Tuning fork damper for archery products

Abstract

A tuning fork damping assembly for an archery bow includes a tuning fork housing adapted to be coupled to a portion of the archery bow. The tuning fork housing includes spaced apart fork members defining a cavity. A dampening member is disposed within the cavity for dampening vibrational energy generated by each shot of the archery bow.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/639,917, filed on Dec. 29, 2004 and entitled “Tuning Fork Damper for Archery Products.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an archery bow. More particularly, this invention relates to a tuning fork dampener assembly for dampening vibrational energy and noise in an archery bow component.

2. Description of Related Art

Vibration and noise are important considerations in the design and manufacture of archery bows, including compound bows, mechanical bows, and cross bows, and archery bow accessories. The drawing back of the string and subsequent release thereof creates vibrational energy throughout the archery bow, especially in the strings and the limbs. This vibrational energy substantially interferes with one's ability to control the archery bow. Thus, the ability to reduce vibrational energy is a highly desirable feature for archery bows.

Noise is produced in the archery bow when the vibrational energy reaches hard surface-to-hard surface contact points. For hunting purposes, such noise is particularly undesirable in that animals are known to be able to “jump the string.” Jumping the string occurs when an animal jumps or flinches in response to noise produced by an archery bow shot. In many instances, this jumping or flinching is enough to allow the animal to avoid the archery bow shot. Thus, a device for redirecting and/or eliminating noise during each shot of the archery bow is also a highly desirable feature for archery bows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a tuning fork damping assembly is provided for an archery bow. The tuning fork damping assembly includes a tuning fork housing adapted to be coupled to a portion of the archery bow. The tuning fork housing includes spaced apart fork members defining a cavity. A dampening member is disposed within the cavity for dampening vibrational energy generated by each shot of the archery bow.

According to another aspect of the invention, a tuning fork damping device is provided for an archery bow. The tuning fork damping device includes an integrally formed, one-piece tuning fork housing adapted to be coupled to a portion of the archery bow. The tuning fork housing has spaced apart fork members defining a cavity therebetween to allow each of the spaced apart fork members to vibrate independently of one another for dampening vibrational energy generated by each shot of the archery bow.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a tuning fork assembly is provided for dampening vibrational energy in an archery bow. The tuning fork assembly includes a bow component having a pair of spaced apart, generally rigid fork members defining a cavity therebetween. A dampening member is disposed within the cavity and clamped into place between the pair of spaced apart, generally rigid fork members for dampening vibrational energy in portions of the archery bow adjacent the bow component.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a tuning fork damping assembly for an archery bow includes a tuning fork housing adapted to be coupled to a portion of the archery bow. The tuning fork housing includes spaced apart fork members defining a cavity. A damping mass is coupled to at least one of the spaced apart fork members for dampening vibrational energy generated by each shot of the archery bow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an archery bow including a tuning fork dampening assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tuning fork dampening assembly;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the tuning fork dampening assembly;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an archery bow including a tuning fork damping device mounted to various archery bow components;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tuning fork damping device;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the archery bow of an archery bow including a tuning fork assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the archery bow including first, second, and third tuning fork assemblies; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a riser including the spaced apart fork members at each end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, an archery bow, generally shown at 10, includes a riser 12 extending between opposing ends 14, 16. Although a compound bow is shown in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that the following description is equally applicable to other bows including, but not limited to, mechanical bows and cross bows. The archery bow 10 includes first 18 and second 20 limbs extending away from the respective ends 14, 16 of the riser 12. Each of the first 18 and second 20 limbs includes a first end 22 proximate to one end 14, 16 of the riser 12. A pair of limb pockets 24, 26 is coupled to the first end 22 of the respective first 18 and second 20 limbs.

