INTEGRATED BATTERY BOW STABILIZER

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure deal with stabilizers for an archery bow. In one embodiment, the stabilizer includes one or more rechargeable batteries. The batteries are configured to store energy for release via one or more accessory ports on the stabilizer. For example, the stabilizer may be used to charge a mobile device and/or power electronic archery equipment. In certain examples, the accessory and/or charging ports are accessible from the exterior of the stabilizer to enable easy access for a user.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspects of the present invention deal with stabilizers for an archery bow and more particularly pertain to stabilizers including one or more batteries for use with an archery bow.

BACKGROUND

A bow stabilizer may be used to assist an archer in aiming an archery bow. A typical bow stabilizer includes a stabilizer body connected to a riser of the bow with one or more threaded fasteners. The stabilizer is often made from a single unitary component and/or from a combination of components. Typically, stabilizers include a vibration reducing material such as rubber. In other examples, stabilizers are made from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber. In many stabilizers, one or more weights may be added to the distal end of the stabilizer in order to assist an archer in balancing a bow. In one example, a forwardly weighted stabilizer acts as a counterbalance to the bow at full draw lessening pin movement and increasing accuracy.

Some archery bow accessories are electronic devices, such as sights with lighted fiberoptic pins. Alternately, the use of a global positioning system (GPS) and/or mobile phone applications (Apps) for location monitoring and tracking is common among hunters and/or other outdoorsmen. For example, bow hunters and/or 3D archers commonly use electronic devices to track game, determine nearby trails, and/or to call for help in an emergency. Electronic devices, such as mobile phones and/or other devices are also commonly used to pass time when shooting at archery tournaments and/or to document portions of an archery shoot.

Unfortunately, during long archery competitions and/or during long hunts there is not a method to conveniently charge an electronic device. Instead, an archer has to wait until returning to a vehicle and/or other location with working electricity. In some cases, an archer may bring a portable power bank, but power banks are often heavy and reduce an archer's ability to pack light. As a result, electronic devices, such as archery bow accessories, mobile phones, GPS systems, and/or other electronic devices are susceptible to running out of battery. As should be appreciated, this can be merely an inconvenience or it can lead to dangerous consequences in cases of loss of power to a GPS system when in the wilderness.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a stabilizer for an archery bow. In one embodiment, the stabilizer includes a power bank assembly with one or more batteries. The batteries are configured to store energy for release via one or more accessory ports on the stabilizer. For example, the stabilizer may be used to charge a mobile device and/or power electronic archery equipment.

In an example, the stabilizer housing includes a body with a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to mount to a riser of an archery bow. The second end is configured to extend away from the riser of the archery bow. The second end may include vibration dampening materials or a vibration damping arrangement to assist in shot stabilization of the bow. In one example, the body is a hollow cylinder configured to receive and secure one or more batteries. In certain embodiments, the batteries are rechargeable batteries charged via a charging port. Alternately, the batteries may be single use replaceable batteries.

The stabilizer further includes a circuit board within the housing which is connected to the batteries. In one example, the circuit board may include one or more control buttons and/or switches, such as an on/off switch. The circuit board may also include one or more status indicator lights such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The controls and indicator lights are accessible/visible from the exterior of the housing so that a user may easily actuate the buttons and view the indicator lights. Further, the circuit board includes one or more accessory ports and/or charging ports, such as USB or micro-USB ports connected to the circuit board and batteries. The accessory and/or charging ports are accessible from the exterior of the body.

The number, size and position of the batteries within the housing may be designed or selected to select or control the effect of the weight of the batteries on the balance point of the stabilizer. Correspondingly, the weight and balance of the stabilizer may be used to affect the balance of the archery bow.

