Patent Publication Number: US-2013233292-A1

Title: Archery bow mounting systems with integrated brackets

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority based on the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/481,574, filed Jun. 10, 2009. 
    
    
     The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for assisting archery bow hunters in making accurate shots while hunting. Generally, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the present invention discloses various archery bow mounting systems each similar in that they include a bracket integrated with an archery bow and include a support element coupled to the archery bow by the bracket. Most preferably, each archery bow mounting system is configured to give a bow hunter stability and range of motion when aiming an archery bow. The mounting system also provides a hunter with increased stability when firing an archery bow. The support element can comprise a monopod, bipod, tripod, etc. that is fixed in length or adjustable in length. 
     Archery bow hunting has become increasingly popular. While hunting, an archery bow hunter, in order to produce an accurate shot, performs simultaneously several different actions. First, the hunter uses one hand to hold the bow at full arm extension while drawing the bowstring with the other hand to the full extension of the bowstring. Second, the hunter then continues to hold the bowstring at full extension while aligning the sighting device on the bow with a target animal. Finally, the archer releases the bowstring while attempting to hold the bow steady and level until the arrow has exited the arrow rest on the bow. 
     Even experienced bow hunters can find it difficult to hold an archery bow steady while shooting an arrow. One reason holding a bow steady can be difficult is that the bow can be relatively heavy and weigh upwards of ten to fifteen pounds. Further, accessories mounted on the bow can alter the balance of the bow. Historically, various bow—stabilizing devices have been provided to assist in balancing an archery bow or in controlling the bow while the bow is used to shoot an arrow. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,589,350; 4,135,486; 4,491,123; 4,570,608; 4,907,567; 5,273,022; and 6,817,352. Such bow stabilizing devices include weighting devices that are attached to a bow to assist in balancing a bow and include support apparatus which is attached to an archery bow and which rests on the ground and provides support for the bow while the bow is used to fire an arrow. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,240,211; 7,047,960; 7,347,402, and US Patent Application 2005/0076896 disclose support elements for resting an archery bow on the ground. 
     The prior art also discloses a variety of archery bow stands. Such stands are used to releasably store an archery bow prior to the bow being used to fire an arrow. When a hunter wishes to utilize the stored bow, the hunter removes the bow from the bow stand and, when the bow is separate from the bow stand, uses the bow to fire an arrow. When an archery bow is in a bow stand, the bow normally can not, practically speaking, be used to fire an arrow. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,272,; 5,547,162, 5,619,981, 9,957,648, 6,749,170 and 7,314,199. U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,568 illustrates apparatus to stake an archery bow to a tree. 
     There are many different archery bow designs and different apparatus that can be mounted on an archery bow. This can require a stabilization device or bow stand to be specially designed in order to adapt to a particular archery bow and to the configuration of equipment mounted on the archery bow. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an archery bow mounting system which could couple to more than one archery bow design and to more than one configuration of a bow when auxiliary equipment is mounted on the bow. Also desirable is an archery bow mounting system which stabilizes an archery bow and permits the bow to be moved through a wide range of motion to position the bow prior to releasing an arrow from the bow. A mounting system which stabilizes the bow during firing is also desirable. Such a support system would also minimize physical fatigue associated with manipulating the bow and with holding the bow in a desired position and orientation prior to and during the release of an arrow from the bow. 
     Therefore, the present invention provides devices and methods to assist an archery bow hunter in making accurate shots with an arrow while hunting in any kind of terrain. Various universal archery bow mounting systems are, accordingly, provided to couple a support structure to an archery bow. Such mounting systems can be integrated in an archery bow by forming a bracket or other system component as a part of the bow or riser, or by providing means to detachably mount a bracket or other system component on an archery bow. In one embodiment of the invention, the support structure can, as noted, comprise a monopod which can be a substantially unitary member having a fixed length, or can be an adjustable member which permits the length of the monopod to be varied as desired: In another embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a bipod, tripod, etc. Each leg of such a bipod, tripod, etc. can be fixed in length or can be adjustable to vary the length of the leg. 
     In the event a monopod, bipod, etc. is, in accordance with the invention, mounted at the front of an archery bow, a bracket is provided to facilitate such a mount. In the event a monopod, bipod, etc. is, in accordance with the invention, mounted at the side of an archery bow, a bracket is provided to facilitate such a mount. If desired, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a bracket is provided which can mount a support structure either at the front or at the side of a bow. Preferably, but not necessarily, each bracket provided in accordance with the invention can, since the shape of dimension of prior art archery bows varies, be mounted on more than one archery bow design or configuration. 
     One important objective of the invention is to enable an archery bow to be manipulated through a wide range of motion. Such a range of motion preferably encompasses rotating an archery bow about one or more generally vertically oriented axes, rotating an archery bow about one or more generally horizontally oriented axes, tilting a bow forwardly and rearwardly, and tilting the bow from side to side, particularly with respect to uneven ground. 
