Accessory Mounts For Archery Bows And Related Apparatuses

Abstract

An archery bow includes a riser, a limb, and a standoff. The riser has a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The first lateral side has a first set of braces defining a first plane. The second lateral side has a second set of braces defining a second plane. The limb extends from the riser. The standoff is couplable to an archery bow accessory. The standoff extends through the first plane and couples to the second lateral side.

Claims

1. An archery bow, comprising: a riser having a first lateral side and a second lateral side, the first lateral side having a first set of braces defining a first plane, the second lateral side having a second set of braces defining a second plane; a limb extending from the riser; and a standoff couplable to an archery bow accessory, the standoff extending through the first plane and coupling to the second lateral side.

2. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein the first set of braces and the second set of braces define a tunnel cavity between the first lateral side and the second lateral side.

3. The archery bow of claim 2, wherein the standoff is disposed within the tunnel cavity.

4. The archery bow of claim 2, wherein the standoff has a length that is greater than a width of the tunnel cavity.

5. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein: the first set of braces define an aperture; and the standoff is free-floating within the aperture.

6. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein: the standoff is a first standoff; the first lateral side includes a third set of braces defining a third plane; the second lateral side includes a fourth set of braces defining a fourth plane; and the archery bow further comprises a second standoff extending through the third plane and coupling to the second lateral side.

7. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein the first plane extends parallel to the second plane.

8. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein the riser includes a standoff engagement feature defined by the second set of braces, the standoff engagement feature facing the first plane, the standoff engagement feature configured to receive a proximal end of the standoff.

9. The archery bow of claim 8, wherein the standoff engagement feature defines a through-hole.

10. The archery bow of claim 9, wherein the standoff is configured to couple to the riser by engaging a fastener disposed within the through-hole.

11. An archery bow riser, comprising: a first lateral side, the first lateral side having a first set of braces defining a first plane; a second lateral side, the second lateral side having a second set of braces defining a second plane; and a standoff engagement feature defined by the second set of braces, the standoff engagement feature facing the first plane.

12. The archery bow riser of claim 11, wherein the standoff engagement feature has a recessed portion configured to receive an archery accessory.

13. The archery bow riser of claim 11, wherein the standoff engagement feature defines a through-hole.

14. The archery bow riser of claim 11, wherein: the first set of braces and the second set of braces define a tunnel cavity between the first lateral side and the second lateral side; and the tunnel cavity is configured to receive a standoff.

15. The archery bow riser of claim 11, wherein: the standoff engagement feature is a first standoff engagement feature; the first lateral side includes a third set of braces defining a third plane; the second lateral side includes a fourth set of braces defining a fourth plane; the archery bow riser further comprises a second standoff engagement feature defined by the fourth set of braces, the second standoff engagement feature facing the third plane.

16. The archery bow of claim 15, wherein the second lateral side defines an arrow shelf.

17. The archery bow of claim 16, wherein the arrow shelf is disposed between the first standoff engagement feature and the second standoff engagement feature.

18. The archery bow of claim 16, wherein the second plane intersects the arrow shelf.

19. An archery bow, comprising: a limb; a bowstring; a riser, comprising: a first lateral side having a first set of braces defining an aperture; a second lateral side having a second set of braces; a standoff engagement feature coupled to one or more braces of the second set of braces; and a standoff configured to be coupled to the standoff engagement feature, wherein: the aperture has a first cross-sectional area through a cross-section; the standoff has a second cross-sectional area through the cross-section; and the first cross-sectional area is at least three times larger than the second cross-sectional area.

20. The archery bow of claim 19, wherein the cross-section extends parallel to the aperture.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings and figures illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are part of the specification. Together with the present description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of this disclosure. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label.