Other objects and attendant advantages will be readily appreciated, as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representative embodiment of an archery bow including a bow stabilizer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bow stabilizer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a first side view of the bow stabilizer of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a second side view of the bow stabilizer of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bow stabilizer of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the bow stabilizer FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another example of a bow stabilizer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another example of a bow stabilizer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the principles being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative example of an archery bow 100 incorporating a stabilizer 160 according to the present disclosure. The archery bow 100 includes a riser 110 with a handle, an upper limb or pair of upper limbs 115 and a lower limb or pair of lower limbs 120. In the embodiment shown, upper and lower limbs are formed of parallel and symmetric limbs sometimes called a quad limb arrangement. Alternately, a single piece limb can have a notch or slot area removed to allow a rotational element to be mounted to the limb tips. In the example illustrated, rotational members such as lower cam 125 and upper cam 135 are supported at the limb tip sections for rotary movement about axles, such as lower axle 130 and upper axle 140. An upper axle 140 is carried between the outer limb tip portions of upper limb 115. A lower axle 130 is carried between the outer limb tip portions of lower limb 120.

The portion of the string which defines the bowstring 145 includes an upper portion and a lower portion which are fed-out from lower cam 125 and upper cam 135 when the bow is drawn. Additionally, a buss cable 150 has a lower end mounted to lower cam 125 which extends into a y-yoke with two upper ends mounted adjacent opposing ends of upper axle 140 at a pair of yoke mounting posts. A control cable 155 has a lower end mounted to the lower cam 125 and an upper end mounted to the upper cam 135. Each cable has a thickness and a round cross-section defining a circumference. From the perspective of the archer, the bowstring is considered rearward relative to the riser which defines forward.

When the bowstring 145 is drawn, it causes lower cam 125 and upper cam 135 at each end of the bow to rotate, taking up buss cable 150 and bending limbs 115 and 120 inward, causing energy to be stored therein. Simultaneously, the control cable 155 is taken up to synchronize the position of the lower cam 125 and the upper cam 135. When the bowstring 145 is released with an arrow engaged to the bowstring, the upper limb 115 and lower limb 120 return to their rest position, causing lower cam 125 and upper cam 135 to rotate in the opposite direction, to take up the bowstring 145 and launch the arrow with an amount of energy proportional to the energy initially stored in the bow limbs. Archery bow 100 is described for illustration and context and is not intended to be limiting.

While not illustrated, embodiments of the present disclosure can also be used in other types of bows, for example dual cam, binary cam, and/or single cam bows. For convenience, the combination of riser 110 and either single or quad limbs forming upper limb 115 and lower limb 120 may generally be referred to as archery bow body 105. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the archery bow body can take on various designs in accordance with the many different types of bows with which the present disclosure can be used.

Various accessories, such as arrow rests, stabilizers, sights, and/or quivers can be mounted to bow body 105. In one embodiment, stabilizer 160 is mounted to archery bow 100. In one example, stabilizer 160 includes a power bank assembly including one or more batteries, a control panel, and one or more accessory ports. The batteries are configured to store energy for release via the accessory ports on the stabilizer. For example, the stabilizer may be used to charge a mobile device and/or power electronic archery equipment. Commonly, sights are used in combination with a peep sight mounted within the bowstring 145.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the stabilizer 160 according to a representative embodiment of the present disclosure. As will be described with more detail in FIGS. 3-6, the stabilizer 160 includes a power bank assembly with one or more batteries configured to store energy for release via one or more accessory ports on the stabilizer. For example, the stabilizer may be used to charge a mobile device and/or power electronic archery equipment.

The stabilizer 160 generally includes a body 205, a mounting assembly 225, and a damping assembly 220. Typically, the stabilizer 160 is mounted to an archery bow to assist in reducing bow vibration following a shot. The stabilizer 160 is also used to provide a counterbalancing weight to the bow to assist in stabilization of the bow at full draw.

The stabilizer body 205 may include a rearward or proximal end 215, which is typically nearer the bow, and a forward or distal end 210, which is typically further from the bow. The body 205 is generally formed from a lightweight material. For example, the stabilizer body 205 may be made from carbon fiber, plastic or similar materials. A carbon fiber material provides a lightweight stabilizer, thus reducing overall weight of the stabilizer. In another example, the body 205 may be made from rubber. As should be appreciated, a rubber stabilizer will absorb/dampen vibration more efficiently after a shot, but would add weight compared to carbon fiber.

