ARROW VIBRATION DAMPENING APPARATUS
An arrow vibration dampening apparatus having a dampening mass capable of being inserted within an arrow shaft is disclosed. The dampening mass may include a first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations. The apparatus may also comprise a support structure capable of being at least partially inserted within the arrow shaft, with the dampening mass securable to at least a portion of the support structure. In one example, the dampening mass may also include a cantilevered portion that has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the arrow shaft. An arrow apparatus and a corresponding method of assembly are also disclosed.
The instant disclosure relates generally to the field of arrow vibration dampening devices and corresponding methods of assembly.
BACKGROUNDOver the years, various arrows have been developed for use in hunting and target archery. Conventional arrows typically comprise a shaft, a point (such as a field point or a broadhead) permanently or removably attached to the leading or distal end of the shaft, and a nock provided at the trailing or proximate end of the shaft. A plurality of vanes or other fletching are also typically secured to the trailing end of the shaft to facilitate proper flight of the arrow. As used herein, the term “arrow” means any elongated projectile with a point on the front or leading end and fletching or any other stabilizing structure on the back or trailing end, and shall include arrows for archery bows and arrows or bolts for crossbows
The accuracy with which an arrow can be shot from a bow (such as archery bows, including traditional bows and compound bows, and crossbows) is of great concern. Proper arrow flight and accuracy depends, to a large degree, on the amount of time it takes for an arrow to “settle” after being shot from a bow. When an arrow is shot from a bow, the propelling force of the bowstring causes vibrations to be transmitted throughout the length of the arrow. If these vibrations are not quickly reduced or eliminated, they may adversely affect proper arrow flight and accuracy. Sustained vibrations can also increase the aerodynamic drag of the arrow, resulting in shorter, less accurate flight paths. In addition, these vibrations may create undesirable noises that may alert game hunted by the bowhunter.
SUMMARYIn at least one embodiment, an arrow vibration dampening apparatus may comprise a dampening mass capable of being inserted within an arrow shaft. The dampening mass may comprise a first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations. The apparatus may also comprise a support structure capable of being at least partially inserted within the arrow shaft, with the support structure comprising a first end and a second end. In certain embodiments, the dampening mass may be securable to at least a portion of the support structure.
In at least one embodiment, the dampening mass may further comprise at least one longitudinal rib, provided proximate the second end of the dampening mass, that contacts an inner surface of the arrow shaft when the dampening mass is inserted within the arrow shaft. The dampening mass may also be formed in any number of shapes and sizes. For example, at least a portion of the dampening mass may be generally cylindrical or generally annular in shape. In addition, the dampening mass may further comprise a longitudinally extending aperture defined throughout the dampening mass that enables air inside the arrow shaft to escape through the dampening mass. The dampening mass may also comprise a cantilevered portion that has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the arrow shaft.
In at least one embodiment, the support structure is an insert comprising a male connector provided proximate its first end. The dampening mass may also further comprise a female connector defined proximate its second end, with the female connector of the dampening mass being sized to receive the male connector of the insert to secure the dampening mass to the insert. In addition, the insert may further comprise a longitudinally extending aperture defined throughout the insert that enables air inside the arrow shaft to escape through the insert.
In certain embodiments, the dampening mass may further comprise a female connector defined proximate its second end. The support structure may also comprise a nock provided proximate its second end and a male connector provided proximate its first end, with the female connector of the dampening mass being sized to receive the male connector of the support structure to secure the dampening mass to the support structure. In addition, the dampening mass may be generally annular in shape and capable of being disposed about at least a portion of a male connector provided proximate the first end of the support structure. In at least one embodiment, the dampening material may comprise an elastomeric material.
In many embodiments, an arrow vibration dampening apparatus may comprise a dampening mass capable of being inserted within an arrow shaft. The dampening mass may comprise a cantilevered first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations. In addition, the cantilevered first end of the dampening mass may have an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the arrow shaft. The arrow vibration dampening apparatus may also comprise a support structure at least partially disposed within the arrow shaft, with the second end of the dampening mass secured to the support structure.
In at least one embodiment, an arrow may comprise a shaft having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, and a second end, a point attached to the first end of the shaft, fletching attached to the shaft proximate its second end, a support structure at least partially inserted within the shaft, and a dampening mass inserted within the shaft and secured to at least a portion of the support structure. In certain embodiments, the dampening mass may comprise a first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations. The dampening mass may also comprise a cantilevered portion that has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the shaft.
In certain embodiments, a method of assembling an arrow may comprise providing a shaft having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, and a second end, inserting a dampening mass within the shaft, the dampening mass comprising a first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations, inserting a support structure at least partially within the shaft, the support structure comprising a first end and a second end, and securing the dampening mass to at least a portion of the support structure.
