Archery dampener

Abstract

A dampener 1 for a bow comprises a dampener body configured for attachment to the bow. The dampener body comprises a cavity 5 containing a dynamic locking means 7. The dynamic locking means 7 is varia

Description

Field of the Invention This invention relates to a dampener and in particular to an archery dampener. Background to the Invention Dampeners in archery, often referred to as bow dampeners or vibration dampeners, are accessories which are attached to a bow which are designed to reduce the amount of vibration and / or noise generated when an archer releases an arrow. These devices are primarily used to enhance the shooting experience and improve accuracy. In particular, when an archer releases an arrow, energy is transferred from the bow limbs to the arrow, causing the bow to vibrate. This vibration can generate noise, affect accuracy, and be uncomfortable for the shooter. Dampeners are designed to absorb and dissipate this energy, thereby reducing vibration and noise levels. There are a variety of different types of bow dampeners including string dampeners, limb dampeners and stabilizer dampeners. This invention is primarily focused on addressing deficiencies with the latter, stabilizer dampeners. Stabilizers are long rods which are attached to the bow to enhance balance and stability. Some stabilizers have built-in dampeners to reduce both vibration and noise. However, these built-in stabilizer dampeners are typically simple homogenous entities made of rubber or other suitable elastomeric material, which are configured to deform upon receiving vibrations from the stabilizer, occurring as a result of the release of the arrow from the bow, such as to absorb the energy from the vibrating stabilizer. However, rubber dampeners may not completely eliminate all vibrations, especially if the bow is generating a significant amount of energy during the shot. Further, rubber dampeners can wear out over time due to repeated deformation and exposure to environmental conditions. Archers need to regularly inspect them and replace them when they show signs of wear to maintain their effectiveness. Also rubber and other elastomeric materials are temperature sensitive and have varying performance in different temperatures. For example, in cold weather the rubber may become less pliable and may not absorb vibrations as effectively. As typical archery dampers are homogenous and unable to alter their state, archers consequently have to find a balance between a soft damper, which compromises aiming and accuracy and a hard damper which does not absorb vibrations as effectively. Consequently, there is a desire to obviate the deficiencies set out above and provide an improved dampener for archery. Summary of the Invention A first aspect of the present invention provides a dampener for a bow, the dampener comprising: a dampener body configured for attachment to the bow, wherein the dampener body comprises a cavity, or cavities, containing a dynamic locking means, wherein the dynamic locking means is variable between a first state and a second state, wherein the dynamic locking means is configured to adopt the second state when the dampener body is subjected to a force and wherein when the dynamic locking means adopts the second state the dampener body is configured to adopt a damping state such as to dampen the forces acting on the bow. Preferably, the damping state comprises wherein the dampener body is compressible. Ideally, wherein the dampener body adopts a nominal state when the dynamic locking means adopts the first state. Ideally, when in the first state the locking means is configured to adopt a solid state and when in the second state the locking means is configured to adopt a viscous state. Preferably, the force comprises one or more of vibration, g-force, magnetic and acceleration. Ideally, the dampener body is configured for attachment to a stabilizer of the bow at a first end and one or more weights at a second end. Preferably, the dampener body comprises respective coupling means at the first and second ends for coupling to the stabilizer rod and weights respectively. Ideally, the dampener body further comprises first and second end parts between which is sandwiched a chamber portion which includes the cavity within which the dynamic locking means is contained. Preferably, the chamber portion is compressible between the first and second end parts when the dynamic locking means adopts the second state. Ideally, the dampener body further comprises one or more resilient biasing means which are coupled between the first and second end parts and which are configured to bias the dampener body towards the nominal state. Preferably, the resilient biasing means comprises one or more springs. Preferably, the dampener body further comprises one or more shock fluid tubes containing a shock fluid which are coupled between the first and second end parts and which are configured to absorb the force applied to the dampener body in use. Ideally, the shock fluid tubes are integrally formed within the dampener body. Preferably, the dynamic locking means comprises a pseudo-newtonian fluid such as bingham plastic. Ideally, the dynamic locking means comprises a magnetorheological fluid, or medium of suspended solid magnets in a fluid matrix. Preferably, the dampener body further comprises a piston assembly which is configured