EXTENSION GRIP FOR BOW

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments are directed to an extension grip for a bow. Exemplary embodiments of the extension grip may be adaptable to different styles of bows risers and/or grips. An exemplary embodiment of the grip extension generally includes a body that is adapted to engage at least a portion of a grip and/or bow riser.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application of U.S. Application No. 61/184,524 filed on Jun. 5, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference as is fully recited herein.

INVENTIVE FIELD

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a bow. More particularly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to an extension grip for a bow which allows for increased draw length that correlates into a faster arrow speed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIVE FIELD

The velocity of an arrow, along with accuracy, are the major contributing factors as to whether a hunter may be successful in bowhunting. Arrow velocity and accuracy have been greatly increased with the addition of the compound bow, which enhanced the stored energy of bows having a peak draw force. Upon release, the full draw of the bow is brought to bear upon the arrow and, typically, the draw length is much greater that that which an archer could otherwise hold comfortably during aiming.

Typically, in an effort to achieve increased arrow velocity, manufacturers have gradually decreased the brace height by the design of the riser on the bow. Although increases in arrow velocity have been achieved through incremental shortening of the brace height, i.e., the distance between the string and the low or pivot point of the bow handle where it is braced in an archer's hand, there is a natural limit to minimum brace height, in conventional bows and this limit is imposed by the need for certain amount of arm clearance. In the past, the draw length has been achieved by changing modules, cams or self-adjustments on the bow. Typically, the draw length increases as the brace height decreases. In this scenario, when the arrow is acted upon over a larger distance, for a given draw length, a longer power stroke will mean a faster arrow speed. Additionally, some individuals that have shorter arms and/or wingspans may have difficulty achieving a draw length long enough to achieve desired arrow velocity for a given bow.

As can be seen, there is a need for a device that may lengthen the draw length and allow for a longer draw that correlates into a gain in arrow velocity and accuracy. It is common for the velocity of an arrow to increase approximately ten feet per second for every additional inch of draw length. Also, there is a need for a device that allows a pre-existing bow to be modified for individuals with shorter arms and/or wingspans to achieve increased velocity and accuracy by increasing the draw length. Furthermore, there is a need for a device that may allow for adjustment of the draw length on new or pre-existing bows by allowing lateral adjustment of the grip. A device of exemplary embodiments may satisfy these needs/preferences.

SUMMARY OF THE GENERAL INVENTIVE CONCEPT

Exemplary embodiments are directed to an extension grip for a bow. Exemplary embodiments of the extension grip may be adaptable to different styles of bows risers and/or grips. Exemplary embodiments may be adapted to engage bow risers to replace stock bow grips, once the grips are removed from the riser. An exemplary embodiment of the grip extension generally includes a body that is adapted to engage at least a portion of a grip and/or bow riser. In one particular embodiment, the grip extension generally includes a body that engages at least a portion of the riser of a bow, to effectuate the replacement of a stock grip. In an exemplary embodiment, the body may releasably secured with at least a portion of the bow grip and/or bow riser, but not limited to, by a press fit. Exemplary embodiments of the body may be releasably secured to a bow riser with a securing device, such as, for example, set screws, glue, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to identical or equivalent features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an extension grip for a bow;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an extension grip for a bow;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation of an exemplary embodiment of an extension grip;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an extension grip;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of an extension grip for a bow handle releasably secured with a bow riser of a compound bow; and

FIG. 6 illustrates the compound bow of FIG. 5 with the extension grip removed from the compound bow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

FIGS. 1-6 depict exemplary embodiments of an extension grip for a bow. As shown, an example of an extension grip 10 for a bow (hereinafter “grip”) includes a body 100 that is adapted to be releasably secured with at least a portion of a bow 200. In exemplary embodiments, the body 100 is adapted to be releasably secured with at least a portion of a bow riser 202 and/or a bow grip 204. In one example, the body 100 is adapted to fit on the bow riser 202 to effectuate the replacement of a standard bow grip.

Exemplary embodiments of the body 100 may include a first and second end 102a and 102b. Additionally, the body 100 may include a hand portion 104. In this embodiment, the hand portion 104 is substantially rectangular in cross-section with a rounded outside edge in shape to facilitate grasping of the body 100 by an individual during use thereof. However, it should be realized that the hand portion 104 may have any number of cross-sectional geometries that permit gripping during use of the bow 200. The thickness of the hand portion 104 may help determine the amount of reduction in brace height and the correlating increase in draw length of the bow 200. In exemplary embodiments, there is a direct correlation between the thickness of the hand portion 104 and the increase in draw length. Some common thicknesses of the hand portion 104 may be ½″, 1″, 1½″, etc. In whatever form, the thickness of the hand portion 104 is thicker than that of a standard bow grip to effectuate an inexpensive, quick, and efficient decrease the brace height and correlating increase in draw length.