A wheel 30 or cam 32 is rotatably coupled to a second end 28 of each of the first 18 and second 20 limbs. A harness or cable system 34 and a bowstring 36 are wound around and between each wheel 30 and cam 32 and pulled in tension by the first 18 and second 20 limbs. A cable guard rod 38 extends between the riser 12 and the harness or cable system 34.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a tuning fork dampener assembly or stabilizer, generally shown at 40, is provided for dampening vibrational energy and reducing noise generated during each shot of the archery bow 10. Each tuning fork dampener assembly 40 includes a tuning fork housing, generally indicated at 42, adapted to be coupled to any of various archery bow components. Preferably, the coupling of the tuning fork dampening assembly 40 to one of the archery bow components is facilitated by a mounting structure 43 disposed at one end of the tuning fork housing 42. The mounting structure 43 includes a screw receiving end 45. It is, however, appreciated that the tuning fork dampener assembly 40 may be attached to an archery bow component in any of numerous ways including, but not limited to, fastening, molding, welding, riveting, bonding, and snap-fitting.

The tuning fork housing 42 includes a stem portion 44 and spaced apart fork members 46, 48 extending out from the stem portion 44. The spaced apart fork members 46, 48 define a cavity 50 therebetween. The spaced apart fork members 46, 48 and the cavity 50 therebetween imparts the tuning fork housing 42 with a generally U-shaped or V-shaped appearance. It is, however, appreciated that the tuning fork housing 42, including the spaced apart fork members 46, 48, may be formed in any of various similar shapes. It is further appreciated that the tuning fork housing 42 may be formed as a single piece or fabricated in separate pieces that are assembled together.

At least one of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 includes an aperture 52 extending therethrough opposite the stem portion 44. In addition, at least one of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 includes at least one hollow 53 formed therealong.

The cross-section of each of the fork spaced apart fork members 46, 48 is specifically formed to efficiently draw unwanted vibrational energy into the tuning fork dampening assembly 40. It is appreciated that the geometrical shape and corresponding cross-section of each of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 may vary. For example, the cross-section of each of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 may be generally circular, semi-circular, rectangular, square, or any of numerous alternatives. Further, one of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 may have a different cross-section than the other of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 is formed from metal. It is, however, contemplated that the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 may be formed from any of numerous materials.

The tuning fork dampening assembly 40 also includes a dampening member 54 disposed within the cavity 50 between the spaced apart fork members 46, 48. The dampening member 54 is preferably formed from an elastomeric material although any of numerous materials having damping characteristics may also be utilized.

The dampening member 54 includes an aperture 56 that aligns with the respective aperture 52 formed on at least one of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48, and at least one hollow 57. A fastener (not shown) extends through each of the apertures 52, 56 to fixedly secure the dampening member 54 to the tuning fork housing 42. At the same time, the fastener exerts a load on the dampening member 54. It is appreciated that although the fastener extending through the apertures 52, 56 has been disclosed for securing the dampening member 54 to the tuning fork housing 42, the dampening member 54 may be secured between the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 in any of numerous ways including, but not limited to, frictional engagement.

A damping mass 59 may be inserted into at least one of the hollows 53 formed along at least one of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 to alter system frequencies. The damping mass 59 may be formed from any of numerous materials including, but not limited to, carbide, steel, and aluminum. The damping mass 59 may also be inserted into at least one of the hollows 57 formed along the dampening member 54.

Each of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 is free to oscillate as a result of its predetermined cross-section, which is specifically formed to efficiently draw vibrational energy into the tuning fork dampener assembly 40 and then dampen the vibrational energy by way of the dampener member 54. Once the archery bow 10 is shot, vibrational energy transfers to the tuning fork dampening assembly 40 naturally as it follows the path of least resistance. As the vibrational energy reaches the spaced apart fork members 46, 48, the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 handle the vibrational energy uniformly and efficiently. The spaced apart fork members 46, 48 may vibrate with the same frequency as one another once the tuning fork dampening assembly 40 has been energized. Alternatively, one of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 may vibrate with a different frequency than the other spaced apart fork member 46, 48 once the tuning fork dampening assembly 40 has been energized. The difference in frequency results from the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 having different geometrical shapes or cross-sections, or one or more damping masses 59 added thereto.

