Abstract:
The archery bow yardage tape apparatus comprises one or more set-up tapes, selectively incremented to correspond to the distance between adjacent marks. A plurality of distance yardage tapes are selectively incremented and color coded for ease of identification. A conversion chart is used to identify the distance yardage tape by marking the set-up tape at two selective distances, such as twenty yards and sixty yards, and subtracting the smaller marking from the larger marking, to determine the setting on the conversion chart. The setting on the conversion chart corresponds to the number on the distance yardage tape, which is positioned over the set-up tape on the bow yardage tape apparatus. The distance yardage tape then identifies the elevation required to reach a target at any specified distance from the target.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED TOPICS 
   Not applicable. 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not Applicable. 
   REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDEX 
   Not Applicable. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Archery shooting requires accurate placement of an arrow to a target. The bow size and strength varies within similar models and brands. Different models and brands produce different results. The arrow size, balance and weight affects performance. The strength and steadyness of the user also affects placement of an arrow in relation to a target. Other factors that influence the vertical placement of the sight pin in relation to the distance to the target include: Arrow velocity and weight; the distance from the shooter&#39;s eye to the sight pin; and the vertical distance from the shooter&#39;s eye to the nock of the arrow. The distance from the user to a target has a great impact on accuracy. The greater the distance, the higher the tragectory required to reach the target. 
   Thus, it is difficult to accurately place an arrow in a target, without accurately compensating for these variables. One method of improving accuracy is to practice with the same bow and arrow at a selected distance from the target. With practice, the user will greatly improve the placement of an arrow in relation to a target at a selected distance, such as twenty yards. Once achieving consistant accuracy at this distance, the user must then concentrate on achieving consistant results at a greater distance, such as thirty yards, forty yards, fifty yards, sixty yards, or more. Over time, the archer will gain skill at varying distances, which is critical when bow hunting. 
   Many archery bow sight devices use levers, pins, dials, adjustment screws, cross hairs, etc. to fix the target in relation to distance. Unfortunately, there are few devices which link the distance to the target with the user&#39;s equipment, without manually aligning the bow sight device to each specific distance to the target. 
   A few devices provide an arcuate or circular bow sight apparatus to mark the distance to a target, in relation to the user&#39;s equipment. One such arcuate device is U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,069 issuing on Nov. 2, 1999 to Harold M. Hamm et al. One such circular device is U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/593,614 filed on Nov. 7, 2006 by Harold M. Hamm et al. 
   Applicant has discovered a novel means and apparatus which enables a user to sight in their bow at two fixed distances, such as twenty yards and sixty yards (or forty yards), to determine the elevation variation with the aid of an incremental set-up tape, and then select the appropriate distance yardage tape from a set of incremental pre-printed distance yardage tapes. Thereafter, the user may move the archery bow sight apparatus to any selected distance, from twenty yards to sixty yards or more, and accurately position the target in relation to the distance from the target. This apparatus may be adapted for new and existing archery bow sight apparatus, including arcuate and circular graphical images. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus for determining the distance to a target in relation to the elevation required to hit a target, for specific archery equipment. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide an incremental set-up tape to determine the elevation required to reach a target at two distinct distances, such as twenty yards and sixty yards, and to use the markings on the set-up tape to select the appropriate distance yardage tape, for subsequent use at any one of a variety of distances. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to provide a plurality of distance yardage tapes of selected increments, to enable the user to select one of the distance yardage tapes based upon tests conducted at two distinct distances by marking the results on a set-up tape, and to select a distance yardage tape based upon the difference between the marks on the set-up tape, and to use a conversion chart to select the most accurate distance yardage tape, and to selectively position the selected distance yardage tape over the incremental set-up tape to enable the user to thereafter select the appropriate distance yardage tape for the user&#39;s archery equipment, to accurately determine the elevation required to reach a specific target at a given distance. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to mark the set-up tape at two selected distances, to select the proper distance yardage tape for specific archery equipment, such as a side mounted circumferential display, a front face circumferential display or an arcuate display. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a set-up tape with equally spaced numbers from at least 0 to 80, for use with a front face or side mounted circumferential display. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to provide a set-up tape with equally spaced numbers from at least 0 to 65, for use with an arcuate display. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to color-code at least one of the set-up tape(s) and the distance yardage tape(s) at selected distances from the target. 
