Patent ID: 8161956

Claim:
A crossbow comprising: a main beam having a first portion and a second portion; a bow assembly mounted to the first portion of the main beam and adapted to propel an arrow, the bow assembly comprising: (a) a bow; and, (b) a bowstring attached to the bow; a trigger mechanism mounted to the second portion of the main beam; a support rod that is selectively positionable into a first use position and a second stowed position, the support rod comprising: (a) a first end pivotally attached to the first portion of the main beam; (b) a second end having a contact member with a hemispherical contact surface that is adapted to (1) cushion the crossbow against a user's body when the support rod is in the first use position; and, (2) grip a ground surface when the support rod is in the first use position; and, (c) a handgrip portion adapted to receive a user's hand in supporting the crossbow for shooting the crossbow when the support rod is in the second stowed position; and, a securing mechanism that selectively secures the support rod to the main beam when the support rod is in the second stowed position.