U.S. patent application number 10/676561 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-10 for vibration reducing device for archery bows.
This patent application is currently assigned to Global Resource. Invention is credited to Kronfeld, Lenoid G..
Application Number | 20040107952 10/676561 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46300054 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040107952 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kronfeld, Lenoid G. |
June 10, 2004 |
Vibration reducing device for archery bows
Abstract
A dampening device for reducing torque and vibration present
within an bow after casting an arrow is disclosed. In one
embodiment, the dampening device includes a body portion, a
substantially wedge-like extension extending from the body portion,
and a planar surface connected to the body portion and configured
to be secured to a bow.
Inventors: |
Kronfeld, Lenoid G.;
(Stoughton, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STRADLING YOCCO CARLSON & RAUTH
SUITE 1600
660 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE
P.O. BOX 7680
NEWPORT BEACH
CA
92660
US
|
Assignee: |
Global Resource
|
Family ID: |
46300054 |
Appl. No.: |
10/676561 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10676561 |
Sep 30, 2003 |
|
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09864103 |
May 23, 2001 |
|
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60206250 |
May 23, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
124/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 5/1426
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/089 |
International
Class: |
F41B 005/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A dampening device for an archery bow, comprising: a body
portion; a substantially wedge-like extension extending from the
body portion; and a planar surface connected to the body portion
and configured to be secured to a bow.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the dampening device is
manufactured from an elastomer.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the dampening device is
manufactured from at least one material selected from the group
consisting of metal, fiberglass, plastic, silicon, rubber,
composite materials, and ceramic.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein a vibration characteristic of the
dampening device is matched to a vibration characteristic of a
component of a bow.
5. The device of claim 4 wherein the component of a bow is selected
from the group consisting of bow limbs, bow risers, and bow
grips.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the elastomer has a hardness of
about range 0 to about 60 on the Shore A hardness scale.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the planar surface further
comprises an adhesive face configured to be adhesively secured to
the bow.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein the planar surface is integral to
the body portion.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein the planar surface is adhesively
coupled to the body portion.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein the dampening device is
adhesively coupled to the bow using at least one material selected
from a group consisting of super glue, general purpose glue, epoxy
resin, acrylic resin, urethane, resin, cement, natural gums and
resins, mucilage, starch, starch derivatives, rubber adhesives, and
cellulose derivatives,
11. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one
attachment port formed on the body portion and configured to
receive at least one attachment device therein.
12. The device of claim 11 wherein the at least one attachment
device is selected from a group consisting of bolts, screws, nails,
clips, channels, bands, ties, compression fits, and snap-fits.
13. The device of claim 12 further comprising at least one
attachment member integral with the body portion.
14. The device of claim 12 wherein the attachment member further
comprises a head portion having a diameter D and a shaft having a
diameter D', wherein diameter D' is less than diameter D.
15. The device of claim 12 wherein the attachment member further
comprises a shaft having one or more flexible flanges extending
therefrom.
16. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one
attachment passageway formed in the body portion and sized to
receive at least one attachment tie therethrough.
17. The device of claim 16 wherein the at least one attachment tie
is selected from a group consisting of strings, bands, cables,
ties, zip ties, tapes, ropes, and clamps.
18. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one anchoring
device configured to be affixed to the bow and sized to engage and
retain the body portion thereon.
19. The device of claim 18 wherein the anchoring device is
detachably coupled to the bow.
20. The device of claim 18 wherein the anchoring device comprises:
an anchor body defining a bow limb passage; and at least one
coupling channel configured to receive and retain the body portion
therein.
21. The device of claim 18 further comprising at least one insert
passage formed in the anchor body.
22. The device of claim 21 further comprising an insert
positionable within the insert passage.
23. The device of claim 22 wherein the body portion is manufactured
from a first elastomer material and the insert is manufactured from
a second elastomer material.
24. The device of claim 22 wherein the body portion is manufactured
from a first elastomer material and the insert is manufactured from
at least one material selected from the group consisting of from
fiberglass, metal, ceramic, plastic, or composite material.
25. The device of claim 16 wherein the body portion couples to the
anchoring device using at least one device selected from the group
consisting of lock members, lock channels, screws, pins, friction
fits, snap fits, adhesives, and tapes
26. The device of claim 1 further comprising an attachment plate
coupled to the body portion.
