Abstract:
In one aspect, the invention includes an archery bow construction comprising: a) a rotating member rotatably joined to a first limb; and b) a weight removably attached to the rotating member, the weight comprising at least two discrete components, the discrete components being fastened together by a pin extending into the discrete components. In another aspect, the invention includes an archery bow construction comprising: a) a cam rotatably joined to a first limb and comprising a screw thread; and b) a weight removably attached to the cam, the weight comprising a screw thread complementary to that of the cam and comprising a mass of at least 100 grains. In yet another aspect, the invention includes an archery bow construction comprising: a) a cam having a first orifice, a ridge within the first orifice, and a second orifice proximate the first orifice; b) a weight removably attached to the cam and being within the first orifice and on the ridge; and c) a first pin within the second orifice of the cam and comprising a portion which overlaps the weight and retains the weight within the first orifice. In yet another aspect, the invention includes an archery bow construction comprising a cam rotatably joined to a first limb, the cam comprising: a) an orifice extending therein; b) at least one rod extending across the orifice; and c) a weight engaged on the rod.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention pertains to archery bows, and particularly pertains to archery bows utilizing a cam system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A popular design for archery bows is to incorporate one or more cams (for example, eccentric wheels) into the bow. Such cams enable peak draw weight to be reached in the middle of a draw such that draw weight drops at full draw. A general goal of archery bow design is to alleviate vibrations from occurring as an arrow is released from the bow. Vibrations can decrease the accuracy with which the arrow is released. Also, vibrations can cause noise in hunting situations that will startle game and lead to lost second shot opportunities. 
     Another general goal of archery bow designs is to increase a speed with which an arrow is projected by a bow. Arrows which fly faster can maintain a flatter trajectory over a greater distance than slower-traveling arrows. This can enable faster-flying arrows to be fired more accurately than slower-traveling arrows. 
     In light of the above-discussed goals, it would be desirable to develop archery bow components which can reduce bow vibration and/or increase arrow speed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the invention comprises an archery bow construction. The archery bow construction has a first limb and a second limb, and a handle between the limbs. The archery bow construction also has a rotating member rotatably joined to the first limb, and a string extending between the rotating member and the second limb. Additionally, the archery bow construction has a weight removably attached to the rotating member. The weight comprises at least two discrete components, and the discrete components are fastened together by a pin extending into the discrete components. 
     In another aspect, the invention includes an archery bow construction having a cam rotatably joined to a first limb and comprising a screw thread. The archery bow construction also includes a weight removably attached to the cam. The weight comprises a screw thread complementary to that of the cam and has a mass of at least 100 grains. The screw thread of the weight is threadedly engaged with the screw thread of the cam. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention includes an archery bow construction a cam having a first orifice and a ridge within the first orifice. The cam further comprises a second orifice proximate the first orifice. A weight is removably attached to the cam and is within the first orifice and on the ridge. A pin is within the second orifice of the cam and comprises a portion which overlaps the weight and retains the weight within the first orifice. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention includes an archery bow construction having a cam rotatably joined to a first limb and an orifice within the cam. The archery bow construction further includes at least one rod extending across the orifice and a weight engaged on the rod. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings. 
     FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side-view of a first embodiment archery bow construction of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side-view of a second embodiment archery bow construction of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is an expanded, fragmentary view of a cam constructed in accordance with the present invention, and shown at full-draw of an archery bow. 
     FIG. 4 is a view of the FIG. 3 cam shown at a position partially relaxed from full-draw. 
     FIG. 5 is a view of the FIG. 3 cam shown at a position further relaxed from full-draw than the position of FIG. 4. 
     FIG. 6 is a view of the FIG. 3 cam shown at a position fully relaxed from full-draw. 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an archery bow cam in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an archery bow cam in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an archery bow cam in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a side-view of an archery bow cam constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws &#34;to promote the progress of science and useful arts&#34; (Article 1, Section 8). 
     FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment archery bow 10 of the present invention. Archery bow 10 comprises a handle 12, and a pair limbs 14 and 16 attached to handle 12. Bow 10 further comprises a cam 18 rotatably attached to limb 14, and an idler wheel 20 rotatably attached to limb 16. A string 22 extends between first and second limbs 14 and 16, and specifically extends between cam 18 and idler wheel 20. Although in the shown embodiment each of limbs 14 and 16 is connected to a rotating member (cam 18 and idler wheel 20, respectively), it is to be understood that the invention encompasses other embodiments (not shown) wherein string 22 is attached either directly to limb 16, or to limb 16 through a non-rotating member. 
     Cam 18 comprises a plurality of orifices 24 at its outer periphery. Orifices 24 are configured for insertion and removal of a removable weight 26. In the shown embodiment, cam 18 comprises three orifices 24, and a single removable weight 26. Weight 26 can comprise, for example, a metal or a dense organic polymer, and preferably has a mass of from about 100 grains to about 600 grains, and most preferably has a mass of about 400 grains. 
     In operation, an arrow is nocked onto bow string 22. Bow string 22 is then drawn to rotate cam 18 and exert force on limbs 14 and 16. Subsequently, bow string 22 is released and the force from limbs 14 and 16 propels the arrow from the bow. The weight 26 provided at an outer periphery of cam 18 provides mass at such periphery as the cam rotates during release of an arrow. Such mass can reduce vibration of cam 18, as well as provide additional rotation speed of cam 18. The additional rotation speed can translate into faster arrow speeds relative to the arrow speeds achieved without utilization of weight 26. 
     The removability of weight 26, together with the utilization of a plurality of orifices 24, enables the mass at the periphery of cam 18 to be adjusted for individual archer&#39;s desires. Specifically, a weight 26 provided further outward from a center-of-mass of cam 18 can have more influence on cam 18 than does a weight 26 provided closer to the center-of-mass of cam 18. Additional adjustability can be obtained by providing a set of weights in which the individual weights have different masses. The optimum location and mass of weight 26 can vary substantially between archers. If weight 26 is too light, or placed too close to a center of mass of cam 18, the weight has no measurable effect on either vibration or arrow speed. On the other hand, if weight 26 is too heavy, or placed too far from a center-of-mass of cam 18, the weight is found to slow arrow speed rather than increase it. 
     The provision of a plurality of orifices 24 cannot only enable a single weight to be placed in alternate locations relative to a center-of-mass of cam 18, but can also enable multiple weights to be placed in a single cam. The multiple weights can have identical masses as one another, or different masses. Preferably, the weights will all have masses of from about 100 grains to about 600 grains. 
     A second embodiment archery bow 10a is illustrated in FIG. 2. In referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2, similar numbering to that utilized in describing the first embodiment archery bow of FIG. 1 will be used, with differences indicated by the suffix &#34;a&#34; or by different numerals. Archery bow 10a, like archery bow 10 of FIG. 1, comprises a handle 12 between a pair of limbs 14 and 16. Bow 10a further comprises a string 22 extending between limbs 14 and 16. Archery bow 10a differs from the first embodiment archery bow 10 of FIG. 1 in that archery bow 10a comprises a first cam 18 and a second cam 30, rather than the cam and idler wheel combination of archery bow 10. In the shown embodiment, cam 30 is identical to cam 18 and comprises orifices 32 and a removable weight 34 within one of the orifices 32. It is to be understood, however, that in alternative embodiments (not shown) a removable weight and orifice system could be provided in only one of cams 18 and 30. 
     Operation of cam 18, with removable weight 26 therein, is described with reference to FIGS. 3-6. Referring to FIG. 3, archery bow 10a is illustrated with string 22 in a fully-drawn position. Cam 18 is rotated such that weight 26 is outward of limb 14 (the term &#34;outward&#34; being used to contrast relative to the resting position of cam 18 shown in FIG. 2 wherein weight 26 is &#34;inward&#34; of limb 14, i.e., between limbs 14 and 16). 
     Referring to FIG. 4, cam 18 is illustrated after bow string 22 is partially released from the full-draw position of FIG. 3. Weight 26 has now rotated about an outer periphery of cam 18. The rotation of weight 26 about such outer periphery continues as bow string 22 is further released to the position shown in FIG. 5, and until bow string 22 reaches the resting position of FIG. 6. 
     Specific embodiments of cam 18 and weight 26 are described with reference to FIGS. 7-9. 
