Abstract:
An archery release device has, in an embodiment, a body, neck, head and position regulator. The neck is configured to be adjusted, moved or translated along an adjustment axis. The position regulator controls or otherwise securely sets the selected position of the neck.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit and priority of: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/234,785, filed on Sep. 30, 2015; and (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/330,327, filed on May 2, 2016. The entire contents of such applications are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Archery bows are designed to accommodate a specific range of human factors, including the user&#39;s arm span. Arm span is associated with the bow&#39;s draw length. A user can determine his/her personal draw length using various methods. One method involves measuring his/her arm span and dividing that measurement by 2.5. Once the user knows his/her personal draw length, the user can purchase a bow designed to accommodate such draw length. However, users often have the need for various draw lengths. For example, a single user may use different bows with slightly different draw lengths. Also, a single user may need different draw lengths to achieve a consistent anchor point on the user&#39;s face regardless of variables that affect the draw length, such as the particular bow used or the bowstring angle. In another example, a user may prefer a relatively short draw length for shooting events requiring greater shooting form and accuracy, and the same user may prefer a relatively long draw length for shooting events requiring greater speed. Also, if a user is still growing, such as a child, his/her draw length can significantly increase from time to time, requiring changes in draw length. 
         [0003]    Furthermore, a parent may wish to purchase a single bow for multiple children having substantially different arm spans, requiring substantially different draw lengths. In each of these scenarios, to significantly change draw length, users must purchase multiple bows or multiple release accessories resulting in a substantial cost, or users must undergo labor-intensive tasks to modify the cams or components of their original bows. 
         [0004]    There is a known bowstring release accessory which enables the user to adjust the draw length as a possible alternative to changing bows. This release accessory has a two-part grip, a bar connected to the grip, and a hook connected to the bar. The bar has a fixed quantity of holes used to connect the grip parts to the bar. To set a different draw length, the user must disassemble the two grip parts from the bar, choose a different hole for connecting to the grip parts, and reassemble the grip parts and bar. 
         [0005]    This known bowstring release accessory has several disadvantages and problems. The disassembly and reassembly processes are burdensome and cumbersome due, in part, to the need to separate the grip parts and then reunite them. Also, the bar has a fixed and limited quantity of holes permanently formed in the bar. This limitation prevents certain users from making minor, controlled adjustments of the draw length to closely accommodate the users&#39; arm spans. Also, for a user with relatively short arms, for example, the limited quantity of holes may not be sufficient to set the appropriate draw length. Furthermore, the hole arrangement causes looseness within the release. This is because this release has a fastener which is inserted into the selected hole. There is a gap between the fastener&#39;s diameter and the hole&#39;s diameter. This gap, which extends along the shooting axis, creates internal looseness. In the transition from pre-release to release, the fastener can move within this gap. This movement can decreases the responsiveness and sensitivity of this release accessory, and it can cause a ratchety or jerky operation of this release accessory. These shortcomings can hinder the user&#39;s control of this known release accessory and can also impair the user&#39;s shooting performance. 
         [0006]    Furthermore, the known bowstring release accessories are not designed to provide user-friendly ways to adjust the release sensitivity in a micro-controlled fashion. 
         [0007]    The foregoing background describes some, but not necessarily all, of the problems, disadvantages and challenges related to accommodating draw length variations in archery and adjusting the release sensitivity of archery releases. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The archery release device, in an embodiment, includes a body having a plurality of finger engagers. The finger engagers have an index finger valley, a middle finger valley, and a peak between the index finger and middle finger valleys. The peak defines a channel extending through the body. The archery release device also includes a neck configured to be inserted through the channel The neck has a forward end and a rearward end located opposite of the forward end. The neck is configured to be moved from a first position on an adjustment axis, to a second position on the adjustment axis. The adjustment axis extends toward a target when the archery release device is aimed at the target. The archery release device also includes a head coupled to the forward end. The head has a hook configured to engage a bowstring. The hook is configured to pivot relative to the body. In addition, the archery release device includes a position regulator coupled to the neck. When the neck is in the second position, the position regulator is configured to secure the neck in the second position and exert a securing force on the neck to impede movement of the neck along the adjustment axis. The securing force acts along the adjustment axis. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the archery release device includes a body having a plurality of finger engagers. The finger engagers have an index finger engager and a middle finger engager spaced apart from the index finger engager. The body defines a pass-through opening. The archery release device also includes a neck configured to be inserted through the pass-through opening. The neck has a forward end and a rearward end located opposite of the forward end. The forward end of the neck is configured to be translated from a first position relative to an adjustment axis, to a second position relative to the adjustment axis. The adjustment axis intersects with a target plane when the archery release device is aimed at a target. In addition, the archery release device includes a head coupled to the neck. The head has a bowstring engager configured to engage a bowstring, and the head has a position regulator. The position regulator is configured to secure the forward end in the second position by applying a securing force to the neck. The securing force acts along the adjustment axis. 