Furthermore, the increased thickness of the hand portion 104 compared with a standard grip may help an individual decrease the likelihood that a bow to torques when aiming and shooting an arrow. Typically, torquing may occur when an individual grasps a bow grip with their whole palm and fingers of the hand, instead of engaging the grip with only the portion of the web of their hand between the thumb and index finger. Exemplary embodiments may decrease the potential for torquing to occur by not allowing an individual to grasp the grip with their entire hand, due to the increased thickness of the grip 10.

The hand portion 104 may be made of any number of materials, such as, for example, fiberglass, plastics, rubbers, metals, etc. Preferably, the hand portion 104 has sufficient strength to permit proper operation of the grip 10. Also, it is preferred that the material(s) used to fabricate the hand portion 104 may resist wear from an individual repeatedly gripping and using the hand portion 104. The hand portion 104 of the body may be provided with one or more grip assisting features. For example, in one example embodiment, the first end 102 may be provided with a channel (not shown) that is adapted to allow at least a portion of an individual's palm and/or web between the thumb and index finger to engage the hand portion in a more ergonomic fashion. Exemplary embodiments may further include a knurled texture (not shown) to further facilitate gripping by an individual. In other embodiments, a variety of other textures and/or treatments for improving grip and facilitating ergonomic fit to an individual's hand may also be applied.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, exemplary embodiments of the body 100 may include first and second side portions 108a and 108b secured to at least a portion of the hand portion and form a channel 110 that runs through at least a portion of the body 100. In exemplary embodiments, the side portions 108a and 108b may be positioned so that the channel 110 formed thereof snuggly engages at least a portion of the bow riser 202 and/or the bow grip 204 to effectuate a press fit.

In one example, the channel 110 formed from the side portions 108a and 108b narrows in width from the exterior to the interior of the channel 110 to help effectuate a press fit, yet allow the outer edge of the channel 110 to encircle at least a portion of the bow riser 202 and/or the bow grip 204 when secured thereto. In another example, the channel 110 may widen in width from the exterior to the interior of the channel 110 to help effectuate a press fit that allows the body 100 to snap onto at least a portion of the bow riser 202 and/or the bow grip 204 when secured thereto.

The side portions 108a and 108b may be fabricated from various materials including, without limitation, fiberglass, plastics, rubbers and metals. The side portions 108a and 108b may be constructed from the same or different material than the hand portion 104. Additionally, the side portions 108a and 108b may be integral with the hand portion 104 in exemplary embodiments, allowing fabrication by molding or similar methods. However, in other embodiments, the side portions 108a and 108b may be individually fabricated and secured with the hand portion 104. In another example, mirror images of the first side portion 108a that is integral with one half of the hand portion 104 may be secured with the other mirror image of the second side portion 108b that is integral with the other half of the hand portion 104.

It can be understood that the grip 10 may further include a securing device that facilitates releasably securing the body 100 to at least a portion of the bow riser 202 and/or the bow grip 204. As shown, this particular grip 10 may be releasably secured to a portion of the bow grip 204, and at least one set screw (not shown) may be provided to releasably secure the body 100 to the bow 200 once set. Although this embodiment uses two set screws 120 that protrude through each side portion 108a and 108b, other embodiments may use any number of set screws that protrude through other portions of the body 100 to help facilitate releasable securement.

In alternative embodiments, depending upon the material used to construct the body 100, and/or other design and operational factors, other securing devices may be used to secure the body 100 to at least a portion of the bow riser 202 and/or bow grip 204, including, but not limited to: threaded or non-threaded fasteners, with adhesives, etc. In one particular example, double-sided tape (not shown) may be secured with a least a portion of the channel 110 to facilitate securement. In another example, an adhesive may be applied to at least a portion of the channel 110 to facilitate securement. Other types of securing techniques may be used in exemplary embodiments of the grip 10.

Exemplary embodiments of the grip may include at least one shim (not shown). In some embodiments, the shims allow for varying the draw length of exemplary embodiments of the grip when secured with the bow 200. In this manner, the draw length of the bow 200 may be easily adjusted to accommodate different users. The shims may be adapted to fit within the channel 110 of the body 100 and engage at least a portion of the bow riser 202 and/or the bow grip 204 when secured therein. In one example, multiple individual shims may be different thicknesses (i.e. ¼″, ⅜″, ½″, etc.) to allow for increase adjustability of the draw length. However, in another example, multiple individual shims may be the same thickness and stacked upon one another to achieve a desired draw length.

