Archery Bow Simulator

Abstract

An archery bow simulator, combining elements of a recurve bow and a compound bow into a single, versatile archery training device. A simulator body provides the main body and handle, while a first string bracket and a second string bracket are terminally connected to opposite ends of the simulator body. A first string stopper and a second string stopper extends from the simulator body and provide a means for supporting a string that is trained around the first string bracket and the second string bracket, and terminally connected to a first draw length adjuster and a second draw length adjuster. The first draw length adjuster and the second draw length adjuster allow the user to adjust the tension in the string. The first string bracket, the second string bracket, the first string stopper, and the second string stopper are collapsible for greater portability and storability.

Description

The current application is a continuation-in-part of PCT application PCT/IB2015/056446 filed on Aug. 25, 2015 which claims priority to the Provisional Patent Application 62/041,250 filed Aug. 25, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of archery. More specifically, the present invention is a simulator for practicing archery by dry firing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of bows out there. Some common types of bows being used today include the recurve and compound bows. Even though these bows have similar functions and purpose, there are some unique aspects between the two.

For the recurve bow, the archer uses his or her fingers to draw the string and release to activate the bow. The compound bow uses a mechanical device to hold the string, which drawn to release.

The purpose of the present invention is to allow a user to train using either a recurve bow or a compound bow without having to utilize an actual bow and arrow. The present invention is intended to be used without the use of a real bow or arrow. This will allow the user to learn the archery specific elements of shooting independently, how to hold the bow, how to hold and release the bowstring, how to aim, and put together all the elements in proper archery shooting form without using a real bow or arrows.

But in order to train in archery, one must use an actual bow and arrow. If a user wants to train using both the recurve and compound bows, they must use two separate bows. The present invention can solve this problem by containing elements from both types of bows to allow the user to easily alternate between types during training.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in the extended position.

FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view of the present invention in the extended position.

FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the present invention in the extended position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention in the collapsed position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein a bow stabilizer is attached to the front stabilizer mount.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is an archery bow simulator, combining elements of a recurve bow and a compound bow into a single, versatile archery training device. In reference to FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a simulator body 1, a first string bracket 2, a second string bracket 3, a first string stopper 4, a second string stopper 5, a first draw length adjuster 60, a second draw length adjuster 62, and a string 7. Additionally, the present invention may further comprise a plurality of weight mounts 8, a front stabilizer mount 90, a rear stabilizer mount 91, a sight 11, a string sight 70, a leveling device 12, a laser pointer 13, a spring loaded arrow point 15, a clicker 16, a clicker activation cable 17, and a loop 71.

In reference to FIG. 2-3, the simulator body 1 provides the main body of the presentation, including the grip which is used by a user to handle, aim, and otherwise manipulate the present invention. The first string bracket 2 and the second string bracket 3 are terminally connected to the simulator body 1, wherein the second string bracket 3 is positioned opposite the first string bracket 2, along the simulator body 1. The first string bracket 2 and the second string bracket 3, along with the terminal ends of the simulator body 1, form the upper limb and the lower limb of a bow; the first string bracket 2 being the upper limb and the second string bracket 3 being the lower limb.

In reference to FIG. 1, the first string bracket 2 comprises a first roller 20 and a first draw length control stop 21. The first roller 20 and the first draw length control stop 21 are positioned opposite the terminal end of the simulator body 1 and provide a means for securing the string 7 about the upper limb. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first string bracket 2 forms a Y-like structure, wherein the first roller 20 and the first draw length control stop 21 are separated from each other and branch away from the simulator body 1; the first draw length control stop 21 being positioned towards the front of the simulator body 1 and the first roller 20 being positioned towards the rear of the simulator body 1.

Similar to the first string bracket 2, the second string bracket 3 comprises a second roller 30 and a second draw length control stop 31. The second roller 30 and the second draw length control stop 31 are positioned opposite the terminal end of the simulator body 1 and provide a means for securing the string 7 about the lower limb. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second string bracket 3 forms a Y-like structure, wherein the second roller 30 and the second draw length control stop 31 are separated from each other and branch away from the simulator body 1; the second draw length control stop 31 being positioned towards the front of the simulator body 1 and the second roller 30 being positioned towards the rear of the simulator body 1.