27. The device of claim 1 wherein the attachment plate further
comprises an attachment orifice formed therein and configured to
traverse the attachment plate and the body portion.
28. A dampening device for an archery bow, comprising: a body
portion; a substantially wedge-like extension extending from the
body portion; a planar surface connected to the body portion and
configured to be secured to a bow; and an attachment plate coupled
to the body portion.
29. A dampening device for an archery bow, comprising: at least one
anchoring device configured to be affixed to the bow; and a body
portion having a substantially wedge-like extension extending from
the body portion and a planar surface connected to the body portion
and configured to couple the body portion to the anchoring device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/864,103, filed May 23, 2001, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
60/206,250, filed May 23, 2000, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] When firing an arrow from a bow, an archer positions the
shaft of an arrow on a bow grip such that the nock of the arrow
engages the bow string. Thereafter, the archer draws the arrow and
bow string rearwardly from the limbs of the bow and the bow grip.
As a result, great forces are built up and stored in the deflection
of the bow limbs as the bow string is retracted. To cast the arrow,
the archer releases the bow string thereby permitting the bow limbs
to rapidly return to a resting position and resulting in the arrow
being cast from the bow.
[0003] Frequently, as the arrow is released from the bow and
immediately thereafter, an extreme vibration is generated in
various parts of the bow. In addition, some archers torque the bow
off the target line when casting the arrow. The torque and
resulting bow movement may also be produced by a physical reactive
effect known as "archer's paradox." The various vibrations and
torques created when casting an arrow rob the arrow of energy and
may negatively affect the accuracy and speed of the arrow during
flight. Furthermore, the vibrations and torques over time may
shorten the life of the bow and the various bow components. Lastly,
the vibrations and torques created when casting an arrow may result
in physical discomfort to the archer and may adversely affect the
joints of the archer over a period of time.
[0004] Thus, in view of the foregoing, there is an ongoing need for
a vibration-reducing device for archery bows.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present application discloses various embodiments of
vibration dampening devices for archery bows.
[0006] In one embodiment, a dampening device for a bow is disclosed
and includes a body portion, a substantially wedge-like extension
extending from the body portion, and a planar surface connected to
the body portion and configured to be secured to a bow.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, a dampening device is disclosed
and includes a body portion, a substantially wedge-like extension
extending from the body portion, a planar surface connected to the
body portion and configured to be secured to a bow, and an
attachment plate coupled to the body portion.
[0008] In still another embodiment, a dampening device for a bow is
disclosed and includes at least one anchoring device configured to
be affixed to the bow, and a body portion having a substantially
wedge-like extension extending from the body portion and a planar
surface connected to the body portion. The body portion is
configured to couple to the anchoring device.
[0009] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from a consideration of the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The dampening device of the present application will be
explained in more detail by way of the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a bow having an embodiment of a
dampening device attached thereto proximate to the bow pulleys of
the bow;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a bow having an embodiment of a
dampening device attached thereto proximate to the bow pulleys of
the bow;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a first bow limb of a bow having
an embodiment of a dampening device attached thereto;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a bow having an embodiment of a
dampening device attached thereto proximate to the bow riser of the
bow;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a front view of a bow having an embodiment of a
dampening device attached thereto proximate to the bow riser of the
bow;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a side view of an embodiment of a dampening
device;
[0017] FIG. 7 shows a rear view of an embodiment of a dampening
device having a base plate attached to a planar surface of the body
portion as viewed along on the lines 7-7 of FIG. 6;
[0018] FIG. 8 shows a top view of an embodiment of a dampening
device as viewed along on the lines 8-8 of FIG. 6;
[0019] FIG. 9 shows an elevated side view of an embodiment of a
dampening device having an attachment slot formed in an attachment
plate;
[0020] FIG. 10 shows a top view of an attachment plate device which
may be affixed to a body portion of a dampening device;
[0021] FIG. 11 shows an elevated view of another embodiment of a
dampening device having an attachment member integral with the body
portion;
[0022] FIG. 12 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of an attachment device integral with a body portion of the
dampening device shown in FIG. 11;
[0023] FIG. 13 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of an attachment device integral with a body portion of the
dampening device shown in FIG. 1 attached to a bow;
[0024] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate
embodiment of an attachment member for coupling a dampening device
to a bow;
[0025] FIG. 15 shows an elevated side view of an embodiment of a
dampening device having an attachment passage formed in the body
portion;
[0026] FIG. 16 shows an elevated side view of an embodiment of an
anchoring device of an embodiment of a dampening device;
[0027] FIG. 17 shows an elevated side view of an embodiment of a
body portion of a dampening device;
[0028] FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of a dampening device having an
anchoring device coupled to a bow and having a body portion coupled
to the anchoring device;
[0029] FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a dampening device having an
anchoring device coupled to a bow;
[0030] FIG. 20 shows an elevated side view of an alternate
embodiment of an anchoring device for use in anchoring an
embodiment of the body portion of the dampening device as
illustrated in FIG. 17 to a bow;
[0031] FIG. 21 shows an elevated side view of an embodiment of an
insert for use with the anchoring device as illustrated in FIG.
