The present disclosure generally relates to archery equipment and specifically relates to incorporating an adjustable component into a cam assembly of archery equipment.
Bowhunters and other archers use finely tuned archery equipment to launch arrows and other projectiles down range. For example, compound bows include one or more eccentrics or cam assemblies which rotate as the archer draws the archery bow to bend or flex limbs of the archery bow. While bent or flexed, the limbs of the archery bow provide potential energy transferred to the projectile through the bowstring when the projectile is launched. The design and features of the cam assembly can affect the archer's shooting experience and ultimately impact the performance of the archery bow. Accordingly, there is a constant need for improvements to various types of archery equipment, such as, the functionality and performance of cam assemblies.
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an archery bow which can include a riser, a first limb coupled to a first end of the riser, a second limb coupled to a second end of the riser, a first cam assembly, a second cam assembly, a member, a bowstring, a first cable, and a second cable. The first cam assembly can be coupled to the first limb and rotatable about a first axis of rotation. The first cam assembly can include a first cam and a first module. The second cam assembly can be coupled to the second limb and rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The second cam assembly can include a second cam and a second module. The member is configured to couple to the first cam assembly in a first configuration and couple to the second cam assembly in a second configuration. The bowstring can extend between the first cam assembly and the second cam assembly. In the first configuration, the member can be configured to contact the first cable at a first distance from the first axis of rotation. In the second configuration, the member can be configured to contact the second cable at a second distance from the second axis of rotation. The first distance can be different from the second distance.
In some examples, the member can be coupled to the first module in the first configuration and coupled to the second module in the second configuration. In some examples, the member is a first member and the archery bow further comprises a second member that is coupled to the second module in the first configuration and coupled to the second module in the second configuration. In the first configuration, the second member can be configured to contact the second cable at the first distance from the second axis of rotation. In the second configuration, the second member can be configured to contact the first cable at the second distance from the first axis of rotation.
In some examples, the first distance can be less than the second distance. In some examples, the first distance can be greater than the second distance. The first cam assembly can be coupled to the first limb by a first axle defining the first axis of rotation. The second cam assembly can be coupled to the second limb by a second axle defining the second axis of rotation. In some examples, the member can be configured to be coupled to the first module or the second module by a fastener. In some examples, the member comprises a damper configured to contact the first cable or the second cable while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. In the first configuration, the member can be repositionable relative to the first module along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. In the second configuration, the member can be repositionable relative to the second module along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the second axis of rotation.
Another aspect of the disclosure relates to an archery bow including a riser, a first limb coupled to a first end of the riser, a second limb coupled to a second end of the riser, a cam assembly, a bowstring, and a cable. The cam assembly can be coupled to the first limb and rotatable about an axis of rotation. The cam assembly can include a cam, a module, and a member configured to be coupled to the module or the cam in a first configuration and a second configuration. The bowstring can extend between the first limb and the second limb. The member can be configured to contact the cable at a first distance from the axis of rotation in the first configuration. The member can be configured to contact the cable at a second distance from the axis of rotation in the second configuration. The second distance can be different from the first distance. In some examples, a first surface of the member is oriented toward the cam in the first configuration and a second surface of the member is oriented toward the cam in the second configuration. The first surface can extend substantially parallel to the second surface.
In some examples, the archery bow can further comprise a second cable and a second cam assembly. The second cam assembly can be coupled to the second limb and rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The second cam assembly can include a second cam, a second module, and a second member. In a first configuration of the second member, the second member can be configured to contact the second cable at a third distance from the second axis of rotation. The third distance can be substantially equivalent to the first distance. In a second configuration of the second member, the second member can be configured to contact the second cable at a fourth distance from the second axis of rotation. The fourth distance can be substantially equivalent to the second distance.
In some examples, the member is repositionable along an axis that extends perpendicular to the cable while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. In some examples, the member includes indicia formed on a surface of the member. The indicia can correlate to one of the first configuration or the second configuration.
Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cam assembly for an archery bow. The cam assembly includes a cam, a module, and a member. The cam can be configured to couple to the archery bow and rotate about an axis of rotation. The member can be coupled to the cam or the module. In a first configuration, the member can be configured to contact a component of an archery bow at a first distance from the axis of rotation. In a second configuration, the member can be configured to contact the component at a second distance from the axis of rotation.
In some examples, the member can be configured to be rotated or revolved to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration. In some examples, the member contacts the component while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. In some examples, the component is a cable, a limb, or a structure affixed to the limb.
The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The Figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify one or more preferred embodiments.
