WEIGHTED ARCHERY ASSESSORY

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/663,522, filed on Jun. 24, 2024. The entire contents of such application are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Archery bows include a bowstring that extends between the limbs of the archery bow and is structured to engage and propel a projectile, such as an arrow, along a shooting axis towards a target as the bowstring moves from the shooting or fully drawn position into the undrawn position. In some bows, such as long bows or recurve bows, when an archer pulls the bowstring from an undrawn position to the shooting position, the force exerted by the archer generally increases such that the greatest amount of force occurs when holding the bowstring in the shooting position. In compound bows, the maximum force occurs at a point somewhere between the undrawn position and the shooting position.

Regardless of the type of bow, many archers have difficulty overcoming the forces required to pull the bow string from the undrawn position to the shooting position. Moreover, the degree of force required to hold the bowstring in the shooting position for a prolonged period of time is great enough to cause muscle fatigue. For example, while hunting or target shooting, the archer typically must hold the bowstring in the shooting position for an extended period of time while aiming at the target and shooting. This period of time may be even longer in a hunting situation as the hunter must wait for the game to present in an optimum position to provide the best chance for the hunter to take down the game. Maintaining the bowstring in the shooting position for this prolonged period of time results in muscle fatigue, which can cause movement of the archery bow due to undesirable muscle twitching or shaking. The muscle twitching or muscle shaking can lead to a difficulty in aiming the archery bow and delivering an accurate shot. Moreover, muscle fatigue can also lead to poor shooting form by the archer, especially with subsequent shots. Not only can poor form further decrease the archer's accuracy, but it can also cause aches, pains, and injury to the archer.

The foregoing background describes some, but not necessarily all, of the problems, disadvantages and shortcomings related to the use of known archery bows.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the following disclosure are directed to embodiments of a weighted archery accessory that includes a body extending along a body axis from a first end to a second end. In some embodiments, the body includes a holding portion, an adjustment portion located between the holding portion and the second end of the body, and a securing portion located between the holding portion and the first end of the body. In some embodiments, a base weight is fixedly secured to the holding portion of the body and includes at least one weight unit holder. In some embodiments, one or more weight units are structured to be removably couple to the base weight by the at least one weight unit holder. In some embodiments, the body is configured to be secured to an arm of an archer by engaging a portion of the adjustment portion with a portion of the securing portion. In some embodiments, the body is configured to position the base weight at a location between a finger tip of the arm and an elbow of the arm.

In some embodiments of the weighted archery accessory, the adjustment portion includes a plurality of adjuster engagers positioned along the adjustment portion. In some embodiments of the weighted archery accessory, the securing portion includes a securing member that is structured to engage one or more of the adjuster engagers. In some embodiments of the weighted archery accessory, the body includes an intermediate portion configured to be positioned to engage part of a circumferential skin surface of an arm. In some embodiments, the circumferential skin surface includes a dorsal region bound by a dorsal boundary and a ventral region bound by a ventral boundary. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion is sized to fit entirely within one of the dorsal region or the ventral region. In some embodiments of the weighted archery accessory, the base weight define a first diameter, and the one or more weight units define a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. In some embodiments of the weighted archery accessory, the at least one weight unit holder includes a seat positioned on the base weight and a weight securing member structured to engage the seat. In some embodiments, the weight securing member is structured to traverse the at least one weight unit holder and couple the at least one weight unit to the base weight through the engagement of the weight securing member with the seat.

Aspects of the following disclosure are directed to embodiments of an archery accessory. In some embodiments, the archery accessory includes a body extending along a body axis from a first end to a second end. In some embodiments, the body includes a holding portion, an adjustment portion located between the holding portion and the second end of the body, and a securing portion located between the holding portion and the first end of the body. In some embodiments, a base weight is fixedly secured to the holding portion of the body and includes at least one weight unit holder that is structured to secure one or more additional weight units to the base weight. In some embodiments, the body is configured to be secured to an arm of an archer by engaging a portion of the adjustment portion with a portion of the securing portion. In some embodiments, the body is configured to position the base weight at a location between a finger tip of the arm and an elbow of the arm.

In some embodiments of the archery accessory, the adjustment portion includes a plurality of adjuster engagers positioned along the adjustment portion. In some embodiments, the securing portion includes a securing member that is structured to engage one or more of the adjuster engagers. In some embodiments of the archery accessory, the body includes an intermediate portion configured to be positioned to engage part of a circumferential skin surface of an arm. In some embodiments, the circumferential skin surface includes a dorsal region bound by a dorsal boundary and a ventral region bound by a ventral boundary. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion is sized to fit entirely within one of the dorsal region or the ventral region. In some embodiments of the archery accessory, the base weight defines a first diameter, and the one or more weight units define a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. In some embodiments of the archery accessory, the at least one weight unit holder includes a seat that is positioned on the base weight and a weight securing member that is structured to engage the seat. In some embodiments, the weight securing member is structured to traverse the at least one weight unit holder and couple the at least one weight unit to the base weight through the engagement of the weight securing member with the seat.

