Bow with Reduced Draw Force

In archery the long bow was one of the first types of bows used. The long bow offered a simple design but required high draw forces in order generate sufficient power. To increase the power transferred to the arrow other traditional bows were created that introduce additional curvature into the limbs. One example is the recurve bow. Recurve bows vary the curvature of the limb body along its length. The purpose of the recurve bow was to increase the power transferred to the arrow for similar draw length and force as a long bow.

Despite improvements to the traditional bows, they still required relatively high draw force in order to achieve sufficient power. Furthermore, the traditional bows required the archer to hold that high level of draw force at maximum draw until ready to release the arrow. This led way to the advent of the modern bows such as a compound bow. The compound bow uses a multitude of pulleys, cams, and strings to allow the archer maximum power transfer to the arrow while reducing the overall draw force at full draw. Furthermore, the compound bow shifts the force-draw curve so that the peak draw force occurs earlier in the draw and at the full draw length the holding force is a lesser more manageable force. While these improvements are noted, other shortcomings were created. The additional mechanisms in the modern bows have increased the weight, increased the cost, and increased the complexity for manufacturing and maintaining the bow.

Prior improvements to the traditional bow have been attempted to address increased casting power and archer fatigue at full draw.

Patent U.S. Pat. No. 2,957,470 (the Barna Bow), describes an archery “bow having an increased power to cast an arrow.” The bow is described as “having the general shape of a Turkish how, that is, having limbs which curve slightly toward the archer and then away from the archer, is provided with a pair of longitudinal slots adjacent the-limb end portions. The bow string, which is attached to the limb end portions, extends through both of the slots.”

The Barna Bow is also described as having a force draw curve that “requires the greatest pulling force” in “the initial stages of the draw” and requires “less pulling force” in the “subsequent stages of the draw.” What is not described is how much or how little let-off is achieved, nor when proportionally in the draw length that the peak value and let-off occurs, nor the stability of the let-off during the subsequent stages of the draw. It is undesirable to operate a bow that experiences the peak force in the initial stages of the draw followed by a decreasing force for the remainder of the draw length. A draw force profile, similar to that of a typical compound bow, that gradually increases during the initial stage until a peak force occurs in an intermediate stage followed up a drop in force in the later stage of the draw desirable.

The Bodkin patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,201,183) describes a bow having a self-held cock position. The Bodkin Bow has a limb geometry much like a recurve bow, but where the limbs of the bow have slots in the vertical centerline along the long axis direction of the limbs, with the slots running much of the length of the limbs from the limb tip notch area to the limb base at the bow riser, with the bowstring passing through the slots and not wrapping around the recurve-like tip ends of the bow limbs. The design of the bow is such that at full draw, the limbs toggle to a state of balance such that the limbs are locked in the full draw position, with a draw force of zero. The limbs will not spring back to their initial state to deliver their stored potential energy without coaxing by either one of two methods.

One such method is by pushing the limb tips or bowstring forward. Another method is by drawing the bowstring back enough of a distance beyond the locked resting state, with an arrow nocked, such that the increase of the draw force contains enough stored energy such that when the bowstring is released the energy released will have enough momentum in the bowstring and nocked arrow to nudge the limb tips forward into a state where the limbs can return to their initial state.

In practice, it is more desirable to avoid the locking aspect of the Bodkin Bow and have a bow force draw curve that is similar to a typical compound bow, where there is a reduced but positive holding force at full draw to enable a smooth and instant release of the bowstring in launching the arrow by the corresponding instant transfer of energy from the bow limbs and bowstring to the arrow.

The Slotted Recurve Bow (the Foothills Bow) advertised in the February 1983 issue of Archery World Magazine shows a recurve type of bow with slots likely running from approximately between the recurve portion of the limbs to approximately the mid length position of the limbs. This is similar to the Barna Bow. The advertisement shows a view of the upper limb in three draw states: at rest, intermediate and likely at full draw. The advertisement states that the Slotted Recurve Bow “Delivers more energy than any bow in the world and without wheels.” and states “Zero load at the intermediate draw.” The Zero load at intermediate draw has a functional resemblance to the Bodkin Bow. It can be readily shown that the draw force of the Foothills Bow will increase from the intermediate to the full draw position. This too resembles a releasing means described in Bodkin. As with the bow described in Bodkin, it is desirable to avoid the zero-load point at the intermediate draw of the Foothills Bow and to have a bow force draw curve that is similar to a typical compound bow.

