Abstract:
The torque reduction system provides a means of positioning stabilization elements on or in close proximity to the transverse axis of the archery Bow. More particularly, lightweight masses and/or shock-absorbing elements can be mounted onto the torque reduction system on the axis of or in close proximity to the throat of the archery Bow handle, thereby reducing any lateral torque caused by the archer&#39;s grip on the archery Bow handle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application is claiming the benefit of provisional application number 61-230,373-1777 dated July 2010. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    1. Technical Field 
         [0004]    The present disclosure relates to a torque reduction system for archery bows. The torque reduction system provides a simple, positive and secure system for attaching stabilizers of various designs and configurations, shock absorbing devices, and simple weights on or close to the transverse axes of an archery bow. 
         [0005]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0006]    All archery bows are subject to torque, vibrations, and movement based on inertial effects. These effects include, the vibration of the string after release, the effects of launching the arrow, the vibration of the limbs, the riser, the archers grip on the bow, as well as the inertial effects of attachments on the bow. 
         [0007]    Arrow spine is a critical parameter. Both the static spine and dynamic spine affect arrow flight. The metric for static spine (stiffness) is the center deflection of the shaft of an arrow when placed on a fixture that supports the arrow shaft at two points. The dynamic spine (or flexing during flight) cannot be easily measured but its effect is determined in part by the weight of the arrow, nock length, fletching characteristics, string weight (number of strands), spring tension of the plunger, the position of the plunger, the mass weight of stabilizing elements, the number of elements, and the front-back rigidity of the riser. 
         [0008]    There is a compromise between how much stabilization weight can be added to the archery Bow and the resultant fatigue of the archer. In the case of the recurve archery Bow, the riser portion of the bow can typically weigh between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds. This limits, in practice, the total amount of weight for any stabilization system that can be added. This makes the placement of any stabilization elements essential to achieve a maximal stabilization using the minimum weight. This parameter is more critical for heavier risers. 
         [0009]    There are several products that claim to provide stabilization, torque reduction, balancing, and counter balancing of the archery bow. There are also products that claim to absorb the shock of the bowstring upon release of the string and launching of the arrow. All perform to varying degrees but compromises in the placement and means of attachment to the archery Bow limit their effectiveness. 
         [0010]    Any item placed between the stabilizer-mounting device and the archery Bow effectively introduces a spring (mechanical compliance), which reduces the transfer of any movement of the archery bow to the stabilizing elements. Examples of items that introduce mechanical compliance include, ‘o’-rings, flat washers, and spring washers. 
         [0011]    Some detachably mounted products provide a stabilizer receiver with provisions to add a single stabilizer. Some products also incorporate spacing to allow fingers to grip the archery Bow handle. These products however do not teach the addition of subsequent stabilizing elements and do not provide the means to mount any stabilizing elements in close proximity to the transverse axis of the archery Bow. The ability of these types of designs to mount a single stabilizer in different discrete levels or on a continuum along the transverse axis of the device not only complicates the selection of an “optimum” position but fails to anticipate the need for a single or multiple stabilizing elements positioned on or in close proximity to the transverse axis of the archery Bow. 
         [0012]    The various designs of archery bow handles complicate where the pressure point of the hand is when holding the archery Bow. Vertical shock caused by the launching of the arrow is amplified by the angle of the handle. The hand placement is ideally at the throat of the handle. This provides the minimum point of contact of the bow hand on the archery Bow and minimizes any distortion in the arrow flight caused by either vertical or lateral torque. 
         [0013]    The arrow flight is the ultimate parameter in determining the effectiveness of the stabilizer system and arrow grouping. This is especially true under adverse shooting conditions, including side winds, headwinds, and rain. 
