BACKGROUND
Some archery bows have a power cable in addition to a bowstring. The power cable and the bowstring are coupled to one or more rotary cams. The power cable can interfere with the passage of the arrow during shooting. For example, during flight, the fletching of the arrow can contact or become entangled with the power cable. Therefore, archers often use a known cable guard to provide clearance for the arrow when passing by the power cable. In operation, the known cable guard generates a lateral force on the cams.
This lateral force has several disadvantages. The lateral force can damage, bind or otherwise increase the wear and tear on the internal bearing components of the cams. The lateral force can also cause the cams to wobble during rotation, causing lateral movement in the bowstring which, in turn, can hinder shooting performance. In addition, the lateral force can cause torque or bending in the riser of the bow which can also hinder shooting performance. Furthermore, all of these disadvantages can affect the trajectory of the arrow and make it more difficult for the archer to fine-tune the archer's bow in efforts to achieve optimal shooting outcomes.
In operation, the known cable guard constantly generates this lateral force to keep the power cable away from the arrow. In other words, the cable guard applies this lateral force at all times throughout the full cycle of motion of the bowstring. This full-cycle lateral force impairs the cam for a relatively long period of time, magnifying the disadvantages described above.
The foregoing background describes some, but not necessarily all, of the problems, disadvantages and shortcomings related to the known cable guard.
SUMMARY
In an embodiment, an archery cord manager is described. The archery cord manager includes a first end configured to be coupled to a bow, a second end, and a body between the first and second ends. The bow includes a draw cord moveable in a draw cord plane to launch a projectile along a shooting axis. A cord engager is supported by the body and configured to engage a supplemental cord of the bow, the supplemental cord being configured to increase a launching force of the bow. When the cord engager is engaged with the supplemental cord, the cord engager is configured to move from an inward position to an outward position in response to the bow transitioning from a drawn condition to an undrawn condition. In the drawn condition, the draw cord is retracted and in the undrawn condition, the draw cord is released.
In another embodiment, an archery cord manager is described. The archery cord manager includes a first end configured to be coupled to a bow, a second end, and a body between the first and second ends. The bow includes a draw cord moveable in a draw cord plane to launch a projectile along a shooting axis. A body engager is moveably coupled to the body and includes a cord engager configured to engage a supplemental cord of the bow. The body engager is configured to move along the body relative to the shooting axis. The cord engager is configured to move from an inward position to an outward position in response to the bow being transitioned from a drawn condition to an undrawn condition. The outward position is located further from the draw cord plane than the inward position. In the drawn condition, the draw cord is retracted, and in the undrawn condition, the draw cord is released.
In yet another embodiment, a method for constructing an archery cord manager is described. The method includes structuring a first end so that the first end is configured to be coupled to an archery bow, structuring a second end, and structuring a body so as to extend between the first and second ends. The archery bow includes a draw cord moveable in a draw cord plane to launch a projectile along a shooting axis. The method further includes structuring a cord engager so that, when the cord engager is engaged with a supplemental cord of the bow, the cord engager is configured to: (a) move from an inward position to an outward position in response to the bow transitioning from a drawn condition to an undrawn condition; and (b) apply a variable lateral force to the supplemental cord in response to the bow transitioning from the drawn condition to the undrawn condition, the variable lateral force resulting in a lower sum of lateral forces on the supplemental cord during the drawn period than during the undrawn period. In the drawn condition, the draw cord is retracted, thereby starting a drawn period, and in the undrawn condition, the draw cord is released, thereby starting an undrawn period. The variable lateral force and the sum of lateral forces act along axes that intersect with the draw cord plane.
Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Brief Description of the Drawings and Detailed Description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an archery bow illustrated in the undrawn condition.
FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an example of various forces acting on a supplemental cord set and rotor of the archery bow of FIG. 1.
FIG. 1C is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of the archery bow of FIG. 1 illustrated in the drawn condition.
FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an archery cord manager interacting with a supplemental cord of an archery bow in an undrawn condition.
FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of the archery cord manager of FIG. 2A interacting with the supplemental cord of the archery bow in a drawn condition.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of pivotal or rotational movement of the archery cord manager of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the pivotal or rotational movement of the archery cord manager of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 5A is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of an archery cord manager mounted on an archery bow in the undrawn condition.
FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 6A is a rear isometric view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 5A mounted on the archery bow in the drawn condition.
FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 6A.
FIG. 7A is a rear isometric view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 5A mounted on a riser in the undrawn condition, illustrating the cord engager in the outward position.
FIG. 7B is a rear isometric view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 5A mounted on a riser in the drawn condition, illustrating the cord engager in the inward position.
FIG. 8 is a side view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 5A mounted on a riser of the archery bow in the undrawn condition.
FIG. 9A is a rear view and top view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 5A mounted on the riser of the archery bow in the undrawn condition, illustrating the cord engager in the outward position.
FIG. 9B is a rear view and top view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 5A mounted on the riser of the archery bow in the drawn condition, illustrating the cord engager in the inward position.
FIG. 10A is a rear isometric view of another embodiment of an archery cord manager mounted on an archery bow in the undrawn condition.
FIG. 10B is an enlarged rear view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 10A mounted on the archery bow.
FIG. 11A is an isometric view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 10A mounted on the archery bow in the drawn condition.
FIG. 11B is an enlarged rear view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 11A mounted on the archery bow.
FIG. 12A is a side isometric view of an embodiment of the archery cord manager of FIG. 10A, illustrating its position in an undrawn condition of the archery bow.
FIG. 12B is a side isometric view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 10A, illustrating its position in a drawn condition of the archery bow.
FIG. 13A is a rear isometric view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 10A.
FIG. 13B is an exploded isometric view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 13A.
FIG. 14A is a side isometric view of another embodiment of an archery cord manager.
FIG. 14B is a rear isometric view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 14A.
FIG. 15A is a rear isometric view of another embodiment of an archery cord manager.
FIG. 15B is an exploded isometric view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 15A.