[0013] FIG. 1A is a side view of an archery bow, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 1B is a front view of the archery bow, according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 1C is a perspective side view of a riser of an archery bow, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 1D is a detailed perspective side view of an upper portion of the riser without a standoff, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 1E is a detailed perspective side view of the upper portion of the riser with a standoff, according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 1F is a detailed front view of the upper portion of the riser with the standoff, according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 1G is a detailed perspective side view of a lower portion of the riser without a standoff, according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 1H is a detailed perspective side view of the lower portion of the riser with a standoff, according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 1I is a detailed front view of the lower portion of the riser with the standoff, according to some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 1J is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the riser shown taken through an aperture, according to some embodiments.

[0023] While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In some examples, an archery bow (e.g., compound, recurve, cross, etc.) can balance within the hand of an archer when used to launch projectiles. The balance of the archery bow can correlate with a center of mass defined by the archery bow and accessories affixed to the archery bow. For example, an archery bow having a center of mass located nearer a centerline of the riser can advantageously balance while launching projectiles by providing a more accurate and repeatable shot experience. In some examples, an archery bow having a center of mass located relatively further from a centerline of the riser can be unbalanced while launching projectiles and provide a less accurate and less repeatable shot experience. As such, archery accessories (e.g., quivers, stabilizers, rests, sights, etc.) affixed to the archery bow can undesirably move the center of mass of the archery bow further from the centerline. While a lateral or side stabilizer including weights can be coupled to some archery bows to return the center of mass back toward the centerline of the riser, side stabilizers with weight can also undesirably increase the overall weight of the archery bow.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the archery bow includes a riser, a limb, and a standoff. The riser has a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The first lateral side has a first set of braces defining a first plane. The second lateral side has a second set of braces defining a second plane. The limb extends from the riser. The standoff is couplable to an archery bow accessory. The standoff extends through the first plane and couples to the second lateral side. For example, the standoff can be coupled to a standoff engagement feature formed or defined by the second lateral side. The standoff engagement feature can face or open toward the first lateral side such that the standoff is disposable within a tunnel cavity defined by the first and second sets of braces. In some examples, the first lateral side having a first set of braces can define an aperture which reduces the mass associated with the first lateral side. Meaning, the aperture reduces or limits the number and size of braces on the first lateral side. Conversely, the second set of braces on the second lateral side defines or forms the standoff engagement feature. As such, the second set of braces may have an increased mass relative to the reduced mass of the first set of braces. This disparity in mass between the first set of braces and the second set of braces can beneficially shift a center of mass of the riser away from the first lateral side of the riser and thereby generate advantageous balancing characteristics of the archery bow.

[0026] The present description provides examples, and is not limiting of the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Thus, it will be understood that changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the standoffs and standoff engagement features discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add other features or subcomponents as appropriate. For instance, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments. The specific examples shown in the figures and described herein should not, therefore, be considered to limit the breadth of possible embodiments and combinations of possible embodiments contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0027] Referring now to the figures in detail, FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show a compound archery bow 100. The archery bow 100 is at a rest position (e.g., a brace state or brace position). The archery bow 100 can comprise a riser 102 from which one or more upper limbs 104 and one or more lower limbs 106 extend. For example, the upper limbs 104 can be affixed to the riser 102 by one or more limb pockets 103. The archery bow 100 can include a handle portion or grip 108, a roller guard or cable guard 110, a string-stop damper 112, dampers 114, and other components.

[0028] The upper limbs 104 may be connected to an upper cam assembly 116, and the lower limbs 106 may be connected to a lower cam assembly 118. A bowstring 120 (i.e., draw string) may extend across the length of the archery bow 100 between the upper cam assembly 116 and the lower cam assembly 118. The terminal ends of the bowstring 120 may be attached to and held entrained to the cam assemblies 116, 118, at least in the brace position, and the limbs 104, 106 may be flexed to store energy and retain tension in the bowstring 120. A first cable 122 and a second cable 124 may also be attached to and extend between the upper cam assembly 116 and the lower cam assembly 118. Collectively, the first cable 122 and the second cable 124 may be referred to herein as the cables of the archery bow 100. The first and second cables 122, 124 may retain tension in the limbs 104, 106 and cam assemblies 116, 118 and may be controlled to adjust tension in the bowstring 120.