         [0014]    Any consistent control of dynamic arrow spine will have a positive affect on arrow flight. In this regard, the placement of any shock absorbing or stabilizing elements at or in close proximity to the transverse axis of the archery Bow provides archers at all skill levels with a means to achieve improved performance. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0015]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure a torque reduction system is provided. The torque reduction system provides a means of positioning stabilization elements on or in close proximity to the transverse axis of the archery Bow. More particularly, lightweight masses and/or shock-absorbing elements can be mounted onto the torque reduction system on the axis of or in close proximity to the throat of the archery Bow handle, thereby reducing any lateral torque caused by the archer&#39;s grip on the archery Bow handle. 
         [0016]    One effect of the location of the torque reduction system is the reduction of right and left torque resulting in better and more consistent arrow flight. It also provides the possibility of the archer shooting lighter arrows and a lighter spined arrow. The attachment of energy absorbing elements at or close to the throat of the archery bow handle allows the archer to manipulate the dynamic spine of the arrow. The flight of the arrow as it is launched from the bow is thereby positively affected. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the torque reduction system comprises two elements rigidly connected. This configuration provides versatility in adapting the torque reduction system to various archery Bow configurations. The upper portion of the torque reduction system allows mounting the stabilization elements on or in the proximity of the transverse axis of the archery Bow. The offset dimension of the vertical upper portion of the torque reduction system provides maximum rigidity along the transverse axis of the stabilization elements. The horizontal offset dimension of the upper portion of the torque reduction system provides clearance for the archer&#39;s hand while gripping the archery Bow handle. The position of the mounting holes used to attach the base portion of the torque reduction system to the archery Bow further enhances its versatility. 
         [0018]    Another embodiment is a torque reduction system comprising a single or unitary construction. This construction includes a single machined, forged metal, casted, or molded component. The final form of the torque reduction system can be produced in a geometry that maximizes its ability to control torque and direct any inertial effects of the archery bow under shooting conditions to any attached energy absorbing elements. The final geometry and the fabrication material also provide control of vibration resonance. A higher frequency of vibration is preferable to lower frequencies, which produce a feeling of the archery bow bouncing in the archer&#39;s hand during shooting. The higher vibration frequencies provide the additional benefit of positive feedback to the archer by producing a smoother and more controlled feeling during shooting. 
         [0019]    The construction of the torque reduction system provides an optimal placement of the attached energy absorbing elements, which minimizes the transmission of any vibration to the launched arrow. Upon string release, the archery bow has a more consistent and predictable response in the archer&#39;s follow through. 
         [0020]    According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lightweight and compact torque reduction system is disclosed. The form factor of the design provides a balance between the overall weight of the archery bow fitted with stabilizing elements and the effective control of vibration, torque and stability. The simple and effective placement of stabilizing elements to the torque reduction system reduces the complexity of balancing and tuning the archery bow. 
         [0021]    There is a compromise between how much stabilization weight can be added to the archery bow and the fatigue of the archer during shooting. The riser portion of the recurve archery bow can typically weigh between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds. This limits in practice the amount of stabilization weight that can be added. The torque reduction system provides a solution to this dilemma and achieves a balance between maximum stabilization and minimum weight. 
         [0022]    The geometry and weight of the torque reduction system provides additional benefits to archer&#39;s shooting compound archery bows. The additional effects of the design and alignment of the pulley systems further complicate the archery bow tuning. The effective placement and the stabilization versus weight characteristics of the torque reduction system provide an ideal component for bow hunters. 