         [0010]    Yet another embodiment includes a method for manufacturing an archery release device operable to generate a plurality of different draw lengths for an archery bow. The archery bow is configured to be aimed toward a target which extends upward in a plane. The method includes the following steps in the order listed or in a different order:
       fabricating a body comprising a plurality of finger engagers, wherein the finger engagers include an index finger engager and a middle finger engager spaced apart from the index finger engager;   forming an opening entirely through the body;   fabricating a neck configured to be inserted through the opening, wherein: (a) the neck has a forward end and a rearward end located opposite of the forward end; (b) the forward end of the neck is configured to be translated from a first position relative to an axis, to a second position relative to the axis; and (c) the axis intersects with the plane;   fabricating a head coupled to the neck, wherein the head has a bowstring engager configured to engage a bowstring, wherein the bowstring is operable to launch a projectile toward the plane; and   fabricating a position regulator configured to secure the forward end in the second position so that, when the position regulator is coupled to the neck, the position regulator asserts a force on the neck, wherein the force acts along the axis to decrease any movement between the neck and the body when the forward end is in the second position.       
 
         [0016]    Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Brief Description of the Drawings and Detailed Description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the archery release device used with an archery bow having a draw length suitable for a first user. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the archery release device of  FIG. 1  used with the archery bow of  FIG. 1  having a modified draw length suitable for a second user. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a right isometric view of an embodiment of an archery release device illustrated in a first position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a right isometric view of the archery release device of  FIG. 3  illustrated in a second position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a right isometric view of another embodiment of an archery release device illustrated in a first position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a right isometric view of the archery release device of  FIG. 5  illustrated in a second position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a right isometric view of yet another embodiment of an archery release device illustrated in a first position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a partially-exploded, isometric view of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a rear isometric view of the archery release device of  FIG. 7  illustrated in the first position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a partially-exploded, isometric view of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 , illustrating the head assembly separated from the head coupler. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a partially-exploded, front isometric view of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged, top isometric view of the head assembly, head coupler and neck tube of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged, exploded, top isometric view of the head assembly, head coupler and neck tube of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged, exploded, bottom isometric view of the head assembly, head coupler and neck tube of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged, exploded, top isometric view of the head assembly of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged, exploded, rear isometric view of the head assembly of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged, exploded, front isometric view of the head assembly of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is another enlarged, exploded, front isometric view of the head assembly of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged, left isometric view of the hook restrictor, bowstring hook and sled of the head assembly of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is an illustration of enlarged, left and right isometric views of the hook restrictor and bowstring hook of the head assembly of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged, exploded, rear isometric view of the hook restrictor and bowstring hook of the head assembly of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  is an enlarged, exploded, left isometric view of the hook restrictor and bowstring hook of the head assembly of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  is another enlarged, exploded, left isometric view of the hook restrictor and bowstring hook of the head assembly of the archery release device of  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the archery release device  10 , in an embodiment, is usable with a plurality of different archery bows, such as archery bow  12 . In the illustrated example, archery bow  12  includes: (a) a main branch or riser  16  having a handle portion  18 ; (b) a plurality of flexible limbs  20 ,  22  coupled to the riser  16 ; (c) a plurality of rotors  24  and  26  (e.g., wheels, pulleys or cams) which are rotatably coupled to the limbs  20  and  22 , respectively; (d) a draw string or bowstring  28  coupled to the rotors  24 ,  26 ; and (e) one or more power cables (not shown) coupled to the rotors  24 ,  26 . The riser  16  has a front  30  facing in a forward direction  32  toward a target (not shown) and a back  34  facing in a rearward direction  36  toward the user. Archery bow  12  is operable to launch a projectile  38  (e.g., an arrow) in the forward direction  32  along a shooting axis  40  toward a target (e.g., an animal, target board or target paper) which extends upward in a target plane  42 . 
         [0041]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 , in an embodiment, the archery release device  10  is a triggerless, handheld release (e.g., a back tension handheld release). This type of archery release device  10  is configured to be held in the user&#39;s palm and has regions for ergonomic engagement with two or more or all of the user&#39;s fingers. In an embodiment, to cause the archery release device  10  to release the bowstring  28 , the user flexes or tenses his/her back muscles while the archery release device  10  is hooked onto the retracted bowstring  28 . The back muscle action causes a slight, abrupt jerk, twist or pull on the archery release device  10  which causes the archery release device  10  to release the bowstring  28 , as described below. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the archery release device  10  does not include a trigger, release button, release switch or other touch-responsive release controller to cause the archery release device  10  to release the bowstring  28 . Therefore, the archery release device  10  does not rely upon or require the user to depress, slide, touch or move any release controller to release the bowstring  28 . 