to support compression of the dampener body when the dynamic locking means adopts the second state. Ideally, the piston assembly comprises a floating piston assembly. Preferably, the piston assembly is located within the first end part, within a channel defined therein, which is in fluid communication with the shock fluid tube. Ideally, when the dynamic locking means adopts the second state and the dampener body is compressed the shock fluid contained within the shock fluid tube is configured to flow into the channel by displacing the piston assembly therein. A second aspect of the present invention provides a bow comprising the dampener as recited in any preceding statement of invention. Ideally, the bow further comprises a stabilizer which is coupled to the bow at a first end and wherein the dampener is coupled to the stabilizer at the opposing end which is furthest from the bow. Preferably, the bow further comprises one or more balance weights which are coupled to the dampener such that the dampener is located between the balance weights and the stabilizer. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numeral are used to denote like parts, and in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a dampener embodying a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the dampener; Figure 3 shows a side sectional view of the dampener in a nominal state; Figure 4 shows a side sectional view of the dampener in a damping state; Figure 5 shows a side sectional view of the dampener in the damping state; Figure 6 shows a side sectional view of the dampener in the damping state; Figure 7 shows a side sectional view of the dampener returning to the nominal state; Figure 8 shows a side sectional view of the dampener in the nominal state; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a bow including the dampener embodying a second aspect of the present invention; Figure 10 shows a side sectional view of the dampener; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the dampener embodying the first aspect of the present invention; Figure 12 is an exploded view of the alternative embodiment of the dampener; Figure 13 is a top sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the dampener; and Figure 14 a side sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the dampener in a nominal state. Detailed Description Referring now to the drawings, in particular Figure 1, there is shown, generally indicated by the reference numeral 1, a dampener embodying a first aspect of the present invention. The dampener 1 is a dampener for a bow 2 (as shown in Figure 9), to this end the dampener 1 is configured to dampen forces acting on the bow 2 as a result of its normal operation. For example, in-use when an archer releases an arrow from the bow 2, energy is transferred from the bow limbs to the arrow, causing the bow to vibrate, the dampener 1 is configured to absorb and dissipate this energy. Typically bows may include one or more stabilizers 4 which are used to improve the stability, balance, and accuracy of a bow. These stabilizers typically comprise elongate rods which are made of lightweight materials and which are typically coupled to the central part of the bow, typically referred to as the riser, just below the grip or handle. The stabilizers most commonly extend out from the bow’s front, away from the archer however stabilizers may also attach to the side of the bow 2, and / or the back of the bow 2 towards the archer. The specific configuration and length of stabilizers 4 can vary depending on an archer's shooting style, preferences, and the type of archery they are participating in. In order to balance the weight of the bow 2 the stabilizers 4 can be adjusted in length and weight. Proper balance is crucial for accurate shooting, to this end the user can alter the weight of the stabilizer 4 by adding or removing balance weights 6 therefrom, archers can fine-tune the balance of their bow 2 to suit their preferences. The balance weights 6 are typically attached at the end of the stabilizer 4 furthest from the bow body. The stabilizer 4 ideally has a certain amount of natural flex added, typically being made from a carbon fibre structure, to improve vibration dampening. The dampener 1 of the present invention is typically coupled at or towards the end of the stabilizer 4, furthest from the bow body, with the dampener 1 being coupled to the stabilizer 4 at one end and typically the one or more balance weights 6 at the opposing end. Advantageously, in this manner the dampener 1 is able to dampen vibrations of the bow 2 in an effective and controlled manner. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the dampener 1 may be coupled to the bow 2 at one or more other locations, in addition or alternative to that described previously. For example, the dampener 1 may be coupled between the bow riser and the limbs directly. This being advantageous as it dampens any vibrations at source. The dampener 1 comprises a dampener body 3 configured for attachment to the bow 2. The dampener body 3 comprises a cavity, or cavities, 5 containing a dynamic locking means 7 which is variable between a first state and a second state. Preferably, in the first state the dynamic locking means 7 is configured to adopt a solid or semi-solid state and when in the second state the dynamic locking means 7 is configured to adopt a liquid or substantially viscous state. To this end, the dynamic locking means 7 typically comprises a pseudo-newtonian fluid such as bingham plastic. In an alternative embodiment the dynamic locking means 7 comprises a magnetorheological fluid, or medium of suspended solid magnets in a fluid matrix. The dynamic locking means 7 is configured to adopt the second state when the body 3, and in particular the dynamic locking means 7 contained therein, is subjected to a force such as vibration, g-force or acceleration. When the dynamic locking means 7 comprises a magnetorheological fluid or medium of suspended solid magnets in a fluid matrix, the force comprise a magnetic force. For example, the dynamic locking means 7 as mentioned may include the use of a magnet mounted upon a spring or the like which is located adjacent to meteorological fluid, wherein the magnet is movable close enough to the meterological fluid such that the magnetic force is applied thereto. The meterological fluid goes from liquid to semisolid depending on if the magnet is close to it or not due to the forces acting on the magnet. The dynamic locking means 7 may further comprise magnetic balls or cylinders suspended in a fluid, typically comprising oil, which forms a semi-solid when in rest and become more viscous when a force acts on it. Alternatively, as mentioned previously the dynamic locking means may comprise a pseudo-newtonian fluid which when acted upon by a force will transition from semi-solid to liquid allow the damper to operate normally. When the dynamic locking means 7 adopts the second state the dampener body 3, or at least part thereof, is configured to adopt a damping state in which it is preferably compressible such as to dampen the forces acting on the bow 2. When the dynamic locking means 7 adopts the first state, the dampener body is configured to adopt a nominal state, for example where the dynamic locking means is in a solid state where it is operable to prevent compression of the dampener body 3. To this end a nominal state of the dampener body 3 is when the dynamic locking means 7 is in the first state and the dynamic locking means 7 will only adopt the second state when subjected to a sufficient force and typically only for the duration of the force. Once the force has dissipated or been absorbed or otherwise removed the dynamic locking means 7 is configured to adopt the first state. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the dynamic locking means 7 may be configured to switch between the first and second states based on an input from the user. As mentioned previously, the dampener 1 is configured for attachment to the bow 2. In particular the dampener is ideally configured for attachment to a stabilizer 4 of the bow 2 at a first end and one or more balance weights 6 at the opposite end, such that when coupled to the stabilizer 4 the dampener 1 is sandwiched between the end of the stabilizer 4 and the balance weights 6. To this end, the dampener body 3 comprises respective coupling means at the first and / or second ends for coupling to the stabilizer rod and weights respectively. The coupling means typically comprise cooperable male and female engagement parts such as screws and screw threads however it may alternatively comprise any other suitable coupling means. The dampener body 3 preferably further comprises first and second end parts 9, 11 between which is sandwiched a chamber portion 13 which includes the cavity, or cavities, 5 within which the dynamic locking means 7 is contained. The dynamic locking means 7 is provided in such a quantity that it does not occupy the entire dimensions of the cavity 5 in its uncompressed state, when the dynamic locking means 7 is in either of the first or second states. The chamber portion 13 is compressible between the first and second end parts 9, 11 when the dynamic locking means 7 adopts the second state. The dampener body 3 further comprises one or more resilient biasing means 15 which are coupled between the first and second end parts 9, 11 and which are configured to bias the dampener body 3 towards an uncompressed state. The resilient biasing means 15 typically comprises one or more springs, however it may comprise any other suitable resilient biasing means. Preferably, the dampener body 3 further comprises one or more shock fluid tubes 17 containing a shock fluid, the shock fluid tubes 17 are coupled between the first and second end parts 9, 11 are configured to dissipate energy applied to the dampener body 3 in use at least in part. The shock fluid typically comprises oil, a magnetorheological fluid or any other suitable incompressible fluid. The first end part 9 is typically configured for attachment to the balance weights 6 whilst the second end part 11 is typically configured for attachment to the stabilizer 4. The dampener body 3 comprises a flow restriction mechanism which is configured to control the flow of the shock fluid when the dynamic locking means adopts the second state, for example when dampener body 3 is compressed. The flow restriction mechanism is biased in one direction which is against the flow of the shock fluid, this has the effect that when the dynamic locking means reverts to the first state and the dampener body 3 decompresses the shock fluid similarly is biased towards its nominal state where it is typically located in the shock fluid tubes 17. The