The Elliott Davis Strategy & Design ARO Olympic Recurve Archery Bow (the Davis Bow) has short slots in its upper and lower limbs. The intent of this design was to increase the energy delivered to an arrow without violating Olympic Archery bow design regulations. The Davis Bow design increases the time and distance the arrow is in contact with the bow string vs. a typical recurve bow. The slot design has a keyhole shape that allows the bowstring to bypass the recurve part of the limbs yet makes use of the conventional recurve limb notches, effectively shortening the limb length and likely resulting in a more powerful draw force at full draw. There is no mention of the bow limb design having any let-off effect, nor would there be any expected let-off from this bow design. There remains a need for a traditional bow that achieves a let off like a typical compound bow.

Despite these and other attempted advancements to the traditional bow design, there remains a need for improvements to the traditional bow. Specifically, the need to enable a force-draw curve like that of the more modern compound bow but without the extra weight, cost, and complexity.

The present disclosure is related to archery bow, more particularly, to limb members, which may include a longitudinal slot that allows the bowstring to pass therethrough. The limb members coil and then uncoil as the user draws the bow from its initial brace height to an intermediate draw position where the peak draw force is experienced, to a maximum draw length where the draw force is lower than the peak force thus allowing the archer to comfortably hold the max draw length similar to that of a compound bow design.

Embodiments described herein disclose limb members including a longitudinal slot therethrough. The limb members may be a single body with a slot that extends either partially or entirely between the limb tip and the attachment portion to the bow's riser. Alternatively, the limb members may be composed of two separate bodies that are joined at the distal tip with a connecting member, the limb bodies forming a slot that extends either partially or entirely between the limb tip and the attachment portion to the bow's riser. The attachment portion to the bow's riser of the one or more limb bodies of the limb members may be laterally offset from the longitudinal plane. Likewise, the attachment portion to the bow's riser of the one or more limb bodies of the limb members may be rotationally offset from one another creating a limb bodies which are angled and non planer relative to each other.

A bowstring may be arranged within the longitudinal slot and has a first end operatively coupled to the distal tip of the upper limb member and a second end operatively coupled to the distal tip of the lower limb member. The bowstring may include one or more stiffening members that may extend at least partially between the first and second ends. The stiffening members may increase a stiffness of the bowstring and support the limb bodies against twisting.

is an example of a straight recurve bow design. As illustrated, bowincludes a riserthat includes an integrated handle, an upper limb member with an upper straight proximal body portionand lower straight body portionthat attach to riser. Upper and lower limb members also include a distal body portionandrespectively that is recurved (curves away from the archer). Bowstringis connected to the upper limber member at upper limb notchand connected to the lower limb member at lower notch. Bowstringcontacts and lays over upper distal body portionand lower distal body portion.

is an example of a deflex recurve bow design. As illustrated, bowincludes a riserthat includes an integrated handle, an upper limb member with an upper proximal body portionand lower body portionthat attach to riser. Proximal body portionsandare curved towards the archer. Upper and lower limb member also include a distal body portionandrespectively that is recurved (curves away from the archer). Bowstringis connected to the upper limber member at upper limb notchand connected to the lower limb member at lower notch. Bowstringcontacts and lays over upper distal body portionand lower distal body portion.

is an example of a reflex recurve bow design. As illustrated, bowincludes a riserthat includes an integrated handle, an upper limb member with an upper proximal body portionand lower body portionthat attach to riser. Proximal body portionsandare curved away from the archer. Upper and lower limb member also include a distal body portionandrespectively that is recurved (curves away from the archer) at a tighter radius than the curve of proximal body portionsand. Bowstringis connected to the upper limber member at upper limb notchand connected to the lower limb member at lower limb notch. Bowstringcontacts and lays over upper distal body portionand lower distal body portion.

