Holding and releasing bowstrings

• US 6,953,035 B1
• Filed: 04/05/2004
• Issued: 10/11/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gregory E Summers Trust Agreement Dated December 8 2006
• Original Assignee: Gregory E. Summers
• Inventors: Rentz, Marc T., Summers, Gregory E., Summers, Randy V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ricci, John A.
• Application Number:
  US10/818,332
• Time in Patent Office: 554 Days
• Field of Search: 124/35.2
• US Class Current: 124/35.2
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 5/1469 Bow-string drawing or releasing devices F41B5/1473 takes precedence

Abstract

A device to hold and release a bowstring includes a part that can be locked, held in position, or caused to move with a user-held portion such as a handle. A back tension release device can, for example, include a handle portion; a release assembly on the handle portion with a part of the release assembly able to pivot relative to the handle portion; and a locking mechanism. A user holding the handle portion, with the release assembly holding a bowstring, can control the locking mechanism. When unlocked, the locking mechanism allows the part to pivot, but, when locked, the locking mechanism locks it so that the part moves with the handle portion. The part can, for example, be a pawl head that, when locked, moves with the handle and releases a sear element.

Claims

1. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a handle portion;

a release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the release assembly being mounted on the handle portion so that a part of the release assembly can pivot relative to the handle portion; and

a locking mechanism that can be controlled by a user who is holding the handle portion while the release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

when unlocked, the locking mechanism allowing the part of the release assembly to pivot relative to the handle portion while the user pulls the handle portion to increase tension on the bowstring;

when locked by the user upon reaching a desired position, the locking mechanism locking the part of the release assembly so that the part moves with the handle portion, causing release of the bowstring.

2. The device of claim 1 in which the release assembly comprises a rope loop that can hold a bowstring.

3. The device of claim 1 in which the locking mechanism is in the handle portion.

4. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a handle portion;

the handle portion including a post;

a release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the release assembly being mounted on a free end of the post so that a part of the release assembly can pivot relative to the handle portion; and

a locking mechanism that can be controlled by a user who is holding the handle portion while the release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

when unlocked, the locking mechanism allowing the part of the release assembly to pivot relative to the handle portion;

when locked, the locking mechanism locking the part of the release assembly so that the part moves with the handle portion.

5. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a handle portion;

a release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the release assembly being mounted on the handle portion so that a part of the release assembly can pivot relative to the handle portion;

the part of the release assembly including an intermediate link pivotally mounted on the handle portion;

the release assembly further including a forward link pivotally mounted to the intermediate link; and

a locking mechanism that can be controlled by a user who is holding the handle portion while the release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

when unlocked, the locking mechanism allowing the part of the release assembly to pivot relative to the handle portion;

when locked, the locking mechanism locking the part of the release assembly so that the part moves with the handle portion.

6. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a handle portion;

a release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the release assembly being mounted on the handle portion so that a part of the release assembly can pivot relative to the handle portion;

the part of the release assembly being a pawl head pivotally mounted on the handle portion;

the release assembly further including a yoke pivotally mounted on the handle portion; and

a locking mechanism that can be controlled by a user who is holding the handle portion while the release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

when unlocked, the locking mechanism allowing the part of the release assembly to pivot relative to the handle portion;

when locked, the locking mechanism locking the part of the release assembly so that the part moves with the handle portion.

7. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a handle portion;

a release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the release assembly being mounted on the handle portion so that a part of the release assembly can pivot relative to the handle portion; and

a locking mechanism that can be controlled by a user who is holding the handle portion while the release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

when unlocked, the locking mechanism allowing the part of the release assembly to pivot relative to the handle portion;

when locked, the locking mechanism locking the part of the release assembly so that the part moves with the handle portion;

the locking mechanism including a lever and first and second rods;

the lever being movable by the user to cause change in position of the first rod, the change in position of the first rod in turn causing change in position of the second rod.

8. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a handle portion;

a release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the release assembly being mounted on the handle portion so that a part of the release assembly can pivot relative to the handle portion; and

a locking mechanism that can be controlled by a user who is holding the handle portion while the release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

when unlocked, the locking mechanism allowing the part of the release assembly to pivot relative to the handle portion;

when locked, the locking mechanism locking the part of the release assembly in position relative to the handle portion;

the locking mechanism being controllable by the user to lock the part of the release assembly in any of a range of positions.

9. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a handle portion;

a release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the release assembly being mounted on the handle portion so that a part of the release assembly can pivot relative to the handle portion; and

a lever on the handle portion;

the lever being movable between first and second positions under control of a user who is holding the handle portion while the release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

in the lever'"'"'s first position, the part of the release assembly being free to pivot relative to the handle portion while the user pulls the handle portion to increase tension on the bowstring;

after the user moves the lever from the first position to the second position upon reaching a desired bowstring position, the part of the release assembly moving with the handle portion, causing release of the bowstring.

10. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a handle portion;

a release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the release assembly including;

a first component that can hold a bowstring under tension; and

a second component that can cause release of the bowstring by moving relative to the first component;

the release assembly being mounted on the handle portion so that the first component can move relative to the second component and the second component can pivot relative to the handle portion; and

a locking mechanism that can be controlled by a user who is holding the handle portion while the release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

when unlocked, the locking mechanism allowing the second component of the release assembly to pivot relative to the handle portion so that the user can pull the handle portion to increase tension on the bowstring without causing release of the bowstring;

when locked, the locking mechanism locking the second component of the release assembly so that a movement of the handle portion causes the second component to move relative to the first component, causing the release assembly to release the bowstring.

11. The device of claim 10 in which the second component includes an intermediate link pivotally mounted on the handle portion and the first component includes a forward link pivotally mounted to the intermediate link.

12. The device of claim 10 in which the second component includes a pawl head pivotally mounted on the handle portion and the first component includes a yoke pivotally mounted on the handle portion.

13. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a handle portion;

a release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the release assembly being mounted on the handle portion so that a component of the release assembly can pivot relative to the handle portion; and

a locking rod in the handle portion that can be moved to lock the component of the release assembly in position so that the component moves with the handle portion;

the component having a recess with opposed surfaces;

the locking rod having an end;

in any of a number of locking positions, the end engaging the opposed surfaces of the recess.

14. The device of claim 13 in which the opposed surfaces are tapered.

15. The device of claim 13 in which the locking rod'"'"'s end has a truncated cone shape.

16. The device of claim 13 in which the handle portion further includes a post;

the release assembly being mounted on a free end of the post;

the locking rod extending through the post.

17. The device of claim 13 in which the release assembly comprises a rope loop that can hold a bowstring.

18. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a handle portion;

a release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the release assembly including;

a first component that can hold a bowstring under tension; and

a second component that can cause release of the bowstring by moving relative to the first component;

the release assembly being mounted on the handle portion so that the first component can move relative to the second component and the second component can pivot relative to the handle portion; and

a locking mechanism that can be controlled by a user who is holding the handle portion while the release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

when unlocked, the locking mechanism allowing the second component of the release assembly to pivot relative to the handle portion so that the user can pull the handle portion to increase tension on the bowstring without causing release of the bowstring;

when locked, the locking mechanism locking the second component of the release assembly so that a movement of the handle portion causes the second component to move relative to the first component, causing the release assembly to release the bowstring;

the locking mechanism including a locking rod in the handle portion that can be moved to lock the second component of the release assembly in any of a number of locking positions;

the second component having a recess with opposed tapered surfaces;

the locking rod having an end with a truncated cone shape;

in any of the locking positions, the end engaging the opposed tapered surfaces of the recess.

19. The device of claim 18 in which the second component includes an intermediate link pivotally mounted on the handle portion and the first component includes a forward link pivotally mounted to the intermediate link;

the intermediate link having the recess defined therein.

