CABLE GUIDE SYSTEM
The invention provides a cable guide system for an archery bow. The cable guide system comprises an elongate rail connectable to a cable guard bar of the archery bow, such that a space is formed between the elongate rail and the cable guard bar. A cable of the archery bow is extendable through the space and is moveable around the space as a bowstring of the archery bow is drawn and released.
The invention relates to a cable guide system and, in one form, a cable guide system for an archery bow having a cable guide bar, such as a compound archery bow, or the like.
BACKGROUND ARTCompound archery bows are designed to reduce the force required to hold a bowstring at a drawn position, hence allowing an archer more time to aim with less muscular stress. To achieve this, most compound archery bows use cams or elliptical wheels on one or both ends of limbs of the compound archery bow to control the draw force on a bowstring and bend the limbs as the bowstring is drawn. Typically two power cables extend from each cam or elliptical wheel towards an opposing cam or elliptical wheel. Compound archery bows typically also include a cable guard bar to hold the cables away from the path of travel of the bowstring and the arrow propelled by the bowstring as the bowstring is drawn and released.
The cable guard bar can include a cable slide. The cables move within the cable slide as the cable slide slides along the cable guard bar to hold the cables out of the path of travel of the bowstring and the arrow propelled by the bowstring.
As a moving component, the cable slide over time can wear (particularly at areas of the cable slide that contact the cables), leading to abrasion or other damage to the cables. Moreover, the sliding movement of the cable slide along the cable guard bar can cause wear to both the cable slide and the cable guard bar, and can undesirably complicate the assembly. Further still, the cable slide can create unwanted friction between the cable slide and the cables, and the cable slide and the cable guide rod, thereby impacting on the effectiveness at which the archer draws and releases the bowstring.
Any reference herein to prior art is not intended to imply that such prior art forms or formed a part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONIn one aspect, the present invention provides a cable guide system for an archery bow. The cable guide system comprising an elongate rail connectable to a cable guard bar of the archery bow, such that a space is formed between the elongate rail and the cable guard bar. A cable of the archery bow is extendable through the space and is moveable around the space as a bowstring of the archery bow is drawn and released.
In one example, the cable guide system provided herein can act to permit the cable to move naturally within the space as the bowstring is drawn and released. Accordingly, there may be less friction with the cable, which can limit any wear of the cables. In doing so, the cable guide system can produce less drag and more consistency for an archer.
In one form, the cable guide system can comprise at least one connecting mechanism for connecting the elongate rail to the cable guard bar. In another form, the cable guide system can comprise two connecting mechanisms. Each of the two connecting mechanisms can connect an end of the elongate rail to the cable guard bar.
In one form, the cable guide system can comprise a second elongate rail connectable to the cable guard bar. The second elongate rail can form a secondary space between the elongate rail and the second elongate rail such that a second cable of the archery bow is extendable through the secondary space. Accordingly, the cable and the second cable can be prevented from contacting or rubbing against one another, which can lead to premature cable wear. Furthermore, each cable can rest in a more natural position in their own respective space and can travel along a more natural path along its own elongate rail (without, for example, interference from a second cable). It will be appreciated that this can lessen friction between the cables and the cable guide system which can lessen wear of the cables.
In one form, the elongate rail and the second elongated rail are located in planes parallel to each other.
In one form, the elongate rail and the cable guard bar are located in planes parallel to each other.
The connecting mechanism can be a clamp, which can be clamped anywhere along the length of the elongate rail. The clamp can have a clamping end for clamping onto the cable guard bar, and a head portion for receiving the elongate rail. In one form, the head portion has at least one aperture for receiving the elongate rail. In a further form, the head portion has two apertures for receiving the elongate rail and a second elongate rail.
In one form, the aperture can receive a distal end of the elongate rail.
In one form, the elongate rail can extend between the two connecting mechanisms.
The elongate rail can rotate about a central axis, where rotation of the elongate rail can assist in improving the movement of the cable through the space. A further advantage is that the rotation of the cable can reduce friction between the elongate rail and the cable.
In one form, the cable guide can comprise a stopper, which can assist in eliminating cable vibration after the bowstring has been released and the cable has returned to a rest position. Furthermore, the stopper can prevent the cable contacting the connecting mechanism at a high speed, which can cause premature cable wear.
