosed herein. Specifically, those inventions set forth in the claims below are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the inventions disclosed without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The terms “including” or “includes” as used in the specification shall have the same meaning as the term “comprising.”
