ARCHERY RELEASE DEVICES, AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

An archery release device and related systems and methods of use are described. The archery release device may include a casing, a generally at least partially spherical body positioned or positionable in the casing, a trigger operably connected to the generally at least partially spherical body and movable along multiple axes to rotate the generally at least partially spherical body within the casing, and a release member pivotally secured to the casing and selectively adjustable between a closed orientation that secures a tensioned element to the archery release device and an open orientation the releases the bowstring from the archery device responsive to the trigger being moved along any axis of the multiple axes and rotating the generally at least partially spherical body within the casing.

Description

BACKGROUND

Archery release devices are routinely used by archers to assist in firing arrows more precisely. Archery release devices typically include a trigger (e.g., release lever) that releases the bowstring rather than the archer using his or her fingers. Triggers of conventional archery release devices typically rely on a pin rotation design that has a fixed linear direction of movement of the trigger.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein include release devices that utilize a generally at least partially spherical joint to allow movement of a trigger (e.g., release lever of the release device) along multiple axes when engaged by a user. An embodiment of an archery release device is disclosed. The archery release device includes a casing, a generally at least partially spherical body, a trigger, and a release member. The casing defines an at least semi-spherical-shaped cavity disposed therein. The generally at least partially spherical body is shaped at least partially complementary to the at least semi-spherical-shaped cavity and is positioned or positionable therein. The trigger is operably connected to the generally at least partially spherical body and is extending from the casing when the generally at least partially spherical body is positioned in the at least semi-spherical cavity. The trigger is movable along multiple axes to rotate the generally at least partially spherical body at least partially within the at least semi-spherical shaped cavity. The release member is pivotally secured to the casing and selectively adjustable between a closed orientation and an open orientation. The release member includes at least one arm configured to retain a bowstring when the release member is in the closed orientation and release the bowstring when the release member is in the open orientation. Wherein the release member and the generally at least partially spherical body are positioned such that the release member pivots from the closed orientation to the open orientation responsive to movement of the generally at least partially spherical body in the at least semi-spherical-shaped cavity when the trigger moves along one axis of the multiple axes.

In an embodiment, a method of releasing a bowstring with an archery release device is described. The method includes retaining the bowstring or a D-loop secured to the bowstring with a release member pivotally secured to a casing of the archery release device. The method also includes pulling a trigger along a selected axis of multiple axes that the trigger is movable to pivot the release member from a closed orientation that retains the bowstring or the D-loop to an open orientation that releases the bowstring or the D-loop. The trigger being secured to a generally at least partially spherical body disposed within an at least semi-spherical cavity in the casing of the archery release device.

In an embodiment, an archery release device includes a casing, a generally at least partially spherical body positioned or positionable in the casing. The trigger is secured to the generally at least partially spherical body and movable along multiple axes to rotate the generally at least partially spherical body within the casing. The release member is pivotally secured to the casing and selectively adjustable between a closed orientation that secures a bowstring to the archery release device and an open orientation the releases the bowstring from the archery device responsive to the trigger being moved along any axis of the multiple axes and rotating the generally at least partially spherical body within the casing.

Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments described herein and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims:

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of an archery release device secured to a wrist strap, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the archery release device of FIG. 1A in use with the wrist strap, a bow, and bowstring, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a side view of the archery release device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the archery release device of FIG. 1A with the release member removed from the archery release device.

FIG. 2C is an exploded view of the casing of the archery release device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the release member and the trigger assembly of the archery release device of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 4A-4C is a side view of the archery release device of FIG. 1A with a portion of the casing removed and transitioning from a closed orientation to an open orientation.

FIG. 4D is a front view of a portion of the archery release device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method of releasing a bowstring with an archery release device, according to an embodiment.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are embodiments of release devices that utilize a generally at least partially spherical joint to allow movement of a trigger (e.g., release lever of the release device) along multiple axes when engaged by a user. As used herein, “multiple axes” may include linear or non-linear movement responsive to any combination of linear, roll, pitch, and yaw forces applied to the trigger by an operator. In some embodiments, the release device may include a pull tension archery release device. While reference is made herein to archery release devices and bowstrings or D-loops, in some embodiments, the described archery release devices also may be incorporated into various other release devices having a tensioned elements, such as a crossbow or a firearm.

The archery release device may include a release member hingedly or pivotally secured to a casing and configured to engage a tensioned element, such as a bowstring or D-loop secured to the bowstring, according to an embodiment. In many embodiments, the release member may be locked in a closed orientation by a button or other movable protrusion that retains or secures the bowstring or D-loop to the archery release device with an arm of the release member. One or more rods disposed in the casing may be positioned and configured to depress the button responsive to movement of the trigger in any axis of potential multiple axes in which the trigger is movable. With the button depressed, the release member transitions from a closed orientation to an open orientation in which the bowstring or D-loop is released from the archery release device. Embodiments of the archery release devices described herein allow for use across multiple shooting styles and allows operators to trigger the archery release device by applying force in any number of multiple axes. For example, the release member may release the tensioned element responsive to a pitch force, a yaw force, a roll force, or any combination thereof being applied to the trigger by the operator.

