Archers use archery release aids to hold a bowstring in the drawn position. The known release aids attach to the bowstring and enable the archer to pull the bowstring to the drawn position. The user activates the release aid, either by activating a trigger or by jerking the release, to cause the bowstring to slide off of the release aid's hook, thereby enabling the bowstring to propel an arrow toward a target.
There are known release aids that include a release case, a hook and one or more linkage components coupled to the hook. Some of the known release aids have triggers coupled to the linkage components, and some of the known release aids have finger extensions with some level of adjustability.
Some of the release aids have triggers that are adjustable, such as the release device P1 of U.S. Pat. No. 10,641,578, as shown in
This adjustment approach depends on the pitch of the set screw P2, that is, the distance between the screw threads. Because of the symmetry of the set screw P2, this pitch remains constant throughout the rotation or turning of the set screw P2. Therefore, as the archer turns the set screw P2 through a desired travel range (e.g., two turns or 720 degrees of rotation), each incremental movement (e.g., each 360 degrees of rotation) results in the same amount of pivoting of the trigger P4. This linear adjustment method of this known design can impede the archer's ability to make minor changes to the trigger sensitivity. Also, this known design can burdensomely require a high amount of screw turns to achieve major changes to the trigger sensitivity.
These shortcomings can frustrate or impede the archer's attempt to conveniently fine tune the sensitivity of the trigger P4 to satisfy the archer's preference. As such, this can present a challenge for archers pursuing a higher level of shooting performance in accordance with their unique trigger sensitivity preferences. Also, the use of set screw P2 can require a relatively high amount of space within release aids. This can impose limits on the size, shape, quantity and function of components of the release aids, which, in turn, can limit the functionality and features of release aids.
The foregoing background describes some, but not necessarily all, of the problems, disadvantages and shortcomings related to the known archery release aids.
An embodiment of an archery trigger adjuster includes a tool interface portion that is compatible with a portion of an adjustment tool and a repositioning portion that is coupled to the tool interface portion. The repositioning portion includes an exterior surface that is configured to engage a trigger surface of a trigger of an archery release device and an asymmetrical shape that is at least partially defined by the exterior surface. The repositioning portion is configured to at least partially rotate in response to the tool interface portion being rotated. The repositioning portion is further configured to undergo a rotational travel that comprises a plurality of rotational movements that are equal in magnitude. When the exterior surface of the repositioning portion is engaged with the trigger surface, the exterior surface is configured so that, during the rotational travel, the rotational movements cause different amounts of pivoting responses by the trigger.
A further embodiment of the archery trigger adjuster includes a tool interface portion that is configured to interface with a portion of an adjustment tool and a repositioning portion coupled to the tool interface portion. The repositioning portion includes an exterior surface that is configured to engage a trigger surface of a trigger of an archery release device, and the exterior surface comprises an asymmetrical shape.
An embodiment of a method for manufacturing an archery trigger adjuster includes structuring a tool interface portion to be interfaced with a portion of an adjustment tool and structuring a repositioning portion to comprise an exterior surface. The exterior surface is structured so that the exterior surface is configured to engage a trigger surface of a trigger of an archery release device, and the exterior surface comprises an asymmetrical shape. The method further includes coupling the repositioning portion to the tool interface portion.
The above embodiments are exemplary only. Other embodiments as described herein are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.
So that the manner in which the features of the disclosure can be understood, a detailed description may be had by reference to certain embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only certain embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the scope of the disclosed subject matter encompasses other embodiments as well. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis generally being placed upon illustrating the features of certain embodiments. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views, in which:
Throughout this disclosure set forth herein, the word “including” indicates or means “including, without limitation,” the word “includes” indicates or means “includes, without limitation,” the phrases “such as” and “e.g.” indicate or mean “including, without limitation,” and the phrase “for example” refers to a non-limiting example.
As illustrated in
As shown in
In the embodiment shown, the archery release device 110 includes a trigger pressurizer 135. The trigger pressurizer 135 includes a set screw 137 threadably engaged with the body 112. The trigger pressurizer 135 also includes a spring 139 between the set screw and the trigger 126. By screwing or unscrewing the trigger pressurizer 135, the archer can adjust the level of spring force or pressure applied to the trigger 126.
When the archery release device 110 is in a retention condition, holding the draw cord 111 (see
As shown in
Some archers prefer shorter release response times than others. It is advantageous for archers to have increased customization of the trigger lag time to conform to the archers' unique shooting preferences. As described below, the archery trigger adjuster 150 facilitates such customization.