In reference to FIG. 1-2, the first string stopper 4 is terminally connected to the simulator body 1, wherein the first string stopper 4 extends outwards from a mid-section of the simulator body 1; the mid-section being positioned in between the upper limb and the lower limb. The first string stopper 4 is positioned in between the first string bracket 2 and the second string bracket 3. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first string stopper 4 comprises a first rod and a first U-shaped brace. The first rod is connected to the simulator body 1, while the first brace is terminally connected to the first rod, opposite the simulator body 1. The first brace provides a cradle for supporting the string 7 at rest and for catching the string 7 when fired. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first brace may be shaped differently, while still providing a means for supporting and catching the string 7.

Similar to the first string stopper 4, the second string stopper 5 is terminally connected to the simulator body 1, wherein the second string stopper 5 extends outwards from the mid-section of the simulator body 1. The second string stopper 5 is positioned in between the second string bracket 3 and the second string bracket 3. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second string stopper 5 comprises a second rod and a second U-shaped brace. The second rod is connected to the simulator body 1, while the second brace is terminally connected to the second rod, opposite the simulator body 1. The second brace provides a cradle for supporting the string 7 at rest and for catching the string 7 when fired. In other embodiments of the present invention, the second brace may be shaped differently, while still providing a means for supporting and catching the string 7.

In reference to FIG. 2-3, the second string stopper 5 is offset from the first string stopper 4 in order to support the sting about two distinct points. The first string stopper 4 is positioned towards the first sting bracket, adjacent to the upper limb, while the second string stopper 5 is positioned towards the second string stopper 5, adjacent to the lower limb. The separation of the first string stopper 4 and the second string stopper 5 creates a length of string 7 between the first string stopper 4 and the second string stopper 5 that the user can pull and release. The first string stopper 4 and the second string stopper 5 reduce the travel distance of the string 7 when the user pulls and releases the string 7. This both saves the user energy and reduces the wear of the string 7.

In further reference to FIG. 2-3, the first draw length adjuster 60 is anchored to the simulator body 1 opposite the first string stopper 4. The first draw length adjuster 60 is positioned on the front of the simulator body 1, and extends upwards, towards the upper limb. The first draw length adjuster 60 allows the user to adjust the tension in the string 7, to provide the desired draw weight. As such, the string 7 is terminally connected to the first draw string 7 adjuster. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first draw length adjuster 60 comprises a first safety and draw length control cable and a first elastic band. The first safety and draw length control cable is terminally connected to the string 7, while the first elastic band is terminally connected to the first safety and draw length control cable, opposite the string 7, and is anchored to the simulator body 1. The length of the first safety and draw length control cable can be adjusted in order to change the tension in the first elastic band and the string 7.

Similar to the first draw length adjuster 60, the second draw length adjuster 62 is anchored to the simulator body 1 opposite the second string stopper 5. The second draw length adjuster 62 is positioned on the front of the simulator body 1, and extends downwards, towards the lower limb. The second draw length adjuster 62 allows the user to adjust the tension in the string 7, to provide the desired draw weight. As such, the string 7 is terminally connected to the second draw string 7 adjuster. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second draw length adjuster 62 comprises a second safety and draw length control cable and a second elastic band. The second safety and draw length control cable is terminally connected to the string 7, while the second elastic band is terminally connected to the second safety and draw length control cable, opposite the string 7, and is anchored to the simulator body 1. The length of the second safety and draw length control cable can be adjusted in order to change the tension in the second elastic band and the string 7.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the first string bracket 2, the second string bracket 3, the first sting stopper, and the second string stopper 5 is pivotally connected to the simulator body 1. In this way, the present invention can be configured between an extended position as depicted in FIG. 1-3 and a collapsed position as depicted in FIG. 4. In the extended position, the first string bracket 2 and the second string bracket 3 extend upwards from the terminal ends of the simulator body 1, while the first string stopper 4 and the second string stopper 5 extend horizontally out from the simulator body 1. In the collapsed position, the first string bracket 2 and the second string bracket 3 are folded downwards, towards the back of the simulator body 1, while the first string stopper 4 and the second string stopper 5 are folded inwards, being positioned along the simulator body 1. The collapsed position allows the user to more readily transport or store the present invention.

A locking mechanism is provided for each of the first string bracket 2, the second string bracket 3, the first string stopper 4, and the second string stopper 5. The locking mechanism allows the first string bracket 2, the second string bracket 3, the first string stopper 4, or the second string stopper 5 to be held in place in either the extended position or the collapsed position. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism or each of the first string bracket 2, the second string bracket 3, the first string stopper 4, and the second string stopper 5 is a nut-and-bolt type fastener. However, it is possible for the locking mechanism of each of the first string bracket 2, the second string bracket 3, the first string stopper 4, and the second string stopper 5 to be any other suitable mechanism allowing for secure positioning and/or quick release.