More specifically, many embodiments of devices described herein utilize generally at least partially spherical bearing and ball-joint configurations that allow the trigger to articulate in any combinations of multiple axis movement when being engaged by any combination of a pitch force, a yaw force, and or a roll force such that the internal components of the archery release devices can still engage the button (e.g., sear button) of the release member, and facilitate the release of the bowstring or D-loop.

In some embodiments, a casing or housing portion holds the internal components (such as the spherical portion or bearing, at least some of the trigger assembly, and at least some of the release member), and enables the function and rotation of the spherical portion secured to the external trigger. The casing may include one or more cavities formed therein and configured to allow multiple axes rotation of the trigger responsive to any combination of a linear force, a pitch force, a yaw force, and or a roll force applied to the trigger by the operator, while also ensuring that the internal components can facilitate the engagement of the button to release the bowstring or D-loop. For example, in many embodiments, the archery release device includes a trigger element secured to a generally at least partially spherical portion or body. This configuration allows the trigger, responsive to any combination of a linear force, a pitch force, a yaw force, and or a roll force applied to the trigger by the operator, to move in any combination of six degrees of motion, such as up/down, left/right, forward/backward, or any combinations thereof, as well as rotation about perpendicular axes commonly known as pitch, yaw, and roll (collectively referred to as “six degrees of freedom”). Furthermore, this configuration of many embodiments of release devices described herein results in side-to-side forces on the trigger being reduced at the release point such that side-to-side forces do not have the same effect on release of the bowstring as a traditional archery release device having a trigger confined to linear motion. In many embodiments, the archery release device may be held together as one unit within a casing or housing, creating a self-contained archery release device and thereby providing structure and stability to the trigger while also allowing the trigger to move appropriately responsive to force applied thereto in any of the six degrees of freedom.

Turning now to FIG. 1A, an embodiment of a system 100 including an archery release device 110, a wrist strap 102, and one or more strap loops 104 is shown. The system 100 may include the archery release device 110 tethered or tetherable to the wrist of an operator via the one or more strap loops 104 secured to the archery release device 110 and the wrist strap 102 secured to the one or more strap loops 104. In some embodiments, the one or more strap loops 104 may be secured to the archery release device 110 with one or more slots 116 on the archery release device 110. While a wrist strap 102 and one or more strap loops 104 are shown in FIG. 1A, the archery release device 110 may be configured for use with any assemblies or devices configured to detachably secure an archery release device to the wrist, arm, or hand of the operator.

The archery release device 110 may include a trigger 114, a casing 118, and a release member 112 that is pivotally or hingedly secured to the casing 118. In FIG. 1A, the release member is shown in the closed orientation configured to retain or secure the bowstring or D-loop to the archery release device 110. Turning to FIG. 1B, with the release member 112 in the closed orientation with the bowstring 108 held in a through hole formed by the release member 112 and the casing 118, the bowstring 108 may be pulled back from the bow 106. The operator may then pull the trigger 114 at any axis of multiple axes 400 (shown in FIG. 4D) responsive to any combination of a linear force, a pitch force, a yaw force, and or a roll force applied to the trigger by the operator to release the bowstring 108 or the D-loop from archery release device 110 and shoot the arrow from the bow 106.

Turning to FIGS. 2A-2B, in some embodiments, the casing 118 may include multiple posts 219 or walls forming or defining multiple notches 208, 218 or slots at an end region of the casing 118 distal or opposite to the one or more slots 116 configured to secure the wrist strap 102 to the archery release device 110. For example, the casing 118 may define a side notch 218 extending through the archery release device 110 from one side to the opposing side of the casing 118. The casing 118 also may define a front notch 208 extending through the casing 118 at least until meeting or joining the side notch 218.

The release member 112 may be pivotally or hingedly secured to the casing 118 proximate to the notches 208, 218 with a pin 202 extending through one or more pin holes 204 or openings in the casing 118. For example, the release member 112 may be pivotally or hingedly secured to the casing 118 with the pin 202 disposed opposite to the front notch 208. Accordingly, the release member 112 may rotate about the pin 202 through the front notch 208 when actuated. As shown in FIG. 2A, the release member 112 may include a notch 212 positioned such that when the release member 112 is in a closed orientation, the side notch 218 is positioned to align with the notch 212 and form an enclosed through hole in the archery release device 110. This enclosed through hole may be defined by a portion of the release member 112 (e.g., an arm 322 of the release member 112) and at least some of the multiple posts 219 of the casing 118. The through hole may be sized and dimensioned to hold and retain the bowstring and/or the D-loop therein when the release member 112 is in the closed orientation. When the release member 112 is triggered by the trigger 114, the front notch 208 is positioned such that the release member 112 may rotate or pivot through the front notch 208 so that the notch 212 is no longer aligned with the side notch 218 of the casing 118, thereby opening the enclosed through hole to release the bowstring or the D-loop.

