Patent Publication Number: US-8522765-B1

Title: Bowstring release device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/589,041 filed on Aug. 17, 2012. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to archery accessories, and more particularly to a device for releasably holding a bowstring in a drawn position. 
     In the field of archery, and prior to the advent of the compound bow, bowstrings have been drawn by use of the fingers on the hand of the archer. In order to protect the fingers of the archer, leather protectors that covered the middle and forefingers of the drawing hand and wrapped around the wrist were provided. However, it is well known that manual release of the bowstring adversely affects the flight and accuracy of the arrow. With the advent of compound bows, more variables were introduced including lateral movement and increased draw forces, thereby making impractical the use of fingers for directly drawing the bow. Accordingly, several bowstring release devices have been proposed over the years. 
     Although such devices may be adequate, at least when newly manufactured, for permitting the draw and release of a bowstring to minimize potential injury to the archer and improve shooting accuracy, they are subject to wear, as well as unpredictable and cumulative manufacturing tolerances due to variations in the manufacturing process. The cumulative tolerance errors introduced into the assembly of the various parts of the bowstring release device can lead to assembled products that do not meet the minimum requirements for drawing and holding a bowstring under substantial pull forces. For example, a gap between juxtaposed faces of opposing jaws may become too large to properly hold the bowstring. In such an event, the assembly must be rejected, thus increasing manufacturing costs and labor for bowstring release devices that do pass the minimal manufacturing requirements. In addition, such devices may also become inoperative in the field due to wear caused by repeated use. 
     In addition, prior art jaw arrangements can be inherently unstable since the pivot joint of many jaws allow movement about more than one axis. Accordingly, the jaws may not only move in the intended pivot direction, but may also move, albeit slightly, in opposing lateral directions, giving a feeling of sloppiness to the end user, and thus lead to a lower level of confidence during use. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a bowstring release assembly that overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the invention, a bowstring release mechanism includes a housing and first and second jaws pivotally connected to the housing. The first jaw has a first lateral face and a laterally extending first groove formed in the first lateral face and extending thereacross. The second jaw has a second lateral face and a laterally extending second groove formed in the second lateral face and extending thereacross. The first and second jaws are movable with respect to each other between closed and open positions for respectively retaining and releasing a bowstring. A cylindrically-shaped bearing is located in the first and second grooves to thereby laterally restrain movement of the first and second jaws while permitting pivotal movement thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be best understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements throughout the drawings, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a bowstring release assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a bowstring release mechanism in accordance with the present invention in the closed position for holding a bowstring; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the bowstring release mechanism in the open position for receiving and releasing a bowstring; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric view thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the bowstring release mechanism in the closed position taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the bowstring release mechanism in the open position taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a bowstring release mechanism in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention in the closed position for holding a bowstring; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the bowstring release mechanism of  FIG. 7  in the open position for receiving and releasing a bowstring; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded isometric view thereof; 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view of the bowstring release mechanism in the closed position taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the bowstring release mechanism in the open position taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of a bowstring release mechanism in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention in the closed position for holding a bowstring; 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the bowstring release mechanism of  FIG. 12  in the open position for receiving and releasing a bowstring; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded isometric view thereof; 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the bowstring release mechanism in the closed position taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 12 ; and 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view of the bowstring release mechanism in the open position taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     It is noted that the drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope thereof. It is further noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, and to  FIG. 1  in particular, a bowstring release assembly  10  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The bowstring release assembly  10  preferably includes an adjustable wrist strap  12  and a release mechanism  14  connectable to the wrist strap via an extension member  16  for releasably engaging a bowstring  18  (shown in broken line in  FIG. 1 ) and/or a conventional string loop or “D” loop (not shown) associated with the bowstring. The present invention is primarily adapted for use with compound bows due to the high pull forces that otherwise may injure the fingers of an archer, but may also be used with recurve bows, reflex bows, longbows, and so on. 
