Abstract:
The present invention relates to bow rests which are portable, lightweight and easily adjustable. The bow rests of the present invention generally comprise a plate wherein an opening is formed in a first end section of the plate and the second end section of the plate is bent such that an angle is formed between the plane of the first end section and the plane formed by the second end section. A mount, which is configured to be fixed to a bow is pivotally attached to the second end section. The opening is adapted and configured such that a shaft such as, for example, walking/wading sticks, staffs, canes and tree limbs can be inserted through the opening and the height of the bow rest above a surface can be quickly and easily adjusted. The bow rest is adapted and configured such that the weight of a bow is transferred to the bow rest and shaft thereby improving the accuracy of a sportsman shooting the bow.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to versatile bow rests and more specifically to bow rests that are both compact and readily available. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for improving the accuracy of a sportsman.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    It is well known that a shooter&#39;s accuracy is increased through the use of a gun rest. However, the use of bow rests to improve the accuracy of arrows fired by sportsmen have generally been overlooked.  
           [0003]    Many devices have been fabricated to improve the accuracy of a sportsman using a bow such as, for example, stabilizers, sights and chin rests but none of these devices support the weight of the bow.  
           [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,472 describes a bow hip rest which is designed to transfer the weight of the bow from an archer&#39;s arm to his hip. This bow rest consists of a rod with a hip rest attached to one end while the other end is configured to be mounted on the hand grip of a bow. The rod extends rearward before being angled downwards such that it extends behind the bowstring. This bow rest can be adjusted to accommodate archers with different arm lengths by utilization of a two-part, externally threaded rod and an internally threaded coupling, or custom fitted to an individual.  
           [0005]    This bow rest can be manufactured to be lightweight but it is not readily adjustable to accommodate different shooting postures that may be necessitated by terrain or location such as, for example shooting uphill, downhill or from a tree stand. Additionally, the design of this bow rest results in the hip rest extending behind the bowstring. Many archers carry their bows at their side while walking and the rod extending behind the bowstring would make such a carrying posture uncomfortable.  
           [0006]    Thus there exists a need for a compact, portable, lightweight bow rest that is quickly and easily adjusted over a wide range of heights such that a sportsman can take advantage of the most comfortable and convenient posture as dictated by the terrain of hunting situation.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention relates to bow rests which are compact, lightweight and readily height adjustable. This ease of adjustment allows a sportsman to quickly adapt the rest to the body posture dictated by the terrain and situation.  
           [0008]    A bow rest in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plate. A first end section of the plate has an opening which is sized such that a shaft may be inserted into the opening. A second end section of the plate is angled from the plane formed by the first end section of the plate and configured to be pivotally attached to a mount on a bow. Upon insertion of a shaft into the opening, with the angled end being on the bottom side of the bow rest, a sportsman can adjust the bow rest to the proper height on the shaft. Any variety of shafts may be employed such as, for example, walking/wading sticks, staffs, canes and tree limbs. The weight of the bow will serve to tightly hold the bow rest in position on the shaft thereby removing the weight of the bow from the sportsman as well as providing a steady base to improve accuracy.  
           [0009]    Embodiments of the present invention have teeth formed into the opening or the opening covered by flexible gripping aids to aid in gripping the shaft to act as a stable support for the bow. The flexible gripping aids further serve to silence the bow rests.  
           [0010]    A bow rest in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention comprises a plate. A first end section of the plate is adapted and configured to be inserted into a preformed slit on a shaft. A support arm is permanently attached to the plate and extends downwards from the plane formed by the plate with a terminal end directed towards the first end. The support arm is adapted and configured to be inserted through the preformed slit . When the weight of a bow is applied to the bow rest the first end and terminal end serve to hold the bow rest at a desired height on the shaft. A second end section of the plate is angled from the plane formed by the plate and configured to be pivotally attached to a mount on a bow. Upon insertion of the bow rest into the preformed slit, with the angled end being on the bottom side of the bow rest, a sportsman can adjust the bow rest to the proper height on the shaft.  