In some embodiments, the casing 118 may include a first portion 118a detachably or fixedly secured to a second portion 118b. The first portion 118a and the second portion 118b may be generally mirror images of one another. The casing 118 also may define one or more cavities positioned therein. For example, the casing 118 may include one or more inner surfaces at least partially defining or otherwise forming a socket 210. In the archery release device 110, the socket includes a cavity having a generally at least semi-spherical or spherical shape. In alternative embodiments, the socket 210 may include one or more continuous or spaced inner surface positioned hold a generally at least partially spherical body 214 within the socket 210 and allow at least partial rotation of the generally at least partially spherical body 214 in any direction with in the socket 210. While reference is made herein to the spherical body 214, in some embodiments, the generally at least partially spherical body 214 includes a spherical shape and in some embodiments the generally at least partially spherical body 214 includes a shape that is only partially spherical (e.g., semi-spherical or having a portion that is partially spherical). The socket 210 may be sized and configured such that a center point of the spherical body 214 does not substantially move while the spherical body 214 rotates in any direction responsive to any combination of a pitch force, a yaw force, and or a roll force applied to the trigger 114 by the operator. In some embodiments, the socket 210 may include a plurality of prongs having an inner surface complementary to the curve of the outer surface of the spherical body 214. In some embodiments, the socket 210 may include three or more walls angled and spaced from one another such that each of the three or more walls contact the spherical body 214 and allow the described rotation of the spherical body. In some embodiments, the socket 210 may include any configuration of walls, edges, bearings, and/or surfaces within the casing 118 positioned to allow rotation of the spherical body 214 within the casing 118 while preventing movement of a center point of the spherical body 214 responsive to any combination of a linear force, a pitch force, a yaw force, and or a roll force applied to the trigger 114 by the operator.

Said another way, in some examples (not shown), the socket 210 may be sized and shaped to contain one or more walls or surfaces that contact the generally spherical body 214 retain the position of the generally spherical body therein, yet allow rotational or translational motion in any of the six degrees of freedom. The fit between the socket 210 and the generally spherical body 214 may be a clearance fit, a slip fit, a running fit, a sliding fit, or another fit that allows the components to move with respect to each other. In some examples (not shown), the socket 210 may be formed at least in part by one or more pins, screws, bolts, protrusions, or other structures within the casing 118. For example, 6 or more projections within the casing 118 each disposed at a center a corresponding face of a cubic cavity may be used to form the socket 210. It should be noted that the protrusions may retain a generally spherical body 214 within the socket 210 by maintaining the contact therebetween. In some examples (not shown), the socket 210 may be formed by four pins comprising two sets of parallel spaced pins spaced from each other vertically within the cavity to retain the generally spherical body 214 therebetween, where the walls of the cavity retain the generally spherical body 214 in a direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the pins. In some embodiments, each one of the first portion 118a and the second portion 118b may partially define the socket 210 such that together the first portion 118a and the second portion 118b define the socket 210.

The archery release device 110 also includes the generally spherical body 214 shaped at least partially complementary to or sized to fit within the socket 210 and positioned or positionable therein, according to an embodiment. The trigger 114 may be operably connected or secured to the generally spherical body 214 such that when the generally spherical body 214 is positioned in the socket 210, the trigger 114 extends from or is disposed outside the casing 118. In some embodiments, the trigger 114 is fixedly secured to the spherical body 214. In some embodiments, the trigger 114 is selectively and/or operably connected to the spherical body 214 such that the trigger 114 does not engaged the spherical body 214 until pulled by a user. The combination of the trigger 114 and the generally spherical body 214, and the socket 210 allows movement of the trigger 114 along any one of multiple axes when engaged by an operator with any combination of a linear force, a pitch force, a yaw force, and or a roll force applied to the trigger by the operator. As shown in FIG. 2A, a portion of the generally spherical body 214 may extend outside the casing 118 such that the trigger 114 may be moved in multiple axes 400 (rather than just up/down) to release the release member from the closed orientation. Accordingly, the casing 118 may include a front opening 200 positioned to allow a portion of the generally spherical body 214 to extend outward from the casing 118. The casing 118 also may include a side opening 216 positioned such that a portion of the generally spherical body 214 extends therethrough when the generally spherical body 214 is positioned in the socket 210. Turning now to FIG. 2C, the casing 118 is shown in an exploded view with the first portion 118a and the second portion 118b separated or divided. The socket 210 is shown in FIG. 2C. The casing 118 includes cavities 224, 226, 228, 230, 232 defined therein and positioned to house one or more components of the trigger assembly. More detail of the cavities 224, 226, 228, 230, 232 will be provided in relation to FIGS. 4A-4C in conjunction with the components of the trigger assembly housed therein.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a trigger assembly is shown removed from the casing 118 and with a cross-sectional view of the release member 112, according to an embodiment. As noted above, the trigger 114 may be secured or securable to the generally spherical body 214. The trigger assembly may include a tab 320 or post protruding from the generally spherical body 214 and spaced from the trigger 114. In some embodiments, the tab 320 extends from the generally spherical body 214 substantially opposite to the trigger 114. The tab 320, the generally spherical body 214, and the trigger 114 may be formed integrally as single continuous member, or may include separate components detachably or fixedly secured together. The tab 320 is secured to the generally spherical body 214 such that the tab moves responsive to the trigger 114 being moved. For example, movement of the trigger 114 may move the tab 320 about an axis point in the generally spherical body 214.

