Patent Application
20150136105
This invention relates generally to archery bows, and more specifically to compound archery bows.
Compound bows are known in the art. Generally, a compound bow uses a leveraging system that reduces the amount of force required to retain the bowstring in a drawn condition.
Compound bows in the present commercial market typically include a riser and opposed limbs. Each limb is attached to the riser at one end and supports a rotating member at the other end. A bowstring and one or more power cables extend between the rotating members. As the bowstring is drawn, the limbs flex and store energy—thus, the limbs are flexible.
The arrangement of having tension cables (e.g. bowstring, power cable, etc.) extending between rotating members that are mounted on flexible limbs can allow for some degree of unwanted movement in the bow, bowstring and nocking point.
Many bows include cable guards that bias cables in a lateral direction (e.g. holding cables out of the projected arrow flight path). The lateral biasing on the cables generally places a twisting force on each limb, and can result in measurable limb twist and a nocking point travel axis that is displaced laterally from its desired path.
Additionally, many compound bows are two-cam bows, which include two power cables and two rotating cam members. When a bow has two cams, synchronization of the cams (i.e. timing) is very important. Over time, the cams tend to go out of alignment, which can degrade bow performance.
There remains a need for novel compound bow designs that solve or mitigate issues that can stem from rotating members mounted on flexible limbs and cam timing.
All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.
A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification is provided as well only for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a frame, a first rotatable member supported by the frame, a second rotatable member supported by the frame and a limb supported by the frame. The first rotatable member comprises a first track, a second track and a cam. The cam comprises a power cable track. A bowstring cable segment extends from the first rotatable member to the second rotatable member. A control cable segment extends from the first rotatable member to the second rotatable member. A power cable extends from the limb to the first rotatable member. When the bowstring is drawn, the first track feeds out the bowstring cable segment, the second track feeds out the control cable segment and the power cable track takes up the power cable.
In some embodiments, the frame comprises a riser and a first spar. In some embodiments, the first rotatable member is supported by the first spar. In some embodiments, the frame comprises a second spar, and the second rotatable member is supported by the second spar.
In some embodiments, the limb is supported by the riser. In some embodiments, the limb is supported by a spar.
In some embodiments, a first spar comprises a pair of first spar members having similar shapes. In some embodiments, a limb is oriented between the first spar members of a given pair. In some embodiments, a limb support member comprising a fulcrum extends between the first spar members.
In some embodiments, a first cable comprises both the bowstring cable segment and the control cable segment. In some embodiments, the first cable wraps around the second rotatable member.
In some embodiments, the bowstring cable segment terminates on the second rotatable member and the control cable segment terminates on the second rotatable member.
In some embodiments, the first track and second track of the first rotatable member have similar shapes.
In some embodiments, the cam is oriented between the first track and the second track.
In some embodiments, the cam comprises a first cam and the first rotatable member comprises a second cam. The bow further comprises a second power cable in communication with the second cam. In some embodiments, the first track and the second track are positioned between the first cam and the second cam.
In some embodiments, the power cable does not cross a shooting axis defined by the archery bow.
These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention.
A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings.
While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.
For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.
Having rotatable members 30, 50 supported directly by the frame 20 provides a rigid support for the rotatable members 30, 50 and eliminates drawbacks that can occur when rotatable members are mounted upon flexible members, such as bow limbs.
A spar 34, 36 can be made from any suitable material, such as metals, polymers, composites, suitable combinations thereof, or any other material known to be suitable for use as an archery bow riser. In some embodiments, a spar 34, 36 comprises aluminum. In some embodiments, a spar 34, 36 comprises carbon fiber.
