Abstract:
A bow string vibration and noise damper includes an aperture and a body portion. The string vibration and noise damper is configured to be mounted on the bowstring. In this way, a closed loop is created by inserting at least a portion of the body portion through the aperture. The closed loop encircles a portion of the bowstring thereby attaching the string vibration and noise damper to the bowstring.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/606,873, filed Oct. 27, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,633, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a damper for damping vibration and noise in an archery bow, and more specifically to a vibration damper attached to a bowstring for damping vibration and noise in the bowstring. 
     Various designs of string dampers are known to exist. Generally, these designs are of two types—those supported by the bowstring and those supported by some structure other than the bowstring. Of those not supported by the bowstring, some are attached to the bow riser or handle while others are attached to a bow limb. These types of string dampers generally brace a string or transfer energy to the supporting structure. 
     Known string dampers attached to a bowstring or cable directly can be attached by various methods; however, these present difficulty for servicing. For example, some dampers are secured to a bowstring by placing a part of the string damper between strands of the bowstring or placing a part of the string damper around the string in a way that requires disassembly of bow in order to remove or adjust the damper. 
     There remains a need for novel string dampers that can be easily attached to a bowstring or cable, easily moved along the bowstring or cable or removed entirely from the bowstring or cable, and yet remain fixedly secured to the bowstring or cable while attached, all without disassembly of the bow. 
     All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below. 
     A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification is provided as well only for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In some embodiments, a string damper comprises a body portion and an aperture portion being attached to the body portion. The string damper has a first relaxed configuration and a second bound configuration. In the second bound configuration, at least a portion of the body portion is disposed through the aperture portion. 
     In some embodiments, the body portion of the string damper further comprises a locking portion; the locking portion is configured to engage the aperture portion in the second bound configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the body portion of the string damper has a distal end. The locking portion is disposed between the aperture portion and the distal end. 
     In some embodiments, the locking portion comprises a tapered portion, the tapered portion tapering toward the distal end. 
     In some embodiments, the aperture portion defines an aperture axis. In some embodiments, the body portion defines a body portion axis. In a second configuration, the aperture axis is coaxial with the body portion axis. 
     In some embodiments, the body portion has an arcuate shape. 
     These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings. 
         FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the string vibration and noise damper. 
         FIG. 2  shows a side view of an embodiment of the string vibration and noise damper. 
         FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the string vibration and noise damper in a partially bound configuration. 
         FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of the string vibration and noise damper secured to a bowstring. 
         FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of the string vibration and noise damper secured to a bowstring. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated. 
       FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a string damper  10  comprising an aperture portion  20  and a body portion  30 . A portion of the body portion  30  is configured to be threaded through the aperture portion  20 , forming a closed loop for securement to a bowstring of an archery bow. 
     In some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 1 , an end of the body portion  30  is attached to the aperture portion  20 . In some embodiments the body portion  30  is attached to the aperture portion  20  via an elongate portion  32 . The elongate portion  32  shown in  FIG. 1  extends proximally from the body portion  30  and attaches to the aperture portion  20  along a portion of the periphery of the aperture portion  20 . In some embodiments, the elongate portion  32  is concave, being narrower at the middle than one or both of the ends. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the aperture portion  20  is substantially toroidally shaped, having a continuously convex surface. In this way, the concavity of the elongate portion  32  is similar to the convex curvature of the aperture portion  20 . The aperture portion  20  can also comprise other suitable shapes. 
     In some embodiments, the body portion  30  comprises a distal end  38 . The distal end  38  extends distally from the body portion  30 . The distal end  38  can comprise any suitable shape, for example the body portion can taper along its length such that the distal end  38  is pointed. In some embodiments, the distal end  38  has a circular cross section; or, for example, the distal end  38  can have a rectangular cross section or any other suitable cross section. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments the string damper  10  defines a body portion axis or axis  40  extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the string damper  10 . In some embodiments, the body portion axis  40  extends along the length of the body portion  30  from the aperture portion  20  to the distal end  38 . In some embodiments, cross sections of the string damper  10  are generally symmetrical about the body portion axis  40 , for example where the string damper  10  has circular or polygonal cross sections. 
     In some embodiments, the body portion axis  40  can comprise a central arcuate path, wherein the body portion axis  40  has a curved profile consistent with the curvature of the body portion  30 . Where the body portion  30  is substantially straight along its length, the body portion axis  40  is similarly straight along its length. In some embodiments, the body portion axis  40  can be arcurate, substantially straight, straight or any other suitable configuration consistent with the shape of the body portion  30 . 