In some embodiments, the trigger assembly may include one or more biasing elements positioned or positionable in the casing 118 between the tab 320 and the release member 112. For example, the trigger assembly of the archery release device 110 may include a first rod 326 positioned or positionable in the casing 118 at least proximate to the tab 320, and the one or more biasing elements may include at least a first spring 324 disposed at least partially around the first rod 326. When disposed in the casing 118, the first spring 324 is positioned to bias the first rod 326 towards the tab 320.

In some embodiments, the trigger assembly includes a button 312 positioned or positionable at least partially within a chamber 308 in the release member 112 and a second spring 314 disposed within the chamber 308 of the release member 112 and positioned to bias the button 312 outward from the chamber 308. The button 312 may be rounded such that the button engages the stop 234 of the casing 118 at a single point, thereby allowing the archery release device 110 to be generally immune to adverse effects of side-to-side forces.

A screw 316 may hold the spring in place in the chamber 308 and a lip in the chamber 308 may engage a flange on the button 312 to prevent the button 312 from being pushed entirely out of the chamber 308. The chamber 308 may be positioned in a base 306 of the release member 112 opposite to an arm 322 of the release member 112, with the notch 212 being disposed between the arm 322 and the base 306 of the release member 112. The release member 112 also may include a pin hole 304 positioned to align with the pin holes 204 of the casing 118 such that the pin 202 may extend through the pin holes 204, 304 to hingedly or pivotally secure the release member 112 to the casing 118. In some embodiments, the trigger assembly of the archery release device 110 includes an arm 322 extending from the first rod 326 and a second rod 328 extending from the arm 322. The second rod 328 may include a rounded or domed end opposite the connection to the arm 322. The second rod 328 is sized, shaped, and located to contact a distal end of the button 312. Accordingly, as the tab 320 is biased toward the first spring 324, the arm 322 moves the second rod 328 which pushes the button 312 into the chamber 308, thereby moving the end of the button 312 past the stop 234.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4D, side views of the archery release device 110 are shown in FIGS. 4A-4C with the first portion 118a of the casing 118 removed such that movement of the release member 112 and the trigger assembly may be shown as the release member 112 transitions from the closed orientation (shown in FIG. 4A) to the open orientation (shown in FIG. 4C). FIG. 4D shows a front view of a portion of the archery release device 110 including the trigger 114 and the generally spherical body 214. As shown in FIG. 4D, the trigger 114 is movable along multiple axes 400 to rotate the generally spherical body 214 at least partially within the socket 210, according to many embodiments. The release member 112 and the generally spherical body 214 are positioned and movable relative to the casing 118 such that the release member 112 pivots from the closed orientation to the open orientation responsive to movement of the generally spherical body 214 in the socket 210 when the trigger 114 moves along any axis of the multiple axes 400 of which the trigger 114 is movable responsive to any combination of a pitch force, a yaw force, and or a roll force applied to the trigger 114 by the operator.

More specifically, the tab 320 may be disposed within the casing 118 and movable responsive to rotation of the generally spherical body 214. In some embodiments, the casing 118 includes a V-, U-, or wishbone-shaped cavity 224 that narrows opposite to the release member 112 and the first rod 326. The cavity 224 may have the tab 320 disposed therein such that the tab 320 is movable within the cavity 224 responsive to rotation of the generally spherical body 214. The narrowing configuration and shape of the V-, U-, or wishbone-shaped cavity 224 may direct the tab 320 to a single resting point that retains the trigger 114 in a stable, predetermined position. Because the V-, U-, or wishbone-shaped cavity 224 widens from the narrow end, the tab 320 may move in multiple directions from the narrow end of the cavity 224 such that the trigger 114 may move in multiple axes 400 responsive to any combination of a linear force, a pitch force, a yaw force, and or a roll force applied to the trigger 114 by the operator and still contact the first rod 326. Accordingly, the V-, U, or wishbone-shaped cavity 224, the socket 210, and the generally spherical body 214 may be positioned in the casing 118 effective to allow movement of the trigger 114 along any axis of the multiple axes 400 responsive to any combination of a linear force, a pitch force, a yaw force, and or a roll force applied to the trigger 114 by the operator to pivot the release member 112 from the closed orientation to the open orientation.