    
    
     
       A more complete understanding of the present invention, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view illustrating one typical archery bow used for hunting and target practice; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustrating an archery bow mounting system including a monopod positioned at the front of an archery bow; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the mounting system of  FIG. 2  integrated with an archery bow of the kind illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view illustrating another archery bow mounting system including a monopod positioned at the side of an .archery bow; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view further illustrating the bracket utilized in the mounting system of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the integration of the mounting system of  FIG. 4  with an archery bow of the kind illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view illustrating still another mounting system constructed in accordance with the invention and including a monopod positioned at the side of an archery bow; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the integration of the mounting system of  FIG. 6  with an archery bow of the kind illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view illustrating yet another archery bow mounting system constructed in accordance with the invention and including a bipod positioned at the front of an archery bow; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the integration of the mounting system of  FIG. 8  with an archery bow of the kind illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view illustrating yet still another mounting system constructed in accordance with the invention and integrated with an archery bow of the kind illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating a bracket assembly constructed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, provided is a portable archery bow apparatus for transport to any of a plurality of locations to contact the ground at a selected point to provide support and stability while firing an arrow from the bow apparatus. The bow apparatus comprises a portable bow unit. The bow unit comprises a central riser. The central riser has an upper portion; a lower portion; a front and a rear; and, a pair of sides. The unit also comprises a hand grip on the central riser; a first upper limb connected to and extending outwardly from the upper portion of said riser; a second lower limb connected to and extending outwardly from the lower portion of the riser; and, rotatable members each mounted on one of the limbs and selected from a group consisting of wheels and cams. The bow apparatus also comprises only a single portable ground contacting support pole to contact the ground to provide stability while firing an arrow from the bow unit; and, a first mounting bracket below the hand grip and intermediate the hand grip and the second lower limb. The first mounting bracket supports the portable support pole; fixedly attaches the portable support pole directly to the central riser and spaced apart from the central riser such that the bow unit and the portable support pole move simultaneously in unison with the portable support pole remaining in fixed orientation with respect to the bow; and, provides a first stabilizing fixed point of attachment for the portable support pole, such that the portable support pole is positioned substantially completely beneath the hand grip and extends downwardly past the second lower limb. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, provided is a portable archery bow apparatus for transport to any of a plurality of locations to contact the ground at a selected point to provide support and stability while firing an arrow from the bow apparatus. The bow apparatus comprises a portable bow unit comprising a central riser having an upper portion, a lower portion, a front and a rear, and a pair of sides; a hand grip on the central riser; a first upper limb connected to and extending outwardly from the upper portion of the riser; a second lower limb connected to and extending outwardly from the lower portion of the riser; and, rotatable members each mounted on one of the limbs and selected from a group consisting of wheels and cams. The bow apparatus also comprises only a single portable ground contacting support pole to contact the ground to provide stability while firing an arrow from the bow unit; and, a first mounting bracket below the hand grip and intermediate the hand grip and the second lower limb. The first mounting bracket supports the portable support pole; fixedly attaches the portable support pole directly to the central riser and spaced apart from the central riser such that the bow unit and the portable support pole move simultaneously in unison with the portable support pole remaining in fixed orientation with respect to the bow; and, provides a first stabilizing fixed point of attachment for the portable support pole, such that the portable support pole is positioned substantially completely beneath the hand grip and extends downwardly past the second lower limb. The bow apparatus also comprises a pole stabilization configuration comprising an elongate arm interconnecting the support pole and the first mounting bracket. 
     In a further embodiment of the invention, provided is a portable archery bow apparatus for transport to any of a plurality of locations to contact the ground at a selected point to provide support and stability while firing an arrow from the bow apparatus. The bow apparatus comprises a portable bow unit comprising a central riser having an upper portion, a lower portion, a front and a rear, and a pair of sides; a hand grip on the central riser; a first upper limb connected to and extending outwardly from the upper portion of the riser; a second lower limb connected to and extending outwardly from the lower portion of said riser; and, rotatable members each mounted on one of the limbs and selected from a group consisting of wheels and cams. The bow apparatus also comprises only a single portable ground contacting support pole to contact the ground to provide stability while firing an arrow from the bow unit; and, a first mounting bracket below the hand grip and intermediate the hand grip and the lower limb. The first mounting bracket supports the portable support pole; fixedly attaches the portable support pole directly to the central riser such that the portable support pole is spaced apart from the central riser, and the bow unit and the pole move simultaneously in unison with the portable support pole remaining in fixed orientation with respect to the bow; and, provides a first stabilizing fixed point of attachment for said pole such that the portable support pole is positioned substantially completely beneath the hand grip and extends downwardly past the second lower limb. The bow apparatus also includes a second mounting bracket. The second mounting bracket fixedly attaches the portable support pole directly to the lower portion of the central riser at a point below and spaced apart from the first mounting bracket to provide a second fixed stabilizing point of attachment for the pole, and spaced apart from the central riser, such that said bow unit and said portable support pole move simultaneously in unison; and, provides a second stabilizing fixed point of attachment for the portable support pole such that the pole is positioned substantially beneath the hand grip and extends downwardly past the second lower limb. 
     In still another embodiment of the invention, provided is a portable archery bow apparatus for transport to any of a plurality of locations to contact the ground at a selected point to provide support and stability while firing an arrow from the bow apparatus. The bow apparatus comprises a portable bow unit comprising a central riser having an upper portion, a lower portion, a front and a rear, and a pair of sides; a hand grip on the central riser; a first upper limb connected to and extending outwardly from the upper portion of the riser; a second lower limb connected to and extending outwardly from said lower portion of said riser; and rotatable members each mounted on one of the limbs and selected from a group consisting of wheels and cams. The bow apparatus also comprises only a single portable ground contacting support pole to contact the ground to provide stability while firing an arrow from the bow unit; a first mounting bracket below the hand grip and intermediate the hand grip and the lower limb. The mounting bracket supports the portable support pole; fixedly attaches the portable support pole directly to the central riser such that the portable support pole is spaced apart from the central riser, and the bow unit and the pole move simultaneously in unison with the portable support pole remaining in fixed orientation with respect to the bow; and, provides a first stabilizing fixed point of attachment for the pole such that the portable support pole is positioned substantially completely beneath the hand grip and extends downwardly past the second lower limb. The bow apparatus also comprises a pole stabilization configuration comprising an elongate arm interconnecting the first mounting bracket and the support pole to provide for the support pole at the elongate arm a second fixed stabilizing point of attachment. The bow apparatus also comprises a second mounting bracket fixedly attaching the elongate arm directly to the lower portion of the central riser at a point below and spaced apart from the first mounting bracket and the central riser to provide for the arm at the second mounting bracket a third fixed stabilizing point of attachment to stabilize the pole such that the bow unit and the portable support pole move simultaneously in unison, and the pole is positioned substantially beneath the hand grip and extends downwardly past the second lower limb. 