In reference to FIG. 1, the string 7 is terminally connected to the first draw length adjuster 60 and the second draw length adjuster 62, and is trained around the first string bracket 2 and the second string bracket 3. More specifically, the string 7 traverses through both the first draw length control stop 21 and the second draw length control stop 31, and is trained about the first roller 20 and the second roller 30. A first control stop 61 and a second control stop 63 are attached to the string 7, and prevent the first draw length adjuster 60 from engaging with or being pulled through the first draw length control stop 21 and the second draw length adjuster 62 from engaging with or being pulled through the second draw length control stop 31, respectively. As such, the first control stop 61 is attached to the string 7, adjacent to the first string bracket 2, while the second control stop 63 is attached to the string 7, adjacent to the second string bracket 3.

Furthermore, when the present invention is configured in the extended position, the string 7 is trained about the first string stopper 4 and the second string stopper 5. More specifically, the string 7 positioned within the first brace of the first string stopper 4 and the second brace of the second string stopper 5. In this way, the string 7 is positioned away from the simulator body 1, allowing the user to readily grasp and pull the string 7. Furthermore, the first brace and the second brace prevent the string 7 from sliding side to side and disengaging with the first string stopper 4 and the second string stopper 5 respectively. Additionally, when the string 7 is pulled and released, the first brace and the second brace ensure that the string 7 is caught by the first string stopper 4 and the second string stopper 5.

In reference to FIG. 1, the plurality of weight mounts 8 is integrated into the simulator body 1 and allows the user to attach various weights to the simulator body 1.

This allows the user to adjust the effective weight and balance of the simulator body 1 to that of the user's actual bow by selecting the amount of weight and the position of each weight along the simulator body 1. Furthermore, this allows the weight and balance of the simulator body 1 to be easily adjusted, thus allowing the present invention to be easily shared amongst different bow users. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of weight mounts 8 is a hole that traverses through the simulator body 1 into which one or more weights can be positioned. In other embodiments of the present invention, each of the plurality of weight mounts 8 may provide additional or different means of securing a weight, such as threads or a snap connection.

In reference to FIG. 5, the front stabilizer mount 90 and the rear stabilizer mount 91 allow the user to attach a bow stabilizer to the front and/or back of the simulator body 1. The front stabilizer mount 90 is integrated into the simulator body 1, adjacent to the second draw length adjuster 62. Meanwhile, the rear stabilizer mount 91 is integrated into the simulator body 1, adjacent to the second string bracket 3. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front stabilizer mount 90 is a threaded bushing that receives the bow stabilizer; the rear stabilizer mount 91 may also be a threaded bushing. In other embodiments of the present invention, the front stabilizer mount 90 and/or the rear stabilizer mount 91 may provide any other suitable type of connector for attaching the bow stabilizer.

In reference to FIG. 3, the sight 11 is adjacently connected to the simulator body 1, and is positioned adjacent to the first draw length adjuster 60. The sight 11 extends outwards, from the front of the simulator body 1, and allows the user to train as though the user was using their actual bow. The peep sight 18 is integrated into the string 7, in between the first string bracket 2 and the first string stopper 4. The peep sight 18 allows the user to visualize the target and the sight 11 through the string 7, when the string 7 is drawn.

In reference to FIG. 2-3, the leveling device 12 is adjacently connected to the simulator body 1, opposite the first draw length adjuster 60, wherein the leveling device 12 extends outwards, from the rear of the simulator body 1. The leveling device 12 indicates to the user that the simulator body 1 is being held at the desired angle, as calibrated by the user. More specifically, the leveling device 12 ensures that the spring loaded arrow point 15 is maintained in position about a constant plane when practice firing. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the leveling device 12 is a bubble leveling device, however, it is possible for different types of devices to be used in other embodiments.