In addition, the dampening member 54 allows system frequencies, that is, noise, to be altered. Further, the tuning fork housing 42 is an acoustical housing. As a result, the tuning fork dampening assembly 40 can be specifically designed to radiate noise in a predetermined direction, for example, away from a bow target, upon firing of the archery bow 10.

Numerous tuning fork dampener assemblies 40 may be incorporated into a single archery bow 10. For exemplary purposes, FIG. 1 shows tuning fork dampening assemblies 40 secured to the riser 12, the first 18 and second 20 limbs, and the cable guard rod 38.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, wherein like primed reference numerals represent similar elements as those described above, in a second embodiment of the invention an integrally formed, one-piece tuning fork damping device, generally indicated at 60, is adapted to be coupled to any of numerous archery bow components for dampening vibrational energy and noise generated by the archery bow 10′. For exemplary purposes, the tuning fork damping device 60 is shown coupled to one of the limbs 18′, the cable guard rod 38′, and the string 36′. The tuning fork damping device 60 is preferably formed from an elastomeric material although it is appreciated that any suitable damping material may be utilized in the alternative.

The tuning fork damping device 60 includes the spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ defining the cavity 50′ therebetween. The cavity 50′ is air-filled. As such, each of the spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ is allowed to vibrate independently of one another to dampen vibrational energy generated during each shot of the archery bow 10′. Each of the spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ includes at least one slot 62 formed therealong. The damping mass 59′ may be inserted into one or more of the slots 62 in order to change the vibration frequency of one of the fork members 46′, 48′ relative to the other.

As with the previous embodiment set forth above, the geometrical shape and corresponding cross-section of each of the spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ may vary. For example, the cross-section of each of the spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ may be generally circular, semi-circular, rectangular, square, or any of numerous alternatives. Further, one of the spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ may have a different cross-section than the other of the spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′.

The spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ may vibrate with the same frequency as one another once the tuning fork damping device 60 has been energized. Alternatively, one of the spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ may vibrate with a different frequency than the other spaced apart fork member 46′, 48′ once the tuning fork damping device 60 has been energized. The difference in frequency results from the spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ having different geometrical shapes or cross-sections, or one or more damping masses 59′ added thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 8, wherein like double-primed reference numerals represent similar elements as those described above, in a third embodiment of the invention various archery bow components include integrated tuning fork assemblies. More specifically, the riser 12″ includes first 64 and second 66 tuning fork assemblies extending out from the respective ends 14″, 16″ of the riser 12″. The first tuning fork assembly 64 includes the pair of spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″ defining the cavity 50″ therebetween. The dampening member 54″ is disposed within the cavity 50″. Each of the spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″ includes a pivot aperture 68. The pivot apertures 68 align with a protrusion 70 extending out from the limb pocket 24″ at a pivot 72. A screw 74 extends through the pivot apertures 68 and the protrusion 70 to clamp the dampening member 54″ between the spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″. The screw 74 acts as a vise by clamping the dampening member 54″ between the rigid spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″. By varying the screw tightness, a user can control the amount of preload exerted on the dampening member 54″. The dampening member 54″ dampens vibration at the coupling between the riser 12″ and the adjacent limb pocket 24″ in order to securely hold adjacent structural archery bow components in place during archery bow use.

The second tuning fork assembly 66 of the riser 12″ is spaced apart from the first tuning fork assembly 64 and includes the pair of spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″ defining the cavity 50″ therebetween. The dampening member 54″ is disposed within the cavity 50″. Each of the spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″ includes a pivot aperture 76. One end 78 of an actuator 80 is aligned with the pivot apertures 76 at a pivot 79. The actuator 80 is formed from a resilient material, preferably an elastomeric material such as urethane or polyurethane in any durometer. A screw 82 is inserted through the pivot apertures 76 and the end 78 of the actuator 80 to clamp the end 78 of the actuator 80 in place between the spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″. The screw 82 acts as a vise by clamping the actuator 80 between the rigid spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″. As a result, vibration at the pivot 79 is dampened, which secures adjacent bow components in place during archery bow use. By varying the screw tightness, a user can control the amount of preload exerted on the dampening member 54″.