         [0023]    Archer&#39;s shooting traditional archery bows are limited in the number and dimensions of allowed attachments. The torque reduction system meets these restrictions while providing torque and stabilization of the archery bow during shooting. None of the prior art anticipates the addition of stabilizing elements to the traditional bow in the proximity to its transverse axis. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of a recurve archery bow with a torque reducing system and various other stabilization elements and accessories attached; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a front and side view of a two-piece torque reduction system with attachment bolt; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a section of an archery bow with a one-piece torque reduction system with attachment bolt shown in the mounting position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4   a  is a view of a molded torque reduction system shown in three positions; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4   b  is a front and side view of a one-piece torque reduction system. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an archery bow including a torque reduction system with stabilization elements shown in the state of launching an arrow. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , a recurve archery bow including stabilization elements and accessories attached is shown generally by reference number  24 . A two-piece torque reduction system  1   a  and  1   b  is attached to the bow riser  16  with bolt  4 . Other optional stabilization elements, for example, stabilizer rod  14 , extension rod  12 , v-bar attachment with two rods  13 , are also attached to mounting surface  3  on the backside  2  of the bow  16 . Other accessories attached to the bow riser  16  include a sight with extension arm  15 , arrow rest  10 , and plunger button  11 . The energy absorbing element  7 , mounting rod  5 , and cap weight  6  are shown attached to the upper portion of the torque reduction device  1   a . Maximum benefit occurs when the energy absorbing elements  5 ,  6  and  7 , are mounted on the transverse axis  9  of the bow riser  16 . The transverse axis  9  is defined as passing through the deepest recess on the handle also referred to as the pressure point and the throat of the handle  8 . The type of energy absorbing elements, shown here as items  5 ,  6 , and  7 , are determined by the weight limits determined in part by the archer&#39;s endurance and the weight of the archery bow (not shown) including bow riser  16  and other accessories and stabilization elements as shown in item  24 . 
         [0032]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , The torque reduction system  1   a  and  1   b  must securely attached to the backside of the bow  3  without any intervening components, for example, metal or nylon washers, rubber o-rings, or similar elements having mechanical compliance. Optimum performance is obtained when the attachments on torque reduction system  1   a  and  1   b  are aligned as close as possible to the transverse axis of the bow  9 . The vertical portion of the torque reduction system  1   a  is aligned with the vertical edges  31  of the backside  2  of the bow and attaching bolt  4  is securely attached to interface  3  on the backside  2  of the bow. The torque reduction system is considered securely attached to the bow riser  16  when there is no discernable vertical or lateral movement of the torque reduction system  1   a  and  1   b  relative to the bow riser  16  when moderate lateral force is applied to the torque reduction system  1   a  and  1   b . The effectiveness of the torque reduction system  1   a  and  1   b  is proportional to the amount of energy transferred from the bow riser  16  coupled by the mounting surface  3  to the torque reduction system  1   a  and  1   b.    
         [0033]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , an assembled two-piece torque reduction system is shown generally by reference numeral  25 . The upper portion of the element  1   a  has a mounting hole  18  for attaching a variety of energy absorbing elements or simple weights (not shown). The mass weight of the element  1   a  is minimized by placement of slots  23  along the vertical plane, with the maximum dimension of the slots  23  along the vertical plane. This configuration provides a means to reduce the weight of the torque reduction system  1   a  and  1   b  without sacrificing rigidity. 
         [0034]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the two elements comprising the torque reduction system  1   a  and  1   b  are secured together by screw  29 . Screw  29  is preferably a flat head screw, which insures a positive alignment of the two elements when tightened. Screw  29  is secured in place by means of a locking thread compound or by means of a polymer element placed in a slot along the longitudinal axis of the screw  29  threads. 
         [0035]    Continuing with reference to  FIG. 2 , Dimension X in the assembled two-piece torque reduction system  25  refers to the horizontal offset distance between element  1   a  of the torque reduction system and the -mounting edge of element  1   b ). The design of the torque reduction system with different X dimensions for the element  1   a , allows the archer to interchange the differently dimensioned elements  1   a  with the element  1   b  thereby allowing the use of the assembled torque reduction system  25  with archery bows having different spacing between the inner edge of element  1   a  and the backside of the bow  2  ( FIG. 1 ). Dimension Y shows the vertical offset between the top of the vertical element of  1   a  and the top surface of the horizontal portion of element  1   a . Dimension Z 1  and Z 2  show the vertical distance between the center of the attaching bolt and the center of the receiving hole for the energy absorbing or other stabilization elements attached to the torque reduction system. Although the attachment bolt  4  is shown in the Z 1  dimension case, it is understood that the selection of the Z 1  or Z 2  dimension is determined by the placement of the stabilizing element closest to the transverse axis of the bow  FIG. 5  item  21 . 