     The detailed description of the invention herein shows various exemplary embodiments and the best modes known to the inventors. These exemplary embodiments and modes are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following disclosure is intended to teach both the implementation of the exemplary embodiments and modes and any equivalent modes or embodiments that are known or obvious to those of reasonable skill in the art. Additionally, all included figures are non-limiting illustrations of the exemplary embodiments and modes, which similarly avail themselves to any equivalent modes or embodiments that are known or obvious to those of reasonable skill in the art. 
     A standard archery bow  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  and has a central riser  2 . Central riser  2  comprises the intermediate section of the bow and terminates at either end where each of the limbs is attached via limb bolts  3 . Accessories can be attached to the archery bow at any desired location but typically are mounted on the central riser  2 . Each limb  3 A,  3 B is connected to central riser  2  by a different one of limb bolts  3 . A wheel, or cam,  5  is rotatably mounted on the distal end of each one of limbs  3 A,  3 B. Tensioned archery string  4  extends between and around wheels  5 . Central riser  2  includes hand grip  6  positioned just below the mid-point of riser  2 . Bushing  7  is positioned below and adjacent hand grip  6 . Bushing  7  is an externally threaded bushing which is turned into an aperture formed in riser  2 . Bushing  7  also includes an internally threaded 5/16, #24 aperture  68  ( FIG. 3 ) formed therein and positioned on the front of riser  2  of bow  100 . Bushing  7  is commonly termed a stabilizer bushing and is used to mount on the bow a stabilizer device, a support element, fishing line and reel, tracking string, or any other desired device or attachment. 
     As referenced above, the configuration and architecture of each archery bow varies from one bow manufacturer to another as well as the result of personal modifications made by archers to their bows. For example, the shape and size of main body  1  typically varies from one archery bow manufacturer to another and varies between different models produced by the same manufacturer. As a result, the shape of the central riser  2 , the position of the limb bolts, the position and shape of hand grip  6 , and the position of the stabilizer bushing  7  can vary from one archery bow manufacturer to another and can vary between different models produced by the same manufacturer. Consequently, stabilization devices which are intended to be attached to an archery bow often must compensate for different bow designs by being specially configured to attach to each particular bow. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the invention,  FIG. 2  illustrates a mounting system  8  adapted for attachment to different bow designs. The system  8  includes a bracket assembly including unitary bracket  9  provided for integration with an archery bow; and includes a monopod support assembly including monopod support element, or pole,  10 . Bracket  9  is operatively associated with the monopod support assembly to mount pole  10  on bracket  9 . 
     The bracket assembly also includes externally threaded bolt or fastener  14 . Bolt  14  extends through ovate aperture  13  and turn into an internally threaded aperture  68  ( FIG. 3 ) formed in stabilizer bushing  7  to couple and fixedly detachably secure bracket  9  to bushing  7 . Ovate aperture  13  permits the position of bracket  9  on bushing  7  to be slidably adjusted laterally in the manner indicated by arrows F and G in  FIG. 2 . Once bracket  9  is slidably adjusted to a desired position, bolt  14  is used to tighten bracket  9  in the desired position. 
     Bracket  9  includes outwardly extending leg, or extension,  15 . Extension  15  includes spaced apart elongate parallel slots  63  and  65  formed in either side of extension  15  and laterally from elongate slot  64 . 
     Bracket  9  is shaped and dimensioned to be integrated and coupled with riser  2  and be mounted on stabilizer bushing  7  ( FIG. 1 ). Bracket  9  is operatively associated with the monopod support assembly to mount pole  10  on bracket  9  in a selected fixed position. 
     The monopod support assembly also includes internally threaded collar element “ce”, orthogonal member  60 , and externally threaded fastener  18 . 
     Member  60  includes aperture  16  and at least a pair of internally threaded apertures  61 . Each aperture  61  receives one of a pair of externally threaded fasteners  62 . Each fastener  62  extends through slot  63 , and into one of apertures  61 . The position of member  60  in slot  64  is slidably adjusted therealong. The position of member  60  in slot  64  is fixed when each fastener  62  is inserted through slot  63  and is turned and tightened in an aperture  61 . 
     Element “ce” is configured to mount fixedly on or in the upper end of pole  10 . Fastener  18  extends through aperture  16  and turns into collar element ce. 
     Although any desired construct can be utilized to provide additional support and stabilization for pole  10 , at present three separate supplemental pole stabilization configurations are presently preferred in the practice of the invention. 
     Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 1 
     The first pole stabilization configuration basically utilizes elongate arm  35  in conjunction with collar element  66  and bracket  8 . Fasteners  62  each extend through an opening  69  formed in the upper end of arm  35 , through slot  63 , and into an aperture  61  formed in orthogonal member  60 . Collar element  66  is mounted on an intermediate portion of pole  10 . An externally threaded fastener  21 A extends through slot  38  (or some other opening formed through the lower end of arm  35 ) and turns into an internally threaded opening  66 A formed in collar element  66 . 
     In the first pole stabilization configuration, pole  10  is anchored to the riser  2  of bow  100  only via bracket  9 . The lower end of arm  35  is not connected to bow  100 , nor is pole  10  connected to bow  100  at a second point separate from the point at which bracket  9  is connected to riser  2 . 
     The first pole stabilization configuration is also illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  in conjunction with bracket  24 A. 
     Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 2 
     The second pole stabilization configuration secures pole  10  to bow  100  at a second attachment point on riser  2  which is located below and spaced apart from bracket  9 . Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 2 does not utilize arm  35 , collar element  66 , or fastener  21 A. Instead, Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 2 utilizes brackets  19  and  20  and fastener  21  and limb bolt  3 . Fastener  21  extends through apertures in brackets  20  and  19  to attach bracket  19  to bracket  20 . Limb bolt  3  extends through an aperture in bracket  20  (which aperture is concealed behind the lower end of arm  35  in  FIG. 2 ) to attach bracket  20  to riser  2 , or, to attach bracket  20  to any other desired location on the lower riser of bow  100 . As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, a fastener other than limb bolt  3  can be utilized to secure bracket  20  to riser  2 . 
     Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 3 
     The third pole stabilization configuration basically utilizes elongate arm  35  in conjunction with a bracket  20  and with collar element  66 . Fasteners  62  each extend through an opening  69  formed in the upper end of arm, through slot  63 , and into an aperture  61  formed in orthogonal member  60 . The lower end of arm  35  is connected to riser mounting bracket  20  by an externally threaded fastener  21  or  21 A. Fastener  21  also extends into internally threaded aperture  66 A formed in collar element member  66 . Collar element  66  is mounted on an intermediate portion of pole  10  at a location spaced apart from bracket  9 . Bracket  20  is connected to riser  2  by an externally threaded limb bolt  3 , or is otherwise connected to riser  2 . An alternate embodiment of the invention attaches collar element  66  at the lower end of arm  35  and attaches bracket  20  to arm  35  at a point intermediate the lower end of arm  35  and bracket  9 . Bracket  20  is used to connect arm  35  to riser  2  to help anchor pole  10  to the riser. 
     In the third pole stabilization configuration, both the lower end of arm  35  and pole  10  are anchored to riser  2  at a point spaced apart from bracket  9 . 
     As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the various brackets  20  or collar elements  66  utilized to secure the lower end of arm  35  to pole  10  or to riser  2 , or to secured pole  10  to the lower end of arm  35 , can be shaped and dimensioned as desired. 
     The bracket assembly, monopod support assembly, and, if desired one of the pole stabilization configuration noted above are, in the manner described above, used to adjustably fixedly attach pole  10  to an archery bow in a selected fixed position. The particular fixed position of pole  10  with respect to an archery bow can, as noted, be adjusted by slidably positioning orthogonal member  60  along slot  64  to move pole  10  toward or away from the from the front of the bow. Once, however, a desired position is selected and member  60  is secured in that position, pole  10  is in a fixed position such that pole  10  moves in unison and simultaneously with the bow, i.e., the pole  10  and bow tilt or rotate simultaneously together through the same arc and at the same rate or speed. When the lower end  70  of pole  10  is placed on the ground, pole  10  supports the archery bow and, at the same time, provides an archer with freedom to move the bow through wide ranges of motion. For example, the bow can be rotated about the longitudinal vertical axis of pole  10  in the manner indicated by arrow A in  FIG. 3 , wherein the bow and pole  10  rotate simultaneously about said axis. And, the bow can, simultaneously with pole  10 , be tilted forwardly in the manner indicated by arrow C in  FIG. 3 , be tilted rearwardly in the manner indicated by arrow B in  FIG. 3 , be tilted to one side as indicated by arrow D, to the other side as indicated by arrow E, etc. The freedom of movement accorded by the mounting system  8  facilitates an archer in aiming the bow, in holding the bow in a drawn position, and in improving the accuracy of an arrow fired from the bow. 
     The mounting system  8  is comprised of relatively small lightweight components, and pole  10  can be fabricated from aluminum, from carbon fiber, from a polymer, or from some other lightweight material. Consequently, mounting system  8  is, by its nature, lightweight and facilitates a hunter or archer carrying a bow with the mounting system  8  installed on the bow. 
     Utilization of the pole stabilization assembly  11  is optional. Although assembly  11  further stabilizes pole  10 , the invention of  FIG. 2  can be employed without utilizing assembly  11 . 
     Bracket  9  is shaped and dimensioned to couple with and be mounted on stabilizer bushing  7  ( FIG. 1 ). Bracket  9  includes a pair  71 ,  72  of flat inner planar faces which co-terminate. Faces  71 ,  72  presently are perpendicular to one another, although the angle between faces  71  and  72  can vary as desired and can greater or less than ninety degrees. The length, indicated by reference character  12 , of face  71  can vary as desired but is selected to provide a contact surface area between face  71  and a side of riser  2  sufficient to provide, when bracket  9  is mounted on riser  2 , reasonable stability and rigidity between pole  10  and the bow. Similarly, the length, indicated by reference character “a” in  FIG. 2 , of face  72  can vary as desired but is selected to provide a contact surface area between face  72  and the front of riser  2  or bushing  7  sufficient to provide, when bracket  9  is mounted on the bow, reasonable stability and rigidity between pole  10  and the bow. When the lower end, or foot,  70  of pole  10  rests on the ground, pole  10  supports the weight of the archery bow mounted on top of pole  10 . Further, when lower end  70  rests on the ground, the weight or movement of the archery bow and the resistance of the ground to any movement of lower end  70  can produce a torque force which operates to bend pole  10  and which operates to loosen bracket  9  from points of contact with bushing  7 . The construction of bracket  9  and the surface areas of faces  71  and  72  are designed to insure that under normal operational parameters bracket  9  remains in fixed position and in contact with a side of riser  2  and respect to the front of riser  2  or to bushing  7  while the archery bow is manipulated and then held in fixed position to aim and fire, respectively, an arrow from the bow. 
     The shape and dimension of fastener  14  and slot  13  can vary as desired. Currently slot  13  has a length in the range of about 5/16 inch to one and a half inches, more preferably about one-half to one inch. Most preferably slot  13  has a length of about three-quarters of an inch. Fastener  14  presently comprises a 5/16, #24 stabilizer bolt. The height of ovate slot  13  can vary as necessary to receive a fastener having a given diameter. 
     The width, indicated by the bracket associated with reference character “a” in  FIG. 2 , of face  72  is in the range of three-quarters to about two and one-half inches, and preferably about seven-eights of an inch to two inches. More preferably, the width of face  72  is about one inch. 