           [0011]    The bow rests of the present invention may be constructed from any material displaying the necessary rigidity to support the weight of a bow. Such material, for example, may be steel, aluminum, other metallic materials, composite materials, polymeric materials, wood or glass.  
           [0012]    The bow rests may be fitted into the receptacle of a mounting bracket, which may either be used on a flat surface or attached to a surface by means of pressure plates and a tightener, to further stabilize the bow rest and thereby increase the accuracy of the sportsman using the bow rests. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is an elevation (side) view of a bow rest according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bow rest of FIG. 1;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bow rest, which incorporates teeth, according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bow rest which incorporates flexible gripping aids according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is an elevation (side) view of the bow rest of FIG. 1 mounted on a shaft;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is an elevation (side) view of the bow rest of FIG. 1 on a shaft and attached a bow;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is an elevation (side) view of the bow rest of FIG. 1 on a shaft where the shaft has been fixed to a surface;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 is an elevation (side) view of a bow rest according to a further embodiment which is adapted and configured to be used with a shaft having a preformed slit;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bow rest of FIG. 8; and  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is an elevation (side) view of the bow rest of FIG. 8 mounted on a shaft. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of bow rest  10 . Bow rest  10  comprises a plate  11  having a first end section  12 , a second end section  13  and an intermediate section  14 . Plate  11  between second end section  13  and intermediate section  14  is bent such that an angle from about 90 to about 150 degrees is formed between the plane of the first end section  12  and the plane of the second end section  13 . Second end section  13  is configured to be pivotally attached to mount  15  which is configured to be fixed to a bow.  
         [0024]    Plate  11  may be formed straight and bent or preformed with an angle.  
         [0025]    While plate  11  and mount  15  are illustrated as being pivotally attached with a bolt and lock-nut combination it would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other pivotally attaching fasteners or devices may be used. Additionally, while mount  15  is illustrated as being configured to be fixed to the stabilizer hole of a bow it is understood that mount  15  may be fixed to a bow by other attaching arrangements.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 illustrates opening  16  formed in plate  11  between intermediate section  14  and first end section  12 . Opening  16  is configured in shape and size such that a shaft may be inserted into opening  16 .  
         [0027]    While opening  16  is illustrated as being generally circular in shape, it may be appreciated that opening  16  may be of any shape and size desired such that a shaft may be inserted into opening  16 . Additionally, it is understood that plate  11  may be constructed of any material displaying the necessary strength and rigidity to support the weight of a bow such as, for example, steel, aluminum, other metallic materials, composite materials, polymeric materials, wood or glass. Further, it is understood that plate  11  may be pivotally attached to mount  15  by any variety of devices and fasteners such as, for example, rivets or bolt and lock-nut combinations. Finally, it is understood that mount  15  may be of any configuration that can be fixed to a bow. Preferably, mount  15  is generally L-shaped and configured such that it may be fixed to a stabilizer hole on a bow with a bolt.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of bow rest  100 . Bow rest  100  comprises a plate  111  having a first end section  112 , a second end section  113  and an intermediate section  114 . Plate  111  between second end section  113  and intermediate section  114  is bent such that an angle from about 90 to about 150 degrees is formed between the plane of the first end section  112  and the plane of the second end section  113 . Second end section  113  is configured to be pivotally attached to mount  115  which is configured to be fixed to a bow. Opening  116  is formed in plate  111  between intermediate section  114  and first end section  112 . Opening  116  is configured in shape and size such that a shaft may be inserted into opening  116 . Teeth  119  are located around the perimeter of opening  116  such that teeth  119  will aid in gripping a shaft inserted into opening  116 .  
