Patent Publication Number: US-10782087-B2

Title: Archery vibration damper

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/804,831 filed 11 Jun. 2017 which in turn claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 62/437,041 filed 20 Dec. 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application hereby incorporates by reference U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,016,268 and 5,273,022. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates to the field of mechanical weights and vibration dampers, devices for limiting and absorbing mechanical vibration, particularly devices utilized in conjunction with archery bows. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In archery, it is sometimes useful to have a vibration damper which is attached to an archery bow. Such a vibration damper may reduce shock and vibration that is felt by the user of an archery bow after release. Older model vibration dampers were single piece construction units with no ability to customize or integrate different component parts. 
     SUMMARY 
     Systems here include assembly embodiments for damping vibration, including an exo-skeleton with two openings, two inner cores, configured to mount inside the exo-skeleton, two independent fasteners, each with an attachment end and a flange end, wherein the two independent fastener flange ends are mounted inside the exo-skeleton, each in one of the inner cores, and the two independent fastener attachment ends extending out of their respective opening of the exo-skeleton. In some embodiments, the exo-skeleton is made of two pieces. 
     In some embodiments the exo-skeleton includes internal pillars configured to hold the two inner cores in place. In some examples, the two inner cores are made of different material. 
     Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, each of the two inner cores have different durometers. In some examples, two independent fasteners are configured to mount inside the two inner cores and remain separated. In some embodiments, the two pieces of the exo-skeleton are held together by bolts. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the embodiments described in this application, reference should be made to the Detailed Description below, in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures. 
         FIG. 1  is a drawing showing example overview according to certain embodiments disclosed here. 
         FIG. 2  is a drawing showing example exterior embodiments according to certain embodiments disclosed here. 
         FIG. 3  is a drawing showing example exploded view embodiments according to certain embodiments disclosed here. 
         FIG. 4  is a drawing showing example cut away view embodiments according to certain embodiments disclosed here. 
         FIG. 5  is a drawing showing more example cut away view embodiments according to certain embodiments disclosed here. 
         FIG. 6  is a drawing showing example end-on exterior view embodiments according to certain embodiments disclosed here. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a sufficient understanding of the subject matter presented herein. But it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. Moreover, the particular embodiments described herein are provided by way of example and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments. In other instances, well-known data structures, timing protocols, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the invention. 
     Overview 
     Archery bows may be outfitted with various devices which can enhance the archer&#39;s ability to aim precisely. One such device is known as a stabilizer.  FIG. 1  shows a simplistic example of a stabilizer  102  attached to an archery bow  104  in the hands of an archer  110 . The stabilizer  102  includes a weighted object  106  that is affixed to the bow  104  itself. Such a weight  106  attachment that is strategically placed, may move the center of gravity of the bow to an advantageous position as well as make the farthest end of the bow  104  heavy. Such weight  106  may allow an archer  110  to more precisely aim. Such vibration damper may also aid in silencing or quieting the bowstring release. 
     In certain embodiments, a vibration damper  108  is affixed somewhere between on the stabilizer  102  in order to absorb vibration during a bowstring release. In some embodiments, such a vibration damper  108  is positioned close to the end of the stabilizer  102 , where the weighted portion  106  is located. 
     Such a vibration damper  108  may be affixed to the stabilizer  102  and weight  106  though any of various ways including but not limited to threaded screw, magnetic, snap, lock or other ways. In such a way, a vibration damper can be removed, changed, color coordinated, or otherwise customized for the archer  110  in whatever situation is presented. 
     It should be noted that any arrangement of the weight  106 , stabilizer  102  and the vibration damper  108  may be made. The example shown in  FIG. 1  with the damper  108  next to the weight  106  is not intended to be limiting. The damper  108  could be affixed to the bow itself  104 , or between segments of the stabilizer  102 . Further, in some embodiments, multiple dampers  108  could be used. In some examples, multiple weights  106  could be used. In some examples, multiple stabilizers  102  could be used. Any combination of the above or other arrangements could be utilized with the component vibration damper  108  disclosed here. 
       FIG. 2  shows three different example views  230 ,  232 ,  234  of one such example vibration damper which is described in detail here. As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the vibration damper includes a main body  222  which may be a hollow shell with internally mounted attachments  220 ,  224 . These attachments  220 ,  224  are used to attach the damper to the weight and/or the stabilizer and/or the bow, or other part. The example shows threaded screw-type attachments  220 ,  224 . 
     Vibration Damper Component Parts 
     In some embodiments, the vibration damper is made of different component parts that combine to produce the desired effects for the archer. 
       FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of one such vibration damper.  330  The example shows the exo-skeleton shell in two parts  322 A and  322 B. The example of two parts is merely exemplary and the exo-skeleton shell could be made of more than two parts in other example embodiments. The exo-skeleton shell is discussed in more detail below. 