     The wrist strap  12  preferably includes a flexible V-shaped base member  20  that is adapted to at least partially surround the wrist when worn by an archer. A connecting member  22  is preferably attached to the apex  24  of the base member  20  via a pair of looped bands  26  and  28  that extend through slots  30  and  32 , respectively, of the connecting member  22 . The extension member  16  is preferably pivotally connected to the connecting member  22  to accommodate different hand shapes and sizes, as well as the preferences of individual archers for positioning the release mechanism  14  at a desired location with respect to the thumb and/or forefinger of an archer. A pair of anchor mechanisms  34  and  36  are connected to the flexible base member  20  and work together with a retractable cable (not shown) for cinching the wrist strap  12  around the wrist of a user. Further details of the wrist strap  12  can be found in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/314,330 filed on Dec. 8, 2011 and assigned to TruGlo, Inc., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. It will be understood that the wrist strap  12  and extension member  16  can be of any suitable or conventional construction without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-6 , the release mechanism  14  preferably includes a housing  38 , a jaw section  40  extending forwardly therefrom, a trigger section  42  positioned in the housing rearwardly of the jaw section and operable to manipulate the opening and closing of the jaw section, and a connecting section  44  that forms part of the housing and is located rearwardly of the trigger section for connection to an extension member  16  ( FIG. 1 ) or the like. 
     The jaw section  40  preferably includes a first jaw  46  and second jaw  48  pivotally connected to the housing  38  via first and second pivot pins  50  and  52 , respectively. The pivot pin  50  extends through an opening  54  ( FIG. 4 ) formed in a first wall  56  of the housing  38 , an opening  58  formed in the first jaw  46 , and an opening  60  formed in a second wall  62  of the housing  38 . Likewise, the pivot pin  52  extends through an opening  64  formed in the first wall  56  of the housing  38 , an opening  66  formed in the second jaw  48 , and an opening  68  formed in a second wall  62  of the housing  38 . The pivot pins  50 ,  52  are preferably cylindrical in shape with grooved or fluted end portions  70  that are press-fit into their respective openings  54 ,  64  to prevent rotation of the pivot pins with respect to the housing. The openings  58  and  66  of the jaws  46  and  48 , respectively, are preferably slightly larger in diameter than the pivot pins so that the jaws  46  and  48  freely pivot about their respective pins. 
     The first jaw  46  preferably includes a main body portion  74 , a hook portion  72  extending from the main body portion in one direction, and a bifurcated link portion  76  extending from the main body portion in an opposite direction. The hook portion  72  preferably curves in a 90-degree arc from the body portion and has a jaw face  78  that faces the jaw face  80  of the second jaw  48  when the release mechanism  14  is in the closed position, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  5 . The main body portion  74  preferably includes the opening  58  which extends laterally therethrough, a cylindrically-shaped bore  82  formed longitudinally in the main body portion  74  from a lateral face  86  thereof, and a cylindrically-shaped groove  84  formed in the lateral face  86  and extending laterally therealong. The bifurcated link portion  76  preferably includes a first leg  88  and a second leg  90  that extend from the main body portion  74  with a gap  92  located therebetween. Openings  94  and  96  extend through the legs  88  and  90 , respectively, for receiving a third pivot pin  98 . 
     The second jaw  48  also preferably includes a main body portion  100 , a hook portion  102  extending from the main body portion in one direction, and a bifurcated link portion  104  extending from the main body portion in an opposite direction. The hook portion  102  preferably curves in a 90-degree arc from the body portion and has a jaw face  80  that faces the jaw face  78  of the first jaw  46  when the release mechanism  14  is in the closed position. The main body portion  100  preferably includes the opening  66  which extends laterally therethrough, and a cylindrically-shaped bore  106  ( FIG. 5 ) formed longitudinally in a lateral face  110  of the main body portion  100 . The main body portion also includes a cylindrically-shaped groove  108  formed in the lateral face  110  that extends laterally therealong. The bifurcated link portion  104  preferably includes a first leg  112  and a second leg  114  that extend from the main body portion  100  with a gap  116  located therebetween. Openings  118  and  120  extend through the legs  112  and  114 , respectively, for receiving a fourth pivot pin  122 . Grooves  124  and  126  are respectively formed in the walls  56  and  62  of the housing  38 . The main body portions  74  and  100  of their respective jaws  46  and  48  are located in the grooves  124  and  126 . 