         [0042]    It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, certain components of the archery release device  10 , such as the neck  44  and position regulator  46 , are incorporated into other types of archery releases, such as: (a) trigger-based, handheld release devices which include a trigger, release button, release switch or other touch-responsive release controller to cause the release device to release the bowstring; or (b) a wrist-harnessed release device. In an embodiment, the wrist-harnessed release device includes: (a) a harness or strap attachable to the user&#39;s wrist; (b) an arm connected to the strap; (c) a movable jaw coupled to the arm; and (d) a trigger or slider connected to the jaw for opening the jaw to release the bowstring. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , in an embodiment, the archery release device  10  includes: (a) a body  48  (e.g., a handle, grasp or grip); (b) a thumb rest or thumb support  50  connected to the body  48 ; (c) the neck  44  (e.g., an extension or elongated reach member) movably coupled to the body  48 ; (d) a head  52  coupled to the neck  44 ; and (e) the position regulator  46  coupled to the neck  44 . 
         [0044]    The body  48  has a front side  54  configured to face in the forward direction  32  and a back side  56  located opposite of the front side  54 . The front side  54  has: (a) a plurality of finger engagement surfaces or finger engagers, including index finger engager  57 , middle finger engager  58  and ring finger engager  60 ; and (b) a plurality of finger separation surfaces or finger separators, including finger separators  62 ,  64 . In the illustrated embodiment, the front side  54  has a wavy shape defining a plurality of valleys  66 ,  68 ,  70  and a plurality of peaks  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78 . 
         [0045]    The back side  56  has a palm engagement surface or palm engager  80  extending from the upper region  82  to the lower region  84  of the archery release device  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the body  48  is a unitary member having a one-piece structure. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the body  48  includes a plurality of separable components. For example, the body  48  can have a right side  85  ( FIG. 3 ) which is removably attachable to a left side (not shown) located opposite of the right side  85 . One or more screws or other suitable fasteners can be used to connect the right side  85  to such left side. The body  48 , whether unitary or formed of multiple components, defines a body opening  89  (e.g., a pass-through opening, passageway, tunnel or channel) which passes entirely through the body  48 , extending from the front side  54  through the back side  56 . In the illustrated embodiment, the front side  54  has a front separator surface  63  defining the front access to the body opening  89 , and the back side  56  has a back separator surface  65  defining the back access to the body opening  89 . The body opening  89  extends entirely through the finger separator  62 . 
         [0046]    The thumb support  50  is attached to the upper region  82 . In an embodiment, the thumb support  50  includes: (a) a mount  86  connected to, and extending from, the body  48 ; (b) a knob or stud  88  (e.g., a tube, pipe or rod) connected to the mount  86 ; and (c) a fastener  90  ( FIG. 9 ), such as a screw or bolt, which couples the stud  88  to the mount  86 . In the illustrated embodiment, the stud  88  has a frictional surface, such as knurled surface pattern, to reduce unintentional slippage between the user&#39;s thumb and the stud  88 . 
         [0047]    The neck  44 , in an embodiment, includes a forward neck end  92 , a rearward neck end  94  and an intermediate neck portion  96  between the neck ends  92 ,  94 . The neck  44  is sized and shaped to movably or slidably fit within, and extend entirely through, the body opening  89 . Depending upon the embodiment, the forward neck end  92  is fixedly, non-movably, movably, swivelly, rotatably or pivotally coupled to the head  52 . Also, depending upon the embodiment, the neck  44  can include a rod, bolt, shaft, pipe, tube, worm gear or other suitable elongated member. In the illustrated embodiment, the head  52  includes a base  53  and a bowstring engager  55  (e.g., a bowstring hook) which is pivotally coupled to the base  53 . 
         [0048]    In an embodiment not illustrated, the neck  44  is a telescopic neck including a plurality of tubular sections configured to fit within one another. Such telescopic neck is movable from a retracted position in which multiple tubular sections fit within a larger tubular section, to an extended position in which the multiple tubular sections are spread apart but connected to each other. In this embodiment, the body opening  89  does not necessarily pass entirely through the body  48 . Instead, the body opening  89  can define a recess to hold the end of such telescopic neck. In another embodiment, the body  48  lacks the body opening  89  altogether. In such case, such telescopic neck is fastened or mounted to the exterior surface of the finger separator  62  of the body  48  through one or more fasteners, welding, soldering or another suitable attachment method. 