In some embodiments, a spar 34, 36 supports an axle (e.g. 74), and the axle 74 supports a rotatable member (e.g. 50). In some embodiments, a bearing member (not illustrated) is provided between an axle (e.g. 74) and a rotatable member (e.g. 50). A bearing member may comprise any suitable type of bearing, such as a sleeve bearing, roller bearing, etc. In some embodiments, a bearing member (not illustrated) is provided between a spar (e.g. 36) and an axle (e.g. 74), which can also be any suitable type of bearing, such as a sleeve bearing, roller bearing, etc. In some embodiments, an axle (e.g. 74) is attached to a rotatable member (e.g. 30) and arranged to rotate with the rotatable member. In some embodiments, a rotatable member (e.g. 30) is considered to comprise an axle (e.g. 74). In some embodiments, a portion of a rotatable member is located outboard of a spar (e.g. 34).
In some embodiments, the bow 10 comprises a third spar 35. In some embodiments, the third spar 35 is attached to the riser 22 and supports the first rotatable member 30. Thus, both the first spar 34 and the third spar 35 can be arranged to support the first rotatable member 30. In some embodiments, the first spar 34 and the third spar 35 have similar shapes. In some embodiments, the first spar 34 and the third spar 35 are positioned on opposite sides of the riser 22. In some embodiments, an axle 74 spans between the first spar 34 and the third spar 35. In some embodiments, the first spar 34 and the third spar 35 are considered a pair of first spar members.
In some embodiments, the bow 10 comprises a fourth spar 37. In some embodiments, the fourth spar 37 is attached to the riser 22 and supports the second rotatable member 50. Thus, both the second spar 36 and the fourth spar 37 can be arranged to support the second rotatable member 50. In some embodiments, the second spar 36 and the fourth spar 37 have similar shapes. In some embodiments, the second spar 36 and the fourth spar 37 are positioned on opposite sides of the riser 22. In some embodiments, the second spar 36 and the fourth spar 37 are considered a pair of second spar members. In some embodiments, an axle 74 spans between the second spar 36 and the fourth spar 37.
A bowstring 16 extends from the first rotatable member 30 to the second rotatable member 50, and a return or control cable 18 extends from the second rotatable member 50 to the first rotatable member 30. In some embodiments, the bow 10 comprises a first cable 12, which comprises both the bowstring 16 and the control cable 18 segments. In some embodiments, the first cable 12 wraps around the second rotatable member 50. In some embodiments, the second rotatable member 50 comprises a pulley.
As shown in
Desirably, the bowstring 16 and control cable 18 (or first cable 12) comprise “low-force” cable portions of the force compounding system of the bow (as opposed to a “high-force” cable such as a power cable). A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the tensile forces present in a “low force” cable are typically lower than tensile forces present in a “high force” cable. In a drawn condition, the tensile forces present in a “low force” cable are typically much lower than tensile forces present in a “high force” cable. When calculating an amount of torque applied to a rotatable member by a given cable, the moment arm of a “low force” cable may increase in length as the bow reaches full draw, whereas the moment arm of a “high force” cable may decrease in length.
Desirably, the bow 10 defines a shooting axis 72, and an arrow fired by the bow 10 will travel along the shooting axis 72. Desirably, the bowstring 16 comprises a nocking point 78. Desirably, the nocking point 78 will travel along the shooting axis 72 as the bow 10 is drawn and released.
The first rotatable member 30 comprises a first track 40, and a portion of the bowstring 16 is oriented in the first track 40 when the bow 10 is undrawn. As the bowstring 16 is drawn, the first rotatable member 30 will rotate, and bowstring 16 will feed out from the first track 40. In some embodiments, the first track 40 forms an outer periphery of at least a portion of the first rotatable member 30. In some embodiments, the bowstring 16 wraps around the first rotatable member 30 in the first track 40 and terminates on a terminal post 41.
The first track 40 can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the first track 40 has a substantially circular configuration, wherein portions of the first track 40 are oriented at a constant radius from a center of rotation of the first rotatable member 30. In some embodiments, the first track 40 has a non-circular shape.
In some embodiments, the first rotatable member 30 comprises a second track 42, and a portion of the control cable 18 is oriented in the second track 42 when the bow 10 is undrawn. As the bowstring 16 is drawn, the first rotatable member 30 will rotate, and control cable 18 will feed out from the second track 42. In some embodiments, the second track 42 forms an outer periphery of at least a portion of the first rotatable member 30. In some embodiments, the control cable 18 wraps around the first rotatable member 30 in the second track 42 and terminates on a terminal post.