FIG. 16A is a side isometric view of yet another embodiment of an archery cord manager.
FIG. 16B is an exploded isometric view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 16A.
FIG. 16C is a rear view illustrating the interaction of the body and body engager bearing members of the archery cord manager of FIG. 16A.
FIG. 16D is a side view illustrating the positioning of a bearing member and the body of the archery cord manager of FIG. 16C.
FIG. 17 is a top isometric view of another embodiment of an archery cord manager.
FIG. 18A is an isometric view of another embodiment of an archery cord manager mounted on a riser of an archery bow in the undrawn condition, illustrating the cord engager in the outward position.
FIG. 18B is an enlarged view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 18A in the undrawn condition, illustrating the cord engager in the outward position.
FIG. 19A is an isometric view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 18A mounted on the riser in the drawn condition, illustrating the cord engager in the inward position.
FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 19A in the drawn condition, illustrating the cord engager in the inward position.
FIG. 20A is a top view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 18A mounted on the riser in the undrawn condition, illustrating the cord engager in the outward position.
FIG. 20B is a top view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 19A mounted on the riser in the drawn condition, illustrating the cord engager in the inward position.
FIG. 21 is an exploded isometric view of the archery cord manager of FIG. 18A.
FIG. 22 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a first body engager of the archery cord manager of FIG. 18A.
FIG. 23A is a front isometric view of the second body engager of the archery cord manager of FIG. 18A.
FIG. 23B is a rear isometric view of the second body engager of FIG. 23A.
FIG. 23C is another rear isometric view of the second body engager of FIG. 23A.
FIG. 24A is an isometric view of an embodiment of a cord engager or cord holder of the archery cord manager of FIG. 18A.
FIG. 24B is another isometric view of the cord engager or cord holder of the archery cord manager of FIG. 18A.
FIG. 24C is yet another isometric view of the cord engager or cord holder of the archery cord manager of FIG. 18A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, an archery bow 2 has a front 6 facing in a forward direction 4 toward a shooting target 5 and a back 10 facing in a rearward direction 14 opposite the shooting target 5. The back 10 is positioned closer to an archer or user who readies the archery bow 2 in position to fire a projectile or arrow 18 along the shooting axis 20.
The archery bow 2 also includes a riser 22. A limb 26, 30 is coupled to each end of the riser 22. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a rotational wheel, pulley, cam or rotor 34, 38 is coupled to each limb 26, 30. In an embodiment, each of the rotors 34, 38 rotates about an axis 28. At least one of the rotors 34, 38 is an eccentric member, having one or more elliptical, asymmetric or non-circular lever portions configured to: (a) engage the draw cord 46; (b) engage the power line, power cord set or supplemental cord set 42; or (c) engage both the draw cord 46 and supplemental cord set 42. The draw cord 46 and supplemental cord set 42 are spooled on the rotors 34, 38. Draw cord 46 can include a bowstring, drawstring, draw cord, string, cord, cable, or any other flexible line configured to be drawn backward by the archer. Supplemental cord set 42 can include one or more supplemental cords, power cables, power cords, auxiliary cords, assistive cords, strings, cords, cables, or other flexible lines configured to pull the limbs 26, 30 together. By pulling the limbs 26, 30 together, the supplemental cord set 42 increases the spring force of the bow 2, thereby increasing the launching force of the bow 2.
In an embodiment, the supplemental cord set 42 has a plurality of supplemental cord segments 43, 44 arranged to cross each other in an X-fashion, as shown in FIG. 1A. The supplemental cord set 42 is coupled to at least one rotor 34, 38 at an anchor point 39. When the draw cord 46 is drawn rearward 14, the movement of the draw cord 46 causes the rotors 34, 38 to rotate toward each other. Because the supplemental cord set 42 is coupled to the anchor point 39 of at least one of the rotors 34, 38, the rotation of the rotors 34, 38 cause the supplemental cord set 42 to be taken-up during drawing of the draw cord 46, effectively shortening the length of the supplemental cord set 42 and drawing the limbs 26, 30 of the bow 2 closer together. Drawing the limbs 26, 30 together places them in more tension and generates potential energy that will be used to launch the arrow 18 upon release. In this way, the supplemental cord set 42 increases the shooting or launching power of the bow 2.
As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the draw cord 46 is movable within a draw cord plane 50 determined by the separated arrangement of the rotors 34, 38. In an embodiment, a central point 36 of the draw cord 46 travels within the draw cord plane 50 to launch the arrow 18 along the shooting axis 20. In an embodiment, the arrow 18 has a protrusion, tail or fletching 54 (FIG. 1C) to aid in the aerodynamic flight performance of the arrow 18. In an embodiment, the supplemental cord set 42 travels within the supplemental cord plane 51.
The bow 2 is operable in a full draw cycle or full cycle. The full cycle of bow 2 starts with a brace, release or undrawn condition A (FIGS. 1A and 2A). Then, the bow 2 proceeds to a drawn condition B (FIGS. 1C and 2B). After the user releases the draw cord 46, the bow 2 returns to the brace, release or undrawn condition A.
In undrawn condition A (FIGS. 1A and 2A), the user is not pulling rearward 14 on the draw cord 46. The undrawn condition A can occur during a brace event or a release event. During a brace event, for example, the user has not yet pulled rearward 14 on the draw cord 46, so the draw cord 46 is positioned between the rotors 34, 38 in the undrawn condition A. During a release event, the user has already pulled rearward on the draw cord 46, the user has released the draw cord 46, and the draw cord 46 has returned to a location between the rotors 34, 38 in the undrawn condition A. The bow 2 remains in the undrawn condition A for an undrawn period of time until the user transitions the bow 2 to the drawn condition B.