         [0029]    While opening  116  is illustrated as being generally circular in shape, it may be appreciated that opening  116  may be of any shape and size desired such that a shaft may be inserted into opening  116 . Additionally, it is understood that teeth  119  may be arranged around the perimeter of opening  116  in any configuration and size desired to improve the gripping of a shaft inserted into opening  116 . Further, it is understood that plate  111  may be constructed of any material displaying the necessary strength and rigidity to support the weight of a bow such as, for example, steel, aluminum, other metallic materials, composite materials, polymeric materials, wood or glass. Further, it is understood that plate  111  may be pivotally attached to mount  115  by any variety of devices and fasteners such as, for example, rivets or bolt and lock-nut combinations. Finally, it is understood that mount  115  may be of any configuration that can be fixed to a bow. Preferably, mount  115  is generally L-shaped and configured such that it may be fixed to a stabilizer hole on a bow with a bolt.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of bow rest  200 . Bow rest  200  comprises a plate  211  having a first end section  212 , a second end section  213  and an intermediate section  214 . Plate  211  between second end section  213  and intermediate section  214  is bent such that an angle from about 90 to about 150 degrees is formed between the plane of the first end section  212  and the plane of the second end section  213 . Second end section  213  is configured to be pivotally attached to mount  215  which is configured to be fixed to a bow. Opening  216  is formed in plate  211  between intermediate section  214  and first end section  212 . Opening  216  is configured in shape and size such that a shaft may be inserted into opening  216 . Flexible gripping aids  220 , which contain slits  221 , are located such that a portion of opening  216  is covered. Flexible gripping aids  220  will aid in gripping a shaft inserted into opening  216  as well as serving as a silencer between bow rest  200  and a shaft inserted into opening  216 .  
         [0031]    While opening  216  is illustrated as being generally circular in shape, it may be appreciated that opening  216  may be of any shape and size desired such that a shaft may inserted into opening  216 . Additionally, it is understood that flexible gripping aids  220 , which contain slits  221 , may be arranged around the perimeter of opening  216  in any configuration and size desired to improve the gripping of a shaft inserted into opening  216 . Further, flexible gripping aids  220  may be constructed of any suitable material, although plastic materials are preferred. Further, it is understood that plate  211  may be constructed of any material displaying the necessary strength and rigidity to support the weight of a bow such as, for example, steel, aluminum, other metallic materials, composite materials, polymeric materials, wood or glass. Further, it is understood that plate  211  may be pivotally attached to mount  215  by any variety of devices and fasteners such as, for example, rivets or bolt and lock-nut combinations. Finally, it is understood that mount  215  may be of any configuration that can be fixed to a bow. Preferably, mount  215  is generally L-shaped and configured such that it may be fixed to a stabilizer hole on a bow with a bolt.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of bow rest  10  slidably attached to shaft  98 . Bow rest  10  comprises a plate  11  having a first end section  12 , a second end section  13  and an intermediate section  14 . Plate  11  between second end section  13  and intermediate section  14  is bent such that an angle from about 90 to about 150 degrees is formed between the plane of the first end section  12  and the plane of the second end section  13 . Second end section  13  is configured to be pivotally attached to mount  15  which is configured to be fixed to a bow.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of bow rest  10  slidably attached to a shaft  98  while supporting the weight of a bow  99  in order to improve the accuracy of a sportsman using bow rest  10 . Bow rest  10  comprises a plate  11  having a first end section  12 , a second end section  13  and an intermediate section  14 . Plate  11  comprising first end section  12 , second end section  13  and intermediate section  14  is pivotally attached to mount  15  with a bolt and lock-nut combination. Mount  15  is fixed to the stabilizer hole of bow  99  with a bolt. It is understood that the rapid and easy adjustment of bow rest  10  on shaft  98  would allow a sportsman to assume the most comfortable and convenient posture as dictated by the terrain or hunting situation.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of bow rest  10  slidably attached to shaft  98  wherein shaft  98  has been fixed to a surface. Bow rest  10  comprises a plate  11  having a first end section  12 , a second end section  13  and a intermediate section  14 . Plate  11  between second end section  13  and intermediate section  14  is bent such that an angle from about 90 to about 150 degrees is formed between the plane of the first end section  12  and the plane of the second end section  13 . Second end section  13  is configured to be pivotally attached to mount  15  which is configured to be fixed to a bow.  