20;
[0032] FIG. 22 shows an elevated side view of an embodiment of an
insert being inserted into the anchoring device as illustrated in
FIG. 20;
[0033] FIG. 23 shows an elevated side view of an embodiment of a
dampening device having an anchoring device as shown in FIG. 22
attached to the bow;
[0034] FIG. 24 shows an elevated side view of an embodiment of a
dampening device having an anchoring device as shown in FIG. 22
attached to the bow wherein an insert is being positioned within
the anchoring device;
[0035] FIG. 25 shows an elevated side view of an alternate
embodiment of a body portion of a dampening device having an insert
formed therein;
[0036] FIG. 26 shows an elevated side view of another embodiment of
a body portion of a dampening device having an insert formed
therein; and
[0037] FIG. 27 shows a side view of a test rig used to test the
vibration characteristics of a bow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a bow 1 having bow limbs 3A,
3B coupled to a bow riser 4 having a bow grip 5 attached thereto.
As shown in FIG. 1, a bow string 7 is engaging bow pulleys 9A, 9B
located on the bow limbs 3A, 3B. A dampening device 10 is attached
to the bow limbs 3A, 3B. As shown, a first dampening device 10 is
positioned on the first bow limb 3A and a second dampening device
10 is positioned on the second bow limb 3B. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate any number of dampening devices 10 may be
positioned on the first bow limb 3A, the second bow limb 3B, or
both. For example, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment wherein a bow 1
includes two dampening devices 10 positioned on the first bow limb
3A, and two dampening devices 10 on the second bow limb 3B.
Optionally, an equal number or unequal number of dampening devices
may be position on the bow limbs 3A, 3B. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the dampening devices 10 may be positioned on a first surface 11A
of the bows limbs 3A, 3B. Optionally, at least one dampening device
10 may be positioned on a second surface 11B of the bow limbs 3A,
3B. In an alternate embodiment, either the first or second bow limb
3A, 3B, respectively may not include a dampening device 10
thereon.
[0039] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the dampening
devices 10 are positioned proximate to the bow pulleys 9A, 9B.
Optionally, the dampening devices 10 may be positioned anywhere
along the length of the bow limbs 3A, 3B, the bow riser 4, and/or
the bow grip 5. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the dampening devices 10
may be positioned proximate to the bow riser 4. For example, the
dampening device 10 may include an attachment port (not shown)
configured to receive a fastening device (not shown) therethrough.
In the alternative, the dampening devices 10 may be positioned on
the bow limbs 3A, 3B intermediate of the bow pulleys 9A, 9B and the
bow riser 4. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that by
repositioning the dampening device 10 along the bow limbs 3A, 3B,
the archer may tailor the dampening effects of the dampening device
10 and the bow 1 to his or her liking. In one embodiment, the
dampening device 10 is manufactured from an elastomer. Optionally,
the dampening device 10 may be manufactured from a variety of
materials, including, without limitation, elastomers, silicons,
rubbers, plastics, fiberglasses, carbon fibers, composite
materials, metals, ceramics, or any other suitable materials having
appropriate dampening characteristics. For example, in one
embodiment, the dampening device 10 may be manufactured from a
material, such as fiberglass, and may be frequency matched to the
vibrational frequency of the bow 1 or the various components
thereof.
