Adjustable back tension rope release

Abstract

A triggerless back tension release for use with a bow string includes a handle portion including at least two finger grooves with a post extending substantially perpendicularly away from the handle portion; a two-link release head assembly secured to a fork rotatably secured in the post for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the post, the two-link release head assembly including an intermediate link pivotably mounted on said fork and a forward link pivotably mounted to said intermediate link; a rope loop having two free ends secured to the forward link; and a sear pivotably secured to the forward link, the sear having a hook adapted to receive the rope loop. The free ends of the rope loop are secured to the forward link at a location closely adjacent the hook and forward of the pivot axis, such that, when the rope loop is wrapped about a bow string and slipped over the hook, a gap between doubled-back strands of the rope between the bow string and the release head remains substantially constant or increases in a direction toward the bow string.

Description

This invention relates to a bow string release and, more specifically, to a triggerless back-tension type release.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various release devices are utilized in archery to assist the archer in pulling a bow string to a fully drawn position and then releasing the bow string to fire an arrow. Many of these devices include mechanical grippers that engage the bow string directly, or that engage nock elements mounted on the bow string. Other devices use rope looped about the bow string as the release mechanism with or without a mechanical trigger. In release devices of the latter kind, the looped rope is often subject to a twisting action as the archer draws the bow string due to a cocking or turning action of the archer's wrist. This kind of twist or torque applied to the release rope can result in reduced arrow speed and accuracy.

Conventional triggerless back tension rope releases are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,694,915 and 5,965,884. In release aids of this type, it is simply a slight movement of the archer's arm and/or hand, after the arrow is fully drawn, that causes the release of the rope loop from the rope loop hook on the sear, and the concurrent release of the bow string.

It is known to provide a sensitivity adjustment feature that permits adjustment of a “pawl” member that engages the sear to thereby change the degree of movement of the archer's hand required to release the arrow. Increased sensitivity, however, increases the potential for accidental premature firing and/or the possibility of injury to the archer as is or her arm snaps back toward the face.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a triggerless back tension rope release that provides additional freedom of movement during draw by incorporating a two-link release head assembly, each link (a forward link and an intermediate link) freely pivotable about respective pivots relative to each other and to the release handle. The sear, formed with a rope loop hook, is pivotably mounted on the forward link while the pawl is adjustably fixed for movement with the intermediate link. This arrangement allows the archer to draw the bow, with the handle portion of the release assuming various positions and angles throughout the draw cycle, relative to the release head assembly but without affecting the relationship between the pawl and the sear. A locking mechanism is provided that includes mutually perpendicular drive and locking rods that can be actuated through a lever in the handle portion to lock the intermediate link of the release head in any desired position, but leaving the forward link that supports the sear free to swivel relative to its respective pivot axis, but with its arcuate range limited by the position of the intermediate link. In this locked position, the handle, intermediate link and pawl will move together relative to the sear. The arrow can then be released by the conventional movement or flexing of the hand and/or wrist that causes the pawl to move to a position that releases the sear for movement that concurrently causes the rope loop to disengage from the sear hook and the arrow to fire, under the influence of tension in the bow string.

The above described release head assembly and locking mechanism allows the archer to find the optimum draw position before locking the intermediate link, eliminating or at least significantly reducing any potential premature firing of the arrow.

It is another feature of the invention to fix the rope loop ends at a location on the forward link of the release head assembly that is closely adjacent and forward of the pivot pin of the sear, and more particularly, closely adjacent the rope loop hook on the sear. This arrangement insures that the release rope travels from its connection holes in the forward link in a straight line around the bow string and back to the sear hook, where the distance between the release rope lengths at the bow string is equal to or greater than the distance between the release rope lengths at the rope connection holes in the sear and the rope loop hook on the sear. In other words, the distance between the rope release lengths at the sear is substantially equal to or less than the diameter of the bow string. This insures that the bow string is maintained accurately in the exact same position of the release rope “cradle,” not allowing the bow string to slide or move to a varying positions, thereby maintaining a consistent amount of back tension travel to release the shot.

