Patent Grant
12264893
The present invention relates to archery bows, and more particularly to an archery bow riser constructed from tubes.
For centuries, archery bows were constructed entirely from wood. Such wooden bows typically included a bow handle, upper and lower resilient limbs extending from the handle, and a bowstring attached to the upper and lower bow limbs. As technology advanced, so too did the desire to increase the amount of energy stored in the bow limbs, and thus increase the force available to propel an arrow show from the bow. Accordingly, compound bows became prevalent because they could store significantly more energy in their bow limbs than simple, non-compound bows having long, more flexible limbs. However, the bending moments produced by the relatively wide bow limbs of compound bows are large. Thus, compound bows frequently require larger, more massive cast, forged or machined metal risers. Due to the metal construction and larger size, risers became heavier, which in turn has increased the overall weight of many compound bows. This of course can be less desirable for archers and bow hunters, who typically want bows that are both lightweight and portable, as well as fast shooting. The large risers also are complex and expensive to produce and ship due to their size, shape and weight, so they pose challenges to archery bow manufacturers.
As a result, some manufacturers have begun to produce complete archery bow risers from carbon and composites. These risers include complex structures of carbon plies and fixtures to attach the limbs. While in some cases these carbon risers reduce weight of the bows, in others they actually increase the weight due to the complicated structures used to form the bow handle and connect the limbs. Further, the manufacturing process to make such composite risers can be elaborate and time consuming, as well as labor intensive.
Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the field of composite archery bows and risers, to reduce the weight of such bows and risers, to simplify manufacturing, and/or to reduce the cost of the same.
An archery bow and riser are provided including opposing limbs and a riser. The riser can include a riser handle, one or more riser elongated members extending from the handle toward respective limbs and one or more struts between the riser handle and a respective limb to capture and maintain the riser elongated members in a fixed orientation relative to one another and relative to limb pockets with which the limbs are mounted to the riser.
In one embodiment, the riser elongated members can include one or more riser tubes, for example, primary and secondary riser rubes. The one or more riser tubes can be elongated tubes constructed from a composite including high strength fibers such as graphite, glass, carbon and the like. In other constructions, the tubes can be metal, such as aluminum, titanium and/or an alloy. The tubes can be of a cylindrical, elliptical or polygonal shape, and can be hollow from end to end. The tubes can have cross sections that are correspondingly circular, elliptical, polygonal, or combinations of the foregoing.
In another embodiment, the riser handle, struts and limb pockets, can be constructed from a metal such as aluminum, titanium or an alloy, and which can handle significant moments and forces transferred via the tubes therethrough. In other constructions, these components can be constructed from polymers or composites, such as carbon, carbon and metal and the like.
In still another embodiment, a first primary riser tube can be linear and straight, and can have a first linear axis. A secondary riser tube can be linear and straight, and can have a second linear axis transverse to the first linear axis and transverse to a bowstring plane in which a bowstring attached to the limbs moves. The second linear axis can be offset by a first angle that optionally is 1° to 45°, inclusive, relative to the first linear axis and/or the bowstring plane.
In yet another embodiment, the first secondary riser tube can be disposed between the riser handle and the first limb. The first strut can include a first primary riser tube port engaging the first primary riser tube, and a first secondary riser tube port engaging the first secondary riser tube. The primary and secondary riser tubes can extend away from the first strut toward the first limb.
In even another embodiment, the first strut can include multiple ports to accommodate a pair of primary riser tubes and a pair of secondary riser tubes. The primary riser tubes can extend through corresponding ports forming through holes in the strut, generally from the riser handle to a limb pocket. The ports for the primary riser tubes can be through holes, allowing the primary riser tubes to extend continuously through the strut, without interruption in the tube. The secondary riser tubes can extend out from corresponding ports, optionally formed as cups, defined by the strut to the limb pocket, traversing the bowstring plane in doing so. The secondary riser tubes might not extend through the first strut, and can terminate at respective ends disposed in a portion of the first strut.
In a further embodiment, the limb pocket can include limb pocket ports as well. These ports can face toward corresponding ports on the strut, which can be located between the limb pocket and the riser handle. The ports can be in the form of limb pocket cups, and can receive the ends of respective primary riser tubes and secondary riser tubes. The limb pockets can include limb recesses that receive the respective limbs of the bow.
In another embodiment, the riser can include one or more upper primary riser elongated elements, and one or more lower primary riser elongated elements. The elongated elements can be in the form of tubes that are hollow and/or bars or rods that are solid. The riser can include a handle from which the upper primary riser tubes extend upward, and from which the lower primary riser elongated elements extend downward. The upper and lower elongated elements can include the above noted shapes including, but not limited to, a cylindrical shape, as well as respective upper primary elongated element linear axes and lower primary elongated element linear axes.
In still another embodiment, an upper primary tube linear axes and a lower primary tube linear axes can be offset laterally from one another when viewing the riser from a front or rear view. For example, a lower primary tube linear axis can lay within and/or parallel to a bowstring plane of the archery bow. The upper primary tube linear axis, however, can be offset by a distance laterally from the lower primary tube linear axis. The upper primary tube linear axis thus also can be offset by that distance or close to it from the bowstring plane. The distance can vary depending on the configuration of the riser, the handle and the tubes.
In yet another embodiment, the handle can include upper ports or upper male connectors, and lower ports or lower male connectors. The upper primary tubes can be connected to the handle via the upper ports and the lower primary tubes can be connected to the handle via the lower ports. The upper and lower ports can be offset laterally from one another to provide the offset of the upper primary tube linear axis by the distance laterally from the lower primary tube linear axis.
In even another embodiment, the riser can include an upper limb strut and a lower limb strut. The upper limb strut can be joined atop the upper primary tubes and the lower limb strut can be joined below the lower primary tubes. Respective upper and lower limbs can be joined with the upper limb strut and the lower limb strut.
