Abstract:
An archery bow stabilizer consisting of a flexible planar member with one end attached to a bow handle; second weighted end extending so end moves at a substantially perpendicular direction to bow handle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In the shooting of an archery bow it is desirable for the bow to be in a balanced position in the grip so that it does not tip upward when shot. As in U.S. Pat. No. 3,196,860 a stabilizing weighted extension, or stabilizer works to counterbalance the bow so that it is in a balanced position. 
         [0004]    Also as a bow is shot it may move forward as the limbs rebound forward. A resiliently mounted stabilizer weight cushions against and limits this movement. 
         [0005]    Additionally bowhunters value a quiet shot which does not alarm animals, and have found resiliently mounted stabilizers like that in U.S. Pat. No. 3,412,725 siphon off vibrations silently and quiet the bow. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention consists of a stabilizer made of a planar member with a weighted end the other end of which is attached to a bow. The planar member extends outward and to a position where the weighted end is in a substantially parallel plane to the bow. The projected weight balances the bow and moves in a substantially horizontal movement opposing the forward movement of the bow. The preferred embodiment consists of a planar member of spring steel with a molded weight such as lead molded to one end, the other end attaching to the bow with a screw. This simple novel arrangement of three parts provides for economy, durability, balance, cushioning and silence. In an additional embodiment a pliable member may be attached to the flexible planar member to silently vibrate to further reduce noise. 
         [0007]    Briefly stated, one object of the present invention is to provide a durable and economical stabilizer to improve the balance of a bow when held. 
         [0008]    Another object is to provide a stabilizer that cushions the bow from forward movement when shot. 
         [0009]    Another object is to siphon vibrations from the bow to a resiliently mounted stabilizer for a quieter shot. 
         [0010]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention as well as presently preferred embodiments thereof will become more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a view in front elevation of one embodiment of the stabilizer of this invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a view in side elevation of the stabilizer shown in  FIG. 1 , with the addition of a screw; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a view in side elevation of a second embodiment of stabilizer; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a view in side elevation of a third embodiment of stabilizer; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a view in side elevation of a fourth embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a view in side elevation of somewhat schematic, of a compound bow with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  attached to a handle of the bow; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a view in side elevation of a fifth embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. 
         [0021]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a weighted end  1  is attached to a flexible planar member  2 . The planar member  2  has integral with one end, a mounting tab  100 , with a screw attachment hole  3  through it. The mounting tab  100  and screw attachment hole  3  are common to all of the embodiments, as is the planar member, depending from the mounting tab  100 , and a weight at the end of the planar member. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a weighted member  4  is attached to flexible member  5 . In this illustrative embodiment, the weighted member  4  is lead, molded to the outer end of the flexible member  4 . A screw  6  extends through the hole  3  in the tab  100 . 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a weighted member is formed in two parts,  7  and  8 , attached to a flexible planar member  9  with a screw  10  extending through a hole in the planar member  9 . In this embodiment, a pliable member  11  is attached to flexible planar member  9 , to silently vibrate to further reduce noise. A screw  12  is inserted through a hole in mounting tab  100 . 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , planar member  25  is linear, as distinguished from the arcuate planar members  5  and  9  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , member  14  of  FIG. 5  and member  18  of  FIG. 6 . Planar member  25  does project forwardly and downwardly from the mounting tab  100 . In this illustrative embodiment, weight  24  is molded to the end of planar member  25 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a weighted member  13  is attached to a flexible planar member  14  with the screw  15 . A mounting screw  16  extends through the hole in mounting tab  100 . 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a weighted member  17  is attached to an arcuate flexible planar member  18 , which is attached to bow handle  19  with a screw  20 . The weight  17  is in a preferred position below the handle  19  and lower arm of the compound bow of which the handle  19  is a part. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a weighted member  21  is attached to the lower end of an inverted L-shaped flexible planar member  22 . A mounting screw  23  extends through a mounting hole in the mounting tab  100 , which in this embodiment is at right angles to a substantially horizontal leg of the flexible planar member  22 . 
         [0028]    The mounting screws  6 ,  12 ,  26 ,  16 , and  23  can be wood screws or short carriage bolts, preferably taking into internally threaded bushings, set in the handle. 
         [0029]    Numerous variations in the construction of the stabilizer of this invention within the scope of the appended claims will occur to those skilled in the art in light of foregoing disclosure. For example while in the preferred embodiment the planar member is made of spring steel, other materials such as rubber, plastic, etc. may be used. While the preferred width of the planar member is ¾ to 1.0″, the planar member can be wider or narrower, so long as it does not twist when an arrow is shot. The weighted portion may be of lead, brass or other metals or materials. While the preferred weight is  4  to  6  ounces, other weight may be used, depending upon the bow weight for example. Other shapes may be used if desired. The pliable member attached to the flexible planar member may be of any shape, preferably with a portion of the pliable member free to silently vibrate. The pliable member may be attached by any means such as glue or constriction. All or part of the stabilizer may be rubber coated. The shape of the planar member may be preformed or shaped by its flex. Since the stabilizer is made of a lower extending planar member multiple stabilizers may be piggy backed using one screw. While the preferred location of the stabilizer is below the grip, it may be located above the grip, and may be inverted, and multiple stabilizers may be located along the handle length. These are merely illustrative. 
         [0030]    In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.