In another embodiment of the invention, the release head assembly is mounted in a fork that is freely rotatably adjustable through 360° about a post projecting from the release handle. The release head assembly may be locked in the desired position via the handle by means of a wedge-like locking pin.

Thus, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a triggerless back tension release for use with a bow string, the release comprising a handle portion including at least two finger grooves with a post extending substantially perpendicularly away from the handle portion; a two-link release head assembly secured to a fork rotatably secured in the post for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the post, the two-link release head assembly including an intermediate link pivotably mounted on the fork and a forward link pivotably mounted to the intermediate link; a rope loop having two free ends secured to the forward link; and a sear pivotably secured to the forward link, the sear having a hook adapted to receive the rope loop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the release in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the release shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a cross section through the release shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , but with intermediate and forward links of the release head assembly rotated relative to one another, and with a locking mechanism in an unlocked position;

FIG. 4 is a cross section similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating the forward and intermediate links of the release head assembly with the intermediate link rotated relative to the forward link of the release head assembly, and with the locking mechanism in a locked position;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of a locking lever incorporated into the release shown in FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the lever illustrated in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a toggle link incorporated into the release shown in FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of a drive rod incorporated into the release shown in FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the drive rod shown in FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a right end elevation of the drive rod shown in FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation of a locking rod incorporated into the release shown in FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIG. 12 is an end elevation of the locking rod shown in FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of an intermediate link incorporated into the release shown in FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the intermediate link shown in FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 is a partial assembly, illustrating the manner in which the locking rod engages the intermediate link;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation of a pawl component incorporated into the assembly shown in FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the pawl shown in FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation of a forward link of the release head assembly incorporated into the assembly shown in FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIG. 19 is an end elevation of the forward link shown in FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of the forward link shown in FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation of a sear component incorporated into the release shown in FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the sear illustrated in FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 23 is a side elevation of the forward link and sear components, with a rope loop wrapped about a bow string and secured to a rope loop hook on the sear;

FIG. 24 is a side elevation of a release handle in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a fork component taken from FIG. 24 ; and

FIG. 26 is a side elevation of a locking pin used in the release handle of FIG. 24 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference initially to FIGS. 1-4 , the release 10 generally includes a handle portion 12 formed with finger grooves 14 , 16 , 18 and 20 for four-fingered engagement. The number of grooves may be varied as desired, however, depending on personal preference. For example, the release could also have two or three finger grooves. A post 22 extends generally perpendicularly away from the handle portion 12 , between the first and second finger grooves 14 and 16 , terminating at a fork including a pair of substantially identical laterally spaced bosses 23 , 24 .

A release head assembly 26 includes intermediate and forward release links 28 and 30 , respectively. The intermediate link 28 is pivotally mounted to the post 22 via pin 32 , while the forward release link 30 is pivotally mounted to the intermediate release link 28 via pin 34 . A pawl 36 ( FIGS. 1 , 3 , 16 and 17 ) in the form of a truncated or generally D-shaped disk, is adjustably fixed to the intermediate link 28 , also via pin 34 and a set screw 38 ( FIG. 3 ) threadably received in a bore 40 in the intermediate link. A sear 42 is pivotally secured to the forward release link 30 via pin 43 . The sear 42 has a forward rope loop hook 44 for receiving a rope loop L, and a rearward edge 46 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) that cooperates with the pawl 36 as explained further below. It will be appreciated that the loop L is adapted to be wrapped about a bow string S, with the end of the loop L slipped over the hook 44 , as illustrated in FIG. 23 .