[0040] FIGS. 6-8 show various views of an embodiment of a dampening
device 10. As shown, the dampening device 10 includes a body
portion 12 and a wedge-like extension 14 extending from the body
portion 12. The wedge-like extension 14 includes a substantially
triangular shape tapering away from the body portion 12. A planar
surface 16 is provided integral to or otherwise connected to the
body portion 12. In the illustrated embodiment the planar surface
16 includes an adhesive face A, which may be overlaid with a
protective liner (not shown) for storage and transport, thereby
permitting the dampening device 10 to be adhesively coupled to the
bow limbs 3A, 3B or the bow 1. (See FIG. 1). In an alternate
embodiment, a base plate (not shown) may be coupled to the planar
surface 16. For example, the base plate (not shown) may be
adhesively coupled to the planar surface 16, although a variety of
materials may be used to coupled the base plate (not shown) to the
planar surface 16. A variety of adhesives can be used for affixing
each dampening device 10 to a bow 1, including super glue, general
purpose glue, epoxy resin, acrylic resin, urethane, resin, cement,
natural gums and resins, mucilage, starch and starch derivatives,
rubber adhesives, cellulose derivatives, or combinations thereof.
In lieu of adhesive fastening, a variety of mechanical fasteners
can be used to couple the dampening device 10 to the bow,
including, without limitation, screws, nails, clips, channels,
bands, ties, compression fits, snap-fits, and the like.
[0041] FIGS. 9 and 10 show another embodiment of a dampening device
110. As shown, the dampening device 110 includes a body portion 112
coupled to an attachment plate 116. The body portion 112 includes a
planar surface 113 and a wedge-like extension 114 extending from
the body portion 112. The attachment plate 116 includes at least
one attachment port or slot 120 formed thereon. The attachment slot
120 may traverse the attachment plate 116 and body portion 112 and
may be configured to receive one or more attachment devices 122
therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment slot 120 is
located distally from the wedge-like extension 114. In an alternate
embodiment, the attachment slot 120 may be positioned proximate to
the wedge-like extension 114. In the illustrated embodiment the
attachment device 122 is shown to be a screw. However, any number
of devices may be inserted into the attachment slot 120 to couple
the dampening device 110 to a bow 1, (see FIG. 1), including,
bolts, pins, screws, nails, or similar devices. In one embodiment,
the dampening device 110 may be coupled to the bow limbs 3A, 3B
with bow limb fasteners used for coupling the bow limbs 3A, 3B to
the bow riser 4. For example, the user may loosen a bow limb
fastener from the bow limb 3A and position the dampening device 110
such that the bow limb fastener traverses the attachment device
slot 120. Thereafter, the user may re-tighten the bow limb fastener
thereby coupling the dampeneing device 110 to the bow 1. As such,
FIGS. 4 and 5 show an embodiment of a dampening device 10 attached
to the bow limbs 3A, 3B of a bow 1 proximate to the bow riser 4
using attachment devices 122.
[0042] FIGS. 11-14 show an alternate embodiment of a dampening
device. As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the dampening device 210 includes
a body portion 212 and an attachment plate 216. At least one
attachment member 224 may be attached to or integral to either the
body portion 212, the attachment plate 216, or both. The attachment
member 224 is configured to engage and be retained within an
attachment orifice 230 formed in a bow limb 3A or 3B, or the bow
riser 4 (See FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the attachment member 224
may include a head portion 226 having a first diameter D connected
to the body portion 212 through a shaft 228. The shaft 228 has a
diameter D' which is less than the diameter D of the head portion
226. When inserted into the attachment orifice 230, the head
portion 226 is compressed and made to traverse a section of the bow
limb 3A through the attachment orifice 230, thereby coupling the
dampening device 210 to the bow limb 3A. FIG. 14 shows an alternate
embodiment of an attachment member 250 having a shaft 258 having
one or more flexible flanges 260 extending therefrom. The flanges
260 are configured to be inserted into an attachment orifice 230
and retained therein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
the attachment member 250 is configured to engage any thickness of
a bow limb 3A or be otherwise coupled to a bow 1, thereby
permitting a single dampening device 210 to be coupled to a variety
of bow styles or bow manufactured by a variety of bow
manufacturers. In addition, the attachment member 224 illustrated
in FIG. 14 permits a user to vary the depth the attachment member
224 is inserted into the attachment orifice 230 thereby permitting
the user to tailor the dampening qualities of the dampening device
210 to his or her liking.
[0043] FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a dampening device 310
wherein the body portion 312 includes at least one attachment
passageway 332 formed therein. The attachment passageway 332 may be
formed on the body portion 312 proximate to the planar surface 313.
