Archery Bow Riser Weight

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/676,269, filed Jul. 26, 2024, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to archery bows and more specifically to archery bow designs intended to enhance stability.

Archery bow stabilizers are known in the art and used to increase bow stability. Archery bow stabilizers often include weights mounted at the end of a rod, which is attached to the archery bow. A stabilizer will generally increase a bow's moment of inertia, which is desirable, but will also increase the mass weight of the bow, which is not desirable. The specific configuration of a stabilizer, such as the length of a rod and/or the total amount of weight, may impact the way a bow behaves after an arrow is fired. Although a stabilizer having large weights spaced far in front of the riser can provide high stability, it will also encourage the bow to pivot forward after an arrow is launched.

There remains a need for novel archery bow stabilizer designs that provide for increased stability while having smaller dimensions and better ergonomics than prior stabilizer designs.

All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a riser, a first limb assembly, a second limb assembly and a bowstring arranged to flex the first limb assembly and the second limb assembly. A weight is attached to the riser. The weight comprises a first portion attached to a second portion. The first portion contacts the riser and the second portion contacts the riser.

In some embodiments, the first portion comprises a first channel and the second portion comprises a second channel. The riser comprises a strut. A portion of the strut is oriented in the first channel and a portion of the strut oriented in the second channel.

In some embodiments, the riser comprises a cavity. The first portion comprises a first protrusion oriented in the cavity and the second portion comprises a second protrusion oriented in the cavity.

In some embodiments, the cavity comprising a noncircular shape. In some embodiments, the first protrusion comprises a noncircular shape.

In some embodiments, weight comprises a fastener attached to the first portion and the second portion, and the fastener extends through the cavity. In some embodiments, a second fastener attaches the first portion to the second portion, and the second fastener does not extend through the cavity.

In some embodiments, a shape of the second portion comprises a mirror image of a shape of the first portion.

In some embodiments, the bow does not include any fastener arranged to contact the weight and the riser.

In some embodiments, a gasket is oriented between the riser and the weight.

In some embodiments, the bow comprises a shooting plane, and the first portion and the second portion are oriented on opposite sides of the shooting plane.

In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a riser comprising a cavity, a first limb assembly, a second limb assembly and a bowstring arranged to flex the first limb assembly and the second limb assembly. A weight is attached to the riser. The weight comprises a first portion, a second portion and a fastener attaching the first portion to the second portion. The first portion is oriented in the cavity and the second portion is oriented in the cavity.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an archery bow.

FIG. 2 shows a portion of the bow of FIG. 1 and a weight in greater detail.

FIG. 3 shows another view of bow of FIG. 1 and a weight.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a weight.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a weight detached from the bow.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of a weight having one portion oriented for engagement with the bow and another portion detached from the bow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of an archery bow 10 in a brace or undrawn condition. In some embodiments, a bow 10 comprises a riser 12, a first limb assembly 14 and a second limb assembly 18. Desirably, the bow 10 comprises a bowstring 16 arranged to flex the limbs 14, 18 when the bowstring 16 is drawn. Desirably, the bow 10 is arranged to launch an arrow along a shooting axis 11. In some embodiments, the bow 10 defines a shooting plane 13. In some embodiments, the shooting plane 13 comprises a midplane of the bow 10. Desirably, the shooting axis 11 is oriented in the shooting plane 13 and the bowstring 16 moves in the shooting plane 13 when the bow 10 is drawn.

In some embodiments, a bow 10 can comprise a non-compound bow (not illustrated), for example wherein a bowstring is attached to the limbs.

In some embodiments, a bow 10 comprises a compound bow. In some embodiments, a bow 10 comprises a first rotatable member 20 supported by the first limb assembly 14 and a second rotatable member 22 supported by the second limb assembly 18. In some embodiments, a bowstring 16 extends between the first rotatable member 20 and the second rotatable member 22. In some embodiments, the bow 10 comprises a first power cable 30. In some embodiments, the first rotatable member 20 comprises a first cam 21 arranged to take up the first power cable 30 as the bowstring 16 is drawn.