   The bow yardage tape apparatus comprises one or more set-up tapes, selectively incremented to correspond to the distance between adjacent marks. A plurality of distance yardage tapes are selectively incremented and numbered for ease of identification. A conversion chart is preferably used to identify the appropriate distance yardage tape by marking the set-up tape at two selected distances, such as twenty yards and sixty yards, and subtracting the larger number from the smaller number, to determine the setting on the conversion chart. The setting on the conversion chart corresponds to the tape number located on the distance yardage tape. The selected distance yardage tape is then selectively positioned over the set-up tape on the bow yardage tape apparatus. The sight pin on the bow site is preferably positioned over the markings on the distance yardage tape to determine the elevation required to reach a target at a specified distance from the target for specific archery equipment. 
   These, and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to one of average skill in this art upon review of the following drawings, specification and claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the selected distance yardage tape mounted to an archery bow sight apparatus having a circumferential display. 
       FIG. 1B  is an end view of the set-up tape mounted to an archery bow sight apparatus having an arcuate display. 
       FIG. 1C  is an end view of the selected distance yardage tape mounted to an archery bow sight apparatus having an arcuate display. 
       FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a set-up tape mounted to an archery bow sight apparatus having a side mounted circumferential display. 
       FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the selected distance yardage tape mounted to an archery bow sight apparatus having a side mounted circumferential display. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the selected distance yardage tape mounted to an archery bow sight apparatus having a front mounted circular display. 
       FIG. 4A  is a front view of a set-up tape prior to installation on an archery bow sight apparatus. 
       FIG. 4B  is a front view of an incremental set-up tape, showing markings made at two select distances. 
       FIG. 5  is a detailed view of a plurality of distance yardage tapes which are incrementally adjusted in length and selectively coded to correspond with the difference between the larger number minus the smaller number located on the set-up tape. (Note that each succeeding distance yardage tape is one increment longer than the preceeding distance yardage tape). 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of a clear mylar tape used to cover the selected distance yardage tape, to protect and strengthen the selected distance yardage tape upon installation on the archery bow sight apparatus. (One or two clear maylar tape portions may be used to cover the distance yardage tape). 
       FIG. 7A  is an elevation view of a user launching an arrow at a target 20 yards away. (Note the trajectory of the arrow flight at 20 yards). 
       FIG. 7B  is an elevation view of a user launching an arrow at a target 60 yards away. (Note the higher trajectory of the arrow flight at sixty yards, compared to the trajectory of the arrow flight at 20 yards, shown in  FIG. 7A ). 
       FIG. 8A  is a sample set-up tape, showing marks indicating the position of the alignment pin at 20 yards and 60 yards. 
       FIG. 8B  is a conversion chart identifying the distance yardage tape in relation to the difference between the numbers on the set-up tape at sixty yards minus 20 yards. The difference is identified by numbers (13-33) on the conversion chart, and the appropriate distance yardage tape is identified by numbers (42-54) at the top of each distance yardage tape. (Additional distance yardage tapes may be provided). (see  FIG. 5 ). 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a container kit used to store and ship the archery bow yardage tape apparatus. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   As shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 9 , the archery bow yardage tape apparatus  100  disclosed herein is secured to the archery bow sight apparatus  110 , comprises one or more set-up tapes  120 , preferably incremented  122  from one to eighty units for a side mounted or front face circumferential display  156 ,  160 . The set-up tapes  120  for an arcuate display  158  is preferably incremented  123  from one to sixty-five units. Each unit preferably represents 1/32 inch. Each set-up tape  120  is selectively incremented  124  to correspond to the distance between adjacent marks. The indicia on at least one of the set-up tape(s) and the distance yardage tape(s) are preferably color coded for ease of identification. 
