DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING BOW SIGHT AT FULL DRAW

Abstract

A bow sight device with a control bar, which is configured so that the control bar can be actuated for adjusting a sight of the bow sight device to a different distance even while the bow is at full draw.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a control bar for adjusting a bow sight device.

BACKGROUND

A bow is a piece of equipment used in archery and powered by elasticity. Archery is a skill of using a bow to launch arrows by use of the elasticity. An archer is a person skilled in archery. An archer can use, for example, a compound bow for hunting. A bow sight device is a device which can be attached to a bow for improving an archer's accuracy when shooting the bow. The archer can use the bow sight device to aim at a target prior to shooting an arrow with the bow. Different types of bows can utilize different bow sight devices, such as a multi-pin sight device or a single pin sight device. A multi-pin sight device includes multiple parallel pins (e.g., fiber optic sights), wherein each pin is calibrated to a preset shooting distance. A known single pin sight device is calibrated for a single preset shooting distance. Some known single pin sight devices can be calibrated to different distances, but they require calibration to be performed prior to using the bow for shooting.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a control bar for adjusting a bow sight device. The control bar allows distance adjustment to a bow sight device while the bow is at full draw. The control bar includes a first portion that extends along a first direction and a second portion that extends along a second direction, in which the second direction is different from the first direction. In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion of the control bar are formed as one piece. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion can be formed separately and then connected together to form the control bar. The first portion and the second portion of the control bar can be made of the same material.

Some of the embodiments of the control bar disclosed herein are configured with a notch or an actuating portion that provides an accommodation for a digit (e.g., finger, gloved finger, etc.) and permits a force applied from the digit to adjust a sight unit of the bow sight while the bow is at full draw (i.e., the bow is fully drawn). By way of example, the control bar can be pivotally connected to a portion of a bow sight device, and the force provided to the notch from the digit actuates the movement of the first portion to adjust the target distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure, which illustrate the embodiments in which the devices and methods described herein can be practiced. Like reference numbers indicate like parts throughout the disclosure.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate cartoons showing an archer using a bow attached with an embodiment of the bow sight device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate side views of an embodiment of the control bar connected to a bow sight device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the control bar of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a control bar, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a control bar, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart for a method of using a bow connected with an embodiment of a bow sight device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A bow sight device can be attached to a bow handle (i.e., riser) and may be used to aim the trajectory of the bow's arrow to a target or game. While a multi-pin sight device generally allows for multiple preset distances, the multi-pin sight device has a plurality of pins (e.g., fiber optic sights) which can obstruct the archer's sight and aim. The plurality of pins can also lead to confusion for the Archer as to which pin to use for aiming. In contrast, a single pin sight device lacks the same kind of obstruction because the single pin sight has only one pin (e.g., fiber optic sight).

In known single pin sight devices, the pin has a fixed non-adjustable position that is calibrated for a single preset distance. In some known single pin sight devices, the position of the pin can be adjusted for different distances, but such adjustment must be performed when the bow is not being used for shooting. Thus, adjusting the position of the pin in known single pin sight devices can be tedious and disruptive at times when speed and stealth are desired.

For example, the known single pin sight device may be adjusted only when the bow is not drawn. Thus, the archer must relax the bowstring from the drawn position to an undrawn position, and then the archer can make adjustments to the known single pin sight device to the target's new distance. After the adjustment has been made to the known single pin sight device, the archer can redraw the bow, then aim at the target, and then shoot an arrow at the target. The plurality of movements associated with the adjustment of the known single pin sight device (e.g., relaxing the bowstring from the drawn position to an undrawn position and then making adjustments to the known single pin sight device) may startle the wild game. Thus, when an archer is hunting game, calibrating the known single pin sight device to adjust for a change in distance can lead to less successful hunt.

Because each movement increases the chance of alerting a target to the archer's presence, and an alert target can make an escape, there is a benefit to the hunter when there is less movement when using the bow. Accordingly, reducing the number of movements while using the bow can lead to more successful hunt.

