Abstract:
Embodiments of a limb retainer system to secure bow limbs to a riser on an archery bow. The limb retainer system includes a first part and a second part that are disposed, respectively, on a front and a back of the riser to position the limb elements to retain a shooting string under tension. In one embodiment, the first part secure the limb elements in position on the riser. The second part is configured to rotate relative to the first part, thereby allowing an end user to adjust the tension of the bowstring. This configuration offer a robust, cost effective design that prevents unwanted movement of the bow limbs and preserves adjustment necessary for adequate tuning of the archery bow.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/794,257, filed on Mar. 15, 2013 and entitled “LIMB RETAINER SYSTEM AND ARCHERY BOW COMPRISED THEREOF,” the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The subject matter disclosed herein relates to archery bows and, in various embodiments, to structure that anchors bow limbs to the riser. 
         [0003]    Designs for archery bows and, in particular, compound archery bows utilize bow limbs and pulleys to manage operating characteristics (e.g., draw weight, draw length, etc.) of the bowstring. These designs often secure the bow limbs to the riser in a manner that allows adjustment of the operating characteristics. An end user can use this adjustment to tune operation of the archery bow to match their personal attributes (e.g., strength, reach, shooting style, etc.). 
         [0004]    The bow limbs can affect performance (e.g., shooting accuracy) of compound archery bows. Ideal operation of the bow limbs results in a single direction of motion, namely, even flexure toward and away from the midline of the riser. This motion allows the end user to effectively draw the bowstring in preparation for a shot. Moreover, limiting motion to this single direction is important upon release of the bowstring for the projectile (e.g., an arrow) to achieve a flight path that is accurate and repeatable. Twisting, shifting, and other movement of the bow limbs relative to the riser can adversely affect the flight path, thus degrading performance of the bow. 
         [0005]    Compound bows employ various techniques to minimize movement of the bow limbs relative to the riser, while also permitting adjustments to personalize operation of the bow. Some designs bolt and/or fasten at an end of the bow limbs directly to the riser. In other designs, the riser may incorporate features and/or couple to parts that receive the end of the bow limb. These designs may form a pocket or cradle with sidewalls that are meant to prevent lateral (or “side-to-side”) movement of the bow limb. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    This disclosure describes embodiments of a limb retainer system that can secure the bow limbs to the riser of an archery bow. As set forth in more detail below, these embodiments can include a first part and a second part, one each that are disposed on a front part and a back part of the riser. The first part is configured to secure to the riser, providing features that contact a first surface of the bow limbs to reduce, or effectively eliminate, movement of the bow limbs relative to the riser. The second part is configured to contact a second surface of the bow limbs. This configuration forms a pivot about which the blow limbs can rotate during operation of the archery blow. In one implementation, the second part can move relative to the first part and, notably, can rotate relative to a midline of the riser. This configuration of the first part and the second part offers a robust, cost effective design that prevents unwanted movement of the bow limbs and preserves adjustment necessary for adequate tuning of the archery bow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  depicts a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a limb retainer system as part of an exemplary compound bow; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a limb retainer system as part of an exemplary compound bow; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  depicts a detail, perspective view of the limb retainer system of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  depicts a detail, perspective view of a riser as shown on the limb retainer system of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  depicts a detail perspective view of a front retainer element in position on the riser as shown on the limb retainer system of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of the front retainer element of  FIGS. 2 and 5 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  depicts a detail, perspective view of a lever element in position on the riser as shown on the limb retainer system of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of the lever element of  FIGS. 2 and 7 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  depicts a detail, perspective view of a pivot element in position on the lever element as shown on the limb retainer system of  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  depicts a detail, perspective view of rocker elements in position on the pivot element as shown on the limb retainer system of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
       [0018]    Where applicable like reference characters designate identical or corresponding components and units throughout the several views, which are not to scale unless otherwise indicated. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    The discussion below describes structure to attach limb retainers to the riser of an archery bow. This structure is configured to avoid twisting and/or other movement of the limb retainers relative to the riser. This feature can reduce errors in the flight path of an arrow that projects from the archery bow. Examples of the structure are also configured to permit adjustments to the mechanical operation of the bow. Notably, the configurations can allow an end users to manipulate the tension of the bowstrings. This feature permits the end user to achieve a more personalized operation of the archery bow. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  depicts a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a limb retainer system  100 . The limb retainer system  100  is part of an archery bow  102 , e.g., a compound archery bow. The archery bow  102  includes a riser  104  with a first end  106  and a second end  108 . The riser  104  has a handle  110  (also, “grip  110 ”) that an end user can grasp to steady, aim, and position the archery bow  102  to deliver a projectile (e.g., an arrow). The archery bow  102  also includes one or more limb assemblies (e.g., a first limb assembly  112  and a second limb assembly  114 ). The limb assemblies  112 ,  114  secure to the riser  104  at one end, via the limb retainer system  100 , and support a cable system  116  at the other end. In one example, the cable system  116  includes one or more pulley assemblies (e.g., a first pulley assembly  118  and a second pulley assembly  120 ) and a bowstring  122  that winds about the pulley assemblies  118 ,  120 . 