illustrates an example bow designthat may incorporate some or all of the principles of the present disclosure. Bowhas a riserwhich may include an integrated handle piece. Risermay also include an upper limb pocketand lower limb pocket. Upper and lower limb pockets are shown inand described in greater detail below. At the proximal end of the upper and lower limb pocketandthere may be one or more limb attachment mechanisms. Limb attachment mechanisms secure the limb member to riservia the upper and lower proximal limb body segmentsand. Limb attachment of upper and lower limb body segmentsandmay be at an angle non-parallel with riser. Limb members may include different segments or region,,, andalong its length from the proximal end closest to riserto the distal end terminating in an upper distal tipand lower distal tip. Bowfurther includes a bowstringof a suitable material that attaches to upper limb notchand lower limb notch. Unlike bow design in, bowstringdoes not contact or lay over distal limb body segmentsand. Upper and lower limb members of bowhave an elongated slot (not shown) that allows bowstringto pass therethrough.

As illustrated, the bowincludes elongated limbs members that have one or more regions or segments along their length. The exemplary embodiment shown inhas an upperand lower proximal body portionadjacent to upperand lower intermediate limb body segments. Upperand lower intermediate limb body segmentsare adjacent to upperand lower distal limb body segments. The different regions or segments may be uniform in material and construction or alternatively may be made from two or more materials or components that are combined together using any suitable methods such as but not limited to mechanical fastening, heat welding, gluing, extrusion or injection molding. Likewise the limb body regions or segments may have uniform or varying mechanical properties between regions or along the length within the same region. For example, the upper and lower limb members may have different material thickness, shape, and/or stiffness on the proximal end nearest riserthan observed at the distal tipsand. The material thickness, shape, and/or stiffness may change as limb members' transition from the proximal endandto the distal tipandrespectively. This change may be constant along the length of the limb member or the change may be variable for each of the one more regions/segments. While limb design of bows are typically symmetric, that is that the upper and lower limb members are identical in material, shape, and stiffness, it is contemplated within the scope of this disclosure that the upper and lower limb members could be asymmetric and have different properties.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are defined herein relative to a bow design configured to be held by an archer at handleon rise. The term “proximal” refers to the position of an element closer to the archers hand on the riser and the term “distal” refers to the position of an element closer to the limb tipsandand thus further away from the handle. Moreover, the use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used in relation to the archer's hand holding the bow at handle. The upward or upper direction being toward the top of the bow above the archer's hand and the downward or lower direction being toward the bottom of the bow below the archers hand.

illustrates an anterior view of bow. Risermay include a shelfand a sight window. In operation an archer would nock an arrow to bowstringand rest the arrow on shelfor on an arrow rest to keep the arrow stable during draw of the bow. While the bow is drawn the archer would use the sight windowto align their shot before releasing the arrow. On opposed ends of riserthere is a limb attachment mechanism for securing the upper and lower limb members to riser. In this exemplary embodiment the upper and lower limb members may each be made of two limb bodies each including a proximal limb body segments,,, and, an intermediate limb body segments,,, and, and distal limb body segments (as shown in). The proximal limb body segments,,, andare slightly spaced apart, creating a longitudinal slot between the upper and lower limb bodies. The proximal limb body segments,,, andare secured to riserat the opposed limb attachment mechanisms. Proximal limb body segments,,, andmay be wider and thicker in construction thus giving a stiffer character than intermediate limb body segments,,, and, and the distal limb body segments. As the limbs progress from proximal to distal the thickness and width of the limb bodies may be reduced and provide for more flexibility. Bowstringis free to pass through the longitudinal slot and attach to the upper notchand lower notch.

is an isometric view of the upper limb memberand the attachment mechanism to riser. Riseris connected to or may be uniformly made with extensionsand. Extensionsandare offset as to create a limb pocket. Limb pocketmay include one more limb attachment mechanismsand. Limb attachment mechanismsandmay be separate components affixed to extensionsandor integrally formed with extensionsand. Limb attachment mechanismsandmay comprise one or more mechanical fastener types such as but not limited to screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, swages other interference fittings. Furthermore limb attachment mechanismsandmay be fastened in other ways to upper limb membersuch as but not limited to injection molded, glued, welded, fused, or heat staked. Extensionsandas well as limb attachment mechanismsandmay be orthogonal to riseror jointly or separately at an angle to riser. In the exemplary embodiment shown, extensionsandare approximately orthogonal to riserand attachment mechanismsandare angled such that they are neither orthogonal to extensionsandnor parallel to riser.

