Abstract:
An archery release includes, in an embodiment, a body, a finger extension configured to be connected to the body and a hook pivotally coupled to the body. Part of the body has an arc shape centered about a point. The point is located in a horizontal plane or horizontal axis when the archery release is oriented in a vertical position. The hook has a bowstring contact surface which is positioned below the horizontal plane or horizontal axis when the archery release is in the vertical position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit and priority of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/500,337, filed on Sep. 29, 2014, which is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit and priority of: (i) U.S. Patent Application No. 61/883,422, filed on Sep. 27, 2013; and (ii) U.S. Patent Application No. 61/884,493, filed on Sep. 30, 2013. The entire contents of such applications are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The subject matter disclosed herein relates to archery releases and to triggerless back tension releases in particular. 
         [0003]    Archery releases are designed to hold a bowstring so that an archer can pull on the release and draw the bowstring with the release. Archery releases assist the archer in cleanly and consistently releasing the bowstring when the archer shoots an arrow from the bow. This increases the accuracy of the archer&#39;s shot. 
         [0004]    There are a variety of archery releases available including trigger releases and back tension releases. A trigger release typically includes a trigger mechanism and one or more moveable jaws joined with the trigger mechanism. The moveable jaws are configured to hold a bowstring of a bow. When activated by the archer&#39;s finger, the trigger mechanism moves the moveable jaws to release the bowstring. A back tension release typically includes a release handle, a release head bracket pivotally secured to the handle, and a hook pivotally secured to the release head bracket. The hook is configured to hold the bowstring, and is also adapted to engage a pawl. To operate the release so that it releases a bowstring held in the hook, an archer holds the handle, and squeezes the archer&#39;s shoulder blades together or, in other words, “tense their back.” Because the archer holds the device in their hand by the handle, tensing of the back muscles moves the hand and, in turn, rotates the release slightly. This slight rotation moves the release enough so that the hook disengages the pawl, and thereby becomes free to move and release the bowstring. The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A triggerless back tension archery release is provided. Disclosed archery releases include a bearing ring that rotates relative to a release body. During use, the bearing ring rotates to the same position when force is applied during a draw cycle. This reduces inconsistent placement of the finger and provides consistent release alignment. Disclosed archery releases also include a variety of removable finger extension that provide high mass triggers. An archer can feel subtle movement of the high mass triggers with increased accuracy which provides better control over the archery release. 
         [0006]    An advantage that may be realized in the practice of some disclosed embodiments of the back tension archery release is that an archer can feel the subtle movements of a high mass trigger and this provides increased control. 
         [0007]    In a first embodiment, a triggerless back tension archery release is provided. The release comprises a release body, a finger extension removably connected to the release body, and a triggerless hook assembly connected to the release body. The triggerless hook assembly is configured to selectively release a bowstring upon actuation of the finger extension. The release has a total weight and at least 50% of the total weight is in the finger extension. 
         [0008]    In a second embodiment, a triggerless back tension archery release is provided. The release comprises a release body, a finger extension removably connected to the release body, the finger extension consisting essentially of stainless steel, aluminum or brass. A triggerless hook assembly is connected to the release body and is configured to selectively release a bowstring upon actuation of the finger extension. The release has a total weight and at least 50% of the total weight is in the finger extension. 
         [0009]    In a third embodiment, a kit is provided. The kit comprises a three-finger extension configured to connect to a recess within a release body and a four-finger extension configured to connect to the recess within the release body. The kit further comprises a triggerless back tension archery release comprising the release body with the recess, wherein the recess is configured to connect to a finger extension selected from the group consisting of the three-finger extension and the four-finger extension. The release comprises a triggerless hook assembly connected to the release body that is configured to selectively release a bowstring upon actuation of the finger extension. The release has a total weight and at least 50% of the total weight is in the finger extension. 