In reference to FIG. 2, the spring loaded arrow point 15 is mounted onto the simulator body 1, adjacent to the first draw length adjuster 60 Likewise, the clicker 16 is mounted onto the simulator body 1, adjacent to the first draw length adjuster 60, wherein the spring loaded arrow point 15 is selectively engaged with the clicker 16. The clicker activation cable 17 is terminally connected to the spring loaded arrow point 15, and extends away from the simulator body 1, towards the string 7. When the user grasps the string 7 to practice firing, the user can simultaneously grasp the clicker activation cable 17. As the clicker activation cable 17 is pulled backwards, the spring loaded arrow point 15 is pulled backwards, until the spring loaded arrow point 15 disengages the clicker 16, producing an audible noise. The user then knows to release the string 7 and the clicker activation cable 17.

In reference to FIG. 2, the laser pointer 13 is mounted onto the simulator body 1, adjacent to the first draw length adjuster 60. The laser pointer 13 comprises a laser pointer activation cable 14 that is terminally connected to the string 7, in between the first string bracket 2 and the first string stopper 4. When the string 7 is pulled backwards, the clicker activation cable 17 is pulled taught and the laser pointer 13 is switched to an “on” setting. The user can then practice aiming with the laser pointer 13. Once the string 7 is released, the laser pointer activation cable 14 falls out of tension and the laser pointer 13 is switched back to an “off” setting.

In reference to FIG. 2-3, the loop 71 is integrated into the string 7, in between the first string stopper 4 and the second string stopper 5. The loop 71 is formed by a piece of material that is terminally connected to the string 7 at both ends of the piece of material. The loop 71 allows compound bow users who utilize a mechanical release device to grasp and release the string 7.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. An archery bow simulator comprises:

a first string bracket and a second string bracket being terminally connected to a simulator body;

the second string bracket being positioned opposite the first string bracket, along the simulator body;

a first string stopper and a second string stopper being terminally connected to the simulator body;

the first string stopper and the second string stopper being positioned in between the first string bracket and the second string bracket;

the second string stopper being offset from the first string stopper;

a first draw length adjuster being anchored to the simulator body opposite the first string stopper;

a second draw length adjuster being anchored to the simulator body opposite the second string stopper;

a string being terminally connected to the first draw length adjuster and the second draw length adjuster; and

the string being trained about the first string bracket and the second string bracket.

2. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

the first string bracket comprising a first roller;

the second string bracket comprising a second roller; and

the string being trained about the first roller and the second roller.

3. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

the first string bracket comprising a first draw length control stop;

the second string bracket comprising a second draw length control stop; and

the string traversing through the first draw length control stop and the second draw length control stop.

4. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 3 further comprises:

a first control stop;

a second control stop;

the first control stop being attached to the string, adjacent to the first string bracket; and

the second control stop being attached to the string, adjacent to the second string bracket.

5. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

the string being trained about the first string stopper and the second string stopper, opposite the simulator body.

6. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

the first string bracket being pivotally connected to the simulator body; and

the second string bracket being pivotally connected to the simulator body.

7. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 6 further comprises:

the first string bracket and the second string bracket being positioned in one of an extended position or a collapsed position.

8. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

the first string stopper being pivotally connected to the simulator body; and

the second string stopper being pivotally connected to the simulator body.

9. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 8 further comprises:

the first string stopper and the second string stopper being positioned in one of an extended position or a collapsed position.

10. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

a plurality of weight mounts; and

the plurality of weight mounts being integrated into the simulator body.

11. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

a front stabilizer mount; and

the front stabilizer mount being integrated into the simulator body, adjacent to the second draw length adjuster.

12. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

a rear stabilizer mount; and

the rear stabilizer mount being integrated into the simulator body, adjacent to the second string bracket.

13. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

a sight; and

the sight being adjacently connected to the simulator body, adjacent to the first draw length adjuster.

14. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

a peep sight; and

the peep sight being integrated into the string, in between the first string bracket and the first string stopper.

15. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

a leveling device; and

the leveling device being adjacently connected to the simulator body, opposite the first draw length adjuster.

16. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

a laser pointer; and

the laser pointer being mounted onto the simulator body, adjacent to the first draw length adjuster.

17. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 16 further comprises:

the laser pointer comprising a laser pointer activation cable; and

the laser pointer activation cable being terminally connected to the string, in between the first string bracket and the first string stopper.

18. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

a spring loaded arrow point, a clicker, and a clicker activation cable;

the clicker and the spring loaded arrow point being mounted onto the simulator body, adjacent to the first draw length adjuster;

the spring loaded arrow point being selectively engaged with the clicker; and

the clicker activation cable being terminally connected to the spring loaded arrow point.

19. The archery bow simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

a loop; and

the loop being integrated into the string, in between the first string stopper and the second sting stopper.