Bow Cord Locking Mechanism

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/729,600, filed Dec. 9, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The bow cord locking attachment described herein relates generally to an attachment to a compound archery bowstring or cable, collectively called a bow cord, in particular a dynamic structure(s) and static structure(s) for locking mechanism and apparatus to a bow cord.

BACKGROUND

A compound archery bow typically includes a pair of pulleys, with at least one of the pulleys having a cam surface to provide a mechanical advantage while drawing the bow. Typically, an archer will purchase a bow at a Pro shop and frequently return the bow for tuning and maintenance. Once a bow (used or new) is purchased, there is a need to place an apparatus within the bowstring. The Peep, Drop-away anchor, D-Loop, or Speed Weights will have to be adjusted to correct eye level; arrow level at the nock; speed weight alignment for optimal speed during the life of the bow. Once a new bow is purchased, the attachment of these devices is transferred to the new bow.

A bowstring may include of up to twenty or more strands of string to make a complete bow cord. Typically, when the bowstring is not relaxed, it is under tremendous pressure. The bow cord is in a loaded setting, and all apparatuses that attach thereto must be served—to do this the bowstring must be relaxed and split, the peep inserted between the two string halves, and then the bowstring is released from being relaxed. This process is then repeated as necessary to adjust the position of the apparatus.

For example, to install a peep sight approximately one-half of the total bowstring will follow a groove on the peep, while the other half will follow the groove on the other side of the peep. If not properly secured, with BCY, or other string material, the peep will move with ease or fly forward independently of the bowstring once shot. The serving process takes time and skill. Usually, Pro Shops do this process as a customer service associated with the purchase of a new bow. The same process occurs when tying in a cord that attaches between the drop away rest and cable. Each time this process occurs, it costs both the customer and dealer time and money.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the Summary is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Summary is neither intended to define the inventive concept(s) of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the inventive concept(s) in any way.

The embodiments described in this disclosure enable an archer to secure a speed weight; Peep sight; D-Loop; Drop-away rest cord, or any apparatus, on a bowstring without having to “serve” or relax the bowstring in order to attach an apparatus. The embodiments described are applicable to both a bowstring and bow cable. In this disclosure, a reference to a bow cord therefore may be considered as being applicable to a bowstring or a bow cable.

With the inventive concepts disclosed herein, there is no longer a need to serve, or relax the bowstring to attach any apparatus to mount on a bow cord (bowstring or cable). The bow cord locking mechanism does not require the need to serve or relax the bow cord in order to secure the apparatus to the bow cord. The Bow Cord Locking Mechanism (referred to as BCLM) once attached to the bow cord and locked, changes the linear position of the string at a specific segment on the BCLM, creating a non-linear segment of the bow cord; hence, creating a static position of the apparatus to the bow cord. The BCLM attaches to the bow cord and will snap on and put pressure in a segment; hence, locking the BCLM to the bow cord. The non-linear defined segment restricts all movement of any apparatus that attaches to the bow cord. A dynamic mechanism bends the linear status of the bow cord.

The BCLM is inserted onto the bowstring or cable without the bow limbs being in a relaxed position, such as by a bow press, allowing the locking mechanism to function while there is tension on the cable or bowstring. The BCLM can then move freely on the bow cord once the locking lever is decompressed.

In addition to a peep being secured by a dynamic locking mechanism, in the same way, a speed weight, kisser button, D-loop, or any apparatus, may also be secured by the same locking mechanism.

Another use for this dynamic locking device is to secure a drop-away rest cord to the bow cable via a mechanical locking knotting device. Common current designs require that the drop-away rest cord be served-in, attached to, or crimped by a clam with a screw, to secure the position of the drop-away rest cord to the cable. The other option is to serve the end of the drop-away cord to the cable. This is very time consuming and requires experimentation to get the correct length of cord necessary to activate the drop-away rest. The need to quickly install a peep, weight, or drop-away rest cord is paramount for the end user or employee of the Pro Shop in terms of time, money, and functionality. With the design described here, the bow cord (bowstring or bow cord) does not need to be relaxed by a bow press in order to make a change to the location of the Peep, Drop-Away knotting device; D-Loop, Kisser Button; or Speed Weights. The changes can be made on the fly while in the field or Pro Shop by simply moving the lever on the bow cord BCLM; releasing the pressure on the dynamic locking mechanism; hence, relieving pressure of the apparatus from the string, allowing for removal of the apparatus from the bow cord.