Embodiments described herein relate to a control bar for adjusting a bow sight device, such as a single pin sight device, for reducing the number of movements for making the adjustment over the known bow sight devices. More specifically, embodiments described herein are directed to a control bar which allows for adjustment of the bow sight device (e.g., single pin sight device) while the bow is at full draw. Thus, the pin of the bow sight device can be raised or lowered to change the trajectory or distance of the arrow while the archer has the bow at the full draw position. Advantageously, the embodiments described herein eliminate the need for the archer to relax the bowstring from the drawn position to an undrawn position for adjusting the bow sight device.

The control bar is a device which connects to the bow sight device, and the control bar includes an actuating portion or more than one actuating portions forming a notch, wherein one or more of the actuating portion(s) or the notch can be actuated with a force (e.g., from a finger of the archer) to adjust the bow sight device. The control bar is connected to the bow sight device such that the push or pull of the actuating portion(s) or the notch causes the pin of the bow sight device to rise or lower (from the perspective of the archer's sight when using the bow sight device to aim at a target). Some embodiments of the control bar include one or more damper(s) (e.g., harmonic damper(s)) to absorb vibration from the release of tension of a bow string when shooting the bow.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate cartoons showing an archer 100 using a bow 102 to shoot at a target 104. The bow 102 includes a bow sight device 106 which includes a control bar 108 for adjusting the bow sight device 106 while the archer 100 has the bow 102 at full draw. The archer 100 has one hand at the riser 110 of the bow, and another hand hold the bowstring 112. The positions of the two hands of the archer 100 show that the bow 102 is fully drawn. At this stage of archery, the archer 100 aims at the target using the bow sight device 106.

In FIG. 1A, the bow sight device 106 is set to launch an arrow 114 at the target 104 which is distance D1 away from the archer 100. Accordingly, upon release of the bowstring 112 by the archer 100, the arrow 114 nocked at the bowstring 112 will be launched towards the target 104 at distance D1, and the arrow 114 will fly along a trajectory T1.

FIG. 1B shows a situation in which the archer 100 still has the bow 102 at the full drawn position and the arrow 114 has not yet been launched, but the distance between the archer 100 and target 104 has changed (from D1 in FIG. 1A to D2 in FIG. 1B). For example, the target 104 may have moved while the archer 100 was taking aim at the target 104. In order to adjust for the change in the distance to the target 104, the archer 100 applies a force to the control bar 108 to actuate the bow sight device 106 while still at full draw of the bow 102. Thus, the bow sight device 106 can be adjusted to launch the arrow 114 at the target 104 which is distance D2 away from the archer 100. Upon release of the bowstring 112 by the archer 100, the arrow 114 nocked at the bowstring 112 will launch, flying along a trajectory T2 towards the target 104 at distance D2.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate side views of a bow sight device 200 connected to an embodiment of the control bar 202. FIG. 3 shows the control bar 202 alone. The bow sight device 200 includes a support 204 which can be connected to a riser of a bow. The support 204 is connected to a carrier 206 via a movable linking bar 208. The carrier 206 is connected to a sight 210 which can include a fiber optic pin with which the archer aims at the target at one of the sight connecting portions 212. The control bar 202 is rotatably connected to the support 204 at a first pivot 214, and the control bar 202 is also rotatably connected to the carrier 206 at a second pivot 216. The control bar 202 includes a first portion 218 which has a long major axis along a first direction 220, connected to both of the first pivot 214 and the second pivot 216. For example, the first portion 218 can have a length along the long major axis of from 4 to 7 inches. Preferably, the length of the first portion 218 along the long major axis is from 5 to 6 inches. The control bar 202 includes a second portion 222 having a long major axis along a second direction 224 (e.g., vertically downward away from the first portion 218). The second direction 224 can be substantially perpendicular to the first direction 220. For example, the second portion 222 can have a length along the long major axis of from 5 to 7 inches.

Because the support 204 is fixedly connected to the riser of the bow, actuating the control bar 202 causes the carrier 206 to move with respect to the support 204 and the riser of the bow. The bow sight device 200 can include a distance indicator 226 which is configured to be viewable by the archer when the archer uses the bow sight device 200 to aim the bow at a target. The distance indicator 226 is calibrated for different distances by the archer using the bow. The distance indicator 226 is configured to adjust as the control bar 202 is actuated. The control bar 202 includes at least one actuating portion at the terminus of the second portion 222. The control bar 202 has two actuating portions 228, 230 configured to define a notch 232. The control bar 202 includes at least one damper(s) 234, 236, which can be harmonic dampers, to dampen the vibration from the bowstring when the arrow is shot. The second portion 222 of the control bar 202 can also include one or more apertures 238a, 238b, 238c, 238d for reducing the mass of the control bar 202. The control bar 202 can be made of a bendable material (e.g., aluminum) which allows for the second portion 222 to be bent, if needed, for the archer's comfort of use.