In a further embodiment, the upper limb strut can include an upper strut connector, a transition element above that strut connector, and a limb connector above the transition element. The limb connector can be offset from the upper primary tube linear axis by the distance mentioned above. The transition element can be homogeneous and integral with the strut connector and the limb connector, but can be optionally bent, angled curved or offset away from the strut connector toward the bowstring plane.
In still a further embodiment, the riser can include a lug, strut, handle or other element that defines a port configured to receive a tube, such as a primary riser tube, secondary riser tube, or tube portion. A vent can be in fluid communication with the port and an exterior surface of the lug, strut, handle or other element so that any fluid within the port can be evacuated, dispensed or moved from the port to the environmental exterior to the lug, strut, handle or other element. The vent thus can evacuate air from the port and from between the tube and a sidewall of the port so the air is not trapped therebetween, which may create poor adhesion. In some cases, adhesive may also evacuate from the port through the vent when excessive, to improve bonding between the port and tube with the adhesive.
In yet a further embodiment, the lug, the strut, the handle and/or the tube can define a vent extending from a gap between the tube and a port defined by the lug or strut. The vent can allow air to evacuate from the gap when an adhesive is introduced or applied in that gap. In this case, the pressure of air inside the tube and/or the port is reduced and/or the air can escape from the gap without pushing the adhesive out of the gap excessively or at all in some cases.
In even a further embodiment, the ports can include a mechanical lock to enhance or improve the securement of a tube within a port defined by a lug, strut, handle or other element of the riser. The mechanical lock can be grooves, threading, holes, recesses, knurling or mass reducing feature defined by a sidewall of the port and/or the sidewall of the tube that faces the sidewall of the port. An adhesive, glue or other bonding agent can extend or flow into or within the mechanical lock to enhance the bonding and securement of the tube within the port via that adhesive when it cures.
The current embodiments provide an archery bow and riser that is lightweight, rigid and mechanically strengthened to resist dynamic moments and forces exerted on the bow when shot. Where the riser includes tubes, those tubes can be cylindrical and easily and consistently manufactured. In some cases, the tubes can be cut to custom lengths to fit the size of a user, and/or provide a particular axle to axle length and/or draw length of the user. The tubes can be assembled with the riser handle, lugs, struts and limb pockets quickly, efficiently and consistently.
These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiment and the drawings.
Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.
A current embodiment of the archery bow is shown in
Although the current embodiment of
As used herein, a “cam” refers to a cam, a pulley, and/or an eccentric, whether a modular, removable part, or an integral part of a cam, for use with an archery bow. As used herein, “inhibit” refers to preventing, impairing and/or reducing a certain event, action, result, force, torque, twist and/or activity. As used herein, a “track” refers to a structural element that is adapted to guide or accommodate a portion of a bowstring or power cable within or adjacent the element, and can be in the form of a groove, a recess, a slot, pins or posts extending from or defined by a surface or element. When in the form of a groove or recess, that element can be defined by a part of a cam, and can be of virtually any geometric cross section, for example, partially or fully semi-circular, rounded, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, or combinations of the foregoing.
As used herein, an “axis of rotation”, “first axis of rotation” or “second axis of rotation refers to an axis about which a cam can and/or does rotate, for example, a first axis AX1 or second axis AX2. These axes can coincide with the center of the axles and that mount the respective cams 11 and 13 to the first limb 12 and second limb 15. Optionally, the axle and/or limb can include suitable bearings to enhance rotation of the cams. Suitable bearings include, but are not limited to, bushings, roller bearings, and ball bearings.
Although not described in detail, the cams herein can include modular elements that provide some level of adjustment of a performance characteristic of a bow, including but not limited to, a particular draw length, draw stop or draw force for the bow. The cams can have secured thereto draw stops, anchors, bearings and other components. The cam components herein can be joined with one another via fasteners such as screws, rivets, welds, and other fastening structures. Alternatively, the cam components can be in the form of a monolithic, continuous single piece structure that includes the cam components and the respective features thereof.
The riser 20 of the archery bow 10 will now be described in more detail. Generally, the riser 10 can include a riser handle 30 from which one or more primary riser tubes 40 originate and extend away from, one or more struts 50 from which one or more secondary riser tubes 60 originate and extend from, and one or more limb pockets 70, at which the primary riser tubes 40 and secondary riser tubes 60 terminate or end.
Optionally, in any of the embodiments herein, riser tubes can be straight, elongated, linear tubes constructed from a composite including high strength fibers, pieces or units such as graphite, glass, carbon and the like, or optionally metal, such as aluminum, titanium, steel, or any alloy. When constructed of such composite materials, the tubes can be referred to as being formed or constructed from a carbon composite. Carbon composite tubes can be formed via prepreg roll wrapping, filament winding, braided sleeve forming, bladder molding, compression molding, split molding, vacuum infusion and/or autoclave processing. Metal tubes can be extruded, pultruded, hydro formed, machined, and/or rolled and welded.
As shown, in
As mentioned above, the tubes 40 and 60 can be hollow from one end to another. Each tube can be bounded by a tube wall TW which can generally circumferentiate a linear axis of the respective tube. For example, as shown in
As shown in
The primary riser tubes 40 and secondary riser tubes 60 optionally can come in respective upper and lower pairs. For example, lower first and second primary riser tubes 41 and 42 can be disposed below the riser handle 30, while upper third 43 and fourth 44 primary riser tubes can be disposed above the riser handle 30. Likewise, lower first secondary riser tube 61 and second secondary riser tubes 62 can be disposed below the riser handle 30 and below the first strut 51, generally between that strut 51 and the first limb pocket 71. The upper third secondary riser tube 63 and fourth secondary upper riser tube 64 can be disposed above the riser handle 30 and above the second strut 52, generally between that strut 52 and the second limb pocket 72.