     If desired, bracket  9  need not include an adjustable extension  15  which permits the position of pole  10  to be adjusted toward or away from the front of a bow. Instead, the pole  10  can be attached to bracket  9  at only a single non-adjustable location. 
     When an adjustable extension  15  is provided in bracket  9 , the length of extension  15  can vary as desired, and extension  15  is shaped and dimensioned to permit pole  10  to be positioned along extension  15  such that pole  10  clears main body  1  and limb bolts  3 . Currently, the overall length of extension  15  is in the range of about two to ten inches, and preferably in the range of about four to eight inches. More preferably, the length of extension  15  is about six inches. 
     The diameter, or width, of pole  10  can vary as desired but is presently in the range of about one-half to one inch, preferably about five-eighths to seven-eighths of an inch. More preferably, the present diameter of pole  10  is about three-fourths of an inch. 
     The length of pole  10  can vary as desired but is presently in the range of about eighteen inches to about five feet, preferably about two feet to three feet. More preferably, pole  10  currently has a length of about thirty-four inches. 
     As noted, any pole  10  utilized in any embodiment of the invention described herein can be provided in an adjustable or non-adjustable configuration. Adjustable configurations include telescoping poles, a pole with a shock mechanism (gas, air, etc.) or spring mechanism incorporated therein, and any other configuration such as, for example, a spring lock which permits the length of pole  10  to vary or be adjusted. Various adjustable telescoping pole constructions are well known in the art and are not further detailed herein. 
     In order to better distribute the weight supported by lower end  70  when lower end  70  is set on the ground, the size or “foot print” of lower end  70  can be expanded as desired such that the size of the surface area resting on and contacting the ground is increased. 
     In  FIG. 3 , bracket  9  is secured to the front of archery bow  100  by inserting externally threaded fastener  14  through ovate aperture  13  of bracket  9  and by then turning the distal end of fastener  14  into internally aperture  68  of stabilizer bushing  7  to fixedly detachably secure bracket  9  to the front of bow  100 . Pole  10  can be attached to bracket  9  prior to or after bracket  9  is secured to the front of bow  100 . When bracket  9  is secured to the front of bow  100 , faces  71  and  72  contact, are flush with, and are securely maintained in contact with a side of riser  2  and with the front of riser  2  or stabilizer bushing  7 . Prior to tightening fastener  14  to secure bracket  9  to bushing  7 , bracket can be slid laterally over fastener  14  to adjust the position of bracket  9  so that faces  71  and  72  each contact riser  2  and in essence bound and frame one side and the front of riser  2 . 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,  FIGS. 4 and 4A  illustrate a mounting system  23  adapted for attachment to different bow designs. The system  23  includes a bracket assembly including unitary mounting bracket  24  provided for integration with an archery bow; and includes a monopod support assembly including monopod support element, or pole,  10 . Bracket  24  is operatively associated with the monopod support assembly to mount pole  10  on bracket  24 . 
     The bracket assembly of  FIGS. 4 and 4A  also includes externally threaded bolt or hand nut  28 . Bolt  28  extends through ovate aperture  27  and turns into an aperture  68  ( FIG. 3 ) formed in stabilizer bushing  7  to couple bracket  24  to bushing  7  at the front of an archery bow  100 . Ovate aperture  27  permits the position of bracket  24  on bushing  7  to be slidably adjusted laterally in the same manner that bracket  9  is adjusted as indicated by arrows F and G in  FIG. 2 . One advantage of ovate aperture  27  (and ovate aperture  13 ) is that it permits bracket  24  to be adjusted laterally to accommodate various central riser widths. Once bracket  24  is slidably adjusted to a desired position, fastener  28  is used to tighten bracket  24  in the desired position in which bracket  24  bounds and frames the front and one side of riser  2 . 
     Bracket  24  is shaped and dimensioned to couple and be integrated with riser  2  and be mounted on stabilizer bushing  7  ( FIG. 1 ). Bracket  24  is operatively associated with the monopod support assembly of  FIGS. 4 and 4A  to mount pole  10  on bracket  24  in a selected fixed position at the side of an archery bow. 
     The monopod support assembly of  FIGS. 4 and 4A  can also, if desired include a collar element  25  and externally threaded fastener  29 . Collar element  25  is slidably inserted in the upper end of hollow pole  10  and fixedly secured therein with adhesive, with a fastener, by welding, etc. Fastener  29  is inserted through aperture  31  and turned into internally threaded aperture  30  to secure fixedly collar element  25  and pole  10  to bracket  24 , and therefore to an archery bow  100  on which bracket  24  is mounted. Collar element  25  includes a ledge or lip “s”. The lower edge of bracket  24  seats on ledge “s”; this prevents pole  10  from rotating about fastener  29  and from rotating with respect to bracket  24 . Pole  10  can, if desired, be directly attached to bracket  24  without utilizing collar element  25 . 
     The mounting system  23  is, as is mounting system  8 , comprised of relatively small lightweight components, and pole  10  can be fabricated from aluminum, from carbon fibers, from a polymer, or from some other lightweight material. Consequently, mounting system  23  is, by its nature, lightweight and facilitates a hunter or archer carrying a bow with the mounting system  23  installed on the bow. 
     Bracket  24  is shaped and dimensioned to couple with and be mounted on riser  2  and stabilizer bushing  7  ( FIG. 1 ). Bracket  24  includes a pair  81 ,  82  of flat inner planar faces which co-terminate. Faces  81 ,  82  presently are perpendicular to one another, although the angle between faces  81  and  82  can, as was the case with faces  71  and  72 , vary as desired and can be greater or less than ninety degrees. The length, indicated by reference character  26 , of face  81  can vary as desired but is selected to provide a contact surface area between face  81  and a side of riser  2  sufficient to provide reasonable stability and rigidity between pole  10  and the bow. In one embodiment of the invention the length of face  81  (or face  71 ) is about equivalent to the depth of riser  2 , which depth extends from the front of riser  2  to the rear of riser  2 . The length of face  81  is in the range of one to five inches, preferably one and one-half inches to two inches. 