As provided above, the archery release device 110 may include one or more biasing elements positioned in the casing 118 between the tab 320 and the release member 112. The one or more biasing elements may be positioned such that the one or more biasing elements retain the release member 112 in the closed orientation until the movement of the tab 320 in the casing 118 when the generally spherical body 214 rotates within the socket 210. For example, the first rod 326 disposed in one or more cavities 226, 228, 230 of the casing 118 at least proximate to the tab 320, and the first spring 324 may be disposed at least partially around the first rod 326. Portions of the casing 118 may at least partially (e.g., entirely) define the cavities 224, 226, 228, 230, 232. The casing 118 may include a cavity 226 proximate to the cavity 224, a cavity 228 adjacent or proximate to the cavity 226, and a cavity 230 aligned with the cavity 226 but spaced from the cavity 226 with at least the cavity 228 disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, the cavity 230 is sized complementary to at least a portion of the first rod 326 and the cavity 228 is wider than the cavity 230 such that the first spring 324 does not enter the cavity 230, but instead compresses against the casing 118 when a force is exerted on the first spring 324 opposite to the cavity 230.

The first spring 324, however, is positioned and/or secured to bias the first rod 326 through the cavity 226 towards tab 320. For example, the first spring 324 may be disposed between the arm 322 and the walls of the casing 118 defining the cavity 230. The first spring 324, therefore, may bias the arm 322 and the first rod 326 towards the tab 320, and a portion of the casing 118 defining the cavity 226 may stop the arm 322 and the first rod 326 from progressing beyond a predetermined position. The second rod 328 may extend from the arm 322 towards the release member 112 and may be generally parallel to the first rod 326. The second rod 328 may be at least partially disposed and movable within the cavity 228 and the cavity 232. Accordingly, the first rod 326 may be engaged by the movement of the tab 320 responsive to movement of the trigger 114, and also may maintain pressure against the tab 320 and the trigger 114 via the biasing of the first spring 324. The second rod 328 may apply pressure to the button 312 when the first rod 326 is engaged via the trigger 114.

The casing 118 also may include a stop 234 positioned to engage with the button 312 (shown in FIG. 4A) when the button 312 is biased outward from the chamber 308 in the release member 112 to retain the release member 112 in the closed orientation. The stop 234 may be positioned between posts 219 and below the front notch 208. The release member 112, the first rod 326, and the first spring 324 are positioned such that the movement of the tab 320 in the casing 118 when the generally spherical body 214 rotates within the socket 210 compresses the first spring 324 between the casing 118 and the arm 322 and the second spring 314 in the chamber 308 of the release member 112 effective to compress the button 312 within the chamber 308 of the release member 112 to disengage the button 312 from the stop 234 of the casing 118 (shown in FIGS. 4B-4C). More specifically, the second rod 328 may be positioned in the cavity 228 and the cavity 232 of the casing 118 to contact the button 312 such that the movement of the tab 320 in the cavity 224 of the casing 118 when the generally spherical body 214 rotates within the socket 210 compresses the first spring 324 and the second rod 328 exerts a force on the button 312 effective to compress the second spring 314 in the chamber 308 of the release member 112 to disengage the button 312 from the casing 118.

In FIG. 4A, the release member is shown in the closed orientation with the first spring 324 biasing the arm 322 and the second rod 328 away from the button 312. The first spring 324 may ensure that the first rod 326 and the second rod 328 (e.g., an appendage node) do not apply force to the button 312 unless the trigger 114 is engaged. Furthermore, the first spring 324 may ensure that the rod 326 maintains constant contact with the tab 320, thereby assisting in its reset when released. The second spring 314 in the chamber 308 of the release member 112 may bias the button 312 outward such that the button 312 engages with the stop 234 of the casing 118 and prevents the tension on the bowstring or D-loop from pulling the release member from the closed orientation to the open orientation. The second spring 314 may maintain constant force ensure the button 312 protrudes from the chamber 308 when not compressed. Accordingly, the enclosed through hole formed by the arm 322 of the release member and the posts 219 of the casing 118 may remain closed.

Turning to FIG. 4B, as the trigger 114 is engaged by the operator, the rearward motion causes a forward action on the top (e.g., the tab 320) of the spherical bearing lever, such that a forward application of force may be applied to the rods 326, 328 that operates against the first spring 324. The forward pressure on the rods 326, 328 in turn pushes the button 312 that, without pressure from the second rod 328, fully extends outward from the release member 112 and inside the casing 118, thereby securely holding the release member 112 and preventing the release member 112 from releasing the bowstring or D-loop due to the taut forward tension of the bowstring or D-loop. The forward pressure applied to the button 312, however, causes the button 312 to retract at least partially in the chamber 308 of the release member 112, thereby clearing the release member 112 from the stop 234, and in turn allowing the notch 212 to pivot on the hinge or pin 202, thereby being pulled open by the taut bowstring or D-loop and facilitating release of the bowstring or D-loop.