     Fasteners/Attachments 
       FIG. 3  also shows the two attachments or fasteners  320 ,  324 . As can be seen, the example shows threaded screw-type attachments. It should be noted that the attachments or fasteners  320 ,  324  may be male or female attachments, threaded screw type or other kind of attachment. As described here, they may be removed and changed out for attachments or fasteners that suit the need of the archer. 
     The two attachments  320 ,  324  in  FIG. 3  are separate and independent of one another. Each includes a flange or flat end  340 ,  344  in the examples, but these flat ends  340 ,  344  are merely used as an example. The two attachments  320  and  324  could have ends that are bulbous, square, crossed, tapered, or otherwise shaped at the end not used to attach to either the weight, bow, or stabilizer as described above. These ends  340 ,  344  may prevent the attachments  320 ,  324  from being pulled out of the system by interacting with each respective core  326 ,  328  as described herein. 
     It should be noted that the inner core sections  326 ,  328  may be of sufficient length to allow the flange or flat end  340 ,  344  of the fastener  320 ,  324  to move and not come in contact when flexing of the opposing fastener. Further, in some embodiments, the fastener  320 ,  324  and accompanying flange  340 ,  344  is of a diameter that may interact with the exo-skeleton shell internal structures or pillars  364 . In such a way, the fastener or attachments  320 ,  324  may not be pulled out of the fastened assembly  330 . 
     Inner Cores 
       FIG. 3  also depicts the two inner cores  326 ,  328 . In some embodiments, these inner cores  326 ,  328  are also separate component parts and also act independent of one another. As independent parts, they can oscillate at different frequencies in relation to the amount of weight at the distal or proximal ends of the system and the shore hardens of each independent piece. Thus, the two opposing movements may break up the main frequency of the stabilizer rod and stop its vibration. 
     In some embodiments, the two inner cores do not physically touch each other when assembled in the exo skeleton shell  322 A,  322 B. The shape of the two inner cores  326 ,  328  could be any of various shapes that fit inside the exo-skeleton shell  322 A,  322 B. In the example of  FIG. 3 , the inner cores  326 ,  328  are generally semi-spherically shaped with a hole  336  (obscured  338 ) running through it for the attachment  320 ,  324  to fit into and protrude beyond. In some example embodiments, the inner cores  326 ,  328 , include a recessed shape  346  which is designed to fit the shape of the flat end  344  of the attachment  324 . In such an arrangement, when assembled, the two attachments  320 ,  324  fit through the holes  336  (obscured  338 ) in the inner cores  326 ,  328  and the flat ends  340 ,  344  fit into the recesses  346 , (obscured  348 ). The inner core holes  336 ,  338  may have any sized diameter to allow an assortment of fasteners to be installed, such as for example, a male-male, female-female, or male-female coupling. 
     In some examples, each core  326 ,  328  may be made of the same or different material, such as but not limited to elastomeric plastic, rubber, foam, polystyrene, In some examples, the different material may be of different shore hardness, flexibility, weight, material, or other attribute for the particular application of the archer using it. The two cores  326 ,  328 , maybe independently flexible of the other and manufactured in varying durometers and or materials depending on the application. In some examples the two cores  326 ,  328 , may be the same material and/or the same durometer, depending on the application. 
     In one example, a system with inner cores  326 ,  328  that have different harnesses may be used to attach to one of the weighted end, the bow and/or the stabilizer. In another example an archer might want to have a 60 shore A hardness core at the base and a 40 shore A hardness core at the weighted end for more flex. The separate inner cores  326 ,  328  may be made of a soft vibration absorbing material with a hardness of 40-90 durometer A shore. 
     It should be noted that various third inner core components could be added to the system such as a washer of material configured between the two inner cores  326 ,  328  that is the same or different material, durometer, flexibility, etc. 
     Exo-Skeleton Casing 
       FIG. 3  also shows the outer exo-skeleton shell casing  322 A,  322 B. The exo-skeleton in the example is generally barrel-shaped with openings at each end. Such an exo-skeleton could be made of any kind of rigid material that is hard, protective, and not prone to breaking. Examples include but are not limited to polymers, high density plastic, carbon fibers, ceramics, stone, metal such as aluminum, or other rigid material. Example outer exo-skeleton casing  322 A,  322 B, may be made of lightweight material, yet strong and structurally sound. 