flow restriction mechanism preferably comprises a piston assembly 19. The piston assembly 19 is configured to support compression of the dampener body 3, at least in part, when the dynamic locking means 7 adopts the second state. Preferably, the piston assembly 19 comprises a floating piston assembly. The piston assembly 19 typically comprises a piston 21 which is coupled by a piston spring 23 to a check ball 25. The piston assembly 19 is disposed within a channel 22 formed in the end part 9, wherein at least part of the channel 22 is in fluid communication with one of the shock fluid tubes 17 such that the shock fluid contained therein is able to flow within the dampener body 3 when this undergoes compression. In particular the shock fluid is operable to flow within the channel 22, surround the check ball 25, up until the piston 21 which typically prevents the flow of the fluid therepast however the piston 21 is operable to displace, at least in part, within the channel 22 in response to the ingress of the shock fluid within the channel 22. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the dampener 1 may comprise one or more accumulators or bladders instead of or in addition to the piston assembly Referring in particular to Figure 2, there is shown an exploded view of the dampener 1. Figure 2 illustrates the coupling of the various elements which make up the dampener 1 of the present invention. The first end part 9 of the dampener 1, as mentioned previously, is typically configured for removable coupling to one or more balance weights 6. The first end part 9 typically comprises a plate which is typically substantially cylindrically shaped. The first end part 9 further comprises a first coupling means 27 for coupling the first end part 9 to the one or more balance weights 6. In Figures 1 and 2 the first coupling means comprises a female engagement portion of a co-operable male and female coupling means, in particular there is shown a screw thread for receiving a screw by which to couple the balance weights 6. The first end part 9 further ideally, comprises a plurality of first and second apertures 29, 31 which are formed through the first end part 9 along the length thereof. The first and second apertures 29, 31 are interspaced around the periphery of the first end part 9. The first apertures 29 are configured to receive at least part of the resilient biasing means 15, to this end the first apertures 29 are typically larger in diameter than the second apertures 31. The second apertures 31 are configured to house the piston assembly 19. A spring plug 33 is typically secured in the first apertures 29. The spring plug 33 is configured to provide a seat for the resilient biasing means 15 at one end and a substantially planer surface at the opposing end. The spring plug 33 is securely coupled within the first apertures 29 such that when coupled the spring plug 33, in particular an end thereof, lies substantially planar with the first end part 9 surface. The spring plug 33 is typically substantially top hat shaped in cross section, with the wider portion of the spring plug 33 occupying the diameter of the first aperture 29 such as to plug the first aperture 29 and the narrower portion extending within the first aperture 29 towards the chamber portion 13 such that the resilient biasing means 15, typically comprising a spring, is configured to surround the narrower portion, at least in part, and be seated upon the wider portion of the spring plug 33. The second aperture 31, as mentioned previously, is configured to house the piston assembly 19. To this end the piston assembly 19 is located within the second aperture 31. A shock screw 35 is coupled to the second aperture 31, in a manner such that the shock screw head forms a substantially planar surface with the first end part 9 when coupled, to close off the second aperture 32 at one side, with the opposing side being in fluid communication with one of the shock fluid tubes 17 with the channel 22 being defined there between. The piston assembly 19 is arranged within the channel and is configured to axially displace when the dampener body 3 undergoes compression when the dynamic locking means adopts the second state. To this end, the piston assembly 19 is located within the channel 22 such that the piston 21 is adjacent the shock screw 35 whilst the check ball 25 is configured to rest against a seat 37 formed at the opposing end of the channel 22 to that at which the shock screw 35 is coupled. The piston assembly is configured to displace within the channel 22 between the shock screw 35 and the seat 37 as the dampener body 3 undergoes compression and decompression. The operation of the piston assembly 19 as the dampener body 3 as it undergoes compression is described in more detail in relation to Figures 3 to 8. Typically air is presented within the channel 22 between the shock screw 35 and the head of the piston 21. The second end part 11 may comprise a single plate or a plurality of plates which are coupleable together such as shown in Figure 2. The second end part 11 is preferably configured for attachment to the stabilizer in a manner which predefines rotational movement of the dampener 1 relative to the stabilizer 4 or vice versa. In particular the coupling between the second end part 11 and the stabilizer is such that only a limited rotational movement of the dampener 1 