Said another way, responsive to any combination of a linear force, a pitch force, a yaw force, and or a roll force applied to the trigger 114 by the operator the trigger 114 may be pulled or moved in any axis of multiple potential axes 400 to rotate the generally spherical body 214 within the casing 118 and move the tab 320. When the trigger 114 is engaged in any axis of the multiple possible axes, the generally spherical body 214 may rotate any direction in the socket 210, thereby allowing the trigger 114 to articulate simultaneously over a combination of axes of the multiple axes 400. Movement of the tab 320 then exerts a force on the first spring 324 sufficient to compress the first spring 324, which in turn moves the arm 322 and the second rod 328 to exert a force on the button 312. Accordingly, the tab 320 may then move in the opposite direction of the trigger 114 within the cavity 224 in the casing 118 such that the tab 320 can engage the first rod 326 with a forward pressure. The first rod 326 may move within the cylindrical cavities 226, 230 within the casing 118, thereby forcing the first spring 324 to compress, and the second rod 328 may then apply force against the button 312. The second rod 328 may include a rounded or domed end opposite to the connection to the arm 322. The second rod 328 is sized, shaped, and located to contact a distal end of the button 312. With a sufficient force exerted on the button 312, the second spring 314 in the chamber 308 of the release member 112 compresses, and the button 312 no longer engages with the stop 234. Accordingly, as the tab 320 is biased towards the first spring 324, the arm moves the second rod 328 which pushes the button 312 into the chamber 308, thereby moving the end of the button 312 past the stop 234. Thus, when force is applied to the button 312 such that the button 312 pushes back against the second spring 314 and recesses inside the chamber 308 in the base 306 of the release member 112.

The button 312 is then cleared from the stop 234 of the casing 118, thereby allowing the taut pulling force of the bowstring or D-loop that is held in the string cavity of the notch 212 to pull the first arm 322 of the release member 112 forward. As the button clears the stop 234, the force applied by the bowstring or D-loop (e.g., force in the longitudinal direction of the casing 118 from the bottom to the top) therein pulls the bowstring or the D-loop from the release 110. Accordingly, turning to FIG. 4C, with the button 312 no longer engaged with the stop 234 of the casing 118, the tension on the bowstring or D-loop pulls the release member 112 from the closed orientation to the open orientation, allowing release of the bowstring or D-loop from the archery release device 110. Because the release member 112 may be secured to the casing 118 by a pin 202 that allows the release member 112 to rotate, the release of the release member 112, which was previously locked in place and restrained by engagement between the button 312 and the stop 234, allows the release member 112 to swing forward, thereby releasing the bowstring or D-loop pulling against the first arm 322 of the release member 112.

To reset the archery release device 110, the operator may feed the bowstring or D-loop into the notch 212 and push back, forcing the notch 212 and the release member 112 to rotate backwards into the casing 118. This act allows the button 312 to retract inward as it glides against the stop 234 the button 312 can again extend outward from the chamber 308 into in the cavity 232 of the casing 118.

The archery release device 110 may include any of a number of different materials or combinations thereof. For example, one or more (e.g. all) of the components of the release devices disclosed herein may be formed of a metal, metal alloys, ceramics, a polymer (e.g., polycarbonate, high density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, or the like), or any combination(s) thereof.

As provided above, reference is made herein to archery release devices and bowstrings or D-loops, in some embodiments, the described archery release devices also may be incorporated into various other release devices having a tensioned elements, such as a crossbow or a firearm. For example, the release member 112 may be shaped as a hammer or portion thereof for use in a firearm. In such examples, the casing 118 may be disposed in or form a part of a trigger assembly, firearm, crossbow, or other implement that utilizes a release or trigger. In some embodiment, a socket and a generally spherical body according to this disclosure may be disposed between the trigger and a hammer of a firearm. The firearm may include one or more tabs, rods, and/or biasing elements disposed within the gun and positioned to bias the trigger of the firearm in a resting position. The trigger of the firearm may be moved in any axis of multiple axes responsive to any combination of a linear force, a pitch force, a yaw force, and or a roll force applied to the trigger of the firearm by the operator, and the spherical body in the firearm may rotate, thereby displacing one or more components of the trigger assembly in the firearm effective to overcome the bias on the trigger. Displacement of the one or more components in the firearm also may direct a button on the hammer inward to disengage with a stop on the hammer, thereby releasing the hammer to fire the firearm.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method 500 of releasing a bowstring with an archery release device. The method may include any aspect and/or function of the embodiments of the archery release device 110 and/or system 100 described herein. In some embodiments, the method 500 includes an act 505 of retaining the bowstring or a D-loop secured to the bowstring with a release member pivotally secured to a casing of the archery release device. The method 500 also may include an act of pulling a trigger along a selected axis of multiple axes that the trigger is movable to pivot the release member from a closed orientation that retains the bowstring or the D-loop to an open orientation that releases the bowstring or the D-loop. The trigger may be secured to a generally spherical body disposed within an at least semi-spherical cavity in the casing of the archery release device. In some embodiments, the method 500 further comprises an act of securing the bowstring or the D-loop to the archery release device with the release member.