         [0021]    As also shown in  FIG. 1 , the limb retainer system  100  includes a pair of retainer assemblies (e.g., a first retainer assembly  124  and a second retainer assembly  126 ). The retainer assemblies  124 ,  126  include a first part  128  (also, “front part  128 ”) and a second part  130  (also, “back part  130 ”) that reside proximate, respectively, the front and the back of the riser  104 . The front part  128  includes a front retainer element  132  that couples to the limb assemblies  112 ,  114  and to the riser  104 . The back part  130  includes a lever element  134  and a rocker element  136 , which in one example secures to the lever element  134 . 
         [0022]    Embodiments of the limb retainer system  100  secure the limb assemblies  112 ,  114  in a manner that prevents movement other than in a direction toward the midline of the riser  104 . The lever element  134  and the rocker element  136  work together with one another and the limb assemblies  112 ,  114  to adjust tension of the bowstring  122 . Collectively, the features of the limb retainer system  100  offer favorable operation of the archery bow  102 , e.g., to maintain accurate and repeatable projective flight. As compared to conventional designs, construction of the limb retainer system  100  can minimize the effects of tolerance stack-up in the overall assembly of the archery bow  102 . In one embodiment, the limb retainer system  100  features a two part design (e.g., the front part  128  and the back part  130 ); however this disclosure does contemplated other embodiments in which the front part  128  and the back part  130  are configured as a single, monolithic unit. 
         [0023]    When assembled to the archery bow  102 , the front part  128  secures the limb assemblies  112 ,  114  directly to the rise  104 . The back part  130  supports the limb assemblies  112 ,  114  and, moreover, incorporates features that permit adjustment, e.g., to the tension of the bowstring  122 . This configuration of the front part  128  and the back part  130  offers a structure that both allows an end user to tune operation of the archery bow  102  and that ensures appropriate rigidity to prevent the limb assemblies  112 ,  114  from twisting and/or rotating during operation of the archery bow  102 . 
         [0024]      FIGS. 2 and 3  depict another exemplary embodiment of a limb retainer system  200 . In  FIG. 2 , the limb assemblies  212 ,  214  include one or more limb elements (e.g., a first limb element  238  and a second limb element  240 ). This arrangement of the limb elements  212 ,  214  embodies a “split limb” design that utilizes a pair of substantially separate and parallel spaced-apart limb elements  238 ,  240 . Embodiments of the limb retainer system  200  can accommodate other designs that may incorporate other configurations of the limb elements, e.g., the limb elements  238 ,  240  as a single unitary member and/or configurations in which the limb elements  238 ,  240  couple with one another. 
         [0025]    As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the limb elements  238 ,  240  have an upper surface  242  and a lower surface  244 . The limb retainer system  200  mounts to the riser  204  in a manner that positions the front retainer element  232  proximate the upper surface  242  and the rocker element  236  proximate the lower surface  244 . This configuration of the rocker element  236  forms a pivot to promote bending of the limb elements  238 ,  240 . During operation of the archery bow  202 , this pivot allows the limb elements  238 ,  240  to flex as the end user draws back on the bowstring (e.g., bowstring  122  of  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0026]    The front retainer element  232  can have one or more features that can receive the end of the limb elements  238 ,  240 . The example of  FIG. 3  illustrates one configuration of features in which the upper surface  242  of the limb elements  212 ,  214  mates and/or contacts the bottom surface of the front retainer element  232 . However, in other examples, the front retainer element  232  may include features that contact and/or mate with front and/or lateral surfaces of the limb elements  238 ,  240 . These other features may help to stabilize the limb elements  238 ,  240  to further reduce the opportunity for movement of the limb elements  238 ,  240  relative to the riser  204  to occur, e.g., during operation of the archery bow  202 . In one embodiment, the limb retainer system  200  can include one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) that penetrate through the limb elements  238 ,  240  to secure the limb elements  238 ,  240  to the front retainer element  232 . In addition to, or in lieu of these fasteners, the limb retainer system  200  may also utilize fastening techniques, e.g., adhesives and/or bonding agents, to secure the limb elements  238 ,  240 . 
         [0027]      FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 , and  10  depict the retainer system  200  in various states of assembly to describe details and/or exemplary configurations for the parts used therein.  FIG. 4  depicts the riser  204  to focus the discussion, for example, on the configuration of the ends (e.g., the first end  206  and/or the second end  208  ( FIG. 2 )). As shown on the end  206 , the riser  204  includes an end surface  246  and one or more boss elements (e.g., a front boss element  248  and a rear boss element  250 ). The boss elements  248 ,  250  provide an interface to secure one or more parts of the limb assemblies to the riser  204 . To facilitate this interface, the riser  204  includes one or more openings (e.g., a front opening  252  and a rear opening  254 ) that penetrate through the boss elements  248 ,  250 . The riser  204  also forms a support surface  256  proximate the rear boss element  250 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example of the front retainer element  232 . As shown in this diagram, the front retainer element  232  has a boss opening  258  and lateral members (e.g., a first lateral member  260  and a second lateral member  262 ). The front retainer element  232  also has a first bore  264  that penetrates through the first lateral member  260  and, in one example, through the second lateral member  262 . The front retainer element  232  can also include one or more limb fastening openings (e.g., first limb fastening opening  266  and a second limb fastening opening  268 ). Examples of the limb fastening openings  266 ,  268  may include threads to receive complementary fasteners that secure limb elements (e.g., limb elements  248 ,  250  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) to the bottom of the front retainer element  232 , e.g., as discussed in connection with  FIGS. 2 and 3  above. 