In the drawn condition B (FIGS. 1C and 2B), the user has pulled or drawn the draw cord 46 in the rearward direction 14, and the user is holding the draw cord 46 in a tight, retracted state. The bow 2 remains in the drawn condition B for a drawn period of time until the user releases the draw cord 46, which enables the bow 2 to transition to the undrawn condition A. After the user releases the retracted draw cord 46, the bow 2 returns to undrawn condition A, the generated potential energy is expended, and the draw cord 46 travels in the forward direction 4 toward the target 5. As described below, each of the archery cord managers 58, 58a, 58b, 58c, 58d, 58e, 58f, 58g and 58h is operable to minimize or reduce the particular time period during which a peak outward force or lateral clearance force 7 (FIGS. 1B, 2A, and 2B) or sum of lateral forces acts on the supplemental cord set 42.
Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, in an embodiment, the archery cord manager 58 includes: (a) a first end or mount end 57 configured to be coupled to the riser 22 of bow 2; (b) a second end or free end 59 opposite the mount end 57; (c) a body 62 between the mount and free ends 57, 59; and (d) a body engager 73 moveably coupled to the body 62.
The body engager 73 has: (a) a body coupler 74 which is rotatably, slideably or moveably attached to the body 62; and (b) a cord engager or cord holder 78 configured to hold, hook, grasp or engage the supplemental cord set 42. In an embodiment, the segments 43, 44 of the supplemental cord set 42 are held apart on the cord engager 78 to prevent interference with each other. In the embodiment shown, the cord engager 78 is moveably or pivotally coupled to the body coupler 74 through a pivot member 76.
The body engager 73 has multiple degrees of freedom relative to the body 62. The body engager 73 is configured to axially translate, slide or move along the body 62 relative to the shooting axis 20 (FIG. 1C). For example, the body engager 73 is configured to move from position X1 in the undrawn condition A (FIG. 2A) to position X2 in the drawn condition (FIG. 2B). During such axial or translational movement, the cord engager 78 is also configured to move between an outward position O (e.g., 12 o'clock) in the undrawn condition (FIG. 2A) and an inward position I (e.g., 11 o'clock) in the drawn condition (FIG. 2B). When the body engager 73 is in position X1, the supplemental cord set 42 is in the outward position O. When the body engager 73 is in position X2, the supplemental cord set 42 is in the inward position I.
As shown, the inward position I is located closer to the draw cord 46 (and draw cord plane 50) than the outward position O. As indicated for this example, supplemental cord set 42 is separated from draw cord 46 by distance Z1 in the undrawn condition A, and supplemental cord set 42 is separated from draw cord 46 by distance Z2 in the drawn condition B. Distance Z1 is greater than distance Z2 to provide clearance space for the arrow fletching 54. Distance Z2 can be relatively small, such as the thickness or diameter of the arrow 18. In an embodiment not shown, distance Z2 is nearly zero because the archery cord manager 58 holds the supplemental cord set 42 in the drawn condition B so that both the supplemental cord set 42 and the draw cord 46 temporarily lie in nearly the same draw cord plane 50, the distance Z2 being the diameter of the arrow 18. In another embodiment (not shown), in which an arrow 18 is not loaded in the bow 2, the distance Z2 is zero. As the bow 2 transitions to the undrawn condition A, the archery cord manager 58 gradually distances the supplemental cord set 42 from the draw cord plane 50 to provide clearance for the arrow 18 and its fletching 54.
In an example operation, the user pulls back on the draw cord 46 in the rearward direction 14. Because of the shapes and rotation of the rotors 34, 38, the rotors 34, 38 transfer a rearward force 5 (FIG. 1B) on the supplemental cord set 42, which acts in the rearward direction 14 (FIG. 1A). This rearward force 5 causes the supplemental cord set 42 to move in the rearward direction 14. Since the cord engager 78 is hooked onto or otherwise engaged with the supplemental cord set 42, the supplemental cord set 42 drags or pulls the cord engager 78 rearward in the rearward direction 14.
In an embodiment, the cord engager 78 has a relatively low frictional interface with the body 62, enabling the cord engager 78 to freely translate, slide or move along the length of the body 62. Consequently, when the draw cord 46 causes a rearward force 5 (FIG. 1B) on the cord engager 78, the cord engager 78 translates rearward along the body 62. Likewise, when the draw cord 46 causes a forward force 3 (FIG. 1B) on the cord engager 78, the cord engager 78 translates forward along the body 62 in the forward direction 4 (FIG. 1A). Therefore, in an embodiment, the archery cord manager 58 does not push, pull or bias the supplemental cord set 42 in the rearward direction 14 or forward direction 4. Rather, the supplemental cord set 42 reacts to fore-aft draw cord forces, freely sliding or moving: (a) in the rearward direction 14 when the user transitions the bow 2 to the drawn condition B; or (b) in the forward direction 4 when the user releases the draw cord 46, causing the bow 2 to transition to the undrawn condition A.
As described above, in the drawn condition B, the draw cord 46 is retracted, and in the undrawn condition A, the draw cord 46 is released. The body engager 73 of the cord engager 78 moves from the inward position Ito the outward position O in response to the bow 2 being transitioned from the drawn condition B to the undrawn condition A. Consequently, during the particular time period when the arrow fletching 54 will be close or next to the supplemental cord set 42, the archery cord manager 58 distances the supplemental cord set 42 away from the fletching 54. In an embodiment, the archery cord manager 58 limits such distancing function to such particular time period rather than maintaining such distancing function throughout the entire cycle of the bow 2. As described below, this improves shooting performance and reduces wear, damage and malfunctioning of the bow 2.