With the reference to
With reference to
As further illustrated in
Optionally, the various primary riser tubes 40 can be parallel to one another and transverse to the respective secondary riser tubes 60. The secondary riser tubes 60 also can be parallel to one another and offset at angles relative to the primary riser tubes 49 as described herein. Further optionally, each of the linear axes 1LA and 2LA of the respective primary riser tubes and secondary riser tubes can correspond to cup axes of the respective cups of the ports 51A-51D in the strut 51. For example, the first port 51A can include a cup axis that corresponds to the first linear axis 1LA. The port 51C can include a cup axis that corresponds to the second linear axis 2LA. The first and second cup axes can be offset from one another by the first angle A1 as described above. The respective cup axis of the port 51C also can be offset relative to the bowstring plane P1 at the angle A2 as described above.
The riser handle 33 can connect the upper and lower primary riser tubes. The riser handle as mentioned can include the respective first riser strut 31 and second riser strut 32. The first or lower riser strut 31 can extend downward, below the handle 33. The second or upper strut riser strut 32 can extend upward away from the ship shelf 34. Each of these struts can be similar and can include respective ports that receive and/or engage the respective upper and lower primary riser tubes. For purposes herein, the first strut 31 will be described, and it will be appreciated that the ports of this riser strut 31 can be identical to all of the other ports of all other components of the riser, such as the ports of the first strut 51, second strut 52, second riser strut 32, and limb pockets 71, 72. Therefore, each of the other respective ports for other elements will not be described again in substantial detail.
With reference to
As also shown in
Further optionally, although not shown, the outer sidewall 81S of the port 81 can be deleted. In this case, the support tube 84 can extend into the riser tube 41 and can provide the support and connection of that riser tube 41 to the port 81. Any of the ports described herein can form cups into which the ends of the respective tubes are inserted and secured, or can form support tubes that extend into or are inserted into the respective tubes, and/or a combination of these or other features to secure the tubes to the respective ports.
The features of the riser other than the primary riser tubes and secondary riser tubes, such as the riser handle 30, struts 50 and limb pockets 70 can be constructed from metals, such as titanium, aluminum, steel or other alloys and the like. These components can be CNC machined, molded and/or printed from the respective materials. In some cases, the riser handle, struts and other components can be hollow to reduce weight. Optionally, these components can be 3D printed from a metal, such as titanium, or some other deposition metal, which can assist in forming the aforementioned hollow features.
As mentioned above, the riser 20 can include struts 50, which can include a first strut 51 and a second strut 52. The first strut 51 can be disposed below the riser handle 30 while the second strut 52 can be disposed above the riser handle 30. The first strut 51 and second strut 52 can be substantially identical so only the first strut 51 will be described here with reference to
As shown in
The respective ports 51A-51D of the first strut 51 can be arranged and oriented relative to one another such that the respective primary riser tubes 40 and secondary riser tube 60 extend away from that unit along the respective linear axes 1LA and 2LA and are oriented relative to one another and to the plane P1 at the respective angles A1 and A2 as described above. The first strut 51 the respective ports 51A-51D also can align the primary riser tubes and the secondary riser tubes so they extend independently away from the first strut 51 toward the first limb 12. The ports can align the respective tubes so that the primary riser tubes and secondary riser tubes extend independently away from one another respectively. As will be appreciated, the second strut 52 in the upper portion of the riser 20 can similarly orient the third 43 and fourth 44 primary riser tubes as well as the third 63 and fourth 64 secondary riser tubes relative to the limb pockets and other elements.
As mentioned above, the riser 20 can include limb pockets 70. The limb pockets can include a first limb pocket 71 and a second limb pocket 72 associated with the respective limbs 12 and 15. The first limb pocket 71 will only be described here, with the understanding that the second limb pocket 72 can be substantially identical but disposed on the upper portion of the riser. The first limb pocket 71 can receive a proximal end of the first limb 12. The limb pocket 71 can include a recess 71R that specifically receives one or more limb portions of the limb 12 which can be secured therein using conventional fasteners or securing mechanisms. The first limb pocket 71 can include a first mounting surface 71M opposite the first limb recess 71R. The first mounting surface 71M can include first and second primary riser ports 71A, 71B that receive and engage the respective primary riser tubes 41 and 42. Where those pocket riser ports 71A and 71B are in the form of the ports 80 described above, the first and second primary riser tubes 41 and 42 can project into the respective cups 71AC and 71BC of the those respective ports. The primary riser tubes 41, 42 can extend downward to bottoms of those cups and can engage any respective optional support tubes disposed in the ports as well. The riser tubes 41 and 42 can extend from a first end thereof located within the respective ports 71A and 71B to a second end 41E, 42E located in the riser ports 81 and 82 associated with the riser handle 30 and can terminate there.
The first strut 71 also can include ports 71C and 71D which can include respective cups 71CC and 71DC in which the secondary riser tubes 61 and 62 can project respectively. These tubes can extend downward to the bottom wall of those cups. For example, the first secondary port cup 71CC can be bounded by bottom wall 71CB. That bottom wall 71CB can be coplanar with the mounting surface 71M. The end 61E of the first secondary riser tube 61 can be generally flat and orthogonal to the second linear axis 2LA of that tube. Accordingly, when the secondary riser tube 61 is inserted into the port 71C and the respective cup 71CC, that end 61E is disposed at an angle A3 relative to the bottom 71CB of the cup. This angle A3 can be optionally 0°, 1° to 60°, inclusive, 1° to 45°, inclusive, 1° to 30° inclusive, 1° to 15° inclusive, 1° to 10° inclusive, or other angles depending on the application and configuration of the respective limb pocket ports 71C and 71D. As will be appreciated, the second limb pocket 72 can be configured with similar ports that interact with the respective primary riser tubes 41, 42 and secondary riser tube 63 and 64 above the riser handle 30.
