BOW STABILIZER

Abstract

An archery bow stabilizer consisting of a flexible planar member with one end attached to a bow handle; second weighted end extending so end moves at a substantially perpendicular direction to bow handle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the shooting of an archery bow it is desirable for the bow to be in a balanced position in the grip so that it does not tip upward when shot. As in U.S. Pat. No. 3,196,860 a stabilizing weighted extension, or stabilizer works to counterbalance the bow so that it is in a balanced position.

Also as a bow is shot it may move forward as the limbs rebound forward. A resiliently mounted stabilizer weight cushions against and limits this movement.

Additionally bowhunters value a quiet shot which does not alarm animals, and have found resiliently mounted stabilizers like that in U.S. Pat. No. 3,412,725 siphon off vibrations silently and quiet the bow.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention consists of a stabilizer made of a planar member with a weighted end the other end of which is attached to a bow. The planar member extends outward and to a position where the weighted end is in a substantially parallel plane to the bow. The projected weight balances the bow and moves in a substantially horizontal movement opposing the forward movement of the bow. The preferred embodiment consists of a planar member of spring steel with a molded weight such as lead molded to one end, the other end attaching to the bow with a screw. This simple novel arrangement of three parts provides for economy, durability, balance, cushioning and silence. In an additional embodiment a pliable member may be attached to the flexible planar member to silently vibrate to further reduce noise.

Briefly stated, one object of the present invention is to provide a durable and economical stabilizer to improve the balance of a bow when held.

Another object is to provide a stabilizer that cushions the bow from forward movement when shot.

Another object is to siphon vibrations from the bow to a resiliently mounted stabilizer for a quieter shot.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention as well as presently preferred embodiments thereof will become more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

FIG. 1 is a view in front elevation of one embodiment of the stabilizer of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a view in side elevation of the stabilizer shown in FIG. 1, with the addition of a screw;

FIG. 3 is a view in side elevation of a second embodiment of stabilizer;

FIG. 4 is a view in side elevation of a third embodiment of stabilizer;

FIG. 5 is a view in side elevation of a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view in side elevation of somewhat schematic, of a compound bow with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 attached to a handle of the bow; and

FIG. 7 is a view in side elevation of a fifth embodiment.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a weighted end 1 is attached to a flexible planar member 2. The planar member 2 has integral with one end, a mounting tab 100, with a screw attachment hole 3 through it. The mounting tab 100 and screw attachment hole 3 are common to all of the embodiments, as is the planar member, depending from the mounting tab 100, and a weight at the end of the planar member.

Referring to FIG. 2, a weighted member 4 is attached to flexible member 5. In this illustrative embodiment, the weighted member 4 is lead, molded to the outer end of the flexible member 4. A screw 6 extends through the hole 3 in the tab 100.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a weighted member is formed in two parts, 7 and 8, attached to a flexible planar member 9 with a screw 10 extending through a hole in the planar member 9. In this embodiment, a pliable member 11 is attached to flexible planar member 9, to silently vibrate to further reduce noise. A screw 12 is inserted through a hole in mounting tab 100.

Referring to FIG. 4, planar member 25 is linear, as distinguished from the arcuate planar members 5 and 9 of FIGS. 2 and 3, member 14 of FIG. 5 and member 18 of FIG. 6. Planar member 25 does project forwardly and downwardly from the mounting tab 100. In this illustrative embodiment, weight 24 is molded to the end of planar member 25.

Referring to FIG. 5, a weighted member 13 is attached to a flexible planar member 14 with the screw 15. A mounting screw 16 extends through the hole in mounting tab 100.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a weighted member 17 is attached to an arcuate flexible planar member 18, which is attached to bow handle 19 with a screw 20. The weight 17 is in a preferred position below the handle 19 and lower arm of the compound bow of which the handle 19 is a part.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a weighted member 21 is attached to the lower end of an inverted L-shaped flexible planar member 22. A mounting screw 23 extends through a mounting hole in the mounting tab 100, which in this embodiment is at right angles to a substantially horizontal leg of the flexible planar member 22.

The mounting screws 6, 12, 26, 16, and 23 can be wood screws or short carriage bolts, preferably taking into internally threaded bushings, set in the handle.

Numerous variations in the construction of the stabilizer of this invention within the scope of the appended claims will occur to those skilled in the art in light of foregoing disclosure. For example while in the preferred embodiment the planar member is made of spring steel, other materials such as rubber, plastic, etc. may be used. While the preferred width of the planar member is ¾ to 1.0″, the planar member can be wider or narrower, so long as it does not twist when an arrow is shot. The weighted portion may be of lead, brass or other metals or materials. While the preferred weight is 4 to 6 ounces, other weight may be used, depending upon the bow weight for example. Other shapes may be used if desired. The pliable member attached to the flexible planar member may be of any shape, preferably with a portion of the pliable member free to silently vibrate. The pliable member may be attached by any means such as glue or constriction. All or part of the stabilizer may be rubber coated. The shape of the planar member may be preformed or shaped by its flex. Since the stabilizer is made of a lower extending planar member multiple stabilizers may be piggy backed using one screw. While the preferred location of the stabilizer is below the grip, it may be located above the grip, and may be inverted, and multiple stabilizers may be located along the handle length. These are merely illustrative.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. An archery bow stabilizer consisting of a flexible planar member with one end attached to a bow handle, a second end of said planar member having an attached weight, said planar member and said weight extending forwardly and to a position at which said weight lies in a substantially parallel plane to said bow handle.

2. The stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said flexible planar member is rubber.

3. The stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said flexible planar member is spring steel.

4. The stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said flexible planar is curvilinear.

5. The stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said planar member consists of a length of spring steel and said attached weight is molded to one end.

6. The stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said stabilizer consists of a length of spring steel, said weight being screwed to an outer end.

7. The stabilizer of claim 1 wherein a pliable member is attached to said planar member.

8. An archery bow stabilizer consisting of a planar member with one end attached to a bow handle, a

second end of planar member having an attached weight,

wherein a first portion of said planar member extends outward in a substantially perpendicular direction to said bow handle, and

a second portion extends in a substantially parallel direction to said bow handle.

9. An archery bow stabilizer consisting of a flexible planar member with a weighted end attached to an archery bow with a separate upper limb and a separate lower limb attached to a handle, wherein at least a portion of the weighted end of the stabilizer projects below the attachment point of the limbs to the handle.

10. The bow of claim 9 wherein said planar member is arcuate.