         [0049]    The position regulator  46  is configured to be coupled to the neck  44 . Depending upon the embodiment, the position regulator  46  can be coupled both to the neck  44  and the body  48 . In the example illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , a long arm user  99  has determined that a draw length D is suitable based on his/her arm span, and the long arm user  99  has selected archery bow  12 . Archery bow  12  has a draw length D, which is appropriate for the long arm user  99 . The long arm user slides, axially moves or translates the neck  44  within the body opening  89  so that the forward neck end  92  moves to an initial axial position P 1  ( FIG. 3 ) relative to an adjustment axis  102 . The adjustment axis  102  intersects with the target plane  42  ( FIGS. 1-2 ). Depending upon the location of the projectile  38 , the adjustment axis  102  can be the same as or different from the shooting axis  40  ( FIGS. 1-2 ). After reaching position P 1 , the long arm user  99  manipulates the position regulator  46  to secure the neck  44  in a fixed or secured position relative to the adjustment axis  102 . Depending upon the embodiment, the manipulation of the position regulator  46  can involve adjustment, rotation, twisting, translation, sliding or other operational movements. In an embodiment, the position regulator  46  is configured to assert a securing force to the neck  44 , and such securing force acts along the adjustment axis  102 , putting the neck  44  or head  52  under tension or compression. This securing force stabilizes the neck  44  to inhibit axial movement of the neck  44  during the shooting process. 
         [0050]    In another example illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , a short arm user  100  may also wish to use the same archery bow  12 . However, the short arm user  100  has determined that a draw length greater than D is suitable based on his/her shorter arm span. Therefore, the short arm user  100  manipulates the position regulator  46  to unlock or free the neck  44  relative to the body  48 . Next, the short arm user  100  slides, axially moves or translates the neck  44  within the body opening  89  so that the forward neck end  92  moves from the initial axial position P 1  ( FIG. 3 ) relative to the adjustment axis  102  to a final axial position P 2  ( FIG. 4 ) relative to the adjustment axis  102 . In this example, the final position P 2  is further from the body  48  than the initial position P 1 . This provides the short arm user  100  with an extended reach to hook onto the bowstring  28 , effectively increasing the arm span of the short arm user  100 . Consequently, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the archery bow  12  combined with the archery release device  10  provides the short arm user  100  with a modified draw length MD, which is greater than the draw length D. Therefore, the short arm user  100  can use the archery bow  12  with its original draw length D without having to modify archery bow  12  or purchase a different bow with a greater draw length. 
         [0051]    In an embodiment, the position regulator  46  includes one or more position setters  98 . Each position setter  98  can include, but is not limited to, a lock nut or other type of threaded nut, a nut with a nylon insert for generating a biasing force, a bushing, a clip, a clasp, a spring, a fully or partially-threaded bolt, a fully or partially-threaded screw (e.g., a set screw), a pin, an elastic member, a biasing device, a battery-powered motor, another suitable fastener or a combination of the foregoing items. In an embodiment, the position regulator  46  includes a forward position setter  104  and a rearward position setter  106 . These position setters  104 ,  106  sandwich a section of the intermediate neck portion  44 , applying a tension or compression force to such section, directed along the adjustment axis  102 . 
         [0052]    In another embodiment, the position regulator  46  includes a position setter  108 , such as a threaded set screw, which threadably screws into the side  85  of the body  48  and makes physical contact with the intermediate neck portion  44 . The position setter  108  applies a radial force to the intermediate neck portion  44  acting in a direction substantially parallel to the target plane  42 . 
         [0053]    In an embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5-6 , the archery release device  110  has the same components, structure, elements and functionality as archery release device  10  except that: (a) the neck  44  is replaced with neck  112 ; and (b) the position regulator  46  includes position setter  114 , which is a threaded set screw. Neck  112  has a threaded exterior surface  116 , a fastener head  118 , and a nylon or elastic cover or elastic coating (not shown) applied over part or all of the threaded exterior surface  116 . Also, the forward neck end  92  is rotatably, swivelly or pivotally coupled to the head  52  through a suitable rotatory or bearing element. To adjust the axial position of the neck  112 , the user can insert a tool (e.g., wrench or screw driver) into the fastener head  118 , and rotate the neck  112  clockwise or clockwise, starting with the initial axial position P 1  and ending with the final axial position P 2 . The elastic coating generates frictional resistance as well as: (a) an axial securing force directed along the adjustment axis  102 ; and (b) a radial securing force directed substantially parallel to the target plane  42 . When reaching the final axial position P 2 , the user screws the position setter  114  through a threaded hole within the side  85  of the body  48  until reaching and applying a supplemental radial force to the neck  112 . This locks or secures the neck  112  in the final axial position P 2  relative to the adjustment axis  102 . 
         [0054]    In an embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7-11 , the archery release device  120  has the same components, structure, elements and functionality as archery release device  10  except that: (a) the position regulator  46  includes a position setter kit  122  and neck fastener  124 ; (b) the neck  44  includes a neck tube  126  and a head coupler  136 ; and (c) the head  52  includes a head assembly  128 . 