The mounting assembly 225 is generally mounted to the proximal end 215 of the stabilizer body 205. The mounting assembly enables an archer to mount and remove the stabilizer from the bow. The stabilizer may be mounted to the riser of the bow directly via a threaded fastener. In another example, the stabilizer may be mounted to the riser of the bow indirectly via a quick disconnect mechanism. A quick disconnect mechanism enables an archer to remove the stabilizer from the bow without needing to unscrew the mounting assembly 225 from the riser.

The damping assembly 220 is generally mounted to the distal end 210 of the stabilizer body 205. The damping assembly 220 dampens the vibrations from the bow following a shot, while minimizing vibration transfer back into the bow. As should be appreciated, the damping assembly 220 also assists in noise reduction of the bow after a shot. In some examples, the damping assembly 220 may include one or more weights configured to counterbalance the bow at full-draw. The counterbalancing force of the weights assist an archer in stabilizing the bow during the shot.

In one illustrative example, following a shot, vibration transfers through the bow limbs and into the riser. From the riser, vibrations transfer into the stabilizer and through the body 205 into the damping assembly 220. The damping assembly 220, includes one or more vibration reducing materials, such as rubber and/or another vibration reducing material configured to absorb/reduce vibration. In some examples, the remaining vibration is transferred one or more weights suspended in the vibration reducing material, causing the weights to oscillate. The oscillation of the weights dampens the vibrations within the bow according to the equation F=m*a, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.

In an example of another form of stabilizer, following a shot, vibration transfers through the bow limbs and into the riser. From the riser, the vibrations transfer into the stabilizer and causes a shaft and magnet to begin oscillating. As the magnet oscillates, a magnetic field moves with respect to one or more weights. The relative movement generates eddy currents, which in turn generate a drag force on the magnet and shaft. The drag force dampens the oscillation of the stabilizer and the archery bow. As should be appreciated, lowering the overall vibration of the stabilizer enables an archer to shoot a bow more accurately and without as much wear and tear on the bow.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the stabilizer 160. The stabilizer 160 includes a control panel 305, which enables a user to turn on/off one or more output charging capabilities of the stabilizer 160. In one example, the control panel 305 is located adjacent the proximal end 215 of the stabilizer 160. However, in other embodiments, the control panel may be located anywhere within the body 205 of the stabilizer 160.

The control panel 305 includes an on/off switch 310 configured to turn on/off power flow from the stabilizer into one or more external devices. The control panel further includes a power indicator 315. The power indicator 315 may be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) configured to illuminate when the on/off switch 310 is in the “on” position. In another embodiment, the power indicator 315 may be configured to illuminate when the on/off switch 310 is in the “off” position. For example, the power indicator 315 illuminates green when the switch is in the “on” position and illuminates red when the switch is in the “off” position. In further embodiments, one or more LEDs may be configured to indicate the charge status of the batteries.

In one example, the on/off switch 310 and the power indicator 315 are configured to extend and/or protrude through an exterior surface of the body 205. This configuration enables a user to readily ascertain the status of the power bank via the power indicator 315. Additionally, the protrusion of the on/off switch through the body 205 enables a user to easily turn the power bank “on” and/or “off”. In another example, the on/off switch 310 and the power indicator 315 are configured to sit flush with the surface of body 205 and/or inset from the surface of body 205 to avoid accidental actuation by a user. In an alternate embodiment, the power indicator 315 may sit beneath a translucent, transparent, and/or other thin cover as long as the power indicator is visible to a user.

