Patent Publication Number: US-2006011190-A1

Title: Bow suspension system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/361,333, filed on Feb. 10, 2003 and entitled “Bow Suspension System”, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/355,574, filed Feb. 8, 2002; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/355,582, filed Feb. 8, 2002; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/355,583, filed Feb. 8, 2002; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/418,092, filed Oct. 11, 2002; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/418,098, filed Oct. 11, 2002; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/425,899, filed Nov. 13, 2002; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/425,960, filed Nov. 13, 2002. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      This invention relates to an archery bow. More particularly, the invention relates to a suspension system for dampening vibrational energy and noise in an archery bow.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      Archery bows are typically utilized by individuals participating in hunting or recreational archery. In each of these activities, the ability to control the exact location to which the arrow is shot is essential. At the same time, the drawing back of the string and subsequent release creates vibrational energy throughout the bow, especially in the strings and the limbs. This vibrational energy substantially interferes with one&#39;s ability to control the bow. Thus, a system that reduces vibrational energy is a highly desirable feature for a bow.  
      Various systems have been developed in an attempt to reduce or eliminate vibrations throughout a compound bow. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,780 to Proctor is directed to a bearing system for a compound bow. The bearing system includes a sealed ball bearing assembly and a bearing support element. A cam is mounted along an axle. The axle is supported on opposite sides of the cam by the ball bearing assembly. The ball bearing assemblies are received in bores formed in limb tip overlays. The limb tip overlays are secured to limb tips by an adhesive. Alternatively, a hole in the limb blank may be created to support the ball bearing assemblies. The ball bearing assemblies reduce rotational friction and enhance lateral stability of the cam.  
      In addition, Untied States Patent Application Publication Number 2002/0166550 discloses an archery bow cam including a dead blow assembly fitted within a coil spring. The dead blow assembly, which includes a dead blow element and two damping elements, dampens cam vibrations at the end of a bow shot.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      According to one aspect of the invention, a suspension system is provided for dampening vibrational energy and noise in an archery bow. The suspension system includes an axle shaft. A rotating member is rotatably coupled to the axle shaft and defines a string groove. A string partially extends along the string groove. The string has an over molded portion contacting the string groove for decoupling the string from the string groove to dampen vibrational energy and noise generated during each shot of the archery bow. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bow;  
       FIG. 2  is a fragmentary perspective view of the bow including a suspension system according to the invention;  
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a limb including an axle clearance hole extending therethrough;  
       FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of an interlocking hub, a ball bearing, a dampening material for positioning within the limb;  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the limb having the interlocking hub and the ball bearing positioned within a recessed portion;  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the limb showing a spacer covering the ball bearing;  
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the suspension system according to the invention;  
       FIG. 10  is a sectional view of a ball bearing having a dampening material molded thereto;  
       FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the ball bearing and the dampening material;  
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an axle shaft of the suspension system;  
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the axle shaft including the ball bearing with the dampening material molded thereto;  
       FIG. 14  is a partially cut away view of the bow having pulleys mounted along the axle shaft;  
       FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of the pulley including a two-part outer bushing and a two-part inner bushing;  
       FIG. 16  is a sectional view of the pulley;  
       FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of the pulley including one-piece outer and inner bushings;  
       FIG. 18  is a sectional view of the pulley of  FIG. 17 ;  
       FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of the pulley including a ball bearing;  
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an elastomeric member;  
       FIG. 21  is an exploded perspective view of a rotating member, a plurality of string post hookups located on the rotating member, and elastomeric members;  
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the elastomeric member coupled to one of the string post hookups;  
       FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of an outer ring formed from a dampening material and a wheel;  
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the outer ring molded to the wheel;  
       FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24 ;  
       FIG. 26  is an exploded perspective view of the outer ring for stretching around the cam;  
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the rotating member and the outer ring coupled to the string post hookups;  
       FIG. 28  is an exploded perspective view of a bushing assembly;  
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the bushing assembly mounted along the axle shaft within the cam;  
       FIG. 30  is a sectional view of the cam including two of the bushing assemblies housed therewithin;  
       FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the bushing assembly positioned within an axle clearance hole of the limb;  
       FIG. 32  is an isolated perspective view of a string shock absorber assembly interconnecting first and second strings;  