   In addition, there are one or more blank writeable tapes  130 , and a plurality of distance yardage tapes  140 . The number of distance yardage tapes  140  are preferably from twenty up to sixty distance yardage tapes  140 , with forty-four distance yardage tapes  140  most preferred. The distance yardage tapes  140  are best shown in  FIG. 5 . Please note that each succeeding distance yardage tape is one increment longer than the preceeding distance yardage tape. 
   The distance yardage tapes  140  are selectively incremented  142  to correspond to the indicia  144  provided on each distance yardage tape  140 . The indicia  144  is preferably color coded  143 , for ease of identification. 
   To select a distance yardage tape  140  using the most accurate system, the user must first sight in at twenty yards  147  and then at sixty yards  149  from the target  111 . Alternately, you may sight in at twenty yards  147  and forty yards  148 , for example. 
   Preferably, in order to select the proper distance yardage tape  140  you must have a first range with a measured twenty yards  147  to a target  150  and a second range with a measured sixty yards  149  (or 40 yards  148 ) to the target  111 . 
   The set-up tape  120  preferably has a range of selectively incremented numbers  142  from 0-80 installed on the set-up tape  120 . The incremented numbers  142  identified as 0-80 units  122  are provided as a means of measuring and selecting the appropriate distance yardage tape  140 . 
   To sight in your bow yardage tape apparatus  100 , you must first align the target sight  119  on your bow  111  at a measured twenty yards  147  and mark  132  the set-up tape  120  accordingly. Then move the movable alignment pin  112  up and down by rotating the dial  114  using the adjustment knob  117 . For a Right Hand Bow  116 , rotate the dial  114  clockwise to raise your arrow trajectory  115 , or counter clockwise to lower your arrow  115  trajectory. 
   For a left hand bow  118 , rotate the dial  114  counterclockwise to raise your arrow  115  trajectory, or clockwise to lower your arrow  115  trajectory. Once you have an extremely accurate sight-in at twenty yards, mark the set-up tape  120  with a twenty yard mark  132  and make note of the incremented number between 1-80 on the set-up tape  120  nearest to the alignment pin  112 . For example, if your alignment pin  112  is closest to number 18, mark number 18 on your set-up tape  120 . If your alignment pin  112  is closest to number 19, mark number 19 on your set-up tape  120 . If you alignment pin  112  is halfway between number 18 and number 19, mark the space 18½ on your set-up tape  120 . This mark will be your twenty yard identification mark  132 . 
   Next move the target  111  out to a measured sixty yards. For a Right Hand bow  116 , adjust the sighting aperture  126  downward by rotating the dial  114  clockwise until you have achieved an accurate sighting at sixty yards  134 . For a left hand bow  118 , adjust the sighting aperture  126  counter clockwise. The accuracy of the entire shooting system depends on an extremely accurate sighting to selected measured distances, such as twenty yards and sixty yards, or twenty yards and forty yards, for example. 
   Once you have an extremely accurate sight in at sixty yards, mark and make note of the number on the set-up tape  120  nearest to the alignment pin  112 . This will be your sixty yard mark  134 . For example: if the alignment pin  112  is closest to number 37 on your set-up tape  120 , mark number 37 on your set-up tape  120 . If your alignment pin  112  is closest to number 37½ on the set-up tape, mark the space 37½ on your set-up tape  120 . This will be your sixty yard identification mark  134 . 
   Now that you have sighted in at twenty yards and sixty yards, use the following procedure to select the correct distance yardage tape  140 . Subtract your 20 yard identification mark (example 18) from your sixty yard identification mark (example 37Y2). Answer: 18−37½=19½. This number can be determined with a calculator, computer, or by simple subtraction. 
   Referring now to the conversion chart  136  shown in  FIG. 8 , the distance yardage tapes  140  are preferably numbered from 29 to 72. If the difference between the twenty yard identification mark  132  and the sixty yard identification mark is 19½, then the conversion chart  136  for 19½ is distance yardage tape  140  identified as tape  43 . 