The stopper can be located along the elongate rail and can provide a rest position for the cable once the bowstring of the archery bow is released. In one form, the stopper is rotatable about a central axis. The stopper can comprise of two components, a base and a top portion. In one form, the base and the top portion are of different widths, such that the stopper can accommodate the different rest positions of the cables.
In one form, the archery bow is a compound archery bow.
The space formed by the elongate rail and the cable guide bar can be an enclosure or an enclosed space.
The cable is unhindered when it moves within the enclosure or the enclosed space.
In a second aspect, the present invention provides a cable guide system for an archery bow, the archery bow having a cable extending at least a portion of a length of the archery bow, a cable guard bar extending at least partially transversely to the length of the archery bow and a cable guide. The cable guide comprises an elongate rail connectable to the cable guard bar such that a space is formed between the elongate rail and the cable guard bar, and the cable extends through the space.
In a third aspect, the present invention provides an archery bow having a cable guard bar, at least one cable, a bow string and a cable guide. The cable guide comprising an elongate rail connectable to the cable guard bar, such that a space is formed between the elongate rail and the cable guard bar, and the cable extends through the space.
It will be appreciated that any of the features described herein can be used in any combination, and that the cable guide system of the second aspect of the present invention or the archery bow of the third aspect of the present invention may have the specific features referred to above in respect of the cable guide system of the first aspect of the present invention.
Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
The present invention provides a cable guide system for an archery bow. The cable guide system (also referred to herein as a cable guide when assembled) can have an elongate rail connectable to a cable guard bar of the archery bow, such that a space is formed between the elongate rail and the cable guard bar. A cable of the archery bow is extendable through the space and is moveable around the space as a bowstring of the archery bow is drawn and released.
It will be appreciated that, in one example, the cable guide can be in a kit form, such as a plurality of components that can be assembled to an archery bow having a cable guide bar, such as compound archery bow. Alternatively, the cable guide can be a component integral with the archery bow.
The space is an area in which the cable can extend through during use. The space can be created by the positioning of the elongate rail relative to the cable guard bar. The width of the space (which can be determined by the distance between the cable guard bar and the elongate rail) is to be sufficient to allow the cable to extend through the formed space. The length of the space (which can be determined by the length of the elongate rail and the positioning of the elongate rail in respect of the cable guard bar) can be sufficient to allow the cable to move freely, naturally and unencumbered as the bowstring is drawn and released, but at the same time, guided by the space defined by the one or more elongate rails and the cable guard bar. In one example where the elongate rail is located in a plane parallel to the plane of the cable guard bar, the direction of movement of the cable is generally along the length of the elongate rail or at least between two ends of the elongate rail. It can however be appreciated that the plane of the elongate rail can be located in alternate arrangements to the plane of the cable guide bar.
The space is generally formed between the elongate rail and the cable guard bar. In an embodiment where the cable guide comprises a second elongate rail, a secondary space can be formed by the positioning of the second elongate rail relative to the elongate rail. Alternatively, the secondary space can be formed by the positioning of the second elongate rail relative to the cable guard bar. In one example, where the second elongate rail is located in a plane parallel to a plane of the elongate rail, the secondary space can be formed between the elongate rail and the second elongate rail. In such an embodiment the cable can extend through the space, and a second cable of the archery bow can extend through the secondary space. This can assist to prevent contact between the cable and the second cable. It can also assist in preventing interference of one cable on another when travelling on its own natural path.
In the example of the cable guide having the elongate rail and the second elongate rail, the second elongate rail can be located in a plane parallel to the plane of the elongate rail such that the plane of the space and the plane of the second space are also located in parallel. It can however be appreciated that the plane of the second elongate rail can be located in alternate arrangements to the plane of the cable guard bar and/or the plane of the elongate rail. For example, the plane of the second elongate rail can be in an angled direction to the plane of the cable guard bar and/or the elongate rail. In a further example the second elongate rail can be located at least partially transversely to the cable guard bar. In such an embodiment, the space and second space can be located adjacent to one another.
The elongate rail is of a sufficient length to allow the cable to move naturally as the bowstring is drawn and released. The elongate rail can be formed of a material allowing the cable to slide smoothly across and along the elongate rail as the bowstring is drawn and released. The elongate rail can be formed of a material that has a low coefficient of friction. Alternatively, the elongate rail can be coated with a material having a low coefficient of friction. For example, the elongate rail can be formed of silver steel and coated with Teflon™. It will however be appreciated that the elongate rail can be formed of or coated with any suitable material.