The accompanying drawings and figures illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are part of the specification. Together with the present description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of this disclosure. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label.
While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.
The present disclosure generally relates to incorporating a member that is adjustable or replaceable into a cam assembly of an archery bow. The member can be affixed to the cam assembly such that the member contacts one or more cables while the archery bow is in a fully drawn or near-fully drawn state (i.e., when a bowstring of the archery bow is pulled by the archer to a full draw position). In some examples, the member can be adjustable, replaceable, swappable, or otherwise modifiable to contact particular portions of the cable disposed at various distances from an axis of rotation about which the cam assembly is rotating. For example, the cam assembly can rotate about an axis of rotation defined or formed by an axle extending through the cam assembly. While in a first configuration, the member can contact a portion of the cable that is a first distance from the axis of rotation. While in a second configuration, the member can be replaced or repositioned to contact a portion of the cable that is a second distance from the axis of rotation.
An archer's desired draw length (i.e., a fully drawn state of the archery bow) can be defined as a draw length of the archery bow when the draw weight is increased by a particular quantity beyond a minimum draw weight associated with a near-fully drawn state of the archery bow. See
This concept is sometimes referred to as the firmness of the back wall of the archery bow. A firm back wall can limit or minimize an increase in draw length beyond the archer's desired draw length and therefore limit or prevent additional and undesired energy from being stored by the archery bow. A relatively flexible back wall can enable the archer to minimally draw the bowstring beyond the archer's desired draw length and thereby marginally increase energy stored by the archery bow. An adjustable back wall (e.g., a mechanism for controlling the rate at which the draw weight increases as additional draw length is added) can be desirable by archers to tune the archery bow to launch arrows and other projectiles down range in a more repeatable and consistent manner.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, the archery bow can include an upper cam assembly rotatably coupled to an upper limb and a lower cam assembly rotatably coupled to a lower limb. The upper cam assembly can include a first member and the lower cam assembly can include a second member. In a first configuration, the first member can be fastened or otherwise affixed to the upper cam assembly and the second member can be fastened or otherwise affixed to the lower cam assembly. When the archery bow is in a fully drawn state, the first member can contact a portion of a cable a first distance from an axis of rotation about which the upper cam assembly rotates. When the archery bow is in a fully drawn state, the second member can contact a portion of a cable the first distance from an axis of rotation about which the lower cam assembly rotates. In a second configuration, the first and second members can be swapped such that the first member is fastened or otherwise affixed to the lower cam assembly and the second member is fastened or otherwise affixed to the upper cam assembly. In the second configuration, the first member can contact a portion of a cable a second distance from the axis of rotation about which the lower cam assembly rotates and the second member can contact a portion of a cable the second distance from the axis of rotation about which the upper cam assembly rotates. The first and second distances can be dissimilar to enable the archer to modify or alter the back wall (i.e., stack rate) of the archery bow.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the archery bow can include an upper cam assembly rotatably coupled to an upper limb. The upper cam assembly can include a member that can be flipped or rotated to vary a distance from an axis of rotation of the upper cam assembly at which the member contacts a cable. In a first configuration, the member can be fastened or otherwise affixed to the upper cam assembly and contact a portion of a cable a first distance from the axis of rotation about which the upper cam assembly rotates when the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. In a second configuration, the member can be, removed from the upper cam assembly, flipped or rotated, and re-affixed to the upper cam assembly. In the second configuration, the member can contact a portion of the cable at a second distance from the axis of rotation about which the upper cam assembly rotates when the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. The first and second distances can be dissimilar to enable the archer to modify or alter the back wall (i.e., stack rate) of the archery bow. For example, the second distance can be less than the first distance such that the second distance provides a less rigid back wall.
Additionally, or alternatively, the archery bow can include a lower cam assembly rotatably coupled to a lower limb. The lower cam assembly can include a respective member (i.e., different from the member associated with the upper cam assembly) that can be flipped or rotated to vary a distance at which the member contacts a cable. In a first configuration, the member can be fastened or otherwise affixed to the lower cam assembly and contact a portion of a cable a first distance from an axis of rotation about which the lower cam assembly rotates when the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. In a second configuration, the member can be, removed from the lower cam assembly, flipped or rotated, and re-affixed to the lower cam assembly. In the second configuration, the member can contact a portion of the cable at a second distance from the axis of rotation about which the lower cam assembly rotates when the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. The first and second distances can be dissimilar to enable the archer to modify or alter the back wall (i.e., stack rate) of the archery bow.
The present description provides examples, and is not limiting of the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Thus, it will be understood that changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add other procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments.