   Carefully remove the correct distance yardage tape  140  (example tape  43 ) from the backing paper  145 , and position the selected distance yardage tape  140  over the top of the set up tape  120 , by placing the sixty yard indicia  149  on the distance yardage marker  140  directly over the sixty yard mark  134  made on the set-up tape  12 . This can be easily done by placing and securing the alignment pin  112  directly over the mark indicating the sixty yard setting  134  on the set-up tape  120 , and then placing the distance yardage tape  140  indicating the sixty yard  148  setting directly under the sight pin  112 . Then carefully roll the selected distance yardage tape  140  in both directions, to secure the sticky side  146  of the distance yardage tape  140  to the set-up tape  120 , leaving the incremented numbers  142  visible to the user. It is not necessary to remove the set-up tape  120 . 
   This will position the twenty yard mark  132  on the set-up tape  120  directly under the twenty yard  147  indicia  144  on the distance yardage tape  140 . All of the yardages between the twenty yard  147  indicia  144  and the sixty yard  148  indicia  144  are now in place. 
   Next remove one of the clear Mylar tapes  150  from the container kit  128  and cover the first and second ends  152 ,  154  of the distance yardage tape  140 . Alternately, use the clear mylar tape  150  to cover the distance yardage tape  140  to the circumferential display  156 , or to the arcuate display  158 , or to the circular display  160 . This will prevent the ends  52 ,  54  of the distance yardage tape  140  from coming loose during use. 
   You are now ready to use the bow yardage tape apparatus  100  at varying distances from the target  111 . Move 10 yards beyond the 20 yard mark, set the sight pin  112  on the thirty yard mark. Shoot at the target  111 , and your arrow should hit the target  111 . 
   Experiment at various distances from the target  111 , to gain confidence in your bow yardage tape sight apparatus  100 . The bow yardage tape apparatus  100  will provide accurate elevation at selected distances from the target  111 . With continued practice at varying distances from the target  111 , you will develop confidence in your ability to accurately hit the target  111  time after time. 
   The archery bow yardage tape apparatus  100  disclosed herein, is for attachment to a new or existing archery bow sight  110  having a movable alignment pin  112  positioned in relation to a display surface  113  on the archery bow sight  110 . One or more set-up tapes  120  are provided. Each set-up tape  120  includes a plurality of incremented indicia  142 . The set-up tape  120  is adapted for securement to the display surface  113  on the archery bow sight  110 . The display surface  113  is sized to substantially cover the entire range of movement of the movable alignment pin  112 . 
   To use, mark the set-up tape  120  at a first known distance to a target  111 , such as 20 yards  132 , then mark the set-up tape  120  at a second known distance to the target, such as 60 yards  134 . Look up the difference on the conversion chart  136  provided, to select the closest distance yardage tape  140  from a plurality of distance yardage tapes provided. Note that each distance yardage tape is selectively incremented with indicia representative of the setting of the alignment pin on the archery bow sight apparatus at the two known distances; and position and secure the selected distance yardage tape over the set-up tape to enable a user to accurately determine the elevation required to reach a specific target at other distances to the target. 
   While the present invention has been illustrated in conjunction with a detailed description of the preferred invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in this art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the scope of this invention, or from the following claims. Such changes and adaptations are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims. 
   ARCHERY BOW YARDAGE TAPE APPARATUS PARTS LIST 
   
       
         100 —archery bow yardage tape apparatus 
         110 —Archery bow sight apparatus 
         111 —target 
         112 —movable alignment pin 
         113 —display surface 
         114 —dial 
         115 —arrow 
         116 —right hand bow 
         117 —adjustment knob 
         118 —left hand bow 
         119 —target sight 
         120 —set-up tape 
         122 —1-80 units 
         123 —1-65 units 
         124 —selectively incremented 
         126 —sighting aperture 
         128 —container kit 
         130 —blank writeable tape 
         132 —twenty yard mark on set-up tape 
         134 —sixty yard mark on set-up tape 
         136 —conversion chart 
         138 —instructions 
         140 —distance yardage tapes 
         142 —selectively incremented indicia 
         143 —color coded 
         144 —distance indicia 
         145 —backing paper 
         146 —sticky side 
         147 —twenty yard 
         148 —forty yard 
         149 —sixty yard 
         150 —clear mylar tape 
         152 —first end of tape 
         154 —second end of tape 
         156 —side mounted circumferential display 
         158 —arcuate display 
         160 —front face circular display