The elongate rail can be rotatable about a central axis. Alternatively, the elongate rail can have a rotatable mechanism applied or connected to it. For example, the elongate rail can include one or more rollers. The rotatable elongate rail can rotate (or the rotatable mechanism can roll) in the direction in which the cable(s) move as the bowstring is drawn or released. For example, the cable may move in a first direction as the bowstring is drawn, and the cable may move in a second direction when the bowstring is released. The elongate rail can be adapted to move in such different directions accordingly.
A connecting mechanism can connect the elongate rail to the cable guard bar. The connecting mechanism can provide a fixed connection to the cable guard bar such that, once mounted, the cable guide is in a fixed position. If the elongate rail is rotatable, the connecting mechanism is adapted to allow for this to occur. The connecting mechanism can provide a direct attachment between the elongate rail and the cable guard bar. Alternatively, the connecting mechanism can provide an indirect attachment between the elongate rail and the cable guard bar.
The connecting mechanism can be an assembly of component parts or a single apparatus. In one example, the connecting mechanism is a clamp which can be clamped onto the cable guard bar. To allow the clamp to clamp onto the cable guard bar, the clamp can have a clamping end. Thus, the clamping end can have arms which are configured to surround the cable guard bar. To allow the clamp to connect the elongate rail to the cable guide bar, the clamp can also have a head portion for receiving the elongate rail. The head portion can have an aperture for each elongate rail to be connected to the cable guard bar.
The connecting mechanism can be modified and adapted to accommodate different shaped and sized cable guard bars. Thus, for example, if the connecting mechanism is a clamp, or the like, then the clamping end can be adapted (for example by shape and size) for a particular cable guard bar.
The clamp can be clamped anywhere along the length of the elongate rail. In one embodiment, the clamp can receive an end of the elongate rail. The end can be a distal end of the elongate rail. In an alternate embodiment, the clamp can be clamped between distal ends of the elongate rail. However, it will be appreciated that the location of the connecting mechanism is such that it does not typically interfere with the movement of the cable inside the space.
One or more connecting mechanisms can be used. In one example, two connecting mechanisms can be used. In this example, one or more elongate rails can extend between the two connecting mechanisms. Preferably, a single space is provided for each cable. The positioning of the elongate rail relative to the cable guard bar forms the space. Hence, a single elongate rail can be used for each cable of an archery bow. As a compound archery bow typically has two cables, the connecting mechanism can allow two elongate rails to be assembled onto the cable guard bar to form a space and a secondary space. In use, the two cables engage with the respective elongate rail and move around in their respective space.
The cable guide can have a mechanism for eliminating vibration of the cable once the cable returns to a rest position following release of the bowstring. In one example, the cable guide can have a stopper to dampen the movement of the cable and further assist in reducing cable wear.
It can be appreciated that typically, under high speed as the cable attempts to return to its rest position, the cable can move past its rest position. In doing so it can contact the clamp at such a speed so as to cause cable wear. The cable guide can provide a mechanism for preventing contact between the cable and the connecting mechanism (such as a clamp) at the high speed. In one example, the cable guide can have a stopper to allow the cable to rest at or near their rest position.
The stopper can be formed of a material that allows for dampening and reduction of cable vibration. The material can absorb and/or reflect the vibration. In one example, the stopper can be in the form of rubber to absorb the vibration of the cable.
The stopper can be located on the elongate rail. In one example, the stopper can be provided on the elongate rail at an end in which the cable returns to a rest position as the rest position is usually the location at which the vibration occurs once the bowstring has been released. It will be appreciated that two cables in a compound archery bow can have two different rest positions. The stopper can be shaped to accommodate the different rest positions of the cables. In one example, the stopper is formed of two components formed of different widths. The widths can then accommodate for the different rest positions of the cables and allow the cables to be stopped at or close to their resting position after the bowstring has been released.
The stopper can be threaded or assembled onto the elongated rail. In one example where the elongate rail is rotatable about a central axis, the stopper or a component of the stopper can rotate with the elongate rail. Alternatively, the stopper or a component of the stopper can be stationary but still allow the elongate rail to rotate.