Handle portion 12 supports a locking lever 48 adjacent the index finger groove 14 that is adapted for engagement by the user's thumb. The lever 48 is operatively connected to the intermediate release link 28 via cooperating drive and locking rods as described below. A more detailed description of all of the various component parts of the release follows.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the handle portion 12 (preferably made of aluminum) is machined to provide a blind bore 50 , counterbored at 52 , and is adapted to receive a drive rod 54 . With reference also to FIGS. 8-10 , the latter is generally cylindrical in shape, with a spherical or ball-shaped rearward end 56 and a main body portion 58 , with an enlarged diameter portion 60 having a forward radial shoulder 62 located between the end 56 and main body portion 58 . Adjacent the forward end of the main body portion, a tapered cam surface 64 is formed in a circumferential portion of the drive rod, merging with a forward tip 66 . Note that the cam surface 64 and forward tip 66 occupy just over 50% of the cross sectional area of the drive rod main body portion 58 as apparent from FIGS. 8-10 .

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 but with additional reference to FIGS. 5-7 , the spherical or ball-shaped rearward end 56 of the drive rod 54 is received within a cradle portion 68 of a toggle link 70 . The latter is pivotally secured between a pair of raised bosses 72 , 74 on the lever 48 via pin 76 that is press fit within aligned holes 78 , 80 in the bosses 72 , 74 of lever 48 , passing through aligned hole 82 in the link 70 . It will be appreciated that the toggle link 70 is pivotable about the pin 76 . The lever 48 is, in turn, secured to the handle portion 12 via pin 84 that passes through hole 85 in lever 48 such that the lever is pivotable about the pin. The lever 48 is formed with a pair of opposite user engageable ends 86 , 88 and is adapted to seat in an asymmetrically shaped recess 90 machined into the end of the handle portion, recess 90 opening to the counterbore 52 . A coil spring 92 located between shoulder 94 of counterbore 52 and the forward shoulder 62 of the drive rod 54 to bias the drive rod to the left (as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4 ).

In the position shown in FIG. 4 , the lever 48 has been pressed at 88 to cause the lever to pivot in a counterclockwise direction about the pin 84 , causing the toggle link 70 and drive rod 54 to be drawn to the left as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4 by the lever 48 , with drive rod 54 following under the influence of spring 92 . Note in this position that pin 76 is substantially centered on the longitudinal axis of the drive rod 54 .

A locking rod 96 is slidably mounted in a bore 98 , counterbored at 100 and extending primarily within the post 22 , but perpendicularly intersecting the bore 50 . The locking rod 96 is formed near its lower end (as viewed in FIGS. 3 , 4 , 11 and 12 ), with a cut-out portion 102 to one side of the rod, as defined by an upper flat surface 104 and a lower radiused cam surface 106 . The surface 106 is engageable by tapered cam surface 64 of the drive rod 54 .

The locking rod 96 is also formed with an enlarged diameter portion 108 (as defined in part by shoulder 110 ) that slides in the counterbore 100 . A coil spring 112 is located between shoulder 110 and shoulder 114 of the counterbore 100 , thus biasing the locking rod 96 in a direction toward the release head assembly 26 . The forward end of the locking rod is formed as a solid truncated cone 116 that serves as the locking surface as described further below.

As noted above, the intermediate link 28 of the release head assembly 26 is pivotally mounted on the remote end of the post 22 , in a space between laterally spaced bosses 23 , 24 via pin 32 . The intermediate link 28 (also shown in FIGS. 13-15 ) includes a pair of flanges 118 , 120 that establish an upper groove or recess 122 therebetween, the base 124 of the groove being curved as best seen in FIGS. 1 , 4 and 13 . The upper groove or recess 122 receives the D-shaped pawl 36 , and the threaded bore 40 opens into the recess 122 and receives the set screw 38 . Thus, pawl 36 may be adjusted rotationally about pin 34 and fixed in place via set screw 38 when it is in the desired position vis-a-vis the sear edge 46 . In this regard, the pawl 36 includes a radiused surface 128 and a chordal, straight surface 130 that define edges 132 , 134 . A smooth bore hole 136 in the pawl is alignable with holes (one shown at 138 in FIG. 13 ) in the flanges 118 , 120 for receiving pin 34 as described further below.

