Archery release

An archery release including a release head, a moveable hook, and an adjustable jaw. The adjustable jaw can be moved relative to the hook to adjust a gap defined between the hook and the adjustable jaw when the hook is in a closed position to capture a bowstring. Optionally, the jaw can be completely removed from the release head to render the release a hook-only release. The jaw can include a free end separated from the release head by a distance. An adjustment element can be joined with the jaw, and operable in at least one of an adjustment mode to change the distance of the free end from the release head, and a removal mode to render the jaw completely removable from the release head. A method also is provided for modifying the archery release to suit an archer's preferences.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an archery bowstring release.

Conventional archery releases are designed to temporarily hold a bowstring of an archery bow so that an archer can pull on the release and subsequently draw the bowstring to shoot an arrow from the bow. Archery releases typically assist an archer in quickly and cleanly releasing the bowstring. In general, archery releases consistently release the bowstring when the archer shoots the arrow, and thus increase the accuracy of the archer.

A common release includes a release head, a trigger mechanism, a hook pivotally joined with the head and actuatable by the trigger mechanism, a fixed immovable jaw opposing the hook, and a wrist strap or handle designed so that a user can hold the release. In use, an archer nocks an arrow on the bowstring and secures the hook of the release around the bowstring. The user then draws the bowstring by pulling the release. After the user fully draws the bowstring, aims the bow and is prepared to shoot the arrow, the user actuates the trigger mechanism. This moves the hook and subsequently disengages the bowstring so that the bowstring can utilize its stored energy and propel the arrow from the bow.

A common type of release includes a combination of a hook and an immovable fixed jaw which cooperate to hold a bowstring. Such releases are typically used in a variety of archery sports, such as shooting tournaments. An example of such a release is known as a Scott “Ibex” thumb trigger release, which is offered by Scott Archery Manufacturing. This release includes a release head having a single pivotable hook and an adjacent fixed, permanent and immovable jaw, which opposes the hook and forms a portion of a bowstring notch. The release head is joined with a handle having finger grooves so that a user can grasp the handle. A thumb actuated trigger mechanism releases the hook when the trigger is actuated by an archer's thumb.

Another conventional release is known a back tension release. Most back tension releases include only a hook to hold the bowstring before it is released. An example of a popular back tension release is known as a Scott “Ibex BT” release, which also is offered by Scott Archery Manufacturing. This release includes a release handle, a release head bracket, and a single hook pivotally secured to the release head bracket. The hook engages and holds the bowstring, and is the only component of the release that engages the bowstring to hold it. To operate this “hook-only” back tension release, an archer squeezes together their shoulder blades, or in other words, “tenses their back.” Because the archer holds the release in their hand, the back movement moves the hand, and in turn, moves the release enough so that the hook pivots and releases the bowstring.

Although the above releases are very effective, applicants have discovered two issues. First, with the combination hook and immovable fixed jaw release described above, when the hook is in a closed position, its tip or end is adjacent the fixed, immovable jaw, with the two being separated by a small gap. Some archers prefer that this gap be large, that is, the hook distanced from the fixed jaw as far as possible while still enabling the hook to retain a drawn bowstring. Other archers prefer that the gap be small, with the hook tip very near or even engaging the fixed immovable jaw. Current constructions do not adequately address this preference issue. Second, many archers, particularly tournament archers, desire to switch between different types of releases depending on conditions. As an example, an archer may desire to shoot with a thumb trigger release at one event, and then shoot with a back tension release, or some other hook-only release at another event. Accordingly, the archer must purchase both types of releases, which can be expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an archery release including a release head, a moveable hook, and an adjustable jaw. In one embodiment, the adjustable jaw can be moved relative to the hook to adjust a gap defined between the hook and the adjustable jaw when the hook is in a closed position to capture a bowstring.

In another embodiment, the jaw can be completely removable from the release head to render the release a hook-only release.

In yet another embodiment, the jaw includes a free end separated from the release head by a distance. An adjustment element can be joined with the jaw, and operable in at least one of an adjustment mode to change the distance of the free end from the release head, and a removal mode to render the jaw completely removable from the release head.