20. The device of claim 18 in which the second component includes a pawl head pivotally mounted on the handle portion and the first component includes a yoke pivotally mounted on the mounting part of the handle portion;

the pawl head having the recess defined therein.

21. A back tension release for use with bowstrings, the release comprising:

a handle;

a release assembly including;

a first component secured to a portion of the handle, the first component being rotatable about an axis; and

a second component that holds a bowstring; and

a locking lever operatively connected through the handle to lock the first component relative to the handle in any of a range of positions of rotation about the axis.

22. The release of claim 21 in which the release assembly comprises a rope loop that can hold a bowstring.

23. The release of claim 21 in which the first component includes an intermediate link pivotally mounted on the handle.

24. The release of claim 21 in which the first component is a pawl head pivotally mounted on the handle.

25. A back tension release for use with bowstrings, the release comprising:

a handle;

a release assembly including;

a first component pivotally mounted relative to a portion of the handle;

a sear element that holds a bowstring;

the sear element being carried on the first component;

the sear element having a sear edge; and

a second component arranged to interact with the sear edge; and

a locking rod in the portion of the handle and movable to lock the second component relative to the handle so that, upon movement of the handle, the second component releases the sear element and thereby releases the bowstring.

26. The release of claim 25 in which the release assembly comprises a rope loop that can hold a bowstring.

27. The release of claim 25 in which the second component is a pawl head pivotally mounted on the handle.

28. A back tension release for use with bowstrings, the release comprising:

a handle;

a release assembly including;

a first component pivotally mounted relative to a portion of the handle;

the first component including a yoke with a pair of laterally spaced sides and ears depending from the sides;

a first pin extending through the ears and a portion of the handle to pivotally mount the first component on the portion of the handle;

a sear element that has a sear edge and a hook that holds a bowstring;

a second pin extending through the laterally spaced sides of the first component and through the sear element to pivotally mount the sear element on the first component; and

a pawl head between the ears of the first component and pivotally mounted by the first pin on the portion of the handle;

the pawl head having a pawl edge arranged to interact with the sear edge; and

a locking rod in the handle and movable to lock the pawl head relative to the handle so that, upon movement of the handle, the pawl head releases the sear element and thereby releases the bowstring.

29. The release of claim 28 in which the release assembly comprises a rope loop that can hold a bowstring.

30. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a user-held portion that is held by a user;

a hold-and-release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the hold-and-release assembly being mounted on the user-held portion so that a part of the hold-and-release assembly can move relative to the user-held portion; and

a mechanism that can be controlled by the user who is holding the user-held portion while the hold-and-release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

in a first state, the mechanism allowing the part of the hold-and-release assembly to move relative to the user-held portion while the user pulls the user-held portion to increase tension on the bowstring;

after the user changes the mechanism from the first state to a second state upon reaching a desired position, the mechanism causing the part of the hold-and-release assembly to move with the user-held portion, causing release of the bowstring.

31. The device of claim 30 in which the hold-and-release assembly can hold and release a bowstring with a rope loop.

32. The device of claim 30 in which the mechanism is in the user-held portion.

33. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a user-held portion that is held by a user;

the user-held portion further including a post;

a hold-and-release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the hold-and-release assembly being mounted on a free end of the post so that a part of the hold-and-release assembly can move relative to the user-held portion; and

a mechanism that can be controlled by the user who is holding the user-held portion while the hold-and-release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

in a first state, the mechanism allowing the part of the hold-and-release assembly to move relative to the user-held portion;

in a second state, the mechanism causing the part of the hold-and-release assembly to move with the user-held portion.

34. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a user-held portion that is held by a user;

a hold-and-release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the hold-and-release assembly being mounted on the user-held portion so that a part of the hold-and-release assembly can move relative to the user-held portion;

the part of the hold-and-release assembly including an intermediate link pivotally mounted on the user-held portion;

the hold-and-release assembly further including a forward link pivotally mounted to the intermediate link; and

a mechanism that can be controlled by the user who is holding the user-held portion while the hold-and-release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

in a first state, the mechanism allowing the part of the hold-and-release assembly to move relative to the user-held portion;

in a second state, the mechanism causing the part of the hold-and-release assembly to move with the user-held portion.

35. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a user-held portion that is held by a user;

a hold-and-release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the hold-and-release assembly being mounted on the user-held portion so that a part of the hold-and-release assembly can move relative to the user-held portion;

the part of the hold-and-release assembly being a pawl head pivotally mounted on the user-held portion;

the hold-and-release assembly further including a yoke pivotally mounted on the user-held portion; and

a mechanism that can be controlled by the user who is holding the user-held portion while the hold-and-release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

in a first state, the mechanism allowing the part of the hold-and-release assembly to move relative to the user-held portion;

in a second state, the mechanism causing the part of the hold-and-release assembly to move with the user-held portion.

36. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a user-held portion that is held by a user;

a hold-and-release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the hold-and-release assembly being mounted on the user-held portion so that a part of the hold-and-release assembly can move relative to the user-held portion; and

a mechanism that can be controlled by the user who is holding the user-held portion while the hold-and-release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

in a first state, the mechanism allowing the part of the hold-and-release assembly to move relative to the user-held portion;

in a second state, the mechanism causing the part of the hold-and-release assembly to move with the user-held portion;

the mechanism including a lever and first and second rods;

the lever being movable by the user to cause change in position of the first rod, the change in position of the first rod in turn causing change in position of the second rod.

37. A method of operating a device to hold and release bowstrings, the device including a user-held portion, a hold-and-release assembly mounted on the user-held portion, and a mechanism that can be controlled by a user holding the user-held portion;

the method comprising;

while holding the user-held portion with the hold-and-release assembly holding a bowstring under tension and with the mechanism in a first state, pulling the user-held portion to increase tension on the bowstring;

the mechanism in the first state allowing a part of the hold-and-release assembly to move relative to the user-held portion;

when the bowstring is in a desired position, changing the mechanism to a second state;

the mechanism in the second state causing the part of the hold-and-release assembly to move with the user-held portion; and

moving the user-held portion, causing the part of the hold-and-release assembly to move so that the hold-and-release assembly releases the bowstring.

38. The method of claim 37 in which the user-held portion is held in a hand.

39. The method of claim 37 in which changing the mechanism to the second state comprising:

moving a thumb to operate the mechanism.

40. The method of claim 37, further comprising:

after the bowstring is released, changing the mechanism to the first state.

41. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a user-held portion that is held by a user;

a hold-and-release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the hold-and-release assembly being mounted on the user-held portion so that a part of the hold-and-release assembly can move relative to the user-held portion; and

a lever on the user-held portion;

the lever being movable between first and second positions under control of the user who is holding the user-held portion while the hold-and-release assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

in the lever'"'"'s first position, the part of the hold-and-release assembly being free to move relative to the user-held portion while the user pulls the user-held portion to increase tension on the bowstring;

after the user moves the lever from the first position to the second position upon reaching a desired bowstring position, the part of the hold-and-release assembly moving with the user-held portion, causing release of the bowstring.

42. A device to hold and release bowstrings, the device comprising:

a user-held portion that is held by a user; and

a hold-and-release assembly that can hold and release a bowstring;

the hold-and-release assembly being mounted on the user-held portion;

the hold-and-release assembly including;

a first component that can hold a bowstring under tension; and

a second component that can cause release of the bowstring by moving relative to the first component;

the user-held portion further including a mechanism that can be changed between first and second states by the user who is holding the user-held portion while the first component holds a bowstring under tension;

in the first state, the mechanism allowing the second component to move relative to the user-held portion so that the user can pull the handle portion to increase tension on the bowstring without causing release of the bowstring;

in the second state, the mechanism causing the second component to move with the user-held portion so that a movement of the user-held portion causes the second component to move relative to the first component, causing release of the bowstring;

the mechanism including;

a lever with first and second ends that the user can press to change the lever between first and second positions;

a first rod in the user-held portion;

the first rod having an end that can engage the second component; and

a second rod in the user-held portion;

the second rod having an end that responds to the lever;

as the lever changes between its first and second positions, the second rod changing the first rod between an engaged position in which the first rod'"'"'s end engages the second component and holds it in one of its possible positions and a disengaged position in which the first rod'"'"'s end does not engage the second component.

