Abstract
An interactive device for improving accuracy in archery and similar endeavors is provided. In some embodiments, a deformable device is provided that is operable to communicate with an archery bow and receive force during use of the bow. The deformable device is operable to deflect in a manner that produces an audible and tactile signal to a user. The signal may correspond to an appropriate amount of string tension or draw, for example.
Claims
1. An archery bow comprising: a riser, an upper limb and a lower limb; wherein the riser comprises a bow handle operable to receive a hand of an archer; wherein the bow handle comprises a user-proximal surface and a user-distal surface; a release cue member provided on the user-proximal surface of the bow handle, wherein the release cue member is positioned and operable to communicate with a thumbpad portion of a hand of an archer; the release cue member comprising a deformable elastic member and a pliable cover member; wherein the deformable elastic member produces an audible sound and a tactile response upon being deflected in response to a force applied by the thumbpad portion of the hand of the archer.
2. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein the deformable elastic member comprises spring steel.
3. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein the deformable elastic member comprises a convex member relative to the bow handle.
4. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein the pliable cover member comprises a rubber.
5. The archery bow of claim 4, wherein the pliable cover member extends over an entirety of the deformable elastic member, and the pliable cover member is secured to the bow handle.
6. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein the pliable cover member is secured to the bow handle by an adhesive.
7. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein the force applied comprises a force associated with a desired release point of a drawn arrow.
8. An release cue member for an archery bow to be provided on a bow handle of an archery bow, the release cue member comprising: a deformable elastic member comprising a spring steel and a convex shape wherein a center portion of the deformable elastic member is operable to extend away from a bow handle; wherein the deformable elastic member comprises a plurality of extensions that extend radially away from the center portion; a cover member extending over at least a portion of the deformable elastic member and operable to contact a hand of an archer; at least one fastener operable to secure the cover member to the bow handle; at least one support pad to provide a stand-off height between the deformable elastic member and a bow handle; and wherein the at least one support pad is provided between a substrate member and the deformable elastic member.
9. The release cue member of claim 8, further comprising a substrate member.
10. The release cue member of claim 9, wherein the substrate member comprises a polyethylene and is operable to prevent direct contact between the deformable elastic member and a bow handle.
11. The release cue member of claim 8, wherein the at least one fastener comprises at least one of an adhesive and a mechanical fastener.
12. The release cue member of claim 8, wherein the cover member completely surrounds and covers the deformable elastic member and direct contact between a user and the deformable elastic portion is prevented.
13. A method using an archery bow comprising the steps of: providing an archery bow with a release cue member on a user-proximal side of a bow grip, and wherein the release cue member comprises a deformable elastic member comprising a spring steel and a convex shape wherein a center portion of the deformable elastic member is operable to extend away from a bow; a cover member extending over at least a portion of the deformable elastic member and operable to contact a hand of an archer; and at least one fastener operable to secure the cover member to the bow handle; providing an arrow in communication with the archery bow; drawing a bow string of the archery bow by applying tension to the bow string with a first hand and applying a force to a handle of the bow with a second hand; wherein a portion of the second hand is provided in communication with the release cue member; wherein force is increased upon the feedback mechanism until the deformable elastic member deforms to produce an audible sound; and releasing the arrow in response and subsequent to the audible sound.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the portion of the second hand that is provided in communication with the release cue member comprises a thumb pad of the second hand.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein at least one of the deformable elastic member and the cover member is secured to the bow handle by an adhesive.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of aiming the arrow with the use of a bow sight provided on the archery bow.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising a step of selectively adjusting a force required to deform the deformable elastic member.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the force to deform the deformable elastic member comprises a force that corresponds to a desired amount of draw in the bow string.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the Summary given above and the Detailed Description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these embodiments. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. Additionally, it should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.
(2) FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a traditional archery bow.
(3) FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a human hand.
(4) FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a release cue member provided on an archery bow in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the release cue member according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.
(6) FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a release cue member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
(7) FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a release cue member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
(8) FIG. 7 is a plan view of a plurality of devices contemplated for use with embodiments of the present disclosure.
(9) FIG. 8 is an elevation view of an archery bow and a release cue member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a glove with a release cue member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an adjustable release cue member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an adjustable release cue member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
(13) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an adjustable release cue member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
(14) Similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(15) Embodiments of the present disclosure have significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the Applicant's intent that this specification be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary embodiment is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, may be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention.