The shims may be made of any number of materials, such as, for example, fiberglass, plastics, rubbers or metals. Preferably, the shims have sufficient strength to permit proper operation of the grip. Also, it is preferred that the material(s) used to fabricate the shims may resist compressive forces to allow for proper draw length. Once installed with a bow 200, the grip 10 may allow for adjustment of the draw length.

As aforementioned, exemplary embodiments of the grip 10 may be secured to at least a portion of a bow riser 202 for use thereof, as best depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. In one example, the bow grip 204 of a standard bow 200 may be removed. In some exemplary embodiments, the aforementioned adhesive may be applied to at least a portion of the side walls 108a and 108b and/or the bottom of the hand portion 104 within the channel. Next, the body 100 of may be placed around at least a portion of the riser 202 is placed within the channel 110 of the body 100 and the side portions 108a and 108b engage at least a portion of the riser 202. After the body 100 is properly positioned, the set screws or other securing device may be tightened to provide additional securement of the body 100. Furthermore, in some embodiments a string tamer may be applied to the bow 200 to help assure that the string does not strike an individual's hand once the arrow is released.

While certain embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above, the scope of the invention is not to be considered limited by such disclosure, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as evidenced by the following claims:

Claims

1. An extension grip for a bow handle, comprising:

a body with a first end and a second end;

a hand portion that is adapted to facilitate grasping of the body by an individual;

a first side portion that engages the hand portion; and

a second side portion that engages the hand portion;

wherein the first and second side portions form a channel that runs through the at least a portion of the body;

wherein the body is adapted to be releasably secured with at least a portion of the bow handle.

2. The extension grip of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the body includes a knurled texture to further facilitate gripping of the body by an individual.

3. The extension grip of claim 1, wherein the first end includes a channel that is adapted to allow at least a portion of an individual's palm and/or web between the thumb and index finger to engage the hand portion.

4. The extension grip of claim 1, wherein the side portions are integral with the hand portion.

5. The extension grip of claim 1, wherein the channel formed from the side portions narrows in width from the exterior to the interior of the channel to help effectuate a press fit with the bow handle.

6. The extension grip of claim 1, wherein the channel formed from the side portions widens from the exterior to the interior of the channel to effectuate a press fit that allows the body to snap onto at least a portion of the bow handle.

7. The extension grip of claim 1, wherein the hand portion is substantially rectangular in cross-section with a round outside edge.

8. The extension grip of claim 1, wherein at least one set screw is provided to releasably secure the body to the bow handle.

9. The extension grip of claim 8, wherein one set screw protrudes through each side portion to help facilitate releasable securement.

10. The extension grip of claim 1, wherein an adhesive is applied to at least a portion of the channel to facilitate securement.

11. The extension grip of claim 1, wherein double-sided tape is secured with at least a portion of the channel to facilitate securement.

12. An extension grip for a bow handle, comprising:

a body with a first end and a second end;

a hand portion substantially rectangular in cross-section with a round outside edge that is adapted to facilitate grasping of the body by an individual;

a first side portion that engages the hand portion; and

a second side portion that engages the hand portion;

wherein the first and second side portions are integral with the hand portion and form a channel that runs through the at least a portion of the body;

wherein the body is adapted to be releasably secured with at least a portion of the bow handle.

13. The extension grip of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the body includes a knurled texture to further facilitate gripping of the body by an individual.

14. The extension grip of claim 12, wherein the first end includes a channel that is adapted to allow at least a portion of an individual's palm and/or web between the thumb and index finger to engage the hand portion.

15. The extension grip of claim 12, wherein the channel formed from the side portions narrows in width from the exterior to the interior of the channel to help effectuate a press fit with the bow handle.

16. The extension grip of claim 12, wherein the channel formed from the side portions widens from the exterior to the interior of the channel to effectuate a press fit that allows the body to snap onto at least a portion of the bow handle.

17. The extension grip of claim 12, wherein at least one set screw is provided to releasably secure the body to the bow handle.

18. The extension grip of claim 12, wherein an adhesive is applied to at least a portion of the channel to facilitate securement.

19. The extension grip of claim 12, wherein double-sided tape is secured with at least a portion of the channel to facilitate securement.