FIG. 4 shows an opposing side view to the view shown in FIG. 3. As shown, the stabilizer 160 includes a charging panel 405. The charging panel 405 is optionally oriented 180 degrees from and/or on the opposite side of the stabilizer 160 from the control panel 305 shown in FIG. 3. The charging panel 405 includes one or more power ports 410 configured to supply power from the stabilizer battery to an external device. In some examples, the charging panel 405 further includes one or more charge ports 415 configured to receive power from an external device to the charge and/or recharge the stabilizer battery. In certain embodiments, the power ports 410 and charge ports 415 are bidirectional ports, such that each port may function as a power port and/or a charge port as needed.

In one embodiment, the power ports 410 and charge ports 415 are configured to extend to the exterior of the housing to enable easy access for a user. For example, a user may plug a cord and/or other device into the power and/or charge port without the need to remove any components of the stabilizer. In certain embodiments, the power and/or charge ports may include one or more covers, such as a removable cover configured to prevent dust and debris from damaging the ports. For example, the cover may be made from a flexible rubber material and/or plastic. The cover may be tethered to the stabilizer to prevent loss and/or configured to insert within the plugs via friction fit and/or positive retention.

In one embodiment, the charging panel 405 includes a pair of power ports 410 configured to power or charge one or more external devices, such as cell phones, electronic archery equipment, and/or other devices. In another embodiment, the charging panel 405 includes a charge port 415 configured to recharge the stabilizer battery. For example, the charge port 415 may include a Micro USB charge port and/or a quick-charge port, such as a USB C port. The power ports 410 and the charge port 415 may be the same and/or different types of ports. For example, the ports may be USB A, Micro USB, Mini USB, Lightning, USB C, Thunderbolt, and/or any combination thereof.

Turning to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the stabilizer 160 is shown. The stabilizer 160 includes an inner cavity 505 configured to secure and receive one or more batteries 510. The batteries 510 are configured to supply power via the power ports 410 to one or more external devices. The batteries 510 may be configured to receive power via a port, for instance via the charge port 415. In one example, the batteries 510 include only a single rechargeable type battery, such as Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (HiMH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and/or other form of rechargeable battery. In yet another example, the batteries 510 include replaceable and/or disposable batteries, such as Alkaline, Lithium, Carbon Zinc, Silver Oxide, and/or other replaceable battery types. As should be appreciated, various battery sizes may be used based on the size of the stabilizer. For example, AA, AAA, AAAA, C, D, CR123A, 23A, and/or custom battery sizes may be used.

A circuit board 515 is positioned within the stabilizer 160. The circuit board 515 is configured to serve as a mounting location for the charge port 415, power ports 410, on/off switch 310, and power indicator 315. The circuit board 515 is electrically connected to the battery 515 and configured to control the flow of power into and/or out of the battery 510.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the stabilizer 160. The stabilizer 160 further includes a housing 605 configured to serve as a secure mounting and/or retention location for the circuit board 515. In one example, the housing 605 is configured to fit within the body 205 of the stabilizer. For example, the housing 605 is sized to fit within the body 205 to avoid damage during use of the stabilizer 160.

In one embodiment, the housing 605 includes a first half 610 and a second half 615. The first and second halves 610, 615 are configured to snap together to form the housing 605. In other embodiments, the first and second halves are held together via one or more fasteners, such as screws, bolts, rivets, adhesive, nails, hook and loop fasteners, and/or other fasteners. The housing 605 further includes a pair of opposing ridges 620. The ridges 620 serve location guides for the control panel 305 and the charging panel 405. As should be appreciated, the ridges 620 are configured to slide into a cutout 625 of the body 205 of the stabilizer 160. The ridges 620 prevent unwanted rotation of the housing 605 within the stabilizer body 205. In the event of damage to the housing 605 and or battery 510, the mounting assembly 225 is removed and the housing 605 and/or battery 510 is removed from the cavity 505 of the stabilizer 160.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of a stabilizer 700. The stabilizer 700 functions in much the same and/or a similar manner to the stabilizer 160 described in FIGS. 1-6. The stabilizer 700 includes a body 705 and a housing 710. The housing 710 is configured to circumferentially surround a portion of the body 705 such that the housing 710 rests on top of a portion of the body 705. Put differently, the housing 710 and the body 705 of the stabilizer are not level with one another. Instead, a lip 715 forms between the body 705 and the housing 710.