The present invention relates to devices for attaching accessories to compound archery bowstrings or cables, and more particularly to a bow cord locking attachment and associated mechanisms configured to securely engage a bowstring or cable while enabling the integration of peep sights, drop-away rest cord attachments, and other bow-mounted components.

In one aspect, a bow cord locking attachment is provided having two outer components fixedly connected by a rod and spaced apart to receive a bowstring or cable. Each outer component includes a hook-shaped structure oriented in parallel to define a bowstring positioning axis, allowing the outer components to be hooked onto the bowstring or cable. A midsection component is positioned between the outer components and includes a locking device configured to bias the bowstring or cable into a generally U-shaped configuration between the outer components, thereby locking the attachment onto the bowstring or cable. In certain embodiments, the rod may be a hex rod. The locking device may be rotationally affixed to the rod such that rotation produces the U-shaped deformation, and may take the form of a lever or other mechanical locking element.

In further embodiments, the locking device may include a tab and set screw arrangement in which advancement of the set screw drives the tab into engagement with the bowstring or cable to force the desired U-shaped configuration. The attachment may additionally incorporate or support a peep sight, which may be integral with the attachment or connected to the midsection component. A drop-away rest cord attachment hole may also be included. The midsection component may comprise a groove for receiving the bowstring or cable, or a hook shape oriented opposite the hook shapes of the outer components to enhance mechanical engagement.

In another aspect, an apparatus is provided in which a bow cord locking mechanism comprises two or more components arranged vertically on a bow cord, including a top component, a bottom component, and a midsection component positioned between them. The top and bottom components are configured to hook onto the bowstring or bow cord, while the midsection component is configured to mechanically offset one side of the bowstring or cord segment extending between the top and bottom components to produce a U-shaped configuration. A peep body defining a peep aperture may be positioned adjacent the locking mechanism, and one or more of the components may incorporate a knotting device having openings for attaching a drop-away rest cord. In certain embodiments, the top and bottom components are static while the midsection component is dynamic to forcibly extend or displace the bowstring or cord beyond the stopping point of the static components.

In another aspect, a bow cord locking mechanism may be positioned within an archery bow cord formed from multiple strands. Two or more vertically arranged components interact with the bow cord, with at least one component employing a dynamic thrust that moves the bow cord past a stopping position established by one or more opposing components. A peep sight body defining a peep aperture may be positioned adjacent one of the components or integrated with one or more of the components, enabling the archer to sight through the peep aperture when aligned with the bowstring.

The inventive bow cord locking attachments and mechanisms provide secure, adjustable, and mechanically reliable tools for attaching components to modern compound bowstrings and cables. By employing opposing static and dynamic components to create a controlled U-shaped displacement of the cord, the invention enhances engagement strength, reduces slippage, and facilitates integration of sighting devices, rest cords, and other bow accessories.

Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective of a bow showing various embodiments in an archery environment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a speed weight;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a speed weight;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a speed weight;

FIG. 5 is a back view of a speed weight;

FIG. 6 is a left-side view of a speed weight;

FIG. 7 is a right-side view of a speed weight;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a speed weight;

FIG. 9 is top view of the locking peep device;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the locking peep device;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the locking peep device;

FIG. 12 is a top view showing the locking knotting device;

FIG. 13 is a left-side view of the locking knotting device;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the locking knotting device;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a mechanical locking device;

FIG. 16 is a left-side view of the mechanical locking device;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the mechanical locking device;

FIG. 18 is a back view of the mechanical locking device;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the inward thrust locking device;

FIG. 20 is a front view of the inward thrust locking device;

FIG. 21 is a left-side view of the inward thrust locking device;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the inward thrust locking device;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.

Particular detailed features and advantages will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with one or more of the accompanying FIGS. 1-22 of the figures. FIGS. 1-18 of the figures depict outward thrust of the center portion of the locking device from axis point. FIGS. 19-22 depict inward thrust from the midsection hook starting from the outside peripheral of bow cord.

The following Reference Numbers may be used in conjunction with one or more of the accompanying FIGS. 1-22 of the figures.