     In some embodiments, the aperture portion  20  generally defines an aperture  22  disposed therethrough ( FIG. 1 ). As shown in  FIG. 2 , the aperture  22  has an aperture axis  50  disposed through the aperture  22 . In some embodiments, the aperture axis  50  is generally coplanar with the cross sections of the aperture portion  20 . For example, where the aperture portion  20  comprises a toroid, the aperture axis  50  is coplanar with the circular cross sections of the aperture portion  20 . In some embodiments, aperture axis  50  is perpendicular to body portion axis  40  near the attachment location where the body portion  30  attaches to the aperture portion  20 . 
     The string damper  10  has a relaxed or first configuration (or first position) ( FIG. 2 ) and a bound or second configuration (or second position) ( FIG. 5 ). Alternatively, the first configuration may be referred to as a first state, and the second configuration may be referred to as a second state. In a first configuration, the string damper  10  is generally relaxed; whereas in a second configuration, the string damper  10  is generally contorted when compared to the first configuration and configured for mounting on a bowstring. In some embodiments, the elongate portion  32  is oriented in the aperture  22  when the string damper  10  is in a second configuration. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , the string damper  10  is shown in a partially bound configuration, wherein a portion of the body portion  30  is partially threaded through the aperture  22  of the aperture portion  20 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the string damper  10  is in an intermediate configuration between the first relaxed configuration (e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) and the second bound configuration (e.g.,  FIG. 4 ). A closed loop  54  is formed by threading a portion of the body portion  30  through the aperture portion  20 , beginning with the distal end  38 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of the string damper  10  attached to a bowstring  60 . The bowstring damper  10  is attached to the bowstring by wrapping the distal end  38  of the body portion around the bowstring and threading the body portion  30  through the aperture  22  of the aperture portion  20 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the string damper  10  is attached to a draw cable. In some embodiments, the string damper  10  can be attached to any type of bowstring or bow cable, including, but not limited to, cross cables and power cables. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the string damper  10  is shown in a second or bound configuration, the body portion  30  being threaded through the aperture portion  20 . The bowstring  60  passes through the closed loop  54  formed by threading a portion of the body portion  30  through the aperture  22  of the aperture portion  20 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of the string damper  10  attached to a bowstring  60 . The body portion  30  is threaded through the aperture  22  of the aperture portion  20  thereby defining closed loop  54 . The bowstring  60  is disposed through closed loop  54  and the string damper  10  is secured to the bowstring  60  by pulling on the distal end  38  of the body portion  30 . 
     The string damper(s)  10  can be easily added to or removed from a string or cable of an archery bow, as described herein. As such, string dampers can be replaced or supplemented, as desired. Furthermore, the string damper(s) can be moved along the length of a string, or moved from one string to another without having to re-string the archery bow and without having to separate strands of the bowstring or remove string serving. 
     In some embodiments, the string damper  10  can comprise a unitary material, wherein the body portion is integral with the aperture portion. 
     A sting damper  10  can be made from any suitable material and is desirably sufficiently elastic that the damper  10  can reduce the vibrations present in a bowstring after firing an arrow. In some embodiments, the string damper  10  is formed from an elastomeric material such as natural rubber and/or various polymeric elastomers and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the damper  10  is formed from one or more thermoplastic elastomer(s) such as Monprene® MP-1037-FL elastomer and/or Monprene® MP-2730 elastomer, available from Teknor Apex Company, 3070 Ohio Drive, Henderson, Ky. 42420. 
     In some embodiments, the cross sectional area of the aperture  22  is less than the cross sectional area of the body portion  30  when the string damper  10  is in a relaxed configuration. In this way, when the string damper  10  is placed in a bound configuration, the body portion  30  is positively engaged by the aperture portion  20 , placing the aperture portion  20  in tension around the elongate portion  32  and preventing the string damper  10  from inadvertently coming loose, falling off or moving along the bowstring. In some embodiments, the cross sectional area of the aperture  22  is less than the cross sectional area of the elongate portion  32  or a portion of the elongate portion  32 . As such, when the string damper  10  is in a bound configuration, the aperture portion  20  tightly engages the body portion  30  disposed in the aperture  22 . 
     In some embodiments, the aperture  22  of the aperture portion  20  is circular. However, other suitable configurations are also acceptable. Moreover, the shape of the aperture portion  20  defining aperture  22  can coincide with a particular shape of the cross section of the body portion  30  or a portion of the body portion, specifically elongate portion  32 . For example, if the cross section of the body portion  30  (or a portion of the body portion) is circular, the aperture  22  can comprise a circular opening. Other suitable cross sections can also be used. 
