# Patent

## Title
Bowstring release having a safety device

## Abstract

A bowstring release has, in one embodiment, a removable safety device. The safety device prevents unintentional releasing of the bowstring. The safety device enables enough movement to provide perceptible output indicating that the release has been at least partially activated.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit and priority of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/361,336 filed on Jan. 30, 2012 which, in turn, is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/437,458, filed on Jan. 28, 2011.


FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to archery accessories, and more particularly, to a bowstring release having a removable safety pin.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Release aids are used to hold a bowstring in the drawn position. The release attaches to the bowstring and pulls the bowstring to the drawn position. The user then activates the release, either by activating a trigger or by twisting the release, to separate the bowstring from the release thereby allowing the bowstring to fire an arrow. The release allows the user to utilize a device with an ergonomic and more secure grip. Additionally, the release provides protection to the users hands from repeated draws and release of the bowstring.
There are two main types of releases, trigger activated releases and back tension releases. Trigger activated release contain a trigger mechanism, which when activated, releases the hook holding the bowstring. Back tension releases do not use a trigger. Instead, when in the drawn position the user gives a slight twist of the release. This activates the release and the hook releases the bowstring. Becoming proficient with back tension releases requires practice to prevent accidental activation of the release resulting in misfired shots, or unexpected release. When applying force during the draw of a bowstring, an expected release could result in the user hitting themselves in the face with great force, potentially causing serious injuries.
For trigger activated releases, there exist safety mechanisms that prevent the trigger from activating the release. However, these types of safety mechanisms are ineffective for back tension releases.
Therefore, a release having a removable safety pin is desired.
Further, a release having a safety pin that allows for feedback as to the exact release point without releasing the bowstring is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a release having a body, a release mechanism attached to the body via a hinge and a safety pin. When the safety pin is engaged, the release mechanism's range of motion is restricted. Thereby, preventing the release from activating and releasing a bowstring.
More particularly, the invention includes a grip for holding the release. A user hooks a bowstring into the bowstring hook and pulls on the release to draw the bow. With the safety pin removed, or stored in the optional storage, the user activates the release. The release mechanism pivots along the hinge allowing the bowstring hook to release to bowstring.
In another form, with the safety pin affixed to the safety lock on the release mechanism, a user draws a bowstring as described above. However, upon activation of the release, the release mechanism is physically blocked by the safety pin. Thereby, preventing the bowstring hook from releasing the bowstring.
In yet another form, the release has a sear. The bowstring hook rests against the sear. Upon activation of the release, the bowstring hook slides off of the sear allowing for the release mechanism to pivot around the hinge pin. With the safety pin engaged, this merely provides a tactile response to the release being activated without allowing the bowstring hook to release the bowstring.
An advantage of the present invention is that the safety pin prevents the release mechanism for releasing the bowstring.
A further advantage of the present invention is that the safety pin allows for shooters to train with the release without fear of accidental release of the bowstring.
An even further advantage of the present invention is that with the safety pin engaged, the release provides a tactile response that the release has been activated.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the release contains a storage compartment for the safety pin when not in use.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 depicts a release according to one embodiment;
FIG. 2A depicts an isometric view of the release shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the sear adjustment shown in FIG. 2A;
FIGS. 3A-3F depict various options for storing and engaging the safety pin;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the release shown in FIG. 1 in the drawn position;
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the release shown in FIG. 1 in the release position;
FIG. 6 depicts an enlarged view of the release mechanism with the safety pin removed;
FIG. 7 is a transparent enlarged view of the release mechanism with the safety pin removed as shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 depicts an enlarged view of the release mechanism with the safety pin engaged;
FIG. 9 is a transparent enlarged view of the release mechanism with the safety pin engaged as shown in FIG. 8; and
FIGS. 10A-10E depict releases according to various additional embodiments.



Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples set out herein illustrate several embodiments of the invention but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the bowstring release according to one embodiment of the present invention. The release 100 includes a body 10, a release mechanism 20 and a safety pin 30. Optionally, the release 100 includes a pulling post assembly 40. In one embodiment, the body 10 further contains a safety pin storage 12. In embodiments in which the safety pin 30 is a threaded safety pin, the safety pin storage may have a threaded portion to receive and secure the safety pin 30 in place.
Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2B, a release mechanism 20 is affixed to the body 10 via hinge pin 24. The hinge pin 24 allows the hinged release 22 to pivot along the axis defined by the hinge pin 24. A bowstring hook 21 is attached to the hinged release 22 via a bowstring hinge pin 27 allowing the bowstring hook 21 to pivot along the axis defined by the bowstring hinge pin 27. A safety lock hole 23 allows for attachment of the safety pin 30 (shown in FIGS. 6-9). In one embodiment a sear 25 is attached to the body 10. In use, the bowstring hook 21 rests against the sear 25 as a bowstring is pulled into the drawn position. When the release 100 is activated the bowstring hook 21 slides off of the sear 25 allowing the hinged release 22 and the bowstring hook 21 to pivot and release a bowstring (not shown). It is understood that the bowstring hook may be an open hook or a closed hook depending on the particular embodiment.
FIG. 2B depicts an enlarged view of the sear adjustment 26. By adjusting the positioning of the sear 25, the user can fine tune the release point of the bowstring hook 21.
Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3F, there is shown the safety pin 30 used for various purposes. In the embodiments shown the safety pin is a threaded safety pin. FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the section circled in FIG. 3A. The safety pin 30 is placed in the safety pin storage 12 on the body 10 when not in use. FIGS. 3D and 3F are enlarged views of the circled areas of FIGS. 3C and 3E respectively. The safety pin 30 may be placed into either side of the safety lock 23. This is advantageous as the device can be used for both left-handed and right-handed shooters. While the safety pin is shown as a cylindrical pin, it is understood that the safety pin may be of any shape so long as it physically blocks the bowstring hook 21.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a schematic view of release 100 in the drawn position. In one embodiment, the release includes a pulling post assembly 40. Optionally, the pulling post assembly 40 is an adjustable pulling post assembly having a pulling post 41 attached to a threaded post 43. The threaded post 43 being held into position on the body 10 by a set screw 42. This allows the pulling post 41 to be angled and moved to the users preference. In another embodiment, the pulling post assembly 40 is a trigger mechanism used to activate the release.
Still referring to FIG. 4, there is shown the release mechanism 20. The bowstring hook 21 rests along the sear 25. When under tension, the bowstring hook 21 remains pressed against the sear 25 until the release is activated. As shown in FIG. 5, the release 100 has been activated. The bowstring hook 21 has moved off of the sear 25 and the tension from the bowstring allows the bowstring hook 21 and the hinged release 22 to move into the released position, thereby releasing the bowstring.
With the safety pin 30 in the safety lock 23 the release mechanism 20 cannot fully activate. When the bowstring is drawn the release 100 is in the position shown in FIG. 4 with the bowstring hook 21 resting on the sear 25. When activated, the bowstring hook 21 slips off the sear 25 only instead of fully releasing, the bowstring hook 21 physically comes in contact with safety pin 30. This prevents the bowstring hook 21 from fully pivoting and releasing the bowstring. However, because the bowstring hook 21 does slip off the sear 25, the user is giving a tactile feel that the release has been activated. In one embodiment, this slipping also produces an audible sound.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 there is shown an enlarged view of the release mechanism with the safety pin 30 removed. To engage the safety pin 30, it is threaded into the safety lock hole 23 to lock the device as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The safety pin 30 physically prevents the bowstring hook from fully releasing a bowstring when engaged.
Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10E, there are shown various releases. It is understood that the examples are merely demonstrative and are not intended to be limiting. For example, closed loop grips and the such may be substituted for the open design. In addition, the pulling post may be replaced with a trigger mechanism changing the release from a back tension release to a trigger type release. Also a trigger mechanism as known to those skilled in the art my be added at locations other than the pulling post.
In use, a shooter uses the release 100 to draw a bowstring. The bowstring hook 21 secures the bowstring and the shooter pulls back on the body 10. The bowstring hook 21 rests against the sear 25. When the release 100 is activated, the bowstring hook 21 slides off the sear 25 allowing the release mechanism to release the bowstring. However, if the safety pin 30 is placed in the safety lock 23, the bowstring hook 21 physically contacts the safety pin 30. This prevents the bowstring hook 21 from full range of motion and retains the bowstring in the bowstring hook. The slight movement of the bowstring hook 21 provides the user with a tactile signal that the release had been activated allowing for better training and fine tuning.
While the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
PARTS LIST