It should be understood that, when the cord engager 78 is engaged or in contact with the supplemental cord set 42, the cord engager 78 can apply a lateral force (inward or outward) to the supplemental cord set 42. In an embodiment, this lateral force is insignificant or relatively small during the drawn period when the bow 2 is in the drawn condition B. In another embodiment, the sum of the lateral forces (inward and outward) on the supplemental cord set 42, including the lateral forces imparted by the cord engager 78 and rotors 34, 38, is insignificant or relatively small during the drawn period when the bow 2 is in the drawn condition B. Therefore, in the drawn condition B, when the arrow fletching 54 is not at risk of interfering with the supplemental cord set 42, the cord engager 78 reduces or minimizes the magnitude of lateral forces (or the sum of lateral forces) acting on the supplemental cord set 42. As a result, this reduces the transfer of harmful lateral forces to the rotors 34, 38 at least during the drawn period.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the body coupler 74 rotates relative to the body 62 while the body coupler 74 (along with the cord engager, not shown) translates, slides or moves along the length of the body 62 between, for example, positions X1 and X2 (FIGS. 2A-2B). In the example shown, the body coupler 74 is positioned at angle θ1 in the undrawn condition A, and the body coupler 74 is positioned at angle θ2 in the drawn condition B. During the full cycle from the undrawn condition A to the drawn condition B and back to the undrawn condition B, the angular position of the body coupler 74 dynamically changes from angle θ1 to angle θ2 and back to angle θ1. As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the body coupler 74 is at position X1, the body coupler 74 is positioned at angle θ1, and when the body coupler 74 is at position X2, the body coupler 74 is positioned at angle θ2. As set forth in the following table, the archery cord manager 58 dynamically regulates the position of the supplemental cord set 42 to minimize or reduce the duration of the lateral clearance force 7 on the supplemental cord set 42 which, in turn, minimizes or reduces the destructive, damaging and performance-hindering forces within the bow 2 and on the rotors 34, 38.
TABLE 1
|
|
Condition
Z Distance
X Position
Angular Position
|
|
A: Undrawn
Z1
X1
Θ1
|
B: Drawn
Z2
X2
Θ2
|
A: Undrawn
Z1
X1
Θ1
|
|
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-3, the archery cord manager 58 is operable to rotate in a designated convention in which the body coupler 74 rotates clockwise in the transition to undrawn condition A, and the body coupler 74 rotates counterclockwise in the transition to the drawn condition B. It should be appreciated, however, that the body coupler 74 can rotate according to an opposite convention in other embodiments. For example, in an embodiment not shown, the body coupler 74 is connected to the bottom of the body 62. In such embodiment, the archery cord manager 58 is operable to rotate in an opposite convention in which the body coupler 74 rotates counterclockwise in the transition to undrawn condition A, and the body coupler 74 rotates clockwise in the transition to the drawn condition B.
As illustrated in FIGS. 5A-8, the archery cord manager 58a can be coupled or mounted to the archery bow 2. For example, the archery cord manager 58a can be coupled to the back 10 of the riser 22. In this embodiment, the archery cord manager 58a has an offset arm or multi-axial body 62a. The multi-axial body 62a includes a plurality of portions or body segments 66, 67, 70 extending along different body axes A1, A2, A3, respectively (FIG. 7B). The offset body segment 67 can include a bent portion or elbow 68 at the distal end 69 of the first body segment 66. The proximal end 71 of the first body segment 66 is inserted into the riser 22.
The second body segment 70 extends from the offset body segment 67 in the rearward direction 14 (FIG. 1A). In an embodiment, each of the first and second body segments 66, 70 is straight or linear, and the offset body segment 67 is angled or slanted relative to the first and second body segments 66, 70.
The archery cord manager 58a also includes a body engager 73a having a sleeve member or body coupler 74a and a cord engager or holder 78a. The body coupler 74a is moveably coupled to the multi-axial body 62a. For example, the body coupler 74a can be a sleeve encircling the linear second body segment 70 of the multi-axial body 62a. The cord engager 78a is moveably or pivotally coupled to the body coupler 74a, and the cord engager 78a hooks, holds or engages a flexible, power-enhancing line set, such as supplemental cord set 42, of the bow 2.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the multi-axial body 62a of the archery cord manager 58a can be inserted within the riser 22. In this embodiment, a stop member 63 is positioned between the back wall 21 of the riser 22 and the multi-axial body 62a. A biasing member 64, such as a spring, is coupled to the multi-axial body 62a and sandwiched between the riser 22 and stop member 63. The biasing member 64 exerts a constant or persistent biasing, torsion force on the multi-axial body 62a. This torsion force rotationally positions the second body segment 70 so as to position the cord engager 78 in the outward position O for the undrawn condition A (FIGS. 7A and 9A).
In an embodiment, the biasing member 64 has a first biasing portion forced against the stop member 63 or riser 22. The biasing member 64 has a second biasing portion forced against a protrusion or engagement portion of the first body segment 66 of the multi-axial body 62a. Accordingly, the biasing member 64 is installed onto the first body segment 66 and within the riser 22 in a fashion that generates a constant or persistent torsion force on the multi-axial body 62. As described above, this persistent torsion force predisposes the cord engager 78a to be located in the outward position O for the undrawn condition A (FIGS. 7A and 9A).
Referring back to FIGS. 5A-5B, 7A, and 9B, in the undrawn condition A, the multi-axial body 62a of the archery cord manager 58a experiences the constant or persistent biasing force exerted by the biasing member 64. This holds the multi-axial body 62 in the outward position O. In this outward position O, the supplemental cord set 42 is held by the cord engager 78a, and the body coupler 74a and the multi-axial body 62a cooperate to hold or position the supplemental cord set 42 laterally outside the draw cord plane 50. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the archery cord manager 58a is operable to hold the elbow 68 of the multi-axial body 62a at a “3 o'clock” position in the outward position O. This locates the supplemental cord set 42 away from the arrow 18 (FIG. 1A), preventing or minimizing interference with the arrow 18 during the undrawn period.
Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, 7B, and 9B, as the draw cord 46 moves from the undrawn condition A to the drawn condition B, the supplemental cord set 42 experiences, in an embodiment: (a) a rearward force 5 (FIG. 1B) acting in the rearward direction 14 (FIG. 1A); and (b) several lateral forces, including: (i) as the transition from the undrawn condition A to the drawn condition B begins and continuing partway through the transition, the outward lateral clearance force 7 (FIG. 1B) generated by the biasing member 64; and (ii) the counteractive, inward lateral bow force 8 (FIG. 1B) generated by the rotors 34, 38 in opposition to the outward lateral clearance force 7.