     A compression spring  125  is received in the cylindrically-shaped bores  82  and  106  of the first and second jaws  46  and  48 , respectively, so that the jaws can quickly separate when the trigger section  42  is actuated. A cylindrically-shaped bearing  127  is received in the cylindrically-shaped grooves  84  and  108  of the first and second jaws  46  and  48 , respectively, and serves as a mutual pivot connection to allow pivoting movement of the jaws between the open and closed positions, while substantially reducing or eliminating lateral movement of the jaws, as represented by arrows  129  and  131 , respectively. Accordingly, the faces  78  and  80  of the jaws  46  and  48 , respectively, will remain laterally aligned during pivoting movement between opened and closed positions, as well as when lateral forces may be applied to one or both jaws, such as when the bowstring  18  ( FIG. 1 ) or D-loop may be exerting unequal forces on the jaws during draw-back of the bow, improper alignment between the bowstring (or D-loop) and the jaws, and so on. The grooves  84  and  108  offer substantially more surface area over prior art arrangements, which helps to reduce the load placed on the jaws since the pivot connection is subjected to linear loading rather than point loading. 
     The trigger section  42  preferably includes an adjustment portion  128 , a seat portion  130 , and a lever portion  132 . The lever portion is adapted to be manipulated by a finger or thumb of the user to move the jaws between their open and closed positions and, to that end, preferably includes a first curved segment  134  for engagement with a finger or thumb when pulling the trigger section  42  in a direction to open the jaws and a second curved segment  136  on an opposite side of the lever portion  132  for engagement with a finger or thumb when pushing the trigger section in an opposite direction to close the jaws. It will be understood that the lever portion  132  can be of any desired shape without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     The seat portion  130  is located adjacent to the lever portion  132  and includes a channel  138  for receiving a sear roller  140 . The sear roller  140  is preferably cylindrical in shape and has an outer bearing surface  142  that rides along a side wall or first sear surface  144  associated with the channel  138  and a second sear surface  146  associated with the adjustment portion  128  as the trigger section  42  is rotated between the jaw closed position shown in  FIG. 5  and the jaw open position shown in  FIG. 6 . The sear roller  140  also includes a central bore  148  for receiving the fourth pivot pin  122  so that the roller is rotatably mounted thereon between the first leg  112  and second leg  114  of the bifurcated link portion  104 . A threaded opening  150  is preferably formed in the bottom wall  152  of the seat portion  130 . An adjustment member or screw  154  is located in the threaded opening  150  and includes an upper surface  156  that can engage the sear roller  140  for adjusting the position of the sear roller with respect to the sear surfaces  144  and  146 . In this manner, the sensitivity of the trigger section  42  can be adjusted by turning the screw  154  in or out so that the trigger is respectively easier or harder to actuate, to thereby accommodate the individual preferences of different users. 
     The adjustment portion  128  of the trigger section  42  preferably includes a bifurcated body  158  with a first leg  160  and a second leg  162  separated by a slot  164  that extends into the body  158  from a top surface  166  thereof. The slot  164  terminates at a circular aperture  168  that extends transversely through the body  158 . In this manner, the legs  160  and  162  are biased toward each other. A threaded opening  170  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) is formed in the body  158  and extends from a bottom surface  172  thereof to the circular aperture  168 . An adjustment member  174  has a threaded section  176  that engages the threaded opening  170  and a wedge section  178  that engages the slot  164 . A depression  180  is formed in the adjustment member  174  for receiving a tool or the like so that the adjustment member  174  can be rotated toward and away from the slot  164 . To that end, the wedge section  178  is preferably of frustoconical shape. However, it will be understood that the wedge section  178  can be of any suitable shape without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, so long as the wedge section serves to widen the slot as it moves further into the slot. An opening  182  extends transversely through the second leg  162  for receiving the third pivot pin  98  so that the trigger section  42  is rotatably mounted thereon between the first leg  88  and second leg  90  of the bifurcated link portion  76 . 