In at least one embodiment, an arrow vibration dampening apparatus may comprise a dampening mass capable of being inserted within an arrow shaft. This dampening mass may comprise a first end, a second end, a longitudinally extending aperture defined throughout the dampening mass that enables air inside the arrow shaft to escape through the dampening mass, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations.
In certain embodiments, an arrow vibration dampening apparatus may comprise a support structure capable of being at least partially inserted within an arrow shaft, the support structure comprising a first end and a second end, and a dampening mass securable to at least a portion of the support structure and capable of being inserted within the arrow shaft. In at least one embodiment, the dampening mass may comprise a cantilevered first end having an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the arrow shaft, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations.
Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used in combination with one another in accordance with the general principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of the instant disclosure.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the exemplary 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, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that 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 OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTSAs seen in
Dampening mass 30 generally represents any type or form of structure capable of dampening shock and vibrations, such as the vibrations produced when an arrow is launched from an archery bow, crossbow, or other device. Dampening mass 30 may be formed of any number or combination of dampening materials. For example, in certain embodiments dampening mass 30 may comprise an elastomeric material (such as a thermoplastic elastomer), a natural rubber material, and/or a synthetic rubber material. Dampening mass 30 may also be formed in any number of shapes and sizes. For example, as illustrated in
As seen in
In at least one embodiment, and as illustrated in
In at least one embodiment, and as illustrated in
As illustrated in
In many embodiments, arrow vibration dampening apparatus 10 may absorb (or otherwise reduce or minimize the amplitude of) vibrations transmitted through shaft 40 during flight. For example, dampening mass 30 may comprise a dampening material (such as a natural or synthetic rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer) capable of absorbing vibrations transmitted through shaft 40. In addition, because in certain embodiments the outer diameter 35 of cantilevered portion 38 may be less than the inner diameter 45 of shaft 40, cantilevered portion 38 may absorb at least a portion of the vibrations transmitted through shaft 40 by slightly vibrating, flexing, or oscillating within shaft 40, and perhaps contacting the inside wall of the shaft 40 during such vibrations or oscillations. Thus, by absorbing or otherwise reducing the amplitude of vibrations transmitted through shaft 40 during flight, arrow vibration dampening apparatus 10 may help improve shot accuracy and reduce vibration noise levels.
Dampening mass 60 generally represents any type or form of structure capable of dampening vibrations, such as the vibrations produced when an arrow is in flight. As with dampening mass 30, dampening mass 60 may be formed of any number or combination of dampening materials. For example, in certain embodiments dampening mass 60 may comprise an elastomeric material (such as a thermoplastic elastomer), a natural rubber material, and/or a synthetic rubber material, such as isoprene. Dampening mass 60 may also be formed in any number of shapes and sizes. For example, as illustrated in
In at least one embodiment, and as illustrated in
In many embodiments, the exemplary arrow vibration dampening apparatus 10 illustrated in
As seen in
As with previous embodiments, shaft 40 generally represents any form of arrow shaft known to those of ordinary skill in the art; including, for example, so-called fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) shafts (such as fiberglass and carbon fiber composite shafts), aluminum shafts, aluminum/carbon shafts, and any other suitable shaft. In certain embodiments, fletching 80 may be attached to the outer surface of shaft 40. Fletching 80 generally represents any type or form of fletching; including, for example, feathers, vanes, and other structure secured to the shaft and intended to stabilize the arrow during flight.
In certain embodiments, longitudinal ribs 34 may be sized so that they contact at least a portion of an inner surface of shaft 40 when dampening mass 30 is inserted within shaft 40. For example, as illustrated in the cross-sectional end view of
As seen in
In at least one embodiment, dampening mass 60 may be sized so that its outer surface contacts at least a portion of an inner surface of shaft 40 when dampening mass 60 is inserted within shaft 40. In other words, the outer diameter of dampening mass 60 may be equal to, or just slightly larger than, inner diameter 45 of shaft 40 so that, when dampening mass 60 is inserted within shaft 40, dampening mass 60 is compressed by and against the inner surface of shaft 40. Alternatively, the outer diameter of dampening mass 60 may be less than inside diameter 45 of shaft 40 so that, when dampening mass 60 is inserted within shaft 40, dampening mass 60 may be suspended within shaft 40.
In certain embodiments, dampening mass 130 may be generally cylindrical in shape and comprise a first end 131 and a second end 133. Dampening mass 130 may also comprise a female connector 132 defined proximate its second end 133. As with previous embodiments described herein, dampening mass 130 may also comprise one or more circumferential ribs 136, one or more longitudinal ribs 134, and/or a cantilevered portion 138. In at least one embodiment, female connector 132 may be sized to receive and mate with male connector 126 of support structure 120.