• • 100 BLCM speed weights
  • 106, 206, 306, 506 hex rod
  • 108, 208, 308, 408, 508 top and bottom hook
  • 110, 210, 310, 410 midsection component
  • 120, 110 bowstring
  • 130 bow cord or cable
  • 200, BCLM peep
  • 102, 202, 302, 502 lever handle
  • 300 BLCM drop away rest cord anchor
  • 314 drop away rest cord
  • 500 BLCM inward thrust unit
  • 510 midsection inward thrust bow cord pusher
  • 212 peep aperture attached to BCLM
  • 300 BCLM knotting device for drop away rest
  • 520 complete bow
  • 400 mechanical locking device
  • 416 hex screw adjuster
  • 410 mechanical inwardly bow cord thruster

A bow 520 as used in archery is depicted in the side perspective view of FIG. 1. The system as shown includes various accessory devices attached to bow cords 120, 130. The focus of this discussion will be on the attachment mechanism by which the accessory devices are connected to the bow cords 109, which is generically used to reference both a bowstring 120 used to propel an arrow, or a bow cable 130 which is used to tension the bow.

FIG. 1, shows an archer drawing a bowstring 120. A peep sight 200 is positioned on the bowstring 120. A dynamic locking knotting device 300 is attached to bow cable 130. A drop-away rest cord 314 attached to the bow 520 supports an arrow as the archer prepares to draw the bowstring 120. An accessory cord 314 provided as a drop-away rest cord, is connected at one end to the drop-away rest. The other end of the accessory cord ties into a knotting device 300 which is attached to the bow cord 130. The locking knotting device is positioned around the circumference of the bow cord.

As the archer draws the bowstring 120 the bow cable 130 moves downward taking with it the dynamic locking knotting device 300 which pulls the accessory cord 314 downward causing the drop-away rest to lift the support rest fork upward in conjunction with the arrow. Once the arrow is launched, this allows the arrow fletching to clear the forks of the rest to avoid all contact between the arrow fletching and the rest so as to not impede the arrow's flight path at the time the bowstring 120 is released. After the bowstring is released, the bow cable 130 retreats upward and the drop-away rest is allowed to flatten parallel to the riser shelf.

Each of the locking device, 100, 200, 300, as well as other accessory attachments can be constructed with features that cause the string 120, and cable 130, to force and maneuver a wave pattern between the top and bottom segment features. When the cord is taught, such apparatuses may be attached, and change the linear position of the bowstring 120, or cable 130 to mechanically force the inner substrate to force a non-linear pattern; hence, preventing the apparatus from slipping on the bow cord.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the top view of the speed weight locking mechanism device 100, as described above is attached to the bow cord 120 FIG. 1 by a specialized attachment device, the speed weight locking mechanism device, 100 and is attached to the bow cord 120 as seen in FIG. 1. In each of these cases the attachment is secured by a special connector of the present design. For installation of the speed weight device, or other device according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein, generally attach to a bow cord, and mechanically lock the apparatus 100 forcibly to the bow string 120. A hook shaped outer component 108 retains the bowstring from being forced outwardly within the circumference by the midsection component 110, and lever 102. A hex rod 106 secures all three or more components together. The two outer components 108 of the speed weight 100 have a smaller diameter opening than the hex 106 (or any geometric figure with one or more corners) to broach into the smaller hole. The midsection component 110 inner diameter is larger than the hex shape measured from corner to corner, and not the flat to flat measurement. The three segments 108, 108, 110 do not have to stack demonstratively as depicted in FIGS. 2-8.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the speed weight locking mechanism system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the bowstring 120 accepts the BCLM. Once the BCLM encompasses the bowstring, the midsection component 110 pushes the bowstring outwardly from the center portion of the BCLM 106; hence, locking the BCLM to the bowstring. A lever 102 may be added to allow leverage during the rotational locking process. The top and bottom segments 108 have hooks to stop the bowstring from further outward extension due to the outward pressure from the midsection component 110 during the rotational outward thrust movement.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the speed weight locking device 100. FIG. 4 depicts the top and bottom segments 108 of the locking device. The components 108 are designed to hold and encompass the bowstring, 120 as seen in FIG. 1, and prevent outward movement of the bowstring during the rotation of the midsection component 110 as it locks the entire component 100 onto the bowstring. A leverage handle 102 may be added for ease of rotation as it pushes the bowstring outwardly.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the speed weight locking device 100. As depicted, the bowstring 120 (FIG. 1) extends vertically, but is obstructed by a midsection component 110. As the midsection component 110 is rotated, it forces bowstring outward until it is stopped by component 108, which will thrust the bowstring outwardly creating an offset, or outward protrusion of a segment of the bowstring between the top and bottom 108 hook shaped components.