In a further embodiment, the release head can include an axis, with the jaw being extendable and retractable relative to the release head along the axis in the adjustment mode. Optionally, this axis can be linear. Further optionally, the release head can define a hole, with the hole along the axis, and a portion of the jaw received within the hole.

The present invention provides a simple and efficient archery release that is easily adjusted or transformed from a combination hook and fixed jaw release to a hook-only release and vice versa. With its adjustable fixed jaw, an archer can conveniently set the gap between the hook and fixed jaw of the release. This enables the archer to shoot a release with the gap sized to their preference, which can increase release consistency, improve shooting accuracy and accordingly boost shooting confidence. Where the fixed jaw is optionally fully removable from the release, an archer can quickly and easily convert from a combination hook and fixed jaw release configuration to a hook-only configuration, and vice versa. In turn, this enables an archer to purchase only one release, and yet shoot with either a combination hook and fixed jaw or hook-only configuration.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be more readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the invention and the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT

I. Overview and Definitions

A current embodiment of the archery release of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 1-4and generally designated10. The release10generally includes a release body20having a release head30, an adjustable fixed jaw40, a moveable hook or jaw50, and a trigger mechanism60. The moveable hook50is adapted to move relative to the release head30, and when attached, the adjustable fixed jaw40. The adjustable fixed jaw40is joined with the release head with a mechanism that enables the fixed jaw to be adjustable in profile relative to the release head, and thus to enable an archer to select a gap51, or distance between the hook50and adjustable fixed jaw40, as shown in comparingFIGS. 2 and 3. Optionally, the adjustable fixed jaw40can be completely removed from the release head30, as shown inFIG. 4, thereby converting the release to a hook-only release.

The following terms will have the definitions presented. As used herein, “bowstring” refers to an actual bowstring of an archery bow and any device or component adapted to join with a bowstring of an archery bow and aid an archer in drawing or releasing the bowstring, including but not limited to: rope loops, which are attached to the bowstring above and below the location where an arrow nock rests; and receivers, for example, a metal loop or partial loop that is joined with the bowstring above and below, or only above, or only below the location where the arrow nock rests on the bowstring.

As used herein “archery bow” refers to any compound bow, recurve bow, long bow, crossbow or any other device that propels or is capable of propelling an arrow, bolt or other similar projectile.

Referring toFIGS. 1-5, the components of the release10will now be described in detail. The release body20generally includes a release head30, an adjustable fixed jaw40, a moveable hook or jaw50, and a trigger mechanism60.

The adjustable fixed jaw40extends along an axis102that projects from the release head30. The axis102can be coaxial or otherwise aligned with a hole32defined by the release head. The hole32can be of any dimension or geometric shape adapted to receive the base42of the fixed adjustable jaw40. As shown, the hole is generally of a cylindrical shape that conforms to the general shape of the fixed end or base42of the jaw40.

The adjustable fixed jaw40can come in a variety of configurations. As shown, in one configuration, the jaw40includes a jaw free end41and a base42. The free end is distal from the release head by a pre-selected distance, and generally forms the terminating portion of the jaw40.

The fixed jaw40can include or be joined with an adjustment element that is operable in at least one of an adjustment mode to change the distance of the free end41from the release head30, and a removal mode to render the jaw40completely removable from the release head. As shown, the adjustment element46can include the jaw base42configured to join with the release head30in a manner that facilitates movement of the free end41toward and/or away from the release head. Optionally, the base42can be received in the hole32so that the free end is moveable toward and away from the release head along the axis102, in which case, the jaw retracts and extends along the axis of the release head.

To facilitate the connection between the jaw40and the release head, the base can include a post44extending from the lower portion of the jaw40. This post can be of any geometric shape or dimension, for example, of a round, square, elliptical, triangular or other cross section. As shown, the post can be of a length that is less than the depth of the hole32so that the post44does not bottom out in the hole32, thereby preventing the jaw from being fully retracted toward the release head30. Further, the post can be configured so that it fits within the hole32, and is of a slightly smaller dimension than the hole32so that it is slideably received within the hole32. Optionally, the base42can include a stop45that extends outward from the base42so that the stop engages the release head to prevent unwanted retraction of the base42into the hole. This stop can protrude around the entire periphery of the base42, or around only a portion of the base as desired.