         [0055]    The position setter kit  122  includes a plurality of spacers  130 , each of which defines a central opening  132 , and the position setter kit  122  includes a securing spring member  133  (e.g., a split lock washer). The central opening  132  is sized and shaped to receive the neck tube  126 . Also, in an embodiment, the central opening  132  is sized so that each side wall  134  of each spacer  130  is sized to: (a) interfere with, and abut against, the head coupler  136  and front separator surface  63  ( FIG. 8 ) in the case of forward spacer  138 ; and (b) interfere with, and abut against, the back separator surface  65  ( FIG. 9 ) in the case of rearward spacer  140 . Also, the side wall  134  of rearward spacer  142  is configured to interfere with, and abut against, the fastener head  144  of neck fastener  124 . In the illustrated embodiment, the spacers  130  (including spacers  138 ,  140  and  142 ) are identical in shape, size and geometry. Depending upon the embodiment, each spacer  130  can include a ring, disk, washer, block having a central hole  132 , or any other suitable spacing member, whether in the shape of a circle, oval, square or other polygon. In an embodiment, all of the spacers  130  are rigid. In another embodiment, one or more of the spacers  130  are semi-rigid, resilient, elastic or compressible. 
         [0056]    The neck fastener  124 , in an embodiment, is a bolt or screw having a fastener extension  146  connected to the fastener head  144 . The neck tube  126  has a threaded, inner wall defining an inner neck channel  148  ( FIG. 13 ). The inner neck channel  148  extends along the adjustment axis  102  ( FIG. 8 ). In an embodiment, the inner neck channel  148  is as long as, or longer than, the fastener extension  146 . 
         [0057]    To adjust the effective draw length, the user can change the distribution of spacers  130  from the back side  56  of the body  48  to the front side  54  of the body  48 . For example, locating the single spacer  130  forward of the body  48  while the six spacers  130  are located rearward of the body  48 , can result in position P 1  for a draw length D for the long arm user  99  ( FIG. 1 ). In an example not shown, locating six spacers  130  forward of the body  48  and a single spacer rearward  36  of the body  48 , can result in position P 2  for a modified draw length MD ( FIG. 2 ) for the short arm user  100 . It should be appreciated that the position setter kit  122  can include any suitable quantity of spacers  130 , not necessarily the seven spacers  130  illustrated. 
         [0058]    In an example, first the user decides upon the forward and rearward distribution of spacers  130  according to his/her desired draw length (e.g., draw length D or modified draw length MD). In the illustrated example, the user decided to locate spacer  138  forward of the body  48  and spacers  150  rearward of the body  48 . Then, the user slides spacer  138  and securing spring member  133  onto and over the neck tube  96 . Next, the user inserts the rearward neck end  94  through the body opening  89 . After the rearward neck end  94  emerges through the back side  56 , the user slides the spacers  150  onto and over the neck tube  96 . Next, the user screws the neck fastener  124  into the neck tube  96 . During the screwing process, the neck fastener  124  draws the neck tube  96  closer to the body  48  which, in turn, eventually forces the head coupler  136  against the forward spacer  138 . When the neck fastener  124  is in a tightened condition: (a) the head coupler  136  is compressed against the forward spacer  138 ; (b) the forward spacer  138  is compressed against the securing spring member  133 ; (c) the securing spring member  133  is compressed against the front separator surface  63 , and the securing spring member  133  generates a spring force acting along the adjustment axis  102 ; (d) spacer  140  is compressed against the back separator surface  65 ; (e) the spacers  150  are compressed against each other; (f) the fastener head  144  is compressed against the spacer  142 ; and (g) the fastener extension  146  and neck tube  126  are each subject to tensile forces acting in opposite directions  32 ,  36  along the adjustment axis  102 . 
         [0059]    Because of this arrangement, the header coupler  136 , neck tube  126 , securing spring member  133  and spacers  130  are all subject to axial securing forces (compressive or tensile) acting along the adjustment axis  102 . These axial securing forces prevent or impede any undesired sliding or movement of the neck tube  126  relative to the body  48 . Accordingly, in an embodiment, as the user transitions from holding the retracted bowstring  28  using the archery release device  120  to releasing the bowstring  28  using the archery release device  120 , the neck tube  126  remains stationary relative to the body  48 . This minimizes or reduces internal looseness within the archery release device  120 , resulting in a smoother operation and enhanced release responsiveness and control. 