Upper limb membermay have one or more limb bodies that each has one or more regions or segments. Upper proximal limb body segments'andmay be offset from each other and operatively coupled to limb attachment mechanismsand. The offset of upper proximal limb body segments'anddefines a longitudinal slot that extends from the proximal end of limb memberto upper distal tip. Although two limb bodies at an offset are shown in this and other embodiments, it is contemplated and would be obvious to one skilled in the art, that a single limb body with a longitudinal slot that does not extend all the way to the proximal end is within the scope of this disclosure. Upper proximal limb body segments'andhave a thicker and wider profile thus a more rigid construction than the remainder of upper limb member. The thickness and width of upper limb memberreduces as the limb body transitions from the upper proximal limb body segmentsandto the upper intermediate limb body segmentsand. The profile and flexibility of upper limb memberfrom upper intermediate limb body segmentsandto upper distal limb body segmentsandmay be uniform or in other embodiments it may vary but to a lesser amount than the transition from upper proximal limb body segmentsandto upper intermediate limb body segmentsand

The curvature of upper limb memberis initiated by the attachment mechanismsand. Attachment mechanismsandin the exemplary embodiment shown inare angled slightly towards the archer from an orthogonal position relative to extensionsand. This angle projects the upper proximal limb body segments in an initial curvature towards the archer. The curvature is carried into upper intermediate limb body segments'andwhere the curvature may be further increased, that is the curvature follows a smaller bend radius. Likewise, the curvature is carried into upper distal limb body segments'andwhere the curvature may be further increased, decreased or in some embodiments remain constant with the curvature of the prior segment. In the exemplary embodiment shown inthe curvature is greatest in upper intermediate limb body segmentsandthen reduces, that is follows a larger bed radius in the upper distal limb body segmentsand

Upper distal limb body segments'andare joined at the distal end by an upper distal tip. Upper distal tipmay be integrally and uniformly made with the upper distal limb body segments'and. Yet, in other embodiments upper distal tipmay be a separate component that operatively couples and secures upper limb body segmentsand. Any suitable means for securing upper distal tipto upper distal limb body segmentsandmay be used such as but not limited to those previously mentioned for securing of the limb attachment mechanismsandto the upper proximal limb body segmentsand. Attached to upper distal tipis upper notch. Upper notchlikewise may be a separate component or uniformly and integrally formed with the upper distal tip. Upper notchis used to anchor the bowstringto the upper limb member. Bowstringpasses through the longitudinal slot and anchors to the lower notch on the lower limb member described in. As the archer draws the bow bowstringis allowed to freely pass through the longitudinal slot without hitting either body of upper limb member.

Referring now to, an isometric view of the lower limb memberand the attachment mechanism to riser. Riseris connected to or may be uniformly made with extensionsand. Extensionsandare offset as to create a limb pocket. Limb pocketmay include one more limb attachment mechanismsand. Limb attachment mechanismsandmay be separate components affixed to extensionsandor integrally formed with extensionsand. Limb attachment mechanismsandmay comprise one or more mechanical fastener types such as but not limited to screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, swages other interference fittings. Furthermore limb attachment mechanismsandmay be fastened in other ways to lower limb membersuch as but not limited to injection molded, glued, welded, fused, or heat staked. Extensionsandas well as limb attachment mechanismsandmay be orthogonal to riseror jointly or separately at an angle to riser. In the exemplary embodiment shown, extensionsandare approximately orthogonal to riserand attachment mechanismsandare angled such that they are neither orthogonal to extensionsandnor parallel to riser.

Lower limb membermay have one or more limb bodies that each has one or more regions or segments. Lower proximal limb body segments'andmay be offset from each other and operatively coupled to limb attachment mechanismsand. The offset of lower proximal limb body segmentsanddefines a longitudinal slot that extends from the proximal end of limb memberto lower distal tip. Although two limb bodies at an offset are shown in this and other embodiments, it is contemplated and would be obvious to one skilled in the art, that a single limb body with a longitudinal slot that does not extend all the way to the proximal end is within the scope of this disclosure. Lower proximal limb body segmentsandhave a thicker and wider profile thus a more rigid construction than the remainder of lower limb member. The thickness and width of lower limb memberreduces as the limb body transitions from the lower proximal body segmentsandto the lower intermediate limb body segmentsand. The profile and flexibility of lower limb memberfrom lower intermediate limb body segmentsandto lower distal limb body segmentsandmay be uniform or in other embodiments it may vary but to a lesser amount than the transition from lower proximal limb body segmentsandto lower intermediate body segmentsand