       FIG. 33  is an exploded perspective view of the string shock absorber assembly;  
       FIG. 34  is a cut away view of the shock absorber assembly;  
       FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a string end connector interconnecting first and second strings;  
       FIG. 36  is a cut away view of the wheel including an internal suspension assembly;  
       FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  37 - 37  in  FIG. 36 ;  
       FIG. 38  is a partially exploded view of the cross-sectional view in  FIG. 37 ;  
       FIG. 39  is an isolated view of a dampening dowel of the internal suspension assembly;  
       FIG. 40  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention including a string having a plurality of over molded portions;  
       FIG. 41  is a front, elevational view of a mold for over molding the string with the plurality of over molded portions;  
       FIG. 42  is a perspective view of the string positioned inside the mold;  
       FIG. 43  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the string installed along a cam of an archery bow wherein one of the over molded portions is disposed between the string and a string groove of the cam;  
       FIG. 44  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention including a wheel having a body;  
       FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the wheel including an over molding molded to the body;  
       FIG. 46  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  46 - 46  of  FIG. 45  including a string groove of the wheel covered by the over molding;  
       FIG. 47  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention including a cam having a body;  
       FIG. 48  is a side view of the cam including an over molding secured to the body;  
       FIG. 49  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  49 - 49  in  FIG. 48  including a string groove of the cam covered by the over molding;  
       FIG. 50  is a fragmentary, perspective view of one limb of an archery bow including a fork at a distal end;  
       FIG. 51  is a partially exploded, fragmentary perspective view of the limb fork including a pair of spaced apart housings for receiving an interlocking hub;  
       FIG. 52  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the limb fork including a suspension device over molded onto outboard and inboard surfaces of the housing for interlocking engagement with the interlocking hub;  
       FIG. 53  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  53 - 53  in  FIG. 52 ;  
       FIG. 54  is a perspective view of a billet, including at least one billet portion secured thereto, utilized for machining a limb;  
       FIG. 55  is a perspective view of the billet, including the at least one billet portion., with the machined limb formed therefrom shown in phantom;  
       FIG. 56  is an exploded, perspective view of the attachment between a limb tip housing and a limb tip according to another embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 57  is an exploded, perspective view of the limb tip housing including an interlocking hub retainer retaining an interlocking hub in place;  
       FIG. 58  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention including a suspension device disposed between a limb tip housing and a limb;  
       FIG. 59  is an exploded, perspective view of the suspension device for positioning between the limb tip housing and the limb;  
       FIG. 60  is a perspective view of a riser including a suspension housing according to another embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 61  is a fragmentary, perspective view of an archery bow including a suspension device disposed within the suspension housing for decoupling the riser from a cable guard;  
       FIG. 62  is a fragmentary, rear perspective view of an archery bow including a suspension device according to another embodiment of the invention positioned inside a cable guard slide;  
       FIG. 63  is a perspective view of the cable guard slide including the suspension device decoupling the cable guard slide from the cable guard arm;  
       FIG. 64  is a fragmentary, perspective view of an archery bow according to another embodiment of the invention including a cable guard arm;  
       FIG. 65  is a an exploded, perspective view of the cable guard arm including a suspension device disposed between elongated inner and outer cores;  
       FIG. 66  is a fragmentary, perspective view of an archery bow according to another embodiment of the invention including a roller arm extending out from a riser;  
       FIG. 67  is a exploded, perspective view of the roller arm including a pulley disposed between a pair of suspension devices;  
       FIG. 68  is a perspective view of a suspension device decoupling a limb from an axle shaft of an archery bow according to another embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 69  is a cross-sectional view of the suspension device decoupling the limb from the axle shaft;  
       FIG. 70  is a perspective view of a limb rotatably mounted along an axle shaft adjacent a suspension device according to another embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 71  is a cross-sectional view of the limb including a clearance hole for allowing relative shifting of a ; and  
       FIG. 72  is a fragmentary, perspective view of an archery bow according to another embodiment of the invention including a suspension device disposed between upper and lower limb portions. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , an archery bow, generally shown at  10 , includes a handle or riser  12 , a grip  14 , and limb pockets  16 ,  18  secured to the riser  12 . Although a compound bow is shown in  FIG. 1 , it is contemplated that the following description is equally applicable to other bows including, but not limited to, cross bows and recurve bows. The bow  10  includes a pair of upper limbs  20 ,  22  extending between the limb pocket  16  and a rotating member or wheel  24 . A pair of lower limbs  26 ,  28  extends between the limb pocket  18  and a rotating member or cam  30 . The wheel  24  and the cam  30  are each rotatably mounted on a respective axle shaft  32 ,  34 . The axle shaft  32  extends between the upper limbs  20 ,  22 , and the axle shaft  34  extends between the lower limbs  26 ,  28 .  