relative to the stabilizer 4 or vice versa is allowed. The second end part 11 comprises a rear hub 14 and a mounting hub 18. The rear hub 14 typically comprises a circular plate, as shown in Figure 2, which has a plurality of protrusions 16 spaced apart around the periphery of the circular plate and which upstand therefrom on one side. The protrusions 16 defining seats for ends of the resilient biasing means 15. For example, when the dampener 1, the various components thereof, are coupled together the resilient biasing means 15, typically comprising one or more springs, are sandwiched between the first end part 9, in particular the spring plug 33 thereof, and the second end part 11, in particular the protrusions 16 and rear hub 14 thereof. The mounting hub 18 is typically coupled to the rear hub 14, in particular to the side of the rear hub 14 not having the protrusions 16 extending therefrom. The mounting hub 18 also typically comprises a circular plate. The mounting hub 18 is typically configured for attachment to the stabilizer 4, to this end the mounting hub ideally comprises one or more cut-outs 20 which are typically substantially arcuate in shape. The cut-outs 20 are typically shaped and dimensioned such as to slidably receive one or more corresponding rotation members 39. In-use, the rotation members 39 would be fixedly coupled to the stabilizer 4 at one end and slidably coupled to the mounting hub 18 at the opposing end such that the rotation members 39 are operable to displace within the cutouts such as to allow rotation of the stabilizer 4 relative to the mounting hub 18 or vice versa, such as to allow for rotation of the dampener 1 relative to the stabilizer 4. Referring now to Figures 3 to 8, there is shown the in-use operation of the dampener 1 via the sectional views illustrating the operation at various stages. Referring first to Figure 3 the dampener 1 is shown in a nominal state. In the nominal state of the dampener 1 the check ball 25 is configured to adopt a rest position within the channel 22 where it is seated against the first end part 9, in particular the seat 25 thereof which is defined at the end of the channel 22. The seat 25 being a narrowed portion of the channel 22 which is shaped and dimensioned to prevent the piston assembly 19, in particular the check ball 25 thereof, from passing through but of sufficient diameter to enable the shock fluid to flow into the channel 22. The piston spring 23 and piston 21 are shown in their nominal state nominal compression state. The dynamic locking means 7 is in its first, typically solid state, and the chamber portion 13 is in its nominal (uncompressed) state. The resilient biasing means 15 and the shock fluid tube 17 are also in their nominal uncompressed state. Referring now to Figure 4, the dampener 1 is shown in the damping state. In this state the dampener 1 has been subjected to a force sufficient to cause the dynamic locking means 7 to change its state from the first state to the second state. As can be seen in the figure, when in the activated state the check ball 25 is unseated from its nominal position on the seat 25 and moves towards the shock screw 35. This is a result of the dynamic locking means 7, in the second state, enabling compression of the chamber portion 13, including the resilient biasing means 15 and shock fluid tubes 17. In particular as the shock fluid tubes 17 compress, the shock fluid contained therein pushes against the check ball 25 to unseat it and act against the piston 21 in the direction of the shock screw 35. Consequently, the piston spring 23 is shown in its compressed state and the piston 21 is shown still in its nominal position. As mentioned the dynamic locking means 7 is now in the fluid state and chamber portion 13 is still in its nominal position. The resilient biasing means 15 is still in its nominal state and the shock fluid tubes 17 are in their nominal position. Referring now to Figure 5, the dampener 1 is shown in the dampening state, i.e. in a compressed state where the first and second end parts 9, 11 have moved closer together to one another. The check ball 25 is located furthest from its rest position within the channel 22. The piston spring 23 is in a compressed state and the piston 21 is furthest from its nominal position, almost abutting the shock screw 35, the piston 21 typically being cushioned against the shock screw 35 by air located within the channel between the piston 21 and shock screw 35. The dynamic locking means is still in the fluid state and the chamber portion 13 is in a compressed state. The resilient biasing means 15 and the shock fluid tubes 17 are also in a compressed state. Referring now to Figure 6, the dampener 1 is shown in the damping state. In this state the check ball 25 returns to its nominal seated position at the seat 37. The piston spring 23 adopts an extended state and the piston is still configured to almost abut the shock screw 35, i.e. it is still furthest from its nominal position. The dynamic locking means 7 is still in the fluid state and the chamber portion 13 is still in a compressed state. The resilient biasing means 15 and shock fluid tubes 17 are still in the compressed state. Referring now to Figure 7, the dampener 1 is shown returning to the nominal state. In this state the check ball 25 is configured to adopt its rest / nominal position where it is located in the