U.S. patent application number 14/086315 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-21 for spar bow.
This patent application is currently assigned to MCP IP, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is MCP IP, LLC. Invention is credited to Henry M. Gallops, JR., Mathew A. McPherson, Gary L. Simonds.
Application Number | 20150136105 14/086315 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53172025 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150136105 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McPherson; Mathew A. ; et
al. |
May 21, 2015 |
Spar Bow
Abstract
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 spar. In some embodiments, the first
rotatable member is supported by the spar.
Inventors: |
McPherson; Mathew A.;
(Norwalk, WI) ; Simonds; Gary L.; (Gainesville,
FL) ; Gallops, JR.; Henry M.; (Gainesville,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MCP IP, LLC |
Sparta |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MCP IP, LLC
Sparta
WI
|
Family ID: |
53172025 |
Appl. No.: |
14/086315 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
124/25.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 5/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/25.6 |
International
Class: |
F41B 5/10 20060101
F41B005/10 |
Claims
1. An archery bow comprising: a frame; a first rotatable member
supported by the frame, said first rotatable member comprising a
first track, a second track and a cam, said cam comprising a power
cable track; a second rotatable member supported by the frame; a
limb supported by the frame; a bowstring cable segment extending
from said first rotatable member to said second rotatable member; a
control cable segment extending from said first rotatable member to
said second rotatable member; and a power cable extending from said
limb to said first rotatable member; wherein as said bowstring is
drawn, said first track feeds out said bowstring cable segment,
said second track feeds out said control cable segment and said
power cable track takes up said power cable.
2. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a riser
and a first spar attached to said riser, said first rotatable
member supported by said first spar.
3. The archery bow of claim 2, wherein said limb is supported by
said riser.
4. The archery bow of claim 3, wherein said limb is supported by a
portion of said riser located distal to said first spar.
5. The archery bow of claim 2, wherein said first spar comprises a
pair of first spar members, said first spar members positioned on
opposing sides of said riser.
6. The archery bow of claim 5, wherein said first spar members are
positioned on opposing sides of said first rotatable member.
7. The archery bow of claim 5, wherein said limb extends between
said first spar members.
8. The archery bow of claim 7, wherein a limb support member
extends between said first spar members, said limb support member
comprising a fulcrum.
9. The archery bow of claim 2, wherein said frame comprises a
second spar attached to said riser, said second rotatable member
supported by said second spar.
10. The archery bow of claim 2, wherein said first spar supports
said limb.
11. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein a first cable comprises
both said bowstring cable segment and said control cable segment,
said first cable wrapping around said second rotatable member.
12. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein said cam is oriented
between said first track and said second track.
13. The archery bow of claim 1, further comprising a second power
cable.
14. The archery bow of claim 13, wherein said cam comprises a first
cam, said first rotatable member comprising a second cam comprising
a second cam track, said second power cable in communication with
said second cam track.
15. The archery bow of claim 14, wherein said first cam and said
second cam have similar shapes.
16. The archery bow of claim 14, wherein first track and said
second track are positioned between said first cam and said second
cam.
17. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein said first track and said
second track have similar shapes.
18. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein said archery bow defines a
shooting axis and said power cable does not cross said shooting
axis.
19. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein said bowstring cable
segment terminates on said second rotatable member and said control
cable segment terminates on said second rotatable member.
20. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein said second rotatable
member comprises a non-circular cable track.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to archery bows, and more
specifically to compound archery bows.
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] All US patents and applications and all other published
documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] In some embodiments, the limb is supported by the riser. In
some embodiments, the limb is supported by a spar.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] In some embodiments, the bowstring cable segment terminates
on the second rotatable member and the control cable segment
terminates on the second rotatable member.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first track and second track of the
first rotatable member have similar shapes.
[0018] In some embodiments, the cam is oriented between the first
track and the second track.
[0019] 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.
[0020] In some embodiments, the power cable does not cross a
shooting axis defined by the archery bow.
[0021] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] A detailed description of the invention is hereafter
described with specific reference being made to the drawings.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of an archery
bow.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows an angled view of the bow embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, in a brace condition.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows the bow of FIG. 2 in a drawn condition.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows an angled view of another embodiment of an
archery bow.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows another view of the bow embodiment shown in
FIG. 4.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows the bow of FIG. 5 in a drawn condition.
[0029] FIG. 7 shows an angled view of another embodiment of an
archery bow.
[0030] FIG. 8 shows another view of the bow embodiment shown in
FIG. 7.
[0031] FIG. 9 shows the bow of FIG. 8 in a drawn condition.
[0032] FIG. 10 shows an angled view of another embodiment of an
archery bow.
[0033] FIG. 11 shows another view of the bow embodiment shown in
FIG. 10.
[0034] FIG. 12 shows the bow of FIG. 11 in a drawn condition.
[0035] FIG. 13 shows a side view of another embodiment of an
archery bow.
[0036] FIG. 14 shows an angled view of the bow embodiment shown in
FIG. 13.
[0037] FIG. 15 shows the bow of FIG. 14 in a drawn condition.