         [0060]    If the user desires to change to a different draw length, such as modified draw length MD ( FIG. 2 ), the user can, for example, relocate four of the spacers  130  from the back side  56  of the body  48  to the front side  54  of the body  48 . In such example, there would be five spacers  130  between the head coupler  136  and the front separator surface  63 , and there would be two spacers  130  between the fastener head  144  and back separator surface  65 . Performing this step would cause the forward neck end  92  to move or translate from initial position P 1  ( FIGS. 1, 3 and 7 ) to the final position P 2  ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ). 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 12-22 , in an embodiment, the forward neck end  92  is fixedly or otherwise non-movably connected to the head coupler  136 . For example, the forward neck end  92  can be tightly screwed into or soldered or welded onto the head coupler  136 . The head coupler  136  is pivotally coupled to the head assembly  128  through the use of pivot member  152  (e.g., a pin or bolt). As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the head coupler  136  defines a plurality of spaced-apart openings  154 ,  156  configured to receive the pivot member  152 . 
         [0062]    The head assembly  128  includes: (a) a base  158 ; (b) a slidable support or sled  160  supported by the base  158 ; (c) a bowstring engager or bowstring hook  162  pivotally coupled to the sled  160  through the use of pivot member  164  (e.g., a pin or bolt); (d) a movement restrictor or hook restrictor  166  (e.g., a sear) pivotally coupled to the sled  160  through the use of pivot member  152 ; and (e) release sensitivity adjusters  167 ,  168  (e.g., set screws) operable to adjustably set or fix the rotational position of the hook restrictor  166  relative to the bowstring hook  162 . 
         [0063]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 13-16 , the base  158  includes: (a) a base bottom  170  which defines: (i) a plurality of elongated slots  169 ,  172  (e.g., oval or rectangular openings), as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 16 ; (ii) an elongated cavity  175  (e.g., an oval or rectangular inner space or pocket), as illustrated in  FIG. 15 ; (iii) a forward access opening  177 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15 ; and (iv) a rearward access opening  179 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 ; (b) a plurality of side walls  171  extending upward from the base bottom  170 ; and (c) a main cavity  173  (e.g., an inner space or pocket) defined by the base bottom  170  and side walls  171 , as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0064]    As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the side walls  171  of the base  158  define a set of pilot openings  181 ,  185  configured to receive the pivot member  152 , and the side walls  171  also define a set of elongated slots  183 ,  184  (e.g., oval or rectangular openings) configured to receive the pivot member  164 . 
         [0065]    As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , a plurality of base fasteners  174 ,  180  (e.g., threaded screws or bolts) are configured to be inserted through the elongated slots  172 ,  169 , respectively. Each base fastener  174 ,  180  has a head  176  with a diameter less than the major diameter of the elongated slots  172 ,  169 . 
         [0066]    The sled  160  has a sled bottom  188  ( FIG. 16 ) which defines a plurality of threaded openings  190 ,  191  configured to threadably engage with the base fasteners  174 ,  180 , respectively. The sled  160  also has a follower  192  (e.g., an arm) extending downward from the sled bottom  188 . The follower  192  defines a threaded opening  194 . In addition, the sled  160  has a plurality of side walls  196  which define: (a) a sled cavity  197  ( FIG. 17 ); and (b) a plurality of pilot openings  198 ,  199  (e.g., non-threaded openings) configured to receive the pivot member  152 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0067]    As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , to couple the sled  160  to the base  158 , an assembler can place the sled  160  into the main cavity  173  while guiding the follower  192  into the elongated cavity  175 , insert the base fasteners  180 ,  174  through the elongated slots  169 ,  172 , and screw the base fasteners  180 ,  174  into the threaded openings  190 ,  191 , respectively, of the sled  160 . 
         [0068]    As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , in an embodiment, the bowstring hook  162  includes: (a) a bowstring engagement portion  200  (e.g., a curved or U-shaped surface); (b) a central hook portion  201  defining an opening  202  configured to receive the pivot member  164  for pivotally connecting the bowstring hook  162  to the sled  160 ; and (c) a catch portion  204  configured to slidably interface with the movement restrictor or hook restrictor  166 , as described below. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIGS. 13, 15 and 18-22 , in an embodiment, the hook restrictor  166  includes: (a) a restrictor base  206  defining: (i) a plurality of elongated mount slots  208 ,  209  (e.g., oval or rectangular openings) configured to receive mount fasteners  210 ,  211 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21 ; (ii) a central opening  212  configured to receive the pivot pin  152 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21 ; and (iii) a plurality of threaded position setting openings  214 ,  216 , each of which is configured to receive the release sensitivity fastener  218  (e.g., set screw), as illustrated in  FIGS. 20-21 ; and (b) a hook engager  220  (e.g., a holder, moon or moon-shaped member) having: (i) an arc-shaped or cylindrical hook engagement surface  222  ( FIG. 19 ) configured to be engaged with the catch portion  204  when the archery release device  120  is in the pre-release condition; and (ii) a clearance surface  224  ( FIG. 19 ) configured to avoid interference with, and enable movement of, the catch portion  204  when the archery release device  120  is in the post-release condition. 