The invention also provides for a cable guide system for an archery bow. The archery bow has a cable extending at least a portion of a length of the archery bow, a cable guard bar extending at least partially transversely to the length of the archery bow and a cable guide. The cable guide has an elongate rail connectable to the cable guard bar such that a space is formed between the elongate rail and the cable guard bar, and the cable extends through the space.
Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
A cable guide 10 is shown in
According to one particular example, the elongate rail is formed from silver steel and coated with Teflon™ to minimise friction with the cable. In this embodiment, the elongate rail 12a is rotatable about a central axis by the force of the moving cable as the bowstring is drawn or released. The elongate rail 12a then rotates about the central axis in the direction in which the cables are pulled relative to the respective elongate rail 12a.
The cable guide 10 can have a connecting mechanism to connect the elongate rail 12a to the cable guard bar. In this embodiment, the connecting mechanism is in the form of clamps 14, 14. The clamp 14 of
The head portion 14b of the clamp 14 has apertures 22a, 22b to receive an end of each elongate rail 12a. In
According to one particular example, a stopper 26 can be used to dampen the vibration of the cable caused by the release of the bowstring. In this embodiment the stopper 26 is formed of a base 27 and a top portion 28.
It will be appreciated that the cables in a compound archery bow have two different rest positions. The use of the two components allows the stopper 26 to accommodate for the different rest positions. This allows for the cables to be stopped at or close to their resting position after the bowstring has been released. The stopper 26 has respective apertures 29 to allow for the insertion of the end of a respective elongate rail 12a, 12b. The top portion 28 can rotate as the elongate rail 12 rotates by the movement of the elongate rail 12a. In this example, the base 27 does not rotate but does not impede on the rotation of the elongate rail 12b.
In use in the embodiment shown, in
A cable guide 20 is shown in
As two elongate rails are used in this embodiment, a space 33a is formed between the elongate rail 33a and the cable guard bar 34 and a secondary space 33b is formed between the elongate rail 32a and the second elongate rail 32b. A first cable 36a can then extend through the space 33a and a second cable 36b can extend through the secondary space 33b. Each respective cable 36a, 36b is extendable through the respective space 33a, 33b and is moveable around the space 33a, 33b as the bowstring is drawn and released.
In this example, the elongate rails 32a, 32b can be formed from silver steel and coated with Teflon™ to minimise friction with the cable. In this embodiment, the elongate rails 32a, 32b are rotatable about a central axis. The elongate rails 32a, 32b rotate by the force of the moving cable 36a, 36b as the bowstring is drawn or released. The elongate rails 32a, 32b rotate in the direction in which the cables 36a, 36b are pulled relative to the respective elongate rail 32a, 32b.
The cable guide 20 can have a connecting mechanism to connect the elongate rails 32a, 32b to the cable guard bar 34. In this embodiment, the connecting mechanism is in the form of clamps 44, 44. The clamp 44 mounts the cable guide 20 onto the cable guard bar 34 at a fixed position on the cable guard bar 34. The clamp 44 has a clamping end 44a for clamping onto the cable guard bar 34 and a head portion 44b for receiving the elongate rail. As shown in
The head portion 44b of the clamp 44 has apertures 52a, 52b to receive an end of each elongate rail 32a, 32b. The apertures 52a, 52b permit the elongate rails 32a, 32b to rotate as the cable 36a, 36b moves as the bowstring is drawn and released. The apertures 52a, 52b are provided for each end of each respective elongate rail 32a, 32b and a distal end of each elongate rail 32a, 32b is secured into the respective aperture 52a, 52b by use of a rubber washer 53.
A stopper 51 can be used in this embodiment which is similar to the stopper 26 discussed in respect of the embodiment described and shown in
In use in the embodiment shown, the cable 36a, 36b is free to move naturally around the space 33a, 33b formed between the cable guard bar 34 and the elongated rails 32a, 32b. It will be appreciated that as each cable 36a, 36b is housed in a separate space so as to prevent contact between the cables, this can prevent or minimise friction and reduces wear on the cables 36a, 36b. As the cables do not contact, a further advantage which can be provided is that each cable can travel on its own natural line along the rail as the bowstring is drawn and released.