(16) A known archery bow 2 is shown in FIG. 1 for illustrative and descriptive purposes. As shown, the bow 2 comprises a face portion 4 facing a distal or down-range side of the bow, a back portion 6 facing a user-proximal side of the bow, and a bowstring 8 extending between an upper limb 18 and a lower limb 20. The midsection of the bow 2 between the upper limb 18 and the lower limb 20 is commonly known as the riser 9. Included within the riser is a bow grip 10 that is shaped and operable for communication with a user's hand. The riser 9 further comprises an arrow rest 12 and a sight window 14. The upper limb 18 and lower limb 20 are provided with a recurve 16 and a string nock 22. The aforementioned features are commonly provided with traditional archery bows and are used throughout this disclosure. It will be expressly recognized, however, that aspects, embodiments and inventions of the present disclosure are not limited for use with or combination with devices comprising all of these features. Indeed, it is contemplated that feedback and mechanoreceptors of the present disclosure are provided with devices that are not limited to archery, let alone the traditional archery bow shown as an example in FIG. 1.
(17) FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the human hand 30. As shown, the hand 30 comprises first 32, second 34, third 36, fourth 38 and fifth 40 digits. The palm portion 42 of the hand 30 comprises the thumb pad 44 or thenar fascia. The heel portion 46 of the hand, or the palmaris brevis is shown relative to the thumb pad 44.
(18) Proper archery techniques typically comprise applying a compressive force upon the thumb pad 44 to oppose a tensile force being applied to a bow string with the opposing hand (not shown in FIG. 2). Specifically, pressure is applied to the thumb pad 44 by the bow grip 10 to effect a displacement of the bow riser 9 relative to the bow string 8. As shown and described herein, it is contemplated that devices of the present disclosure are provided on a portion of the bow grip 10 corresponding to the intended location of a user's thumb pad 44. However, the present disclosure and aspects of the invention are not limited to such a specific placement. It is contemplated, for example, that a release cue member may be provided on a portion of the grip 10 corresponding to the heel portion 46, or even on the face side of the bow to communicate with one or more of the digits 32, 34, 36, 38, 40. Additionally, it is contemplated that release cue members in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure be provided on a single bow. Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure comprise placing a release cue member corresponding with the thumb pad 44 and alternative arrangements may relate to or encourage improper or inadvisable archery habits, it should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a specific or single orientation of the invention features, components, and methods disclosed herein.
(19) FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a release cue member 50 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure provided on a grip 10 of a bow 2. As shown, the release cue member 50 is provided on the bow grip 10 and is provided in a position that corresponds to the intended placement of a user's hand. Preferably, the release cue member 50 is provided in a position that aligns with or corresponds to the intended placement of the thumb pad of the archer's hand. The release cue member 50 of FIG. 3 comprises a sound-emitting device. In some embodiments, the release cue 50 comprises a sound-emitting device in the form a displaceable or deformable member 52. The release cue member 50 of such embodiments comprises an elastic member in the form of a deformable member 52 which, in some embodiments, comprises spring steel that is deflectable, creates an audible sound upon a certain amount of deflection, and comprises an elastic restoring force such that the deformable member 52 is returned to an original position after each use.
(20) In various embodiments, including that shown in FIG. 3, the release cue member 50 comprises a cover member 54. In preferred embodiments, the cover member 54 comprises a rubber member that is operable to secure the elastic member 52 in a certain position on the handle 10. The cover member 54 also provides an ergonomic grip that protects a user's hand from potentially sharp edges or pressure provides by the elastic member 52. Preferably, at least one of the elastic member 52 and the cover member 54 are secured to the bow grip 10. The elastic member 52 and/or the cover member 54 are secured to the bow grip 10 by at least one of an adhesive and a mechanical fastener. Mechanical fasteners of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to screws, rivets, bands, clamps and similar devices.
(21) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the release cue member 50 according to the embodiment of FIG. 3. As shown, the release cue member 50 comprises a deformable member 52 that is substantially centered on a lateral midline of the bow grip 10. It will be recognized, however, that in alternative embodiments the release cue member may be provided in various positions on the grip 10. In methods and systems of the present disclosure, the release cue member is positioned and intended to communicate with a thumb pad 44 of an archer's hand. During use, an archer applies pressure to the bow 2 by applying force with one hand and wherein a thumb pad 44 is positioned on the deformable member 52. The user applies pressure or compression to the bow grip while also applying tension to the bow string using the other hand. As will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, the force of pressure on the bow grip 10 and deformable member 52 increases as the string is drawn. A desired amount of tension or draw therefore corresponds to a certain downforce on the deformable member 52. The force corresponds to a force upon which the deformable member 52 suddenly and elastically deforms to produce an audible click as well as a tactile feedback or sensation upon movement. One or both of these feedback mechanisms communicate to the archer that proper draw has been achieved and the arrow should be released. This feedback and the information conveyed to the archer is at least partially subconscious, particularly after a certain amount of use and familiarity with the release cue 50.