In some embodiments, the act 505 of securing the bowstring or the D-loop to the archery release device with the release member may include positioning the bowstring or the D-loop in a notch of the release member when the release member is in the open orientation, and then pivoting the release member to the closed orientation in which the bowstring or the D-loop is retained in a through hole formed in the casing and defined by a portion of the release member and a portion of the casing. More specifically, pivoting the release member to the closed orientation in the method 500 may include pivoting the release member until a button biased outward from the release member is first forced inward into the release member by a stop on the casing and then engages with the stop once the button passes the stop to retain the release member in the closed orientation. In some embodiments, pulling the trigger along the selected axis of the multiple axes that the trigger is movable to pivot the release member from the closed orientation to the open orientation compresses a first spring biased towards a tab extending from the generally spherical body and directs a rod in the casing to push the button into the release member and disengage the button from the stop.

Acts of the method 500 are for illustrative purposes. For example, the acts may be performed in different orders, split into multiple acts, modified, supplemented, or combined. Any of the acts of the method 500 may include using any archery release device 110 or the system 100 disclosed herein. Furthermore, any act described above in relation to the archery release device 110 or the system 100 may be included in the method 500.

In some examples, the method may not include utilizing the release device for archery, instead using the release device for a firearm, crossbow, or the like. Such methods may be similar or identical to the method 500 in one more aspects.

As used herein, the terms “generally,” “about,” or “substantially” refer to an allowable variance of the term modified by “about” by +10% or +5%. Further, the terms “less than,” “or less,” “greater than”, “more than,” or “or more” include as an endpoint, the value that is modified by the terms “less than,” “or less,” “greater than,” “more than,” or “or more.”

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe examples of the principles described. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Accordingly, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiment disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.

Throughout this description and in the accompanying drawings reference is made to principles of the invention through the use of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the application is not limited to the details or specific methodologies set forth herein. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present apparatus, systems and methods may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “an example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least that one example, but not necessarily in other examples.

Claims

1. An archery release device, comprising: a casing having one or more interior surfaces disposed within the casing and positioned to at least partially define a socket;a generally at least partially spherical body rotatable within the socket;a trigger operably connected to the generally at least partially spherical body and extending outside the casing, wherein the trigger is movable along multiple axes to rotate the generally at least partially spherical body at least partially within the socket; anda release member pivotally secured to the casing and selectively adjustable between a closed orientation and an open orientation responsive to movement of the trigger along any axis of the multiple axis, the release member including at least one arm configured to retain a bowstring when the release member is in the closed orientation and release the bowstring when the release member is in the open orientation.

2. The archery release device of claim 1, further comprising a tab protruding from the generally at least partially spherical body and disposed within the casing, wherein movement of the trigger along any axis of the multiple axes displaces the tab within the casing and the release member is positioned such that displacement of the tab within the casing pivots the release member from the closed orientation to the open orientation.

3. The archery release device of claim 2, further comprising one or more biasing elements positioned in the casing between the tab and the release member such that the one or more biasing elements retain the release member in the closed orientation until the trigger is moved along any axis of the multiple axes to displace the tab.

4. The archery release device of claim 3, further comprising a first rod disposed in the casing at least proximate to the tab, wherein the one or more biasing elements includes at least a first spring disposed at least partially around the first rod, the first spring being positioned to bias the first rod towards the tab.

5. The archery release device of claim 4, further comprising: a button disposed at least partially within a chamber in the release member; anda second spring disposed within the chamber of the release member and positioned to bias the button outward from the chamber;wherein the casing includes a stop positioned to engage with the button when the button is biased outward from the chamber in the release member to retain the release member in the closed orientation, andwherein the release member, the first rod, and the first spring are positioned such that displacement of the tab in the casing compresses the first spring and the second spring effective to compress the button within the chamber of the release member to disengage the button from the stop of the casing.

6. The archery release device of claim 5, further comprising an arm extending from the first rod and a second rod extending from the arm, wherein the second rod is positioned in the casing to contact the button such that, when the trigger is moved along any axis of the multiple axes, displacement of the tab compresses the first spring and the second rod exerts a force on the button effective to compress the second spring and disengage the button from the casing.

7. The archery release device of claim 6, wherein the casing includes one or more cavities housing the first rod, the first spring, the arm, and the second rod shaped to allow movement of the first rod, the second rod, and the arm responsive to displacement of the tab, the one or more cavities being shaped to cause compression of the first spring responsive to displacement of the tab.