    10 Body
    11 Grip
    12 Safety pin storage
    20 Release mechanism
    21 Bowstring hook
    22 Hinged release
    23 Safety lock hole
    24 Hinge pin
    25 Sear
    26 Sear adjustment
    27 Bowstring hook hinge
    30 Safety pin
    40 Pulling post assembly
    41 Pulling post
    42 Set screw
    43 Threaded post
    100 Release

## Claims

1. A bowstring release comprising:
a body;
a sear coupled to the body;
a hinge extending along an axis;
a release mechanism comprising a bowstring holder, the bowstring holder being coupled to the hinge, the bowstring holder being pivotal about the axis between:
(a) a non-release position in which the bowstring holder is positioned to hold a bowstring when the bowstring holder is engaged with the sear; and
(b) a release position in which the bowstring holder is positioned to release the bowstring after the bowstring holder is disengaged from the sear; and

a safety device configured to be coupled to the release mechanism so that, when the bowstring holder is disengaged from the sear, the safety device is configured to:
(a) enable movement of the bowstring holder from the non-release position to an intermediate position between the non-release position and the release position; and
(b) prevent the bowstring holder from moving to the release position,

wherein the movement to the intermediate position causes an output perceptible by a user; and
wherein the prevention of the movement to the release position prevents an unintentional release of the bowstring.

2. The bowstring release of claim 1, wherein: (a) the safety device comprises a safety pin; and (b) the bowstring holder comprises a bowstring hook.

3. The bowstring release of claim 2, wherein the release mechanism defines an opening configured to receive at least part of the safety device.

4. The bowstring release of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism comprises a safety lock configured to cooperate with the safety device.

5. The bowstring release of claim 1, wherein the body defines a safety device holder configured to hold the safety device when the safety device is not being used.

6. The bowstring release of claim 1, wherein the bowstring holder is configured to disengage from the sear when the bowstring holder is subject to a level of force.

7. The bowstring release of claim 1, wherein the sear is moveably coupled to the body.

8. The bowstring release of claim 1, wherein the output is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a tactile output; and (b) an audible output.

9. The bowstring release of claim 1, wherein:
the bowstring release is selected from the group consisting of a trigger-based release device, a triggerless release device, and a back tension release device;
the bowstring is configured to produce a bowstring force acting toward a target;
the bowstring holder comprises a hook, the hook configured to hold the bowstring until the hook is pivoted, relative to the bowstring, to the release position to enable the bowstring to slide out of the hook due to the bowstring force; and
the hook and the safety device are configured to cooperate so that, as a result of the bowstring holder being disengaged from the sear:
the hook pivots until striking a portion of the safety device;
the portion of the safety device brings the hook to a stop at the intermediate position, preventing the hook from pivoting to the release position; and
the hook's striking of the portion of the safety device causes the output, the output being selected from the group consisting of a sound and a vibration,
wherein the output is helpful in learning how to operate the bowstring release.

10. A bowstring release comprising:
a body;
a bowstring holder pivotally coupled to the body, the bowstring holder being pivotal from a first position associated with holding of a bowstring to a second position associated with releasing of the bowstring;
a sear supported by the body, the sear configured to restrain the bowstring holder in the first position until the bowstring holder is subject to a level of force; and
a safety member attachable to the body, the safety member being configured so that, when the bowstring holder is unrestrained by the sear:
(a) the bowstring holder moves from the first position to an intermediate position where the bowstring holder contacts the safety member; and
(b) the safety member prevents the bowstring holder from moving to the second position so as to prevent an unintentional release of the bowstring.