seat 37 within the channel 22. As first and second end parts 9 and 11 return to their nominal positions, in which they are farthest apart from one other, due to the resilient biasing means 15 being biased to return to the nominal state, the shock fluid turbulently travels around the seat 37 and generates heat, losing energy in the process. The piston spring 23 is also in its nominal state and the piston 21 is configured to return to its nominal position. The dynamic locking means 7 is still in the fluid state and the chamber portion 13 is in its nominal position. The resilient biasing means 15 and the shock fluid tubes 17 also return to their nominal uncompressed states. Figure 8 shows the dampener 1 having returned to the nominal state of Figure 3. The check ball 25 is in its nominal rest position located in the seat 37. The dynamic locking means 7 has returned to the first state, i.e. solid state. Accordingly, the piston spring 23, piston 21, chamber portion 13, resilient biasing means 15 and shock fluid tubes 17 are configured to adopt their nominal uncompressed states. Figure 9, as mentioned previously, shows a bow 2 having a stabilizer 4 coupled thereto, where the dampener 1 is coupled to the end of the stabilizer 4 and the balance weights 6 are coupled to the opposing end of the dampener 1. Similarly, Figure 10 illustrates the coupling of the dampener 1 between the stabilizer 4 and the balance weights 6. Figures 11 to 14, show an alternative embodiment of the dampener 101. In particular Figure 11 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the dampener 101. The operation of the dampener 101 is substantially similar to that of the dampener 1 of the first embodiment. The dampener body 103 is shaped and dimensioned differently in that the chamber portion is shaped and dimensioned to integrally include the shock fluid tubes 17. Further the exterior of the dampener 101 is shaped and dimensioned to include a plurality of recesses within which the resilient biasing means 115 are received and retained such that as to form a substantially flush surface with the dampener body 103. Figure 12 is an exploded view of the dampener 101, in particular showing the integral nature of the dampener body 103. Figures 13 and 14 show top and side sectional views of the alternative embodiment of the dampener 101. In these figures it can be seen that the cavity 105 and shock fluid tubes 107 are provided within the dampener body 103, in particular the chamber portion 113. In the dampener 100 of the alternative embodiment the dynamic locking means 107 typically comprises a magnetorheological fluid or medium of suspended solid magnets in a fluid matrix, which is configured to adopt the second state when the dampener body 103, and in particular the dynamic locking means 107 contained therein, is subjected to a magnetic force. The resilient biasing means 115 is biased towards a compressed state as opposed to the extended state of the resilient biasing means 15 in relation to the first embodiment. To this end the resilient biasing means 115 operates essentially in reverse to the first embodiment, in particular they act in reverse as they are tension springs. I.e. in compression they return to their nominal state and in tension they are being loaded / deforming. Further in the alternative embodiment, the dampener body 103 typically comprises a plurality of cavities 105 with each cavity containing a respective dynamic locking means 107 such that the dampener 101 comprises a plurality of dynamic locking means. In-use the dampener 1, 101 will dampen movement when an arrow is fired from the bow such that there will be a dampening effect on movement of the bow in all orientations. For example, the dampener will dampen movement both away from the axis and towards the axis depending on its state. The dynamic locking means 7 provided in the centre of the dampener 1,101 and will keep the dampener body 3 rigid until it is activated by a sudden force loading, change in G force, magnetic force or acceleration, at which time the dampener body 3 will become compressible to absorb and negate the force loading, following which it will re-adopt its solid state. In-use the dampener 1, 101 will limit the movement of weights during the aiming cycle and keep the bow more rigid than a traditional damper as the dynamic locking means 7, 107 will maintain rigidity of the damper. Subsequently, once the arrow has left the bow the dynamic locking means 7, 107 the dynamic locking means 7, 107 will adopt its second, viscous, state and allow greater movement of the dampener 1, 101. In particular, as the dampener 1, 101 is not a homogeneous entity and has moving parts, this will act as a true dampener as opposed to the traditional dampeners made of rubber which are commonly employed. The ease of the displacement of the balance weights 6 in one direction and the slowing of the balance weights 6 in the opposite will dampen the vibrations of the bow 2 more effectively than typical homogenous elastomeric solutions. A third aspect of the present invention, provides a method for dampening vibrations of a bow, the method comprising providing a bow having the dampener 1, 101 of the present invention mounted thereon, in particular the dampener 1, 101 is typically mounted to a stabilizer which is coupled to the below. 5 The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. 10