The second track 42 can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the first and second tracks 40, 42 have similar shapes/configurations. In some embodiments, the first track 40 is shaped differently from the second track 42.
In some embodiments, the first track 40 and the second track 42 are configured to feed out similar amounts of bowstring 16 and control cable 18 as the first rotatable member 30 rotates. Desirably, this will help to ensure straight nocking point 78 travel. In embodiments where the control cable 18 wraps around the second rotatable member 50 and becomes bowstring 16, the amount of control cable 18 fed out from the first rotatable member 30 causes a specific amount of bowstring 16 to be fed out from the second rotatable member 50. Thus, the amounts of bowstring 16 that are fed out from each of the first and second rotatable members 30, 50 can be configured such that the nocking point 78 remains on axis 72 during draw.
Desirably, the first rotatable member 30 comprises a cam 32. A power cable 14 extends between the first rotatable member 30 and the limb 60. Desirably, as the bowstring 16 is drawn and the first rotatable member 30 rotates, the power cable 14 is taken up on the cam 32, causing the limb 60 to flex and store energy.
In some embodiments, the power cable 14 is attached to the limb 60 directly. In some embodiments, the limb 60 supports a bar member 62, and the power cable 14 is attached to the bar member 62. In some embodiments, the limb 60 comprises a forked end portion. In some embodiments, the power cable 14 comprises a loop, and the bar member 62 extends through the loop. In some embodiments, the bar member 62 comprises a metal shaft, similar to traditional archery bow axles 74.
In some embodiments, the bow 10 comprises a first power cable 14 and a second power cable 15. In some embodiments, the second power cable 15 extends between the first rotatable member 30 and the limb 60. In some embodiments, the first power cable 14 and second power cable 15 extend parallel to one another. In some embodiments, all power cables 14, 15 (e.g. all “high force” cables) included in the bow 10 are oriented parallel to one another, and the bow 10 excludes any high force cable oriented non-parallel to the first power cable 14.
In some embodiments, the first rotatable member 30 comprises a second cam (not visible in
In some embodiments, the bow 10 has a single limb 60. The limb 60 can be attached to the frame member 20 using any suitable method and having any suitable orientation. In some embodiments, the limb 60 is supported by the riser 22. In some embodiments, the limb 60 is supported by a portion 24 of the riser 22 located distal to the first spar 34. In some embodiments, the limb 60 is supported by a portion 24 of the riser 22 located farther away from a grip 76 than the first spar 34. In some embodiments, the limb 60 is supported by a portion 24 of the riser 22 located nearest to the first rotatable member 30.
In some embodiments, the limb 60 comprises a cantilever. In some embodiments, a limb 60 is attached to the frame member 20 at one end of the limb 60, and the limb 60 extends away from the grip 76. In some embodiments, the limb 60 is attached via a limb bolt 66 and a fulcrum member 68. In some embodiments, the limb bolt 66 places a tensile load on the frame member 20, and the fulcrum member 68 places a compressive load on the frame member 20. In some embodiments, a limb cup 80 is used. A limb cup 80 can have any suitable shape and configuration. Desirably, the limb cup 80 is attached to the frame member 20. In some embodiments, the limb cup 80 is held in place by the limb bolt 66, and the limb cup 80 receives the limb 60 and fixes it in place. In some embodiments, a limb cup 80 comprises a limb cup as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,192 or U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,630, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
In some embodiments, a grip 76 is located to the same side of a shooting axis 72 as the distal portion 24 of the riser 22 (e.g. both the grip 76 and distal portion 24 are located below the shooting axis 72). In some embodiments, a grip 76 is located to the same side of a shooting axis 72 as a limb 60. In some embodiments, a grip 76 is located to the same side of a shooting axis 72 as a rotatable member 30 that includes a cam 32.
