BOW STABILIZER AND WEIGHT SYSTEM

Abstract

The disclosed technology includes a stabilizer and weight system for an archery bow. The stabilizer can include an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a first end and second end. A mount can be attached to the first end and configured to attach the stabilizer assembly to a riser of the archery bow. A riser core can be attached to the mount and extend into the elongated shaft. A weight can be attached to the second end of the elongated shaft. The weight can comprise a body and an internal core, The internal core can comprise threads and be press fit with the body.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to archery stabilizing systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Archery bows often include stabilizers that are configured to help distribute the weight of the bow forward or rear of the riser. The stabilizer helps to reduce movement of the bow when trying to align a sight with a target, making the archer's shot more accurate and timelier. Stabilizers can also help to reduce the vibration exhibited throughout the bow after a shot is fired. Many stabilizers include removable weight systems that can help to ensure proper weight distribution.

Unfortunately, many stabilizers are too flexible and, therefore, do not adequately reduce vibration of the bow. Furthermore, the weight systems used at the end of the bow often require tools to add or remove the weight system, tools that are often not available when the bow is used in remote locations such as for hunting.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a bow stabilizer system that has increased rigidity, is easier to use, and can reduce the overall vibration of the bow. These and other problems are addressed by the technology disclosed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to meet some or all of the above stated needs. The disclosed technology includes one or more weights, a weight cap, a riser cap, and an internal damping system.

The weight system can include multiple weights that are designed to be nested at the end of the stabilizer rod (elongated shaft) through use of universal threaded internal cores that allow an archer to customize their stabilizing system to their equipment setup. The weight system allows toolless, yet secure, installation of weights quickly. The weights are designed with a weight body press fit onto a universally threaded internal core. This allows variants of weights to be constructed easily. Many options can be created by modifying the volume of the weight body or by changing materials that vary in density. Separating the threaded features into a separate internal component allows for the core to be manufactured out of materials that produce robust threads suitable for the cyclical stress on installing and uninstalling weight frequently.

The distal end of the stabilizer rod (elongated shaft) is designed to act as an embedded weight to improve stabilization before the addition of accessories. This design results in fewer parts than traditional stabilizer end caps. The weight cap is permanently fastened to the end of the stabilizer rod and is constructed in two pieces. The internally threaded core is made of material that facilitates robust threads to receive additional weights. Weights are frequently installed and uninstalled causing cyclical stress on these threads. The outside body of the cap is press fit to the internal core and its design can be varied in size or material selection to tune the overall weight of the cap.

The proximal end of the stabilizer comprises a riser cap that is permanently attached to the stabilizer rod. It is designed as two components to improve performance and reduce cost. The internal core is a single part that extends from the bow riser into the hollow stabilizer rod to provide additional stiffness and is specifically designed to extend farther than the outer body of the riser cap. The internal core is threaded on one end to assemble to any bow riser. The internally threaded core is made of material that facilitates robust threads suitable for the cyclical stress of frequently installing and uninstalling a stabilizer. Stabilizers can be long and unwieldy. Archers frequently remove them to travel. Additionally, these threads can react to significant impulse and cyclical vibration loads whenever an arrow is shot and the bow vibrates as a result. The outer body is designed as a separate component to allow for variations in material, size, form factor, and color. It is shaped in a manner to receive a standard wrench to allow a user to preload the threaded joint to the riser. A sufficient preload is critical for proper stabilizer performance.

The internal damping system can include a mass and spring system, specifically tuned to stabilizer length, weight, and stiffness and can be installed internally in the stabilizer rod to dampen vibration. The system collects and dissipates inertia in all axes generated by shooting a bow that propagates through the bow and its accessories as waves. This reduction in vibration improves comfort, reduces noise, and improves accuracy. Positioning such a system in an internal form factor is superior to bulky external systems.

These and other aspects of the present disclosure are described in the Detailed Description below and the accompanying figures. Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following description of examples of the present disclosure in concert with the figures. While features of the present disclosure may be discussed relative to certain examples and figures, all examples of the present disclosure can include one or more of the features discussed herein. Further, while one or more examples may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used with the various examples of the disclosure discussed herein. In similar fashion, while examples of the disclosed technology may be discussed below as a device, a system, or a method, it is to be understood that such examples can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further aspects of this invention are further discussed with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the invention. The figures depict one or more implementations of the inventive devices, by way of example only, not by way of limitation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bow stabilizer system, in accordance with the disclosed technology.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective section view of the bow stabilizer system, in accordance with the disclosed technology.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side section view of the bow stabilizer system, in accordance with the disclosed technology.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side section view of an alternate bow stabilizer system, in accordance with the disclosed technology.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a distal end of the bow stabilizer, in accordance with the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 3B-3D illustrate perspective views of the weights of the bow stabilizer, in accordance with the disclosed technology.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side section view of the bow stabilizer system, in accordance with the disclosed technology.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of the bow stabilizer and the mount, in accordance with the disclosed technology.