     Similarly, the length, indicated by reference character “c” in  FIG. 4 , of face  82  can vary as desired but is selected to provide a contact surface area between face  82  and the front of riser  2  or bushing  7  sufficient to provide reasonable stability and rigidity between pole  10  and the bow. The length of face  82  is in the range of about one and one-half to three inches. More preferably, the length of face  82  is about one inch. 
     Regardless of the shape and dimension and size and orientation of faces  81  and  82 , it (as is the case with faces  71  and  72  and bracket  9 ) is desired that, when bracket  24  is mounted on a bow  100 , each face  81  and  82  contacts and is flush either (1) with a side of riser  2  (as is the case for face  81 ) or (2) with the front of riser  2  or with bushing  7  (as is the case for face  82 ). 
     The overall width, indicated by dimension “d” in  FIG. 4A , of bracket  24  is in the range of one inch to five inches, preferably one and one-half to three inches. More preferably, the overall length of bracket  24  is about two and one-quarter inches. The width “d” ( FIG. 4A ) is sufficient such that pole  10  is spaced apart from riser  2  and clears the lower limb  3 B as pole  10  extends downwardly past lower limb  3 B toward the ground. Lower end  70  of pole  10  normally rests on the ground when an archer is aiming and firing bow  100 . 
     When the lower end, or foot,  70  of pole  10  rests on the ground, pole  10  supports the weight of an archery bow  100  mounted on top of pole  10 . Further, when lower end  70  rests on the ground, the weight or movement of the archery bow and the resistance of the ground to any movement of lower end  70  can produce a torque force which operate to bend pole  10  and which operates to loosen bracket  24  from points of contact with bushing  7 . The construction of bracket  24  and the surface areas of faces  81  and  82  are designed to insure that under normal operational parameters bracket  24  remains in fixed position and contacts a side of riser  2  and the front of riser  2  or bushing  7  while the archery bow is first manipulated to aim the bow and is then held in fixed position to fire, respectively, an arrow from the bow. 
     The shape and dimension of fastener  28  and slot  27  can, as was the case with fastener  14  and slot  13 , vary as desired. The current and preferred dimensions of fastener  28  and slot  27  are equivalent to those discussed with reference to fastener  14  and slot  13 . 
     The diameter and length of pole  10  can vary as desired, but is equivalent to those earlier discussed with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The length of pole  10  as used in the embodiment of the invention set forth in  FIGS. 4 and 4A  may, as earlier discussed with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , be adjustable or non-adjustable, which is the case with respect to any archery bow support pole  10 ,  44  (in a monopod, bipod, tripod, etc.) in any of the embodiments of the invention set forth herein. 
     When mounting system  23  is placed on a bow  100  in the manner suggested in  FIG. 5  and lower end  70  of pole  10  in  FIG. 4  is placed on the ground, pole  10  supports the archery bow  100  and, at the same time, provides an archer with freedom to move the bow  100  through wide ranges of motion. For example, the bow can be rotated about the longitudinal vertical axis of pole  10  in the same manner as that indicated by arrow A in  FIG. 3 , wherein the bow and pole  10  rotate simultaneously about said axis. And, the bow can, simultaneously with pole  10  in  FIG. 4 , be tilted forwardly in the same manner indicated by arrow C in  FIG. 3 , be tilted rearwardly in the same manner indicated by arrow B in  FIG. 3 , be tilted to one side as the same manner indicated by arrow D in  FIG. 3 , be tilted to the other side in the same manner indicated by arrow E in  FIG. 3 , etc. Being able to move an archery bow in this fashion enables an archer both to manipulate the three dimensional orientation of the bow and to vary the height of the bow above the ground. The freedom of movement accorded by the mounting system  23  (or by mounting system  8 ) facilitates an archer positioning a bow prior to holding the bow in a selected fixed position and firing an arrow from the bow while it is in the selected fixed position. 
     In  FIG. 5 , bracket  24  is secured to the front of a bow  100  by inserting externally threaded fastener  28  through aperture  27  and turning the distal end of fastener  28  into internally threaded aperture  68  of bushing  7  of bow  100 . Pole  10  is secured to bracket  24  before or after bracket  24  is secured to the front of bow  100 . When bracket  24  is secured to bushing  7  at the front of bow  100 , faces  81  and  82  contact, are flush with, and are securely maintained in contact with a side of riser  2  (i.e., face  81 ) and the front of riser  2  or bushing  7  (i.e., face  82 ). 
       FIG. 5  also depicts collar element  17  utilized to secure an intermediate portion of pole  10  to a second stabilization point on riser  2  of bow  100 . Collar element  17  functions in a manner comparable to brackets  19  and  20  in  FIG. 2 . The pole stabilization configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5  is comparable to Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 2 described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, a supplemental pole stabilization configuration comparable to Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 1, 2 or 3 can, if desired, be incorporated with mounting system  23 , or with any other mounting system described herein. For example,  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  10  illustrate “side” mounting systems in which a pole  10  is positioned laterally to one side of riser  2 . Pole stabilization configurations comparable to Pole Stabilization Configurations 1, 2 or 3 can, if desired, be utilized in such side mounting systems. To put a finer point on it,  FIGS. 5 and 10  each illustrate a pole stabilization configuration generally comparable to Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 2 discussed above.  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate a pole stabilization configuration generally comparable to Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 1 discussed above. And, of course, the pole stabilization configurations in  FIGS. 5 and 10  can be combined with the pole stabilization configuration in  FIGS. 6 and 7  to produce a pole stabilization configuration comparable to Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 3 set forth above. 