The curvature of lower limb memberis initiated by the attachment mechanismsand. Attachment mechanismsandin the exemplary embodiment shown inare angled slightly towards the archer from an orthogonal position relative to extensionsand. This angle projects the lower proximal limb body segments in an initial curvature towards the archer. The curvature is carried into lower intermediate limb body segments'andwhere the curvature may be further increased, that is the curvature follows a smaller bend radius. Likewise, the curvature is carried into lower distal limb body segments'andwhere the curvature may be further increased, decreased or in some embodiments remain constant with the curvature of the prior segment. In the exemplary embodiment shown inthe curvature is greatest in lower intermediate limb body segmentsandthen reduces, that is follows a larger bed radius in the lower distal limb body segmentsand

Lower distal limb body segments'andare joined at the distal end by the lower distal tip. Lower distal tipmay be integrally and uniformly made with the lower distal limb body segments'and. Yet, in other embodiments lower distal tipmay be a separate component that operatively couples and secures lower limb body segmentsand. Any suitable means for securing lower distal tipto lower distal limb body segmentsandmay be used such as but not limited to those previously mentioned for securing of the limb attachment mechanismsandto the lower proximal limb body segmentsand. Attached to lower distal tipis lower notch. Lower notchlikewise may be a separate component or uniformly and integrally formed with the lower distal tip. Lower notchis used anchor bowstringto the lower limb member. Bowstringpasses through the longitudinal slot and anchors to the upper notch on upper limb memberdescribed in. As the archer draws the bow bowstringis allowed to freely pass through the longitudinal slot without hitting either body of lower limb member

In this and other embodiments limb members are shown with a substantially rectangular cross-section however, other embodiments not shown may include different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., polygonal), without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, limb members, riser, extensions, and attachment mechanisms may be made of a uniform material or two or more materials that may comprise of a variety of rigid materials including, but not limited to, a plastic, a metal, a composite material, or any suitable material or combination thereof. Example materials include, but are not limited to, hardwoods, nickel titanium alloys (i.e., Nitinol), stainless steels, spring steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, acetal/POM (e.g. Delrin), nylon, polymer-based structural foams or any combination thereof. Example composite materials include, but are not limited to, fiberglass, carbon fiber, a fiber-reinforced matrix system, filled epoxies (e.g. graphite epoxy), polymer-based syntactic foams, any combination of any of these.

shows a lateral view of bowin a fully drawn position. Bowhas most of the same construction and configuration as bowin. Bowhas an upper stiffening elementand a lower stiffening elementthat slide over bowstring. Upperand lower stiffening elementmay be made from any suitable material that forms a rigid cylindrical sheath over bowstring. The upperand lower stiffening elementmay be a rigid hollow tube with an internal diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of bowstring. The upperand lower stiffening elementmay be assembled over bowstringduring the manufacturing of the bowstring prior to forming the end loops that are used to attach bowstringto the limb tip notches. The upperand lower stiffening elementcan be held in place in the axial direction bowstringby the use of adhesive between the sheath and the string; or by crimping the end or ends of the upperand lower stiffening elementto bowstring; or by crimping a band of, for example, a soft metal such as brass, to the bowstringnear the end or ends of the upperand lower stiffening element, to act as a mechanical stop; or by creating a knot in bowstringnear the end or ends of the upperand lower stiffening elementto act as a mechanical stop; or by tying a knot over bowstringwith another string material near the end or ends of the upperand lower stiffening elementto act as a mechanical stop. In one embodiment the stiffening elementsandwould made of a material that provides minimal additional mass to the bow string as possible to ensure adequate acceleration of the bow string upon release.

is a zoomed in view of areafrom. Distal end of upper stiffening elementextends from a middle section of bowstring, as shown in more detail in, to the upper distal tip just below the upper distal notch. Likewise, though not shown, lower stiffening elementextends to the lower distal tip just below the lower distal notch.