(22) FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a release cue 50 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the release cue 50 of the depicted embodiment comprises a plurality of elements. First and second support pads 60a, 60b are provided on the bow grip 10 and provide support and a stand-off height for the deformable member 62. A pressure pad 64 is provided on a user-proximal side of the deformable member 62. The pressure pad 64 is operable to be used as a pressure concentrator to direct force to the center of the deformable member 62. The deformable member 62 is deflectable in a preferably elastic manner and produces a tactile sensation and an audible click upon reaching a certain critical amount of deflection. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the depicted elements of the release cue 50 are preferably mounted and secured to the bow by a cover member (54 in FIG. 4, for example). The elements 60a, 62, 64 are contemplated as being secured to one another and/or the bow grip 10 by various means including but not limited to adhesives.
(23) FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a release cue 50 is provided that comprises a substrate member 70, a deformable member 72, and a pressure pad 74. The substrate or substrate member 70 is contemplated as comprising any one or more of plastic, rubber, silicone rubber, felt, textiles, and combinations thereof. As shown, the deformable member 72 of FIG. 6 comprises a plurality of projections 76a, 76b, 76c, 76d extending from a midsection 78. The deformable member 72 comprise a convex structure that can be deformed and/or depressed and produce an audible click as well as a tactile feedback. The substrate 70 is provided between the deformable member 72 and the bow grip 10 to allow the projections 76a, 76b, 76c, 76d of the deformable member 72 to slide or translate relative to the bow grip. The substrate 70 allows the deformable member 72 to be secured to a bow and adjusted on the bow without adhering or fastening objects directly to the bow handle. Although not shown in FIG. 6, a cover member is provided over the elements shown in FIG. 6 to secure the elements in place, provide an ergonomic feel, and to protect the elements and an archer's hand.
(24) FIGS. 5-6 depict release cue members comprising deformable members according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure and inventions disclosed herein are not limited to any particular shape or structure of deformable member. FIG. 7 provides an array of deformable members 80-106 that are contemplated for use with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, various different deflectable clicker devices are contemplated for use with release cues 50 of the present disclosure. Different members may be employed and substituted based on user preference, desired amount of force required to activate a deformable member, and the size or type of bow grip to which the deformable member is to be applied, for example.
(25) FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a bow grip 10 with a release cue 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An archer's hand 30 is shown for context. As shown, the thumb pad 44 of the archer's hand 30 is provided in contact with the release cue 50. The thumb pad 44 is operable to apply a force to the release cue 50, particularly when an opposite hand (not shown in FIG. 8) applies tension to or draws a bow string associated with the bow. Upon the application of a certain amount of force to the release cue 50 via the thumb pad 44, a deformable member of the release cue is suddenly and elastically deformed. This sudden deformation results in a tactile sensation that is transmitted into the user's hand 10, and produces an audible sound. These release cue members convey information to a user that sufficient draw or tension has been achieved and the arrow should be released. Additionally, the release cue members are activated or accomplished through the normal and preferred motions and technique for shooting. Embodiments of the present disclosure rely on proper technique for activation and do not require additional movements or alter the proper technique of an archer. In fact, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate a placement of release cue 50 such that proper technique is encouraged and reinforced. Specifically, operation of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure comprises proper application of force from a user's thumb pad and a compression force applied to the correct location on the bow grip is rewarded. If, for example, an archer attempts to employ an improper technique on the bow and apply pressure using the palm or heel portion 46, the release cue member may fail to operate and the user will be drawn to the proper technique of applying force through the thumb pad 44.
(26) FIG. 9 is an elevation view of a release cue member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the release cue member comprises a glove 110 operable for use with a human hand. The glove 110 comprises various known components and structures of a glove including, for example, a plurality of fingers 116 and an opening 118. The glove 110 of FIG. 9 further comprises a deformable member 112 provided in the thumb pad 114 of the glove 110. The glove 110 of FIG. 9 operates with the same principles as shown and described with respect to bow-mounted devices shown and described herein. However, the deformable member 112 is provided in the glove rather than on the body of a bow. When worn on an archer's bow hand, the deformable member 112 is operable to be depressed and/or compressed to cause a deflection that creates an audible and/or tactile feedback to the archer.
(27) The glove is worn by an archer and is operable for use with various different bows (as the release cue is integrated into the glove and the archer can maintain the benefits of the release cue while shooting different bows). In various embodiments, method of providing a release cue with a deformable member in a glove are provided. In some embodiments, a glove 110 is provided that is customized for an archer. The glove is contemplated as being provided in the appropriate size for the archer's bow hand, and the archer is contemplated as being evaluated to determine the exact positioning of a pressure point on the thumb pad of the user's hand where the release cue and deformable member 112 should be provided.