     A supplemental pole stabilization configuration  34  comparable to Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 1 described above is illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The mounting system in  FIG. 6  includes a bracket assembly and a monopod support assembly including monopod support element which is equivalent to the bracket assembly and monopod support assembly of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , except that the bracket  24  has, in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , been replaced in  FIGS. 6 and 7  by bracket  24 A. Bracket  24 A is substantially identical to bracket  24  except that (1) internally threaded apertures  83  have been formed in bracket  24 A to receive externally threaded fasteners  36 , and (2) aperture  84  has been formed in bracket  24 A to reduce the weight of bracket  24 A. 
     The supplemental pole stabilization configuration  34  is comparable to Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 1 described above in that it includes arm  35  with elongate slot  38  formed therein, includes fasteners  36 , and includes collar element  37 . Pole stabilization configuration  34  is utilized in conjunction with the mounting system illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Pole stabilization configuration  34  also includes fasteners  36  and collar element  37 . Collar element  37  is fixedly detachably mounted on pole  10  and a fastener is inserted through slot  38  and turned into an internally threaded aperture formed in collar element  37  in order to secure the lower end of arm  35  to pole  10 . Fasteners  36  are used in the manner noted above to secure the upper end of arm  35  to bracket  24 A. The shape and dimension of arm  35  can vary as desired. Bar  35  presently has a length in the range of four to sixteen inches, preferably in the range of six to fourteen inches. More preferably, the length of bar presently is about twelve inches. Bracket  24 A is mounted on riser  2  and bushing  7  in the same manner as that earlier described for brackets  9  and  24 . In  FIG. 6 , pole  10  is again mounted at one side of an archery bow. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates how the mounting system of  FIG. 6  is affixed to an archery bow  100  to position pole  10  at one side of bow  100 . Fastener  28  is inserted through aperture  27  and threaded into internally threaded aperture  68  to secure bracket  24 A to bushing  7  of bow  100 . When bracket  24 A is secured to the front of bow  100 , perpendicular inner faces (comparable to face pairs  71 - 72  and  81 - 82 ) of bracket  24 A contact, are flush with, and are securely maintained in contact with a side surface of riser  2 , and, with a surface on the front of riser  2  or on bushing  7 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a mounting system  39  which is integrated with a bow  100  and which includes a bracket assembly including unitary bracket  40  provided for integration with an archery bow, and includes a bipod support assembly  41  including a pair of support poles  44 . Bracket  40  is operatively associated with the bipod support assembly  41  to mount poles  44  on bracket  40 . 
     As can readily be seen with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 8 , bracket  40  is identical in structure to bracket  9 , except that bracket  9  includes a leg with face  71  whereas bracket  40  does not include such a leg. Elongate slots “e” correspond to slots  63  and  65  in  FIG. 2 . The ovate aperture formed in portion “a” of bracket  40  corresponds to ovate aperture  13 . In one embodiment of the invention, the ovate aperture formed in portion “a” of bracket  40  preferably is not ovate, but is cylindrical. Rectangular slot  93  corresponds to slot  64 . Slot  93  extends substantially the entire distance along the length of bracket  40  represented by bracket “b”. 
     Orthogonal member  86  includes internally threaded apertures  87  formed at either end, and includes internally threaded aperture  92  formed in the center of member  86 . Each such internally threaded aperture  87  receives one of externally threaded fasteners  47  after fastener  47  is inserted through an aperture  88  formed in the associated cylindrical collar element  45 . Each cylindrical collar element  45  is fixedly secured to the upper end of a different one of poles  44  in the same manner that cylindrical collar element  25  is secured in the upper end of pole  10  in  FIG. 6 . Aperture  92  receives externally threaded fastener  42  after it is inserted through the aperture in the center of member  85  and through slot  93 . 
     Fastener  42  in  FIG. 8  is identical to fastener  18  and orthogonal member  85  in  FIG. 8  is identical to member  60  in  FIG. 2 . 
     Fastener  42  extends through the aperture formed through the center of orthogonal member  85 , through slot  93 , and into aperture  92  formed in orthogonal member  86 . Consequently, until externally threaded fasteners are inserted through a slot  93  and into internally apertures formed in a side of member  85  to secure member  85  in place in the elongate slot  102  extending distance b, member  85  and orthogonal member  86  are free to slide along said elongate slot  102  such that member  86 , and therefore poles  44 , can be positioned a desired distance from the front of a bow  100 . 
     Each collar element  50  is mounted below the upper end of a leg  44  and on an intermediate portion of a different one of poles  44 . 
     Each fastener  52  extends through an aperture  89  formed at a different end of support rib  48  and turns into a different one of internally threaded apertures  91  of collar elements  50 . 
     Bow guide assembly  46  includes collar elements  50 , rib  48 , fasteners  51  and  52 , and body bracket  49 . Bow guide  46  functions to couple legs  44  to riser  2  of a bow  100  at a second lower point of attachment. Use of bow guide assembly  46  is optional. Guide assembly  46  functions in a manner comparable to Pole Stabilization Configuration No. 2. 
     In use of assembly  46 , externally threaded fastener  51  is inserted through slot  90  in rib  48  and threads into aperture  95  of body bracket  49 . Body bracket  49  is, to provide a second lower point of attachment to an archery bow, secured to the riser  2  of an archery bow, preferably at or near a limb bolt  3 . The first point of attachment occurs when bracket  40  is secured to bushing  7  at the front of a bow  100  in the same manner that bracket  9  is secured to bushing  7 . The second point of attachment is on the riser  2  and is spaced apart from the first point of attachment, as is also the case in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  5 , and  10 . 
     Mounting system  39  is attached to the front of an archery bow  100  such that legs  44  generally lie in a vertical plane which is generally parallel to the front of the bow and which is generally perpendicular to the sides of the bow. 