In some embodiments, an archery bow 10 comprises a single-cam compound bow (not shown), for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,006, for example wherein a first rotatable member can comprise a cam and two bowstring feed-outs, and the second rotatable member 22 can comprise a pulley.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the bow 10 comprises a second power cable 32. In some embodiments, the second rotatable member 22 comprises a second cam 23 arranged to take up the second power cable 32 as the bowstring 16 is drawn.

In some embodiments, a rotatable member 20, 22 comprises a force vectoring anchor 25, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,020,544. In some embodiments, an end of a power cable 30, 32 is engaged with the force vectoring anchor 25.

In some embodiments, the bow 10 comprises a grip 26.

In some embodiments, the riser 12 comprises an accessory cavity 36 arranged to receive an accessory such as a sight, for example as disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 11/885,588. In some embodiments, the riser 12 comprises an accessory cavity 38 arranged to receive an accessory such as a stabilizer, for example as disclosed in US 20230243616.

In some embodiments, the riser 12 comprises a first bushing 40 arranged to receive a threaded stud, for example to mount an accessory such as a stabilizer. In some embodiments, the riser 12 comprises a second bushing 42 arranged to receive a threaded stud, for example to mount a second accessory such as a second stabilizer. In some embodiments, the first bushing 40 and the second bushing 42 face different directions.

In some embodiments, the bow 10 comprises a vibration damper 44, for example as described in U.S. Ser. No. 10/393,471. In some embodiments, a vibration damper 44 comprises a resilient member 46 and a suspended weight 48.

In some embodiments, the bow 10 comprises a weight 60 attached to the riser 12.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show more detailed views of the embodiment of a weight 60 attached to the embodiment of a bow 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a weight 60.

In some embodiments, a weight 60 comprises a first portion 62 and a second portion 64. In some embodiments, the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 are approximately equal in size. In some embodiments, the first portion 62 comprises a first side of the weight 60 and the second portion 64 comprises a second side of the weight 60. In some embodiments, the first portion 62 comprises a first half of the weight 60 and the second portion 64 comprises a second half of the weight 60. In some embodiments, the first portion 62 is symmetrical with the second portion 64. In some embodiments, an external shape of the second portion 64 comprises a mirror image of the external shape of the first portion 62.

In some embodiments, the riser 12 comprises a housing structure 19 arranged to receive the vibration damper 44. In some embodiments, the housing structure 19 comprises an aperture 28 arranged to receive a resilient member 46 of a vibration damper 44. In some embodiments, the housing structure 19 is integrally formed with the riser 12. In some embodiments, the housing structure 19 comprises the forwardmost portion of the riser 12, for example being the portion of the riser 12 spaced farthest from the bowstring 16 in the brace condition. In some embodiments, the housing structure 19 comprises curvature. In some embodiments, the housing structure 19 defines a circular shape. In some embodiments, the housing structure 19 extends continuously around the vibration damper 44.

In some embodiments, the weight 60 is positioned adjacent to the vibration damper 60. In some embodiments, the weight 60 is positioned below the vibration damper 60, for example wherein the vibration damper 60 is located between the weight 60 and the shooting axis 11.

In some embodiments, the weight 60 is centered upon the shooting plane 13. In some embodiments, the first portion 62 is oriented to a first side of the shooting plane 13 and the second portion 64 is oriented to a second side of the shooting plane 13. In some embodiments, an external shape of the second portion 64 comprises a mirror image of the external shape of the first portion 62 taken across the shooting plane 13. In some embodiments, the shooting plane 13 bisects the weight 10. In some embodiments, the shooting plane 13 bisects the vibration damper 44.

In some embodiments, the weight 60 comprises an outer surface portion 68 that comprises curvature. In some embodiments, the outer surface portion 68 is concave. In some embodiments, the outer surface portion 68 is positioned adjacent to the housing structure 19. In some embodiments, the curvature of the outer surface portion 68 matches the curvature of the housing structure 19. In some embodiments, the outer surface portion 68 defines a cavity and a portion of the housing structure 19 extends into the cavity. In some embodiments, the first portion 62 of the weight 60 comprises a first outer surface portion 68a that comprises curvature and the second portion 64 of the weight 60 comprises a second outer surface portion 68b that comprises curvature.