Aspects of the following disclosure are directed to embodiments of a method of manufacturing a weighted archery accessory. In some embodiments, the method includes structuring a body to extend along a body axis from a first end to a second end. In some embodiments, the method includes structuring the body to include a holding portion, an adjustment portion located between the holding portion and the second end of the body, and a securing portion located between the holding portion and the first end of the body. In some embodiments, the method includes structuring a base weight to be fixedly secured to the holding portion of the body and structuring the base weight to comprise at least one weight unit holder. In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring the at least one weight holder unit to secure one or more additional weight units to the base weight. In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring the body to be secured to an arm of an archer by engaging a portion of the adjustment portion with a portion of the securing portion. In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring the body to position the base weight at a location between a finger tip of the arm and an elbow of the arm.

In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring the adjustment portion to comprise a plurality of adjuster engagers positioned along the adjustment portion. In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring the securing portion to comprise a securing member that is structured to engage one or more of the adjuster engagers. In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring the base weight to comprise a first diameter and structuring the one or more weight units to comprise a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring the at least one weight unit holder to comprise a seat positioned on the base weight and a weight securing member structured to engage the seat. In some embodiments, the method further includes structuring the weight securing member to traverse the at least one weight unit and couple the at least one weight unit to the base weight through the engagement of the weight securing member with the seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings show embodiments of the disclosed subject matter for the purpose of illustrating the invention. However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a top perspective view of a weighted archery accessory including additional weight units according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 without additional weight units according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a weighted archery accessory with the first end of the body coupled to the second end of the body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B schematically illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of an arm of an archer indicating possible positions of the base weight on the dorsal and ventral sides of the arm according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a weighted archery accessory with the first end of the body coupled to the second end of the body and including a base weight, an addition al weight unit coupled to the base weight, a plurality of additional weight units and a tool to assist in securing and unsecuring additional weight units to the base weight according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B schematically illustrates a sectional view along A-A of FIG. 4A with the securing member removed according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the weighted archery accessory being worn by a user near the ventral part of the forearm according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout this disclosure set forth herein, the word “including” indicates or means “including, without limitation,” the word “includes” indicates or means “includes, without limitation,” the phrases “such as” and “e.g.” indicate or mean “including, without limitation,” and the phrase “for example” refers to a non-limiting example.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in an embodiment, a weighted archery accessory 100 for use with archery devices, such as archery bows, is shown as generally comprising a body 110 and one or more weight units 130 secured to the body 110. In the embodiments shown, the body 110 extends along a body axis B from a first end 112 to a second end 114. Referring specifically to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the body 110 includes an adjustment portion 116, a securing portion 118 and a holding portion 120. As shown, the adjustment portion 116 is located between the holding portion 120 and the second end 114 of the body and the securing portion 118 is located between the holding portion 120 and the first end 112 of the body. Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4B, the body 110 further includes an intermediate portion 113 that is structured to be positioned to engage part of circumferential skin surface 54 of an arm 50 of an archer. In some embodiments, the arm 50 is the forearm defined between a wrist of an archer and an elbow of an archer. The circumferential skin surface 54 includes a dorsal region 55 bound by a dorsal boundary 56 and a ventral region 57 bound by a ventral boundary 59. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 113 is sized to fit entirely within one of the dorsal boundary 56 or the ventral boundary 59. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 113 is positioned entirely within the dorsal region 55 or the ventral region 57. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 113 is partially positioned in the dorsal region 55 and the ventral region 57. The ability of the archer to adjust the position of the weight enables the archer to apply the weight force to a desired part of the arm for providing customized assistance and stability during a shooting process.

In some embodiments, the adjustment portion 116 defines a plurality of adjuster engagers 117 and the securing portion 118 includes at least one securing member 119 structured to cooperate with the plurality of adjuster engages 117. In operation, the adjustment portion 116 and the securing portion 118 are brought into contact with each other such that the securing member 119 engages at least one of the adjuster engager 117. Engagement of the securing portion 118 with at least one of the adjuster engagers 117 acts to secure the first end 112 of the body to the second end 114 of the body forming a loop as shown, for example in FIGS. 3A-5, that is sized to at least partially accept a portion of the archer's arm 50 (see FIG. 5).