FIG. 8 shows another alternate embodiment of a stabilizer 800. The stabilizer 800 functions in much the same and/or a similar manner to the stabilizers 160 and 700 described in FIGS. 1-7. The stabilizer 800 includes a body 805 and a housing 810. The housing 810 is located between the body 805 and the mounting portion 225, such that the body 805 and mounting portion 225 are not in direct contact. In another example, the housing 810 and the body 805 are level with one another, such that no lip and/or ridge forms between the housing and body of the stabilizer.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A stabilizer for an archery bow, comprising:

a body having a length defining a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured to secure the body to an archery bow;

a damping assembly mounted to the body; and

a power bank assembly housed within the body, the power bank assembly including: a battery housed within the body; a circuit board, wherein the circuit board is electrically connected to the battery, and wherein the circuit board is configured to control power flow in to and/or out of the battery; and one or more power ports operatively connected to the circuit board and the battery, wherein the power ports are accessible from the exterior of the stabilizer, and wherein the power bank assembly is configured to provide power to one or more external devices via the power ports.

2. The stabilizer of claim 1, wherein battery is a rechargeable battery.

3. The stabilizer of claim 2, wherein the one or more power ports includes one or more charge ports configured to facilitate power flow into the battery.

4. The stabilizer of claim 1, wherein the circuit board includes an on/off switch accessible from the exterior of the body, and wherein the on/off switch is configured to control power flow from the battery to the external devices.

5. The stabilizer of claim 1, wherein the circuit board includes a power indicator visible from the exterior of the body.

6. The stabilizer of claim 5, wherein the power indicator is a light emitting diode (LED).

7. The stabilizer of claim 1, wherein the circuit board is secured within a housing, and wherein the housing is held within the body of the stabilizer via one or more cutouts.

8. The stabilizer of claim 7, wherein the housing includes one or more ridges configured to engage the one or more cutouts, and wherein the power ports, charge ports, power indicator, and on/off switch are configured to extend through the ridges of the housing.

9. The stabilizer of claim 8, wherein the power ports and charge ports extend through a charging panel defined by a first ridge.

10. The stabilizer of claim 9, wherein the power indicator and on/off switch extend through a control panel defined by a second ridge.

11. The stabilizer of claim 10, wherein the first ridge and the second ridge are oriented 180 degrees from each other.

12. A stabilizer for an archery bow, comprising:

a body having a length defining a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured to secure the body to an archery bow;

a damping assembly mounted to the distal end of the body; and

a power bank assembly housed within the body, the power bank assembly including: a battery; one or more power ports accessible from the exterior of the stabilizer, wherein the power ports are configured to supply electrical power from the battery to one or more external devices; and one or more charge ports accessible from the exterior of the stabilizer, wherein the charge ports are configured to supply electrical power to the battery via one or more external devices.

13. The stabilizer of claim 12, wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery.

14. The stabilizer of claim 12, wherein the stabilizer includes a circuit board, wherein the circuit board is electrically connected to the battery, and wherein the circuit board is configured to control power flow in to and/or out of the battery.

15. The stabilizer of claim 14, wherein the circuit board includes a power indicator.

16. The stabilizer of claim 15, wherein the power indicator is a light emitting diode (LED).

17. The stabilizer of claim 12, wherein the circuit board is secured within a housing, wherein the housing defines a pair of opposing ridges, and wherein the ridges are configured to nest within a cutout of the body to secure the housing within the stabilizer.

18. A stabilizer for an archery bow, comprising:

a body having a length defining a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured to secure the body to an archery bow;

a damping material mounted to the body; and

a power bank assembly mounted to the body, the power bank assembly including: a battery; and one or more power ports arranged in the body, wherein the power ports are configured to supply electrical power from the battery to one or more external devices.