Patent ID: 9494380
Filing Date: 2016-11-15
CPC Classification: F41A,F41B

Claim Text:
1. A string control system for a crossbow having a draw string for launching arrows, the string control system comprising: a catch moveable between a closed position that retains the draw string in a drawn configuration and an open position that releases the draw string to a released configuration such that after firing the crossbow the catch is biased to the open position; a sear moveable between a de-cocked position and a cocked position coupled with the catch at an interface to retain the catch in the closed position such that after firing the crossbow the sear is retained in the de-cocked position by the catch, the sear being biased to the cocked position; a dry fire lockout moveable between a disengaged position and a lockout position that blocks the sear from moving to the de-cocked position, such that after firing the crossbow the dry fire lockout is retained in the disengaged position by the sear while being biased to the lockout position; and a trigger assembly located at a proximal end of the crossbow having a trigger positioned to move the sear from the cocked position to the de-cocked position to fire the crossbow; wherein engaging the draw string with the catch when in the open position after firing the crossbow generates a force that pushes the catch from the open position to the closed position and automatically (i) couples the sear with the catch at the interface to retain the catch in the closed position, and (ii) moves the dry fire lockout to the lockout position to block the sear from moving to the de-cocked position.