In an alternative construction, a particular release can be provided with multiple fixed jaws, each having several differently shaped free ends to engage a bowstring in a particular manner. Further, these multiple fixed jaws can include free ends of specific lengths and dimensions so that when inserted into the hole32, the different free ends project from the release head at varying profiles to enable a user to alter the gap51between the free end and the hook40—simply by changing from one adjustable jaw to another.

As shown inFIG. 5, the release10can include a locking element70joined with the head30. This locking element can engage the base to selectively lock the jaw40in a fixed position in which the free end41is stationary relative to the release head30. Optionally, the locking element can include a set screw72threadably received in a set screw hole74. The set screw hole can be defined by the release head so that it intersects the hole32, wherein the set screw can engage the base, for example the post, and hold it in a fixed, immovable position.

In an alternative embodiment that is not shown, the jaw40can include a threaded base, which screws into a threaded hold defined by the release head. The base and/or hole can include a coating, for example, Locktite®, or some device that ensures that after the base is moved with substantial force by a user for adjustment, it does not readily move farther. Further alternatively, the jaw40can be joined with a locking cam mechanism or toothed gear mechanism, which extends and retracts the free end of the jaw relative to the release head. A variety of other mechanisms are contemplated for movement of the adjustable fixed jaw40to adjust its profile relative to the release head.

Returning to the jaw40shown inFIGS. 1-5, with the adjustment element46, it can be seen that the jaw40is optionally completely removable from the release head in a removal mode. For example, when the locking element is disengaged from the jaw so that the jaw is freely moveable, the post44can be completely removed from the hole32as shown inFIG. 4. If desired, the post44or base42can include a second stop or protrusion (not shown) that engages the release head30to prevent unwanted removal of the jaw40from the release.

Upon removal of the jaw40from the release head, the release10is transformed to a hook-only release. Optionally, this removal of the fixed jaw40from the release head30also converts the bowstring capture notch from a substantially fully surrounded capture notch78(FIGS. 2-3) to an open capture notch79(FIG. 4), wherein the hook is the primary holder of the bowstring110.

Referring toFIGS. 1-5, the hook50can be pivotally joined with the release head30, and optionally further joined with the trigger mechanism60so that an archer can actuate the hook to release the bowstring110. The hook50can include a hook free end52, which when the release is in the closed position, is adjacent the jaw free end41, and optionally separated by a distance105, also referred to as the “gap51.” As discussed herein, the distance105, or gap51, is adjustable by extending or retracting the fixed jaw40a distance, for example, distance107when the release is in an adjustment mode as described below.

Opposite the hook free end52, the hook can include a hook sear edge56, which engages other portions of the trigger mechanism60, as described below. The hook50can be joined with the release head30via a hook pivot pin56. With this construction, the trigger mechanism60can engage the hook sear edge56to hold the hook so that it will not pivot about the pivot pin56. When so engaged, the hook50is able to hold a bowstring110as a user draws the bowstring with the release10. The trigger mechanism60can also disengage the hook sear edge56so that the hook50is free to pivot, thereby releasing the bowstring110from the release10.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-5, the release10can include a variety of other suitable features and components. For example, the release head30optionally can be joined with a release body20. This release body20and all or a portion of the release head30can define a recess24sufficiently sized to house all or a portion of the other components of the release10. The release body also can be joined with a grasping element25so that a user can grasp the release and draw the bowstring. This grasping element can come in a variety of constructions. For example, as shown, the element25can be a handle defining one or more grooves for the digits of an archer's hand. The number of grooves can be varied as desired depending on personal preference. Alternatively, the grasping element25can be a wrist strap construction. An exemplary wrist strap is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,167 to Scott, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Other buckle, Velcro® or loop wrist straps may be substituted as desired.