The flanges 118 , 120 also define a lower recess 140 that is defined in part by opposed, tapered surfaces 142 , 144 ( FIG. 15 ) that are centered above the locking rod 96 . With particular reference to FIG. 15 , it can be seen that axial movement of rod 96 will cause the truncated, cone-shaped end 116 of the rod to engage or disengage surfaces 142 , 144 depending on the direction of movement of the rod 96 . More specifically, the truncated cone 116 of the locking rod 96 will engage the surfaces 142 , 144 when the locking rod 96 is raised (as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4 ), and conversely, will disengage when the locking rod is lowered. When engaged, the intermediate link 28 is fixed relative to the post 22 and handle portion 12 to prevent unwanted pivoting motion of the intermediate link 28 during final draw and shoot movements of the archer's hand and/or wrist.

The intermediate link 28 also includes aligned holes, one shown at 146 , that align with holes in the post bosses 23 , 24 for receiving the pin 32 . Note that link 28 fits between the bosses 23 , 24 . Pin 32 is press fit within aligned holes in the bosses 23 , 24 , but permits rotation of link 28 about the pin. One end of the link 28 is provided with an upstanding tab 150 that projects generally toward the forward link 30 , and that serves as a movement limiter for the forward link.

The forward link 30 of the release head assembly includes a base portion 152 with laterally spaced sides 154 , 156 . At the end of the forward link 30 closest the intermediate link 28 , aligned holes 158 , 160 are provided in the respective sides 154 , 156 . These holes align with a second set of aligned holes in the intermediate link 28 (see hole 138 in FIG. 13 ), permitting press fit of pin 34 to pivotally secure the forward link to the intermediate link 28 . Pin 34 is press fit into the holes 158 , 160 but sufficient clearance is provided in the aligned holes in the intermediate link 28 and pawl 36 so that the forward link 30 and pin 34 rotate together relative to the intermediate link 28 and pawl 36 . Adjacent the remote end of the forward link 30 , aligned holes, one shown at 162 , are provided for receiving in press fit relationship the pin 43 that also passes through the sear 42 to pivotally secure the latter to the forward link 30 . Closely adjacent the holes 162 are another pair of holes, one shown at 164 , that retain free ends of the loop L. The latter may be inserted through the holes and then melted (or heat riveted) to secure the loop ends to the forward link 30 as best seen in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 23 .

Sear 42 is best seen in FIGS. 21 and 22 and is formed with a hole 170 that aligns with holes 162 so that pin 43 can be press fit into the forward link 30 to secure the sear to the forward link, but free to pivot about the pin 43 .

Given the above construction, it is apparent that the sear 42 is pivotable relative to the forward link 30 , but with limits imposed by the pawl 36 and surface 166 of the forward link 30 . The forward link 30 is also pivotable relative to the intermediate link 28 via pin 34 , within limits set by tab 150 and pawl 36 . The intermediate link 28 is pivotable via pin 32 relative to the post 22 within limits set by the fork formed by post bosses 23 , 24 . The operation of the release 10 will now be described.

With reference to FIG. 3 , when the end 86 of lever 48 is depressed, the lever 48 will pivot about pin 84 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 3 ), pushing the toggle link 70 to the right, with the cradle 68 acting on the ball 56 of the drive rod 54 , causing the latter to move to the right as well. As the drive rod cam surface 64 rides over the cam surface 106 on the locking rod 96 , the latter will be pulled downwardly, against the bias of spring 112 , and thus causing the forward truncated cone-shaped end 116 of the locking rod 96 to disengage from the surfaces 142 , 144 on the intermediate link 28 , thus freeing the latter for pivoting movement about the pin 32 .

As the lever 48 reaches the limit of its travel, pivot pin 76 that mounts the toggle link 70 to the lever, swings just beyond the longitudinal axis of the drive rod 54 , against the bias of spring 92 . The shape of the cradle 68 enables the drive connection with the ball 56 to be maintained as the rearward end of the toggle moves to its “over-the-center” position, thereby maintaining the drive rod 54 in its extended position, holding the locking rod 96 in an unlocked or retracted position.