     In operation, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the bowstring  18  is located in a space  184  created by the closed jaws ( FIG. 5 ) of the release mechanism  14 . A small gap or slit  186  is preferably formed between the jaw faces  78  and  80  when the jaws are in the closed position. It will be understood that the “gap” or “slit” may vary from completely closed where the jaw faces  78  and  80  are in direct contact with each other, to a position where the jaw faces are separated by a distance, which may vary. Due to tolerance limitations and assembly variations during manufacturing, as well as wear that may occur over time when in use, the gap  186  or a portion thereof may vary from mechanism to mechanism. When manufacturing dimensions vary by larger amounts than desired, a cumulative effect occurs where the jaws may fail to close properly and thus fail to properly hold the bowstring  18 , especially when substantial forces are applied against the jaws when the user is in an aiming stance with the bow fully drawn. Accordingly, the present invention advantageously enables the manufacturer and/or the end user to adjust the gap or slit  186  so that the jaws  46  and  48  are at the proper position to retain the bowstring when substantial forces are present. In order to reduce the gap  186 , the adjustment member  174  is rotated in a first direction, such as clockwise, to move the wedge section  178  further into the slot  164  to thereby cause the slot to expand, which ultimately moves the jaws  46  and  48  closer together to decrease the size of the gap  186 . Likewise, in order to increase the gap  186 , the adjustment member  174  is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, such as counter-clockwise, to move the wedge section  178  further out of the slot  164  to thereby cause the slot to contract, which ultimately moves the jaws  46  and  48  further apart to increase the size of the gap  186 . In this manner, deviations in manufacturing dimensions and assembly, and increases in the gap size due to wear, can be precisely controlled without the need for specifying excessively narrow tolerances (which greatly increases manufacturing costs) or disposing of the release mechanism  14  in the event that the size of the gap  186  is not within an acceptable range. Accordingly, a substantial amount of material cost, labor, and unnecessary disposal of mechanisms that would otherwise be out of spec are eliminated by the adjustment capability of the present invention. 
     In order to separate the jaws  46  and  48  during use, the trigger section  42  is pulled or rotated in a direction as noted by arrow  187  in  FIG. 5 , thereby causing the roller  140  to ride along the first sear surface  144 , cross the sear edge  188  (the over-center position) between the first and second sear surfaces, and rest on the second sear surface  146 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . As the roller crosses the over-center position, the jaws  46  and  48  quickly snap open under biasing force from the compression spring  125  about the bearing  127  to release the bowstring  18  in a direction as represented by arrow  189 . In order to close the jaws  46  and  48 , the trigger section  42  is rotated in the opposite direction until the roller  140  passes the sear edge  188  to thereby cause the jaws to snap closed. With this arrangement, the jaws will not open until released by the trigger section  42 . A resilient, impact-absorbing pad  190  can be positioned in a depression  192  ( FIG. 4 ) formed in an inner surface  194  of the housing  38  for cushioning the trigger section  42  when the jaws are moved toward the open position. However, it will be understood that the pad  190  and associated depression can be eliminated without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-11 , a release mechanism  200  in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The release mechanism  200  preferably includes a housing  202 , a jaw section  204  extending forwardly therefrom, a trigger section  206  positioned in the housing rearwardly of the jaw section and operable to manipulate the opening and closing of the jaw section, and a connecting section  208  that forms part of the housing and is located rearwardly of the trigger section for connection to an extension member  16  ( FIG. 1 ) or the like. 
     As in the previous embodiment, the jaw section  204  preferably includes a first jaw  210  and second jaw  212  pivotally connected to the housing  202  via first and second pivot pins  214  and  216 , respectively. The first pivot pin  214  extends through an opening  218  ( FIG. 9 ) formed in a first wall  220  of the housing  202 , an opening  222  formed in the first jaw  210 , and an opening  224  formed in a second wall  226  of the housing  202 . Likewise, the second pivot pin  216  extends through an opening  228  formed in the first wall  220  of the housing  202 , an opening  230  formed in the second jaw  212 , and an opening  232  formed in a second wall  226  of the housing  202 . The pivot pins  214 ,  216  are preferably cylindrical in shape with grooved or fluted end portions  234  that are press-fit into their respective openings  218 ,  228  to prevent rotation of the pivot pins with respect to the housing. The openings  222  and  230  of the jaws  210  and  212 , respectively, are preferably slightly larger in diameter than the pivot pins so that the jaws freely pivot about their respective pins. 