         [0070]    In an embodiment, the archery release device  120  is in the pre-release condition when the user is pulling back on the retracted bowstring  28  while aiming. The archery release device  120  transitions from the pre-release condition to the post-release condition when the user flexes or tenses his/her back muscles. Referring to  FIG. 19 , this back muscle action causes the user&#39;s holding hand to move rearward and laterally, slightly rotating relative to the user&#39;s shoulder. This motion causes the archery release device  120  to move rearward and laterally along an arc path, generating a rearward and lateral force on the bowstring hook  162 , causing the bowstring  28  to generate a counteractive forward force. When the counteractive forward force reaches a threshold level, it overcomes the frictional force between the cylindrical hook engagement surface  222  of the hook restrictor  166  and the catch portion  204  of the bowstring hook  162 . This causes the bowstring hook  162  to disengage from, and pivot clockwise CW beyond, the hook engager  220  of the hook restrictor  166 . As the bowstring hook  162  pivots clockwise CW, the bowstring  28  slides out of the bowstring engagement portion  200  which, in turn, causes the projectile  38  ( FIGS. 1-2 ) to fly through the air toward the target plane  42  ( FIGS. 1-2 ). 
         [0071]    As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the hook engager  220  defines a central opening  202  and a plurality of threaded openings  227 ,  229 . In an embodiment, when the hook engager  220  is screwed onto the restrictor base  206  using mount fasteners  210 ,  211 , the clearance surface  226  ( FIG. 19 ) of restrictor base  206  is also configured to avoid interference with, and enable movement of, the catch portion  204  when the archery release device  120  enters the post-release condition. 
         [0072]    In an embodiment, the method of assembling the head coupler  136 , assembling the head assembly  128  and adjusting the archery release device  120  for variable draw lengths and release sensitivities, includes the following steps:
       A. Insert the sled  160  into the main cavity  173  of the base  158  while inserting the follower  192  into the elongated slot  175 , as illustrated in  FIG. 17 .   B. Insert the base fasteners  180 ,  174  through the elongated slots  169 ,  172 , respectively, and screw the base fasteners  180 ,  174  into the threaded openings  190 ,  191 , respectively, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The elongation of elongated slots  169 ,  172  enables a first head adjustment mode, as described further below.   C. Insert the bowstring hook  162  into the sled cavity  197 , and slide the pivot member  164  through the pilot openings  184 ,  199 , then through the opening  202  of the bowstring hook  162 , and then through the pilot openings  198 ,  183 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15 .   D. Attach the fastener  228  (e.g., C-clip) to the pivot member  164  to secure the pivot member  164  to the base  158 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15 .   E. Attach the hook engager  220  to the restrictor base  206  using the mount fasteners  210 ,  211 , as described above.   F. Insert the pivot member  152  through the pilot opening  185 , central opening  225  of the hook engager  220 , central opening  212  of the restrictor base  206 , and through the pilot opening  181 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15 .   G. Attach the fastener  230  (e.g., C-clip) to the pivot member  152  to secure the pivot member  152  to the base  158 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15 .   H. Select, using the user&#39;s preference and discretion, whether to screw the release sensitivity fastener  218  into the upper position setting opening  214  or lower position setting opening  216 , as illustrated in  FIG. 20 . In an embodiment, this selection step involves a second head adjustment. For example, if the user screws the release sensitivity fastener  218  into the upper position setting opening  214 , the end of the fastener  218  will strike, and make contact with, the upper portion  232  ( FIG. 21 ) of the pivot member  152 , causing the hook restrictor  166  to move upward, further away from the base  158 . This is because, in this embodiment, the central openings  212 ,  225  are substantially larger than the diameter of the pivot member  152 . If, on the other hand, the user screws the release sensitivity fastener  218  into the lower position setting opening  216 , the end of the fastener  218  will strike, and make contact with, the lower portion  234  ( FIG. 21 ) of the pivot member  152 , causing the hook restrictor  166  to move downward, closer to the base  158 . Therefore, based on this second head adjustment mode, the user can slightly adjust the upward and downward positions of the hook engagement surface  222  relative to the catch portion  204 .   I. After the second head adjustment mode, the user screws the release sensitivity adjusters  167 ,  168  into the head coupler  136 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 13-14 . Head coupler  136  defines threaded hole  236  ( FIG. 13 ) and threaded hole  237  ( FIG. 14 ) located opposite of threaded hole  236 . When screwed into threaded holes  236 ,  237 , the release sensitivity adjusters  167 ,  168 , respectively, strike and drive the fastener head  238  of the release sensitivity fastener  218 . By screwing the sensitivity adjusters  167 ,  168  inward or outward, the user can cause the movement restrictor or hook restrictor  166  to rotate relative to the base  158 , resulting in a third head adjustment mode. Consequently, this third head adjustment mode enables the user to rotate (and change the angular position) of the hook engagement surface  222  ( FIG. 19 ) relative to the catch portion  204  of the bowstring hook  162 . For example, the user can unscrew the release sensitivity adjuster  