In FIG. 2A, the control bar 202 is shown at a first distance 240 in solid lines, and at a second distance 242 in broken lines. The archer can use her finger, for example, to actuate one of the actuating portions 228, 230 or the notch 232, and push the second portion 222 of the control bar 202 away from riser of the bow. Doing so results in the rotation of the first portion 218 at the first pivot 214, causing the carrier 206 to move vertically upward as the first portion 218 rotates at the second pivot 216. The upward movement of the carrier 206 moves the sight 210 vertically upward. The distance indicator 226 moves vertically downward to indicate the change in the distance setting of the sight 210 from the first distance 240 to the second distance 242.

In FIG. 2B, the control bar 202 is shown at a first distance 240 in solid lines, and at a third distance 244 in broken lines. The archer can use her finger, for example, to actuate one of the actuating portions 228, 230 or the notch 232, and pull the second portion 222 of the control bar 202 toward the riser of the bow. Doing so results in the rotation of the first portion 218 at the first pivot 214, causing the carrier 206 to move vertically downward as the first portion 218 rotates at the second pivot 216. The downward movement of the carrier 206 moves the sight 210 vertically downward. The distance indicator 226 moves vertically upward to indicate the change in the distance setting of the sight 210 from the first distance 240 to the third distance 244.

The archer can grip the bow handle and have the bow at full draw and actuate the actuating portions 228, 230 or the notch 232 using a finger of the hand gripping the bow handle and adjust the distances for the sight 210 as needed based on the change in the distance to the target.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a control bar 400 alone. The control bar 400 is configured to be rotatably (e.g., pivotably) connected to a support of a bow sight device at a first pivot 402, and the control bar 400 is also configured to be rotatably connected to a carrier of a bow sight device at a second pivot 404. The control bar 400 includes a first portion 406 which has a long major axis along a first direction 408. The control bar 400 includes a second portion 410 having a long major axis along a second direction 412 (e.g., vertically downward away from the first portion 406). The second direction 412 can be substantially perpendicular to the first direction 408. The first portion 406 and the second portion 410 form a substantially triangular shape. The control bar 400 includes one actuating portion 414 at the terminus of the second portion 410. This embodiment of the control bar 400 does not have a notch. The control bar 400 includes two dampers 416, 418, which can be harmonic dampers, to dampen the vibration from the bowstring when the arrow is shot. The second portion 410 of the control bar 400 includes three apertures 420a, 420b, 420c for reducing the mass of the control bar 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a control bar 500 alone. The control bar 500 is configured to be rotatably connected to a support of a bow sight device at a first pivot 502, and the control bar 500 is also configured to be rotatably connected to a carrier of a bow sight device at a second pivot 504. The control bar 500 includes a first portion 506 which has a long major axis along a first direction 508. The control bar 500 includes a second portion 510 having a long major axis along a second direction 512 (e.g., vertically downward away from the first portion 506). The second direction 512 can be substantially perpendicular to the first direction 508. The first portion 506 and the second portion 510 form a substantially triangular shape. The control bar 500 includes two actuating portions 514, 516 at the terminus of the second portion 510. The two actuating portions 514, 516 define a notch 518. The control bar 500 includes two dampers 520, 522, which can be harmonic dampers, to dampen the vibration from the bowstring when the arrow is shot. The second portion 510 of the control bar 500 includes four apertures 524a, 524b, 524c, 524d for reducing the mass of the control bar 500.

Any of the embodiments of the control bar described above can be made from material which includes plastic, aluminum, steel, brass, and/or copper. The control bar may be generally flexible such that the first portion and the second portion can be bent to customize for accommodating different sized hands, gloves, etc. In some embodiments, the first portion and second portion (and even other portions of the control bar) can be formed separately, and be connected together to form the control bar described above. It is also possible for the first portion and the second portion to be formed from the same or different material(s).