[0029] The figures illustrate example archery apparatuses that may be used in conjunction with the principles and teachings of the present disclosure. Thus, while the archery bows described herein are compound bows, it will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that the components of the archery bow, accessories, and related methods and apparatuses included in embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to components and apparatuses in compound bows, recurve bows, crossbows, their accessories, and other equipment related to archery. Similarly, archery equipment applying the teachings of the present disclosure does not need to implement all of the features of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the archery bow may not comprise a cable guard 110 or a string-stop damper 112, so features associated with those accessories may be omitted from the archery bow 100.

[0030] When shooting an arrow, the tail end of the arrow may be nocked with the bowstring 120 at a nocking point (not shown) while the archery bow 100 is in the brace position shown in FIG. 1A. The bowstring 120 may be drawn rearward to a full draw position, thereby partially unraveling the bowstring 120 from the outer grooves of the cam assemblies 116, 118. The archer may grasp the grip 108 of the riser 102 and draw back the bowstring 120 (e.g., by using a D-loop, not shown). As the limbs 104, 106 flex inward and the cables 122, 124 wind around the cam assemblies 116, 118, the cables 122, 124 may slide along or may be in rolling contact with portions of the cable guard 110, which may comprise at least one roller or other smooth support in contact with the cables 122, 124 where they contact the cable guard 110.

[0031] When the bowstring 120 is released, the potential/stored energy in the limbs 104, 106 is released, and the bowstring 120 quickly accelerates back toward the brace position (shown in FIG. 1A) as it applies a shooting force to an end of the projectile (e.g., an arrow). As the limbs 104, 106 release their energy, the cam assemblies 116, 118 are spread apart, and the terminal ends of the bowstring 120 wrap around the cam assemblies 116, 118, and the cables 122, 124 unwind from the cam assemblies 116, 118. A portion of the bowstring 120 may contact the string-stop damper 112, which can help dampen vibrations in the bowstring 120, and the cables 122, 124 may roll or slide against the cable guard 110 as the cam assemblies 116, 118 move.

[0032] In some examples, the archery bow 100 can include one or more accessories. For example, the archery bow 100 can include a quiver (i.e., an arrow quiver hood 126 and an arrow gripper 128) affixed to the riser 102. The quiver can be removably coupled to the riser 102 and retain one or more arrows on the archery bow 100. The arrow quiver hood 126 can be coupled to an upper portion 130 of the riser 102 by a first standoff 132. Similarly, the arrow gripper 128 can be coupled to a lower portion 134 of the riser 102 by a second standoff 136. A proximal end of the first standoff 132 can be retained within a first standoff engagement feature (see first standoff engagement feature 150 in FIG. 1D) formed or defined within the upper portion 130 of the riser 102 such that the first standoff 132 is disposed within a cavity or volume at least partially defined by one or more braces of the riser 102. A proximal end of the second standoff 136 can be retained within a second standoff engagement feature (see second standoff engagement feature 160 in FIG. 1G) formed or defined within the lower portion 134 of the riser 102 such that the second standoff 136 is disposed within a cavity or volume at least partially defined by one or more braces of the riser 102. The first and second standoff engagement features and their associated standoffs 132, 136 will be described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 1C-1I.