(28) The release cue is contemplated as being sewn or stitched into the glove. The release cue can be sewn to the interior or exterior of the glove and provided with a covering and/or the release cue can be secured between inner and outer layers of the glove. In some embodiments, the deformable member 112 is secured to a substrate (70 in FIG. 6, for example) and the substrate is stitched or sewn to the glove using known methods. A pressure pad (74 in FIG. 6, for example) is contemplated as being provided on the deformable member of the glove. In some embodiments, the area or region of the glove that comprises the release cue and deformable member is labelled or otherwise indicated. For example, in some embodiments, the glove comprises a first color (e.g. tanned leather) and the region comprising the release cue comprises a second color (e.g. red) or an indicia (e.g. bullseye) to visually indicate the exact position of the feature within the glove. An area directly above or below the release cue is contemplated as being reinforced. For example, a leather glove comprising a release cue may comprise an additional layer of leather or suede over the release cue to accommodate the anticipated forces and stresses on that component. Gloves with release cues of the present disclosure are contemplated as being provided in left and right-handed gloves, as users are expected and known to shoot with either hand.
(29) Although a full-fingered glove is shown in FIG. 9, embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited. For example, it is contemplated that an archery glove is provided with a release cue as shown and described herein in the thumb pad portion of the glove (or other location) and the glove does not comprise full fingers. Rather, the glove comprises partial fingers that allow a user's fingers to extend therefrom and maintain dexterity at the fingertips, for example. In further embodiments, it is contemplated that a hand-mounted release cue is provided that does not resemble a traditional glove. For example, a wristband or strap member that extends around the thumb pad of an archer's hand and that comprises a release cue is contemplated. Devices similar to wrist-braces and protectors, including those shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,955 to Skewis, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, are contemplated as being provided with release cues of the present disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the benefits of release cues as shown and described herein can be achieved regardless of the specific structure of the glove or hand-mounted device that supports the release cue.
(30) FIGS. 10-12 are perspective views of a release cue 150 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The release cue 150 is operable to be provided in combination with and/or mounted on an archery bow but may be employed in various other applications. The release cue 150 comprises a main body having a first end wall 152, a base wall 154, a second end wall 156 and a cantilevered arm 158. In some embodiments, the first end wall 152, the base wall 154, the second end wall 156 and the cantilevered arm 158 comprises a unitary construction and a gap or void 160 is provided between an end of the cantilevered arm 158 and the first end wall 152. The gap 160 allows at least a portion of the cantilevered arm 158 to deflect and move. An adjustable fulcrum 162 is provided. The adjustable fulcrum of the depicted embodiment comprises a translatable block that changes the effective length of the cantilevered arm 158 as it translates. In some embodiments, the adjustable fulcrum is contemplated as comprising a bronze block due to bronze's relatively low coefficient of friction. It will be recognized, however, that the release cue 150 and its various components are not limited to a particular material selection. A threaded rod 164 extends between the first end wall 152 and the second end wall 156 and extends through the adjustable fulcrum 162. Applying torque and rotation to the threaded rod 164 (via a bolt head 166, for example) causes a translation movement of the adjustable fulcrum 162 as the adjustable fulcrum 162 is restrained and prevented from rotating with the rod by contact with at least one of the base wall 154 and the cantilevered arm 158.
(31) The adjustable fulcrum 162 selectively changes the effective length of the cantilevered arm 158. For example, the force required to deflect the cantilevered arm 158 when the adjustable fulcrum 162 is positioned proximal to the second end wall 156 will be less than the force required to deflect the cantilevered arm 158 when the adjustable fulcrum 162 is positioned closer to the first end wall 152. The adjustable fulcrum 162 is operable to change the effective moment arm of the cantilevered arm 158. The release cue mechanism of FIGS. 10-12 comprises a feedback mechanism with adjustable resistance and wherein user's may selectively change or adjust the required amount of force required to activate the mechanism 150.
(32) As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the cantilevered arm 158 comprises a notched or V-shaped cross-section. In order to achieve the appropriate resistance and sudden deformation required to produce audible and tactile feedback, the cantilevered arm 158 is provided with the cross-sectional shape shown in FIGS. 10-12. Other cross-sectional shapes are contemplated including, for example, an inverted V-shape.
(33) The release cue 150 of FIGS. 10-12 may be substituted or used interchangeably with any of the devices shown in FIGS. 7, 5 and 6, for example. It is contemplated that the release cue 150 of FIGS. 10-12 is provided on a bow handle, for example, and further comprises a cover member.
(34) Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning.
(35) While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, references made herein to the present invention or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