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart 600 for a method of using a bow connected with an embodiment of a bow sight device.

The method includes a step 602 of the archer drawing a bow string of the bow to a full draw. For example, see archer 100 and the bow 102 shown in FIG. 1A. The bow sight device is configured for a first distance to target (e.g., see distance D1 in FIG. 1A). For example, the bow sight device may be set for a distance of 25 yards.

In step 604, the method 600 includes the archer adjusting the bow sight unit to a second setting while the bow remains at full draw. The archer can use a finger of the hand holding the handle of the bow to actuate (e.g., pull or push) the control bar of the bow sight device (e.g., see FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3, 4, and 5), while the other hand of the archer hold the bowstring at full draw. For example, the bow sight device can be adjusted via the control bar so that the distance to target is changed to a second distance (e.g., see distance D2 in FIG. 1B).

In an embodiment, adjusting the bow sight device includes placing a digit (e.g., a finger) near a lower end of the control bar, and applying a force from the digit to near the lower end of the control bar. In response to the applied force, the control bar pivots (e.g., move about a horizontal axis), thereby raising or lowering a sight of the bow sight device to a position that is different from the initial position.

The method can include releasing the bow string to launch an arrow from the bow.

With regard to the foregoing description, it is to be understood that changes may be made in details, without departing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that the depicted embodiments are to be considered exemplary, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the broad meaning of the claims.

Claims

1. A control bar device that connects to a bow sight device of a bow for adjusting distance to target of the bow sight device while the bow is at full draw, comprising:

a first portion that extends along a first direction, the first portion being configured to be mounted to the bow sight device;

a second portion that extends along a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction, the second portion configured to control a movement of the first portion for adjusting a target distance setting of the bow sight device; and

a damper arranged at the second portion for dampening vibrations of the bow.

2. The control bar device of claim 1, further comprising another damper arranged at the second portion for dampening vibrations of the bow.

3. The control bar device of claim 1, wherein the second portion includes an actuating portion, the actuating portion being configured to be actuated to move the first portion for adjusting the bow sight device while the bow is at full draw.

4. The control bar device of claim 1, wherein the second portion includes more than one actuating portions defining a notch, the notch being configured to be actuated to move the first portion for adjusting the bow sight device while the bow is at full draw.

5. The control bar device of claim 4, wherein the notch is sized to accommodate a gloved finger.

6. The control bar device of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are made from a material which includes plastic, aluminum, steel, brass, copper, or a combination thereof.

7. The control bar device of claim 1, wherein the first portion has a length along a major axis from 4 to 7 inches.

8. The control bar device of claim 1, wherein the second portion has a length along a major axis from 5 to 7 inches.

9. An adjustable bow sight device for a bow, comprising:

a control bar for adjusting distance to target while the bow is at full draw, the control bar includes: a first portion that extends along a first direction, the first portion being configured to be mounted to the bow sight device, a second portion that extends along a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction, the second portion configured to control a movement of the first portion for adjusting a target distance setting of the bow sight device, and a damper arranged at the second portion for dampening vibrations of the bow;

an arcuate element connected to the control bar, the arcuate element includes a gauge and a needle that indicates a distance setting of the bow sight device,

a carrier connected to a sight,

wherein actuation of the control bar moves the carrier and the sight along a vertical direction with respect to the bow.

10. A bow, comprising the adjustable bow sight device of claim 7.

11. A method for shooting a bow, comprising:

drawing a bow string of the bow to a full draw, wherein the bow includes a bow sight device configured at a first setting for a first distance; and

while at full draw, adjusting the bow sight device by moving a control bar, wherein the control bar includes a damper for dampening vibrations, to a second setting which is different from the first setting, wherein the second setting is for a second distance which is different from the first distance.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein adjusting the bow sight device includes:

placing a digit near a lower portion of a control bar of the bow sight device; to the bow sight; and

applying a force via the digit to the lower portion of the control bar and actuating the control bar to pivot, wherein the pivot of the control bar moves a position of a sight of the bow sight device vertically so that a distance setting of the bow sight device is changed while at full draw.