A first alternative embodiment of the archery bow is shown in
In this embodiment, the riser 120 can be constructed slightly differently. The riser 120 can include a riser handle 130. The riser handle 130 can be constructed so that a first upper primary riser tube 143 and a second first upper primary riser tube 144 extend upward from the handle 130. The handle 130 also can be constructed so that a first lower primary riser tube 141 and a second lower primary riser tube 142 extend downward from the handle. The upper and lower tubes can extend respectively toward the respective upper 115 and lower 112 limbs. The riser 130 can further include an upper strut or lug 152 and a lower lug or strut 151. The upper strut 152 can be joined with the upper ends of the first and second upper tubes 143 and 144, as well as a limb pocket and/or upper limb. The lower strut 151 can be joined with the lower ends of the first and second lower tubes 141 and 142, as well as a limb pocket and/or the lower limb. The struts can each include or define respective limb pockets that can be secured to or otherwise capture, hold or retain the respective limbs 115 and 112.
The primary tubes, riser handle and struts will now be described in further detail. To begin, the primary tubes can be straight, elongated, linear tubes constructed from a composite including high strength fibers, pieces or units such as graphite, glass, carbon and the like. When so constructed of such materials, the tubes can be referred to as being formed or constructed from a carbon composite. These tubes of course can alternatively be manufactured from metal, such as aluminum, titanium, steel or other materials. Optionally, the tubes can be hydroformed aluminum with non-circular shapes and different cross sections throughout the tube. The tubes can be composite tubes made of any materials, of any shape, with differing cross sections. The tubes can be tapered or barrel shaped. When referred to as straight, the tubes can include sidewalls or a sidewall that is parallel to a linear axis, generally without the sidewalls curving or rounding away from or deviating in distance from the linear axis. Like the embodiment above, the primary tubes can be of a cylindrical, elliptical or polygonal shape, and can be hollow from end to end. The tubes can handle significant forces transferred through the sidewalls thereof in a generally linear manner.
Optionally, like the embodiment above, each of the tubes can include an inner dimension and an outer dimension. Where the tubes have a circular cross-section, the inner dimension can be an inner diameter and the outer dimension can be an outer diameter as explained in connection with the embodiment above. The inner diameter and outer diameter of each of the primary tubes 141, 142, 143, 144 can be identical. These inner and outer diameters can be consistent and unchanging from one end of each of the primary riser tubes to an opposite end. A wall thickness between the inner diameter and the outer diameter can be consistent and uniform throughout the overall length of each of the respective tubes, or alternatively can vary. In some cases, the inner diameter and/or outer diameter also can vary, with the tubes slightly tapered or undulating from one end to the other, changing from a greater outer diameter to a lesser outer diameter from one end to another. This can vary depending on the application and the availability of tube stock for use in constructing the respective primary and secondary riser tubes.
The primary riser tubes 141, 142, 143, 144 can be tubular and hollow from one end to another. Each tube can be bounded by a tube wall as described in connection with the embodiment above, which can circumferentiate a linear axis of the respective tube. For example, as shown in
As described above, and shown in
With the reference to
Further optionally, as shown in
Optionally, one or more of the upper and lower primary riser tubes can be substituted or replaced with solid rods, bars or other elongated elements. As used herein, an elongated element can be any of those items, that is, a tube, rod or bar. Such elongated elements can have circular, elliptical, polygonal and/or round cross sections, and further optionally can be obtained, cut or formed from stock bars, rods and/or tubes.
Yet further optionally, although not shown, the primary riser tubes herein can be filled with a variety of materials. For example, the interior of any one or more tubes can be fully or partially filled with foam, plastic, rubber, silicone and/or a variety of polymers. In another example, the interior of any one or more tubes can be fully or partially filled with composite materials, fibers, chips, beads, fragments and/or uniquely dimensioned and shaped elements. As a further example, the interior of any one or more of the tubes can be fully or partially filled with wood, wood chips, wood shavings, wood plugs, metal, metal shavings, metal fibers, metal wire, metal beads, and/or any combination of any of the foregoing materials and items above. Further, and any of the above materials can be in solid, liquid and/or gel form when inside the tubes.
As shown in
Further optionally, in some applications, the linear axes 1LA and 2LA can be offset at some angle relative to the bowstring plane, for example, 1 degree to 15 degrees, inclusive, 1 degree to 10 degrees, inclusive, 1 degree to 5 degrees, inclusive, or other angles depending on the application. As shown, however, these axes can be parallel to the bowstring plane.
As further shown in
Where the upper primary riser tubes 143 and 144 are offset the distance DO from the bowstring plane P1, the upper strut 152 can be configured such that the riser 120 transitions back toward the bowstring plane whereby the limb 115 and cam 113 can be centered on that plane P1. For example, the upper riser strut 152, which can be constructed from metal or some different material than the riser tubes, can include a lower portion 152L, a transition portion 152T and an upper portion 152U. The lower portion 152L can define one or more riser ports as described below. The lower portion can be somewhat parallel to the riser tubes 143 and 144. The transition portion 152T, however, can be angled or curved relative to the lower portion 152L. For example, the transition portion 152T can angle at some angle A5 from the lower portion to the upper portion. This angle A5 optionally can be about 1 degree to about 30 degrees, inclusive, about 1 degrees to about 30 degrees, inclusive, about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees, inclusive, about 20 degrees to about 30 degrees, inclusive, or other angles depending on the distance from the bowstring plane P1. The transition portion 152T can extend and connect to the upper portion 152U. The upper portion 152U can overlap the bowstring plane P1. Optionally, the bowstring plane P1 can intersect the upper portion 152U, and in some cases part of the transition portion 152T. However, the lower portion 152L of the strut 152 can be displaced laterally from that bowstring plane P1, in some cases by the distance DO.