In some embodiments, the securing member 119 comprises a buckle and the position engagers comprise openings defined in the adjustment portion 116 of the body 110. In some embodiments, the body 110 is comprised of a flexible and durable material. In some embodiments the body 110 is comprised of a natural material, such as leather or cotton. In some embodiments, the body 110 is comprised of a synthetic material, such as nylon or spandex. In some embodiments, the body 110 is comprised of an elastic material such that the body 110 may be stretched in order to fit onto and be secured to a portion an archer's arm between the archer's hand 52 (see FIG. 5) and elbow. In some embodiments, the body 110 includes the structure of a belt with a buckle or an adjustable wrist band. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first and second ends 112, 114 of the body 110 are permanently joined together and may form a continuous loop that does not include a securing member 119 or at least one adjuster engager 117.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-5, the holding portion 120 of the body 110 includes a weight unit holder or holders 122. In some embodiments, the one or more weight unit holders 122 are components that are formed separately from the body 110 and subsequently coupled to the body 110. In some embodiments, the one or more weight unit holders 122 are comprised of a fastener structured to removably couple to the body 110. Referring to FIGS. 4A-5, in some embodiments, a base weight unit 134 is coupled to the body 110 and one or more weight units 130 are removably coupled to the base weight 134 via a weight unit holder 122. In some embodiments, the one or more weight units 130 define a bore 132 structured to traverse the weight unit 130. In some embodiments, the base weight unit 134 is fixedly coupled to the body 110. In some embodiments, the base weight 134 includes one or more weight unit holders 122. In some embodiments, each of the one or more the weight unit holders 122 is comprised of multiple components. Referring to FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, each weight unit holder 122 comprises a seat 126 and a weight unit securing member 128 structured to cooperate with the seat 126. In some embodiments, the one or more weight unit holders 122 are at least partially formed as a single unit with the base weight 134. For example, in some embodiments, the base weight 134 and the seat 126 are formed as a single component. In some embodiments, the one or more weight units 130 are removably coupled to the base weight 134 via one or more weight unit holders 122. In some embodiments, the one or more weight unit holders 122 are structured to exert a compressive force against the weight unit 130 when secured to the body 110 or base weight 134. In some embodiments, the weight unit securing member 128 includes one or more surface features 129 structured to engage with one or more complementary surface features 127 of the seat 126. In some embodiments, the weight unit securing member 128 comprises a fastener and the seat 126 comprises a bore or cavity structured to at least partially accept the fastener and cooperate or otherwise engage the fastener. In some embodiments, the seat 126 and the weight unit securing member 128 are comprised of a metal or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the engagement between the weight unit securing member 128 and the seat 126 comprises a threaded engagement.

The weight units 130 and the base weight 134 may be comprised of a high mass density, or in other words, a material with a high mass to volume ratio. The high mass to volume ratio concentrates as much mass at the smallest point 58. In some embodiments, having a high mass density at the smallest point 58 possible results in more effective stabilization as compared to distributing the same weight over a larger area. In some embodiments, the weight units 130 may be comprised of tungsten or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the metal alloy may comprise lead. Each weight unit 130 comprises a weight such that the total weight of the weighted archery accessory 100 depends on the weight of the body 110, the weight of the base weight 134, and the weight of each weighted unit 130 secured to the body 110 or base weight 134. In some embodiments, the weighted archery accessory 100 comprises a weight of at least 4 ounces. In some embodiments, the weighted archery accessory 100 comprises a weight of between about 8 ounces and about 30 ounces. Accordingly, each of the weight units 130 may comprise any suitable amount of weight. In some embodiments, the archer may add additional weight to the body 110 by securing one or more weight units 130 to the holding portion 120 of the body using one or more weight unit holders 122. In some embodiments, the one or more weight units 130 are secured to the base weight 134 (FIGS. 4A-5) positioned at the holding portion 120 of the body 110 using one or more weight unit holders 122. Addition of additional weight units 130 enables the archer to customize the weighted archery accessory 100 to meet their preferences.

In some embodiments, the base weight 134 and the weight units 130 may comprise a variety of shapes and dimensions. For example, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, the base weight 134 and the weight units 130 may comprise a generally planar shape. In some embodiments, the base weight 134 and the weight units 130 may comprise a disk shape. In some embodiments, one or more of the weight units 130 may generally comprise a non-planar shape, such as a cylindrical, conical, or spherical shape. In some embodiments, the base weight 134 may define a base weight diameter D1 and the one or more weights units define a unit diameter D2. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4. In some embodiments, the base weight diameter D1 is smaller than the unit diameter D2. In some embodiments, each weight unit 130 comprises a different diameter from each other.

