Limb suspension system

Abstract

An archery bow includes a limb extending between opposing first and second ends. A limb pocket is operably coupled to the first end of the limb. A limb bolt actuator is positioned to retain the limb within the limb pocket for decoupling the limb from the limb pocket and dampening vibration exerted through the limb as the limb flexes and releases during each shot of the archery bow.

1 . An archery bow comprising: 
 a limb extending between opposing first and second ends;    a limb pocket receiving said first end of said limb; and    a limb bolt actuator positioned to retain said limb within said limb pocket for decoupling said limb from said limb pocket and dampening vibration exerted through said limb as said limb flexes and releases during each shot of the archery bow.    
     
     
         2 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said limb bolt actuator includes a bolt fixedly secured to said limb pocket.  
     
     
         3 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 2  wherein said limb bolt actuator includes an actuating member coupled to said bolt.  
     
     
         4 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said actuating member is formed from an elastomeric material.  
     
     
         5 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 4  wherein said limb bolt actuator includes first and second interlocking devices retaining said actuating member therebetween.  
     
     
         6 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 5  wherein said limb pocket includes a cylindrical bore for receiving said bolt therewithin.  
     
     
         7 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said actuating member is compressible.  
     
     
         8 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said actuating member supports the entire load of said limbs.  
     
     
         9 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said actuating member supports a portion of the load of said limbs.  
     
     
         10 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 5  wherein each of said first and second interlocking devices is formed from a metal material.  
     
     
         11 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 5  wherein each of said first and second interlocking devices is formed from a plastic material.  
     
     
         12 . An archery bow comprising: 
 a riser extending between opposing ends;    a limb operably coupled to each of said opposing ends of said riser; and    a limb bolt actuator positioned to retain each of said limbs against one of said opposing ends of said riser for decoupling each of said limbs from said riser and dampening vibration exerted through said limbs as said limbs flex and release during each shot of the archery bow.    
     
     
         13 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 12  wherein said limb bolt actuator includes a bolt fixedly secured to said riser.  
     
     
         14 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 13  wherein said limb bolt actuator includes an actuating member coupled to said bolt.  
     
     
         15 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 14  wherein said actuating member is formed from an elastomeric material.  
     
     
         16 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 15  wherein said limb bolt actuator includes first and second interlocking devices retaining said actuating member therebetween.  
     
     
         17 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 16  wherein said riser includes a cylindrical bore for receiving said bolt therewithin.  
     
     
         18 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 17  wherein said actuating member supports the entire load of said limbs.  
     
     
         19 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 17  wherein said actuating member supports a portion of the load of said limbs.  
     
     
         20 . An archery bow comprising: 
 a riser extending between opposing ends;    first and second limbs each extending between opposing first and second ends, said first end of each of said first and second limbs operably coupled to said riser;    a limb pocket operably coupled to each of said first and second limbs at said first end thereof; and    a limb pocket actuator positioned between said first end of each of said first and second limbs and one end of said riser for decoupling each of said first and second limbs from each of said limb pockets and dampening vibration exerted through said first and second limbs as said first and second limbs flex and release during each archery bow shot.    
     
     
         21 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 20  wherein each of said limb pocket actuators includes a housing fixedly secured to one of said opposing ends of said riser.  
     
     
         22 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 21  wherein each of said limb pocket actuators includes an actuating member at least partially received within each of said housings and abutting a portion of each of said first and second limbs.  
     
     
         23 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 22  wherein each of said actuating members is formed from an elastomeric material.  
     
     
         24 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 23  wherein said actuating members support the entire load of said limbs.  
     
     
         25 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 23  wherein said actuating members support a portion of the load of said limbs.  
     
     
         26 . An archery bow as set forth in  claim 23  wherein each of said housings is formed from a metal material.  
     
     
         27 . A limb actuator assembly as set forth in  claim 26  wherein said actuating member is molded to said housing.  
     
     
         28 . A limb actuator assembly as set forth in  claim 26  wherein said actuating member is bonded to said housing.