Optionally, the upper riser handle ports and the lower riser handle ports can be separate and independent of one another, with a handle between the upper and lower riser handle ports such that those ports are not connected to or an extension of one another. The ports optionally might not pass through the riser handle or components thereof. The ports can separately and independently accommodate and receive the respective plugged in upper and lower riser tubes. Each port can include a bottom past which a tube does not extend. Further optionally, as shown, the upper primary riser tubes and lower primary riser tubes, or other elongated elements as described herein, can be separate, discontinuous and/or independent from one another, not connected to one another, not joined with one another, and/or not forming continuous components from the first limb to the second limb past the riser handle. Yet further optionally, with the upper and lower tubes being separate, vibration from the upper limb to the lower limb is not transferred as efficiently or in such magnitude as would be the case if the upper and lower tubes were continuous or joined with one another.
As mentioned above, the riser handle 130 and the respective struts 151 and 152 can include one or more ports that can be configured to attach respective primary riser tubes to those respective components. The ports can be similar or identical to the ports described above in connection with the current embodiment of the riser 20. The ports can further include all of the interlocking features as well as interior posts and other structures that can center, stabilize and reinforce their respective tubes and or attach those tubes to the ports of the different components.
For example, the riser handle 130 as shown in
Optionally, the riser handle 130 can include additional features and components, which can be integral with, fastened to or otherwise secured to the riser handle. For example, as shown in
Further optionally, the riser handle 130 can include and bowstring stop mount 137 to which a bowstring stop 139 is mounted. The mount 137 can be integrally formed or secured to the lower portion 136 of the riser handle 130, which can be disposed below the grip 133 thereof. The mount 137 can define a hole or aperture therein. A rod or bar of the string stop can project into that bar and can be transverse to the linear axes of the lower primary tubes 141 and 142. In some cases, the bar can include a longitudinal axis that can be perpendicular to and can intersect the respective linear axes of the lower primary tubes. The bar 139 can extend rearwardly away from the riser handle and can terminate or include a string bumper 139B which is configured to allow the string 116 to engage that element and reduce vibration or otherwise stop movement of the string 116 when the bow is shot. As shown, the string stop mount 137 can extend reward from the lower port 183 and can be secured thereto. In other applications, the string stop mount 137 can be located in different locations along the riser handle. The string stop mount 137 and the string stop 139 can be distal from and not connected to or joined with either of the lower tubes 141, 142, nor the upper tubes for that matter. Thus, the string stop can be rigidly attached to the riser handle 130, which again can be constructed from a solid metal material. The riser handle 130 can include and/or can be joined with both the cable guard 138 as well as the string stop 139, in which case one or both of these components are not joined with or are distal from the respective upper primary riser tubes and lower primary riser tubes.
As further illustrated in
Generally, the respective ports of the various components, for example, the handle and the struts, can be similar or identical to one another, so only one port will be described in detail here, with the understanding that the other ports of this embodiment can be similar or identical thereto, but reversed or altered in spatial orientation. It also will be appreciated that any of the ports in this embodiment can be mixed and matched with the other ports and features of such ports of the current embodiment described above, and vice versa.
With reference to
As further shown in
As further shown in
Optionally, as shown in
Further optionally, the grip 133 can be integral with the riser handle 130 and formed of the same material as the other components thereof. The grip material also can be a different material from the primary riser tubes, and non-integral and not forming a single or unitary piece with those primary riser tubes. The grip 133 can extend between the lower ports 183, 184 and the riser shelf 134, below the upper ports 181, 182 and plate 135 described herein. The grip also can be disposed between the upper and lower riser tubes.
As mentioned above, the primary riser tubes can be joined with the respective riser handle and/or the struts by plugging those primary riser tubes into ports defined by those components. As further mentioned above, one way to secure the tubes in the ports is by using glue, adhesive, cement or some other type of bonding agent, with or without glass beads, collectively referred to herein as adhesive, to chemically and/or physically bond the tubes to and/or within the respective ports. The adhesive generally can be disposed within the gap G1 between the exterior surface of a respective tube and the port, for example, the bore and/or the sidewall 181S facing inward toward the tube as shown in
One example of a vent 190 is shown in
In particular, vent 191L can be configured as a through hole, aperture, slot or other opening extending through the thickness T1 of the first port side wall 181S. The vent can extend from the interior surface 181SI to the exterior surface 181SE of the sidewall 181S. The vent can have a length that is equal to the thickness T1 of the sidewall 181S. The vent 191L can be of a cylindrical configuration as shown, or the vent 191L can be of other configurations and/or cross sections. For example, the vent can be an elliptical hole, a polygonal hole, a rectangular slot, a series of pinholes or small rounded apertures, or a variety of other constructions. Generally, the vent can provide fluid communication between the bore 181B to the environment exterior to the first port sidewall 181S. As an example, the vent can provide fluid communication between the first cylindrical bore 181B to the first exterior surface 181SE and out into the environment. As a result, any air entrained in the adhesive A, or any air that becomes pressurized in the interior of the tube and flows into the gap G1 can flow in direction AF out the vent 191L. In some cases, adhesive A can flow slightly out the vent as well when too much adhesive is applied. This excess adhesive can be wiped or cleaned from the riser handle from around the vent 191L.
As shown, a single vent 191L can provide fluid communication between the bore 181B of the port 181 and the environment, however, additional events can be included to extend through the thickness T1 of the side wall 181S or some other part of the port, depending on the application. These vents can be disposed above, below, around and/or near the vent 191L. In other applications, the vent can be disposed on an opposite side of the port 181.
The vent 191L optionally can be disposed a distance D9 from the bottom 181M of the port 181. This distance D9 can be optionally 0.100 inches to 0.750 inches, inclusive, 0.125 inches to 0.500 inches, inclusive, 0.100 inches to 0.250 inches, inclusive, or other distances. With the vent placed near the bottom, fluid can exit the bore through that vent in some applications.