      A string  36  extends from a distal end  38  of the upper limbs  20 ,  22  to a distal end  40  of the lower limbs  26 ,  28 . More specifically, one end of the string  36  extends around the wheel  24  and the other end of the string  36  extends around the cam  30 . A drawstring portion  35  of the string  36  is drawn away from the riser  10 , which causes the distal ends  36 ,  40  of the limbs  20 ,  22 ,  26 ,  28  to flex inwardly. As a result, energy is stored within the limbs  20 ,  22 ,  26 ,  28 . This stored energy is released when the drawstring portion  35  of the string  36  is released to shoot an arrow  33 . A regular harness  42  and a split harness  44  also extend between the wheel  24  and the cam  30 . A cable guard rod  46  extends between the riser  12  and the string  36 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a suspension system, generally shown at  46 , for the bow  10  includes one of the upper limbs  22 , the axle shaft  32 , a bushing or ball bearing  48  mounted along the axle shaft  32 , and a dampening member  50  extending outwardly from the bushing  48  and positioned between the bushing  48  and the upper limb  22 . It will be appreciated that although the suspension system  46  is shown with regards to one of the upper limbs  22 , the suspension system  46  applies equally to the other upper limb  20  and the lower limbs  26 ,  28 . The suspension system  46  is also rigid enough to support the bow  10 . As a result, the suspension system  46  is able to store kinetic energy, to dissipate shock, and to increase bow speed.  
      The dampening member  50  is an elastomeric material including thermoplastic elastomers. In a preferred embodiment, the dampening member  50  is formed from urethane. The dampening member  50  may also be a spring, a spring washer, or an incompressible fluid. The dampening member  50  decouples the axle shaft  32  from the upper limb  22  so that the axle shaft  32  floats freely relative thereto. In addition, the dampening member  50  absorbs vibrational energy exerted through the axle shaft  32 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 4 , the limb  22  includes an axle clearance hole  52  extending axially therethrough at the distal end  38 . The axle clearance hole  52  defines a recessed portion  54  having a flat seating surface  56 . The axle shaft  32  extends through the axle clearance hole  52 , including the recessed portion  54  thereof, for mounting the limb  22  along the axle shaft  32 , as shown in  FIG. 3 .  
      The placement of the dampening member  50  and the ball bearing  48  within the recessed portion  54  can be accomplished in different ways. Referring to  FIGS. 5 through 8 , an interlocking hub  58  includes an inner cavity  60  and an outer groove  62 . The ball bearing  48  is inserted into the inner cavity  60 . A spacer  64  is then secured to the interlocking hub  58  to cover the ball bearing  48 . The interlocking hub  58  is inserted into the recessed portion  54 . Finally, the elastomeric material is injected into the recessed portion  54 . The elastomeric material flows through hub apertures  59  and into the outer groove  62  to form the dampening member  50 . The outer groove  62  interlocks the dampening member  50  to retain the dampening member  50  within the recessed portion  54 . In addition, the dampening member  50  is molded to the limb  22 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 9 through 11 , the ball bearing  48  and the dampening member  50  are molded together away from the upper limb  22  and then press fit into the recessed portion  54  of the upper limb  22 . A plurality of axle spacers  66  are mounted along the axle shaft  32  and are positioned between the rotating member  24  and each of the upper limbs  20 ,  22 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the axle shaft  32  includes circular segments  70 ,  72  and keyed segments  74  extending therebetween. A step  75  is located along the keyed segment  74 . One of the rotating members  24 ,  30  is mounted along the keyed segment  74  of the axle shaft  32 . The rotating member  24 ,  30  has an axle hole  100 , shown in  FIG. 3 , that is shaped to complement the keyed segment  74 . This allows the string  36 , which extends around the rotating member  24 ,  30 , to be closer to the axle shaft  32  to allow let off. The ball bearings  48  are mounted along the circular segments  70 ,  72  of the axle shaft  32 , also shown in  FIG. 3 . The rotating member  24 ,  30  is mounted along the non-circular segment  74 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 14 through 20 , a pulley  76  is mounted along the axle shaft  32  and disposed adjacent the limb  20 . Each pulley  76  receives the split harness  44  therealong. The pulley  76  includes a two-piece reinforcing ring or outer bushing  78 , a two-piece inner bushing  80 , and the dampening member  50  therebetween. It will be appreciated that although the outer bushing  78  and the inner bushing  80  are shown as being two-piece components, one or both of the outer bushing  78  and the inner bushing  80  can be formed as a one-piece component. The outer bushing provides structural support for the dampening member  50 . The outer  78  and inner  80  bushings define an interlocking passage  82  that lockingly engages the dampening member  50 . The dampening member  50  is thus bonded to both the outer  78  and inner  80  bushings. The pulley  76  allows the axle shaft  32  to rotate freely thereabout with little or no friction.  