Referring now to the figures in detail,
The upper limbs 104 may be connected to an upper cam assembly 116, and the lower limbs 106 may be connected to a lower cam assembly 118. A bowstring 120 (i.e., draw string) may extend across the length of the bow 100 between the upper cam assembly 116 and the lower cam assembly 118 when the bow 100 is positioned vertically upright in a normal shooting orientation. The terminal ends of the bowstring 120 may be attached to and held entrained to the cam assemblies 116, 118, at least in the brace position, and the limbs 104, 106 may be flexed to store energy and retain tension in the bowstring 120. A first cable 122 and a second cable 124 may also be attached to and extend between the upper cam assembly 116 and the lower cam assembly 118. Collectively, the first cable 122 and the second cable 124 may be referred to herein as the cables of the bow 100. The first and second cables 122, 124 may retain tension in the limbs 104, 106 and cam assemblies 116, 118 and may be controlled to adjust tension in the bowstring 120, draw length of the bowstring 120, and other tuning features of the bow 100.
The figures illustrate example archery apparatuses that may be used in conjunction with the principles and teachings of the present disclosure. Thus, while the archery bows described herein are compound bows, it will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that the components of the archery bow, accessories, and related methods and apparatuses included in embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to components and apparatuses in compound bows, crossbows, their accessories, and other equipment related archery. Similarly, archery equipment applying the teachings of the present disclosure does not need to implement all of the features of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the bow may not comprise a cable guard 110 or a string-stop damper 112, so features associated with those accessories may be omitted from the bow.
When shooting an arrow, the tail end of the arrow may be nocked with the bowstring 120 at a nocking point while the bow 100 is in the brace position shown in
When the bowstring 120 is released, the potential/stored energy in the limbs 104, 106 is released, and the bowstring 120 quickly accelerates back toward the brace position (shown in
In some examples, the member 212 can be fastened to the module 210 such that a position of the member 212 relative to the cam 208 can be varied based on the position of the module 210 relative to the cam 208. For example, the module 210 can include a threaded through-hole 214 or other feature capable of receiving a fastener (not shown) extending through the member 212 to couple the member 212 to the module 210. Alternatively, or additionally, the member 212 can be fastened to the cam 208 in one of a plurality of radial positions. In some examples, the fastener can extend through a slot 216 formed within the member 212. The slot 216 can enable the member 212 to be repositionable along the length of the slot 216.
In some examples, the member 212 can contact a portion 218 of the first cable 202 that is displaced or separated from the axis of rotation A1 by a distance D1. The distance D1 between the portion 218 and the axis of rotation A1 (i.e., a distance the member 212 is offset from the axis of rotation A1) can be less than about 10 millimeters (mm), between about 10 mm and about 20 mm, between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, between about 40 mm and about 50 mm, or greater than about 50 mm.
In some examples, the member 212 shown in
In some examples, the draw length associated with the fully drawn state DL2 shown in
As described herein, varying the distance (distances D1, D2) between the axis of rotation A1 and the portion (e.g., portions 218, 222) of the first cable 202 that is contacted by the member (e.g., first or second members 212, 220) while the archery bow is in a near-fully drawn state can be associated with or correlate to a rate at which the archery bow increases or stacks in draw weight after the minimum draw weight M1 is achieved. In other words, the distance (distances D1, D2) between the axis of rotation A1 and the portion (e.g., portions 218, 222) of the first cable 202 that is contacted by the member (e.g., first or second members 212, 220) while the archery bow is in a near-fully drawn state can correlate to the additional draw length (draw lengths L1, L2 shown in
In some examples, the first member 212 can include the slot 216 enabling the first member 212 to be fastened to the module 210 (or cam 208) along an axis A2 that extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation A1 or otherwise extends substantially perpendicular to the portion 218 of the first cable 202 while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. For example, the slot 216 can enable the first member 212 to be affixed to the module 210 in one of three positions which correlate to a let-off of the archery bow (i.e., a percentage of draw weight that is reduced as the archery bow is in a fully drawn state). In some examples, the archery bow has a relatively lower let-off when the first member 212 is affixed to extend further from the module 210 and toward the portion 218 of the first cable 202. In some examples, the archery bow has a relatively higher let-off when the first member 212 is affixed to minimally extend from the module 210 and toward the portion 218 of the first cable 202. In other words, the first member 212 can limit an amount of rotation of the cam assembly 200 by contacting the first cable 202 to set the amount of let-off of the archery bow. While the let-off adjustment via slot 216 was described above with reference to the first member 212, this feature is alternatively, or additionally, applicable to the second member 220. For example, the second member 220 can include a slot 224 enabling the second member 220 to be affixed to the module 210 (or cam 208) along the axis A2.