In general, the release body can house a substantial portion of the trigger mechanism60. This trigger mechanism can include a trigger62extending from the rear of the release body20. As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7(which show the cover21of the release removed), the trigger mechanism60can include a trigger lever63joined with a trigger bar64via a fastener65. The fastener65can be selectively adjustable to adjust the orientation of the trigger62relative to the trigger bar64to accommodate personal preferences of an archer. The trigger lever63can be adapted to selectively pivot about the trigger pivot pin66. Opposite the trigger bar64, the trigger lever63can be engaged by a tension plunger90. As shown, the trigger62can be designed to be actuated by an archer's thumb; however, the design of the trigger can be modified for actuation by any of the archer's digits as desired.

As illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, the release body20can define a threaded bore22in which the tension plunger90can be threaded. The tension plunger90can further include a tool engagable portion so that an archer can install, remove and adjust the tension plunger90relative to the release body20, and/or the can replace the internal spring94in the tension plunger90(FIG. 8) with other springs. The release can be offered with a set of internal springs, each of which provides a different resistance to movement of the trigger lever63, and thus the force/pressure required to depress the trigger and actuate the release.

If a plunger is desired in the release, one plunger90suitable for use with the release10is shown inFIG. 8. That plunger90can include an external threaded portion91that engages the threaded bore22of the release10. The plunger can include a plunger portion92, an internal spring94and a cap screw95. The cap screw can be threaded in the tension plunger90to compress the spring94, thereby pushing the plunger portion92to the illustrated extended position, wherein plunger portion92protrudes from the tension plunger90. As shown in FIGS.6-7, this plunger portion92can engage the trigger lever63, and in effect, dictate the amount of force an archer must exert on the trigger bar64to rotate the lever63about the pin66to subsequently actuate the trigger mechanism and release the bowstring110.

Where multiple internal springs64optionally are provided, each can have different compression characteristics. For example, one spring can be a two pound spring, another a three pound spring, and another an eight pound spring. In one embodiment, the release10can be offered for sale with one, two, or more different springs having different compression characteristics to accommodate the personal preferences of an archer. This construction can provide the desired adjustability of the tension plunger to satisfy a variety of trigger pressure preferences.

Although shown inFIGS. 6-8as being threaded, the tension plunger90need not necessarily include threads. For example, the tension plunger90can be secured to the release body20with a locking collar configuration (not shown). The housing of the tension plunger40can include an annular groove (not shown). The release body20can include a moveable collar, e-clip or horn clip that engages the groove to secure the spring plunger in place relative to the body20. Alternatively, the housing of the spring plunger can be a simple non-threaded cylinder housing. A set screw can be engaged against the housing to hold it in place relative to the body. Other suitable alternatives could be substituted as desired. Indeed, the spring plunger can be substituted with a variety of other elements having compressible features. For example, the coil spring94shown can be replaced with a leaf-like spring or an elastomeric element. Alternatively, the plunger can include hydraulic or pneumatic components that provide similar compression characteristics.

Referring toFIGS. 6-7, the release10can include a trigger set screw28that is selectively adjustable within the release body20. By threading the set screw28in the release to a predetermined position, an archer can set the initial position of the trigger lever63and thus the trigger bar64at a preferred location, thereby making the trigger62more or less sensitive.

The trigger62can be operably coupled to the hook50via a linkage80as depicted inFIGS. 6 and 7, which linkage can be generally conventional (as is the one illustrated), and will not be described in substantial detail here. In brief, the linkage80can include a set lever81that can pivot about a set lever pin82fixed to the body20. The set lever81can be biased to an open position (shown inFIG. 7) via the set lever spring83. The set lever81can include a depressible thumb button84with which an archer can actuate the release10to a set, ready-to-shoot mode. Optionally, the button can be modified and moved so that it is depressible by other digits of the archer as desired. A first end of the set lever81can include a set lever engagement edge85that engages a trigger sear edge67of the trigger lever63as shown inFIG. 4. A second end86of the set lever81can be configured to engage and disengage the pawl110.