      Referring specifically to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the pulley  76  includes the dampening member  50  positioned between one-piece outer  77  and inner bushings  79  without an interlocking passage formed therebetween. Referring to  FIG. 19 , the pulley  76  includes the ball bearing  48  and the reinforcing ring  78  retaining the dampening member  50  therebetween.  
      Referring to  FIG. 20 , a elastomeric member  81  is formed completely from an elastomeric material, preferably urethane. The elastomeric member  81  is generally ring-shaped. Referring to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , a plurality of string post hookups  84  is located along an outer surface  86  of the cam  30 . The string  36  extends around the cam  30  and is secured into place by the string post hookups  84 . The elastomeric member  81  is mounted to the one or more of the string post hookups  84  to dampen vibrational energy in the string  36 . It will be appreciated that the pulley configurations set forth above and shown in  FIGS. 15 through 19  are equally applicable to the string post hookups  84 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 23 through 26 , an outer ring  88  extends all along an outer periphery of the wheel  24 . The wheel  24 , which is typically formed from a metal such as aluminum, provides structural support for the outer ring  88 , which is formed from an elastomeric material. The outer ring  88  includes an interlocking rim  90  interconnected to a rotating member string groove  92  for retaining the outer ring  88  to the wheel  24 . The outer ring  88  further includes an outer string groove  94  for receiving the string  36 . The positioning of the outer ring  88  between the wheel  24  and the string  36  decouples the wheel  24  and the string  34 , and dampens vibrational energy that is exerted upon the wheel  24  when the string  36  is released to shoot the bow  10 .  
      The outer ring  88  is secured to the wheel  24  by various methods including molding, bonding, stretching, and snapping into place. The assembly method chosen depends in large part upon the shape of the rotating member  24 ,  30 . For example, when the rotating member is the cam  30 , as shown in  FIG. 26 , it is preferable to stretch the outer ring  88  into place.  
      Referring to  FIG. 27 , the outer ring  88  is adapted to fit around an outer periphery of the string post hookup  84  of the cam  30 . The string post hookup  84  provides structural support for the outer ring  88 . The outer ring  88  may be secured to the string post hookup  84  by various methods including molding, bonding, stretching, and snapping into place.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 28 through 31 , a bushing suspension assembly, generally shown at  96 , includes a bushing member  97  and a dampening sleeve  98 . The bushing member  97  is formed from metal, plastic, or an elastomeric material, while the dampening sleeve  98  is formed from an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material includes, but is not limited to, urethane and polyurethane. Referring specifically to  FIGS. 29 and 30 , the bushing suspension assembly  96  is positioned within the axle hole  100  of the cam  30 . Referring to  FIG. 31 , the bushing suspension assembly  96  is positioned within the axle clearance hole  52  of the limb  22 . The bushing member  97  may be replaced with the ball bearing  48 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 32 through 34 , a string shock absorber assembly, generally shown at  102 , interconnects a first string  104  extending from the wheel  24  and a second string  106  extending from the cam  30 , as is also shown in  FIG. 1 . The first string  104  extends from one of the rotating members  24 ,  30  while the second string  106  extends from the other of the rotating members  24 ,  30 . The string shock absorber assembly  102  includes an elongated hollow string shock absorber  108  extending between ends  110 ,  112 . The string shock absorber  108  is formed from an elastomeric material, such as urethane or polyurethane, so as to be able to be stretched or extended from its original length in order to store and dissipate energy. The string shock absorber assembly  102  dampens vibrational energy created in the first  104  and second  106  strings before that vibrational energy is transferred to the wheel  24  and the cam  30 .  