FIG. 6 is a left-side view of the speed weight BCLM 100. Depicted are the top and bottom components 108 that encompass the bowstring and stop the outward motion of the bowstring as the midsection component 110 pushes the bowstring outwardly, which locks the apparatus 100 to the bowstring. A lever 102 may be attached to midsection 110 to lessen the rotational pressure of closing apparatus to lock the components into the perspective position.

FIG. 7 is the right-side view of the speed weight BCLM 100 of FIG. 1. In the depicted embodiment, there are three stratified components of the BCLM, and may have more than three. The top and bottom components 108 stop the bowstring 120 (FIG. 1) as the midsection component 110 pushes the bowstring outwardly. A lever 102 is shown attached to the midsection component 110 to assist in closing the speed weight 100. During the rotational closing of midsection component 110 an outward thrust pushes the bowstring past the end circumference 108 causing a “u” shape, locking BLCM to the bow cord.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the speed weight BCLM 100. Depicted are the top and bottom components 108 with a specific ½ circumference hook to accept the bow cord. As the midsection component 110 rotates on the axis, it deflects the bowstring forward, causing pressure outwardly until the bowstring extends past the edge of the hook section of 108. Again, a lever 102 optionally is attached to the midsection component 110 to ease pressure upon closing apparatus 100. The components are held together with a hex rod 106 with one or more corners. The top and bottom of components 108 are fixedly held together or broached by a hex rod with one or more corners to prevent rotation on the axis. The midsection component 110 spins around the hex rod as to spin freely until bowstring is locked in the ½ circumference, or hook location of the midsection component 110.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a second embodiment of the invention being a peep/BCLM 200. Attached to the BCLM is a peep sight 212. The locking mechanism 200 has two or more components in order to lock the apparatus to the bow cord. The top and bottom hook components 208 are held together by a hex rod 206 or axis point. The midsection component 210 has an outward thrust which pushes the bowstring outwardly past the end of the hook 208 which locks the components to the bowstring. An optional handle lever 202 is added to the midsection 210.

FIG. 10 is the back view of the peep/BCLM 200 of FIG. 9. Depicted are the top and bottom components 208 and attached thereto is the peep aperture.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the peep/BCLM 200 combination of FIG. 9. The top and bottom hooks 208 stop the forward motion of the bowstring that is pushed outwardly via midsection component 210 for the purchase of locking components to the bowstring. Attached to the BCLM is the peep aperture 212. All components 200 attach to a hex rod 206. A lever handle 202 is attached to the midsection component 210 to add leverage while rotating midsection component 210.

FIG. 12 is a third embodiment of the invention being a BCLM/knotting device 300 that connects the drop away rest cord 314 to the bow cord 130 (FIG. 1) in order to raise and lower the rest forks under the arrow. A hex rod 306 is the axis point for the top and bottom hooks 308 and midsection component 310. A lever 302 is added to the midsection component to help close and lock the components onto the bowstring.