     The first jaw  210  preferably includes a main body portion  238 , a hook portion  236  extending from the main body portion in one direction, and a bifurcated link portion  240  extending from the main body portion in an opposite direction. The hook portion  236  preferably curves in a 90-degree arc from the body portion and has a jaw face  242  that faces the jaw face  244  of the second jaw  212  when the release mechanism  200  is in the closed position, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 10 . The main body portion  238  preferably includes the opening  222  which extends laterally therethrough, and a cylindrically-shaped bore  246  and a semi-cylindrically-shaped groove  248  formed in a lateral face  250  of the main body portion  238 . The bifurcated link portion  240  preferably includes a first leg  252  and a second leg  254  that extend from the main body portion  238  with a gap  256  located therebetween. Openings  258  and  260  extend through the legs  252  and  254 , respectively, for receiving a third pivot pin  262 . 
     The second jaw  212  also preferably includes a main body portion  264 , a hook portion  266  extending from the main body portion in one direction, and a bifurcated link portion  268  extending from the main body portion in an opposite direction. The hook portion  266  preferably curves in a 90-degree arc from the body portion and has a jaw face  244  that faces the jaw face  242  of the first jaw  210  when the release mechanism  200  is in the closed position. The main body portion  264  preferably includes the opening  230  which extends laterally therethrough, and a cylindrically-shaped bore  270  and a semi-cylindrically-shaped groove  272  ( FIG. 10 ) formed in a lateral face  274  of the main body portion  264 . The bifurcated link portion  268  preferably includes a first leg  276  and a second leg  278  that extend from the main body portion  264  with a gap  280  located therebetween. Openings  282  and  284  extend through the legs  276  and  278 , respectively, for receiving a fourth pivot pin  286 . 
     Steps  288  and  290  are respectively formed in the walls  220  and  226  of the housing  202  to form a first space  292  and a narrower second space  294 . The main body portions  238  and  264  of their respective jaws  210  and  212  are located in the first space  292  while a portion of the trigger section  206  is located in the second space  294 . 
     A compression spring  296  is received in the cylindrically-shaped bores  246  and  270  of the first and second jaws  210  and  212 , respectively, so that the jaws can quickly separate when the trigger section  206  is actuated. 
     A cylindrically-shaped bearing  298  is received in the cylindrically-shaped grooves  248  and  272  of the first and second jaws  210  and  212 , respectively, and serves as a mutual pivot connection to allow pivoting movement between the jaws between the open and closed positions, while substantially reducing or eliminating lateral movement of the jaws  210  and  212 , as represented by arrows  199  and  301 , respectively. Accordingly, the faces  242  and  244  of the jaws  210  and  212 , respectively, will remain laterally aligned during pivoting movement between opened and closed positions, as well as when lateral forces may be applied to one or both jaws, such as when the bowstring  18  or D-loop may be exerting unequal forces on the jaws during draw-back of the bow, improper alignment between the bowstring (or D-loop) and the jaws, and so on. 