[0038] FIG. 16 shows an angled view of another embodiment of an
archery bow.
[0039] FIG. 17 shows a portion of the bow of FIG. 16 in greater
detail.
[0040] FIG. 18 shows another portion of the bow of FIG. 16 in
greater detail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] 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.
[0042] For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals
in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise
indicated.
[0043] FIGS. 1 and 2 show views of an embodiment of an archery bow
10. Desirably, the bow 10 comprises a frame member 20 supporting a
first rotatable member 30, a second rotatable member 50 and a limb
60. In some embodiments, the frame member 20 comprises a riser 22
and at least one spar 34. In some embodiments, a spar 34 supports a
rotatable member (e.g. 30, 50). In some embodiments, the frame
member 20 comprises a first spar 34 and a second spar 36, wherein
the first spar 34 supports the first rotatable member 30 and the
second spar 36 supports the second rotatable member 50. Desirably,
spars 34, 36 are rigidly affixed to the riser 22.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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).
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first end of the first cable 12
is attached to the first rotatable member 30. A bowstring portion
16 of the first cable 12 extends to the second rotatable member 50.
The first cable 12 then wraps around the second rotatable member
50, and a control cable 18 portion of the first cable 12 extends
back to the first rotatable member 30. A second end of the first
cable 12 is also attached to the first rotatable member 30.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] In some embodiments, the first rotatable member 30 comprises
a second cam (not visible in FIG. 1 or 2), and the second power
cable 15 is taken up on the second cam as the bowstring 16 is
drawn. In some embodiments, the shape and configuration of the
second cam is similar to the shape and configuration of the first
cam 32. In some embodiments, the first cam 32 and the second cam
are located on opposite sides of the first rotatable member 30. In
some embodiments, the first track 40 and second track 42 are
oriented between the first cam 32 and the second cam.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] In some embodiments, a cable guard 64 is provided to bias at
least one cable in a lateral direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the cable guard 64 biases the control cable 18 laterally, thus
holding the control cable 18 away from the shooting axis 72. In
some embodiments, the cable guard 64 is supported by the frame
member 20. In some embodiments, the only cable of the bow 10 in
contact with the cable guard 64 is the control cable 18 (or control
cable 18 portion the first cable 12). In some embodiments, the
cable guard 64 only contacts one or more "low force" cables.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] In some embodiments, no "high force" cables (e.g. power
cable 14) cross the shooting axis 72.
[0070] FIG. 3 shows the bow 10 of FIG. 2 in a drawn configuration.
The first rotatable member 30 has rotated when compared to its
orientation in FIG. 2. The bowstring 16 and control cable 18
segments have been fed out from the first rotatable member 30. The
power cables 14, 15 have been taken up on the first cam 32 and
second cam (not visible), and the limb 60 has been flexed. The
axles 74 remain in the same positions during draw, as they are
supported by the frame member 20.
[0071] FIGS. 4-6 show another embodiment of an archery bow 10. In
some embodiments, the bow 10 comprises a first limb 60 and a second
limb 70.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] FIG. 6 shows the bow 10 of FIGS. 4 and 5 in a drawn
orientation.
[0076] FIGS. 7-9 show another embodiment of an archery bow 10. In
some embodiments, the bow 10 comprises a first spar 34 that is
shaped differently from a second spar 36. In some embodiments, the
bow 10 comprises a third spar 35 shaped similarly to the first spar
34. 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 shaped similarly to the
second spar 36. In some embodiments, the second spar 36 and the
fourth spar 37 are considered a pair of second spar members.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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).
[0079] 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.
[0080] In some embodiments, at least a portion of a limb 60 is
located between the grip 76 and the first rotatable member 30.
[0081] In some embodiments, a bow 10 includes a single power cable
14, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. In some embodiments, a
bow 10 has only one "high force" cable. In some embodiments, a
first rotatable member 30 comprises a cam 32 located between the
first track 40 and the second track 42. In some embodiments, a
first rotatable member 30 comprises a cam 32 located between a the
first track 40 and a second track 42, wherein the first and second
tracks 40, 42 are shaped similarly and extend parallel to one
another.
[0082] FIGS. 10-12 show another embodiment of an archery bow 10. In
some embodiments, a bow 10 comprises a first limb 60 and a second
limb 70. In some embodiments, the first limb 60 and second limb 70
are supported by the riser 22. In some embodiments, the first limb
60 and second limb 70 are supported by a portion 24 of the riser 22
located distal to the first spar 34. In some embodiments, a fulcrum
member 68 is arranged to support the first limb 60 and the second
limb 70. In some embodiments a fulcrum member 68 is supported by
the distal portion 24 of the riser.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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.
[0085] FIGS. 13-15 show another embodiment of an archery bow 10,
wherein the first rotatable member 30 and limb 60 are provided on
an upper portion of the frame 20.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] FIGS. 16-18 show another embodiment of an archery bow 10,
which can be considered a cam-and-a-half style bow.
[0090] 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).
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] In some embodiments, a limb 60 is partially supported by a
riser 22 and partially supported by a spar member (e.g. 34).
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
* * * * *