FIG. 5B illustrates a section view of the bow stabilizer and the mount, in accordance with the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a bow stabilizer system that can help to stabilize a bow, simplify attachment of weight to the stabilizer, and reduce the overall vibration of the bow resulting from a shot. Additional features and advantages will become apparent throughout this disclosure.

Although certain examples of the disclosed technology are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other examples, embodiments, and implementations of the disclosed technology are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosed technology is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology can be implemented in a variety of examples and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter is described in the context of being an archery information system for use with bow. The present disclosure, however, is not so limited, and can be applicable to other technologies. The present disclosure, for example and not limitation, can include information systems for guns, crossbows, slingshots, scopes, telescopes, cameras, mobile phone cameras, binoculars, range finders, or other equipment in which the user must remain steady and aligned with an object. Such implementations and applications are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, when the present disclosure is described in the context of being an archery information system for use with bow, it will be understood that other implementations can take the place of those referred to.

It should also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named.

Also, in describing the examples, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Herein, the use of terms such as “having,” “has,” “including,” or “includes” are open-ended and are intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” are intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such.

The components described hereinafter as making up various elements of the disclosed technology are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosed technology. Such other components not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, similar components that are developed after development of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Referring to the figures in which like numerals represent like elements, examples of the present disclosure are herein described. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bow stabilizer system 100, in accordance with the disclosed technology. As shown in FIG. 1, the bow stabilizer system 100 can include a stabilizer rod 110 (sometimes referred to herein as an “elongated shaft”) having a riser cap 120 and mount 150 at a proximal end and a weight cap 130 and a weight assembly 140 at a distal end. The stabilizer rod 110 can be made from a rigid material such as metals, composite materials, rigid plastics, etc. The stabilizer rod 110 can be any suitable length for the application. For example, the stabilizer rod 110 can be 8 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches, 15 inches, 30 inches, etc. As will be described in greater detail herein, the bow stabilizer system 100 can be configured with different weights as desired to help stabilize the bow and reduce vibration.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective section view and FIG. 2B illustrates a side section view of the bow stabilizer system 100, in accordance with the disclosed technology. As shown, the stabilizer rod 110 can be a hollow tube (the stabilizer rod 110 can define a lumen extending at least partially therethrough) and be configured to receive a riser core 122 that can extend inwardly into the stabilizer rod 110. The riser core 122 can be configured to extend substantially past an end of the riser cap 120. By including a riser core 122 that extends inwardly into the stabilizer rod 110, the overall rigidity of the bow stabilizer system 100 can be greatly increased. The riser core 122 can be attached to the stabilizer rod 110 via adhesives, a threaded attachment, etc.

A weight cap 130 can be disposed at the distal end of the stabilizer rod 110 and can similarly include a weight cap core 132 that can extend inwardly into the stabilizer rod 110 beyond an end of the weight cap 130, thereby providing a rigid attachment of the weight assembly 140 to the stabilizer rod 110. The weight cap core 132 can be attached to the stabilizer rod 110 via adhesives, a threaded attachment, etc. As shown in FIG. 2B, the weight cap core 132 can be press-fit into the weight cap 130. The weight cap core 132 can be made from the same material or a different material from the weight cap core 132. In alternative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2C, the weight cap 130 can alternatively include a protrusion 133, rather than a separate weight cap core 132, that can extend inwardly into the stabilizer rod 110. The weight cap 130 can include a threaded end 134 to which the weight assembly 140 can be attached.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a distal end of the bow stabilizer system 100 while FIGS. 3B-3D illustrate perspective views of the weights of the bow stabilizer system 100, in accordance with the disclosed technology. The weight assembly 140 can include a plurality of attachable weights that can each have a different mass and/or a different configuration so that an archer can adjust the weight distribution provided by the bow stabilizer system 100. For example, the weight assembly 140 can include a weight having a first body 142A and a weight having second body 142B. The mass of the first body 142A can be greater than the mass of the second body 142B. As shown, each weight of the weight assembly 140 can include a weight core 144A, 144B that can be press-fit into the weight body 142A, 142B. In this way, the weights can each be made with a weight body 142A, 142B having a different material than the weight core 144A, 144B. Furthermore, the weight cores 144A, 144B can each be press-fit into the weight bodies 142A, 142B such that the weight cores 144A, 144B can each be made having a standard thread size and material while the weight bodies 142A, 142B can each be made with different material properties (e.g., material, size, weight, configuration, color, finish, etc.), thereby simplifying the manufacturing of each weight. The weight bodies, for example, can include a weight of 0.5 oz., 1 oz., 2 oz., 3 oz., 4 oz., 4 oz., 10 oz., etc.