In an embodiment, the drawing back of the draw cord 46 causes the rotors 34, 38 to rotate. The one or more lever arm portions of the rotors 34, 38 impart the rearward force 5 on the supplemental cord set 42. The inward lateral bow force 8 urges the supplemental cord set 42 towards the draw cord plane 50. When the inward lateral bow force 8 exceeds the outward lateral clearance force 7 generated by the archery cord manager 58a, a plurality of reactions occur.
In the first reaction, the body coupler 74a translates or slides along the linear second body segment 70 of the multi-axial body 62a in the rearward direction 14. In the second reaction, the inward lateral bow force 8 overcomes the lateral clearance force 7 which causes the multi-axial body 62a to rotate toward the draw cord plane 50 until the elbow 68 of the multi-axial body 62a moves to, or close to, the draw cord plane 50 when the bow 2 is in the drawn condition B. In an embodiment, this enables the supplemental cord set 42 to be located within or substantially within the draw cord plane 50, reducing the duration of problematic lateral forces on the rotors 34, 38. In the example shown in FIG. 7B, in the drawn condition B, the elbow 68 is located at a “9 o'clock” position. In this drawn condition B, the supplemental cord set 42 is positioned close to or within the draw cord plane 50.
Referring to FIG. 1B, in an example, when the bow 2 is in the undrawn condition A, the inward lateral bow force 8 acting on the supplemental cord set 42 is zero pounds of force, and the outward lateral clearance force 7 acting on the supplemental cord set 42 is sixteen pounds of force. As the bow 2 transitions to the drawn condition B, the inward lateral bow force 8 exerted by the rotors 34, 38 increases. For example, at a sixteen inch pull-back or draw of the draw cord 46, the inward lateral bow force 8 increases to twenty-four pounds of force, and at a twenty-two inch draw, the inward lateral bow force 8 increases to thirty-seven pounds of force, and at a thirty inch draw, the inward lateral bow force 8 increases to forty-three pounds of force.
By the time the bow 2 reaches the drawn condition B, the inward lateral bow force 8 has increased to overcome the outward lateral clearance force 7. This causes the multi-axial body 62 to pivot or rotate (in this example, counterclockwise, although in another embodiment, the multi-axial body 62 could rotate clockwise), moving the cord engager 78a closer to or within the draw cord plane 50. At this position, the cord engager 78a positions the supplemental cord set 42 so as to reduce, minimize or eliminate the sum of the outward lateral clearance force 7 and the inward lateral bow force 8.
When the user releases the draw cord 46, such as when the arrow 18 is launched, the inward lateral bow force 8 is reduced as the draw cord 46 moves within the draw cord plane 50 to the undrawn condition A, and the outward lateral clearance force 7 overcomes the inward lateral bow force 8. This causes the multi-axial body 62a of the archery cord manager 58a to pivot or rotate (in this example, clockwise, although in another embodiment, the multi-axial body 62 could rotate counter-clockwise) to move the cord engager 78a further away from the draw cord plane 50. Accordingly, during this transition from drawn condition A to undrawn condition B, the cord engager 78a applies a variable sum of lateral forces to the supplemental cord set 42. In an embodiment, this force sum varies from a relatively low lateral force sum in the drawn condition A to a relatively high lateral force sum in the undrawn condition B. While the outward and inward positions O, I of the elbow 68 have been described herein as “3 o'clock” and “9 o'clock”, it is to be understood that any suitable positions can be utilized. For example, the outward and inward positions O, I of the elbow 68 can vary within a range of zero to thirty degrees.
In another embodiment not shown, the multi-axial body 62a is differently positioned so that, for example, the elbow 68 faces outward O in the undrawn condition A, and the elbow 68 faces downward in the drawn condition B. In such embodiment, the archery cord manager 58a is operable to rotate in an opposite convention in which the body coupler 74a rotates counterclockwise in the transition to undrawn condition A, and the body coupler 74a rotates clockwise in the transition to the drawn condition B.
Referring to FIGS. 10A-13B, another embodiment of an archery cord manager 58b is illustrated. In this embodiment, the archery cord manager 58b is coupled to or mounted on the riser 22 of the bow 2. The archery cord manager 58b includes a body 62b. In an example, the body 62b can be a linear shaft or rod. The body 62b of the archery cord manager 58b can be coupled to the riser 22 of the bow 2 in any suitable manner. For example, the body 62b of the archery cord manager 58b can be received in a bore hole (not shown) of the riser 22. In an example, the body 62b is fixedly coupled to the riser 22 through a press-fit, fastener-based or other suitable securing configuration.
The archery cord manager 58b also includes a body engager 73b including a body coupler 74b and a cord engager 78b. The cord engager 78b is coupled to the body coupler 74b and is configured to hold the supplemental cord set 42. In an example, the cord engager 78b can be coupled to the body coupler 74b by a hinged joint 98 (FIG. 12B). The cord engager 78b can have any suitable shape. For example, the cord engager 78b can have a T-shape, U-shape, hooked shape or double-hooked shape. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13A, the cord engager 78b has a T-shape defining: (a) a cord slot 90 configured to receive supplemental cord segment 43; and (b) a cord slot 94 configured to receive supplemental cord segment 44. The body coupler 74b can have any suitable shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the body coupler 74b has a tubular or hollow, cylindrical shape.
When the draw cord 46 is in the undrawn condition A, as illustrated by FIGS. 10A-10B and 12A, the body coupler 74b is in an outward position O on the body 62b, near the riser 22, and the archery cord manager 58b holds the supplemental cord set 42 away from the draw cord 46 and the draw cord plane 50. While holding the supplemental cord set 42, the cord engager 78b applies an outward lateral clearance force 7 (FIG. 1B), which exceeds the inward lateral bow force 8 (FIG. 1B).