167  and screw-in the release sensitivity adjuster  168 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 19 , this will cause the hook restrictor  166  to rotate in a sensitivity decrease direction DD relative to the catch portion  204  of the bowstring hook  162 . The sensitivity decrease direction DD movement will place more of the hook engagement surface  222  in interference with the catch portion  204  of the bowstring hook  162 . As a result, an increase amount of back tension force or jerking will be required to cause the catch portion  204  to slide past the hook engagement surface  222 . Therefore, the user&#39;s back must exert an increased amount of force to enable the bowstring hook  162  to rotate to release the bowstring  28 . This may be preferred if the user desires to decrease the release sensitivity of the archery release device  120 . In another example, the user can screw-in the release sensitivity adjuster  167  and unscrew the release sensitivity adjuster  168 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 19 , this will cause the hook restrictor  166  to rotate in a sensitivity increase direction ID relative to the catch portion  204  of the bowstring hook  162 . The sensitivity increase direction ID movement will place less of the hook engagement surface  222  in interference with the catch portion  204  of the bowstring hook  162 . As a result, a decrease amount of back tension force or jerking can be used to cause the catch portion  204  to slide past the hook engagement surface  222 . Therefore, the user&#39;s back can exert this decreased amount of force to enable the bowstring hook  162  to rotate to release the bowstring  28 . This may be preferred if the user desires to increase the release sensitivity of the archery release device  120 .   J. For the first head adjustment mode, as illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 18 , the user can slightly, rotationally, gradually or incrementally drive the sled  160  to slide and translate forward  32  or rearward  36  ( FIGS. 1-2 ) relative to adjustment axis  102 . In this first head adjustment mode, the user can partially loosen base fasteners  180 ,  174  to enable the sled  160  to be slidably repositioned relative to the base  158 . Next, the user screws the rearward driver  240  (e.g., threaded screw or worm gear) into the threaded rearward access opening  179  ( FIG. 13 ), and the user screws the forward driver  242  into the forward access opening  177  ( FIG. 15 ). The user continues to screw one or both of the drivers  240 ,  242  until the drivers  240 ,  242  physically contact each other. Once drivers  240 ,  242  strike each other, the user can continue to screw either of the drivers  240 ,  242 . The continued screwing will cause the sled  160  to slide relative to the base  158  which, in turn, will cause the bowstring hook  162  to axially translate to increase the distance between the bowstring hook  162  and the hook restrictor  166 . This movement or repositioning occurs along or parallel to the adjustment axis  102  when the base bottom  170  is pivoted to extend in a plane which is parallel to the adjustment axis  102 . An increased distance between the bowstring hook  162  and hook restrictor  166  results in an increased release sensitivity. This is because the increased distance causes less of the hook engagement surface  222  to be in interference with the catch portion  204  of the bowstring hook  162 . A decreased distance between the bowstring hook  162  and hook restrictor  166  results in a decreased release sensitivity. This is because the decreased distance causes more of the hook engagement surface  222  to interfere with the catch portion  204  of the bowstring hook  162 . Therefore, the first head adjustment mode enables the user to adjust the sensitivity of the archery release device  120  independent of the second and third head adjustment modes. It should be appreciated that the first head adjustment mode also enables a micro-adjustment of draw length because the sled  160  is slidable along adjustment axis  102  ( FIG. 3 ) to change the distance between the bowstring hook  162  and the hook restrictor  166  along the adjustment axis  102 .       
 
         [0083]    As described above, the head assembly  128  and head coupler  136  collectively enable, and are associated with, at least three head adjustment modes. This provides the user with an enhanced level of fine-tuning control over the release sensitivity and effective draw length of the archery release device  120 . This provides an important improvement for release responsiveness selection in a context where relatively small positional changes between the engagement hook  162  and movement restrictor or hook restrictor  166  can have a relatively large effect on the user&#39;s overall bow shooting performance. 
         [0084]    In the examples described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-2 , the archery release device  10  is operable by different users  99 ,  100  of a single archery bow  12 . It should be appreciated that in another example, the archery release device  10  is operable by a single user of a plurality of different archery bows having different draw lengths. In switching from bow to bow, such single user adjusts the archery release device  10  to achieve an effective or modified draw length for the applicable bow. In yet another example, the archery release device  10  is operable by a single user of a single archery bow. During different shooting occasions, the single user changes the bowstring angle which, in turn, necessitates a different draw length. Therefore, such single user adjusts the archery release device  10  to achieve an effective or modified draw length for the applicable bowstring angle. 
         [0085]    Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. 
         [0086]    It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 
         [0087]    Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.