The cable guide in the first and second embodiment described above can be provided in a kit form for an archer to assemble. Referring to the second embodiment, the kit can comprise of the components illustrated in
Once assembled, each elongate rail 32 creates a cable receiving space by the relative positioning of the elongate rail 32a to the cable guard bar 34 or the elongate rail 32b to the elongate rail 32a and/or the cable guard bar 34. In use, cables 36a, 36b can be threaded through a respective space 33a, 33b such that each of the cables 36a, 36b extends through the space as shown in
In summary, embodiments of the cable guide of the present invention can provide numerous advantages including, and not limited to:
-
- a. Reduction of cable wear and therefore increase cable life;
- b. Increase in bow speed due minimising the friction between the cable guide and the cable guard bar;
- c. Reduction in noise as the bowstring is drawn and released;
- d. Improved cable movement and performance;
- e. Reduction in cable vibration following release of the bowstring; and
- f. Suitability for either right or left hand compound archery bows.
It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that although examples/embodiments described herein have been described in reference to a compound archery bow, the cable guide d system described herein can be used for any archery bow, for which it may be suitable.
Whilst there has been described herein particular embodiments of a cable guide of the present invention, the described embodiments are considered in all respects only as illustrative and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
The words “comprise”, “comprising” and grammatical variations thereof, when used in this specification and in the following claims, are intended to specify the presence of the recited features, but not preclude the addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps or groups.
Claims
1. A cable guide system for an archery bow, the cable guide system comprising:
- an elongate rail connectable to a cable guard bar of the archery bow, such that a space is formed between the elongate rail and the cable guard bar,
- wherein a cable of the archery bow is extendable through the space and is moveable around the space as a bowstring of the archery bow is drawn and released.
2. The cable guide system of claim 1, wherein the cable guide system comprises at least one connecting mechanism for connecting an end of the elongate rail to the cable guard bar.
3. The cable guide system of claim 2, wherein the cable guide system comprises two connecting mechanisms, each of the two connecting mechanisms connecting the elongate rail to the cable guard bar.
4. The cable guide system of claim 1, wherein the cable guide system comprises a second elongate rail connectable to the cable guard bar, the second elongate rail forming a secondary space between the elongate rail and the second elongate rail such that a second cable of the archery bow is extendable through the secondary space.
5. The cable guide system of claim 4, wherein the elongate rail and the second elongated rail are located in planes parallel to each other.
6. The cable guide system of claim 2, wherein the connecting mechanism is a clamp, the clamp having a clamping end for clamping onto the cable guard bar, and a head portion for receiving the elongate rail.
7. The cable guide system of claim 6, wherein the head portion has at least one aperture for receiving the elongate rail.
8. The cable guide system of claim 6, wherein the head portion has two apertures for receiving the elongate rail and a second elongate rail.
9. The cable guide system of claim 6, wherein the aperture receives a distal end of the elongate rail.
10. The cable guide system of claim 3, wherein the elongate rail extends between the two connecting mechanisms.
11. The cable guide system of claim 1, wherein the elongate rail is rotatable about a central axis.
12. The cable guide system of claim 1, wherein the cable guide comprises a stopper.
13. The cable guide system of claim 12, wherein the stopper is located along the elongate rail and provides a rest position for the cable once the bowstring of the archery bow is released.
14. The cable guide system of claim 12, wherein the stopper is rotatable about a central axis.
15. The cable guide system of claim 12, wherein the stopper comprises of two components, a base and a top portion.
16. The cable guide system of claim 15, wherein the base and the top portion are of different widths.
17. The cable guide system of claim 1, wherein the archery bow is a compound archery bow.
18. The cable guide system of claim 1, wherein the elongate rail and the cable guard bar are located in planes parallel to each other.
19. A cable guide system for an archery bow, the archery bow having a cable extending at least a portion of a length of the archery bow, a cable guard bar extending at least partially transversely to the length of the archery bow and a cable guide comprising:
- an elongate rail connectable to the cable guard bar such that a space is formed between the elongate rail and the cable guard bar, and the cable extends through the space.
20. The cable guide system of claim 19, wherein the cable guide system is the cable guide system of any one of claims 2 to 18.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 28, 2013
Publication Date: Jan 1, 2015
Inventor: Clint Leslie Freeman (Tasmania)
Application Number: 13/930,712