is a zoomed in view of the middle bowstring sectionof. Upper stiffening elementextends towards the upper distal tip from a middle section of bowstringbut above the arrow nock region of bowstring. Likewise lower stiffening elementextends towards the lower distal tip from a middle section of bowstringbut below the arrow nock region of bowstring. It is appreciated by one skilled in the art that the arrow nock region of bowstringcould be less than or greater than the unsheathed area shown in this embodiment without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

is an isometric view of bowthat may incorporate some or all of the principles of bowfrom. Bowmay include an upper stiffening elementand lower stiffening elementthat each surround at least a portion of bowstringbetween upper notchand lower notch. Bowstringis anchored to upper notchand lower notchand passes through upper longitudinal slotformed by upper limb body segmentsand. Likewise, bowstringpasses through lower longitudinal slotformed by lower limb body segmentsand. In a nominal state, stiffening elementsandare not in contact with limb body segments,,, or. When the archer draws the bow back to a drawn state, stiffening elementsandmay come into contact with one or more limb body segments,,, orif limb body segments begin to twist under the stress of the bow being drawn. Stiffening elementsandact to control, limit, or stabilize any torsional twisting movement of the limb body segments,,, orduring the draw. In one or more embodiments, since stiffening elementsandmay come into contact with limb body segments,,, or, in at least a portion of the draw and/or release of the bowstring, stiffening elementsandare preferably made from or coated with a low friction material such as PTFE, graphite or other suitable lubricious but rigid material. Said stiffening elementsandmay also be free to rotate about the long axis of each stiffening element's respective string sections, such that if the stiffening elements come into contact with limb body segments,,,, then friction is reduced due a bearing-like rolling action of the stiffening elements over the string.

is lateral isometric view of bowthat may include some or all of the principles of the present disclosure. Bowis similar to earlier described bowand may include some or all of the same design features. Bowincludes riserwhich further may include an integrated handleas well as upper and lower extensionsandrespectively. Extensions are operatively coupled or integrally formed with upper and lower attachment mechanisms,,, and. In the present embodiment two upper and two lower limb bodies are show attached to their respective attachment mechanisms at upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andrespectively. Upper and lower limb members may further include upper and lower intermediate limb body segments,,, andas well as upper and lower distal limb body segments,,, and

The upper proximal limb body segmentsandmay be secured at an offset defining an upper longitudinal slotbetween upper distal tipand the upper attachment mechanismsand. Likewise, lower proximal limb body segmentsandmay be secured at an offset defining a lower longitudinal slotbetween lower distal tipand the lower attachment mechanismsand. Bowstringis anchored to the upper notchand lower notchand pass through upper longitudinal slotand lower longitudinal slot. Proximal limb body segments,,, andare wider and thicker in construction thus giving a stiffer character than intermediate limb body segments,,, and, and the distal limb body segments,,, and. As the limbs progress from proximal to distal the thickness and width of the limb bodies are reduced thus providing for more flexibility.

In this and other embodiments there may be individual torsional axis between the center of the butt end of the upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andand their respective opposed upper and lower distal limb tipsand. During the draw of bowthe upper and lower limb bodies may begin to twist about their torsional axis. To resist the twisting of the upper and lower limb bodies, upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andare secured to attachment mechanisms,,, andrespectively, at an angular offset so that the pair of upper and lower limb bodies are splayed at a preset angle about their respective torsional axis so that the twisting of each limb side is biased in a manner that the twisting torques from each side are directionally induced to counteract against each other and effectively cancel each other out to a net torque of zero or near zero. The upper and lower limb bodies may be splayed in such a way that the limb bodies may be furthest apart in the upper and lower intermediate limb body segments,,, andrespectively and closer together at the upper and lower proximal and distal limb body segments.

is posterior view of bowthat may include some or all of the principles of the present disclosure. Bowis similar to earlier described bowand may include some or all of the same design features. Bowincludes riser, which further may include an integrated handle, as well as upper and lower extensions (not shown). Extensions are operatively coupled or integrally formed with upper and lower attachment mechanisms,,, and. In the present embodiment two upper and two lower limb bodies are show attached to their respective attachment mechanisms at upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andrespectively. Upper and lower limb members may further include upper and lower intermediate limb body segments,,, andas well as upper and lower distal limb body segments,,, and

The upper proximal limb body segmentsandmay be secured at an offset defining an upper longitudinal slotbetween upper distal tip (not shown) and the upper attachment mechanismsand. Likewise, lower proximal limb body segmentsandmay be secured at an offset defining a lower longitudinal slotbetween lower distal tip (not shown) and the lower attachment mechanismsand. Bowstringis anchored to the upper notchand lower notchand pass through upper longitudinal slotand lower longitudinal slot.