[0033] FIG. 1C shows the riser 102 having first and second standoffs 132, 136 coupled to upper and lower portions 130, 134 of the riser 102, respectively. The riser 102 can include an arrow shelf 138 formed or defined by a mid-portion 140 of the riser 102 disposed between the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 134. For example, FIG. 1C shows a detailed view of the upper portion 130 of the riser 102 without the first standoff 132 coupled thereto. FIGS. 1D-1F show detail views of the upper portion 130 of the riser 102. In some examples, the upper portion 130 of the riser 102 can include a first lateral side 142 and a second lateral side 144 (see FIG. 1F). The first lateral side 142 can include a first set of braces 146A, 146B, 146C, 146D at least partially defining an aperture A.sub.1 within the first lateral side 142. While a specific quantity and arrangement of braces 146A-146D are shown in the figures, aspects of the present disclosure include any quantity and/or arrangement of braces. The second lateral side 144 can include a second set of braces 148A, 148B, 148C, 148D. While a specific quantity and arrangement of braces 148A-148D are shown in the figures, aspects of the present disclosure include any quantity and/or arrangement of braces. In some examples, the first set of braces 146A-146D and the second set of braces 148A-148D can form or define a first tunnel cavity C.sub.1 (see FIG. 1F).

[0034] A first standoff engagement feature 150 can be at least partially defined or otherwise formed by one or more of the braces of the second set of braces 148A-148D. For example, the first standoff engagement feature 150 can be a geometric shape recessed within the second set of braces 148A-148D. The first standoff engagement feature 150 can face the first tunnel cavity C.sub.1, for example, the first standoff engagement feature 150 can partially define the first tunnel cavity C.sub.1. In other words, the first standoff engagement feature 150 can be formed on or defined on a surface of the second lateral side 144 of the riser 102 that faces the first lateral side 142 of the riser 102. The first standoff engagement feature 150 can be accessible from the first lateral side 142 of the riser 102 to receive the first standoff 132. For example, the first standoff 132 can be inserted into the first tunnel cavity C.sub.1 and engage the first standoff engagement feature 150 from the first lateral side 142. As shown in FIG. 1E and FIG. 1F, the first standoff 132 can extend through the aperture A.sub.1 and be at least partially disposed within the first tunnel cavity C.sub.1 while the first standoff 132 is coupled to the first standoff engagement feature 150. In some examples, the first standoff 132 can free-float relative to the first lateral side 142 (i.e., extend through the aperture A.sub.1 yet not contact any of the braces of the first set of braces 146A-146D). While the first standoff engagement feature 150 is illustrated in the figures and described herein as a recessed engagement that receives a portion of the first standoff 132 (i.e., male-female coupling mechanism), other coupling mechanisms can be utilized.

[0035] In some examples, the first standoff engagement feature 150 can include a through-hole 152. The through-hole 152 can enable a fastener 154 (see FIG. 1B), such as a bolt, to extend into the first standoff engagement feature 150 and couple the first standoff 132 to the second lateral side 142 of the upper portion 130 of the riser 102. For example, the first standoff 132 can include a threaded bore (not shown) configured to threadably engage the fastener 154 extending through the through-hole 152.

[0036] FIG. 1F shows a front view of the upper portion 130 of the riser 102. The first lateral side 142 can define a first plane P.sub.1 and the second lateral side 144 can define a second plane P.sub.2. In some examples, the first plane P.sub.1 can extend parallel to the second plane P.sub.2. The first tunnel cavity C.sub.1 can be disposed between the first plane P.sub.1 and the second plane P.sub.2. In some examples, the first standoff 132 can have a length greater than a width of the first tunnel cavity C.sub.1 (i.e., a width or distance of the first tunnel cavity C.sub.1 measured between the first plane P.sub.1 and the second plane P.sub.2). In some examples, the second plane P.sub.2 can intersect the arrow shelf 138.

[0037] The first standoff 132 can extend through the first plane P.sub.1, through the first tunnel cavity C.sub.1, and couple to the second lateral side 144. As such, the arrow quiver hood 126 can be disposed adjacent to the first lateral side 142 of the riser 102 yet coupled to the second lateral side 144 of the riser 102, not the first lateral side 142. Coupling the arrow quiver hood 126 to the second lateral side 144 of the riser 102 can position the mass of the arrow quiver hood 126 and first standoff 132 relatively closer to a centerline of the riser 102 (i.e., a plane that extends substantially equidistant between the first and second lateral surfaces 142, 144 of the riser 102) than an arrow quiver hood disposed adjacent to and coupled to the first lateral side 142 of the riser 102. In other words, the respective masses of the arrow quiver hood 126 and the first standoff 132 may generate a relatively lesser moment on the archery bow 100 and thereby provide greater balance characteristics for the archery bow 100. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may demand less lateral mass (e.g., a sidebar and weight) added to the archery bow 100 to balance the archery bow 100 while in use by an archer.