Claims

1. A dampener for a bow, the dampener comprising:A dampener body configured for attachment to the bow;Wherein the dampener body comprises a cavity containing a dynamic locking means, wherein the dynamic locking means is variable between a first state and a second state, wherein the dynamic locking means is configured to adopt the second state when the dampener body is subjected to a force; andWherein when the dynamic locking means adopts the second state the dampener body is configured to adopt a damping state such as to dampen the force acting on the bow.

2. The dampener of claim 1, wherein the damping state comprises wherein the dampener body is compressible.

3. The dampener of claim 1 or 2, wherein when in the first state the locking means is configured to adopt a locked state, in which it is typically solid or semi-solid, and when in the second state the locking means is configured to adopt an unlocked state, in which it is typically viscous.

4. The dampener of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the force comprises one or more of vibration, g-force, magnetic and acceleration.

5. The dampener of any preceding claim, wherein the dampener body is configured for attachment to a stabilizer of the bow at a first end and one or more weights at a second end.

6. The dampener of claim 5, wherein the dampener body comprises respective coupling means at the first and second ends for coupling to the stabilizer rod and weights respectively.

7. The dampener of any preceding claim, wherein the dampener body further comprises first and second end parts between which is sandwiched a chamber portion which includes the cavity within which the dynamic locking means is contained.

8. The dampener of claim 7, wherein the chamber portion is compressible between the first and second end parts when the dynamic locking means adopts the second state.

9. The dampener of claims 7 or 8, wherein the dampener body further comprises one or more resilient biasing means which are coupled between the first and second end parts and which are configured to bias the dampener body towards a compressed or uncompressed state.

10. The dampener of claim 9, wherein the resilient biasing means comprises one or more springs.

11. The dampener of any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the dampener body further comprises one or more shock fluid tubes containing a shock fluid which are coupled between the first and second end parts and which are configured to absorb the energy applied to the dampener body in use.

12. The dampener of claim 11, wherein the shock fluid tubes are integrally formed within the dampener body.

13. The dampener of any preceding claim, wherein the dynamic locking means comprises a pseudo-newtonian fluid such as bingham plastic.

14. The dampener of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the dynamic locking means comprises a magnetorheological fluid, or medium of suspended solid magnets in a fluid matrix.

15. The dampener of any preceding claim, wherein the dampener body further comprises a flow restriction mechanism which is configured to control the rate of compression of the dampener body when the dynamic locking means adopts the second state.

16. The dampener of claim 15, wherein the flow restriction mechanism comprises a piston assembly which is configured to support compression of the dampener body when the dynamic locking means adopts the second state.

17. The dampener of claim 16, wherein the piston assembly comprises a floating piston assembly or accumulator.

18. The dampener of claim 16 or 17 when dependent upon claims 7 and 11, wherein the piston assembly is located within the first end part, within a channel defined therein, which is in fluid communication with the shock fluid tube.

19. The dampener of claim 18, wherein when the dynamic locking means adopts the second state and the dampener body is compressed the shock fluid contained within the shock fluid tube is configured to flow into the channel by displacing the piston assembly therein.

20. A bow comprising the dampener as recited in any preceding claim.

21. The bow of claim 20, further comprising a stabilizer which is coupled to the bow at a first end and wherein the dampener is coupled to the stabilizer at the opposing end which is furthest from the bow.

22. The bow of claim 21, further comprising one or more balance weights which are coupled to the dampener such that the dampener is located between the balance weights and the stabilizer.14

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