As shown in
Referring specifically to
In the embodiment shown in
As described below, the archer can rotate the repositioning portion 160 through a rotational travel, which causes the exterior surface 166 to gradually reposition or pivot the trigger 126 for fine-tune adjusting. For example, if the repositioning portion 160 undergoes a rotational travel of three hundred and sixty degrees divisible by segments of ninety degrees, the travel through such segments will cause the trigger 126 to be moved by varying or different magnitudes. This is due to the asymmetry of the exterior surface 160.
Referring to
As shown in
When the head 152 is mated with the structure 170, the structure prevents or otherwise impedes the archery trigger adjuster 150 from translating along the X, Y or Z axis (see
Referring back to
For example, when the user rotates the head 152 counterclockwise by a first magnitude that results in a first amount of rotational travel, the trigger 126 pivots by a first amount. Likewise, when the user rotates the head 152 counterclockwise by a second magnitude that results in a second amount of rotational travel, the trigger 126 pivots by a second amount. In the case of the prior art, when the first and second magnitudes are equal and the first and second amounts of rotational travel are equal, and the first amount of pivot is equal to the second amount of pivot. In contrast, the archery trigger adjuster 150 provides the benefit of non-linear responsiveness. When the first and second magnitudes are equal and the first and second amounts of rotational travel are equal, then the first amount of pivot is unequal to the second amount of pivot. This non-linear responsiveness caused by rotation of the archery trigger adjuster 150 can gradually change the extent of the overlap between the trigger action interface 127 and the hammer action interface 133 as the radius of the repositioning portion 160 changes from R1 to R2, R3, . . . , RN. Also, this non-linear responsiveness can abruptly change the extent of the overlap between the trigger action interface 127 and the hammer action interface 133 as the radius of the repositioning portion 160 changes. This provides greater freedom and control for varying the trigger responsiveness.
In another example method of adjustment, the archer may desire to decrease the trigger lag time by a minor amount. To do so, the user an insert an Allen wrench into the tool receiver 154 of the head 152. The user can then rotate the head 152 counterclockwise 146 until the trigger 126 pivots with non-linear responsiveness in a counterclockwise direction to a position desired by the archer. The clockwise movement of the trigger 126 will decrease the extent of the overlap between the trigger action interface 127 and the hammer action interface 133, thereby decreasing the trigger lag time.
The archery trigger adjuster 150 enables archers to fine-tune the trigger lag time. The continuous, asymmetric contour of the repositioning 160 provides archers with greater level of control over the adjustment of the trigger 126. The asymmetric shape of the exterior surface 166 of the repositioning portion 160 enables the user to pivot the trigger 126 with non-linear control resulting in much finer adjustment capabilities over prior art devices.
It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the archery trigger adjuster 150 can be included in a variety of archery devices and accessories (including sight devices) as well as machines and apparatuses outside of the field of archery.
In an embodiment, there is a kit of different archery trigger adjusters 150. Each adjuster in the kit has a different exterior shape associated with a designated preference for archers.
The parts, components, and structural elements of the archery release device 110 (and each of its parts) can be combined into an integral or unitary, one-piece object through welding, soldering, plastic molding other methods, or such parts, components, and structural elements can be distinct, removable items that are attachable to each other through screws, bolts, pins and other suitable fasteners.
In the foregoing description, certain components or elements may have been described as being configured to mate with each other. For example, an embodiment may be described as a first element (functioning as a male) configured to be inserted into a second element (functioning as a female). It should be appreciated that an alternate embodiment includes the first element (functioning as a female) configured to receive the second element (functioning as a male). In either such embodiment, the first and second elements are configured to mate with, fit with or otherwise interlock with each other.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.
This application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit and priority of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/297,112, filed on Jan. 6, 2022. The entire contents of such application are hereby incorporated herein.
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Entry |
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Various prior art releases (1) downloaded from http://www.archeryhistory.com/releases/releasespics/pse.jpg, Dec. 2009. |
Various prior art releases (2) downloaded from http://www.archeryhistory.com/releases/releasespics/release4.jpg, Dec. 2009. |
Prior art releases (3) downloaded from http://www.archeryhistory.com/releases on Jul. 21, 2011. |
Prior art releases (4) downloaded from http://www.archeryhistory.com/releases on Jul. 21, 2011. |
Longhorn Hunter (Jan. 2010). |
Carter Enterprises; Carter Whisper Tech Tip Multipurpose Rope Leash; Mar. 21, 2016; retrieved from the Internet: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkpbmDUyWTM>; 7 pages. |
Carter Enterprises; Whisper; on or before Dec. 31, 2011: retrieved from the Internet: <https://carterenterprises.com/releases/thumb-trigger/whisper>; 1 page. |
Carter Enterprises; 2012 Carter Catalog; on or before Dec. 31, 2012; 16 pages. |
T.R.U. Ball; 2012 Product Guide; on or before Dec. 31, 2012; 20 pages. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20230213303 A1 | Jul 2023 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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63297112 | Jan 2022 | US |