     The attachment of mounting system  39  to the front of a bow  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Externally threaded fastener  103  extends through the ovate aperture  104  in bracket  40  and is threaded into internally threaded aperture  68  formed in the stabilizer bushing  7  of bow  100  such that bow  100  can be rotated independently of bracket  40  about fastener  103  and horizontally oriented Axis  1  in the manner indicated by arrows G, and such that bow  100  and bracket  40  can be swiveled, or rotated, simultaneously about fastener  42  and vertically oriented Axis  2  in the manner indicated by arrows H. Further, bow  100  and legs can be simultaneously tilted forwardly or rearwardly as indicated by arrows F in  FIG. 9 . When bracket  40  is secured to the front of bow  100 , at least one face on bracket  40  (or on bracket  9 ,  24 ,  24 A) contacts, is flush with, and is securely maintained in contact with at least one surface on the front of riser  2  or on bushing  7 . 
     In  FIG. 10  bracket, or riser boss,  53  is integrated with bow  100  by molding or otherwise forming bracket  53  together the central riser such that bracket  53  comprises a portion of the central riser of bow  100 . Bracket  53  is still, as can be seen in  FIG. 10 , positioned beneath the bow handle. 
     Bracket, or riser boss,  53  includes an internally threaded aperture  30 A (or other desired fastening system) which, in the same manner as aperture  30  in  FIGS. 4 to 7 , permits a pole  10  to be attached to the side of a bow by utilizing mounting apparatus of the type described in  FIGS. 4 to 7  or by utilizing any other desired mounting apparatus. 
     Bushing  7  includes an internally threaded aperture  68 A (or other desired fastening system) which, in the same manner as aperture  68  in  FIG. 3 , permits a pole  10  to be attached at the front of a bow  100  by utilizing apparatus of the type described in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  8 ,  9  or by utilizing any other desired mounting apparatus. 
     A second point of attachment  54  for a pole  10  is also shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     The mounting system for bow  100  illustrated in  FIG. 10 , which mounting system includes pole  10 , bracket or riser boss  53 , and the other associated components therewith, is essentially equivalent to the mounting system  23  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , except that fastener  28  is not required because bracket  53  is integrated in bow  100  by forming bracket  53  as part of the central riser  2 . And, any of the various adjust or non-adjustable configurations of pole  10  can, as is the case of every mounting system described herein, can be utilized in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 10 . If desired, boss  53  is detachably mounted on bow  100 . 
     The mounting system for bow  100  which is illustrated in  FIG. 10  also includes lower bracket, or lower rise boss,  54 . Lower riser boss  54  is essentially equivalent to the mounting collar element  17  illustrated in  FIG. 5 , except that a fastener is not, in contrast to collar element  17 , required to secure boss  54  to bow  100  because bracket  54  is integrated in bow  100  by forming bracket  54  as part of the central riser  2 . If desired, boss  54  is detachably mounted on bow  100 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an alternate bracket  24 B constructed in accordance with the invention and including generally orthogonal members  70  and  77 . Member  70  includes L-shaped aperture  71  formed therethrough, includes internally threaded aperture  72 , and includes internally threaded aperture  73 . Elongate dovetail  74  is slidably received by elongate dovetail-shaped opening  75  formed in member  77 . Ovate aperture  76  is formed through member  77 . The externally threaded end of aperture  78  extends through aperture  76  and turns into an internally threaded aperture (not visible) that extends into dovetail  74 . A fastener (not shown) comparable to fastener  28  ( FIG. 5 ) extends through aperture  79  and turns into internally threaded aperture  68  of bow  100  to secure member  77  to the front of bow  100 . Once member  77  is secured to the front of bow  100 , member  70  can be slidably adjusted with respect to member  77  by loosening fastener  78  and laterally sliding member  70  such that fastener  78  slides along aperture  76  to a desired position. After member  70  and fastener  78  are slid to the desired position, fastener  78  is turned into the aperture (not visible) formed in dovetail  74  so that member  70  is secured in fixed position with respect to member  77 . Monopole  10  is secured to bracket  24 B by turning a fastener, for example fastener  29  in  FIG. 4A , into internally threaded aperture  73 . The faces of members  70  and  77  of bracket  24 B contacts the side and front of riser  2  in a manner similar to that of brackets  24  and  24 A. 
     One of reasonable skill in the art understands that all of the above exemplary embodiments of this invention can be manufactured from multiple different materials and that all materials known in the art suitable for producing all embodiments herein as described above, both in the detailed description of the invention and in the figures, are contemplated and taught herein. Preferably, in accordance with the various exemplary embodiments of the invention, all of the parts disclosed herein are produced at least in part from at least one of a plastic, metal, fiberglass, carbon/graphite, nylon, or a ceramic material. 
     Moreover, unless specifically noted, it is Applicant&#39;s intent that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given the commonly accepted generic meaning or an ordinary and accustomed meaning used by those of reasonable skill in the applicable arts. In the instance where these meanings differ, the words and phrases in the specification and the claims should be given the broadest possible generic meaning. If it is intended to limit or narrow these meanings, specific descriptive adjectives will be used. 
     Absent the use of these specific adjectives, the words and phrases in the specification and the claims should be given the broadest possible meaning. If any other special meaning is intended for any word or phrase, the specification will clearly state and define the special meaning. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “includes”, or any variation thereof are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but can also include other elements not expressly listed and equivalents inherently known or obvious to those of reasonable skill in the art. Other combinations and/or modifications of structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the instant invention, in addition to those specifically recited, can be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the scope of the instant invention and are intended to be included in this disclosure. 
     The use of the words “function”, “means” or “step” in the specification or claims is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 USC 112, Paragraph 6, to define the invention. To the contrary , if such provisions are intended to be invoked to define the invention, then the claims will specifically state the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function. Contrastingly, the intention is NOT to invoke such provision when the claims cite a “means for” or a “step for” performing a function with recitation of any structure, material, or act in support of the function. If such provision is invoked to define the invention it is intended that the invention not be limited only to the specific structure, materials, or act that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition to include any and all structures, materials, or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all know or later-developed equivalent materials, structures, or acts for performing the claimed function.