Further optionally, the vent 191L can include vent axis VA that can be transverse, for example, perpendicular, to the linear axis 1LA of the tube 143. In some cases, the vent axis VA can intersect the first linear axis 1LA or other linear axis of the tube. The vent axis VA can be parallel to the bottom 181M of the port as shown, however in other applications, the vent axis VA might be transverse and/or angled at some angle relative to that bottom. In yet other applications, a vent may extend through the bottom of the port itself.
A variety of different vents 190 are contemplated for use with the ports of the handle riser and struts described herein. The vent 191L described above is used in connection with the first upper riser handle port 181 into which the first upper primary riser to 143 is inserted. That same primary riser tube 143 can also be inserted into another riser port 171 of the upper strut 152. As shown in
Further alternative vents for use with the risers herein are shown in
As described herein, the primary riser tubes 141-144 can be plugged into ports of the riser handle 130 and/or the struts 151, 152. The riser tubes can be chemically and/or physically bonded to the ports, and to the sidewalls of the plugs via an adhesive as described herein. In some cases, the mechanical bond between the riser tube and the port can be enhanced via one or more mechanical interlocking features. One such feature is a mass reducing recess that is defined in at least one of the primary riser tubes and the sidewall of a port into which the tube is plugged. Examples of these mass reducing recesses can include grooves, threading, holes, perforations, knurling, slits, slots and the like defined in one or both primary riser tubes and/or the side walls of the ports into which they are installed.
With reference to
Optionally, as shown in
With reference to
The embodiments of the archery bow described herein can include one or more connector lugs, which can provide an attachment area and/or element to join an archery accessory to any primary riser tube with which it is associated. The archery accessory can be in the form of a quiver, an arrow rest, a sight, a stabilizer, a cable guard or a variety of other attachments to an archery bow. With reference to
As shown in
As shown, the elongated body 163 also can include band 160B which can include an exterior surface 160BE. This exterior surface 160BE can be flush with the exterior surface 143E of the tube portions 143A and 143B to provide a clean, finished appearance. The band can be generally cylindrical to match the exterior surface of the tube portions. The band also can extend around the first linear axis 1LA of the first upper primary riser tube 143, or any other tube with which the connector lug is associated. The band can form an exposed lug interface between the first tube portion and the second tube portion. The band can extend a height H1 from the respective male portions. The band also can form the first shoulder 160S1 and a second shoulder 160S2 adjacent the exterior surface 160BE of the band 160B. The height H1 can be greater than the thickness T2 of the side wall of the primary riser tube 143. The band can be of this uniform height H1 from the first shoulder to the second shoulder so the band has a uniform height circumferentiating the linear axis 1LA. These first and second shoulders can be configured to abut and engage the edges 143A1 and 143B1 of the respective tube portions. These edges can be clean cut and can mate against the respective shoulders. These edges can form rounded shapes, and can be circular, elliptical, polygonal with rounded corners, or other rounded shapes. The shapes may or may not correspond to the shape of the bore of the port and/or the bottom of the port in which the tube is plugged, inserted or disposed.
Optionally, although shown as including male portions 160T1 and 160T2, the connector lug 160 alternatively can include female portions (not shown) into which the respective tube portions 143A and 143B interfit. These female portions could be in the form of sleeves, in which the respective tube portions could be inserted and eventually rest adjacent the central band of the elongated body 160T.
As mentioned above, the connector lug 160 can define an aperture 160A. This aperture 160A can be threaded and as shown in
Optionally, the threaded aperture 160A can be centered between the respective shoulders 16051 and 160S2 so as to provide a balanced loading on the respective male portions of the connector lug and the associated tube portions. Although not shown, the aperture 160A might not extend all the way through the diameter DB of the band and/or the connector lug. Further optionally, the aperture 160A might not be threaded and can instead include a latch or other connection to which another element can be secured, depending on the application.
An alternative configuration of the connector is shown in
An alternative construction for a connector lug is shown in
Optionally the mount 264 can subtend a certain angle A7 about the circumference of the band, the linear axis 2LA, and/or around the respective tube portions. The angle A7 can be optionally about 1 degree to 180 degrees, inclusive, about 1 degree to 120 degrees, inclusive, about 1 degree to 90 degrees inclusive, or other angles, depending on the structure of the mount. Although not shown, the mount alternatively can be a block or flange and can be tapped to include one or more thread holes. As shown in
Further optionally, the mount 264 can be rotated and set or secured in a variety of different orientations relative to the tube and riser in general. As an example, the mount 264 might project laterally to the right of the riser, laterally to the left of the riser come up forward or rearward relative to the riser or in any angles between those positions relative to the riser. The respective picatinny mount or dovetail thus likewise can projecting these different orientations and directions relative to the riser. Moreover, as mentioned above, the connector lug and thus the mount can be installed relative to any of the riser tubes anywhere along the lengths thereof. Respective tube portions can be secured to the connector lug above and below that component and cut to the exact dimension and/or length to fit the riser. Regarding the length of the riser and/or the overall axle to axle length, it is noted here that the length can be infinitely customized to the preferences of a user. For example, where the primary riser tubes are constructed from composite tubes, those tubes can be custom cut to provide a specific length riser or axle to axle length. The same struts, riser handle, limbs and other components can be used with a variety of different length riser tubes, again which can be custom cut depending on the preference of the user of the finished bow.
A method of making and or assembling the archery bow of the current embodiments will now be described with general reference to
In addition to cutting the respective lengths of the upper and lower primary riser tubes, the various other components can be constructed. For example, the riser handle, the first limb strut and the second limb strut can be molded, machined, 3D printed, or otherwise manufactured, optionally from a metal such as those metals described herein. These components can include the various features including the ports, vents, mounts or other structures as described herein.