In some embodiments, the riser 12 supports a limb cup 17 and the limb cup 17 supports a limb assembly, such as the second limb assembly 18.

In some embodiments, the weight 60 is positioned adjacent to the limb cup 17. In some embodiments, the weight 60 is positioned above the limb cup 17, for example wherein the weight 60 is located between the shooting axis 11 and the limb cup 17.

In some embodiments, the weight 60 is positioned between the vibration damper 44 and the limb cup 17.

In some embodiments, the weight 60 comprises a fastener 74. In some embodiments, the fastener 74 is engaged with the first portion 62 and is engaged with the second portion 64. In some embodiments, the fastener 74 attaches the first portion 62 to the second portion 64. In some embodiments, the fastener 74 abuts the second portion 64 and threadably engages the first portion 62. In some embodiments, the first portion 62 comprises a cavity 63 and the fastener 74 is oriented in the cavity 63. In some embodiments, the cavity 63 comprises screw threads arranged to engage threads on the fastener 74. In some embodiments, the second portion 64 comprises an aperture 65 and the fastener 74 extends through the aperture 65. In some embodiments, the aperture 65 changes in diameter and defines a flange, and a head of the fastener abuts the flange.

In some embodiments, the fastener 74 comprises a first fastener 74 and the weight 60 comprises a second fastener 76. In some embodiments, the cavity 63 comprises a first cavity 63 and the first portion 62 comprises a second cavity 73. In some embodiments, the aperture 65 comprises a first aperture 65 and the second portion 64 comprises a second aperture 75. In some embodiments, the second fastener 76, the second cavity 73 and the second aperture 75 comprise respective features as described herein with respect to the first fastener 74, the first cavity 63 and the first aperture 65.

In some embodiments, the first portion 62 comprises a first channel 78. In some embodiments, the first channel 78 comprises a slot or recess formed in the first portion 62. In some embodiments, the first channel 78 comprises flared end portions.

In some embodiments, the first portion 62 comprises a first protrusion 80. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 80 is adjacent to the first channel 78. In some embodiments, a sidewall of the first protrusion 80 comprises a sidewall of the first channel 78. In various embodiments, the first protrusion 80 can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 80 comprises a non-circular shape. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 80 comprises a concave portion 82 that is concave with respect to the interior of the first protrusion 80. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 80 comprises a plurality of concave portions 82. In some embodiments, the first protrusion comprises at least one joining portion 84 extending between two concave portions 82. In various embodiments, a joining portion 84 can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, a joining portion 84 can be concave but have less curvature than a concave portion 82. In some embodiments, the joining portion(s) 84 are not concave with respect to the interior of the first protrusion 80. In some embodiments, a joining portion 84 comprises a flat surface. In some embodiments, a joining portion 84 is convex with respect to the interior of the first protrusion 80. As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the first protrusion 80 comprises three concave portions 82 and three joining portions 84 arranged to create a generally triangular shape or rounded triangular shape. In some embodiments, each joining portion 84 comprises convex curvature. In some embodiments, an amount of curvature of one joining portion 84 can be different from an amount of curvature of another joining portion 84. In some embodiments, a joining portion 84 comprises the outer surface portion 68.

In some embodiments, the first cavity 63 extends into the first protrusion 80.

In some embodiments, the second portion 64 comprises a second channel 88 and a second protrusion 90. In some embodiments, the second channel 88 comprises features as described herein with respect to the first channel 78. In some embodiments, the second protrusion 90 comprises features as described with respect to the first protrusion 80.

FIGS. 5-7 show views of an embodiment of a riser 12 and an embodiment of a weight 60, for example during installation. In some embodiments, the riser 12 comprises a cavity 52 arranged to receive at least a portion of the weight 60. In some embodiments, the cavity 52 is located adjacent to the vibration damper 44 housing 19, and the housing 19 defines a first portion of the cavity 52.

In some embodiments, the cavity 52 is arranged to receive portions of the weight 60. In some embodiments, the cavity 52 comprises a non-circular shape. In some embodiments, the cavity 52 is arranged to receive the first protrusion 80 of the first portion 62 and the second protrusion 90 of the second portion 64.