In some examples, the first portion 226 includes the slot 216 formed within a planar surface 230 that at least partially interfaces with the module 210 or cam 208. In some examples, the slot 216 can be chamfered, recessed, or otherwise at least partially recessed. In some examples, a protrusion 232 can extend from the planar surface 230. While the first member 212 is affixed to the module 210 and/or the cam 208, the protrusion 232 can extend into a cut-out, channel, or cavity defined by the module 210 and/or the cam 208. The protrusion 232 can orient the first member 212 in a particular orientation that enables the first member 212 to contact the first cable 202. For example, the combination of a fastener (not shown) extending through the slot 216 and the protrusion 232 can cause the second portion 228 of the first member 212 to contact the first cable 202.
In some examples, the second portion 228 can define a planar or substantially planar surface 234 that at least partially contacts the first cable 202 while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. The planar surface 234 can have a width W1 that is less than about 5 mm, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, between about 10 mm and about 15 mm, between about 15 mm and about 20 mm, or greater than about 20 mm. The planar surface 234 can have a height H1 that is less than about 3 mm, between about 3 mm and about 6 mm, between about 6 mm and about 9 mm, between about 9 mm and about 12 mm, or greater than about 12 mm.
In some examples, the cam assembly 200 can include one or more dampers. For example, the planar surface 234 of the first member 212 can include a channel or retaining feature 236 configured to have one or more dampers 238 disposed therein. The damper 238 can contact the first cable 202 while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. Additionally, or alternatively, the planar surface 234 can contact the first cable 202 while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. The damper 238 can include a flexible polymer that at least partially deforms while in contact with the first cable 202.
In some examples, the first member 212 can include one or more symbols or indicia 240A, 240B, 240C, 240D indicating an orientation or configuration of the first member 212. For example, the indicia 240A can be an arrow or other symbol indicative of the distance (e.g., distance D1 or distance D2) from the axis of rotation A1 the first member 212 contacts the portion 218 of the first cable 202. For example, an arrow pointing away from the axis A1 (see
In some examples, the first portion 242 includes the slot 224 formed within a planar surface 246 that at least partially interfaces with the module 210 or cam 208. In some examples, the slot 224 can be chamfered, recessed, or otherwise at least partially recessed. In some examples, a protrusion 248 can extend from the planar surface 246. While the second member 220 is affixed to the module 210 and/or the cam 208, the protrusion 248 can extend into a cut-out, channel, or cavity defined by the module 210 and/or the cam 208. The protrusion 248 can orient the second member 220 in a particular orientation that enables the second member 220 to contact the first cable 202. For example, the combination of a fastener (not shown) extending through the slot 224 and the protrusion 248 can cause the second portion 244 of second member 220 to contact the first cable 202.
In some examples, the second portion 244 can define a planar or substantially planar surface 250 that at least partially contacts the first cable 202 while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. The planar surface 250 can have a width W2 that is less than about 5 mm, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, between about 10 mm and about 15 mm, between about 15 mm and about 20 mm, or greater than about 20 mm. The planar surface 250 can have a height H2 that is less than about 3 mm, between about 3 mm and about 6 mm, between about 6 mm and about 9 mm, between about 9 mm and about 12 mm, or greater than about 12 mm.
In some examples, the cam assembly 200 can include one or more dampers. For example, the planar surface 250 of the second member 220 can include a channel or retaining feature 252 configured to have one or more dampers 254 disposed therein. The damper 254 can contact the first cable 202 while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. Additionally, or alternatively, the planar surface 250 can contact the first cable 202 while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. The damper 254 can include a flexible polymer that at least partially deforms while in contact with the first cable 202.
In some examples, the second member 220 can include one or more symbols or indicia 256A, 256B, 256C, 256D indicating an orientation or configuration of the second member 220. For example, the indicia 256A can be an arrow or other symbol indicative of the distance (e.g., distance D1 or distance D2) from the axis of rotation A1 the second member 220 contacts the portion 222 of the first cable 202. For example, an arrow pointing away from the axis A1 (see
While the first and second members 212, 220 are described as contacting respective portions of the first cable 202, in other examples, the first member 212 and/or second member 220 can contact other components of the archery bow to inhibit continued rotation of the cam assembly 200. For example, the first member 212 and/or second member 220 can contact portions of a limb (e.g., limb 104) at various distances (e.g., distances D1, D2) from the axis of rotation A1. Additionally, or alternatively, the first member 212 and/or second member 220 can contact portions of a limb hanger or other structure, affixed to the limb (e.g., limb 104), at various distances (e.g., distances D1, D2) from the axis of rotation A1. The first member 212 and/or second member 220 can contact any component of the archery bow to limit rotation of the cam assembly 200 beyond a desired orientation.