      A string hookup connector  114  is mounted within the string shock absorber  108  at each of its ends  110 ,  112 . The string hookup connector  114  includes an internal channel  116  for receiving the one of the first  104  and second  106  strings. Each internal channel  116  has a tapered end  115  for retaining one of the first  104  and second  106  strings therein. Each string hookup connector  114  is formed from metal, preferably aluminum.  
      The string shock absorber assembly  102  is assembled by first inserting the first string  104  one of the string hookup connectors  114  and the second string  106  into another of the string hookup connectors  114 . The string hookup connectors  114 , with the first  104  and second  106  strings secured therewithin, are then placed in a mold, where the string shock absorber  108  is formed so as to encapsulate the string hookup connectors  114 . During the molding process, string ends  118 ,  120 , which extend out of the string hookup connectors  114 , are molded to the string shock absorber  108 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 35 , the string hookup connector  114  is adapted to interconnect the ends  110 ,  112  of the respective first  104  and second  106  strings. The string hookup connecter  114  is molded from an elastomeric material, such as urethane or polyurethane.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 36 through 39 , an internal suspension assembly  122  for the wheel  24 , having an internal chamber  124  and an outer periphery  126 , includes a inner housing  128 , which is preferably formed from metal, generally positioned within the internal chamber  124 . The ball bearing  48  is housed within the hub  128 , and a plurality of dampening dowels  130  extend out from the hub  128  to the outer periphery  126  of the rotating member  24 . Retainer caps  132  secure the dampening dowels  130  to the wheel  24 . The dampening dowels  130  are formed from an elastomeric material including, but not limited to, urethane and polyurethane. Each of the dampening dowels  130  includes a male locking dowel base  134  and a female locking dowel base  136 . The dampening dowels  130  are free to actuate within the internal chamber  124  to dampen vibrational energy in the wheel  24 .  
      It is intended that all of the elements described above and shown in the  FIGS. 1 through 39  are incorporated into a single bow to form a complete suspension system. The suspension system retains energy in the source, that is, the string  36  rather than throughout the bow  10 . This retained energy is transferred to the arrow  33 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 40 through 42 , according to another embodiment of the invention, the string  36  includes at least one over molded portion  200  for decoupling the string  36  from a string groove  201  of either the cam  30 , as shown in  FIG. 43 , or the wheel  24 . A method for over molding the string  36  utilizes a mold, generally indicated at  202 , including upper  204  and lower  206  mold halves. For exemplary purposes, the mold  202  may be an injection moldable mold, a cast mold, or a hand lay-up mold. The upper  204  and lower  206  mold halves define a mold cavity  208  therebetween. At least one tensioner or air cylinder  210  may be positioned adjacent at least one end of the mold  202 . The mold  202  also includes a plurality of spaced apart injection ports  212 .  
      The method of over molding the string  36  begins with the step of placing the string  36  inside the mold  202  within the mold cavity  208 . A string loop  214  is located at each end of the string  36 . Each string loop  214  is secured to one of the tensioners  212 , which holds the string  36  in tension during the over molding process. It is, however, appreciated that the tension in the string  36  may be achieved by any of various methods known to those skilled in the art. Once the string  36  is in tension, the mold  202  is closed and a molding material enters the mold cavity  208  via the plurality of injection ports  212 . In a preferred embodiment, the molding material is an elastomeric material, such as polyurethane. It is, however, appreciated that the molding material may be any of various materials including, but not limited to, a foam or a gel.  
      Once the elastomeric material is cured, the spaced apart over molded portions  200  are formed along the string  36 . The string  36  is then removed from the mold  202  and installed on the archery bow  10 , as shown in  FIG. 43 . Once installed, one of the over molded portions  200  contacts the string groove  201  of the cam  30  and another of the over molded portions  200  contacts the string groove  201  of the wheel  24  (not shown). Thus, the over molded portions  200 , which are each formed from elastomeric material, decouple the string  36  from the string groove  201  of the cam  30  and the wheel  24 . As a result, vibrational energy generated within the string  36  during each shot of the archery bow  10  is dampened and cannot be transferred to a limb  230  of the archery bow  10 . Further, the over molded portions  200  of the string  36  protect the string  36  from de-serving issues, which in turn prolongs the life of the string  36 .  