11. The bowstring release of claim 10, which comprises a hinge that pivotally couples the bowstring holder to the body, the hinge extending along an axis, the bowstring holder being pivotal about the axis.

12. The bowstring release of claim 11, wherein the safety member is configured to bring the bowstring holder to a stop at the intermediate position after the bowstring holder has traveled and generated a momentum, the bowstring holder striking the safety member so as to generate an output based on the momentum, the output facilitating training in use of the bowstring release.

13. The bowstring release of claim 12, wherein:
the bowstring is configured to produce a bowstring force acting toward a target; and
the bowstring holder comprises a hook, the hook configured to hold the bowstring until the hook is pivoted, relative to the bowstring, to the second position to enable the bowstring to slide out of the hook due to the bowstring force.

14. The bowstring release of claim 13, wherein the safety member comprises a safety pin.

15. The bowstring release of claim 14, wherein the bowstring release defines an opening configured to receive at least part of the safety member.

16. The bowstring release of claim 15, wherein the bowstring release comprises a safety lock configured to cooperate with the safety member.

17. The bowstring release of claim 16, wherein the body defines a safety member holder configured to hold the safety member when the safety member is not being used.

18. The bowstring release of claim 13, wherein the output is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a tactile output; and (b) an audible output.

19. The bowstring release of claim 10, wherein:
the bowstring release is selected from the group consisting of a trigger-based release device, a triggerless release device, and a back tension release device;
the bowstring is configured to produce a bowstring force acting toward a target;
the bowstring holder comprises a hook, the hook configured to hold the bowstring until the hook is pivoted, relative to the bowstring, to the second position to enable the bowstring to slide out of the hook due to the bowstring force; and
the hook and the safety member are configured to cooperate so that, as a result of the bowstring holder being unrestrained by the sear:
the hook pivots until striking the safety member;
the safety member brings the hook to a stop at the intermediate position, preventing the hook from pivoting to the second position; and
the hook's striking of the safety member causes an output, the output being selected from the group consisting of a sound and a vibration,
wherein the output is helpful in learning how to operate the bowstring release.

20. A bowstring release comprising:
a body;
a sear supported by the body;
a bowstring holder pivotally coupled to the body, the bowstring holder being pivotal between:
(a) a non-release position in which the bowstring holder is positioned to hold a bowstring when the sear blocks movement of the bowstring holder; and
(b) a release position in which the bowstring holder is positioned to release the bowstring after the bowstring holder is unblocked by the sear; and

a safety device attachable to the body, the bowstring holder and the safety device being configured to cooperate so that, after the bowstring holder is unblocked by the sear:
the bowstring holder moves through a range of motion until striking the safety device; and
the safety device blocks the bowstring holder from moving to the release position,

wherein, due to the bowstring holder's striking of the safety device, an impact occurs,
wherein the impact provides feedback to facilitate training in use of the bowstring release.

21. The bowstring release of claim 20, wherein the safety device comprises a safety pin.

22. The bowstring release of claim 21, wherein:
(a) the release defines an opening configured to receive at least part of the safety device;
(b) the release comprises a safety lock configured to cooperate with the safety device;
(c) the body defines a safety device holder configured to hold the safety device when the safety device is not being used; and
(d) the bowstring holder is configured to slide out of contact with the sear when the bowstring holder is subject to a level of force.

23. The bowstring release of claim 20, wherein:
the bowstring release is selected from the group consisting of a trigger-based release device, a triggerless release device, and a back tension release device;
the bowstring is configured to produce a bowstring force acting toward a target;
the bowstring holder comprises a hook, the hook configured to hold the bowstring until the hook is pivoted, relative to the bowstring, to the release position to enable the bowstring to slide out of the hook due to the bowstring force; and
the hook and the safety device are configured to cooperate so that, as a result of the bowstring holder being disengaged from the sear:
the hook pivots until striking the safety device;
the safety device brings the hook to a stop at an intermediate position between the non-release position and the release position, preventing the hook from pivoting to the release position; and
the feedback is selected from the group consisting of a sound and a vibration,
wherein the feedback is helpful in learning how to operate the bowstring release.