Non-planar riser plates

Abstract

Embodiments include a riser assembly for a bow. The riser assembly can include a first non-planar riser plate; and a second non-planar riser plate that is coupled to the first non-planar riser plate with one or more connectors. The first non-planar riser plate and the second non-planar riser plate define a gap there between. A width of the gap extending from the first non-planar riser plate to the second non-planar riser plate. The width of the gap varies in size such that the width of the gap at a central location of the gap is larger or smaller than the width of the gap at a location distal to the central location. Other embodiments are also included herein.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A bow, comprising:
 a riser assembly comprising a first non-planar riser plate and a second non-planar riser plate, wherein the first non-planar riser plate and the second non-planar riser plate define a gap therebetween, the gap having a non-uniform width, the width being measured from a location on the first non-planar riser plate to a location on the second non-planar riser plate along a plane perpendicular to a plane defined by a drawstring, wherein the first non-planar riser plate and the second non-planar riser plate are both curved so that each defines a portion of an ellipse or circle;   a first limb and a second limb, each coupled to and extending from ends of the riser assembly; and   the drawstring extending from the first limb to the second limb.   
     
     
         22 . The bow of  claim 21 , wherein at least a portion of the first limb and at least a portion of the second limb are disposed in the gap between the first non-planar riser plate and the second non-planar riser plate. 
     
     
         23 . The bow of  claim 21 , wherein an inner surface of the first non-planar riser plate and an inner surface of the second non-planar riser plate are concave or convex such that the width of the gap is non-uniform. 
     
     
         24 . The bow of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a first pulley disposed at a distal end of the first limb;   a second pulley disposed at a distal end of the second limb;   a cable extending from the first pulley to the second pulley;   a handle coupled to the riser assembly; and   a cable guide coupled to the handle or the riser assembly;   wherein the drawstring extends from the first pulley to the second pulley.   
     
     
         25 . The bow of  claim 21 , wherein a vertical center plane in the gap defines a plane of symmetry for the riser assembly. 
     
     
         26 . The bow of  claim 21 , wherein a width of a widest portion of the gap is at least 1 inch and not more than 6 inches and a width of a narrowest portion of the gap is at least 0.5 inches and not more than 3 inches. 
     
     
         27 . The bow of  claim 21 , wherein a width of the gap varies along a vertical plane of the riser assembly. 
     
     
         28 . The bow of  claim 21 , wherein the first non-planar riser plate and the second non-planar riser plate each have a thickness of at least 0.05 inches and not more than 1 inch. 
     
     
         29 . The bow of  claim 21 , wherein the width of the gap is constant along a longitudinal plane from a front of the riser assembly to a back of the riser assembly. 
     
     
         30 . The bow of  claim 21 , wherein the first non-planar riser plate and the second non-planar riser plate are concave;
 wherein the width of the gap is smaller at a central location than the width of the gap is at a location distal to the central location.   
     
     
         31 . The bow of  claim 30 , wherein an outer surface of the first non-planar riser plate and an outer surface of the second non-planar riser plate are each concave. 
     
     
         32 . The bow of  claim 30 , wherein an inner surface of the first non-planar riser plate and an inner surface of the second non-planar riser plate are each convex. 
     
     
         33 . The bow of  claim 21 , wherein the first non-planar riser plate and the second non-planar riser plate are convex;
 wherein the width of the gap is larger at a central location than the width of the gap is at a location distal to the central location.   
     
     
         34 . The bow of  claim 33 , wherein an outer surface of the first non-planar riser plate and an outer surface of the second non-planar riser plate are each convex. 
     
     
         35 . The bow of  claim 33 , wherein an inner surface of the first non-planar riser plate and an inner surface of the second non-planar riser plate are each concave. 
     
     
         36 . A riser assembly for a bow, comprising:
 a first non-planar riser plate; and   a second non-planar riser plate coupled to the first non-planar riser plate with one or more connectors;   wherein the first non-planar riser plate and the second non-planar riser plate define a gap therebetween, a width of the gap extending from the first non-planar riser plate to the second non-planar riser plate;   wherein the width of the gap varies in size such that the width of the gap at a central location of the gap is larger or smaller than the width of the gap at a location distal to the central location; and   wherein the first non-planar riser plate and the second non-planar riser plate are both curved so that each defines a portion of an ellipse or circle.   
     
     
         37 . The riser assembly of  claim 36 , wherein an inner surface of the first non-planar riser plate and an inner surface of the second non-planar riser plate are concave or convex such that the width of the gap is non-uniform. 
     
     
         38 . The riser assembly of  claim 36 , wherein an outer surface of the first non-planar riser plate and an outer surface of the second non-planar riser plate are each concave; and
 wherein the width of the gap is smaller at a central location than the width of the gap is at a location distal to the central location.   
     
     
         39 . The riser assembly of  claim 36 , wherein an outer surface of the first non-planar riser plate and an outer surface of the second non-planar riser plate are each convex; and
 wherein the width of the gap is larger at a central location than the width of the gap is at a location distal to the central location.   
     
     
         40 . A bow, comprising:
 a riser assembly comprising a first non-planar riser plate and a second non-planar riser plate, wherein the first non-planar riser plate and the second non-planar riser plate define a gap therebetween, the gap having a non-uniform width, the width being measured from a location on the first non-planar riser plate to a location on the second non-planar riser plate along a plane perpendicular to a plane defined by a drawstring, wherein the first non-planar riser plate and the second non-planar riser plate are both curved so that each defines a portion of an ellipse or circle;   a first limb and a second limb, each coupled to and extending from ends of the riser assembly; wherein at least a portion of the first limb and at least a portion of the second limb are disposed in the gap between the first non-planar riser plate and the second non-planar riser plate;   the drawstring extending from the first limb to the second limb;   a first pulley disposed at a distal end of the first limb;   a second pulley disposed at a distal end of the second limb;   a cable extending from the first pulley to the second pulley;   a handle coupled to the riser assembly; and   a cable guide coupled to the handle or the riser assembly;   wherein the drawstring extends from the first pulley to the second pulley;   wherein a vertical center plane in the gap defines a plane of symmetry for the riser assembly; and   wherein a width of a widest portion of the gap is at least 1 inch and not more than 6 inches and a width of a narrowest portion of the gap is at least 0.5 inches and not more than 3 inches.