      It is contemplated that the exact configuration of the string  36  having the over molded portions  200  may vary. It is also contemplated that in the method for over molding the string  36 , as set forth above, the particular shape of the over molded portions  200  can be controlled. As a result, the string  36  (or other archery bow component) may have different shapes in order to optimize dampening performance.  
      It is further contemplated that the above-mentioned method for over molding may be utilized to over mold other archery bow components including, but not limited to, the wheel  24 , shown in  FIGS. 44 through 46 , and the cam  30 , shown in  FIGS. 47 through 49 . Referring to  FIGS. 44 through 46 , the wheel  24  includes a body  216 , formed from a metal or plastic, defining a plurality of apertures  218  and a plurality of interlocking flow ports  220 . The body  216  is placed inside the mold  202 , where the molding material is introduced. The molding material flows through the plurality of interlocking flow ports  220  such that once the molding material is cured, the wheel  24  includes an over molding  222  that is locked into place. The over molding  222  extends over the string groove  215  such that when the wheel  24  is installed on the archery bow  10 , the over molding  222  decouples the string  36  from the wheel  24  to dampen vibrations generated during each shot of the archery bow  10 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 47 through 49 , the cam  30  includes a body  224 , which is formed from metal or a composite material, defining a plurality of interlocking ports  226 . The body  224  is placed in the mold  202 , where the molding material is introduced. The molding material flows through the plurality of interlocking ports  226  such that once the molding material is cured, the cam  30  includes an over molding  222  extending along the string groove  201  and along parts of the body  224 . The over molding  222  includes acoustical turbines as well as acoustical waffles each formed from an elastomeric material. Once the molding material is cured, the over molding  222  is interlocked with the plurality of interlocking ports  226 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 50 and 51 , according to another embodiment of the invention, each limb  230  of the archery bow  10  includes a fork, generally indicated at  232 , at a distal end adjacent the wheel  24  (or cam  30 ). The fork  232  includes a pair of spaced apart limb tips  234 ,  236  each having a housing  238 . Preferably, the pair of spaced apart limb tips  234 ,  236  is integrally formed with the rest of the limb  230 . Each housing  238  includes inboard  240  and outboard  242  surfaces defining an interior  244  therebetween. Multiple cutouts, including a central aperture  246 , an access hole  248 , and spaced apart trusses  250  are formed along each of the inboard  240  and outboard  242  surfaces and may be in any of various shapes. An interlocking hub  252  is disposed within the interior  244  and is aligned with the central aperture  246 . Each interlocking hub  252  includes a channel  254 . Each interlocking hub  252  also includes an axle hole  256  for receiving an axle shaft (not shown) therethrough.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 52 and 53 , a suspension device  258  is over molded onto each housing  238  for decoupling the string and harness load from the riser  12 . The suspension device  258  is preferably formed from an elastomeric material, such as polyurethane. It is, however, appreciated that although the suspension device  258  has been disclosed as an elastomeric material, the suspension device  258  may be a rotary actuator, a linear actuator, a coil spring, or a leaf spring.  
      The elastomeric material flows through the access hole  248  and the spaced apart trusses  250  to fill the interior  244  of each housing  238  and the channel  254  of the interlocking hub  252  for interlocking engagement therewith when cured. The suspension device  258  also covers the inboard  240  and outboard  242  surfaces of each housing  238 , leaving only the axle hole  256  accessible. Once the interlocking hub  252  is in such interlocking engagement with the suspension device  258 , the interlocking hub  252  is not able to move sideways, which in turn prevents any wheel and/or cam lean.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 54 and 55 , a method for manufacturing the limb  230  including the suspension device  258  over molded onto each of the housings  238  begins with the step of providing a billet or blank, generally indicated at  260 , for use as a core member. The billet  260 , which has a length L 1  extending between opposing first  262  and second  264  ends, may be formed from any of numerous processes including, but not limited to, protrusion, resin transfer molding, and compression molding. The material utilized for forming the billet  260  is preferably a composite. Other materials including, but not limited to, fiberglass, Kevlar®, spectra, and carbon may also be used to form the billet  260 . At least one billet portion  266  is bonded, glued, or otherwise adhered to the billet  260  at the first end  262  thereof. The billet portion  266  may be formed from the same material as the billet or from a material different from the billet  260 . The particular number of billet portions  266  bonded to the billet  260  is that which is required to form a predetermined height H 1 . Moreover, the particular bonding location of the billet portions  266  is important for maintaining structural integrity in the finished limb  230 . Further, the core has a constant cross-section throughout, which maintains the rigidity of the part. The billet  260  and billet portions  266  are placed under pressure at a controlled temperature, preferably using a press. The limb  230  is then machined to the one-piece configuration, shown in  FIG. 55 , including the limb fork  232  and the pair of spaced apart housings  238 .  