         [0010]    This brief description of the invention is intended only to provide a brief overview of subject matter disclosed herein according to one or more illustrative embodiments, and does not serve as a guide to interpreting the claims or to define or limit the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the appended claims. This brief description is provided to introduce an illustrative selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This brief description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the background. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    So that the manner in which the features of the invention can be understood, a detailed description of the invention may be had by reference to certain embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only certain embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the scope of the invention encompasses other equally effective embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis generally being placed upon illustrating the features of certain embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. Thus, for further understanding of the invention, reference can be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary release with a three-finger extension; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  depicts an exemplary release with a four-finger extension; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B  and  FIG. 3C  are perspective views of three exemplary releases with a four-finger extension, a three-finger extension and a two-finger extension, respectively; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  are perspective views of two exemplary releases with a three-finger extension and a four-finger extension, respectively; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  are perspective views of two exemplary releases that use a strap, wherein the views include a two-finger extension and a three-finger extension, respectively; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary release comprising a four-finger extension; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of an exemplary release comprising a four-finger extension; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a cross section view of a release body of an exemplary release; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9A  is an end view of a release body;  FIG. 9B  is a side view of the release body of  FIG. 9A ; and  FIG. 9C  is a cross section of the release body of  FIG. 9A  taken along line A-A; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a release body showing a screw and a ring shaped bearing. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]      FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary release  100  for use in archery. The release  100  includes a release body  102  and a three-finger extension  104 . The release  100  is a triggerless back-tension release. The three-finger extension  104  is attached to the release body  102  at junction  106 . A protrusion in the three-finger extension  104  fits into a recess in the release body  102  and is securely mounted therein by at least one bolt  108 . In one embodiment, the bolt  108  is a hex-bolt or other suitable means for securing. The bolt  108  is removable such that the three-finger extension  104  can be withdrawn from the recess and replaced with a different finger extension. 
         [0023]    In use, an archer places a bowstring of a bow within a bearing hook  110 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the three-finger extension  104  permits the release  100  to be used as a three-finger release. An index finger is placed in a first finger position  112 , a middle finger is placed in a second finger position  114  and a ring finger is placed in a third finger position  116 . A crest  124  is provided to separate the first finger position  112  from the second finger position  114 . In a back tension release, the release is actuated to release the bowstring by moving a distal end of the finger extension in a backward direction. The archer performs this actuation by tensioning his or her back while minimizing any movement of the release  100  that may negatively effect the release of the bowstring. For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , an archer moves a distal end  120  of the three-finger extension  104  in a backward direction  122  to trigger release of the bowstring. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  depicts another release  200  that attaches the release body  102  to a four-finger extension  204  at a junction  206 . An index finger is placed in the first finger position  112 , a middle finger is placed in a second finger position  214 , a ring finger is placed in a third finger position  216  and the small finger is placed in a fourth finger position  218 . 
         [0025]    Some archers prefer to use a particular number of fingers when using a release. Examples of such preferences include two-finger releases, three-finger releases and four-finger releases. Other archers prefer the reverse. The removable finger extensions  104 ,  204  permit archers the option of connecting a preferred finger extension to a common release body  102 . 
         [0026]    The finger extensions are weighted to provide better control in the shooting of the release. In one embodiment, at least about 50% of the release&#39;s total weight is in the finger extension. In one embodiment, the finger extensions consist essentially of a metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum. In one exemplary embodiment a three-finger extension that consists essentially of stainless steel has at least about 55% of the release&#39;s total weight in the finger extension. Likewise, a three-finger extension that consists essentially of aluminum has at least about 18% of the release&#39;s total weight in the finger extension. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2 , a four-finger extension that consists essentially of stainless steel has at least about 90% of the release&#39;s total weight in the finger extension. Likewise, a four-finger extension that consists essentially of aluminum has at least about 55% of the release&#39;s total weight in the finger extension. Alternative metals include brass. Without wishing to be bound to any particular theory, the weighting may alter the inertia of the release to provide better feedback to the user. The high mass in the finger extension provides the archer with a level of control over the release that is better than the control from releases with low mass triggers. The archer can feel the subtle movements of the release more easily than is possible with low mass triggers. This permits better control. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B  and  FIG. 3C  depict a release body  302  that comprises a recess  303  that receives a protrusion  305   a ,  305   b , or  305   c  of a respective finger extension  304   a ,  304   b  or  304   c . The protrusions  305   a ,  305   b , or  305   c  are substantially identical such that each mates with the recess  303  to render the finger extensions interchangeable. Finger extension  304   a  is a four-finger extension. Finger extension  304   b  is a three-finger extension. Finger extension  304   c  is a two-finger extension. 
         [0028]      FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  depict alternative embodiments where various finger extensions  404   a ,  404   b  are attached to a common release body  402 . As shown in  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B , the finger extensions may also be used on a strap-style back tension release as well. In  FIG. 5A , a release body  502  is attached to a two-finger extension  504   b . A strap  524  connects to the release body  502  at a pivot point  526 . The strap  524  may be disposed about the archer&#39;s wrist or otherwise configured to help the archer draw the bowstring.  FIG. 5B  shows a three-finger extension  504   a  connected to the release body  502 . In one embodiment, a kit is provided that includes a release body and at least two-finger extensions selected from a two-finger extension, a three-finger extension and a four-finger extension. The archer may selectively use a finger release according to the archer&#39;s preference. 