In an alternate embodiment, the attachment passageway 332 may
located distally from the planar surface 313. The attachment
passageway 332 may be configured to receive one or more attachment
ties 334 therethrough. Exemplary attachment ties 334 include,
without limitation, strings, bands, cables, ties, zip ties, tapes,
ropes, clamps, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the
dampening device 310 is coupled to the bow limb 3A. Optionally, the
dampening device 310 may be coupled to any portion of the bow 1
(See FIG. 1) including, the bow limbs 3A, 3B, the bow riser 4,
and/or the bow grip 5. As a result, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that dampening device 310 may be coupled to the bow 1
without modifying the bow limb 3A or forming a hole therein.
[0044] FIGS. 16-19 illustrate another embodiment of a dampening
device 410. As shown, the dampening device 410 may include an
anchoring device 440 attachable to bow limbs 3A, 3B. (See FIG. 1)
and a body portion 412' configured to be detachably coupled to the
anchoring device 440. Referring to FIG. 16, the anchoring device
440 may be detachably coupled to the bow 1 and includes an anchor
body 442 defining a bow limb passage 444 and having at least one
coupling channel 446 formed thereon. The bow limb passage 444 is
size to engage and be retained on at least one of the bow limbs 3A,
3B of the bow 1. (See FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the
bow limb passage 444 is sized to receive the first and second bow
limbs 3A, 3B, respectively, therein and may compressively attach
thereto. Optionally, anchoring device 440 may couple to the bow
limbs 3A, 3B using a variety of ways. For example, the anchoring
device 440 may include adhesive, screws, bolts, pins, ties, or
other device to attach the anchoring device 440 to the bow limbs
3A, 3B. In the illustrated embodiment, two coupling channels 446A,
446B are formed on the anchoring device 440. Optionally, any number
of coupling channels may be formed on the body portion 412'. As
shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the dampening device 410 is positioned on
the second surface 11B of the bow limbs 3A proximate to the bow
pulley 9A. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
dampening device 410 may be coupled to the bow 1 at any variety of
locations and surfaces.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the body portion 412' includes
a wedge-like extension 414' extending therefrom and a planar
surface 413' attached thereto. In one embodiment, the planar
surface 413' extends beyond the width W of the body portion 412'
and is configured to engage and be retained within the coupling
channel 446. Exemplary devices used to couple the body portion 412'
to the anchoring device 440 include, without limitation, lock
members, lock channels, screws, pins, friction fits, snap fits,
adhesives, and tapes.
[0046] FIGS. 18 and 19 show an embodiment of the anchoring element
440 and the anchoring elements coupled to the first bow limb 3A. As
shown in FIG. 18, the anchoring elements 440 are coupled to the bow
limb 3A proximate to a bow pulley relief 450 and the body portion
412' is detachably coupled to the anchoring device 440. In FIG. 19,
the body portion 412' has been removed from the bow limb 3A leaving
the anchoring element 440 attached thereto.
[0047] FIGS. 20-24 show an alternate embodiment of an anchoring
device 560. As shown in FIGS. 20-22, the anchoring device 560
includes an anchor body 562 defining an insert passage 564 and at
least one bow limb passage 566 therein. The insert passage 564 is
sized to receive an insert 580 therein. In one embodiment, the
insert 580 is manufactured from the material used to manufacture
the anchoring device 562. In an alternate embodiment, the insert
580 may be manufactured from a different material used to
manufacture the anchoring device 562. For example, the insert 580
may be manufactured from fiberglass, metals, composite materials,
plastics, silicons, rubbers, ceramics, or any other material having
suitable dampening characteristics. In one embodiment, the insert
580 is manufactured from a material which is frequency matched to
the vibrational frequency of the bow 1 of the various components
thereof. The insert 580 and the insert passage 562 may be
manufactured in a variety of shapes, including rectangular, square,
circular, and oval. The bow limb passage 566 are sized to receive
and retain at least a portion of the bow limbs 3A, 3B therein. FIG.
22 shows the insert 580 being inserted into the anchoring device
560. The insert 580 may be inserted into the insert passage 562 and
advanced therein along the line of arrow A. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate the ability of the user to remove and replace
the insert 580 within the insert passage 560 permits the user to
tailor the dampening qualities and "feel" of the dampening device
and bow to his or her liking. In an alternate embodiment, the
insert 580 may be partially inserted into the insert passage 560
thereby permitting the user to "tune" the dampening qualities of
the dampening device. For example, the user may partially install
the insert 580 in the insert passage 560 to match the vibrational
frequency of the dampening device 410 to the vibrational
characteristics of the bow 1.