In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in
As seen in
As with previous embodiments, dampening mass 230 may comprise a cantilevered portion 238. Cantilevered portion 238, which may be formed in any number of shapes and sizes, generally represents a portion of dampening mass 230 that is cantilevered or otherwise suspended within shaft 240. In certain embodiments, cantilevered portion 238 may have an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter 245 of shaft 240 so that, when dampening mass 230 is disposed within shaft 240, cantilevered portion 238 may be suspended within (and not contact—at least in a static state) the interior of shaft 240.
As illustrated in
The preceding description has been provided to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodiments described herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant disclosure. In particular, one or more of the exemplary embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may be used in combination with one another to achieve a desired level of vibration suppression. For example, the exemplary arrow vibration dampening apparatus illustrated in
It is desired that the embodiments described herein be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive and that reference be made to the appended claims and their equivalents for determining the scope of the instant disclosure. Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”
Claims
1. An arrow vibration dampening apparatus, comprising:
- a dampening mass capable of being inserted within an arrow shaft, the dampening mass comprising a first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations; and
- a support structure capable of being at least partially inserted within the arrow shaft, the support structure comprising a first end and a second end;
- wherein the dampening mass is securable to at least a portion of the support structure.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dampening mass further comprises at least one longitudinal rib, provided proximate the second end of the dampening mass, that contacts an inner surface of the arrow shaft when the dampening mass is inserted within the arrow shaft;
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the dampening mass is generally cylindrical in shape.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dampening mass is generally annular in shape.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dampening mass further comprises a longitudinally extending aperture defined throughout the dampening mass that enables air inside the arrow shaft to escape through the dampening mass.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dampening mass comprises a cantilevered portion that has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the arrow shaft.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support structure is an insert comprising a male connector provided proximate its first end and the dampening mass further comprises a female connector defined proximate its second end, the female connector of the dampening mass being sized to receive the male connector of the insert to secure the dampening mass to the insert.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the insert further comprises a longitudinally extending aperture defined throughout the insert that enables air inside the arrow shaft to escape through the insert.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dampening mass further comprises a female connector defined proximate its second end and the support structure comprises a nock provided proximate its second end and a male connector provided proximate its first end, the female connector of the dampening mass being sized to receive the male connector of the support structure to secure the dampening mass to the support structure.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a male connector provided proximate its first end and the dampening mass is generally annular in shape and capable of being disposed about at least a portion of the male connector of the support structure.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dampening material comprises an elastomeric material.
12. An arrow vibration dampening apparatus, comprising:
- a dampening mass capable of being inserted within an arrow shaft, the dampening mass comprising: a cantilevered first end; a second end; and a dampening material for dampening vibrations.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the cantilevered first end of the dampening mass has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the arrow shaft.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a support structure at least partially disposed within the arrow shaft; wherein the second end of the dampening mass is secured to the support structure.
15. An arrow, comprising;
- a shaft having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, and a second end;
- a point attached to the first end of the shaft;
- fletching attached to the shaft proximate its second end;
- a support structure at least partially inserted within the shaft, the support structure comprising a first end and a second end; and
- a dampening mass inserted within the shaft, the dampening mass comprising a first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations;
- wherein the dampening mass is secured to at least a portion of the support structure.
16. The arrow of claim 15, wherein the dampening mass comprises a cantilevered portion that has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the shaft.
17. The arrow of claim 15, wherein the arrow is a crossbow arrow.
18. A method of assembling an arrow, comprising:
- providing a shaft having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, and a second end;
- inserting a dampening mass within the shaft, the dampening mass comprising a first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations;
- inserting a support structure at least partially within the shaft, the support structure comprising a first end and a second end;
- securing the dampening mass to at least a portion of the support structure.
19. An arrow vibration dampening apparatus, comprising:
- a dampening mass capable of being inserted within an arrow shaft, the dampening mass comprising: a first end; a second end; a longitudinally extending aperture defined throughout the dampening mass that enables air inside the arrow shaft to escape through the dampening mass; and a dampening material for dampening vibrations.
20. An arrow vibration dampening apparatus, comprising:
- a support structure capable of being at least partially inserted within an arrow shaft, the support structure comprising a first end and a second end; and
- a dampening mass securable to at least a portion of the support structure and capable of being inserted within the arrow shaft, the dampening mass comprising: a cantilevered first end having an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the arrow shaft; a second end; and a dampening material for dampening vibrations.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 10, 2006
Publication Date: Apr 10, 2008
Inventors: Teddy D. Palomaki (Park City, UT), Kenny R. Giles (West Valley City, UT)
Application Number: 11/548,171
International Classification: F42B 10/02 (20060101);