Operation of the weighted archery accessory 100 will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-5. As previously discussed, the weighted archery accessory 100 includes a base weight 134 that is fixedly coupled to the body 110 of the weighted archery accessory 100. Some archers may find that the base weight 134 is heavy enough to provide a sufficient stabilizing effect. In order to wear the weighted archery accessory 100, the body 110 is secured around the arm 50 of the archer by engagement of the securing member 119 with at least one of the adjuster engagers 117. The archer may adjust the fit around their arm 50 depending on which of the plurality of adjuster engagers 117 is engaged by the securing member 119. In some embodiments, the weighted archery accessory 100 is structured to be worn around the archer's arm 50 so that the base weight 134 (and any additional weight units 130) are positioned between the archer's hand 52 and elbow. In some embodiments, the archery accessory 100 is structured to be worn around the arm 50 or an archer so that the base weight 134 (and any additional weight units 130) are positioned at a location between a finger tip 51 of the arm 50 and an elbow of the arm. In some embodiments, the base weight 134 (and any additional weight units 130) are structured to be positioned in a single area or point 58 between the fingertip 51 of the arm and the elbow of the arm instead of surrounding the arm 50.

Alternatively, the base weight 134 may not be heavy enough to be effective for some archers. In these instances, the archer may secure the body 110 to their arm 50 as previously described and then add one or more additional weight units 130. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, additional weight units 130 may be secured to the base weight 134 using one or more weight unit holders 122. In some embodiments, the weight unit holder 122 exerts a compressive force to secure the weight unit 130 to the base weight 134. In some embodiments, the weight unit securing member 128 is structured to traverse the weight unit 130 and secure the weight unit 130 to the base weight 134 via engagement with the seat 126. In some embodiments, the weight unit securing member 128 threadably engages the seat 126.

In some embodiments, the weight unit holder threadably engages the base weight 134 and the weight unit 130. In some embodiments, the weight unit holder 122 defines a tool interface 123 structured to cooperate with an end 202 of a tool 200 in order to secure and unsecure the weight unit holder 122 to the base weight 134. In some embodiments, the weight unit holder 122 is a fastener.

In some embodiments, the archer may require more than one additional weight unit 130 to achieve the desires stability. In these instances, more than one weight unit 130 may be secured to the base weight 134 in a similar manner as previously described. In some embodiments, the weighted archery accessory 100 is structured to position at least some the plurality of weight units 130 between a finger tip 51 of the arm and an elbow of the arm. In some embodiments, the weighted archery accessory 100 further includes a glove. In such embodiments, the base weight may be secured to a portion of the glove body and additional weight units 130 may be added in a similar manner as previously described. In some embodiments, the body 110 of the weighted archery accessory 100 includes a band or sleeve that is configured to be worn on the archer's arm 50 and extend from the archer's hand 52 to the archer's elbow. In these embodiments, the base weight 134 is fixedly secured the sleeve and additional weight units 130 may be secured to the base weight in a similar manner as previously described.

In some embodiments, the weighted archery accessory 100 produces a stabilizing force. The stabilizing force acts to inhibit movement of the archer's arm 50 when the archer is holding a bow in the fully drawn or shooting position. The weight units exert a downward force that counters and/or diminishes the shaking forces generated by the archer's muscles, which may occur in many different directions. Inhibiting arm 50 movement (i.e., shaking due to muscle fatigue) improves the archer's ability to accurately aim as well as overall shooting accuracy. The stabilizing function of the weighted archery accessory 100 also improve and maintain the archer's form, which further improves shooting accuracy and reduces injury. Moreover, the weighted archery accessory 100 generates momentum during use that is generally directed along the arm 50 of the archer in a direction away from the target. The momentum generated by the weighted archery accessory 100 improves the ease at which the archer is able to draw the bowstring or draw cord of the archery bow from a resting or undrawn position to the fully drawn position. Accordingly, it is easier for the archer to overcome the maximum force required to fully draw the archery bow.

In some embodiments, the weighted archery accessory 100 may be suitable to non-archery uses, such as to treat individuals with hand tremors resulting from a medical condition. The weight units of the weighted archery accessory 100 exert a downward force that counters and/or diminishes the shaking forces generated by the individual's muscles, which may occur in many different directions. In some embodiments, the base weight 134 and/or the additional weight units 130 of the archery accessory 100 may be differently dimensioned for non-archery uses than the base weight 134 and/or additional weight units 130 used for archery. In some embodiments where the weighted archery accessory 100 is used for non-archery purposes, the body 110 may be at least partially made of a high-density metal.

The parts, components, and structural elements of the weighted archery accessory can be combined into an integral or unitary, one-piece object through welding, soldering, plastic molding other methods, or such parts, components, and structural elements can be distinct, removable items that are attachable to each other through screws, bolts, pins and other suitable fasteners.

In the foregoing description, certain components or elements may have been described as being configured to mate with each other. For example, an embodiment may be described as a first element (functioning as a male) configured to be inserted into a second element (functioning as a female). It should be appreciated that an alternate embodiment includes the first element (functioning as a female) configured to receive the second element (functioning as a male). In either such embodiment, the first and second elements are configured to mate with, fit with or otherwise interlock with each other.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the disclosure.

Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure.