ARCHERY BOW TRAINER

The present disclosure relates to an archery bow trainer, and specifically a compound archery bow trainer, that mimics the look, feel and experience of using, namely, drawing and firing, an actual archery compound bow. The inventive compound archery bow trainer includes an arrangement of components that provides excellent functionality, including: (i) an adjustable draw length, (ii) adjustable draw weight, (iii) draw weight “let-off” of full draw weight, (iv) “back wall” feel at end/rear of the draw cycle, (v) easy adjustability of draw length and draw weight, and (vi) safe and reliable operation for the user and surrounding environment.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/444,732 filed on Feb. 10, 2023 and U.S. Patent Application No. 63/619,299 filed on Jan. 9, 2024. U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 16/403,972 and 15/215,289, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63/619,299, 63/444,732, 63/337,071, 62/556,650 and 62/231,889 are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an archery bow trainer, and specifically a compound archery bow trainer, that mimics the look, feel and experience of using, namely, drawing and firing, an actual archery compound bow. The inventive compound archery bow trainer includes an arrangement of components that provides excellent functionality, including: (i) an adjustable draw length, (ii) adjustable draw weight, (iii) draw weight “let-off” of full draw weight, (iv) “back wall” feel at end/rear of the draw cycle, (v) easy adjustability of draw length and draw weight, and (vi) safe and reliable operation for the user and surrounding environment.

BACKGROUND

Conventional compound archery bows are well-known and used by people worldwide. These compound bows utilize flexible arms/limbs to generate the needed stored energy to propel the arrow at high speeds suitable for hunting or competitive archery shooting. Compound bows cannot be “dry fired” (i.e., shot without an arrow) since they can be seriously damaged to point of failure, and potentially are dangerous to the user.

Archery training bows have recently been introduced into the market; however, these training bows have some inherent limitations. Finding an alternate solution for storing the energy which is generated during the draw cycle is one of the key design challenges that must be solved for an archery training bow. Also, finding a method to dampen the stored energy after the training arrow is released is paramount for a safe operation of an archery training bow. Additionally, it is expected the archery training bow will be used with other persons in close proximity and/or in a relatively small indoor environment, as compared to a typical usage scenario where the user of the actual compound bow is alone or not in close proximity to other people, or is being used by the user in a large indoor environment or outdoors.

Thus, there is an ongoing need for a new archery trainer that mimics the look and feel of using a compound bow, while providing all of the key design features and functionality listed in the paragraph in the Field of Disclosure section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compound archery bow trainer including: (i) a frame assembly, (ii) a biasing assembly 70 including upper and lower tensioning members, (iii) an energy damping assembly, (iv) a cable assembly, (v) a set of upper and lower cam assemblies, and (vi) an electronic device assembly including a device mount;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1 in a first or ready-to-use state S1 where (i) the bow string is in a normal position PN, (ii) the upper and lower cam assemblies are in a first/original position PC1, (iii) the biasing assembly is in a unbiased state SUB, and (iv) the energy damping assembly is in a collapsed configuration CC;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1 in the ready-to-use state S1;

FIG. 4 is a rear review of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1 in the ready-to-use state S1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1 in the ready-to-use state S1, wherein an extent of the upper biasing housing of the frame is translucent in order to show an extent of the biasing assembly;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a zoomed-in view of the upper cam assembly shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1 in the ready-to-use state S1;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the compound archery bow trainer taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8 in the ready-to-use state S1;

FIG. 10 is a zoomed-in view of the energy damping assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a zoomed-in view of the upper cam assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a zoomed-in view of the lower tensioning assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1 in the ready-to-use state S1;

FIG. 14 is a zoomed-in view of the upper cam assembly shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a zoomed-in view of a first side of the upper cam assembly of FIG. 1, wherein an extent of the upper biasing housing of the frame is removed in order to show the cable attachment to the cam assembly;

FIG. 16 is a zoomed-in view of a second side of the upper cam assembly of FIG. 1, wherein an extent of the upper biasing housing of the frame is removed in order to show the cable attachment to the cam assembly;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1 in the ready-to-use state S1, wherein an extent of the upper biasing housing of the frame is removed in order to show an extent of the biasing assembly;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1 in a second or ready-to-fire state S2 where: (i) the bow string is in a drawn position PD, (ii) the upper and lower cam assemblies are in a second/rotated position PC2, (iii) the biasing assembly is in a biased state SB, and (iv) the energy damping assembly is in an expanded configuration CE;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1, wherein the bow trainer is in a first fired state or a third state S3 as the user has released the bow string to fire said bow trainer;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1, wherein the bow trainer is in a second fired state or a fourth state S4 as the bow trainer moves from the first fired state S3 towards the first or ready-to-use state S1;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1, wherein the bow trainer has returned to the first or ready-to-use state S1;

FIG. 22 is a table showing the calculated draw force using biasing members for the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a table showing the measured draw force using biasing members for the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the compound archery bow trainer of FIG. 1, wherein an electronic device has been coupled to the device mount;

FIG. 25 is a frontal view of the electronic device of FIG. 24 with the compound bow application installed and displaying a login screen;

FIG. 26 is a frontal view of the electronic device of FIG. 24 with the compound bow application installed and displaying various simulated real-life archery scenarios;

FIG. 27 is a frontal view of the electronic device of FIG. 24 with the compound bow application installed and displaying simulated real-life archery scenarios;

FIG. 28 is a frontal view of the electronic device of FIG. 24 with the compound bow application installed and displaying a simulated arrow hitting a simulated target within the simulated real-life archery scenario;

FIG. 29 is a frontal view of the electronic device of FIG. 24 with the compound bow application installed and displaying an alternative embodiment of a simulated real-life archery scenario active on a mobile device;

FIG. 30 is a frontal view of the electronic device of FIG. 24 with the compound bow application installed and displaying simulated arrow hitting a simulated target within the alternative embodiment of a simulated real-life archery scenario;

FIG. 31 is a frontal view of the electronic device of FIG. 24 with the compound bow application installed and displaying an alternative embodiment of a simulated real-life archery scenario active on a mobile device;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer, which includes a headset that provides AR/VR functionality with the compound archery bow trainer;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer, which replaces the electronic device assembly with an integrated circuit configured to communicate with the headset of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer, which replaces the electronic device assembly with at least one controller configured to communicate with the headset of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer, which replaces the biasing members with a set of alternative biasing members;

FIGS. 36A-B are tables showing the calculated draw force using the alternative biasing members shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a table showing the measured draw force using the alternative biasing members shown in FIG. 35;

FIGS. 38-39 show side views of a sixth embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer, which replaces the biasing members with a torsion spring and includes a geared dampener;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer, which replaces the biasing members with a geared dampener; and

FIG. 41 is an eighth embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer, which includes an alternative embodiment of the energy damping assembly installed in an upper portion of the trainer.

 DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and/or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

While this disclosure includes a number of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail particular embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated. As will be realized, the disclosed methods and systems are capable of other and different configurations and several details are capable of being modified all without departing from the scope of the disclosed methods and systems. For example, one or more of the following embodiments, in part or whole, may be combined consistently with the disclosed methods and systems. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, not restrictive or limiting.

1) Introduction

This disclosure relates to an archery bow trainer, and specifically, a compound archery bow trainer 5, which is not configured to fire real arrows, bolts or projectiles. Because the disclosed compound archery bow trainer 5 cannot fire real arrows, bolts or projectiles, the trainer 5 is designed for training, practice and entertainment. As such, the compound archery bow trainer 5 is comprised of: (i) a frame assembly 10, (ii) a biasing assembly 70, (iii) an energy damping assembly 150, (iv) a cable assembly 180, (v) a set of upper and lower cam assemblies 210a, 210b, and (vi) an electronic device assembly 240. The compound archery bow trainer 5 is used to enhance the user's skills, such as his/her strength, stability and accuracy in delivering an arrow fired from a real, non-training compound bow to the target. In addition, the electronic device assembly 240 includes an application (or “app”) installed on an electronic device, wherein the app is configured to display simulated real-life scenarios on a mobile device that an archer or user 2 may face during an archery competition or a hunt. Practicing in these scenarios allows the user 2 to reduce target panic and improve the user's archery performance.

The compound archery bow trainer 5 includes numerous components that provide training functionality and performance that mirrors that of real-life compound bows, such as the following:

    • Adjustable Draw Length: the user 2 may adjust the draw length to its desired length by setting the position of the draw length member(s) in relation to the bow string. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, there are five different positional relationships between the draw length member(s) and cams, which in turn translates to five different draw lengths. It should be understood that in other embodiments, there may be more or fewer draw lengths (e.g., 1 or 10).
    • Adjustable Draw Weight: the user 2 may adjust the draw weight to its desired level by turning the tensioning member, which in turn will cause the biasing coupler to move in the housing either: (i) towards the cam assemblies, or (ii) away from the cam assemblies. Moving the biasing coupler towards the cam assemblies will decrease the draw weight. Likewise, moving the biasing coupler away from the cam assemblies will increase the draw weight. It is desirable that the adjustment of both tensioning members is the same to minimize the production of undesirable forces on the trainer 5 and the user 2.
    • Energy Damping Motion: the energy generated by the movement (e.g., returning to an original state from an extended state) of the biasing members is dampened to prevent potential damage to the trainer 5, user 2 and/or the surrounding environment. To accomplish this, the trainer 5 includes a unique energy damping assembly that can be directly integrated into the frame assembly 10 of the training bow 5. It should be understood that other assemblies or components designed to absorb energy may be utilized in connection with or may replace the energy damping assembly. For example, an energy absorbing material may be included in the housing to assist the energy damping assembly in damping said generated energy. The disclosed energy damping assembly may be capable of adjusting the rate that the assembly can dampen the energy. This may be desirable due to the trainer's 5 ability to adjust the draw weight and draw length. The disclosed energy damping assembly may accomplish this rate adjustment by including a valve that can change the rate that air is expelled or discharged from said assembly. Additionally, it may be desirable to minimize the overall size of the energy damping assembly. As such, the figures disclose an energy damping assembly that has collapsible and telescoping features. Alternative versions of the energy damping assembly that do not include these collapsible and telescoping features may also be used connection with the disclosed trainer 5.

Additional training functionality and performance of the compound archery bow trainer are provided by the arrangement of the various components disclosed below.

2) Structure of the Compound Archery Bow Trainer

FIGS. 1-21 show the bow trainer 5 including: (i) the frame assembly 10 with a main body 12, (ii) the biasing assembly 70 with an upper biasing housing 14a, and a lower biasing housing 14b, and (iii) the energy damping assembly 150. Referring to at least FIG. 2, the main body 12 of the frame 10 includes: (i) a handle 12.1 with a grip 12.1.1, (ii) an energy damping mount 12.2 that is configured to receive an extent of the energy damping assembly 150, and (iii) upper and lower limbs 12.3a, 12.3b. As shown in the Figures, an upper extent of said frame assembly 10 is a mirrored image of a lower extent of the frame assembly 10 about a midline plane that extends through the center of the energy damping energy damping assembly 150. This mirrored configuration permits the frame assembly 10, and in turn the trainer 5, to be used by both left and right handed users. Accordingly, the trainer is can be used by a user 2 who is ambidextrous. The energy damping mount 12.2 can be located in a central position on the main body 12. In various examples, energy damping mount 12.2 can include a mounting aperture extending through the main body 12 in a position that defines the separation of the upper and lower components of the compound archery bow trainer 5. The handle 12.1 with a grip 12.1.1 can be positioned below the energy damping mount 12.2. The main body 12 of the frame assembly 10 can be configured to mount the electronic device assembly 240 to the frame assembly 10. For example, the mobile device mount 252 of the electronic device assembly 240 can be secured to the main body 12 above the energy damping mount 12.2.

The upper and lower biasing housing 14a, 14b are coupled to the upper and lower limbs 12.3a, 12.3b. For example, at least a portion of the upper and lower second member 14a.2, 14b.2 of biasing housing 14a, 14b can be attached the respective upper and lower limbs 12.3a, 12.3b. In various examples, the second member 14a.2, 14b.2 of the biasing housing 14a, 14b can be integrally formed with the upper and lower limbs 12.3a, 12.3. The upper and lower biasing housings 14a, 14b are configured to house an extent of the biasing assembly 70, and include a first member 14a.1, 14b.1 and a second member 14a.2, 14b.2. For example, the biasing assembly 70 can be accessible for adjustment via upper and lower ends 16a, 16b of the biasing housing 14a, 14b. The upper and lower biasing housings 14a, 14b also provide attachment means for the cam assemblies 210a, 210b. For example, the cam assemblies 210a, 210b can be coupled at a second end 18 of the respective biasing housing 14a, 14b. The second member 14a.2, 14b.2 can include a pair of arms 14a.2.1, 14b.2.1 extending from the second end 18. The pair of arms 14a.2.1, 14b.2.1 are configured to receive the cam assemblies 210a, 210b and allow clearance for rotational movement. The pair of arms 14a.2.1, 14b.2.1 include apertures or seats 14a.2.2, 14b.2.2 or other means adapted to couple the axle 210a.4, 210b.4 of the respective cam assemblies 210a, 210b to the biasing housing 14a, 14b, defining pivot points P1, P2. The pair of arms 14a.2.1, 14b.2.1 are positioned and configured such that the cam assemblies 210a, 210b can move freely about the axle 210a.4, 210b.4. It should be understood that the frame assembly 10 may include additional components or fewer components. Additionally, the configuration of said components may be altered or changed. For example, compare the upper and lower limbs shown in FIG. 1 with FIG. 18.

The biasing assembly 70 includes: (i) an upper biasing member 72a, (ii) a lower biasing member 72b, (iii) an upper tensioning assembly 74a, and (iv) a lower tensioning assembly 74b. The upper and lower tensioning assemblies 74a, 74b are designed to allow the user 2 to adjust the draw weight of the trainer 5, which is a measure of the force needed to move the trainer 5 from the first/ready-to-use state S1 to the second/ready-to-fire state S2. In other words, said draw weight is the force needed to move the bow string 182 from the normal position (see FIG. 21) to the drawn position (see FIG. 18). Stated even another way, said draw weight is the rearwardly directed draw force needed to move the cam assembly from the first/original position PC1 to the second/drawn position PC2. Stated a final way, said draw weight is the rearwardly directed draw force needed to move the biasing member from the unbiased state SUB to the biased state SB.

To accomplish this, the upper and lower tensioning assemblies 74a, 74b include a tensioning member 74a.1, 74b.1, a biasing coupler 74a.2, 74b.2, and a securing element 74a.3, 74b.3. The bow string 182 is coupled to the tensioning assemblies 74a, 74b via the cam assemblies 210a, 210b. The movement of the tensioning member 74a.1, 74a.2 is configured to cause movement of the biasing coupler 74a.2, 74b.2 within the housing 14a, 14b, which in turn changes the biasing forces exerted by the biasing members 72a, 72b, when the user 2 applies a rearwardly directed force on the bow string 182 in order to move said string 182 from the original position to a drawn position. In particular, turning the tensioning member 74a.1, 74b.1 clockwise will cause said member 74a.1, 74b.1 to be threaded into the biasing coupler 74a.2, 74b.2. Threading said member 74a.1, 74b.1 into the biasing coupler 74a.2, 74b.2 will cause the biasing coupler 74a.2, 74b.2 to move towards a forward extent of the frame, whereby extending the length of the biasing members 72a, 72b. This extension of the biasing members 72a, 72b will increase the biasing force applied by said members 72a, 72b within the trainer 5, which in turn increases the draw weight. And as discussed above, increasing the draw weight will increase the rearwardly directed draw force needed to move the bow string from the normal position to the drawn position. In contrast, turning the tensioning member 74a.1, 74b.1 counter clockwise will cause said member 74a.1, 74b.1 to be unthreaded threaded from the biasing coupler 74a.2, 74b.2. Unthreading said member 74a.1, 74b.1 from the biasing coupler 74a.2, 74b.2 will cause the biasing coupler 74a.2, 74b.2 to move towards a rear extent of the frame, whereby reducing the length of the biasing members 72a, 72b. This reduction of the biasing members 72a, 72b will decrease the biasing force applied by said members 72a, 72b within the trainer 5, which in turn decrease the draw weight. And as discussed above, decreasing the draw weight will decrease the rearwardly directed draw force needed to move the bow string from the normal position to the drawn position. The biasing members 72a, 72b are shown as springs (e.g., coil springs), but it should be understood that the biasing members 72a, 72b may be any component (e.g., magnet, deformable metal, etc.) that can exert a biasing force on the cam assemblies 210a, 210b.

Referring to at least FIGS. 6 and 18-20, the energy damping assembly 150 includes: (i) an outer member 152, (ii) a medial member 154, (iii) an inner member 156, and (iv) a string securement member 158. As shown in the Figures, the energy damping assembly 150 is configured to couple to bow string 182 at the string securement member 158 and can extend from: (i) a collapsed configuration CC, when the bow string 182 is in the normal position (see FIG. 21), to (ii) expanded configuration CE or a telescopic state, when the bow string 182 is in a drawn position (see FIG. 18). When the energy damping assembly 150 is in the collapsed state, an extent of the inner member 156 is configured to be positioned within the medial member 154, and extents of the medial and inner members 154, 156 are configured to be positioned within the outer member 152. Likewise, it should be understood that when the energy damping assembly 150 is in the expanded configuration CE or the telescopic state, a majority of the inner member 156 is not positioned within the medial member 154, and a majority of the medial member 154 is not positioned within the outer member 152. The positions of the medial and inner members 154, 156 with respect to the outer member 152 and each other can depend on the user 2 adjusted draw length, which is at least partially defined by a distance between an extent of the main body 12 and the bow string 182 in the drawn position.

When the energy damping assembly 150 is in the expanded configuration CE or a telescopic state, the inner member 156 cannot be moved further rearward. In other words, the energy damping assembly 150 cannot be further expanded in this state. In this configuration or state, the user 2 may experience a “back wall” feel when moving from the collapsed configuration CC to the expanded configuration CE. Said back wall feel informs the user 2 that they have reached the end of the draw cycle, and now the trainer 5 is in the second/ready-to-fire state S2.

When the energy damping assembly 150 is moved from the collapsed configuration CC to the expanded configuration CE, air is slowly drawn into said energy damping assembly 150. Said air is slowly drawn into said assembly 150 due to the slow movement of the user's draw (i.e., movement from the normal position PN to the drawn position PD) of said bow string 182. Once the user's 2 has moved the bow string 182 into the drawn position PD, the energy damping assembly 150 is full of air. In other words, when the trainer 5 is in the second/ready-to-fire state S2, the air has at least substantially filled, if not entirely filled, the internal volume of the outer member 152 of the energy damping assembly 150. Once the user 2 releases the bow string 182, the trainer 5 attempts to return to the ready-to-use state S1 as quickly as possible. However, the return of the trainer 5 to said ready-to-use state S1 is slowed down by the energy damping assembly 150 because the air drawn into said assembly 150 must be forced out of the assembly 150 by the sliding movement of the inner member 156 into the medial member 154, the medial member 154 into the outer member 152. The rate at which the air is forced out of the energy damping assembly 150 is slowed down by a two-way valve 153 of the outer member 152. The further the valve 153 can be adjustable such that the rate of air inlet into or air discharge from the outer tube 152 can be adjusted or throttled to accommodate the user's preferences. This in turn reduces the energy damping effect of said assembly 150, but will allow the trainer 5 to quickly return to the ready-to-use state S1. In contrast, the further the valve is closed, the slower the air can be forced out of the energy damping assembly 150. This in turn increases the energy damping effect of said assembly 150, but will reduce the speed the trainer 5 can return to the ready-to-use state S1.

It should be understood that in an alternative embodiment, the two-way valve 153 may be omitted from the energy damping assembly 150. Instead of relying on the two-way valve 153, the air inlet/air outlet may comprise a plurality of apertures formed through the wall(s) of the outer member 152 forward of the inner member 154. In this alternative configuration, the speed at which the user 2 cannot adjust the energy damping assembly 150. This may be beneficial because if the bow sting 182 returns to its normal position PN too fast, the energy damping assembly 150 may not absorb enough of the energy, which may damage the trainer 5. In a further alternative embodiment, the energy damping assembly 150 may include or be replace by springs, a gas piston, a linear actuator, an energy absorbing material (e. g, TPU), or any other known component or structure that can absorb energy caused by the movement of the trainer 5 from the second/ready-to-fire state S2 to the ready-to-use state S1.

The cable assembly 180 includes: (i) a bow string 182, (ii) a first cable 184, (iii) a second cable 186, (iv) an upper biasing cable 188a, (v) a lower biasing cable 188b, (vi) and a cable roller assembly 190. The bow string 182 and the first and second cables 184, 186 are coupled to the upper cam assembly 210a and the lower cam assembly 210b. Said string and cables 182, 184, 186 may be conventional strings and cables that are found and utilized in connection with archery devices, such as conventional compound bows that fire real arrows, bolts or projectiles. The upper and lower biasing cables 188a, 188b couple their respective cam assemblies 210a, 210b to the cable couplers 72a.1, 72b.1 of the biasing members 72a, 72b. Finally, the cable roller assembly 190 helps ensure that the first and second cables 184, 186 can move freely along the frame assembly 10 and help protect the user 2 from interactions with the same.

FIGS. 15-16 show an example of the cable assembly 180 connections to upper cam assembly 210a in greater detail. The bow string 182 is coupled the bow string cam 210a.1, wound around the perimeter of bow string cam 210a.1, and extended and coupled to bow string cam 210b.1 in a similar manner (FIG. 9). The first and second cables 184, 186 are also coupled to bow string cam 210a.1, for example on the opposite side, where the first cable 184 is wound around cable member 210a.3. Both first and second cables 184, 186 extend to the lower bow string cam 210b.1, guided at cable roller assembly 190, and coupled in a similar manner to bow string cam 210b.1, where the second cable 186 is wound around cable member 210b.3. The upper and lower biasing cables 188a, 188b are coupled to respective bow string cams 210a.1, 210b.1 at a position to cooperate with the draw length adjustment members 210a.2, 210b.2.

Each of the upper and lower cam assemblies 210a, 210b include: (i) a bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1, (ii) a draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2, and (iii) a cable member 210a.3, 210b.3. The bow string cams 210a.1, 210b.1 are configured to be coupled to the cable assembly 180 and specifically the bow string 182 and the upper/lower biasing cables 188a, 188b. The draw length adjustment members 210a.2, 210b.2 are designed to alter the position of the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1, which in turn alters the draw length. For example, said draw length may be changed from 15″ to 35″, preferably between 23″ and 34″. Finally, the cable members 210a.3, 210b.3 are designed to be secured to the first and second cables 184, 186.

Shown in at least FIGS. 7, 11, and 14-16, the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1 can include a cam body 210a.1.1, 210b.1.1 with a mounting portion 212a, 212b with an axis aperture 214a, 214b and a bow string recess 216a, 216b about the perimeter edge 218a, 218b. The cam body 210a.1.1, 210b.1.1 can have an eccentric shape with axis aperture 214a, 214b is positioned off-center. The mounting portion 212a, 212b also includes a first set of attachment holes 220a, 220b to couple the draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 to a first surface 224a, 224b, and a second set of attachment holes 222a, 222b to couple the cable members 210a.3, 210b.3 to a second surface 226a, 226b. The first surface 224a, 224b can also include a bow string support 228a, 228b positioned a radial distance (r1) from the axis aperture 214a, 214b. The bow string support 228a, 228b can be positioned within a recessed portion 230a, 230b of the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1, where the recessed portion 230a, 230b includes a portion from an extent of the edge of the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1 to a portion surrounding the bow string support 228a, 228b. The bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1 configured to receive and secure an end of the bow string 182 at the bow string support 228a, 228b such that an extent of the bow string 182 is held by the bow string support 228a, 228b within the recessed portion 230a, 230b and guided about the perimeter of the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1 within the bow string recess 216a, 216b.

The cam body 210a.1.1, 210b.1.1 of the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1 can further include a biasing cable connector 232a, 232b and a cable connector 234a, 234b. The biasing cable connector 232a, 232b can extend outward from the first surface 224a, 224b and be positioned to receive and secure an end of the biasing cable 188a, 188b at a distance (r2) from the axis aperture 214a, 214b. For example, the biasing cable connector 232a, 232b can be configured as a through aperture 232a.1, 232b.1 in the cam body 210a.1.1, 210b.1.1 configured to receive a biasing support post 232a.2, 232b.2 to which the biasing spring 188a, 188b is coupled. The cable connector 234a, 234b can extend outward from the second surface 226a, 226b and be positioned to receive and secure ends of the first cable 184a, 184b and second cable 186a, 186b at a distance (r3) from the axis aperture 214a, 214b. For example, the cable connector 234a, 234b can be configured as a through aperture 234a.1, 234b.1 in the cam body 210a.1.1, 210b.1.1 configured to receive a cable support post 234a.2, 234b.2 to which the first cable 184a, 184b and second cable 186a, 186b. The cable support post 234a.2, 234b.2 can include separate grooves to attach one end of each of the first cable 184a, 184b and second cable 186a, 186. The cam body 210a.1.1, 210b.1.1 can also include cut out portions of various shapes, for example to balance the mass distribution of the cam body 210a.1.1, 210b.1.1.

The draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 can have an irregular shape, including a rounded indent 210a.2.1, 210b.2.1 along an edge portion of the draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2. The rounded indent 210a.2.1, 210b.2.1 is shaped to receive an extent of the axle 210a.4, 210b.4 of the cam assemblies 210a, 210b. In some examples, the rounded indent 210a.2.1, 210b.2.1 can be hook shaped. The draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 configured to be movably coupled to the first surface 224a, 224b of the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b such that a rounded indent 210a.2.1, 210b.2.1 of the draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 is aligned with the axis aperture 214a, 214b of the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b upon an axle 210a.4, 210b.4. The draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 is configured to rotate with the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1 about respective pivot points P1, P2. The draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 can also include at least one adjustment slot 210a.2.2, 210b.2.2 and a plurality of adjustment apertures 210a.2.3, 210b.2.3. The draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 is coupled to the first surface of the bow string cam 210a. 1, 210b.1 via the first set of attachment holes 220a, 220b.

The draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 can have a curvilinear shape with a biasing groove 210a.2.4, 210b.2.4 along at least a curvilinear portion of the perimeter. The biasing groove 210a.2.4, 210b.2.4 adapted to receive the biasing cable 188a, 188b, anchored to the bow string cams 210a.1, 210b.1, as the cam assemblies 180a, 180b rotate. For example, as the bow string 182 is drawn from an original position to a drawn position, the biasing cable 188a, 188b can be guided by the biasing groove 210a.2.4, 210b.2.4 to spool about the perimeter of the draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2. For example, the cam assemblies 210a, 210b can rotate about 180° as the bow string 182 is displaced, causing the biasing cable 188a, 188b to move in a similar rotational direction.

As suggested in FIG. 15, the at least one adjustment slot 210a.2.2, 210b.2.2 can be positioned radially between the rounded indent 210a.2.1, 210b.2.1 and the set of adjustment apertures 210a.2.3, 210b.2.3. The set of adjustment apertures 210a.2.3, 210b.2.3 can be arranged in an arcuate path such that each of the adjustment apertures 210a.2.3, 210b.2.3 is at a different position from a curved edge of the draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2. The draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 can be positioned on the first surface 226a, 226b of the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1 and coupled thereto by a first pin 210a.2.5, 210b.2.5 and second pin 210a.2.6, 210b.2.6 received in respective attachment holes 220a, 220b of the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1. For example, the first and second pin can be a screw, bolt, or other suitable fastener. The draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 can be coupled to the first surface 226a, 226b of the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b through the adjustment slot 210a.2.2, 210b.2.2 by the first pin 210a.2.5, 210b.2.5. The draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 can be positioned for a specified draw length coupled to the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b by the second pin 210a.2.6, 210b.2.6 through one of the adjustment apertures 210a.2.3, 210b.2.3. When adjusting the draw length, the draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 can be repositioned while the first pin 210a.2.5, 210b.2.5 remains within the adjustment slot 210a.2.2, 210b.2.2 and secured to the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1. The adjustment apertures 210a.2.3, 210b.2.3 can be arranged along an arc at various positions from the rounded indent 210a.2.1, 210b.2.1 and pivot point P1, P2. For example, there can be five adjustment apertures 210a.2.3, 210b.2.3 to provide five different positional relationships between the draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 and bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1. The draw lengths are based on the positional relationships of the draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2. Each of the adjustment apertures 210a.2.3, 210b.2.3 is at a different position from the edge of the draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2. A spooling distance defined between an extent of the edge of the draw length adjustment member 210a.2, 210b.2 and the biasing cable connector 232a, 232b can be changed by the selection of the adjustment aperture 210a.2.3, 210b.2.3. An adjustment in the spooling distance changes an overall spooling pathway which limits the rotation of the cam assemblies 210a, 210b thus adjusting the draw length of the bow string 182.

As suggested in FIG. 15, the cable members 210a.3, 210b.3 are substantially circular in shape with an arc portion 210a.3.1, 210b.3.1 removed along an extent of the perimeter. The cable members 210a.3, 210b.3 have a central axis aperture 210a.3.2, 210b.3.2 and a set of fastening holes 210a.3.3, 210b.3.3 that correspond with the second set of attachment holes 222a, 222b of the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1. The cable members 210a.3, 210b.3 are coupled to the second surface of the bow string cams 210a.1, 210b.1 via the second set of attachment holes 222a, 222b using fasteners 210a.3.5. When assembled, the arc portion 210a.3.1, 210b.3.1 is positioned such that the cable support post 234a.2, 234b.2 extending from the bow string cam 210a.1, 210b.1 is located therein. The cable members 210a.3, 210b.3 are designed receive a first end of the first and second cables 184, 186 on the cable support post 234a.2, 234b.2 within the arc portion 210a.3.1, 210b.3.1 and wind an extent of the respective first and second cables 184, 186 about the edge groove 210a.3.4, 210b.3.4 of the cable members 210a.3, 210b.3. The first and second cables 184, 186 extending to couple a second end of cables 184, 186 to respective opposite cable members 210a.3, 210b.3.

3) Use of the Compound Archery Bow Trainer

FIGS. 1-21 show the compound archery bow trainer 5 changing: (i) from a first/ready-to-use state S1, and wherein the bow string 182 is in a normal position PN, the upper and lower cam assemblies are in a first/original position PC1, biasing assembly is in a unbiased state SUB, and the energy damping assembly is in a collapsed configuration CC, (ii) to a second/ready-to-fire state S2, and wherein the bow string 182 is in a drawn position PD, the upper and lower cam assemblies are in a second/rotated position PC2, biasing assembly is in a biased state SB, and the energy damping assembly is in an expanded configuration CE, and (iii) back to the first/ready-to-use state S1, and wherein the bow string 182 is in a normal position PN, the upper and lower cam assemblies are in a first/original position PC1, biasing assembly is in a unbiased state SUB, and the energy damping assembly is in a collapsed configuration CC. The third state S3 and fourth state S4, which are shown in FIGS. 19-20, illustrate intermediate states of the trainer 5 moving from the second/ready-to-fire state S2 to the first/ready-to-use state S1. Also shown, the inner member 156 and medial member 154 of the energy damping assembly 150 received in the outer member 152 as the bow string 182 is released from a drawn position to a normal position where bow trainer 5 is in the ready-to-use state S1.

The first/ready-to-use state S1, of the compound archery bow trainer 5 is shown at least in FIGS. 2, 9, and 21. In the first/ready-to-use state S1, the bow string 182 is in a normal position PN, the upper and lower cam assemblies are in a first/original position PC1, biasing assembly is in a unbiased state SUB, and the energy damping assembly is in a collapsed configuration CC. The energy damping assembly 150 is coupled to bow string 182 at the string securement member 158, as such the bow string 182 is drawn the energy damping assembly 150 extends from the collapsed state to the telescopic state. As the bow string 182 is drawn, the upper and lower cam assemblies 210a, 210b rotate about pivot points P1,P2 and displace the upper and lower biasing couplers 74a.2, 74b.2. In various examples, the user 2 may experience a “back wall” feel at the end of the draw cycle at the user 2 adjusted draw length, such that there is no further extension of the energy damping assembly 150. In the second/ready-to-fire state S2, the bow string 182 is in a drawn position PD, the upper and lower cam assemblies are in a second/rotated position PC2, biasing assembly is in a biased state SB, and the energy damping assembly is in an expanded configuration CE., The positions of the medial and inner members 154, 156 of the energy damping assembly 150 are mostly extended with respect to the outer member 152 and each other, where the positioning can depend on the user 2 adjusted draw length.

Referring to FIGS. 1-21, as the cam assemblies 210a, 210b moves from the first/original position PC1 to the second/drawn position PC2, and back to the first/original position PC1, the upper cam assembly 210a pivots around a first pivot point P1 and the lower cam assembly 210b pivots around a second pivot point P2. By pivoting around the first and second pivot points P1, P2, the upper and lower biasing couplers 74a.2, 74b.2 are pulled rearward. This rearward pull on said upper and lower biasing couplers 74a.2, 74b.2 causes the upper and lower biasing members (e.g., spring) 72a, 72b to move from the unbiased state SUB to the biased state SB. In said unbiased state SUB, the coil springs are in their original state. In contrast, in said biased state SB, the coil springs are in an extended state, which exerts a biasing force within the trainer 5. Said biasing force is directly related to the draw weight, which can be between 2 lbs to 150 lbs, and preferably between 30 and 70 lbs. Once the bow string 182 moves from the normal position to the drawn position, the trainer 5 lets off between 5% and 85% of the draw weight, preferably between 60-85% of the draw weight. In other words, the draw weight is reduced by the let off percentage when the bow string 182 is in the drawn position. For example, the draw weight in the drawn position may be 1.7 lbs-143 lbs for a bow with a draw weight that can be adjusted between 2 lbs and 150 lbs.

As shown in FIGS. 1-21, the biasing members 72a, 72b may be coil springs that are designed to be extended in order to generate said biasing force. As such, the coil spring may also be referred to as extension springs. The tables in FIGS. 22-23 show a non-limiting example of calculated and test results using extension springs. The draw weight is related to the spring pre-load length. For example, shown in FIG. 23, a 6.75 inch extension spring with a spring working length of 3.14 inches can be pre-stretched to adjust the draw weight. For example, at pre-stretch length of 1, 2.5, and 4 inches, the draw weight is 40, 55, and 71 pounds, respectively.

Once the bow string 182 is released by the user 2, the upper and lower biasing members 72a, 72b return from their extended state to their normal state. The return of the upper and lower biasing members 72a, 72b to their normal state: (i) cause the upper cam assembly 210a to pivot back around the first pivot point P1 and the lower cam assembly 210b to pivot back around a second pivot point P2, (ii) cause the upper and lower biasing couplers 74a.2, 74b.2 to be pulled forward, and (iii) generates energy. A majority of this energy is dissipated by the use of the energy damping assembly 150. In particular, said energy damping assembly 150 dampens the return forces that are exerted by the upper and lower biasing members 72a, 72b on components of the trainer 5. The extent/rate that of the energy dissipation can be adjusted using the energy damping assembly 150. For example, said energy damping assembly 150 may be designed to compress the air contained in the outer member 152 through an adjustable valve. Other configurations or methods of dissipating the return energy associated with the movement of the biasing members 72a, 72b from the extended state to their normal state is contemplated by this disclosure. For example, energy absorbing materials may be included within the frame assembly that are configured to interact with said biasing members 72a, 72b.

After the cam assemblies 210a, 210b have returned to their first/original position PC1 and the bow string 182 along with the upper and lower biasing members 72a, 72b have returned to their normal state, said upper and lower biasing members 72a, 72b are no longer exerting a sufficient biasing force. As such, the trainer 5 has returned to the first/ready-to-use state S1 and the cam assemblies 210a, 210b are back to the first/original position PC1. The user 2 can then cause the trainer 5 to repeat the above steps. It should be understood that the trainer 5 is designed to allow the above steps to be performed may times within a short period of time.

4) Compound Archery Bow Trainer's Electronic Device Assembly

FIGS. 24-31 focus on the electronic device assembly 240, comprised of a mobile device mount 252, a mobile device 254, and a compound bow application or “app” 256. In particular, the mobile device mount 252 enables the user 2 to mount the mobile device 254 to the frame assembly 10 of the compound archery bow trainer 5. The mounted mobile device 254 operates with the compound bow application or “app” 256 to simulate real life archery scenarios, including: i) static target shooting, ii) moving target shooting, iii) hunting, iv) fishing, v) virtual strength training, vi) virtual coaching, vii) virtual competition, viii) arcade challenge environment.

    • a. Electronic Device Mount

The frame assembly 10 includes one or more securement mechanisms to releasably couple the mobile device mount 252 to the frame assembly 10. It should be understood that other types of mechanical couplers may be used instead of a threaded connector, such as a pin and socket, a quarter-turn connector, bayonet connector, etc. The securement mechanisms is positioned in the frame assembly 10, which allows for the mobile device 254 to simulate what the user 2 would see through a traditional compound bow sighting device.

FIGS. 1-6, 8-10, 15, and 24 show the mobile device mount 252. The mount 252 is configured to engage and grip the periphery of the mobile device 254. As shown in FIG. 10, the mobile device mount 252 is comprised of a mounting arm 300 and a mobile device holder 302. The mounting arm 300 is configured to secure the mobile device holder 302 to the frame assembly 10. Meanwhile, the mobile device holder 302 is comprised of two elongated rectangular bodies, wherein each elongated body includes a projection 318 designed to engage and grip the periphery of the mobile device 254. In particular, the projection 318 includes a recessed area 319 that accepts an extent of the mobile device 254. Thus, as shown in FIG. 24, part of the projection 318 is disposed over the front edge of the mobile device 254.

In an illustrative example, the mobile device holder 302 can include a first elongated rectangular body 320 configured to be disposed within the second elongated rectangular body 322 and coupled to one another by an internal spring 324. To remove an extent of the first elongated body 320 from the second elongated body 322 the user 2 must pull the first elongated body 320 away from the second elongated body 322 with enough force to overcome the inward biasing force exerted by the internal spring 324. Once the user 2 has removed an extent of the first elongated body 320 from the second elongated body 322, the user 2 may place the mobile device 254 between the projections 318. After the mobile device 254 is in place, the user 2 can release the first elongated body 320 from the second elongated body 322. Once released, the mobile device 254 will be secured to the mobile device mount 252 by the tension provided by the internal spring 324. It should be understood that the mobile device mount 252 is made from injection molded plastic and that foam cushioning elements may be placed in locations where the mobile device mount 252 may make contact with the mobile device 254. Although the example compound archery bow trainer 5 is shown with the mobile device holder 302 as an illustrative example, other configurations and arrangements mobile device mount 252 can be relied on to releasably couple the mobile device 254 and secure it to the frame assembly 10.

The design of this mount 252 ensures that it is capable of mounting different size mobile devices 254 to the frame assembly 10. For example, the mount 252 can receive mobile devices 254 with a diagonal measurement of 4.75 inches to 12 inches. It should be understood that most of today's cellular enabled mobile devices fall within this range (e.g., iPhone 7 is approximately 5.75 inches or Galaxy S8+ is approximately 7 inches). It should be understood that the mount 252 may be configured to accept mobile devices that are smaller (e.g., 4 inches) or larger devices (e.g., 14 inches). In alternative embodiments, the mobile device mount 252 may be comprise of different mounts, such as suction cups, straps, or other mechanical coupling solutions that secure the mobile device 254 to the frame assembly 10.

    • b. Compound Bow Application

To use the compound bow application 256, the user 2 first obtains a mobile device 254, which has a MEMS gyroscope, a microphone, and display 255. These features are typically found in today's phones, such as the Apple iphone 5 or Samsung Galaxy 5. It should be recognized that other electronic devices (e.g., headsets—namely, AR headsets, VR headsets, other headsets disclosed herein, or any other known type of headset) that have a display 255 and similar sensors may be used instead of a phone, such as a tablet. Further, it should be understood that a mobile device 254 or other electronic devices may have additional sensors or modules that may include a speaker, magnetometer, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, barometer, an ambient light sensor, a dot projector, LiDAR sensor, cameras (e.g., a rear facing camera, a front facing camera, and/or an infrared camera), wireless modules (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMAX, HomeRF, Z-Wave, Zigbee, THREAD, RFID, NFC, and/or etc.), or location sensors (e.g., Global Positioning System (“GPS”), GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, iBeacon, and/or etc.). These additional sensors and/or modules may be utilized in alternative embodiments that are discussed below.

Once the user 2 obtains the mobile device 254, the user 2 installs the compound bow application 256 thereon. This is typically done by downloading and installing the compound bow application 256 from an app store, such as Apple's App Store or Google Play. It should be recognized that the user 2 may download the compound bow application 256 onto the phone 254 from other locations, such as a local computer or another web-based server. In alternative embodiments, the compound archery bow trainer 5 may include a mobile device 254, which has the compound bow application 256 preinstalled.

After the compound bow application 256 is downloaded, installed, and running, the user 2 may first encounter a login page 350, shown in FIG. 25. Here, the login page 350 may allow the user 2 to create an account 380. If the option to create an account 352 is selected, the compound bow application 256 will bring the user 2 to another screen, which will request the user 2 to input information about them (e.g., name, screen name, password, and/or etc.). Instead of the user 2 inputting information to create an account, the compound bow application 256 can generate an account for the user 2 based on information pulled from their Facebook profile 354. Regardless of what method is chosen by the user 2 to generate the account, the user 2 will be prompted to login 356 to access the features within the compound bow application 256. This enables the compound bow application 256 to keep track of the user's settings and game progress. For example, the compound bow application 256 may keep track of: 1) high scores, 2) purchases, 3) equipment upgrades, and/or 4) user settings (e.g., height of the user 2, arrow speed, or sight setup). In an alternative embodiment, the compound bow application 256 may allow the user 2 to access the features within the compound bow application 256 using a guest account. In a further embodiment, the user 2 may not be required to create an account to access the features within the compound bow application 256. However, it should be understood that if a guest account or no account is used, only a subset of the compound bow application's features may be available to the user 2.

The user's account may also allow the user 2 to access a social media or online community section of the compound bow application 256. This social media or online community allows fellow account holders the ability to discuss upcoming training challenges or hunting competitions on message boards or to post pictures of their newly captured high scores. This online community may include some or all of the following features: 1) message boards/news feed, 2) friending, 3) profile space, 4) timeline of user's past events, 5) ability to like or react to a user's post, 6) comment on a user post, 7) send a message, 8) create private messaging groups, 9) calendar events, 10) share a user's physical location, 11) share photos or videos, and/or 12) status updates. Additionally, the online community may also include other well-known features that are in use on other social media websites, such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Orkut, Hi5, Mixi, QZone, Renren, Frindster, or etc.

After the compound bow application 256 is downloaded, installed, running, and the user 2 has logged in 356, the user 2 is prompted to enter their personal specifications. In particular, the user 2 may be asked to enter their height. The height range accepted by the compound bow application 256 may be between 2 and 8 feet. If the user 2 tries to enter a height out of this range, the compound bow application 256 will either: 1) provide a warning message to the user 2 that this height is out of range or 2) provide an error message to the user 2 requesting the user 2 to enter a height that is within range. The compound bow application 256 utilizes the height of the user 2 to adjust the height of the simulated targets 276 displayed within the application 256.

Additionally, the user 2 may be asked to enter their arrow speed. The arrow speeds accepted by the compound bow application 256 may be between 50 and 500 feet per second. If the user 2 tries to enter an arrow speed out of this range, the compound bow application 256 will either: 1) provide a warning message to the user 2 that this arrow speed is out of range, or 2) provide an error message to the user 2 requesting the user 2 enter an arrow speed that is within range. The compound bow application 256 utilizes the arrow speed of the user 2 to adjust the flight path of the simulated arrow 282 within the application 256. This helps make the compound bow application 256 closely approximate the shooting arrows using a traditional compound bow.

Further, the user 2 may be asked to set up their virtual sight 258. The number of pins 264 a user 2 may include in their virtual sight 258 may be between 1 and 10 pins 264. If the user 2 tries to enter a number of pins 264 out of this range, the compound bow application 256 will either: 1) provide a warning message to the user 2 that this number of pins is out of range or 2) provide an error message to the user 2 requesting the user 2 enter a number of pins within range. Once the user 2 enters the number of pins 264, the user 2 is then prompted to enter the distances that correspond to each pin 264. For example, if the user 2 desires to set up a virtual sight 258 with three pins 264, then the user 2 may set the first pin at 20 feet, the second pin at 30 feet, and the third pin at 40 feet. This helps make the compound bow application 256 closely approximate the user's 2 traditional compound bow sighting device.

Alternatively, the compound bow application 256 may allow the user 2 to enter only a subset of the personal specifications (e.g., height, arrow speed, or pins contained within the user's sight). For example, the compound bow application 256 may only allow the user 2 to enter their height and not their arrow speed or the pins 264 contained within the virtual sight 258. In this case, the compound bow application 256 may set a predefined arrow speed and predefined number of sight pins 264. This predefined arrow speed is preferably set between 135 and 335 feet per second, more preferably between 260 and 310 feet per second, and most preferably between 275 and 295 feet per second. The predefined number of sight pins 264 is preferably set between 1 and 6 pins 264, more preferably between 1 and 4 pins 264, and most preferably between 1 and 3 pins 264. Additionally, the compound bow application 256 may allow the user 2 to purchase or earn the ability to enter additional personal specifications. For example, the user 2 may be able to enter their arrow speed after completing a predefined number of challenges.

In a further embodiment, the compound bow application 256 may not allow the user 2 to enter any personal specifications. In this embodiment, the compound bow application 256 may set a predefined arrow speed, as discussed above, a predefined number of sight pins 264, as discussed above, and a predefined height for the user 2. Specifically, the predefined height of the user 2 is preferably set between 5.25 feet and 6.75 feet, more preferably between 5.5 and 6.50 feet, and most preferably between 5.75 and 6.25 feet.

After the compound bow application 256 is downloaded, installed, running, the user 2 is logged in 356, and the user 2 has entered their personal specifications, the user 2 may land on a page 367 that prompts the user 2 to select an archery training scenario, TS. For example, the available archery training scenarios TS may include a hunting scenario 370 or Olympic target shooting 372, as shown in FIG. 26. It should be understood that other archery training scenarios may be available within the compound bow application (e.g., trick shooting scenario, augmented reality archery training scenario, augmented reality archery challenge, virtual reality archery challenge, or coaching scenario). In addition, to displaying various available archery training scenarios, the page 367 also displays the amount of money the user 2 has in their account to purchase game upgrades 374 and the number of arrows 268 owned by the user 2.

Further, the page 367 includes the links to a store 378, the user's account 380, and the user's personal specifications 382. Upon selecting the store link 378, the user 2 may purchase additional arrows or other upgrades (e.g., no advertisements, high performance bow, or special arrows). Instead, if the user 2 selects the user's account link 380, the user 2 can view their account settings (e.g., screen name, most played level, and their high scores). Alternatively, if the user 2 selects the user's personal specifications link 382, the user 2 may view or alter their personal specifications, which may include height, arrow speed, and/or number of sight pins 264.

After the archery training scenario TS is selected, the compound bow application 256 loads the appropriate graphics onto the screen 255 of the mobile device 254. FIG. 27-28 show an example of the graphics that may be loaded on the screen 255 for an Olympic target shooting scenario 372. Specifically, the displayed graphics simulate what the user 2 would see while at an archery range with a traditional bow capable of firing an arrow at a target. First, the archer's field of view 260 is defined by using different colors to differentiate between what is contained within the virtual sight 258 and what is contained outside of or beyond the virtual sight 258 in the broader field of view 260. Second, distance dots or pins 264 may be displayed within the virtual sight 258. Third, the compound bow application 256 displays session performance metrics including the number of arrows 268 the user 2 has left and the number of points 270 the user 2 has accumulated. Fourth, the compound bow application 256 displays the distance 284 to the simulated target 276. Finally, a link or button 278 to return to the main menu. It should be understood that more or less information may be displayed on the screen 255. For example, additional information that may be displayed includes: 1) links or buttons to select different types of arrows, 2) current round level, 3) the difficulty of the round, 4) timer, 5) other user's scores, 6) heart rate of the user 2, or etc.

After the graphics are loaded, the user 2 can aim the compound archery bow trainer 5 in different directions searching for a simulated target 276. Because the mobile device 254 is mounted to the main body 12 of the frame assembly 10, the angle and direction of the mobile device 254 will approximate the angle and direction of the compound archery bow trainer 5. Thus, when the user 2 moves the compound archery bow trainer 5 to find a simulated target 276, the mobile device 254 senses this movement and updates the graphics on the screen 255. In other words, the compound bow application 256 creates a virtual reality training environment by simulating what the user 2 would see while trying to acquire a target on a practice range with the use of a bow capable of firing an arrow.

Specifically, the process of loading and updating the graphics on the mobile device 254 is described by the following process. First, the mobile device 254 uses its internal magnetometer to determine an initial reference point, including direction and pitch, of the mobile device 254. The compound bow application 256 utilizes this initial reference point in connection with the user's height to determine where to place the simulated target 276. Here, the simulated target 276 is generated approximately 40° degrees laterally from the initial reference point and at the same vertical level as the mobile device 254.

Once the initial reference point is determined, the compound bow application 256 utilizes the MEMS gyroscope to update the graphics displayed on the screen 255. In particular, the MEMS gyroscope measures the delta between the initial reference point and the current direction (e.g., direction and pitch) of the mobile device 254. This delta is then received and analyzed by the compound bow application 256. In response, the graphics rendered on the screen 255 in the compound bow application 256 are moved by the delta. For example, if the user 2 moves the mobile device 254 40° degrees to the left and decreases the pitch by 5° degrees, the compound bow application 256 renders graphics located in the virtual target range that are 40° degrees to the left and decreases the pitch by 5° degrees.

In alternative embodiments, the compound bow application 256 may only utilize the magnetometer, without the MEMS gyroscope, to determine the direction and pitch of the mobile device. Instead of determining the initial reference point and then calculating deltas between the reference point and the current location, the mobile device 254 may just query the magnetometer for the direction and pitch of the mobile device during each frame. This embodiment may be preferred if the mobile device 254 does not have a MEMS gyroscope or other like sensors. In further embodiments, the compound bow application 256 may use both the magnetometer and the MEMS gyroscope to further refine the determination of the mobile device's location in physical space. Finally, in other embodiments, the compound bow application 256 may also utilize the accelerometer and/or barometer in connection with the magnetometer and/or MEMS gyroscope to even further refine the determination of the mobile device's location in physical space. A more accurate physical location will allow a more accurate rendering of the graphics in virtual space.

Once the user 2 acquires and locks-in a simulated target 276 (i.e., the simulated target 276 shown in FIGS. 27-31), the user 2 aims at the simulated target 276 by placing the sight pin 264 on the simulated target 276. The user 2 then waits for an optimal time, which can be predetermined by the app 256 or be a function of the simulated target's 276 presence in the virtual sight 258, to release the bow string 182. Once this optimal time has been reached, the user 2 releases the bow string 182.

    • c. System for Determining when the Arrow is Fired

The energy damping assembly 150 will collapse into or accordion in on each other, which in turn produces a sound. This sound is recorded by the microphone that is integrated into the mobile device 254. If the level of this sound is over a predefined level, a simulated arrow 282 will be fired within the compound bow application 256. If the level of this sound is not over a predefined level, a simulated arrow 282 will not be fired within the compound bow application 256. In other words, similar to the firing of an arrow by releasing a bow string 182 on a traditional compound bow, a simulated arrow 282 is fired in the compound bow application 256 when the bow string 182 is released. Also, similar to how an arrow will not be fired from a traditional compound bow if the bow string 182 is not drawn back to a certain extent, the simulated arrow 282 will not be fired in the compound bow application 256 unless the bow string 182 is drawn back far enough to generate a sound (i.e., the collapsing of the energy damping assembly 150) that is greater than a predetermined threshold.

This predetermined sound level is preferably above 50% of the max volume the microphone can record, more preferably above 80% of the max volume the microphone can record, and most preferably above 90% of the max volume the microphone can record. These sound levels help ensure background noise or ambient noise does not cause the simulated arrow 282 to be fired without the release of the bow string 182. In other embodiments this predetermined sound level is preferably above 61 dBs, more preferably above 76 dBs, and most preferably above 85 dBs. It should be understood that other sound levels may be used.

The sound generated from the collapsing of the energy damping assembly 150 may not have a unique sound profile. If this is the case, a simulated arrow 282 will be fired in the compound bow application 256 based only on the level of the sound generated by the retraction of the inner member 156 and/or medial member 154 within the outer member 152. In other embodiments, the collapsing of the energy damping assembly 150 may have a unique sound profile. For example, the sound profile may be equivalent to a specific note (e.g., C, D, E, F, G, A, B). In this embodiment, the sound profile along with the sound level may be used to determine whether a simulated arrow 282 should be fired within the compound bow application 256. Instead of using both the sound level and the sound profile, just the sound profile may be used in an alternative embodiment.

In another embodiment, alternative sensors contained within the mobile device 254 may be used to determine when a simulated arrow 282 was fired. Instead of using the microphone, the mobile device 254 may use the accelerometer to measure the vibration caused by the collapsing of the energy damping assembly 150. If the vibration level is over a predefined level, a simulated arrow 282 will be fired within the compound bow application 256. If the vibration level is not over a predefined level, a simulated arrow 282 will not be fired within the compound bow application 256. Alternatively, the mobile device 254 may use the barometer to measure the pressure caused by the collapsing of the energy damping assembly 150. If the pressure level is over a predefined level, a simulated arrow 282 will be fired within the compound bow application 256. If the pressure level is not over a predefined level, a simulated arrow 282 will not be fired within the compound bow application 256.

In a further embodiment, either: 1) a LiDAR sensor, 2) forward facing camera, or 3) forward facing infrared camera may be used to determine the firing of a simulated arrow 282. In particular, these sensors can detect the rapid forward movement of the bow string 182, upon which will cause the simulated arrow 282 to be fired within the compound bow application 256. In another embodiment, a sensor (e.g., pressure/force, motion, proximity, accelerometer, LiDAR, etc.) can be embedded in an extent of the trainer 5 may be used to determine the firing of a simulated arrow 282. For example, said sensor may be embedded in an extent of the frame assembly 10, biasing assembly 70, energy damping assembly 150, or cam assemblies 210a, 210b. Alternatively, the sensor may be embedded in an extent of the bow string 182. In particular, these sensors can detect the forward movement of the bow string 182, an extent of the energy damping assembly 150, an extent of the cam assemblies 210a, 210b, or an extent of the biasing assembly 70, the actuation of the trigger, or both, upon which will cause the simulated arrow 282 to be fired within the compound bow application 256. It should be understood that any combination of these sensors may be used in determination of when a simulated arrow 282 is fired.

As discussed above, the compound bow application 256 may set a predefined arrow speed or may allow the user 2 to enter their arrow speed. In certain embodiments, the compound archery bow trainer 5 may fire the simulated arrow 282 at the predetermined speed regardless of how much force is generated above a predefined threshold. For example, irrespective of whether there is 2 pounds on the resistance member or 150 pounds on the bow string 182, the simulated arrow 282 will fly at the same speed as long as the sound generated from the contact between the collapsing of the energy damping assembly 150 is above the predefined threshold (e.g., 90% of the max volume the microphone can record). In contrast, other embodiments of the compound archery bow trainer 5 may adjust the arrow speed depending on force generated above a predefined threshold. For example, a full draw of bow string 182, set to 30 pounds, may fire the simulated arrow 282 at 300 feet per second. Meanwhile, a full draw of the bow string 182, set to 70 pounds, may fire the simulated arrow 282 at 500 feet per second. Nevertheless, it should be understood that a predefine threshold must be met before the simulated arrow 282 is fired. This will help ensure that the user 2 intended to fire the simulated arrow 282.

Once the compound bow application 256 determines that a simulated arrow 282 has been fired, the application 256 must also determine what direction the simulated arrow 282 was fired. Both the compound archery bow trainer 5 and the mobile device 254 are pointed in the same direction due to the fact the mobile device 254 is mounted to the frame assembly 10. Thus, the compound bow application 256 can use the direction the mobile device 254 was pointing as a proxy for the direction the compound archery bow trainer 5 is pointing. Here, the compound bow application 256 records in a log the direction (e.g., horizontal, vertical, and rotational) the mobile device 256 was facing during every frame. During one second approximately 60 frames occur. To minimize the burden on the mobile device 254, the compound bow application's log may only store the directions measured during each frame that occurred in the last 5 minutes (i.e., about 18,000 frames), more preferably during the last 2 minutes (i.e., about 7,200 frames), and most preferable during the last 30 seconds (i.e., 1,800 frames). The compound bow application 256 analyzes this log to determine the direction the mobile device 254 was pointing before and after the simulated arrow 282 was fired. In particular, the compound bow application 256 determines each direction the mobile device 254 was pointing during the six frames prior to the firing of the simulated arrow 282 and the direction the mobile device was pointing one frame after the simulated arrow 282 was fired. Then the compound bow application 256 averages these directions together (e.g., six direction prior to firing and the one direction after firing) to determine the direction the compound archery bow trainer 5 was pointing when the simulated arrow 282 was fired. It should be understood that more or less frames may be analyzed. For example, the compound bow application 256 may analyze between 20-3 frames prior to the firing of the simulated arrow 282 and 10-0 frames after the firing of the simulated arrow 282.

Once the compound bow application 256 determines that a simulated arrow 282 has been fired and its direction, the compound bow application 256 displays its flight path on the screen. In one embodiment, this flight path may be a straight line or linear. In other words, exactly where the user 2 aims the pin 264 is where the simulated arrow 282 will land. In this embodiment, the compound bow application 256 does not apply any gravitational force or wind.

    • d. Application Screens

FIGS. 27-28 show a simulated target 276 displayed in an Olympic target shooting scenario 372. In particular, the Olympic target is shown a simulated target 276 with five concentric circles. In this scenario, one point will be awarded for an arrow that lands in the outermost ring 400, three points for an arrow that lands in the next outermost ring 402, six points for an arrow that lands in the next outermost ring 404, seven points for the next outermost ring 406, and ten points for the innermost ring. Once the flight path of the simulated arrow 282 is displayed on the screen 255, the compound bow application 256 will display where the simulated arrow 282 hit the simulated target 276, as shown in FIG. 28. Here, the simulated arrow 282 hit the innermost circle or hit a bullseye 406. In response to hitting this location with the simulated arrow 282, the compound bow application awarded the user ten points. The user 2 will then must press the “continue shooting” button 384 on the lower left side of the display 255. Once the “continue shooting” button 384 is pressed, the user can fire another arrow.

FIGS. 29-31 show a simulated target 276 (e.g., a deer) displayed in a hunting scenario 370. In this scenario, once the user places a pin 264 over the deer, the exterior of the deer becomes transparent and displays vital organs that an archer should aim for when hunting a deer with a traditional bow that is capable of firing an arrow. Specifically, the heart, lungs, and liver are shown in FIGS. 29-30. Here, the compound bow application 256 will award the user with twelve points for an arrow that lands in the heart 410, eight points for an arrow that lands in the lungs 412, and four points for an arrow that lands in the liver 414. Once the flight path of the simulated arrow 282 is displayed on the screen 255, the compound bow application 256 will display where the simulated arrow 282 hit the simulated target 276, as shown in FIG. 30. Here, the simulated arrow 282 hit the lungs 412. In response to hitting this location with the simulated arrow 282, the compound bow application awarded the user eight points. The user 2 then must press the “continue shooting” button 384 on the lower left side of the display 255. Once the “continue shooting” button 384 is pressed, the user can fire another arrow.

Upon collecting sufficient points 270, the user 2 is allowed to move to a later round 274 in the archery training scenario. In later rounds 274, the simulated targets 276 may get smaller or move more quickly-be more evasive. Or the surrounding terrain may cause the simulated target 276 to be more difficult to sight or provide the simulated target 276 with greater cover. For example, the simulated targets 276 may move to the right or to the left of the screen 255 or the simulated targets 276 may move towards or away from the user 2. Other examples of simulated targets 276 may include objects (e.g., bottles, cans, hoops, or etc.) or other animals (e.g., elk, bears, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, boars, javelin, zombies, or etc.)

    • e. Alternative App Settings and/or Functionality

In an alternative embodiment, the compound bow application 256 applies a gravitational force on the simulated arrow 282. To apply this gravitational force, the compound bow application 256 must know the weight of the simulated arrow 282. This weight may be predefined and is preferably between 250 and 600 grains, more preferably between 350 and 500 grains, and most preferably between 375 and 425 grains. Alternatively, the user 2 may set this arrow weight or the user 2 may be able to purchase arrows 282 having different weights. For example, the user 2 may select a heavier arrow 282 weight while hunting larger animals. In this example, the compound bow application 256 may award more points for a shot that is slightly off target when using a heavier arrow 282 in comparison to a shot in the same location with a lighter arrow 282. Further, in this example, the compound bow application 256 may require that the user 2 take into account the use of a heavier arrow 282 when aiming at the simulated target 276. Regardless, of which arrow 282 weight is used, the application 256 of a gravitational force will cause the arrow 282 to fall towards the ground as it moves towards the simulated target 276. Thus, in this embodiment, the user 2 will have to account for this gravitational force when aiming at the simulated target 276. One way the compound bow application 256 may aid the user 2 in accounting for this gravitational force is by allowing the user 2 to set up multiple pins 264 within their virtual sight 258, which each pin 264 may be set at a different distance. Thus, the user 2 may use the first pin to aim at a simulated target 276 that is 20 meters away, while using a second pin to aim at a simulated target 276 that is 30 meters away.

In an alternative embodiment, flight path of the simulated arrow 282 may be affected by simulated wind. In this case, the direction and the wind speed may be determined by the compound bow application 256. For example, the wind may be blowing from the north at 10 miles an hour. This information is displayed to the user 2 on the screen of the mobile device 254, which in turn tells the user 2 that they have to take this into account when aiming at the simulated target 276. Additionally, the speed and direction of the wind may be preprogramed into certain levels to increase their difficultly. Alternatively, the user 2 may set the wind difficulty level to a value between 0 and 10, with 10 being the hardest (i.e., fastest wind speed and most difficult direction based on the location of the simulated target 276).

It should be understood that different combinations of these features may be utilized by the compound bow application 256. For example, the application 256 may not apply a gravitational force, but may apply simulated wind. Or, the application 256 may just apply gravitational force. Or, the application 256 may apply gravitational force and wind. It should also be understood that other external forces, such as air temperature, elevation, or etc., may be utilized.

    • f. AR Version of the Application

In another embodiment, the compound bow application 256 may include an augmented reality archery training scenario. In this training scenario, the compound archery bow trainer 5, such as the mobile device, may include a rear facing camera to capture the overall environment of the user. The application 356 process this environment information and then displays it on the screen of the mobile device 254 along with simulated targets 276 that are generated within the compound bow application 256. In other words, the mobile device 254 may display the user's room with a simulated target 276 (e.g., a deer) in the room. Alternatively, the compound bow application 256 may analyze the user's environment and find appropriate simulated targets 276 (e.g., bottles, cups, etc.). Once a simulated target 276 is found, the compound bow application 256 will display a simulated target 276 ring around the item and assign a point value to the simulated target 276. Like other scenarios that have been described above, this scenario will use the mobile device's 252 MEMS gyroscope to analyze the direction of the compound archery bow trainer 5 and the microphone to determine when the simulated arrow 282 is fired within the compound bow application 256. However, unlike other scenarios, this scenario will use the rear facing camera to display the user's environment. It should also be understood that other sensors (e.g., magnetometer, an accelerometer, barometer, a dot projector, LiDAR sensor, and/or cameras) may be used in addition or instead of the MEMS gyroscope to determine the direction of the compound archery bow trainer 5 or when the simulated arrow 282 should be filed.

    • g. Other Versions of the Application

The compound bow application 256 may include other archery training scenarios, such as augmented reality archery training scenario, virtual reality archery challenges, or an augmented reality archery challenge. In another embodiment, the compound bow application 256 may include an augmented reality archery competition. Unlike the virtual reality archery competitions, this augmented reality archery competition takes into account the participants physical location. Thus, participants must be physically located within the same geographical area (e.g., 25 miles) to challenge one another. Specifically, in these augmented reality competitions, a map is shown to the user that displays: 1) the user's location, 2) competitors' location, and 3) virtual archery simulated targets 276. The user 2 and the competitors (collectively, participants) can move their physical location, which in turn moves there augmented reality location. The participants may move towards simulated targets 276 and when in range, the participants may engage virtual simulated targets 276. Points are awarded based on the number of simulated targets 276 engaged by each participant; thus, the participant with the most points at the end of the competition wins.

This game mode uses the same mechanics of how the graphics are updated, the determination of whether a simulated arrow 282 was fired, and the flight path of the arrow 282 as described above. However, this game mode also takes into account the user's physical location. This is done by first determining the physical location of each of the participant's mobile devices 254 by using the location sensors (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, iBeacon, and/or etc.) that are built into the mobile devices 254. The mobile devices 254 may also use other sensors (e.g., barometer and/or magnetometer) to increase the accuracy of the determined locations. This information is then sent wirelessly to the backend servers of the compound bow application 256. These servers utilize the location information of all participants in connection with other challenge settings (e.g., difficulty of the challenge) to then generate simulated targets 276. These simulated targets 276 are then displayed on every participant's mobile device 254 based on the map overlay. A participant may then attempt to approach a simulated target 276 by moving their physical location towards the simulated target 276, which in turn moves their virtual location towards the simulated target 276. Once in range, the participant may try and engage the simulated target 276. The compound bow application 256 keeps track of the simulated targets 276 the participants engaged and their associated points. Once the competition has ended, the compound bow application 256 determines which participant is the winner by comparing the participant's point totals to one another. This augmented reality competition tries to closely approximate a real life hunting competition, where participants are required to track and engage simulated targets 276.

In another embodiment, the compound bow application 256 may include a virtual reality archery challenge. The game mode allows the user 2 to challenge other account holders to a virtual reality archery competition, regardless of each user's physical location. In these challenges, the two challengers may enter a virtual archery range, where each user 2 takes turns to see who can score the most points. After the challenge has concluded, the results of the challenge may be posted on a message board for other users 2 to see. This game mode uses the same mechanics of how the graphics are rendered/updated, the determination of whether a simulated arrow 282 was fired, and the flight path of the arrow 282 as described above.

    • h. Alternative System Configurations

FIG. 32 shows a second embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 2005. For sake of brevity, the above disclosure in connection with compound archery bow trainer 5 will not be repeated below, but it should be understood that across embodiments like numbers that are separated by 2000 represent like structures. In this embodiment, the mobile device display may not be utilized (however, the mobile device 254 is still utilized and attached to the frame assembly 10). Instead, a display located within a headset 2510—namely, a virtual reality headset—or an external display (e.g., monitor or television) may be utilized. In this embodiment, the sensors within the mobile device 254 and/or sensors embedded within the trainer 5 and in communication with the mobile device 254 may be utilized in a manner that is similar to the manners described above in connection with generating graphics, updating the generated graphic, determination of whether the simulated arrow 282 was fired, and the flight path of the arrow 282. The primary difference is in this embodiment, an external display is utilized instead of the mobile devices display 255. For example, the headset 2510 may be configured to recognize the bow site and display said bow site on the display contained within the headset 2510 in order to emulate how a hunter looks through their site while hunting with a real bow.

FIG. 33 shows a third embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 3005. For sake of brevity, the above disclosure in connection with compound archery bow trainer 5 will not be repeated below, but it should be understood that across embodiments like numbers that are separated by 3000 represent like structures. In this embodiment, the mobile device 254 in the compound archery bow trainer 5 may be removed from the frame assembly 10. In this embodiment, a sensor 3500 is connected to the frame assembly 10 via a mount port 250. This integrated circuit 3500 contains at least a wireless module (e.g., Bluetooth) 3502, a movement sensor (e.g., gyroscope or magnetometer) 3504, and a means for detecting the firing of the arrow (e.g., using a sensor) 3506. Here, the movement sensor 3504 will detect the position of the compound archery bow trainer 5 and this information will be communicated wirelessly, via the wireless module 3502, to the mobile device 254 contained in a headset. The mobile device 254 will be positioned within a headset, such as Google Cardboard, Merge VR Goggles, Carl Zeiss VR One Plus, Xiaomi Play2, and like models. This embodiment will uses similar mechanics of how the graphics are updated, the determination of whether a simulated arrow 282 was fired, and the flight path of the arrow 282, as described above. The primary difference is in this embodiment, an external set of sensors and modules 3500 are used instead of the sensors and modules contained within the user's mobile device 254.

In a further embodiment, the mobile device 254 in the compound archery bow trainer 5 is completely replaced by a combination of an integrated circuit 3500 that is coupled to the frame assembly 10 and an external processing unit. The external processing unit may be a video game console (e.g., PlayStation or Xbox) or a computer. In this embodiment, the integrated circuit 3500 is connected to the frame assembly 10 via a mount port 250. This integrated circuit 3500 contains at least a wireless module (e.g., Bluetooth) 3502, a movement sensor (e.g., gyroscope or magnetometer) 3504, and a means for detecting the firing of the arrow (e.g., using a sensor) 3506. Other modules may be contained within the integrated circuit 3500 (e.g., optical light source). Here, the movement sensor 3504 will detect the position of the compound archery bow trainer 5 and this information will be communicated wirelessly, via the wireless module 3502, to the external processing unit. The external processing unit will be in communication, preferably wireless communication, with a headset 3510. Such headsets 3510 include: Sony PlayStation VR headset, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift. This embodiment will uses similar mechanics of how the graphics are updated, the determination of whether a simulated arrow 282 was fired, and the flight path of the arrow 282, as described above. The primary difference is in this embodiment, an external processing unit is processing all of the information and a set of an external set of sensors and modules are used instead of the sensors and modules contained within the user's mobile device 254.

FIG. 34 shows a fourth embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 4005. For sake of brevity, the above disclosure in connection with compound archery bow trainer 5 will not be repeated below, but it should be understood that across embodiments like numbers that are separated by 4000 represent like structures. In this embodiment, the mobile device 254 in the compound archery bow trainer 5 is completely replaced by a controller 4600 associated with an external processing unit (e.g., video game console (PlayStation or Xbox) or a computer). In this embodiment, the controller 4600 is connected to the frame assembly 10 via a mount port 250. This controller 4600 contains at least a wireless module (e.g., Bluetooth) and a movement sensor (e.g., gyroscope or magnetometer). Other modules may be contained within the sensors (e.g., optical light source). Here, the movement sensor 4620 will detect the position of the bow string 4182 at the string securement 4158 and this information will be communicated wirelessly, via the wireless module, to the external processing unit. The external processing unit will be in communication, preferably wireless communication, with a headset 4610. Such headsets 4610 include: Sony PlayStation VR headset, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift. This embodiment will uses similar mechanics of how the graphics are updated, the determination of whether a simulated arrow 282 was fired, and the flight path of the arrow 282, as described above. The primary difference is in this embodiment, an external processing unit is processing all of the information and a controller associated with an external processing unit is used instead of the sensors and modules contained within the user's mobile device 254.

FIG. 35 shows a fifth embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 5005. For sake of brevity, the above disclosure in connection with compound archery bow trainer 5 will not be repeated below, but it should be understood that across embodiments like numbers that are separated by 5000 represent like structures. The primary difference between the first embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 5 and this fifth embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 5005 relates to the selection of biasing members 5072a, 5072b. In this embodiment, the biasing members 5072a, 5072b can be compression springs. The upper and lower tensioning assemblies 5074a, 5074b are designed to change the biasing forces exerted by the biasing members 5072a, 5072b. For example, the biasing members 5072a, 5072b can be pre-compressed to adjust the draw weight.

The draw weight is related to the spring pre-load length. The tables in FIGS. 36-37 show a non-limiting example of calculated and test results using extension springs. FIGS. 36A-36B show calculated values for different cam sizes. In the example shown in FIG. 37, a 12 inch compression spring with a spring working length of 3.14 inches can be pre-compressed to adjust the draw weight. For example, the draw weight with no compression is 32 pounds; and with pre-compression of 1 inch and 2.5 inches, the draw weight is 44 and 74 pounds, respectively.

FIG. 38-39 shows a sixth embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 6005. For sake of brevity, the above disclosure in connection with compound archery bow trainer 5 will not be repeated below, but it should be understood that across embodiments like numbers that are separated by 6000 represent like structures. The primary difference between the first embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 5 and this sixth embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 6005 relates to an alternate configuration of the cam assemblies 6210a, 6210b and biasing assemblies 6070a, 6070b. Specifically, the change between these embodiments 5 and 6005 includes coupling biasing members 6072 directly to the cam assembly, thus are no longer positioned within housing 6014. The housing 6014 of compound archery bow trainer 6005 can be hollow, filled, or replaced with a solid member. In some examples, the upper and lower first member 6014a.1, 6014b.1 of biasing housing 6014a, 6014b can be omitted. In some examples, the housing 6014 can be replaced with a solid member that resembles a traditional bow limb adapted to interface with the cam assembly 6070.

The change between these embodiments 5 and 6005 includes adapting biasing members 6072 to exert a torsional biasing force directly to the cam assemblies 6210a, 6210b for draw force load. The biasing members 6072 can be torsional springs mounted to the cam assemblies 6210a, 6210b. The biasing members 6072 can be preloaded and adjusted for a specified draw weight. A geared tensioning assembly 6502 for can cooperate with a draw length member 6504 for adjustment of the draw length. For example, a first gear member 6506 can be attached to the cam assembly 6210 and a second gear member 6508 can be attached at the housing 6014.

FIG. 40 shows a seventh embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 7005. For sake of brevity, the above disclosure in connection with compound archery bow trainer 5 will not be repeated below, but it should be understood that across embodiments like numbers that are separated by 7000 represent like structures. The primary difference between the first embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 5 and this seventh embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 7005 relates to dampener integration to manage draw force load and damping. Specifically, the housing 14 is omitted and replaced with a traditional style limb 7522 that can store energy when the bow string 7182 is drawn. The cam assembly 7210 is coupled to the distal end of the limb and a geared tensioning assembly 7524 for can cooperate with cam assembly 7210 for adjustment of the draw length. For example, a first gear member 7506 can be attached to the cam assembly 7210 and a second gear member 7508 can be attached at the limb 7522. In this embodiment, a dampener 7526 can be coupled between the limb 7522 and the main body 7012 to provide a controlled release to slow the bow string 7182 and limbs 7522. The dampener 7526 can have an adjuster knob to control the dampening force with bow.

FIG. 41 shows an eighth embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 8005. For sake of brevity, the above disclosure in connection with compound archery bow trainer 5 will not be repeated below, but it should be understood that across embodiments like numbers that are separated by 8000 represent like structures. The primary difference between the first embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 5 and this eighth embodiment of the compound archery bow trainer 8005 relates to dampener integration to manage draw force load and damping. Specifically, like the sixth embodiment, the housing 14 is omitted and replaced with a traditional style limb 8522 that can store energy when the bow string 8182 is drawn. A dampener 8528 can be coupled to the energy damping assembly 8150 to provide a controlled release to slow the bow string 8182. The dampener 8528 can have an adjuster knob to control the dampening force with bow.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials or embodiments shown and described, as obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, other archery components may be coupled to or utilized with the trainer 5. In particular, conventional, sighting devices (e.g., five pin site), bow stabilizers, or weights may be coupled to or integrally formed with said frame assembly 10. Additionally, a D-loop, a releases, release aids, string dampener (i.e., shown in FIG. 18 and attached to said bow string), and/or a trigger may be coupled or used with the disclosed bow string 182. While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.

In this patent, to the extent any U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, or other materials (e.g., articles) have been incorporated by reference, the text of such materials is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such material and the statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, the text of the present document governs, and terms in this document should not be given a narrower reading in virtue of the way in which those terms are used in other materials incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. An archery bow trainer, comprising:

a frame assembly;
a cable assembly including a bow string that is configured to move from a normal position to a drawn position when a user applies a rearwardly directed draw force on the bow string;
a biasing assembly secured to an extent of the frame assembly and configured to move from an unbiased state to a biased state when the bow string moves from the normal position to the drawn position; and
an energy damping assembly coupled to the frame assembly and configured to absorb at least a portion of the energy caused by the movement of the biasing assembly from the biased state to the unbiased state.

2. The archery bow trainer of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly, the cable assembly, the biasing assembly and the energy damping assembly are arranged to prevent the archery bow trainer from firing real arrows, bolts or projectiles.

3. The archery bow trainer of claim 1, wherein the energy damping assembly includes an outer member and an inner member, and

wherein: (i) a major extent of the inner member is configured to be positioned within the outer member when said archery bow trainer is in a ready-to-use state, and (ii) only a minor extent of the inner member is configured to be positioned within the outer member when said archery bow trainer is in a ready-to-fire state.

4. The archery bow trainer of claim 3, wherein the outer member has a tubular configuration and the inner member has an elongated configuration.

5. The archery bow trainer of claim 4, wherein the inner member is slidingly displaced within the outer member when the user causes the archery bow trainer to move from the ready-to-use state to the ready-to-fire state.

6. The archery bow trainer of claim 1, wherein the energy damping assembly includes an outer member and an inner member, and

wherein when the user releases the bow string from the drawn position, the inner member is displaced into the outer member thereby causing air positioned between said inner and outer members to be expelled from the outer member of the energy damping assembly.

7. The archery bow trainer of claim 6, wherein the energy damping assembly further includes a valve to control the rate at which the air is expelled from said energy damping assembly.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. The archery bow trainer of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly includes an upper limb and a lower limb, and wherein the energy damping assembly is positioned between the upper limb and the lower limb.

13. The archery bow trainer of claim 12, wherein the energy damping assembly is positioned above a handle formed in the lower limb of the frame assembly.

14. The archery bow trainer of claim 12, wherein the energy damping assembly is positioned below a mobile device mount affixed to the upper limb of the frame assembly.

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. The archery bow trainer of claim 1, further comprising an upper cam assembly and a lower cam assembly, and wherein said bow string extends between said upper and lower cam assemblies.

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. The archery bow trainer of claim 1, further comprising a draw length adjustment member that is configured to vary the length the user must apply the rearwardly directed draw force on the bow string in order to move said bow string from the normal position to the drawn position.

33. The archery bow trainer of claim 1, wherein an amount of the rearwardly directed draw force required to move said bow string from the normal position to the drawn position may be altered by modifying an extent of said biasing assembly.

34. The archery bow trainer of claim 33, wherein the amount of the rearwardly directed draw force required to move said bow string from the normal position to the drawn position is set to between 30 and 70 pounds of force.

35. (canceled)

36. (canceled)

37. (canceled)

38. The archery bow trainer of claim 1, wherein the archery bow trainer is configured to receive or be placed in proximity with an electronic device having a display and an archery application installed thereon, wherein the archery application is configured to display a simulated arrow.

39. (canceled)

40. The archery bow trainer of claim 38, wherein the electronic device is a mobile phone or a headset.

41. (canceled)

42. (canceled)

43. The archery bow trainer of claim 38, wherein the archery application is configured to display at least one of the following simulate real life archery scenarios: i) static target shooting, ii) moving target shooting, iii) hunting, iv) fishing, v) virtual strength training, vi) virtual coaching, vii) virtual competition, viii) arcade challenge environment.

44. (canceled)

45. (canceled)

46. (canceled)

47. (canceled)

48. (canceled)

49. (canceled)

50. (canceled)

51. (canceled)

52. (canceled)

53. (canceled)

54. (canceled)

55. (canceled)

56. (canceled)

57. (canceled)

58. (canceled)

59. (canceled)

60. (canceled)

61. (canceled)

62. (canceled)

63. (canceled)

64. (canceled)

65. (canceled)

66. (canceled)

67. (canceled)

68. (canceled)

69. (canceled)

70. (canceled)

71. (canceled)

72. (canceled)

73. (canceled)

74. (canceled)

75. (canceled)

76. (canceled)

77. (canceled)

78. (canceled)

79. (canceled)

80. (canceled)

81. (canceled)

82. (canceled)

83. (canceled)

84. (canceled)

85. (canceled)

86. (canceled)

87. (canceled)

88. (canceled)

89. (canceled)

90. (canceled)

91. (canceled)

92. (canceled)

93. (canceled)

94. (canceled)

95. (canceled)

96. (canceled)

97. (canceled)

98. (canceled)

99. (canceled)

100. (canceled)

101. (canceled)

102. (canceled)

103. (canceled)

104. (canceled)

105. (canceled)

Patent History
Publication number: 20260227149
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 12, 2024
Publication Date: Aug 6, 2026
Inventor: Matthew Allen-Tesch Pell (Peru, IL)
Application Number: 19/154,444
Classifications
International Classification: F41B 5/14 (20060101); F41B 5/10 (20060101);