In an example, the outward position O of the body coupler 90 is located so that the joint 98 is at the “4 o'clock” position (FIG. 10B) at a first X distance from the riser 22. It should be appreciated that the archery cord manager 58b can have various structures or components operable to produce securing forces to maintain the body coupler 74b in the outward position O despite the inward lateral bow force 8. For example, the inner surface of the body coupler 74b can include a frictional interface for the body 62b to generate a securing force of frictional resistance with respect to the body 62b. The frictional resistance can resist the translational movement of the body coupler 74b relative to the body 62b. Also, the frictional resistance can resist rotational movement of the body coupler 74b relative to the body 62b.
As the draw cord 46 is moved to the drawn condition B, illustrated by FIGS. 11A-11B and 12B, the supplemental cord set 42 experiences, in an embodiment: (a) the rearward force 5 (FIG. 1B); and (b) the inward lateral bow force 8 (FIG. 1B), which is transferred to the cord engager 78b and the body coupler 74b. Eventually, the combination or sum of the rearward force 5 and inward lateral bow force 8 exceeds or overcomes the outward lateral clearance force 7 and the securing forces of the body coupler 74b. In response, the body coupler 74b translates along the body 62b in the rearward direction 14 to an inward position I, and the body coupler 74b simultaneously rotates around the body 62b until the cord engager 78b is near or within the draw cord plane 50. In the example shown in FIG. 11B, the inward position I of the cord engager 78b is located so that the joint 98 is at the “5 o'clock” position. When the draw cord 46 is released for returning to the undrawn condition A from the drawn condition B, the inward lateral bow force 8 decreases, and the forward force 3 (imparted by the rotating rotors 34, 38) urges the supplemental cord set 42 in the forward direction 4. When the supplemental cord set 42 moves forward to the position between the rotors 34, 38, the cord engager 78b moves outward, away from the draw cord plane 50, the securing forces of the body coupler 74b secure the body coupler 74b in an outward position O relative to the body 62b, and the cord engager 78b pulls the supplemental cord set 42, applying the outward lateral clearance force 7 to the supplemental cord set 42.
In an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12A-13B, the body 62b of archery cord managers 58b and 58c is a splined shaft having a plurality of spiral tracks defined by at least one or a plurality of spiral slots or grooves 102 etched, cut or formed on the surface of the body 62b in a spiral along its length. In this embodiment, the body coupler 74b is a two-part member including a sleeve member 92 to which the cord engager 78b is coupled and an insert 93. The insert 93 includes a plurality of inwardly-extending projectiles or protrusions 95 configured to engage the body 62b and insert into the spiral grooves 102. As shown, the protrusions 95 extend axially along axes parallel to the axes of the grooves 102. This guides and facilitates the dual translational and rotational movements of the body coupler 74b relative to the body 62b. In the example shown in FIG. 13A, because of the winding orientation of the spiral grooves 102, a rearward force 5 on the cord engager 78b would cause the body coupler 74b to translate rearward 14 (FIG. 1A) and to rotate clockwise, moving the cord engager 78b closer to the draw cord plane 50. Also, a forward force 3 on the cord engager 78b would cause the body coupler 74b to translate forward 4 (FIG. 1A) and to rotate counterclockwise, moving the cord engager 78b away from the draw cord plane 50.
In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14B, an archery cord manager 58d includes the body 62b, the body coupler 74b which receives the body 62b, and a cord engager 78c pivotally coupled to the body 62b. In this embodiment, the cord engager 78c includes: (a) an arm 97; and (b) a plurality of spaced-part guides, including: (i) a first guide wheel 99 rotatably coupled to the arm 97; and (ii) a second guide wheel 100 rotatably coupled to the arm 97. In an embodiment, in operation, the supplemental cord set 42 is located between the guide wheels 99, 100 while the cord engager 78c varies the position of the supplemental cord set 42 as described above. In another embodiment, each supplemental cord segment 43, 44 of the supplemental cord set 42 fits within a groove defined by a guide wheel 99, 100. Also, in this embodiment, the body coupler 74b includes a plurality of ball bearing members 96 (FIG. 14B) extending radially inward. The ball bearing members 96 rest on the surface of the body 62b, within the applicable spiral grooves 102. This facilitates the dual translational and rotational movements of the body coupler 74b along the body 62b, following the spiral groves 102.
In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15B, an archery cord manager 58e includes a twisted body 62c and a body coupler 74c. The twisted body 62c includes a plurality of sides arranged in a twisted configuration, such as the twisted sides 107 of a twisted, triangular shaft, as shown. In this embodiment, the body coupler 74c has an interior shape that corresponds to, receives and mates with, the exterior shape of the twisted body 62c. In the embodiment shown, the body coupler 74c has a triangular interior cross-section. In addition, the interior surfaces of the body coupler 74c twist in a manner corresponding to the twist of the twisted body 62c. In the example shown in FIG. 15A, because of the twisted orientation of the twisted body 62c, a rearward force 5 (FIG. 1B) on the cord engager 78b would cause the body coupler 74c to both translate rearward 14 (FIG. 1A) and rotate clockwise, moving the cord engager 78b closer to the draw cord plane 50. Also, a forward force 3 (FIG. 1B) on the cord engager 78b would cause the body coupler 74c to both translate forward 4 (FIG. 1A) and rotate counterclockwise, moving the cord engager 78b away from the draw cord plane 50.
In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16D, an archery cord manager 58f includes a body 62d, a body coupler 74d which encircles the body 62d, and the cord engager 78b pivotally coupled to the body coupler 74d. The body 62d is a rod, shaft, tube or other elongated arm having a uniform surface. In this embodiment, the body coupler 74d includes a plurality of cylindrical bearing members 96a (e.g., roller bearings) extending radially inward toward the body 62d. The bearing members 96a rest on the surface of the body 62d and facilitate movement of the body coupler 74d along the body 62b. As illustrated by FIGS. 16A and 16C, body coupler 74d includes a plurality of shafts (not shown), and each such shaft rotatably couples one of the bearing members 96a to the body coupler 74d. Each bearing member 96a is oriented at a pitch or angle relative to the body 62d. In particular, as illustrated by FIGS. 16C-16D, each bearing member 96a is oriented such that the bearing member axis AB is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the body axis AS, and the bearing member axis AB forms an angle θ3 with the body axis AS. In an embodiment, the body axis AS extends in a vertical plane V, and the bearing member axis AB strikes vertical plane V at a non-normal angle (e.g., an angle other than ninety degrees). This orientation of the bearing members 96a relative to the body 62d facilitates lateral rotation of the body coupler 74d and the cord engager 78b around the body 62d, causing the body coupler 74d to travel translationally and rotationally or in a spiral fashion or otherwise circling the body 62d. In addition, the rearward force 5 applied to the cord engager 78b by the draw cord 46 facilitates a movement of the body coupler 74d in the rearward direction 14 along the body 62d as the draw cord 46 moves to the drawn condition B. Thus, as the draw cord 46 moves to the drawn condition B, the body coupler 74d and the cord engager 78b experience a simultaneous lateral rotation about, and rearward movement along, the body 62d.