         [0029]      FIG. 6  depicts a release  600  with a release body  602  having a bearing ring  713 . The release body  602  is releasably connected to a finger extension  604 .  FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the release  600  of  FIG. 6 . In another embodiment, not shown, a monolithic release is provided where a release body is monolithic with regard to a finger extension. In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the release body  602  comprises a circular hole  714  housing a ring-shaped bearing  703  disposed therein. A pair of bearing rings  712 / 713  are disposed about the ring-shaped bearing  703 . Each of the bearing rings  712 / 713  has a lip with a radius that is larger than the radius of the ring-shaped bearing  703 . Each of the bearing rings  712 / 713  also has a threaded ridge on a respective inner and outer wall of a collar. The threaded ridges are mated engage each other to secure the bearing rings  712 / 713  to one another while rotatably securing the bearing rings  712 / 713  about the ring-shaped bearing  703 . A cross-section view of this engagement is shown schematically in  FIG. 8 . The bearing rings  712 / 713  slide against the wall of the ring-shaped bearing  703  such that the bearing rings  712 / 713  rotate freely and continuously over a full three hundred and sixty degrees without encountering a stop. In use, an archer places a finger through the hole  714  and rests the finger against the bearing rings  712 / 713 . As the bowstring is drawn, a torque develops. The bearing rings  712 / 713  freely rotate over the ring-shaped bearing  703  to minimize the torque. This results in a more consistent and controlled draw. Many archers find it very difficult to consistently place their hand on a release in the same location for each consecutive shot. For example, on a first shot the archer may be high in the release and on a second shot the archer is mid-low in the release. The results of these two shots will be different. The release  600  provides a plumb bob effect to counteract this tendency. The archer can place a finger anywhere inside the bearing rings  712 / 713  but once the force of the bow is added the bearing rings  712 / 713  finds its natural center providing a more consistent angle each single shot. The release  600  allows for a more precise and uniform finger placement due to the bearing rings reaching the same position when force is applied by the archer during the draw cycle. The release reduces inconsistent placement of the finger, providing the archer consistent release alignment regardless of initial placement. 
         [0030]      FIG. 7  also depicts a hook assembly comprising bearing bracket  704 , a bearing moon  706  and a bearing hook  711 , connected about two pivot points provided by bracket pins  705 . For examples of the operation of similar hook systems, see U.S. Patent Publication number 2013/0025578. Bolts  709  securely mount the finger extension  604  to the release body  602 . A thumb barrel  707  is attached to the release body  602  to permit the archer to use his or her thumb when operating the release  600 . A threaded screw  708  permits the selective adjustment of the release as described elsewhere in this specification. 
         [0031]      FIG. 9A  is an end view of the release body  602  while  FIG. 9B  is a side view of the release body  602 .  FIG. 9C  is a cross section view of the release body  602  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 9A . The hole  714  has a continuous wall  902  except in that the wall  902  is interrupted by a gap  900 . A first opening  904  is present on one side of the gap  900  and a second opening  906  is present on the opposite side of the gap  900 , wherein at least one of the openings is threaded. As shown in  FIG. 10 , a fastener, such as the threaded screw  708 , may be placed in openings  904 / 906  such that the threaded screw  708  bridges the gap  900 . In the embodiment depicted, the second opening  906  is threaded such that actuation of the threaded screw  908  selectively adjusts a width of the gap  900 . In use, the ring-shaped bearing  703  is placed within the hole and the screw  708  is actuated until the ring-shaped bearing  703  is securely engaged within the hole  714  such that the rotating bearing  703  does not rotate but permits rotation of the bearing rings  712 / 713 . The bearing rings  712 / 713  are affixed about the ring-shaped bearing  703  such that the bearing rings  712 / 713  freely rotate. Advantageously, the adjustability provided by threaded screw  708  permits the pieces to be fabricated without needing to resort to precision manufacturing techniques, as variations in each unit can be accommodated by adjusting the threaded screw  708 . Additionally, one can control how freely and smoothly the bearing rings  712 / 713  rotate by changing the tension on the gap  900 . For example, a manufacturer may adjust the tension to an acceptable value prior to the product being shipped to a consumer. 
         [0032]    This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.