     Referring first to the embodiment of FIG. 7, a cam 18b and removable weight 26b are shown in an exploded view. In referring to FIG. 7, similar numbering to that utilized above in describing FIGS. 1-6 will be used, with differences indicated by the suffix &#34;b&#34; or by different numerals. 
     Cam 18b can be formed from, for example, an aluminum alloy. Cam 18b comprises three orifices 24b. Each of the orifices has a circular-shape and comprises a periphery 40. Cam 18b further comprises circular ridges 42 within orifices 24b and extending around peripheries 40. 
     Weight 26b comprises a pair of discrete disc-shaped components 44 and 46, each of which comprises a circular outer periphery configured to be retained within a periphery 40 of an orifice 24b. Discrete components 44 and 46 can be formed from, for example, brass or other metals, and can have approximately the same weight as one another. 
     Components 44 and 46 comprise openings 48 and 50, respectively. Component 46 further comprises a screw thread (now shown) within opening 50. A screw 52 is provided to extend through opening 48 of component 44 and engage the screw thread of component 46. More specifically, screw 52 comprises a threaded extension 51 which engages the screw thread of component 46. Screw 52 also comprises a head 53 having a planar outer surface 54. In the shown preferred embodiment, component 44 comprises a recessed outer portion of opening 48 configured to receive head 53 of screw 52. Component 44 further comprises a planar outer surface 56 proximate the received head 53. Head 53 of screw 52 is preferably received within opening 48 such that outer surface 54 of head 53 is substantially flush with outer surface 56 of component 44. 
     It is noted that opening 48 of component 44 can be threaded to engage threaded portion 51 of screw 52, or can be slightly wider than threaded portion 51 so that screw 52 slides through component 44 to engage threaded opening 50 of component 46. 
     In the shown embodiment, components 44 and 46 are configured to receive ridge 42 between them as the components are fastened to cam 18b. 
     Another embodiment cam and weight system of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 8, with the cam being referred to as 18c and the weight labeled as 26c. In referring to FIG. 8, similar numbering to that utilized above in describing FIGS. 1-6 will be used, with differences indicated by the suffix &#34;c&#34; or by different numerals. 
     Cam 18c comprises a plurality of orifices 24c, and comprises screw threads 62 within each of orifices 24c. Weight 26c is effectively a screw and comprises screw threads 60 around its outer periphery. Screw threads 60 are configured to be received within screw threads 62 to secure weight 26c within an orifice 24c. Weight 26c further comprises a slot 64 configured to receive a tool to simplify rotation of weight 26c within orifices 24c. Slot 64 can be sized to accommodate a screwdriver, and more preferably is sized to accommodate a coin. 
     Cam 18c comprises opposing planar front and back side surfaces, with planar front side surface 66 being visible in FIG. 8 and the planar back side surface not being visible in the FIG. 8 view. Weight 26c comprises opposing planar front and back side surfaces, with planar front side surface 68 being visible in FIG. 8 and the planar back side surface not being visible in the FIG. 8 view. In the shown preferred embodiment, weight 26c is configured such that when weight 26c is entirely received within cam 18c, front side surface 68 is substantially flush with front side surface 66. Further, the back side surface of weight 26c is preferably also flush with the back side surface of cam 18c when weight 26c is fully received within cam 18c. 
     A third embodiment cam and weight system of the present invention is described with reference to FIG. 9, with the cam being labeled as 18d, and the weight as 26d. In referring to FIG. 9 similar numbering to that utilized above in describing FIGS. 1-6 will be used, with differences indicated by the suffix &#34;d&#34; or by different numerals. 
     Cam 18d comprises orifices 24d configured to receive weight 26d. Also, cam 18d comprises a front side planar outer surface 70 proximate orifices 24d, and an opposing planar back side surface (not shown) proximate the back side of orifices 24d. 
     Orifices 24d are circular in shape, and cam 18d defines a circular periphery of each of orifices 24d. Further, cam 18d comprises a ridge 72 within each of orifices 24d. In the shown embodiment, ridge 72 extends only partially across orifices 24d. However, the invention encompasses other embodiments (not shown) wherein ridge 72 extends entirely across orifices 24d and effectively defines a bottom of orifices 24d. 