The weight cores 144A, 144B can each include a respective recess 146A, 146B that can be threaded and configured to receive an additional weight core such that multiple weights can be attached to each other in a nested configuration to form the weight assembly 140. In this way, the archer can fine tune the overall weight of the weight assembly 140. Because the weights include weight cores 144A, 144B having a standard thread size and material that is press-fit into a larger weight body 142A, 142B, the weights can each be hand-tightened without the need for a tool, thereby greatly simplifying the process of adjusting the weight of the bow.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side section view of the bow stabilizer system 100, in accordance with the disclosed technology. As shown in FIG. 4, the bow stabilizer system 100 can include a mass 144 positioned between two springs 112 that can be configured to reduce the vibration of the bow after an arrow is shot from the bow. The mass 114 (dampening weight) and springs 112 can collect and dissipates inertia in all axes generated by shooting a bow that propagates through the bow and its accessories. This reduction in vibration improves comfort, reduces noise, and improves accuracy. Positioning such a system in an internal form factor is superior to bulky external systems.

Although a spring 112 and mass 114 system is shown in FIG. 4, it will be appreciated that other vibration damping systems can alternatively be integrated into the bow stabilizer system 100. For example, a fluid damper system could similarly be integrated into the bow stabilizer system 100 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view while FIG. 5B illustrates a section view of the bow stabilizer system 100 and the mount 150, in accordance with the disclosed technology. As shown, the mount 150 can be configured with adjustable portions to permit the orientation of the bow stabilizer system 100 with respect to a riser of the bow (not shown) to be adjusted along one or more axes (X, Y, and/or Z axes). For example, the mount 150 can include a first portion 152 that can be attachable to the riser cap 120, a second portion 159 that can be attachable to the bow riser, and a third portion 154 that can attach the first portion 152 to the second portion 159. The first portion 152 can be attached to the third portion 154 by an adjustable screw 156 that can be loosened to adjust an angle of the first portion 152 (and stabilizer rod 110, etc.) about the Z-axis in relation to the third portion 154 and then tightened to keep the first portion 152 in place. Similarly, the second portion 159 can be attached to the third portion 154 by a clamp and screw system 158 such that the orientation of the second portion 159 can be adjusted about the Y-axis in relation to the third portion 154 and then tightened to keep the second portion 159 in place. In this way, the archer can adjust the orientation of the bow stabilizer system 100 in relation to the riser of the bow.

The mount 150 can include a quick disconnect 153 that can be configured to quickly attach and detach the riser core 122 (and riser cap 120, stabilizer rod 110, etc.) to the mount 150 for quick and easy attachment and detachment. In this way, the bow stabilizer system 100 can be quickly attached and detached when desired.

The disclosed technology can be better understood according to the following clauses:

Clause 1: A stabilizer assembly for an archery bow, the stabilizer assembly comprising: an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a first end and a second end; a mount attached to the first end and configured to attach the stabilizer assembly to a riser of the archery bow; a riser core attached to the mount and extending into the elongated shaft; and a weight attached to the second end of the elongated shaft.

Clause 2: The stabilizer assembly of claim 1 further comprising a riser cap attached to the mount and extending around an outer edge of the elongated shaft.

Clause 3: The stabilizer assembly of claim 2, wherein the riser core extends into the elongated shaft beyond an end of the riser cap.

Clause 4: The stabilizer assembly of claim 1, wherein the mount is configured to adjust a position of the elongated shaft with respect to the riser of the archery bow.

Clause 5: The stabilizer assembly of claim 4, wherein the mount is configured to adjust a position of the elongated shaft with respect to the riser of the archery bow in three different axes.

Clause 6: The stabilizer assembly of claim 4, wherein the mount comprises a quick disconnect configured to attach and detach at least a portion of the stabilizer assembly to the riser of the archery bow.

Clause 7: The stabilizer assembly of claim 1 further comprising a weight cap attached to the second end of the elongated shaft.

Clause 8: The stabilizer assembly of claim 7 further comprising a weight cap core extending into the second end of the elongated shaft.

Clause 9: The stabilizer assembly of claim 8, wherein the weight cap core extends beyond an end of the weight cap.

Clause 10: The stabilizer assembly of claim 7, wherein the weight is configured to thread onto the weight cap.

Clause 11: The stabilizer assembly of claim 10, wherein the weight comprises a body and an internal core, the internal core comprising threads.

Clause 12: The stabilizer assembly of claim 11, wherein the internal core is attached to the body via a press fit.

Clause 13: The stabilizer assembly of claim 12, wherein the internal core comprises a material that is different than a material of the body.

Clause 14: The stabilizer assembly of claim 1, the elongated shaft defining a lumen extending along the longitudinal axis.