The pawl110can pivot about the pawl pivot pin112and can be biased to an unset, open position (shown inFIG. 7) by a pawl spring114. The pawl110can include a first end115that selectively engages the second end86of the set lever81. The pawl60can further include a second end116having a pawl edge117that selectively engages a hook sear edge56of the bowstring hook50. A variety of other linkages can be used to operably couple the trigger to the hook as desired.

The release10and its various components can be constructed from a variety of materials, for example, metal, such as steel, stainless steel and aluminum, as well as other synthetic materials such as polymers, and any combination of the foregoing. Further, the release and its components can be treated with special processes, for example, anodizing, dipping or filming to provide the release and its components with a desired finish and appearance.

III. Method of Manufacture and Operation

In general, the various components of the release10can be molded, machined or extruded to obtain their desired configuration. The components can also be treated with special processes as described above to provide a desired finish. With the components constructed, the release10can be assembled. To assemble the release, the various components, such as the trigger mechanism60, the hook50, adjustable fixed jaw40, and the optional plunger90are joined with the release body20and/or release head30.

With the release assembled, it is ready for use be an archer. With the present invention, however, the archer may adjust or modify the release10to satisfy their personal preferences with respect to the gap51between the hook50and the adjustable fixed jaw40. To do so, the archer can actuate the release to an adjustment mode or removal mode. In either mode, the user actuates the locking element70, for example, by loosening the set screw72so that it disengages the fixed jaw40, for example, the post44. With the locking element disengaged, the fixed jaw40is ready to be moved along the axis102toward or away from the release head30a distance107, or increments thereof. The archer can subsequently move the fixed jaw to a position that suits their gap preference. In turn, this selectively adjusts the distance105, which defines the gap51between the free end41of the jaw and the free end52of the hook. The archer can adjust the gap51to a preferred setting as desired. When the jaw40has been satisfactorily moved, the archer again actuates the locking element to secure the fixed jaw40in a fixed position. Alternatively, if the archer desires, they may continue to move the fixed jaw40along the axis102in a removal mode, and remove the fixed jaw40entirely from the release head so that the release is transformed to a hook-only release.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, the general operation of the release will now be described.FIG. 6shows the release in a closed or ready-to-shoot position; whileFIG. 7shows the release in an open or released position. In the closed position ofFIG. 6, a bowstring110can be engaged with the bowstring hook50and the adjustable fixed jaw40, with the bowstring occupying a portion or all of the gap between these elements. In this position, the tension plunger90, and in particular, the plunger92exerts a force against the trigger lever63urging it to rotate clockwise. However, because the trigger sear edge67is engaged against the set lever engagement edge85, rotation of the trigger lever63is restricted and prevented. In this set mode, the pawl110is biased in the position shown via the pawl spring114. Accordingly, the pawl edge117engages the hook sear edge56of the hook50, thereby holding the hook in the fixed position shown inFIG. 6. Accordingly, the release can be pulled by the archer and yet will still securely hold the bowstring110with the hook50so that the bowstring110can be drawn.

When the archer is ready to shoot, the archer moves their thumb to engage the trigger bar64, which eventually moves the elements in the distance shown with small arrows inFIG. 6. In particular, the slight engagement of the trigger bar64will counter the force exerted on the opposite end of the trigger lever63by the tension plunger90sufficiently so that the lever rotates about the pivot pin66in the direction shown inFIG. 7. Accordingly, the trigger sear edge67moves a sufficient amount so that it disengages the set lever engagement edge85. Due to the force exerted on the set lever spring83, the set lever81rotates in the direction shown inFIG. 7. Accordingly, the second end86of the set lever engages the first end115of the pawl110. The pawl spring114rotates the pawl110in the direction shown inFIG. 7. Accordingly, the pawl edge117disengages the hook sear edge56. Due to the force on the hook50by the bowstring110, the hook further rotates in the direction shown so that the hook thereby releases the bowstring110.

To reset the release10to a ready-to-shoot mode, the archer again places the hook50around the bowstring110. The archer depresses the thumb button84to rotate the lever clockwise (against the force of the set lever spring83) until the set lever engagement edge85sufficiently engages the trigger sear edge67so that the release linkage attains the configuration shown inFIG. 6.