      One of the interlocking hubs  252  is then inserted through the access hole  248  into the interior  244  of each housing  238 . The limb  230  is placed in a mold, in which the interlocking hubs  252  are centered relative to the respective housings  238 . An elastomeric material, preferably polyurethane, is then over molded onto each housing  238  to form the suspension device  258  creating a mechanical interlocking system and a chemical bond for retaining the interlocking hubs  252  in place within the interior  244  of the respective housings  238 . The suspension device  258  both within the interior  244  of the housing  238  and along the inboard  240  and outboard  242  surfaces thereof maintain the interlocking hub  252  in place. Once the interlocking hub  252  is retained as such, the interlocking hub  252  cannot move sideways. As a result, no wheel or cam lean occurs. In addition, the interlocking hub  252  can translate in one direction and the direction of movement is always in the direction of the string, harness, and/or control cable loading.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 56 and 57 , according to another embodiment of the invention, the limb  230  is a two-piece component including a pair of limb tip housings  270  fixedly secured to each limb tip  234 ,  236 . Each limb tip housing  270  defines an elongated slot  272  at one end and a cavity  274  at an opposing end. The elongated slot  272  receives one of the limb tips  234 ,  236 . At least one bolt or fastener  276  is utilized to fixedly secure each limb tip housing  270  to one of the limb tips  234 ,  236 .  
      The cavity  274  of each limb tip housing  270  is counter-bored and receives an interlocking hub retainer  278 . The interlocking hub retainer  278  retains the interlocking hub  252  within the cavity  274  and prevents any sideways movement of the interlocking hub  252 . A suspension device  280  is disposed within the cavity  272  for decoupling the string and cable harness load from the riser  12 . The suspension device  280  is formed from an elastomeric material, preferably polyurethane.  
      In a method for manufacturing the limb  230  according to the present embodiment, the interlocking hub retainer  278  and the interlocking hub  252  are placed inside the cavity  274  of one of the limb tip housings  270 . The limb tip housing  270  is then placed inside a mold. The suspension device  280  is over molded onto the cavity  274  of the limb tip housing  270 , where upon curing it interlockingly engages the interlocking hub  252 . Finally, the limb tip housing  270  is fixedly secured to one of the limb tips  234 ,  236  via the bolts  276 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 58 and 59 , according to another embodiment of the invention, a suspension device  282  is disposed between the elongated slot  272  of the limb tip housing  270  and a main limb body  284  for decoupling the limb tip housing  270  from a main limb body  284 . The limb tip housing  270  is fixedly secured to the main limb body  284  via a plurality of fasteners (not shown). The suspension device  282 , which is generally U-shaped, dampens out vibrations generated by the string  36  and cable and harness system  283  during each shot of the archery bow  10 . It is appreciated that the particular shape of the suspension device  282  may vary. The suspension device  282  may be formed from any of numerous dampening materials. In a preferred embodiment, the suspension device  282  is formed from an elastomeric material.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 60 and 61 , according to another embodiment of the invention, the riser  12  includes a suspension housing  286  defining a cavity  288 . In a preferred embodiment, the suspension housing  286  is generally cylindrical. It is, however, appreciated that the particular shape of the suspension housing  286  may vary. The suspension housing  286  includes a plurality of interlocking openings  290  therealong. One end of a cable guard arm  292  is disposed within the cavity  288 . A suspension device  294  is disposed within the suspension housing  286  between the suspension housing  286  and the cable guard  292  for decoupling the cable guard  292  from the riser  12 . Thus, the suspension device  294  dampens vibrational energy generated by at least one of the string  36  and the cable and harness system  283 . The suspension device  294  is retained within the suspension housing  286  by a mechanical interlock achieved by the suspension device  294  extending through the plurality of interlocking openings  290 . It is appreciated that the suspension device  294  may also be glued, bonded, or otherwise adhered within the suspension housing  286  formed in the riser  12 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 62 and 63 , a