         [0035]    Shaft  98  is attached to a surface by the use of mounting bracket  23 . Mounting bracket  23  comprises two pressure plates  24   a  and  24   b , tightener  25  and receptacle  26 . Pressure plates  24   a  and  24   b  are slipped over the end of a surface such as, for example, a tree stand or porch floor and are tightened against the surface by use of tightener  25 . Receptacle  26  is permanently attached to pressure plate  24   a  and forms a cylindrical cavity perpendicular to pressure plate  24   a  such that shaft  98  can be inserted into the cylindrical cavity. Tightener  25  is illustrated as a bolt and nut but it is understood that tightener  25  may take the form of any device which can fasten to a surface.  
         [0036]    Alternatively, pressure plate  24   a  may be disconnected from pressure plate  24   b  and tightener  25  and used as a flat surface for receptacle  26 , which may be used upon any surface not capable of fitting between pressure plates  24   a  and  24   b  such as, for example, the ground or the bed of a pick-up truck.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of bow rest  300 . Bow rest  300  comprises a plate  311  having a first end section  312 , a support arm  317 , which contains a terminal end  318 , a second end section  313  and a intermediate section  314 . Plate  311  between second end section  313  and intermediate section  314  is bent such that an angle from about 90 to about 150 degrees is formed between the plane of the first end section  312  and the plane of the second end section  313 . Second end section  313  is configured to be pivotally attached to mount  315  which is configured to be fixed to a bow.  
         [0038]    While plate  311  and mount  315  are illustrated as being pivotally attached with a bolt and lock-nut combination it is understood that they may be pivotally attached by any variety of devices and fasteners. Additionally, while mount  315  is illustrated as being configured to be fixed to the stabilizer hole of a bow it is understood that mount  315  may be fixed to a bow with any variety of devices and fasteners.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of bow rest  300  Bow rest  300  comprises a plate  311  having a first end section  312 , a support arm, which contains a terminal end, extending downwards from the plane formed by the first end section of plate  311  towards the first end section (not visible in this view) a second end section  313  and a intermediate section  314 . Plate  311  between second end section  313  and intermediate section  314  is bent such that an angle from about 90 to about 150 degrees is formed between the plane of the first end section  312  and the plane of the second end section  313 . Second end section  313  is configured to be pivotally attached to mount  315  which is configured to be fixed to a bow. First end section  312  is adapted and configured to be inserted into a preformed slit of a shaft. Support arm  317  may be permanently attached to plate  311  and extends downwards from the plane formed by plate  311  with terminal end  318  directed towards first end section  312 . Support arm  317  is adapted and configured to be inserted through the preformed slit of shaft. When the weight of a bow is applied to bow rest  300 , first end section  312  and terminal end  318  serve to hold bow rest  300  at a desired height on the hollow shaft.  