As mentioned above, the respective riser handle and struts can include respective ports configured to receive the upper and or lower primary riser tubes where included. The respective ends of the riser tubes can be installed in the riser ports, for example on the riser handle. In particular, the first and second upper primary riser tubes 143 and 144 and first and second lower primary riser tubes 141 and 142 can be installed in the riser handle upper ports 181, 182 and riser handle lower ports 183, 184. Where an adhesive A is used to bond the tubes to the respective riser handle ports, the adhesive can be installed before plugging the ends of the primary riser tubes into the respective ports. Where a mass reducing recess or other feature shown in
Optionally, where the ports include one or more vents, air or other fluid in the ports or inside the tubes or in the gap G1, G2 between the tubes and the side walls of the ports can be expelled out through or evacuate the ports via the vents. Further optionally this can prevent and/or impair the adhesive from evacuating or seeping out from the gap between the primary riser tubes and the ports. In turn, this can provide a stronger chemical and physical bond between the primary riser tubes and the respective ports.
Where the primary riser tubes include any type of connector lugs 160, 260 described herein, those lugs can be installed between respective tube portions of a particular primary riser tube, as shown in
As explained above, the primary riser tubes can be installed relative to the riser handle. During and/or after this installation relative to the primary riser handle, the opposing ends of each of the respective primary riser tubes, that is, the upper and lower riser tubes can be installed, inserted and/or plugged in the respective ports of the first limb strut and second limb strut. These ends optionally can be coated with an adhesive or other bonding agent. Moreover, the respective ends of the tubes and/or the ports can include the optional mass reducing features to enhance the physical bonding and interlock of the tubes relative to the ports. Of course, where the limb struts include vents, air can escape from the interior of the tube or from within the adhesive through the vents. In some cases, when an opposing end of a primary riser tube is already installed in a port, and another end is installed in another port, for example, in a limb strut, the air inside the port and/or the interior of that riser tube can be compressed and raised to greater pressure than ambient atmospheric pressure. Due to an optional vent however, the air can be expelled or released from the port as the tube and is installed in the port. Thus, the pressure can be normalized or equalized with the external environment pressure through the vent allowing air to escape through it, rather than through the gap between the tube and the port sidewall. Adhesive between the exterior of the tube and the interior of the port sidewall thus is less likely to be pushed out by such air because the pressure can be released via the vent, rather than through the gap to move or ooze the adhesive out from that gap. Location of the vent at near the bottom of the port or bore also can allow more of the air to escape before the end of the tube fully or partially obstructs the vent during installation of the tube in the port.
After the primary riser tubes are installed relative to the limb struts and the adhesive (if included) cures, the limbs can be installed relative to the limb struts, and cams can be installed relative to the limbs. The bow string and any respective power cables can be installed relative to the cams. A flexing cable guard and or bowstring stop also can be installed relative to the riser handle. Where an archery accessory, such as an arrow rest, sight, quiver, stabilizer and the like are included on the bow, those components can be attached to the respective connector lugs and/or portions of the riser handle and or limb struts as described herein.
The following additional statements are provided, the numbering of which is not to be construed as designating levels of importance.
Statement 1. An archery bow comprising: a first limb and a second limb joined with a riser comprising: a riser handle; an upper primary riser tube including a first linear axis; and a lower primary riser tube including a second linear axis; wherein the upper primary riser tube and the lower primary riser tube terminate at the riser handle without being connected to one another.
Statement 2: The archery bow of Statement 1, wherein the riser handle is constricted from metal, wherein the upper primary riser tube and the lower primary riser tube are constructed from straight carbon composite tubes, each having a round cross section.
Statement 3: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein riser includes an upper strut joined with the first limb and a lower strut joined with the lower limb, wherein the upper strut and lower strut are constructed from metal.
Statement 4: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the upper riser tube is located only between the upper strut and the riser handle, wherein the lower riser tube is located only between the lower strut and the riser handle.
Statement 5: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein no upper riser tube extends below the riser handle, wherein no lower riser handle extends above the riser handle, wherein the upper riser tube and lower riser tube terminate at ends that are distal from one another with the riser handle therebetween.
Statement 6: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein at least one of the riser handle, the upper strut and the lower strut includes a port, wherein the upper riser tube or lower riser tube is plugged into the port, wherein the port is surrounded by a port sidewall of the same shape as the tube.
Statement 7: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the port defines a vent, wherein the vent is in fluid communication with a gap defined between the tube and the port sidewall to allow air to escape the gap.
Statement 8: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, comprising a connector lug, wherein the connector lug includes a band engages with respective tube portions above and below the band, wherein the connector lug is adhered to the respective tube portions.
Statement 9: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the band includes at least one of a mount and a fastener hole configured to mount an archery accessory to the riser tube.
Statement 10: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the band includes shoulders that engage circular edges of the tube portions.
Statement 11: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the connector lug includes opposing male portions disposed within an inner diameter of each of the respective tube portions.
Statement 12: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the riser handle includes at least one of a cable guard and a bowstring stop, projecting rearward from the a grip of the riser handle.
Statement 13: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the riser handle is constructed from metal, wherein the bowstring stop comprises a bar, wherein the bar is installed in a mount hole defined by the riser handle.
Statement 14: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the riser handle includes a shelf, wherein the cable guard is joined to the riser handle above the shelf, wherein the cable guard is not connected to any riser tube of the archery bow.
Statement 15: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the riser handle, upper strut and lower strut each include respective ports into which the respective upper and lower primary riser tubes are plugged and adhered, wherein the upper strut is joined with a limb pocket distal from and disconnected from the upper riser tube.
Statement 16: A method of making an archery bow or riser comprising: providing a riser handle including a first port bounded by a first sidewall and a first limb strut including a second port bounded by a second sidewall; cutting a round tube to produce a primary riser tube having a hollow space extending therethrough; installing the primary riser tube in the first port and the second port to join the riser handle and the limb strut.
Statement 17: The method of Statement 16 comprising applying an adhesive to a first end and a second end of the primary riser tube and bonding the first end to the first sidewall and the second end to the second sidewall with the adhesive.