8. The archery release device of claim 5, wherein the casing includes a cavity having a generally V-, U, or wishbone-shape that narrows opposite to the release member and has the tab disposed therein such that the tab is movable, wherein the V-, U, or wishbone-shape of the cavity directs the tab against the first rod effect to compress the first spring when the trigger is moved along any axis of the multiple axes.

9. The archery release device of claim 1, wherein: the one or more interior surfaces are curved complementary to at least a portion of the generally at least partially spherical body;the casing includes one or more walls defining a first notch proximate to the release member; andthe release member is pivotally secured to the casing proximate to the first notch and includes a first arm, a base opposite to the first arm, and a second notch disposed between the base and the first arm, wherein when the release member is in the closed orientation the first notch of the casing and the second notch of the release member are aligned to form an enclosed through hole defined by the first arm of the release member and the one or more walls of the casing defining the first notch of the casing, the through hole being sized to hold and retain the bowstring therein when the release member is in the closed orientation.

10. A method of releasing a bowstring with an archery release device, the method comprising: retaining the bowstring or a D-loop secured to the bowstring with a release member pivotally secured to a casing of the archery release device; andpulling a trigger along any axis of multiple axes that the trigger is movable to pivot the release member from a closed orientation that retains the bowstring or the D-loop to an open orientation that releases the bowstring or the D-loop, the trigger being secured to a generally at least partially spherical body disposed within a socket in the casing of the archery release device.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising securing the bowstring or the D-loop to the archery release device with the release member.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein securing the bowstring or the D-loop to the archery release device with the release member includes: positioning the bowstring or the D-loop in a notch of the release member when the release member is in the open orientation; andpivoting the release member to the closed orientation in which the bowstring or the D-loop is retained in a through hole formed in the casing and defined by a portion of the release member and a portion of the casing.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein pivoting the release member to the closed orientation includes pivoting the release member until a button biased outward from the release member is first forced inward into the release member by a stop on the casing and then engages with the stop once the button passes the stop to retain the release member in the closed orientation.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein pulling the trigger along any axis of the multiple axes that the trigger is movable to pivot the release member from the closed orientation to the open orientation compresses a first spring biased towards a tab extending from the generally at least partially spherical body and directs a rod in the casing to push the button into the release member and disengage the button from the stop.

15. A release device, comprising: a casing;a release member pivotally secured to the casing and selectively adjustable between a closed orientation that secures a tensioned element to the release device and an open orientation the releases the tensioned element from the release device; anda trigger assembly having one or more components disposed within the casing and a trigger extending outside the casing and movable along multiple axes, wherein the one or more components of the trigger assembly are positioned in the casing such that, when the tension element is secured to the release device with the release member, movement of the trigger along any axis of the multiple axes pivots the release member from the closed orientation to the open orientation.

16. The archery release device of claim 15, wherein the one or more components of the trigger assembly include at least a generally at least partially spherical body disposed at least partially within the casing and a rod disposed within the casing and movable responsive to the trigger being moved along any axis of the multiple axes and rotating the generally at least partially spherical body within the casing.

17. The archery release device of claim 16, further comprising: a button disposed at least partially within a chamber in the release member;a biasing element disposed within the chamber of the release member and positioned to bias the button outward from the chamber; anda stop on the casing positioned to engage with the button when the button is biased outward from the chamber in the release member to retain the release member in the closed orientation;wherein the rod is positioned in the casing to force the button inward and disengage the button and the stop responsive to the trigger being moved along any axis of the multiple axis and rotating the generally at least partially spherical body within the casing.

18. The archery release device of claim 17, wherein the one or more components of the trigger assembly include a tab protruding from the generally at least partially spherical body and spaced from the trigger, the tab being movable responsive to rotation of the generally at least partially spherical body and positioned in the casing such that the rod forces the button inward responsive to movement of the tab when the trigger is moved along any axis of the multiple axes and rotates the generally at least partially spherical body within the casing.

19. The archery release device of claim 18, wherein the casing includes a first cavity having an at least semi-spherical shape housing the generally at least partially spherical body therein and a second cavity having a V-, U, or wishbone-shaped that narrows opposite to the release member, the second cavity having the tab disposed therein such that the tab is movable within the second cavity responsive to rotation of the generally at least partially spherical body in the at least semi-spherical shaped cavity, wherein the first cavity, the second cavity, and the generally at least partially spherical body are configured and positioned in the casing effective to allow the trigger to pivot the release member from the closed orientation to the open orientation when the trigger moves along any axis of the multiple axes.

20. The archery release device of claim 19, wherein: the casing includes one or more walls defining a first notch proximate to the release member; andthe release member is pivotally secured to the casing proximate to the first notch and includes a first arm, a base opposite to the first arm, and a second notch disposed between the base and the first arm, wherein when the release member is in the closed orientation the first notch of the casing and the second notch of the release member are aligned to form an enclosed through hole defined by the first arm of the release member and the one or more walls of the casing defining the first notch of the casing, the through hole being sized to hold and retain the tensioned element therein when the release member is in the closed orientation.