         [0036]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a one-piece torque reduction system  1  is shown being attached to archery bow riser  16  with attachment bolt  4  is shown as item  26 . In particular, the mounting surface is shown as an annulus  3  slightly elevated from the surface of bow riser  16 . The torque reduction system  1  securely interfaces with the annulus  3  such that any movement of the bow riser  16  during and after an arrow is launched is transmitted with minimum attenuation to the torque reduction system  1 . By design, the motion is transmitted through the torque reduction system and dissipated in an energy-absorbing element connected on the transverse axis of the bow riser  16  as depicted in item  24 . 
         [0037]    It is envisioned that torque reduction system  1  includes all characteristics and mechanical attributes described for item  25 . In particular, torque reduction system  1  can be rigidly mounted to bow riser  16  with the transverse axis of any weight and energy absorbing elements attachable at the transverse axis of the archery bow riser  16 . It is anticipated that torque reduction system  1  will reduce any lateral torque at handle  8 , reduce the effects of string torque, increase the front to rear rigidity of the archery bow  16 , and allows the archer to manipulate the dynamic spine of arrows being launched in the archery bow riser  16 . The addition of the torque reduction system provides the archer a means to affect the vibrational frequencies of resonance of the archery bow riser  16 . 
         [0038]    Now turning to  FIGS. 4   a - 4   b , shown as items  27  and  28 , depict variants of torque reduction system  1 . Referring to  FIG. 4   a , Item  27  describes a molded version of the torque reduction system  1 . The rigidity of this variant is maintained by use of a rib  22 . While shown as a single rib, it is envisioned that multiple ribs may be used. The molded torque reduction system  27  provides the advantage of reduced weight and cost reduction. Mounting holes  17  provide the means to mount the device  27  such that any attached energy absorbing elements or weight (not shown) will lie on or in the proximity of the transverse axis of the archery bow ( FIG. 2-9   FIG. 5-21 ). 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 4   b , item  28 , depicts a machined, forged, or cast variant of the torque reduction system  1 . It is envisioned that torque reduction system  1  includes all characteristics and mechanical attributes described for item  25 . Mounting holes  17  and attachment hole  18  share similar characteristics of items  25  and  27 . The form factor and geometry of torque reduction system shown as item  28  are more rounded than items  25  and  27 . In addition to aesthetic differences, the general shape allows for easier attachment of item  28  to an archery bow riser ( FIG. 1-16 ). 
         [0040]    Now referring to  FIG. 5 , item  21 , a traditional archery bow shown after launching an arrow, the string  20  is in oscillation and the launched arrow  29  is flexing. The string makes contact with the upper limb  19   a  and the lower limb  19   b  of the archery bow  21  after launching arrow  29  and transfers energy to the limbs  19   a  and  19   b . The limbs  19   a  and  19   b  also flex but the frequencies are different than the string due to its larger mass weight and their geometry. The inertial reaction of the traditional bow  21 , which may not have a plunger ( FIG. 1-11 ) that absorbs some of the energy of the launched arrow  29 , as it is moving past the arrow rest  10 , is to move in the archer&#39;s hand. Any Torque transferred by the archer&#39;s grip on the bow  21  at the handle  8  as a reaction to the movement of the bow  21  contributes to the instability in the flight of the arrow  29 . The remedy to this problem is to attach the toque reduction system  1  to the bow  21 . A particular advantage to the torque reduction system control  1  is the optimization of weight versus stability. The position of the energy absorbing element  7  and weight  6  may be reversed in its attachment to the torque reduction system. 
         [0041]    The above described embodiments of the disclosure are intended to be merely exemplary, and those skilled the art will be able to make numerous variations and modifications of it. All modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure as in the appended claims.