     The trigger section  206  preferably includes an adjustment portion  300 , a link portion  302 , and a lever portion  304 . The lever portion preferably includes a first curved segment  306  for engagement with a finger or thumb when pulling the trigger section  206  in one direction to open the jaws and a second curved segment  308  on an opposite side of the lever portion  206  for engagement with a finger or thumb when pushing the trigger section in an opposite direction to close the jaws. As in the previous embodiment, it will be understood that the lever portion  304  can be of any desired shape without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     The link portion  302  preferably includes a link bracket  312  and a channel  310  located between the lever portion  304  and the link bracket  312 . The link bracket  312  includes a first leg  314  and a second leg  316  with a gap formed therebetween for receiving a link arm  318 . To that end, openings  320  and  322  are respectively formed in the legs  314  and  316  for receiving a fifth pivot pin  324 . The link arm  318  includes a first opening  326  through which the pivot pin  324  extends for pivotally mounting the link arm  318  to the trigger section  206 . The link arm  318  also includes a second opening  328  through which the third pivot pin extends when the associated end of the link arm  318  is positioned in the gap  256  of the bifurcated link portion  240  of the first jaw  210 . The link arm  318  is thus rotatable with respect to the first jaw  210  and the trigger section  206  to thereby pivotally link the first jaw and trigger section together. A threaded opening  330  is preferably formed in the bottom wall  332  of the channel  310 . An adjustment member or screw  334  is located in the threaded opening  330  and includes an upper surface  336  ( FIG. 10 ) that engages the link arm  318  in the vicinity of the third pivot pin  262  for adjusting the position of the lever portion  304  with respect to the link arm  318 . In this manner, the sensitivity of the trigger section  206  can be adjusted by turning the screw  334  in or out so that the trigger is respectively easier or harder to actuate, to thereby accommodate the individual preferences of different users. 
     The adjustment portion  300  of the trigger section  206  preferably includes a bifurcated body  338  with the link bracket  312  functioning as a first leg, a second leg  340 , and a slot  342  located between the first and second legs. The slot  342  extends into the body  338  from a top surface  344  thereof. The slot  342  preferably terminates at a dove-shaped aperture  346  that extends transversely through the body  338 . In this manner, the legs  312  and  340  are biased toward each other. A threaded opening  348  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ) is formed in the body  338  and extends from a bottom surface  350  thereof to the dovetail-shaped aperture  346 . An adjustment member  352  has a threaded section  354  that engages the threaded opening  348  and a wedge section  356  that engages the walls of the dovetail-shaped aperture  346 . A depression  358  is formed in the adjustment member  352  for receiving a tool or the like (not shown) so that the adjustment member  352  can be rotated toward and away from the slot  342 . To that end, the wedge section  356  is preferably of semi-spherical shape. However, it will be understood that the wedge section  356  can be of any suitable shape without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, so long as the wedge section serves to widen the slot as it moves toward the slot. An opening  360  extends transversely through the second leg  340  for receiving the fourth pivot pin  286  so that the trigger section  206  is rotatably mounted thereon between the first leg  276  and second leg  278  of the bifurcated link portion  268 . 
     In operation, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the bowstring  18  is located in a space  362  between the closed jaws ( FIG. 10 ) of the release mechanism  200 . As in the previous embodiment, a small gap or slit  364  is preferably formed between the jaw faces  242  and  244 . In order to reduce the gap  364 , the adjustment member  352  is rotated in a first direction, such as clockwise, to move the wedge section  356  further toward the slot  342  to thereby cause the slot to expand which ultimately moves the jaws  210  and  212  closer together to decrease the size of the gap  364 . Likewise, in order to increase the gap  364 , the adjustment member  352  is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, such as counter-clockwise, to move the wedge section  356  away from the slot  342  to thereby cause the slot to contract which ultimately moves the jaws  210  and  212  farther apart to increase the size of the gap  364 . The widening and narrowing of the slot  342  changes the relationship between the pivot pin  286  and the over-center position of the link arm  318 . In this manner, deviations in manufacturing dimensions and assembly, and increases in the gap size due to wear, can be precisely controlled without the need for specifying excessively narrow tolerances (which greatly increases manufacturing costs) or disposing of the release mechanism  200  in the event that the size of the gap  364  is not within an acceptable range. Accordingly, a substantial amount of material cost, labor, and unnecessary disposal of mechanisms that would otherwise be out of spec are eliminated by the adjustment capability of the present invention. 