In this and other embodiments there may be individual torsional axis between the center of the butt end of the upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andand their respective opposed upper and lower distal limb tips (not shown). During the draw of bowthe upper and lower limb bodies may begin to twist about their torsional axis. To resist the twisting of the upper and lower limb bodies, upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andare secured to attachment mechanisms,,, andrespectively, at an angular offset so that the pair of upper and lower limb bodies are splayed at a preset angle about their respective torsional axis. The upper and lower limb bodies may be splayed in such a way that the respective pair of limb bodies may be furthest apart in the upper and lower intermediate limb body segments,,, andrespectively and closer together at the upper and lower proximal and distal limb body segments.

is an anterior view of bowthat may include some or all of the principles of the present disclosure. Bowis similar to earlier described bowand may include some or all of the same design features. Bowincludes risermay include an arrow shelfand a sight window. In operation an archer would nock an arrow to bowstringand rest the arrow on arrow shelfto keep the arrow stable during draw of the bow. While the bow is drawn the archer would use the sight windowto align their shot before releasing the arrow. On opposed ends of riserthere is a limb attachment mechanism,,, andfor securing the upper and lower limb members to riser. In this exemplary embodiment the upper and lower limb members may each be made of two limb bodies each including proximal limb body segments,,, and, intermediate limb body segments,,, and, and distal limb body segments,,, and. The proximal limb body segments,,, andare spaced apart, creating a longitudinal slot between the pair of upper and lower limb bodies. Proximal limb body segments,,, andare wider and thicker in construction thus giving a stiffer character than intermediate limb body segments,,, and, and the distal limb body segments. As the limbs progress from proximal to distal the thickness and width of the limb bodies are reduced thus providing for more flexibility. Bowstringis free to pass through the longitudinal slot and attach to the upper notchand lower notch.

In this and other embodiments there may be individual torsional axis between the center of the butt end of the upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andand their respective opposed upper and lower distal limb tips (not shown). During the draw of bowthe upper and lower limb bodies may begin to twist about their torsional axis. To resist the twisting of the upper and lower limb bodies, upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andare secured to attachment mechanisms,,, andrespectively, at an offset. The limb bodies may be secured at an offset where the respective pair of upper and lower bodies may be furthest apart in the upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andand grow closer together at the upper and lower intermediate limb body segments and are closest together at the distal limb body segments.

is a lateral isometric view of bowthat may include some or all of the principles of the present disclosure. Bowis similar to earlier described bowand may include some or all of the same design features. Bowincludes risermay include an arrow shelfand a sight window. In operation an archer would nock an arrow to bowstringand rest the arrow on arrow shelfto keep the arrow stable during draw of the bow. While the bow is drawn the archer would use the sight windowto align their shot before releasing the arrow. On opposed ends of riserthere is a limb attachment mechanism,,, andfor securing the upper and lower limb members to riser. In this exemplary embodiment the upper and lower limb members may each be made of two limb bodies each including proximal limb body segments,,, and, intermediate limb body segments,,, and, and distal limb body segments,,, and. The proximal limb body segments,,, andare spaced apart and angled towards each other, creating a longitudinal slot between the pair of upper and lower limb bodies. Proximal limb body segments,,, andare wider and thicker in construction thus giving a stiffer character than intermediate limb body segments,,, and, and the distal limb body segments. As the limbs progress from proximal to distal the thickness and width of the limb bodies are reduced thus providing for more flexibility. Bowstringis free to pass through the longitudinal slot and attach to the upper notchand lower notch.