In some embodiments, a cable guard 64 is provided to bias at least one cable in a lateral direction. As shown in
In some embodiments, a cable guard 64 can be configured as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,402,960, US Patent Application Publication No. 2012-0204851 or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/841,811, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
In some embodiments, the bow 10 comprises a string stop (not illustrated) arranged to contact the bowstring segment 16, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,195, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
In some embodiments, the length of one or more “high force” cables (e.g. power cable 14) is substantially less than the length of the bowstring segment 16 or the control cable segment 18.
In some embodiments, no “high force” cables (e.g. power cable 14) cross the shooting axis 72.
In some embodiments, the size and shape of the first limb 60 is similar to that of the second limb 70. In some embodiments, the first limb 60 extends parallel to the second limb 70. In some embodiments, the first limb 60 and second limb 70 comprise a limb pair (these are sometimes referred to as split limbs). In some embodiments, the first limb 60 and second limb 70 are mirrored on opposing sides of the riser 22 (or opposing sides of a central plane defined by the riser). In some embodiments, all limbs 60, 70 included in the bow 10 are oriented parallel to one another, and the bow 10 excludes any limb oriented non-parallel to the first limb 60. In some embodiments, the bar member 62 extends between the first limb 60 and the second limb 70.
In some embodiments, a limb cup 80 comprises a first cavity 81 and a second cavity 82. The first limb 60 can be received in the first cavity 81 and the second limb 70 can be received in the second cavity 82. In some embodiments, the first cavity 81 and second cavity 82 are positioned on opposing sides of the limb cup 80. In some embodiments, the first cavity 81 and second cavity 82 are mirrored on opposite sides of a central aperture (e.g. limb bolt aperture) of the limb cup 80.
In some embodiments, a fulcrum member 68 is wider than a portion of the frame member 20 that supports the fulcrum member 68. In some embodiments, the riser 22 supports the fulcrum member 68 and the fulcrum member 68 supports each of the first and second limbs 60, 70.
In some embodiments, the limb 60 is supported by a spar member. In some embodiments, the limb 60 is supported by the first spar 34. In some embodiments, the limb 60 is supported by a first spar pair (e.g. 34 &35). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the limb 60 is positioned between the first spar 34 and the third spar 35.
In some embodiments, the limb 60 is not supported directly by the riser 22. In some embodiments, the limb 60 is fully supported by one or more spar members (e.g. 34, 35).
In some embodiments, the first spar 34 supports the limb 60 as a cantilever. In some embodiments, a limb 60 is attached to the frame member 20 at one end of the limb 60, and the limb 60 extends in a direction toward the grip 76. In some embodiments, the first spar 34 supports the limb 60 at a first support location 54 and a second support location 56. In some embodiments, a first support location 54 comprises an anchor member 28 constructed and arranged to provide support for a limb 60. In some embodiments, an anchor member 28 comprises a cross-member that spans between the first spar 34 and the third spar 35. In some embodiments, an anchor member 28 comprises a threaded cavity suitable for receiving a limb bolt 66. In some embodiments, a fulcrum member 68 is provided at the second support location 56. In some embodiments, a fulcrum member 68 comprises a cross-member that spans between the first spar 34 and the third spar 35. In some embodiments, a portion of a limb 60 contacts the fulcrum member 68.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of a limb 60 is located between the grip 76 and the first rotatable member 30.
In some embodiments, a bow 10 includes a single power cable 14, for example as illustrated in
In some embodiments, a first end of each first limb 60 and second limb 70 are supported by the distal portion 24 of the riser 22, and each limb 60, 70 extends back in a direction toward the grip 76. In some embodiments, a portion of each limb 60, 70 is located between the grip 76 and the first rotatable member 30.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the distal portion 24 of the riser 22 is located between the first limb 60 and the second limb 70. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a spar member 34 is located between the first limb 60 and the second limb 70. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a first spar 34 and at least a portion of a third spar 35 are located between the first limb 60 and the second limb 70.