When the opposite end 88 of the lever 48 is depressed, the toggle link 70 swings back to a substantially centered position, allowing spring 92 to push the drive rod 54 rearwardly (to the left in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) such that cam surfaces 64 and 106 disengage sufficiently to allow spring 90 to push the locking rod 96 and its tapered end 116 forward into engagement with the surfaces 142 , 144 on the intermediate link 28 , thereby locking the intermediate link 28 relative to the post 22 .

To use the release, end 86 of the lever 48 is initially depressed to free up the intermediate link 28 as described above, such that both the intermediate and forward links 28 , 30 of the release head assembly 26 are free to pivot or swivel throughout their respective ranges of movement, relative to the post 22 (and hence handle portion 12 ) and relative to each other. With the sear edge 46 located behind the pawl edge 134 , i.e., edge 46 is to the right of edge 134 as viewed in FIG. 3 . The rope L is then looped about the bow string (see FIG. 23 ) and slipped over the hook portion 44 of the sear 42 . The sear 42 , pivotally supported on the forward link 30 , can be properly located with edge 46 behind the pawl edge 134 due to the ability of the forward link to rotate relative to the intermediate link 28 , and of course, the ability of the sear 42 to rotate relative to the forward link 30 . In this position, the sear is prevented from moving past the pawl, absent movement of the pawl relative to the sear.

As the archer draws the release toward his chest and face, any lateral movement of the hand and subsequent rotation of the handle portion 12 will not translate to the intermediate link 28 or to the pawl 36 which is fixed thereto, because of the freedom of the release handle portion 12 to rotate relative to the release head assembly 26 , and of the intermediate and forward links 28 , 30 to rotate relative to each other.

When the full draw position is reached, or just prior, and with the optimum draw position having been achieved, the archer will depress the end 88 of lever 48 , actuating the locking rod as explained above, to lock the intermediate link 28 in the desired position. Now, the intermediate link 28 and pawl 36 are fixed relative to the release post 22 and handle portion 12 , but the forward link 30 (and sear 42 ) is still free to rotate about pin 34 , but limited by the position of tab 150 . The archer can now fire the arrow by a slight rotation of the handle and intermediate link 28 , causing the pawl edge 134 to rotate past the sear edge 46 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4 , thus releasing the sear 42 and hook 44 for rotation in a clockwise position that, in turn, releases the rope loop L and the bow string S under the influence of tension in the bow string.

With specific reference to FIG. 23 , it is significant that as the bow string is being drawn to a fully tensioned position, the adjacent and doubled back strands 172 , 174 of the loop L are maintained in a closely and substantially parallel relationship. In fact, the distance between the strands 172 , 174 remains substantially equal, or even increases slightly in the direction of the bow string. This arrangement is achieved by locating hook 44 adjacent pin 43 and rope loop ends 176 adjacent and forward of pin 43 . This relationship insures that the bow string remains substantially fixed in the cradle or loop of the rope L throughout the draw, insuring consistent release points and accuracy of the shots.

Turning now to FIGS. 24-26 , a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated that provides an additional degree of adjustability. The handle 178 of the release is substantially identical to the handle 12 , but the fork 180 has been formed as a separate component, i.e., unlike the handle 12 , the fork 180 is not integral with the axially shortened post 182 . In this embodiment, the fork 180 fits into the post 182 and is rotatable relative thereto. Specifically, and with particular reference to FIG. 25 , the fork 180 includes a main center body portion 184 that is cylindrical in shape with an annular groove 186 adjacent its lower end. A fork body 188 extends upwardly from the center body portion 184 and includes a pair of laterally spaced bosses 190 , 192 with aligned holes 194 , 196 that are adapted to receive the pin 32 by which the intermediate and forward release links 28 , 30 are secured to the fork.

The main center body portion 184 is formed with a through bore 198 that opens at a surface 200 at the base of the bosses 190 , 192 .

The main center body portion 184 of the fork is adapted to be slidably received in a bore formed in the shortened post 182 in the handle 178 , with the internal locking rod 96 extending through the bore 198 and interacting with the release link assembly in exactly the same manner as described hereinabove.