In some examples, the lower cam assembly 302 can include a lower cam 316, a lower module 318, and a second member 320. The lower cam assembly 302 can rotate about an axis of rotation A4, for example, an axle (not shown) can be extended through one or more lower limbs (see
In some examples, the distance D3 can be greater than the distance D4. In some examples, the distance D3 can be less than the distance D4. The distance D3 can be less than about 10 mm, between about 10 mm and about 20 mm, between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, between about 40 mm and about 50 mm, or greater than about 50 mm. The distance D4 can be less than about 10 mm, between about 10 mm and about 20 mm, between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, between about 40 mm and about 50 mm, or greater than about 50 mm.
As described herein, varying the distance (distances D3, D4) between the axis of rotation A3 and the first cable 304 that is contacted by the member (e.g., first or second member 314, 320) while the archery bow is in a near-fully drawn state can be associated with or correlate to a rate at which the archery bow increases or stacks in draw weight after the minimum draw weight is achieved (i.e., after the near-fully drawn state is achieved). Thus, the first configuration (see
In some examples, the distance D5 between the portion of the first cable 402 contacted by the member 412 and the axis of rotation A5 can be less than about 10 mm, between about 10 mm and about 20 mm, between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, between about 40 mm and about 50 mm, or greater than about 50 mm. In some examples, the distance D6 can be less than the distance D5. For example, the distance D6 between the portion of the first cable 402 contacted by the member 412 and the axis of rotation A5 can be less than about 10 mm, between about 10 mm and about 20 mm, between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, between about 40 mm and about 50 mm, or greater than about 50 mm.
In some examples, the first portion 414 includes the slot 418 formed between planar surfaces 420A, 420B that can interface with the module 410 or cam 408 in the first or second configurations. For example, the planar surface 420B can be oriented toward the cam 408 while the member 412 is in the first configuration and the planar surface 420A can be oriented toward the cam 408 while the member 412 is in the second configuration. The planar surfaces 420A, 420B can extend substantially parallel to one another. In some examples, the slot 418 can be chamfered, recessed, or otherwise at least partially recessed (look for other instances). In some examples, one or more protrusions 422A, 422B can extend from the planar surface 420A and/or the planar surface 420B. In some examples, while the member 412 is affixed to the module 410 and/or the cam 408, one of the protrusions 422A, 422B can extend into a cut-out, channel, or cavity defined by the module 410 and/or the cam 408. The protrusions 422A, 422B can orient the member 412 in a particular orientation that enables the member 412 to contact the first cable 402. For example, the combination of a fastener (not shown) extending through the slot 418 and one of the protrusions 422A, 422B can cause the second portion 416 of the member 412 to contact the first cable 402.
In some examples, the second portion 416 can define a planar or substantially planar surface 424 that at least partially contacts the first cable 402 while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. The planar surface 424 can have a width W3 that is less than about 5 mm, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, between about 10 mm and about 15 mm, between about 15 mm and about 20 mm, or greater than about 20 mm. The planar surface 424 can have a height H3 that is less than about 3 mm, between about 3 mm and about 6 mm, between about 6 mm and about 9 mm, between about 9 mm and about 12 mm, between about 12 mm and about 15 mm, between about 15 mm and about 18 mm, between about 18 mm and about 21 mm, between about 21 mm and about 24 mm, or greater than about 24 mm.
In some examples, the upper cam assembly 400 can include one or more dampers. For example, the planar surface 424 of the member 412 can include a channel or retaining feature 426 configured to have one or more dampers 428 disposed therein. The damper 428 can contact the first cable 402 while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. Additionally, or alternatively, the planar surface 424 can contact the first cable 402 while the archery bow is in a fully drawn state. The damper 428 can include a flexible polymer that at least partially deforms while in contact with the first cable 402.
While
In some examples, changes may be made in the function and arrangement of archery components or products discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add other components or accessories as appropriate. For instance, one or more portions incorporated into a particular component described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments.
Various aspects have been described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, they will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions disclosed herein, in that those inventions set forth in the claims below are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the inventions disclosed without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The terms “including:” and “having” come as used in the specification and claims shall have the same meaning as the term “comprising.”