FIG. 13 is a left side-view of the BCLM/knotting device 300 of FIG. 12. The top and bottom hooks 308 encompass the bowstring (120 as seen in FIG. 1) and impedes the outward motion of the bow cord (adjacent to the axis) as the midsection component 310 pushes the bowstring outwardly during the rotation. Once the bowstring snaps into the moon shape section of the midsection component 310, the bowstring is forced in to a “u” shape; hence, locking the entire apparatus onto the bow cord. By adding a lever 302 to the midsection component 310, it becomes apparent that the leverage will make it easier to lock the midsection into the resting position. A drop away rest cord 314 is fed through the holes offered on the top and bottom component sections 308.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the entire BLCM/knotting device 300 of FIG. 12. The bowstring retaining platform 308, is held by an axis (hex rod) 306, along with the midsection component 310. A leverage handle 302 may be added to rotate the midsection component 310 as it rotates and locks the bowstring with a “u” configuration approximately 180 degrees from the axis point, or hex rod 306. The drop away rest cord 314 that initiates at the drop away rest, locates onto the BCLM/knotting device 300, to secure the connection between the rest and knotting device.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a mechanical locking system 400. The embodiment of FIG. 15 uses a setscrew 416 to push the midsection component 410 outwardly. The half-moon bowstring acceptor 408 forces the stoppage of the bowstring as the midsection 410 moves outwardly, causing the bowstring to move past the outermost section of the hooks of the top and bottom section 408 components. Once the bowstring moves past the furthest edge of the inner half-moon shape top and bottom 408 components, then a “u” shape is formed causing the mechanical locking system to lock in place on the bowstring. The forward movement (away from axis) of the midsection component, 410 is created by turning the setscrew 416 in a circular motion forcing the midsection 410 in or out.

FIG. 16 is a left-view of the mechanical locking system of FIG. 15. As depicted, the top and bottom components, 408 along with midsection 410, are used in conjunction to manipulate the bowstring into a “u” shape for purposes of locking the unit 400 onto the bowstring. The setscrew 416 pushes midsection 410 outwardly, past the extreme hook circumference for purposes of locking the BCLM 400 to the bowstring. The midsection could have an inward movement as well to lock mechanism to the bow cord.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the mechanical locking system 400 of FIG. 15. Depicted in this view are the top and bottom segments 408, and the dynamic midsection component 410. The bowstring fits in the middle of the midsection component 410 and is pushed past the inner circumference half-moon shape on the top and bottom portion 408 of the components in order to lock the mechanical locking system 400 onto the bowstring.

FIG. 18 is a back view of the mechanical locking system of FIG. 15. A setscrew is turned for the purpose of moving the midsection 410 (FIG. 17) forward or backward.

FIG. 19 is a top view of another embodiment of a BCLM 500. This view shows a top component 508 with a half-moon circumference for retaining the bowstring. The midsection component 510 also has a half-moon shape to retain the bowstring. The half-moon shape of the midsection is oriented in the opposite direction of the half-moon shape of the top and bottom components. The top component 508 and the midsection 510 are held and stacked by a hex rod 506. A handle lever 502 is designed to ease the force while locking the components onto the bowstring. FIGS. 19-22 function differently than FIGS. 2-14. FIG. 19 depicts another process of locking components onto the bowstring. The midsection 510 pushes bowstring inward towards the axis point, or the hex rod 506. FIGS. 2-14 depicts the midsection component pushing the bowstring outwardly.

FIG. 20 shows the front view of stacked components of BCLM 500 of FIG. 19. The top and bottom 508 components encompass the bowstring. The midsection 510 component is for the purpose of pushing the bowstring inwardly in order to lock the components onto the bowstring. A hand lever 502 is added to the midsection component 510 to dampen the pressure during the rotation of the component 510. During the rotation of the mid component 510, a hook grabs the bowstring and forces it towards the axis point creating a “u” shape; hence, locking the BCLM to the bow cord. The bow cord is pushed by the midsection 510 past the end circumference of the top and bottom component 508 causing a “u” shape.

FIG. 21 shows the left-view of the stacked components 500 of BCLM of FIG. 19. Depicted is the top and bottom 508 components that retain the bowstring within the half-moon shape. A midsection 510 component is for the purpose of pulling the bowstring towards the central axis or hex rod.

FIG. 22 shows an isometric view of a BCLM 500 of FIG. 19. This view shows the top and bottom components 508 for the purpose of retaining the bowstring within the boundaries of the halfmoon shape. The midsection 510 component during rotation, pushes the bowstring towards the axis point, or hex rod 506. The midsection 510 has a halfmoon shape that accepts the bowstring. As the midsection component rotates, the bowstring is pulled towards the axis point or hex rod 506. The rotation of component 510 bends the bowstring into a “u” shape; hence, locking the components onto the bowstring. A leverage handle 502 is added to help ease the pressure needed to rollover the bowstring within the boundaries of the half-moon shape of the midsection components 510. The rotation of the midsection component 510 pulls the bowstring towards the axis point, or the hex rod.