Each of the limb pockets 24″, 26″ (one shown) includes a third tuning fork assembly 84 having the spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″ defining the cavity 50″. Each of the spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″ includes a pivot aperture 86. An opposing end 88 of the actuator 80 is aligned with the pivot apertures 86 at a pivot 89. A screw 90 is inserted through the pivot apertures 86 and the end 88 of the actuator 80 to clamp the end 88 of the actuator 80 in place between the spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″. The screw 90 acts as a vise by clamping the actuator 80 between the rigid spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″ of the limb pocket 24″. As a result, vibration at the pivot 89 is dampened, which secures adjacent bow components in place during archery bow use. By varying the screw tightness, a user can control the amount of preload exerted on the dampening member 54″

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A tuning fork damping assembly for an archery bow, said tuning fork damping assembly comprising:

a tuning fork housing adapted to be coupled to a portion of the archery bow, said tuning fork housing including spaced apart fork members defining a cavity; and

a dampening member disposed within said cavity for dampening vibrational energy generated by each shot of the archery bow.

2. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein one of said spaced apart fork members has a first geometrical shape for vibrating at a first frequency.

3. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein another of said spaced apart fork members has a second geometrical shape for vibrating at a second frequency.

4. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said first and second geometrical shapes are the same such that each of said spaced apart fork members vibrates at the same frequency as the archery bow is shot.

5. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said first geometrical shape is different from said second geometrical shape such that at least one of said spaced apart fork members vibrates at a different frequency from another one of said spaced apart fork members as the archery bow is shot.

6. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said dampening member is formed from an elastomeric material.

7. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tuning fork housing is integrally formed.

8. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tuning fork housing is fabricated separately and assembled together.

9. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a damping mass coupled to at least one of said spaced apart fork members.

10. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a damping mass coupled to said dampening member.

11. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a screw extending through said dampening member and said spaced apart fork members for clamping said dampening member therebetween.

12. A tuning fork damping device for an archery bow, said tuning fork damping device comprising:

an integrally formed, one-piece tuning fork housing adapted to be coupled to a portion of the archery bow, said tuning fork housing having spaced apart fork members defining a cavity therebetween to allow each of said spaced apart fork members to vibrate independently of one another for dampening vibrational energy generated by each shot of the archery bow.

13. A tuning fork damping device as set forth in claim 12 wherein said tuning fork housing is formed from an elastomeric material.

14. A tuning fork damping device as set forth in claim 12 wherein one of said spaced apart fork members has a first geometrical shape for vibrating at a first frequency.

15. A tuning fork damping device as set forth in claim 14 wherein another of said spaced apart fork members has a second geometrical shape for vibrating at a second frequency.

16. A tuning fork damping device as set forth in claim 15 wherein said first and second geometrical shapes are the same such that each of said spaced apart fork members vibrates at the same frequency as the archery bow is shot.

17. A tuning fork damping device as set forth in claim 15 wherein said first geometrical shape is different than said second geometrical shape such that at least one of said spaced apart fork members vibrates at a different frequency from another one of said spaced apart fork members as the archery bow is shot.

18. A tuning fork damping device as set forth in claim 12 including a damping mass coupled to at least one of said spaced apart fork members.

19. A tuning fork assembly for dampening vibrational energy in an archery bow, said tuning fork assembly comprising:

a bow component including pair of spaced apart, generally rigid fork members defining a cavity therebetween; and

a dampening member disposed within said cavity and clamped into place between said pair of spaced apart, generally rigid fork members for dampening vibrational energy in portions of the archery bow adjacent said bow component.

20. A tuning fork assembly as set forth in claim 19 including a screw extending between said pair of spaced apart, generally rigid fork members for clamping said dampening member therebetween.

21. A tuning fork damping assembly for an archery bow, said tuning fork damping assembly comprising:

a tuning fork housing adapted to be coupled to a portion of the archery bow, said tuning fork housing including spaced apart fork members defining a cavity; and

a damping mass coupled to at least one of said spaced apart fork members for dampening vibrational energy generated by each shot of the archery bow.