[0048] FIGS. 23 and 24 show the anchoring device 560 attached to
the first bow limb 3A. As shown, a body portion 512' may be
detachably coupled to the anchoring element 560 as described above.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the insert passage 564 is free
of an insert 580. If desired, the user may utilize the anchoring
elements 560 and body portion 512' without inserting an insert 580
therein. Alternatively, the user may choose to install the insert
580 into the insert passage 564, as shown in FIG. 24, by inserting
the insert 580 into the insert passage 564 and advancing the insert
580 along arrow A.
[0049] FIGS. 25 and 26 show alternate embodiments of dampening
devices. As shown in FIG. 25, the dampening device 610 includes an
insert 616 formed in a wedge-like portion 614. The dampening device
610 consists of at least two parts made of a vibration dampening
material, such as an elastomer. In one embodiment, the two parts
are made of the same vibration dampening material. In an alternate
embodiment, the two parts are made of vibration dampening materials
having different hardness and dampening properties. In one
embodiment, the planar surface 613 has a shortened length and may
be adhered or otherwise coupled to the bow 1. As shown, an adhesive
A may be used to couple the dampening device 610 to the bow,
although any number of fasteners may be used to couple the
dampening device 610 to the bow 1. The wedge-like extension 614
includes an insert 616 suspended above the bow limb 3A, 3B. (See
FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the planar surface 613 comprises a
flexible plastic plate attached the body portion 612. FIG. 26 shows
an embodiment of the dampening device 710 having an insert 716
formed in the body portion 712 proximate to the wedge-like
extension 714. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, the planar
surface 713 is in communication with or positioned proximate to the
wedge-like extension 714. The planar surface 713 may include an
adhesive A for affixing the dampening device 710 to the bow, or may
include any number of attaching device thereon.
[0050] The various embodiments of the dampening devices disclosed
above may be manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the body portion 12 may be
manufactured to form a continuous structure. In the alternative,
the body portion 12 may include one or more irregularities formed
thereon. As shown in FIG. 10, the body portion 12 may include one
or more slots 90 formed thereon. Optionally, the body portion 12
may include one or more bumps, holes, tabs, fins, fenestrations, or
other surface irregularity thereon. Further, the dampening devices
disclosed herein may be manufactured form one or more elastomers.
For example, the dampening device may be manufactured from an
elastomer having a Shore hardness of 0-60 (Shore A scale). In the
alternative, multiple elastomers may be used having a combination
of different Shore hardness of the elastomers can range from 0-60
(Shore A scale). Optionally, the dampening device may be
manufactured from fiberglass, metals, ceramics, plastics, composite
materials, or any other material having a desired dampening or
vibrational characteristics. In one embodiment the dampening device
is approximately 65 mm long by 15 mm wide and 25 mm high, but
dimensions can vary depending on the size and power of the bows and
cross bows.
[0051] In the various embodiments disclosed above, the dampening
devices or components thereof may be attached to the bow at various
locations. For example, the dampening device may be coupled to the
bow limbs, bow riser, or bow grip. After the arrow is released, the
limbs generate intense vibration. By oscillating independently from
the limbs, the dampening device speedily and effectively dampens
the vibration of the limbs and reduces the noise associated with
it.
[0052] FIG. 27 shows a test rig used in MIT's Harold Edgerton
laboratory to evaluate the dampener of the invention and U.S. Pat.
No. 5,362,046 of Nov. 8, 1994 (S. C. Sims). Amplitude and frequency
of oscillation (and acceleration) of the bow were measured without
dampeners and with respective dampeners attached. Those tests were
supplemented by stroboscopic photography. Similar tests were made
with a hand held bow. Both forms of dampeners significantly reduced
vibration of the bow. Also the present invention had noticeable
improvement over the dampener of the '046 patent in reduction of
amplitude of the acceleration waveform for bow vibration,
particularly in a 40-60 millisecond time range (after string
release).
[0053] Although the invention has been described with respect to
various embodiments, it should be realized this invention is also
capable of a wide variety of further and other embodiments within
the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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