         [0029]      FIG. 6  illustrates the retainer assembly  224  with the front retainer element  232  in position on the front boss element  248 . The limb retainer system  200  may include a front pin element (also “shaft element”) that resides in the first bore  264  and the front opening  252  ( FIG. 4 ). This front pin element secures the front retainer element  232  to the front boss element  248 , e.g., using a slip fit, press fit, and/or interference fit between the outer diameter of pin element and the front opening  252  ( FIG. 4 ) and the first bore  264 . This configuration prevents, or reduces, any relative movement between the riser  202  and the front retainer element  232 . In one implementation, the secure fit between the riser  202  and the front retainer element  232  secures the limb elements directly to the riser  202 , albeit through connection of the limb elements with the front retainer element  232  as noted herein. The limb retainer system  200  may utilize one or more clips (e.g., e-clips, pins, cotter pins, etc.) to secure to the ends of the front pin element, e.g., on the outside of the lateral members  260 ,  262 . These clips can provide a rigid structure to prevent movement of the front pin element that may cause the front retainer element  232  to dislocate from the front boss element  204 . 
         [0030]    This disclosure does contemplate other embodiments in which the riser  202  may integrate (and/or incorporate) one or more features of the front retainer element  232 . This construction may compliment features of the front retainer element  232  to secure the limb elements in position on the archery bow  202 . For example, the boss element  248  may include one or more surfaces that can interface with the limb elements, in addition to or in lieu of, corresponding features on the front retainer element  232 . 
         [0031]    Examples of the boss opening  258  can have dimensions to receive the front boss element  248  into the body of the front retainer element  232 . These dimensions may position the inner lateral walls of the lateral members  260 ,  262  in close proximity to the exterior lateral walls of the front boss element  248 . In one example, the dimensions may create a press and/or interference fit that helps to secure the front retainer element  232  onto the front boss element  248 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom, perspective view of the exemplary lever element  234 . Generally, geometry for the lever element  234  is configured to interface with corresponding geometry on the riser. This geometry may take many forms, the selection of which may consider certain aesthetic, dimensional, and like design restriction. In the example of  FIG. 7 , the lever element  234  has a forward opening  270  and a rear lateral opening  272 . The lever element  234  also has a lateral pivot element  274  that forms a pivot opening  276  and a lateral pivot wall  278  with a bottom pivot surface  280 . 
         [0033]    As best shown in  FIG. 8 , in which the lever element  234  is in position on the rear boss element  250 , the lateral pivot wall  278  mates and/or contacts a lateral surface of the rear boss element  250 . In one example, the bottom pivot surface  280  contacts the support surface  256  to provide added support to the limb system  100 , e.g., when under tension by the bowstring (e.g., bowstring  122  of  FIG. 1 ). The configuration of the lever element  234  and the rear boss element  250  aligns the pivot opening  276  with the rear opening  254  on the rear boss element  250 . The limb retainer assembly  200  may include a pivot pin (and/or pivot shaft) and/or other fastener that resides in the pivot opening  276  and the rear opening  254 . This pivot pin couples with lever element  234  with the riser  204 . Embodiment of the limb retainer system  200  may also include a fastener (e.g., a screw, bolt, etc.) that resides in the forward opening  270 . This fastener may engage an opening in the riser  204 , e.g., a threaded opening disposed on the end surface  246 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 9 and 10  depict the retainer assembly  224  with the rocker element  236  in position on the lever element  234 . In  FIG. 9 , the rocker element  236  includes a shaft element  282  that extends through the rear lateral opening  272  of the lever element  234 . The diagram of  FIG. 10  shows the rocker element  236  with one or more rockers (e.g., a first rocker  284  and a second rocker  286 ) disposed on the shaft element  282 . In one implementation, the rockers  284 ,  286  include a surface that contacts the lower surface of the limb elements  238 ,  240 . This surface can offer support to the limb elements  238 ,  240 ; as noted above, the configuration of the rockers  284 ,  286  can form the pivot about which the limb elements  238 ,  240  will bend during operation of the archery bow. 
         [0035]    Manipulation of the fastener for use in the forward opening  270  can adjust the pitch of the lever element  234  relative to the midline of the riser  204 . In one example, the pin element disposed in the pivot opening  276  and the rear opening  254  forms a pivot about which the lever element  234  can rotate in response to changes in the position of the fastener in the forward opening  270 . Drawing the fastener towards and away from the end surface  246 , will change the pitch of the lever element  234 . This feature, in turn, will change the flexure in the limb element  238 ,  240 . 
         [0036]    As used herein, an element or function recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or functions, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the claimed invention should not be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. 
         [0037]    This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.