       FIG. 3  also shows the outer shell, or exo-skeleton, or casing as being made of two component parts  322 A and  322 B. In the example, the two pieces may be held together by fasteners that hold the two external housing shell pieces together while giving support for the elastomeric internal oscillating sections  326 ,  328 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , the fasteners are bolts  360  which may be attached by nuts  362 . Any of other kinds of various fasteners could be used for example, snaps, wingnuts, clamps, springs, or other kind of devices could be used to hold the parts of the exo-skeleton  322 A,  322 B together. The example of bolts  360  and nuts  362  is merely exemplary. Further, it should be noted that the arrangement of four fasteners  360 ,  362  is not intended to be limiting. Any number of fasteners could be used to secure the exo-skeleton  322 A,  322 B together. 
     In some example embodiments, the exo-skeleton parts  322 A,  322 B may be hinged by a living hinge, a separate hinge mechanism attached to each piece, or a tab and slot type hinge. In such hinged examples, the exo-skeleton  322 A,  322 B may only require one or two fasteners on the non-hinged side of the exo-skeleton to hold the entire system together. Such arrangements may allow for quicker disassembly and assembly. 
     In some example embodiments, the exo-skeleton casing shell  322 A,  322 B may include internal structures such as pillars  364 , cage, spikes or other structures that may hold the inner cores  326 ,  328  and prevent them from pulling out and/or rotating in the fastened and assembled exo-skeleton shell  322 A,  322 B. 
     Assembled System 
       FIG. 4  shows a cut away view of the assembled system  430 . The example shows the same parts as described here including the two separate attachments  420 ,  424 , as well as the flat ends of the attachments  440 ,  444 . 
       FIG. 4  also shows a cut away of the exo-skeleton  422 A,  422 B, as well as the two separate inner cores  426 ,  428  with their associated recesses  448 ,  446  which allow for the attachment flat ends  448 ,  446  to be separated from one another. 
       FIG. 5  shows another cut away view of the assembled system  530 . Again, the same parts as described here including the two separate attachments  520 ,  524 , as well as the flat ends of the attachments  540 ,  544 .  FIG. 5  also shows a cut away of the exo-skeleton  522 A,  522 B, as well as the two separate inner cores  526 ,  528  with their associated recesses  548 ,  546  which allow for the attachment flat ends  548 ,  546  to be separated from one another.  FIG. 5  also shows the example inner column structures  564  made of up parts of the exo-skeleton  522 A,  522 B. These internal structures  564  restrict movement of the inner cores  526 ,  528  including twisting, pulling, torque, flex, or other movement which may result during operation. 
     It should be noted that the size of the entire system could be any of various sizes. The length of the assembled system may be one inch long, two inches long, three inches long or other size. The respective component parts may then be respectively sized accordingly. For example, the body of the system may be 1.625 inches long and the width 1.45 inches. For example, the side walls of the exo-skeleton may be 0.12 inches thick as shown in  FIG. 5 . Other sizes could be used, this being merely an example. Different component parts may also be weighted differently. In some examples, heavy parts such as metals may be used to create a heavy overall assembled system  530 . In some examples, a very light overall system  530  may require light weight yet sturdy polymers to be used to make the exo skeleton  522 A,  522 B. 
       FIG. 6  shows an example end-on view of the assembled system  630 . As can be seen from the end-on view, the fastener/attachment  620  appears as a circle as it is a threaded bolt in the example. The exo-skeleton parts  622 A,  622 B are attached by the threaded bolts  660  and nuts  662 . 
     Customization 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , and as described in detail here, the system  230  may be disassembled and different parts may be changed out. This can allow for a multitude of customizations to be made to the inner and outer parts of the system  230 . For example, the assembled system  230 , when attached to a stabilizer at a proximal fastened end  224  may be made of material as described herein that can flex or not flex in accordance with the customized durometer of its attached internal body section(s) (obscured). Likewise, and as described below, the system  230  may be able to flex the proximal end  224  mounted near the bow the same amount as the distal section  220  attached to the weight, or in some embodiments, flex differently than the distal section  220  depending on the chosen durometer of the internal inner body pieces described below. 
     The systems described here, of component parts making up a complete assembly may have many various advantages. This systems described here, thus allow for total control of the type of flexibility provided by the system  230 , as well as the attachment makeup such as male or female and the type of thread either inch or metric without the manufacturing of a specific molded fastener. The system can use any male or female insert of appropriate size without the purchase of new elastomer internals. Further, such a customizable system may allow for variously colored component parts may be used. Manufacturing cost may be reduced because parts may be individually manufactured, reducing labor cost and the use of volatile chemicals used in the bonding process. Sales may be made of component parts for customization and upselling as well as appeal to different fashion or hunting requirements such as particular camouflage for a particular environment, or safety colors such as blaze orange, or other color. 
     CONCLUSION 
     The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “hereunder,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word “or” is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. 
     Although some presently preferred implementations of the embodiments have been specifically described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertains that variations and modifications of the various implementations shown and described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is intended that the embodiments be limited only to the extent required by the applicable rules of law.