cable guard slide  296  is disposed along the cable guard arm  292 . The cable guard slide  296  includes an elongated bore  298  for receiving the cable guard arm  292  therethrough. A bushing  300  is disposed within the elongated bore  298 . A suspension device  302  is disposed within the elongated bore  298  and completely surrounds the cable guard arm  292  for decoupling the cable guard arm  292  from the cable guard slide  296 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 64 and 65 , according to another embodiment of the invention, the cable guard arm  292  includes an inner elongated core  304  and an outer elongated core  306 . Each of the inner  304  and outer  306  elongated cores is formed from a solid, non-elastomeric material. A suspension device  308  is disposed between the inner  304  and outer  306  elongated cores to decouple the inner elongated core  304  from the outer elongated core  306 , which in turn decouples the cable and harness system  283  from the riser  12 . The suspension device  308  is preferably formed from an elastomeric material. It is, however, appreciated that the suspension device  308  may be formed from any of numerous dampening materials.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 66 and 67 , a roller or cable arm, generally indicated at  310 , extends between the riser  12  and the split harness and control cable system. The cable arm  310  includes a main body portion  312  and a pair of spaced apart housings  314  extending out therefrom. Each of the spaced apart housings  314  defines a bore  316 . A suspension device  318  is disposed within the bore  316  of each housing  314 . Each suspension device  318  includes an aperture  320  extending therethrough. The suspension devices  318  are preferably formed from an elastomeric material. A pulley  322  is disposed between the suspension devices  318  for receiving a portion of the cable and harness system  283  therearound. The pulley  322 , which is preferably formed from an elastomeric material, includes an elongated bore  324  extending therethrough. An axle shaft  326  extends through the apertures  320  and the elongated bore  322  to retain the pulley  322  in place between the suspension devices  318 . The suspension devices  318  decouple the axle shaft  326  as well as the cable and harness system  283  from the cable arm  310  such that at least a portion of the load from the cable and harness system is dampened by the suspension devices  318 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 68 and 69 , according to another embodiment of the invention, a suspension device, generally indicated at  330 , is disposed between the axle shaft  326  and the limb  230  in order to decouple the string  36  from the limb  230 . The suspension device  330  includes a ball bearing  332  encased within a suspension housing  334 . The axle shaft  326  is disposed within the ball bearing  332  and suspension housing  334  of the suspension device  330 . The axle shaft  326  does not, however, reside within the limb  230 . Instead, a fastener  336 , such as a fastener or e-clip, secures a pulley  338  to the limb  230  adjacent the suspension housing  334 . As a result, the axle shaft  326 , and with the wheel  24  or the cam  30 , is decoupled from the limb  230 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 70 and 71 , in an alternative embodiment, the axle shaft  326  passes through the limb  230 . The limb  230  includes a clearance hole  339  to allow the axle shaft  326  to float therwithin. The suspension device  330  is also disposed along the axle shaft  326  and includes the ball bearing  332  encased within the suspension housing  334 . As a result, actuation of the suspension device  330  is not restricted.  
      Referring to  FIG. 72 , in still another embodiment of the invention, each limb  230  includes an upper limb portion  340  coupled to the axle shaft  326 , and a lower limb portion  342  coupled to the limb pocket  16 . A rotating member, i.e., the wheel  24  or the cam  30  is disposed along the axle shaft  326 . A suspension device  344  is disposed between and coupled to the upper  340  and lower  342  limb portions. The suspension device  344  is preferably formed from an elastomeric material. It is, however, appreciated that the suspension device  344  may be formed from any of numerous dampening materials. The suspension device  344  decouples the upper limb portion  340  from the lower limb portion  342  for decoupling the string load or cable and harness system load from the riser  12 .  
      It is hereby contemplated that multiple embodiments, set forth above, may be incorporated into a single archery bow in order to provide optimal dampening of vibrational energy throughout the archery bow  10 .  
      The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.