Statement 18: The method of any preceding Statement comprising providing a vent in at least one of the first port and the second vent to provide fluid communication between a gap between the primary riser tube and a port sidewall so that a gas in the adhesive can escape the adhesive and/or the gap.
Statement 19: The method of any preceding Statement comprising pushing the first end into the first port first, then pushing the second end into the second port later; joining a limb to the first strut; joining a cam to the limb; and joining a bowstring to the cam.
Statement 20: The method of any preceding Statement comprising cutting a primary riser tube to a first predetermined length to provide a custom axle to axle length of the archery bow for a user.
Statement 21: The method of any preceding Statement comprising installing a connector lug relative to a first tube portion and a second tube portion of the primary riser tube before installing the primary riser tube in the first port and the second port.
Statement 22: The method of any preceding Statement comprising adhering at least one of a male part and a female part to the first tube portion and the second tube portion before installing the primary riser tube.
Statement 23: The method of any preceding Statement wherein the connector lug includes at least one of a fastener aperture to join an archery accessory to the primary riser tube and a dovetail or picatinny mount extending outward from the connector lug, optionally overlapping at least one of the first tube portion and the second tube portion.
Statement 24: The method of any preceding Statement wherein the vent is a cylindrical hole extending from an interior surface of the sidewall to an exterior surface of the port, or a hole extending through a sidewall of the primary riser tube, or a recess extending around an edge of the riser tube to provide fluid communication between the gap and the environment or the interior of the primary riser tube respectively.
Statement 25: The method of any preceding Statement wherein air inside the primary riser tube, first port and/or second port is expelled through the vent as the primary riser tube is installed relative to the first port or the second port.
Statement 26: The method of any preceding Statement comprising installing another riser tube below the riser handle and joining the other riser tube with a second strut, joined with another limb and another cam.
Statement 27: An archery bow comprising: a first limb; a second limb distal from the first limb; a bowstring extending between the first limb and the second limb and moveable within a bowstring plane; a riser joined with the first limb and the second limb, the riser comprising: a riser handle; a first upper primary elongated element, in the form of at least one of a hollow tube, a solid bar, and a solid rod, the first upper elongated element including an upper, straight, linear axis extending upward from the riser handle; and a first lower elongated element including a lower, straight linear axis extending downward from the riser handle, wherein the upper, straight, linear axis and the lower, straight, linear axis are parallel.
Statement 28: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the first upper elongated element extends to a lower end that terminates adjacent the riser handle, the lower end having a lower edge disposed in an upper riser handle port, wherein the first lower elongated element extends to an upper end that terminates adjacent the riser handle, the upper end having an upper edge disposed in a lower riser handle port.
Statement 29: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the first upper elongated element and the first lower elongated element are each elongated, straight, cylindrical tubes, bars and/or rods constructed from at least one of metal, carbon composite and plastic, wherein the riser handle is constructed from metal.
Statement 30: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the riser handle defines a first upper handle port surrounded by a first port sidewall of the riser handle, wherein a gap is disposed between the first upper elongated element and the first port sidewall, wherein the first upper handle port includes a first vent through which a fluid in the gap between the first upper elongated element and the first port sidewall travels to exit the gap.
Statement 31: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, wherein the first upper elongated element is secured in a first upper handle port of the riser handle with an adhesive disposed between the first upper elongated element and a first port sidewall of the first upper handle port, wherein at least one of the first upper primary riser tube and a first port sidewall of the first upper handle port defines a mass reducing recess, whereby the adhesive extends into the mass reducing recess to enhance a mechanical bond between the first upper elongated element and the first upper handle port.
Statement 32: The archery bow of any preceding Statement, a connector lug disposed between the first limb and the riser handle, wherein the first upper elongated element includes a first upper portion and a first lower portion, wherein the connector lug is disposed at least one of in an interior and around an exterior of the first upper portion and the first lower portion with an exposed portion located between the first upper portion and the first lower portion, wherein the connector lug is constructed from the first material which is metal, wherein the connector lug includes a connector configured to secure an archery accessory to the first upper elongated element.
It will be appreciated that by identifying or naming herein certain elements as first, second, third, etc., that does not require that there always be a certain number of elements preceding, succeeding, above, below, adjacent and/or near the numbered elements. Further, any one of a numbered group of elements, for example, a third element, alternatively can be referred to as a first, second, fourth or other numbered elements. The same is true for the naming of any other elements in the form of a first element, second element, third element, etc., as used herein.
Although the different elements and assemblies of the embodiments are described herein as having certain functional characteristics, each element and/or its relation to other elements can be depicted or oriented in a variety of different aesthetic configurations, which support the ornamental and aesthetic aspects of the same. Simply because a component, element or assembly is described herein as having a function does not mean its orientation, layout or configuration is not purely aesthetic and ornamental in nature.
Although the present description includes different embodiments, it will be appreciated that various elements, features, parts, components, assemblies, orientations, functions and operations of one embodiment can be mixed and matched with one or more other embodiments. For example, one or more elements, features, parts, components, assemblies, orientations, functions and operations of one embodiment can be readily combined with another embodiment, or several other embodiments piecemeal, which combination is fully contemplated and hereby disclosed.
Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).
In addition, when a component, part or layer is referred to as being “joined with,” “on,” “engaged with,” “adhered to,” “secured to,” or “coupled to” another component, part or layer, it may be directly joined with, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured to, or coupled to the other component, part or layer, or any number of intervening components, parts or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly joined with,” “directly on,” “directly engaged with,” “directly adhered to,” “directly secured to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between components, layers and parts should be interpreted in a like manner, such as “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent” and similar words. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; Y, Z, and/or any other possible combination together or alone of those elements, noting that the same is open ended and can include other elements.
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| 63423891 | Nov 2022 | US |