In another embodiment (not shown), the archery cord manager 58f includes a position controller operatively coupled to the body 62d or the body coupler 74d. The position controller can be mechanical or electromechanical and can include one or more springs, actuators, magnetic devices or motors, among other components. In the undrawn condition A, the cord engager 78b is oriented to keep the supplemental cord set 42 apart from the draw cord plane 50 to provide clearance for the arrow 18. In the drawn condition B, the cord engager 78b moves so that the supplemental cord set 42 is in a position close to, or within, the draw cord plane 50.
In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, an archery cord manager 58g includes a body 62e, a body coupler 74e moveably coupled to the body 62e and the cord engager 78b pivotally coupled to the body coupler 74e. The body 62e includes a splined shaft having a straight track defining a plurality of parallel, straight slots or grooves 121 along its length. In this embodiment, the body coupler 74e has a plurality of inwardly-extending protrusions 119 that rest in the straight grooves 121. In this embodiment, the archery cord manager 58g includes a position controller 122 operatively coupled to the body coupler 74e. The position controller 122 can be mechanical or electromechanical and can include one or more springs, actuators, magnetic devices or motors, among other components. In the undrawn condition A, the position controller 122 orients the cord engager 78b to keep the supplemental cord set 42 apart from the draw cord plane 50 to provide clearance for the arrow 18. In the drawn condition B, the position controller 122 enables the cord engager 78b to move so that the supplemental cord set 42 is in a position close to, or within, the draw cord plane 50.
Referring to FIGS. 18A-24C, another embodiment of an archery cord manager 58h is illustrated. In this embodiment, the archery cord manager 58h includes: (a) a mounting post or body 62f; (b) a first body engager 110 serving a rotor function, which receives the body 62f; and (c) a second body engager 112 serving a cam-follower function, which also receives the body 62f. As illustrated by FIG. 22, the first body engager 110 has a substantially tubular or cylindrical, hollow shape. The outer wall 114 of the first body engager 110 is sculpted or shaped to form: (a) an arc-shaped or curvilinear rotor surface or guide wall 123; and (b) a lowered floor 118 extending from a first end 120 along the outer wall 114 parallel to the longitudinal axis A4 of the first body engager 110 and extending partway through the outer wall 114. The cam surface or guide wall 123 and floor 118 define a position adjustment space 125, as described below.
As illustrated by FIGS. 23A-23C, the second body engager 112 also has a substantially tubular or cylindrical, hollow shape. A first end 124 of the outer wall 126 of the second body engager 112 has at least one rotor-follower or extension portion 128, having a curvilinear or arc shape, extending therefrom along the longitudinal axis A5 of the second body engager 112. The extension portion 128 is configured to mate with the guide wall 123 and floor 118 of the first body engager 110. The extension portion 128 extends along the outer wall 126 parallel to the longitudinal axis A2. Also, the extension portion 128 fits and inserts into the position adjustment space 125 of first body engager 110 while physically interfacing with the rotor surface or guide wall 123 and floor 118.
In addition, a coupler or coupling surface 132 extends from the outer wall 126. The coupling surface 132 defines a pivot opening extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A5. In the illustrated example, the coupling surface 132 is formed by two parallel extensions or legs 136 (FIG. 23C) extending from the outer wall 126.
Referring to FIGS. 24A-24B, the archery cord manager 58f also includes the cord engager 78b. As described above, the cord engager 78b can have any suitable shape. In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 21A-21C, the cord engager 78b has a stem 140 having a bottom end 148. Also, the cord engager 78b has a T-shaped, double hook 144 extending from the bottom end 148, giving the cord engager 78b an anchor shape. The top end 152 of the body engager 110, 112 defines a pivot opening or pivot aperture 150 configured to receive a pin or other suitable pivot member. The double hook 144 defines the spaced-apart cord slots 90, 94 described above.
Referring back to FIG. 21, the body 62f of the archery cord manager 58h is coupled to and extends from the riser 22. The first body engager 110 is positioned on the body 62f such that the body 62f extends through the hollow interior of the first body engager 110. In an embodiment, the first body engager 110 is integral with the body 62f. In another embodiment, the first body engager 110 is removably coupled to the body 62f. The second body engager 112 is positioned on the body 62f, next to the first body engager 110 such that the body 62f extends through the hollow interior of the second body engager 112. When assembled, the first end 120 of the first body engager 110 is adjacent to the first end 124 of the second body engager 112. The cord engager 78b is pivotally coupled to the coupling surface 132 of the second body engager 112. In this example, the cord engager 78b is pivotally pinned to the legs 136 of the coupling surface 132.
In an embodiment, the first body engager 110 is fixedly attached to the body 62f. The first body engager 110 is immovably secured to the body 62f through a fastener, press-fit connection, set screw, adhesive or other suitable fastening approach. In another embodiment, the first body engager 110 is not separate from the body 62f; instead, the structure of the body 62f incorporates the geometry of the first body engager 110 as a one-piece, unitary configuration. As described below, the second body engager 112 is moveably coupled to the body 62f for a rotor-based cooperation with the first body engager 110.