43. A handle for a device to hold and release bowstrings, the handle comprising:

a user-held portion that is held by a user of the device;

the user-held portion including a mounting part on which can be mounted an assembly that can hold and release bowstrings;

the assembly including a movable element that can move relative to the user-held portion; and

a mechanism within the user-held portion that can be changed between first and second states by the user who is holding the user-held portion while the assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

in the first state, the mechanism allowing the movable element to move relative to the user-held portion;

in the second state, the mechanism causing the movable element to move with the user-held portion;

the mechanism including;

a first rod in the user-held portion;

the first rod having an end that can engage the movable element; and

a second rod in the user-held portion;

the second rod responding to the user by changing the first rod between an engaged position in which the first rod'"'"'s end engages the movable element and holds it in one of its possible positions and a disengaged position in which the first rod'"'"'s end does not engage the movable element.

44. A handle for a device to hold and release bowstrings, the handle comprising:

a user-held portion that is held by a user of the device;

the user-held portion including a mounting part on which can be mounted an assembly that can hold and release bowstrings;

the assembly including a movable element that can move relative to the user-held portion; and

a mechanism within the user-held portion that can be changed between first and second states by the user who is holding the user-held portion while the assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

in the first state, the mechanism allowing the movable element to move relative to the user-held portion;

in a second state, the mechanism causing the movable element to move with the user-held portion;

the mechanism including;

a first rod slidably mounted in the user-held portion;

the first rod having an end that can engage the movable element;

the first rod further having a rounded cam surface;

a second rod slidably mounted in the user-held portion;

the second rod responding to the user by changing the first rod between an engaged position in which the first rod'"'"'s end engages the movable element and holds it in one of its possible positions and a disengaged position in which the first rod'"'"'s end does not engage the movable element;

the second rod having a tapered cam surface that engages the first rod'"'"'s rounded cam surface; and

a biasing element for biasing the first rod toward the engaged position.

45. A handle for a device to hold and release bowstrings, the handle comprising:

a user-held portion that is held by a user of the device;

the user-held portion including a mounting part on which can be mounted an assembly that can hold and release bowstrings;

the assembly including a movable element that can move relative to the user-held portion; and

a lever on the user-held portion;

the lever being movable between first and second positions under control of the user who is holding the user-held portion while the assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

in the lever'"'"'s first position, the movable element being free to move relative to the user-held portion while the user pulls the user-held portion to increase tension on the bowstring;

after the user moves the lever from the first position to the second position upon reaching a desired bowstring position, the movable element moving with the user-held portion, causing release of the bowstring.

46. A handle for a device to hold and release bowstrings, the handle comprising:

a user-held portion that is held by a user of the device;

the user-held portion including a mounting part on which can be mounted an assembly that can hold and release bowstrings;

the assembly including a movable element that can move relative to the user-held portion; and

a mechanism within the user-held portion that can be changed between first and second states by the user who is holding the user-held portion while the assembly holds a bowstring under tension;

in the first state, the mechanism allowing the movable element to move relative to the user-held portion;

in the second state, the mechanism causing the movable element to move with the user-held portion;

the mechanism including;

a lever with first and second ends that the user can press to change the lever between a first position in which the movable element is held in one of its possible positions and a second position in which the movable element can move relative to the handle; and

first and second elements mounted in the user-held portion that respond to the lever'"'"'s position by causing engagement or disengagement with the movable element;

the first element having a ball-shaped end;

the second element having a cradle that receives the ball-shaped end and a portion that connects pivotally to the lever.