     Cam 18d comprises additional orifices 74 proximate the orifices 24d. In the shown embodiment, each of orifices 24d is associated with a pair of the additional orifices 74. Pins 76 are provided to extend within orifices 74 and retain weight 26d within orifices 24d. In the shown embodiment, pins 76 are screws comprising screw heads 78 and threaded portions 80. Also, orifices 74 comprise internal threads (not shown) configured to receive threaded portions 80. Weight 26d is retained within an orifice 24d by the heads 78 of screws 76. Screws 76 can comprise, for example, so-called &#34;button head&#34; screws. 
     In the shown embodiment, only one weight is retained within any single orifice by screws 76. However, the invention encompasses other embodiments (not shown) wherein a plurality of weights are retained within a single orifice by screws 76. Preferably, all of individual weights of such plurality of weights are disc-shaped. The individual weights can have identical masses as one another, or different masses. The utilization of a plurality of weights can enable the total mass of weights within cam 18d to be tailored for individual archer&#39;s desires. 
     Yet another embodiment of the invention is described with reference to FIG. 10, wherein a cam is labeled 18e. In referring to FIG. 10, similar numbering to that utilized above in describing FIGS. 1-6 will be used, with differences indicated by the suffix &#34;e&#34; or by different numerals. 
     Cam 18e comprises an orifice 90. A pair of rods 92 and 94 extend across orifice 90. Rods 92 and 94 preferably comprise rigid materials, such as, for example, metallic bars. A weight 100 is slidably engaged on rods 92 and 94. Weight 100 is configured such that as cam 18e rotates, the weight slides along rods 92 an 94 and across orifice 90. In the shown embodiment, orifice 90 extends entirely through a thickness of cam 18e. However, it is to be understood that the invention encompasses other embodiments (not shown) wherein orifice 90 extends only partially through the thickness of cam 18e. 
     In the shown embodiment, cavity 90 comprises a rectangular shape having a pair of opposing endwall peripheries 102 and 104, as well as a pair of opposing sidewall peripheries 106 and 108. Rods 92 and 94 extend from endwall periphery 102 to endwall periphery 104. Cushions 110 are provided adjacent endwall peripheries 102 and 104 to cushion weight 100 as it reaches the ends of its travel along rods 92 and 94. Cushions 110 can be, for example, O-rings, and preferably comprise relatively flexible materials, such as, for example, rubber, foam or plastic. Weight 100 preferably comprises a relatively dense material, such as, for example, a metal, polyurethane, or dense foam. 
     In the shown preferred embodiment, rods 92 and 94 extend into cavities 117 of cam 18e and are retained by pins 120. Pins 120 can comprise, for example, screws. Utilization of screws enables rods 92 and 94 to be removable such that weight 100 can be replaced with a weight of a different mass to allow adjustment for individual archer needs. Weight 100 preferably comprises a mass of from about 100 grains to about 600 grains. In an exemplary embodiment, weight 100 is about 3/16-inch thick and comprises solid brass. 
     In the shown and preferred embodiment, weight 100 and rods 92 and 94 are oriented such that weight 100 slides against one of the endwalls (endwall 104) when a bow string is an undrawn position (such as the position shown in FIG. 2), and slides against the other endwall (endwall 102) when the bow string is in a fully drawn position (such as the position of FIG. 3). Weight 100 will then undergo a sliding motion as a bow string is released from a fully-drawn position to an undrawn position, and thereby change the mass characteristics within cam 18e as the cam rotates. Specifically, when weight 100 is against endwall 102, it provides additional mass toward a periphery of cam 18e. Such additional mass is brought closer to a center-of-mass of cam 18e as weight 100 slides from endwall 102 to endwall 104. 
     In the shown embodiment, a pair of rods 92 and 94 are utilized to retain weight within orifice 90. The utilization of pair of rods prevents weight 100 from rotating within orifice 90. Other embodiments (not shown) of the invention utilize only a single rod for retaining weight 100 within opening 90. In such single-rod-embodiments, the rod can be provided to have a noncircular cross-sectional shape to avoid rotation of mass 100 around the rod. For instance, the rod can be provided to have a square cross-sectional shape, or can be provided to have ridges. 
     In preferred aspects of the invention, a lubricant can be provided between weight 100 and rods 92 and 94. Such lubricant can comprise, for example, graphite or oil. 
     In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.