As illustrated in FIG. 21, the archery cord manager 58h also includes: (a) a first stop member 160, such as a washer, positioned on the body 62f adjacent to the second body engager 112; (b) a biasing member 164, such as a spring, positioned on the body 62f adjacent to the stop member 160; (c) a second stop member 168, such as a tubular collar, positioned on the body 62f adjacent to the biasing member 164; and (d) a fastener 172, such as a screw or bolt, installed at the end of the body 62f to hold and secure the foregoing components on the body 62f.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 18A-19B, in the undrawn condition A (FIGS. 18A-18B), the first end 120 of the first body engager 110 contacts the first end 124 of the second body engager 112 so that the extension portion 128 of the second body engager 112 is received in the position adjustment space 125 (FIG. 22) of the first body engager 110. The biasing member 164 exerts an axial force on the second body engager 112 to bias the second body engager 112 against the first body engager 110 in the undrawn condition A of the bow 2.
In this arrangement, the extension portion 128 of the second body engager 112 is engaged and mated with the guide wall 123 and floor 118 (FIG. 22) of the first body engager 110. Also, the cord engager 78b is positioned so as to hold the supplemental cord set 42 (FIG. 2A) away from the draw cord plane (FIG. 2A). In doing so, the cord engager 78b applies a lateral clearance force 7 (FIG. 1B) to the supplemental cord set 42. As described above, this keeps the supplemental cord set 42 away from the path of the arrow 18 in the undrawn condition A of the bow 2.
Referring to FIGS. 19A-19B, as the draw cord 46 (FIG. 2B) is moved to a drawn condition B, the supplemental cord set 42 experiences: (a) the rearward force 5 (FIG. 1B); and (b) the inward lateral bow force 8 (FIG. 1B), which is transferred to the cord engager 78b and to the second body engager 112. Eventually, the combination or sum of the rearward force 5 and inward lateral bow force 8 exceeds or overcomes the outward lateral clearance force 7 (FIG. 1B) and the spring force of the biasing member 164. In response, the second body engager 112 translates along the body 62f in the rearward direction 14, and the second body engager 112 simultaneously rotates around the body 62f until the cord engager 78b moves the supplemental cord set 42 to be near or within the draw cord plane 50.
As illustrated in FIGS. 20A-20B, during the transition from the undrawn condition A to the drawn condition B, the extension portion 128 (FIG. 23B) of the second body engager 112 slides along the rotor surface or guide wall 123 and floor 118 (FIG. 22) of the first body engager 110. Because of the curvilinear shape of the rotor surface or guide wall 123, the first body engager 110 pushes the second body engager 112 rearward 14 (FIG. 1A), overcoming the force of the spring or biasing member 164. At the same time, the first body engager 110 causes the second body engager 112 to rotate. In the example shown in FIGS. 19A-19B, the rotation occurs clockwise, causing the cord engager 78b to move laterally from its outward position O2 (FIG. 20A) to its inward position I2 (FIG. 20B). In the inward position I2, the cord engager 78b is positioned to hold the supplemental cord set 42 close to, or within the draw cord plane 50 (FIG. 1C). In this inward position I2, the extension portion 128 of the second body engager 112 has rotated so as to be at least partially out of contact with the guide wall 123 of the first body engager 110 and into contact with the non-cutaway portion of the first body engager 110.
When the draw cord 46 is released for returning to the undrawn condition A from the drawn condition B, the inward lateral bow force 7 (FIG. 1B) decreases, and the forward force 3 imparted by the rotating rotors 34, 38 (FIG. 1B) urges the supplemental cord set 42 in the forward direction 4 (FIG. 1A). The sum of these forces 7, 3 and the spring force of the biasing member 164 causes the second body engager 112 to: (a) translate axially forward 4 relative to the body 62f; and (b) simultaneously rotate relative to the body 62f. In the example shown, this rotation occurs in the counterclockwise direction. By the time the supplemental cord set 42 moves forward to the position between the rotors 34, 38 in the undrawn condition A, the cord engager 78b moves outward, away from the draw cord plane 50, and the cord engager 78b pulls the supplemental cord set 42, applying the outward lateral clearance force 7 to the supplemental cord set 42. In this undrawn condition A, the extension portion 128 of the second body engager 112 is fully received in the position adjustment space 125 of the first body engager 110, as show in FIG. 20A.
The archery cord managers 58, 58a, 58b, 58c, 58d, 58e, 58f, 58g and 58h, in an embodiment, are each configured to hold the supplemental cord set 42 away from the draw cord plane 50 in the undrawn condition A of the bow 2 and enable the supplemental cord set 42 to move toward the draw cord plane 50 as the bow 2 is transitioned to the drawn condition B. In the undrawn condition A, an outward lateral clearance force 7 pulls the supplemental cord set 42 away from the path of the arrow 18 to avoid interference with the arrow 18. In the drawn condition B, there is a zero magnitude or relatively low magnitude of the outward lateral clearance force 7 or the sum of lateral forces acting on the supplemental cord set 42. Therefore, in an example, the only sum of lateral forces on the supplemental cord set 42 in the drawn condition B is a relatively low force imparted by the arrow 18, which may be in contact with the supplemental cord set 42. The relatively small diameter of the arrow 18 separates the supplemental cord set 42 from the draw cord 46. This results in the relatively low, lateral arrow force on the supplemental cord set 42. When the bow 2 transitions to the drawn condition B with no arrow 18 loaded in the bow 2, there is a zero magnitude or relatively low magnitude of the outward lateral clearance force 7 acting on the supplemental cord set 42, and there is no lateral arrow force acting on the supplemental cord set 42. This dynamic regulation of the lateral force sum on the supplemental cord set 42 reduces the length of time during which a substantial lateral force sum is experienced by the supplemental cord set 42. Consequently, this reduces the damaging, life-shortening and performance-hindering effects of lateral forces on the bow 2, its rotors 34, 38, riser 22 and other components. In addition, this enhances arrow flight and improves performance of the bow 2.
Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
Although several embodiments have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.
Patent Grant
9989329