In some embodiments, a shape of the cavity 52 is similar to a shape of the first protrusion 80. In some embodiments, the shape of the cavity 52 is similar to a shape of the second protrusion 90. In some embodiments, the cavity 52 comprises a concave portion 56 that is concave with respect to the interior of the cavity 52. In some embodiments, the cavity 52 comprises a plurality of concave portions 56. In some embodiments, the cavity 52 comprises at least one joining portion 58 extending between two concave portions 56. In various embodiments, a joining portion 58 can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, a joining portion 58 can be concave but have less curvature than a concave portion 56. In some embodiments, the joining portion(s) 58 are not concave with respect to the interior of the first protrusion 80. In some embodiments, a joining portion 58 comprises a flat surface. In some embodiments, a joining portion 58 is convex with respect to the interior of the cavity 52. As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the cavity 52 comprises three concave portions 56 and three joining portions 58 arranged to create a generally triangular shape or rounded triangular shape. In some embodiments, each joining portion 58 comprises convex curvature. In some embodiments, an amount of curvature of one joining portion 58 can be different from an amount of curvature of another joining portion 58.

In some embodiments, the riser 12 comprises a strut 54 and the strut 54 defines a second portion of the cavity 54. In some embodiments, the strut 54 is attached to the housing 19. In some embodiments, the strut 54 extends from the housing 19 toward the limb cup 17. In some embodiments, the strut 54 comprises a joining portion 58. In some embodiments, the strut 54 is oriented in the first channel 78 when the weight 60 is attached to the riser 12. In some embodiments, the strut 54 is oriented in the second channel 88 when the weight 60 is attached to the riser 12. In some embodiments, the strut 54 comprises curvature along its length, and the channels 78, 88 also comprise curvature.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show views wherein the second portion 64 of a weight 60 is engaged with the riser 12, with the second protrusion 90 oriented in the cavity 52, and the strut 54 oriented in the second channel 88.

In some embodiments, the shooting plane 13 bisects the cavity 52, and a first portion of the cavity 52 is oriented to a first side of the shooting plane 13 and a second portion of the cavity 52 is oriented to a second side of the shooting plane 13. In some embodiments, the first protrusion 80 is oriented in the first portion of the cavity 52 and the second protrusion 90 is oriented in the second portion of the cavity 52.

In some embodiments, the shooting plane 13 bisects the strut 54, and a first portion of the strut 54 is oriented to a first side of the shooting plane 13 and a second portion of the strut 54 is oriented to a second side of the shooting plane 13. In some embodiments, the first portion of the strut 54 is oriented in the first channel 78 and the second portion of the strut 54 is oriented in the second channel 88.

In some embodiments, the first fastener 74 (see e.g. FIG. 3) is attached to the first portion 62 and the second portion 64 and extends through the cavity 52. In some embodiments, the first fastener 74 crosses the shooting plane 13. In some embodiments, the second fastener 76 is attached to the first portion 62 and the second portion 64, and the second fastener 76 does not extend through the cavity 52.

In some embodiments, the weight 60 is shaped to engage the riser 12 via contact between the riser 12 and the first portion 62 and second portion 64, without any fastener contacting the riser 12. In some embodiments, the first fastener 74 does not contact or engage the riser 12. In some embodiments, the second fastener 76 does not contact or engage the riser 12.

In some embodiments, one or more gaskets 86 are provided between the weight 60 and the riser 12. In some embodiments, a gasket 86 is provided between the strut 54 and the first channel 78. In some embodiments, a gasket 86 is provided between the strut 54 and the second channel 88. In various embodiments, a gasket 86 can comprise any suitable material and is desirably softer than material used for the riser 12 or the weight 60. In some embodiments, a gasket 86 comprises a non-metal. In some embodiments, a gasket 86 comprises rubber, an elastomer or a polymeric material. In some embodiments, a gasket 86 comprises neoprene.

In some embodiments, a weight 60 can comprise a plurality of protrusions (not illustrated) arranged to collectively engage a cavity 52 of the riser 12. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion 62 can comprise a plurality of protrusions, wherein each protrusion engages a concave portion 56 of the cavity 52. In some embodiments, the second portion 64 can comprises a plurality of protrusions arranged to engage the cavity 52.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims.

Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.