Bowstring release device

• US 4,567,875 A
• Filed: 11/26/1984
• Issued: 02/04/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/1982
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: James D. Fletcher
• Original Assignee: James D. Fletcher
• Inventors: Fletcher, James D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pinkham, Richard C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Layno, Benjamin
• Application Number:
  US06/675,382
• Time in Patent Office: 435 Days
• Field of Search: 124/35 R, 124/35 A
• US Class Current: 124/35.2
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 5/1469 Bow-string drawing or releasing devices F41B5/1473 takes precedence

Abstract

An improved mechanical bowstring release device automatically biased to the locked position comprises a hollow, preferably generally cylindrical housing having a central space along the length thereof and a bowstring retainer bar pivotally secured to the housing in the space. A string-retaining end of the bar extends into an opening in the front end of the housing. The bar also includes an opposite coupling end. The bar is pivotable between a bowstring-drawing locked position and a bowstring-releasing unlocked position. An elongated lever arm extends longitudinally of and is pivoted in the housing space, the rear portion thereof extending rearwardly of the housing, the front end thereof being adjacent and generally rearward of the retainer coupling end. One or more couplers connect the front end of the lever arm and the coupling end of the bar. A biasing spring automatically urges the front end of the arm into a position which locks the bar. Finger pressure against the arm rear end results in pivoting of that arm front end to cause movement of the couplers and bar coupling end to cause the bar to pivot into the unlocked string-releasing position. A retainer limit component is also present to prevent rotation of the retainer bar to an unlocked position unbiased by the biasing spring toward the locked position.

Claims

1. An improved mechanical bowstring release device automatically biased to the locked position, said device comprising, in combination:

a. a hollow housing having a longitudinal space therein extending to the front end thereof;

b. a bowstring retainer pivotally secured in said space and including a bowstring-retaining end extending transversely into and terminating in said housing at the front end of said space and pivotable between a locked bowstring-retaining first position blocking the front end of said space to trap said bowstring in said space and an unlocked bowstring-releasing space-opening second position, said retainer also including a coupling end extending laterally of said housing; and

,

c. trigger means for locking said retainer in said first position and for urging said retainer into said unlocked second position to release said bowstring, said trigger means being;

i. an elongated lever arm pivotally secured in said space, the rear end of said arm curving rearwardly of said housing, the front end of said lever arm positioned generally rearwardly of and adjacent said coupling end of said retainer,

ii. coupling means connected to and positioned between said coupling end of said retainer and said front end of said lever arm, said coupling means comprising a roller rotatably secured to the front end of said lever arm, a second roller on said retainer coupling end slideably engaging said first roller and wherein a curved camming surface on said retainer coupling end is provided adjacent said first roller, said coupling means extending out of said housing and rotatable generally transversely with the front end of said lever arm into said housing and into said unlocked position;

iii. a biasing spring in said frame bearing against said lever arm to urge said first roller into contact with said second roller to bias said retainer into said locked position; and

,

iv. retainer movement limit means in said housing preventing rotational movement of said retainer into an unlocked position.

2. The improved release device of claim 1 wherein said device includes a lever arm limit screw in said housing behind said lever arm pivot point.

3. The improved release device of claim 2 wherein said limit screw and said biasing spring are adjustable and generally transverse of said housing, said biasing spring being forward of said pivot point in said space.

4. The improved release device of claim 1 wherein said device includes a bowstring draw cord in the form of a closed loop secured to said housing and extending forwardly thereof.

5. The improved release device of claim 1 wherein said retainer movement limit means comprises a surface of said retainer engageable with the surface defining said opening to prevent further over rotation of said retainer.