A locking pin 202 , best seen in FIG. 26 , is sized to pass through a suitable sized hole in the handle, located so as to permit the forward reduced diameter, tapered end 204 of the pin 202 to engage within the annular groove 186 in the lower end of the fork body 184 . It will thus be appreciated that the fork including the release link assembly may be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the post 182 and then locked in the desired position by tapping the enlarged rearward end 206 of the locking pin 204 into place. The tapered forward end 206 of the pin thus serves as a wedge to securely hold the fork in the desired position. This feature provides yet a further degree of adjustability ion adapting the release to its user.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A triggerless back tension release for use with a bow string, the release comprising:a handle portion including at least two finger grooves with a post extending substantially perpendicularly away from said handle portion; a two-link release head assembly secured to a fork rotatably secured in said post for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the post, said two-link release head assembly including an intermediate link pivotably mounted on said fork and a forward link pivotably mounted to said intermediate link; a rope loop having two free ends secured to said forward link; and a sear pivotably secured to said forward link, said sear having a hook adapted to receive said rope loop.

2. The release of claim 1 and further comprising a pawl fixed to said intermediate link and arranged to engage an edge of said sear and to release said sear upon relative movement between said pawl and said sear.

3. The release of claim 2 wherein said pawl comprises a substantially D-shaped disk having an arcuate edge that is engaged by said rearward edge of said sear, said pawl mounted for rotation on said intermediate link to thereby permit adjustable movement of said arcuate edge relative to said rearward edge of said sear; and means for locking said pawl in a desired position relative to said rearward edge of said sear.

4. The release of claim 1 and further comprising a lever in said handle portion and a locking rod slidably received in said post and said fork and selectively engageable with said intermediate link, said lever operatively connected to said locking rod to move said locking rod toward or away from said intermediate link.

5. The release of claim 4 wherein a drive rod is slidably received in said handle portion and connected to said lever by a toggle link pivotally connected to said lever; a forward end of said drive rod and a rearward end of said locking rod having cooperating cam surfaces such that movement of said drive rod toward said locking rod causes said locking rod to move away from said intermediate link.

6. The release of claim 5 wherein said drive rod is formed with a substantially ball-shaped rearward end that is nested within a cradle portion of said toggle link.

7. The release of claim 6 wherein a pivot axis of said toggle link is moveable from a position substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the drive rod to a position offset from said longitudinal axis as said drive rod moves toward said locking rod.

8. The release of claim 7 wherein said lever includes press surfaces at opposite ends thereof such that pressing one end of said lever causes said drive rod to move toward said locking rod and to move said locking rod away from said intermediate link, and pressing the other end of said lever causes said drive rod to move away from said locking rod and permitting said first spring to move said locking rod into engagement with said intermediate link.

9. The release of claim 4 wherein said locking rod is engaged by a first spring arranged to bias said locking rod toward said intermediate link.

10. The release of claim 9 wherein said drive rod is engaged by a second spring arranged to bias said drive rod away from said locking rod.

11. The release of claim 4 wherein said intermediate link is free to rotate about a first pivot pin in said fork and wherein said locking rod has a tapered end movable into engagement with said intermediate link upon movement of said lever to lock said intermediate link relative to said handle portion in any position within a range of movement of said intermediate link.

12. The release of claim 11 wherein said forward link is rotatable about a second pivot pin fixed to said intermediate link whether said intermediate link is locked or unlocked.

13. The release of claim 12 wherein said intermediate link includes a tab positioned to limit pivoting movement of said forward link when said intermediate link is locked.

14. The release of claim 4 wherein said handle portion is formed with four finger grooves, said post located between first and second of said finger grooves and wherein said lever is located in an end of said handle portion adjacent said first of said finger grooves.

15. The release of claim 1 wherein said fork includes a cylindrical body portion received within a bore formed in said post, said cylindrical body having an external annular groove; and further wherein a locking pin is located in a hole formed in said handle portion, in alignment with said external annular groove.

16. The release of claim 15 wherein a forward portion of said locking pin is tapered, thereby serving to wedge lock the fork and said two-link release head assembly in a desired rotational position relative to said post.