[0038] FIGS. 1G-1I show detail views of the lower portion 134 of the riser 102. For example, FIG. 1G shows a detailed view of the lower portion 134 of the riser 102 without the second standoff 136 coupled thereto. In some examples, the lower portion 134 of the riser 102 can include the first lateral side 142 and the second lateral side 144 (see FIG. 1I). The first lateral side 142 can include a third set of braces 156A, 156B, 156C, 156D, 156E, 156F at least partially defining an aperture A.sub.2 within the first lateral side 142. While a specific quantity and arrangement of braces 156A-156F are shown in the figures, aspects of the present disclosure include any quantity and/or arrangement of braces. The second lateral side 144 can include a fourth set of braces 158A, 158B, 158C, 158D. While a specific quantity and arrangement of braces 158A-158D are shown in the figures, aspects of the present disclosure include any quantity and/or arrangement of braces. In some examples, the third set of braces 156A-156F and the fourth set of braces 158A-158D can form or define a second tunnel cavity C.sub.2 (see FIG. 1I).

[0039] A second standoff engagement feature 160 can be at least partially defined or otherwise formed by one or more of the braces of the fourth set of braces 158A-158D. For example, the second standoff engagement feature 160 can be a geometric shape recessed within the fourth set of braces 158A-158D. The second standoff engagement feature 160 can face the second tunnel cavity C.sub.2, for example, the second standoff engagement feature 160 can partially define the second tunnel cavity C.sub.2. In other words, the second standoff engagement feature 160 can be formed on or defined on a surface of the second lateral side 144 of the riser 102 that faces the first lateral side 142 of the riser 102. The second standoff engagement feature 160 can be accessible from the first lateral side 142 of the riser 102 to receive the second standoff 136. For example, the second standoff 136 can be inserted into the second tunnel cavity C.sub.2 and engage the second standoff engagement feature 160 from the first lateral side 142. As shown in FIG. 1H and FIG. 1I, the second standoff 136 can extend through the aperture A.sub.2 and be at least partially disposed within the second tunnel cavity C.sub.2 while the second standoff 136 is coupled to the second standoff engagement feature 160. In some examples, the second standoff 136 can free-float relative to the first lateral side 142 (i.e., extend through the aperture A.sub.2 yet not contact any of the braces of the third set of braces 156A-156F). While the second standoff engagement feature 160 is illustrated in the figures and described herein as a recessed engagement that receives a portion of the second standoff 136 (i.e., male-female coupling mechanism), other coupling mechanisms can be utilized.

[0040] In some examples, the second standoff engagement feature 160 can include a through-hole 162. The through-hole 162 can enable a fastener 164 (see FIG. 1B), such as a bolt, to extend into the second standoff engagement feature 160 and couple the second standoff 136 to the second lateral side 142 of the lower portion 134 of the riser 102. For example, the second standoff 136 can include a threaded bore (not shown) configured to threadably engage the fastener 164 extending through the through-hole 162.

[0041] FIG. 1I shows a front view of the lower portion 134 of the riser 102. The first lateral side 142 can define a third plane P.sub.3 and the second lateral side 144 can define a fourth plane P.sub.4. In some examples, the third plane P.sub.3 can extend parallel to the fourth plane P.sub.4. The second tunnel cavity C.sub.2 can be disposed between the third plane P.sub.3 and the fourth plane P.sub.4. In some examples, the second standoff 136 can have a length greater than a width of the second tunnel cavity C.sub.2 (i.e., a width or distance of the tunnel cavity C.sub.2 measured between the third plane P.sub.3 and the fourth plane P.sub.4). In some examples, the fourth plane P.sub.4 can intersect the arrow shelf 138. In some examples, the arrow shelf 138 can be disposed between the second plane P.sub.2 and the fourth plane P.sub.4. In some examples, the arrow shelf 138 can be disposed between the first and second standoff engagement features 150, 160.