In some embodiments, a second spar 36 supports the first rotatable member 30, which comprises a cam 32. In some embodiments, a first spar 34 supports a second rotatable member 50.
In some embodiments, the limb 60 is supported by a portion 24 of the riser 22 located distal to the second spar 36. In some embodiments, the limb 60 is supported by a portion 24 of the riser 22 located farther away from a grip 76 than the second spar 36.
In some embodiments, a grip 76 and the distal portion 24 of the riser 22 are located on opposite sides of the shooting axis 72. In some embodiments, a grip 76 and the limb 60 are located on opposite sides of the shooting axis 72. In some embodiments, a grip 76 and a rotatable member 30 that includes a cam 32 are located on opposite sides of the shooting axis 72.
In some embodiments, a bow 10 comprises a first rotatable member 30 comprising a cam 32 in communication with a power cable 14. In some embodiments, the bow 10 comprises a second rotatable member 50 that comprises at least one track that is non-circular with respect to a rotation axis of the second rotatable member 50. Thus, the second rotatable member 50 can comprise at least one track that provides for cam action (i.e. the non-circular track); however, the non-circular track is considered to be a “half-cam” in the bow 10 because the non-circular track attaches to a low force cable (e.g. a bowstring 16 or control cable 18, but not a power cable 14).
In some embodiments, the second rotatable member 50 comprises a first track 46 and a second track 48. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second tracks 46, 48 are non-circular with respect to a center of rotation of the second rotatable member 50. In some embodiments, both the first and second tracks 46, 48 are non-circular with respect to a center of rotation of the second rotatable member 50. In some embodiments, the bowstring 16 is attached at one end to the first rotatable member 30 and is attached at a second end to the second rotatable member 50. In some embodiments, the control cable 18 is attached at one end to the first rotatable member 30 and is attached at a second end to the second rotatable member 50. Desirably, at least a portion of the bowstring 16 is oriented in the first track 46 when the bow 10 is not drawn. Desirably, as the bowstring 16 is drawn and the second rotatable member 50 rotates, control cable 18 is taken up in the second track 48 and bowstring 16 is fed out from the first track 16.
In some embodiments, the first rotatable member 30 comprises a first track 40 and a second track 42, wherein the shape of the first track 40 is different from the shape of the second track 42. For example, in some embodiments, the second track 42 is shorter in length than the first track 40. In embodiments where the second rotatable member 50 comprises one or more non-circular track(s) (e.g. 46, 48), the length(s) of the first track 40 and second track 42 can be configured to provide for a straight and level nocking point travel.
In some embodiments, a limb 60 is partially supported by a riser 22 and partially supported by a spar member (e.g. 34).
In some embodiments, the length of any high force cable (e.g. power cable 14) of the bow 10 is substantially shorter than any low force cable (e.g. bowstring segment 16 or control cable segment 18). In some embodiments, the length of any high force cable (e.g. power cable 14) of the bow 10 is equal to or less than one-half of the length of any low force cable (e.g. bowstring segment 16 or control cable segment 18). In some embodiments, the length of any high force cable (e.g. power cable 14) of the bow 10 is equal to or less than one-third of the length of any low force cable (e.g. bowstring segment 16 or control cable segment 18). In some embodiments, the length of any high force cable (e.g. power cable 14) of the bow 10 is equal to or less than one-quarter of the length of any low force cable (e.g. bowstring segment 16 or control cable segment 18). In some embodiments, the length of a high force cable (e.g. power cable 14) of the bow 10 is equal to or less than one-quarter of the length of a cable 12 that comprises both a bowstring segment 16 and control cable segment 18. In some embodiments, the length of a high force cable (e.g. power cable 14) of the bow 10 is equal to or less than one-sixth of the length of a cable 12 that comprises both a bowstring segment 16 and control cable segment 18. In some embodiments, the length of a high force cable (e.g. power cable 14) of the bow 10 is equal to or less than one-eighth of the length of a cable 12 that comprises both a bowstring segment 16 and control cable segment 18.
The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims.
Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below.
This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.