Clause 15: The stabilizer assembly of claim 14 further comprising a vibration dampening system.

Clause 16: The stabilizer assembly of claim 15, wherein the vibration dampening system comprises a dampening weight positioned within the lumen.

Clause 17: The stabilizer assembly of claim 16, wherein the vibration dampening system further comprises one or more springs in communication with the dampening weight.

Clause 18: The stabilizer assembly of claim 15, wherein the vibration dampening system comprises a fluid dampening system.

Clause 19: A stabilizer assembly for an archery bow, the stabilizer assembly comprising: an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a first end and a second end, the elongated shaft defining a lumen extending therethrough; a mount attached to the first end and configured to attach the stabilizer assembly to a riser of the archery bow; and a vibration dampening system disposed within the lumen, the vibration dampening system comprising a dampening weight and one or more springs in communication with the dampening weight.

Clause 20: The stabilizer assembly of claim 19 further comprising: a riser cap attached to the mount and extending around an outer edge of the elongated shaft; and a riser core attached to the mount and extending into the lumen of the elongated shaft.

Although the terms “distal” and “proximal” have been used herein to describe certain components, it will be appreciated that such terms are used for illustrative purposes and are not meant to be construed as limiting. For example, a “proximal” component can alternatively be described as a “distal” component in the case where the bow stabilizer system 100 is mounted on a rear surface of the bow (e.g., toward the archer) rather than a forward surface of the bow (e.g., toward the target). Thus, although the terms “proximal” and “distal” may be used to describe components herein, such terms may be used interchangeably without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a plurality of exemplary aspects, as illustrated in the various figures and discussed above, it is understood that other similar aspects can be used, or modifications and additions can be made to the described aspects for performing the same function of the present disclosure without deviating therefrom. For example, in various aspects of the disclosure, methods and compositions were described according to aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter. But other equivalent methods or composition to these described aspects are also contemplated by the teachings herein. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stabilizer assembly for an archery bow, the stabilizer assembly comprising: an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a first end and a second end;a mount attached to the first end and configured to attach the stabilizer assembly to a riser of the archery bow;a riser core attached to the mount and extending into the elongated shaft; anda weight attached to the second end of the elongated shaft.

2. The stabilizer assembly of claim 1 further comprising a riser cap attached to the mount and extending around an outer edge of the elongated shaft.

3. The stabilizer assembly of claim 2, wherein the riser core extends into the elongated shaft beyond an end of the riser cap.

4. The stabilizer assembly of claim 1, wherein the mount is configured to adjust a position of the elongated shaft with respect to the riser of the archery bow.

5. The stabilizer assembly of claim 4, wherein the mount is configured to adjust a position of the elongated shaft with respect to the riser of the archery bow in three different axes.

6. The stabilizer assembly of claim 4, wherein the mount comprises a quick disconnect configured to attach and detach at least a portion of the stabilizer assembly to the riser of the archery bow.

7. The stabilizer assembly of claim 1 further comprising a weight cap attached to the second end of the elongated shaft.

8. The stabilizer assembly of claim 7 further comprising a weight cap core extending into the second end of the elongated shaft.

9. The stabilizer assembly of claim 8, wherein the weight cap core extends beyond an end of the weight cap.

10. The stabilizer assembly of claim 7, wherein the weight is configured to thread onto the weight cap.

11. The stabilizer assembly of claim 10, wherein the weight comprises a body and an internal core, the internal core comprising threads.

12. The stabilizer assembly of claim 11, wherein the internal core is attached to the body via a press fit.

13. The stabilizer assembly of claim 12, wherein the internal core comprises a material that is different than a material of the body.

14. The stabilizer assembly of claim 1, the elongated shaft defining a lumen extending along the longitudinal axis.

15. The stabilizer assembly of claim 14 further comprising a vibration dampening system.

16. The stabilizer assembly of claim 15, wherein the vibration dampening system comprises a dampening weight positioned within the lumen.

17. The stabilizer assembly of claim 16, wherein the vibration dampening system further comprises one or more springs in communication with the dampening weight.

18. The stabilizer assembly of claim 15, wherein the vibration dampening system comprises a fluid dampening system.

19. A stabilizer assembly for an archery bow, the stabilizer assembly comprising: an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a first end and a second end, the elongated shaft defining a lumen extending therethrough;a mount attached to the first end and configured to attach the stabilizer assembly to a riser of the archery bow; anda vibration dampening system disposed within the lumen, the vibration dampening system comprising a dampening weight and one or more springs in communication with the dampening weight.

20. The stabilizer assembly of claim 19 further comprising: a riser cap attached to the mount and extending around an outer edge of the elongated shaft; anda riser core attached to the mount and extending into the lumen of the elongated shaft.