[0042] In some examples, the aperture A.sub.2 defined or formed by the third set of braces 156A-156F of the first lateral side 142 can reduce the mass of the riser 102 associated with the first lateral side 142. Meaning, the aperture A.sub.2 can reduce or limit the number and size of braces 156A-156F on the first lateral side 142. Conversely, the fourth set of braces 158A-158D on the second lateral side 144 define or form the second standoff engagement feature 160 and therefore increase the mass of the riser 102 associated with the second lateral side 144. That is, the relative mass disparity can be formed between the third set of braces 156A-156F and the fourth set of braces 158A-158D (i.e., mass disparity between the first lateral side 142 and the second lateral side 146). This disparity in mass between the third set of braces 156A-156F and the fourth set of braces 158A-158D can beneficially shift a center of mass of the riser 102 away from the first lateral side 142 and thereby generate advantageous balancing characteristics of the archery bow 100.

[0043] While only the lower portion 134 of the riser 102 is described as having a mass disparity between the first and second lateral sides 142, 144, these aspects of the present disclosure are equally and independently applicable to the upper portion 130 of the riser 102. That is, a relative mass disparity can be formed between the first set of braces 146A-146D and the second set of braces 148A-148D can beneficially shift a center of mass of the riser 102 away from the first lateral side 142 and thereby generate advantageous balancing characteristics of the archery bow 100.

[0044] The second standoff 136 can extend through the third plane P.sub.3, through the second tunnel cavity C.sub.2, and couple to the second lateral side 144. As such, the arrow gripper 128 can be disposed adjacent to the first lateral side 142 of the riser 102 yet coupled to the second lateral side 144 of the riser 102, not the first lateral side 142. Coupling the arrow gripper 128 to the second lateral side 144 of the riser 102 can position the mass of the arrow gripper 128 and second standoff 136 relatively closer to a centerline of the riser 102 (i.e., a plane that extends equidistant between the first and second lateral surfaces 142, 144 of the riser 102) than an arrow gripper disposed adjacent to and coupled to the first lateral side 142 of the riser 102. In other words, the respective masses of the arrow gripper 128 and the second standoff 136 may generate a relatively lesser moment on the archery bow 100 and thereby provide greater balance characteristics for the archery bow 100. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may demand less lateral mass (e.g., a sidebar and weight) added to the archery bow 100 to balance the archery bow 100 while in use by an archer.

[0045] FIG. 1J shows side view of the lower portion 134 of the riser 102 wherein the aperture A.sub.2 is shown with a first cross-sectional area CA.sub.1 and the second standoff 136 is shown with a second cross-sectional area CA.sub.2. The first cross-sectional area CA.sub.1 and the second cross-sectional area CA.sub.2 can be taken through the same cross-section. For example, the cross-section can be defined by a portion of the first lateral side 142 that is adjacent to the aperture A.sub.2 such that the cross-section is parallel to the aperture (i.e., parallel to the rim of the aperture A.sub.2 formed or defined by the first set of braces 156A-156F). In some examples, the first cross-sectional area CA.sub.1 can be greater or larger than the second cross-sectional area CA.sub.2. For example, the first cross-sectional area CA.sub.1 can be at least three times greater than the second cross-sectional area CA.sub.1.

[0046] In some examples, changes may be made in the function and arrangement of archery components or products discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add other components or accessories as appropriate. For instance, one or more portions incorporated into a particular component described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments.

[0047] Various aspects have been described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, they will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions disclosed herein, in that those inventions set forth in the claims below are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the inventions disclosed without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The terms including: and having come as used in the specification and claims shall have the same meaning as the term comprising.