     In some embodiments, the aperture portion  20  is generally toroidally (or doughnut) shaped. In this case, the aperture portion  20  has a circular cross section of material. The aperture portion  20  can also comprise other suitable cross sections. For example, the aperture portion can have an elliptical, oblong, or polygonal cross section, or any other suitable cross section. 
     In some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 2 , the string damper  10  comprises a locking portion or locking mechanism  34 . The locking mechanism  34  is configured to retain the string damper  10  on a bowstring or cable. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism  34  prevents the string damper  10  from loosening on the bowstring by engaging the aperture portion  20 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the locking mechanism  34  comprises a raised flange  36 , for example as shown in  FIG. 2 . The raised flange  36  is configured to retain the aperture portion  20  when the string damper  10  is in a second configuration and hold the string damper  10  on a bowstring ( FIG. 5 ). 
     Turning again to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments the body portion axis  40  extends through at least a portion of the elongate portion  32 . The portion of the body portion axis  40  extending through the elongate portion  32  is alternatively referred to as the elongate segment of the body portion axis  40 . The elongate segment generally extends the length of the elongate portion  32 , from the aperture portion  20  to the locking mechanism  34 . In some embodiments, the elongate segment of the body portion axis  40  is perpendicular to the aperture axis  50  when the string damper  10  is in a first configuration, for example as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     In some embodiments, the elongate segment of the body portion axis  40  is coaxial with the aperture axis  50  when the string damper  10  is in a second or bound configuration, for example as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     In some embodiments, the cross sectional area of the locking mechanism  34  is generally greater than the cross sectional area of the portion of the body portion  30  oriented in the aperture  22 . In some embodiments, the cross sectional area of the locking mechanism  34  is greater than the cross sectional area of the elongate portion  32 . Furthermore, the cross section of the locking mechanism  34  is greater than the cross section of the aperture  22 . 
     In some embodiments, the locking mechanism  34  has a peak  42  and a tapered or sloping portion  44 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the peak  42  has a greater cross sectional area than other portions of the body portion  30 . Notably, the peak  42  has a larger cross section than the aperture  22 . 
     The sloping portion  44  is generally distal to the peak  42 . The tapered or sloping portion  44  transitions into arm portion  46  and eases pulling locking mechanism  34  through aperture  22  during placement of the string damper  10  on the cable or bowstring. In some embodiments, the sloping portion  44  is frustoconical. 
     In some embodiments, the arm portion  46  is a portion of the body portion  30 . In some embodiments, the arm portion  46  is curved. The arm portion  46  can also comprise other suitable shapes. The arm portion  46  may alternatively be referred to as damping portion  46 . 
     In some embodiments, the side of the locking mechanism  34  opposite the sloping portion  44  comprises a first surface  48  ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments the first surface  48  has an angle of incline greater of the sloping portion  44 . In some embodiments, the first surface  48  of the locking mechanism  34  is substantially orthogonal to the body portion axis  40  where the body portion axis  40  passes through the first surface  48 . In some embodiments, the first surface  48  has a negative angle of incline, wherein the first surface  48  slopes in the same general direction as the sloping portion  44 . The first surface  48  can also be concave or convex. 
     In some embodiments, when the string damper  10  is attached to a bowstring, for example as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the string damper is asymmetrical about the bowstring  60 , having only a single arm portion  46 . In at least one embodiment, the string damper  10  has neither rotational symmetry about the bowstring  60  nor any mirroring symmetry across the bowstring  60 . However, as discussed earlier, the string damper  10  can be symmetrical about its own axis  40  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Generally, the string damper  10  is secured to a bowstring by wrapping a portion of the body portion  30  around the bowstring, threading the distal end  38  of the string damper  10  through the aperture  22  of the aperture portion  20 , pulling on the distal end  38 , and securing the string damper  10  on the string. 
     In some embodiments, the body portion  30  is configured such that a locking mechanism  34  is pulled through the aperture  22  until the aperture portion  20  abuts the first surface  48 , thereby securing the string damper  10  on the string. Furthermore, the string damper  10  can be rotated relative to the bowstring to position the arm  46  in a desired orientation, for example substantially perpendicular to the direction of bowstring travel. The string damper can be oriented in any suitable configuration to maximize damping effectiveness. 
     The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”. Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims. 
     Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim  1  should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below. 
     This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.