Patent ID: 6945241

Claim:
A safe-draw archery bowstring release, comprising: a handle for pulling back the bowstring, the handle having a gripping portion and a post extending forward from the gripping portion; a piston slidably disposed in the post and biased forward toward an open end of the post by means of a spring, the piston having a forward locking portion; a link pivotally mounted to a forward end of the post by means of an axle, the link having a single hole extending thereinto, the hole being in registration with the piston in one and only one pivotal position of the link with respect to the handle, allowing the locking portion of the piston to extend into the hole and locking the link from further pivoting with respect to the handle; the link having a half-circle shaped cam fixably mounted thereto; a hood mounted to the link, the hood pivotally supporting a hook by means of an axle; the hook having a curved end adapted to engage a bowstring or looped rope, and a tapered end adapted to engage a curved edge of the cam; the parts arranged such that during draw of a bowstring, the piston is out of registration with the link hole, and the tapered end of the hook is in engagement with the curved surface of the cam, which positions the hook so that the curved end will engage the bowstring, or rope loop; and in order to release the bowstring, an archer will rotate the handle in a first direction so that the piston will engage the link hole, and then rotate the handle in a second direction so that the cam attached to the link will rotate out of engagement with the hook, allowing the hook to pivot and release the bowstring, or rope loop.