         [0040]    It is understood that plate  311  may be constructed of any material displaying the necessary strength and rigidity to support the weight of a bow such as, for example, steel, aluminum, other metallic materials, composite materials, polymeric materials, wood or glass. Further, it is understood that plate  311  may be pivotally attached to mount  315  by any variety of devices and fasteners such as, for example, rivets or bolt and lock-nut combinations. Finally, it is understood that mount  315  may be of any configuration that can be fixed to a bow. Preferably, mount  315  is generally L-shaped and configured such that it may be fixed to a stabilizer hole on a bow with a bolt.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of bow rest  300  slidably attached to hollow shaft  398 , which contains preformed slit  397 . Plate  311  comprising first end section  312 , support arm  317 , which contains a terminal end  318 , second end section  313  and intermediate section  314  is pivotally attached to mount  315  with a bolt and lock-nut combination. Plate  311  between second end section  313  and intermediate section  314  is bent such that an angle from about 90 to about 150 degrees is formed between the plane of the first end section  312  and the plane of the second end section  313 . Mount  315  may be fixed to the stabilizer hole of a bow with a bolt. It is understood that the rapid and easy adjustment of bow rest  300  on hollow shaft  398 , which contains preformed slit  397 , would allow a sportsman to assume the most comfortable and convenient posture as dictated by the terrain or hunting situation. First end section  312  is adapted and configured to be inserted into shaft  398 , which contains preformed slit  397 . Support arm  317  is adapted and configured to be inserted into shaft  398 , which contains preformed slit  397 , such that first end section  312  and terminal end  318  slidably attach bow rest  300  to shaft  398  thereby supporting the weight of a bow attached to bow rest  300  at a desired height on shaft  398  above a surface.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of bow rest  400 . Bow rest  400  comprises a plate  411  having a first end section  412   a , two support arms  417 , one of which contains a terminal end  418  and the other contains a first end section  412   b , a second end section  413  and a intermediate section  414 . Plate  411  between second end section  413  and intermediate section  414  is bent such that an angle from about 90 to about 150 degrees is formed between the plane of the first end section  412   a  and the plane of the second end section  413 . Second end section  413  is configured to be pivotally attached to mount  415  which is configured to be fixed to a bow. Support arms  417  are hingedly attached to plate  411  such that they may be positioned to lie along plate  411  towards second end section  413  or positioned to extend towards first end section  412   a.    
         [0043]    While plate  411  and mount  415  are illustrated as being pivotally attached with a bolt and lock-nut combination it is understood that they may be pivotally attached by any variety of devices and fasteners. Additionally, while mount  415  is illustrated as being configured to be fixed to the stabilizer hole of a bow it is understood that mount  415  may be fixed to a bow with any variety of devices and fasteners.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of bow rest  400  Bow rest  400  comprises a plate  411  having a first end section  412   a , two support arms  417 , one of which contains a terminal end (not visible in this view) and the other contains a first end section  412   b  hingedly attached to plate  411 , a second end section  413  and a intermediate section  414 . Plate  411  between second end section  413  and intermediate section  414  is bent such that an angle from about 90 to about 150 degrees is formed between the plane of the first end section  412   a  and the plane of the second end section  413 . Second end section  413  is configured to be pivotally attached to mount  415  which is configured to be fixed to a bow. First end section  412   b  is adapted and configured to be inserted into a preformed slit of a shaft. Support arm  417 , which contains the terminal end, extends downwards from the plane formed by plate  411 . Support arm  417 , which contains the terminal end, is adapted and configured to be inserted through the preformed slit of a shaft. When the weight of a bow is applied to bow rest  400 , first end section  412   b  and the terminal end serve to hold bow rest  400  at a desired height on the shaft.  
         [0045]    Additionally, plate  411  contains opening  416  between intermediate section  414  and first end section  412   a . Opening  416  is configured in shape and size such that a shaft may be inserted into opening  416  whenever support arms  417  are folded against plate  411  in the direction of second end section  413 . While opening  416  is illustrated as being generally circular in shape, it may be appreciated that opening  416  may be of any shape and size desired such that a shaft may be inserted into opening  416 . Further, it is understood that plate  411  may be constructed of any material displaying the necessary strength and rigidity to support the weight of a bow such as, for example, steel, aluminum, other metallic materials, composite materials, polymeric materials, wood or glass. Further, it is understood that plate  411  may be pivotally attached to mount  415  by any variety of devices and fasteners such as, for example, rivets or bolt and lock-nut combinations. Finally, it is understood that mount  415  may be of any configuration that can be fixed to a bow. Preferably, mount  415  is generally L-shaped and configured such that it may be fixed to a stabilizer hole on a bow with a bolt.  
         [0046]    Although the present invention has been described with particular reference to the above embodiments, it should be understood that many variations and modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and it should, therefore be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited by or to the specific disclosure herein, but includes all subject matter encompassed by the following claims and all equivalents thereof.