In this and other embodiments there may be individual torsional axis between the center of the butt end of the upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andand their respective opposed upper and lower distal limb tips (not shown). During the draw of bowthe upper and lower limb bodies may begin to twist about their torsional axis. To resist the twisting of the upper and lower limb bodies, upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andare secured to attachment mechanisms,,, andrespectively, at one or more offsets such as but not limited to a lateral offset and angular offset relative to their respective torsion axis. The limb bodies may be secured at an offset where the respective pair of upper and lower bodies may be furthest apart in the upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andand grow closer together at the upper and lower intermediate limb body segments and are closest together at the distal limb body segments.

is a lateral isometric view of bowthat may include some or all of the principles of the present disclosure. Bowis similar to earlier described bowand may include some or all of the same design features. Bowincludes risermay include an arrow shelfand a sight window. In operation an archer would nock an arrow to bowstringand rest the arrow on arrow shelfto keep the arrow stable during draw of the bow. While the bow is drawn the archer would use the sight windowto align their shot before releasing the arrow. On opposed ends of riserthere are extensionsand, which extend to limb attachment mechanism,,, andfor securing the upper and lower limb members to riser. In this exemplary embodiment the upper and lower limb members may each be made of two limb bodies each including proximal limb body segments,,, and, intermediate limb body segments,,, and, and distal limb body segments,,, and. The proximal limb body segments,,, andare spaced apart and angle, creating a longitudinal slot between the pair of upper and lower limb bodies. Proximal limb body segments,,, andare wider and thicker in construction thus giving a stiffer character than intermediate limb body segments,,, and, and the distal limb body segments. As the limbs progress from proximal to distal the thickness and width of the limb bodies are reduced thus providing for more flexibility. Bowstringis free to pass through the longitudinal slot and attach to the upper notchand lower notch.

In this and other embodiments there may be individual torsional axis between the center of the butt end of the upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andand their respective opposed upper and lower distal limb tips (not shown). During the draw of bowthe upper and lower limb bodies may begin to twist about their torsional axis. To resist the twisting of the upper and lower limb bodies, upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andare secured to attachment mechanisms,,, andrespectively, at one or more offsets such as but not limited to a lateral offset and angular offset relative to their respective torsion axis. The limb bodies may be secured at an offset so that the pair of upper and lower limb bodies are splayed at a preset angle about their respective torsional axis. The upper and lower limb bodies may be splayed in such a way that the respective pair of limb bodies may be furthest apart in the upper and lower intermediate limb body segments,,, andrespectively and closer together at the upper and lower proximal and distal limb body segments.

is posterior view of bowthat may include some or all of the principles of the present disclosure. Bowis similar to earlier described bowand may include some or all of the same design features. Bowincludes riser, which further may include an integrated handle, as well as upper and lower extensionsand. Extensionsandare operatively coupled or integrally formed with upper and lower attachment mechanisms,,, and. In the present embodiment two upper and two lower limb bodies are show attached to their respective attachment mechanisms at upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andrespectively. Upper and lower limb members may further include upper and lower intermediate limb body segments,,, andas well as upper and lower distal limb body segments,,, and

The upper proximal limb body segmentsandmay be secured at an offset defining an upper longitudinal slotbetween upper distal tip (not shown) and the upper attachment mechanismsand. Likewise, lower proximal limb body segmentsandmay be secured at a lateral and angular offset defining a lower longitudinal slotbetween lower distal tip (not shown) and the lower attachment mechanismsand. Bowstringis anchored to the upper notchand lower notchand pass through upper longitudinal slotand lower longitudinal slot.

In this and other embodiments there may be individual torsional axis between the center of the butt end of the upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andand their respective opposed upper and lower distal limb tips (not shown). During the draw of bowthe upper and lower limb bodies may begin to twist about their torsional axis. To resist the twisting of the upper and lower limb bodies, upper and lower proximal limb body segments,,, andare secured to attachment mechanisms,,, andrespectively, at one or more offsets such as but not limited to a lateral offset and angular offset relative to their respective torsion axis. The upper and lower limb bodies may be splayed in such a way that the respective pair of limb bodies may be furthest apart in the upper and lower intermediate limb body segments,,, andrespectively and closer together at the upper and lower proximal and distal limb body segments.

For reference purposes ofthe terms “proximal” and “distal” are defined herein relative to an archer using the embodied bow. The term “proximal” refers to the movement or position towards or closer to the archer and the term “distal” refers to the movement or position away or further from the archer. Moreover, the use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward or upper direction being towards the top of the corresponding figure and the downward or lower direction being towards the bottom of the corresponding figure.