     In order to separate the jaws  210  and  214  during use, the trigger section  206  is pulled or rotated in a direction as noted by arrow  366  in  FIG. 10 , thereby causing the link arm  318  to move past an over-center position and causing the jaws  210  and  212  to quickly snap open under biasing force of the compression spring  296  about the pivot joint defined by the bearing  298  to release the bowstring  18  in a direction as represented by arrow  368 . In order to close the jaws  210  and  212 , the trigger section  206  is rotated in the opposite direction until the link arm  318  passes the over-center position to thereby cause the jaws to snap closed. With this arrangement, the jaws will not open until released by the trigger section  206 . A resilient, impact-absorbing pad  370  can be positioned in a depression  372  ( FIG. 10 ) formed in an inner surface  374  of the housing  202  for cushioning the trigger section  206  when the jaws are moved to the open position. A resilient, impact-absorbing pad  376  is also located in a depression  378  formed in the first jaw  210  to cushion the trigger section  206  when the jaws  210 ,  212  are in the closed position. However, it will be understood that one or more of the pads  370 ,  376  and their associated depressions can be eliminated without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12-16 , a release mechanism  380  in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The release mechanism  380  preferably includes a housing  382 , a jaw section  384  extending forwardly therefrom, a trigger section  386  positioned in the housing rearwardly of the jaw section and operable to manipulate the opening and closing of the jaw section, and a connecting section  388  that forms part of the housing and is located rearwardly of the trigger section for connection to an extension member  16  ( FIG. 1 ) or the like. 
     The jaw section  384  preferably includes a first jaw  390  and second jaw  392  pivotally connected to the housing  382  via first and second pivot pins  394  and  396 , respectively. The pivot pin  394  extends through an upper opening  398  ( FIG. 14 ) formed in a first wall  400  of the housing  382 , an opening  402  formed in the first jaw  390 , and an upper opening  404  formed in a second wall  406  of the housing  382 . Likewise, the pivot pin  396  extends through a lower opening  408  formed in the first wall  400  of the housing  382 , an opening  410  formed in the second jaw  392 , and a lower opening  412  formed in the second wall  406  of the housing  382 . The pivot pins  394 ,  396  are preferably cylindrical in shape with grooved or fluted end portions  414  that are press-fit into their respective openings  398 ,  408  to prevent rotation of the pivot pins with respect to the housing. The openings  402  and  410  of the jaws  390  and  392 , respectively, are preferably slightly larger in diameter than the pivot pins so that the jaws freely pivot about their respective pins. 
     The first jaw  390  preferably includes a main body portion  418  a hook portion  416  extending from the main body portion in one direction, and a bifurcated link portion  420  extending from the main body portion in an opposite direction. The hook portion  416  preferably curves in a 90-degree arc from the body portion and has a jaw face  422  that faces the jaw face  424  of the second jaw  392  when the release mechanism  380  is in the closed position, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 15 . 
     An adjustment portion  426  is associated with the hook portion  416  and preferably includes a slot or gap  428  that extends into the body of the hook portion  416  from an upper surface  430  thereof to thereby form a lever arm  432  extending between a first adjustment portion  434  and a second adjustment portion  436 . A counterbore opening  438  is formed in the first adjustment portion  434  for receiving the head  440  of a bolt  442  or other threaded fastener. A threaded opening  445  ( FIG. 16 ) is also formed in the second adjustment portion  436  for receiving the threaded shaft  444  of the bolt  442 . With this arrangement, the shaft  444  of the bolt  442  extends through and transverse to the slot  428 . In operation, when it is desirous or expedient to widen a gap  446  ( FIG. 15 ) between the jaw faces  422  and  424 , the threaded fastener  442  is rotated in one direction, such as clockwise when the threads are right-handed, to pull the first adjustment portion  434  toward the second adjustment portion  436  thereby widening the gap  446 . Conversely, when it is desirous or expedient to narrow the gap  446 , the threaded fastener  442  is rotated in the opposite direction to pull the first adjustment portion  434  away from the second adjustment portion  436  thereby narrowing the gap  446 . Operation of the adjustment portion  426  in this manner is completely independent of trigger position. It will be understood that other means can be used for adjusting the relative position between the first and second adjustment portions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     The main body portion  418  preferably includes the opening  402  which extends laterally therethrough, and a cylindrically-shaped bore  448  ( FIG. 15 ) and a semi-cylindrically-shaped groove  449  formed in a lateral face  451  of the main body portion  418 . formed longitudinally therein. The bifurcated link portion  420  preferably includes a first leg  450  and a second leg  452  that extend from the main body portion  418  with a gap  454  located therebetween. Openings  456  and  458  extend through the legs  450  and  452 , respectively, for receiving a third pivot pin  460 . As in the first embodiment, a sear roller  462  is positioned in the gap  454  and rotatable with respect to the legs  450  and  452  via the third pivot pin  460  that extends through a central bore  464  ( FIG. 14 ) of the sear roller. 
     The second jaw  392  also preferably includes a main body portion  466 , a hook portion  468  extending from the main body portion in one direction, and a bifurcated link portion  470  extending from the main body portion in an opposite direction. The hook portion  468  preferably curves in a 90-degree arc from the body portion and has a jaw face  424  that faces the jaw face  422  of the first jaw  390  when the release mechanism  380  in the closed position. The main body portion  466  preferably includes the opening  410  which extends laterally therethrough, and a cylindrically-shaped bore  472  ( FIG. 14 ) and cylindrically-shaped groove  474  formed longitudinally in a lateral face  476  of the main body portion  466 . The bifurcated link portion  470  preferably includes a first leg  478  and a second leg  480  that extend from the main body portion  466  with a gap  482  located therebetween. Openings  484  and  486  extend through the legs  478  and  480 , respectively, for receiving a fourth pivot pin  488 . 
     A compression spring  490  is received in the cylindrically-shaped bores  448  and  472  of the first and second jaws  390  and  392 , respectively, so that the jaws can quickly separate when the trigger section  386  is actuated. A cylindrically-shaped bearing  492  is received in the cylindrically-shaped grooves  449  and  476  of the first and second jaws, respectively, and serves as a common pivot connection about which the jaws pivot during jaw movement between the open and closed positions. 
     The trigger section  386  preferably includes a pivot portion  494 , a seat portion  496 , and a lever portion  498 . The lever portion is adapted to be manipulated by a finger or thumb of the user to move the jaws between their open and closed positions. The seat portion  496  is located adjacent to the lever portion  498  and includes a channel  500  for receiving the sear roller  462 . The sear roller  462  preferably has an outer bearing surface  502  that rides along a side wall or first sear surface  504  associated with the channel  500  and a second sear surface  506  associated with the pivot portion  494  as the trigger section  386  is rotated between the jaw closed position shown in  FIG. 15  and the jaw open position shown in  FIG. 16 . A threaded opening  508  is preferably formed in the bottom wall  510  of the seat portion  496 . An adjustment member or screw  512  is located in the threaded opening  508  and includes an outer surface  514  that can engage the sear roller  462  for adjusting the position of the sear roller with respect to the sear surfaces  504  and  506 . In this manner, the sensitivity of the trigger section  386  can be adjusted by turning the screw  512  in or out so that the trigger is respectively easier or harder to actuate, to thereby accommodate the individual preferences of different users. An opening  516  extends transversely through the pivot portion  494  for receiving the fourth pivot pin  488  so that the trigger section  386  is rotatably mounted thereon between the first leg  478  and second leg  480  of the bifurcated link portion  470 . 
     The connecting section  388  preferably includes a hollow tubular member  518  with dimples or depressions  520  located on an outer surface thereof and an opening  522  extending through the hollow tubular member so that the connecting section can be removably mounted to a wrist strap  12  ( FIG. 1 ) or the like in a known manner. It will be understood that the connecting section can be configured in a variety of different shapes and connecting configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     It will be understood that the term “preferably” as used throughout the specification refers to one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention and therefore is not to be interpreted in any limiting sense. In addition, terms of orientation and/or position as may be used throughout the specification denote relative, rather than absolute orientations and/or positions. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. By way of example, although both jaws of the preferred embodiments of the invention are movable when the trigger is actuated, it will be understood that one of the jaws can remain stationary without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, the particular shape of the jaws, the jaw faces, the lateral grooves, and so on, are not limited to what has been shown and described, but may encompass other shapes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. By way of example, the lateral grooves may be triangular-shaped, square-shaped, and so on and the jaw faces may be rounded or pointed rather than flat. It will be understood, therefore, that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but also covers modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.