Patent ID: 8453631

Claim:
A crossbow comprising in combination: a. a riser having a central portion and opposing end portions; b. first and second limbs coupled to the opposing end portions of the riser, the first limb extending from the riser toward a first limb tip, and the second limb extending from the riser toward a second limb tip; c. a bowstring extending between the first limb tip and the second limb tip for propelling an arrow; d. an elongated frame member having first and second opposing ends, the first end being coupled to the riser; e. a trigger disposed proximate the second end of the elongated frame member for being pulled by a user; f. a bowstring release being movable along the elongated frame member, the bowstring release including a bowstring hook for selectively engaging the bowstring when the bowstring release is moved proximate the riser, the bowstring release including an actuating lever which cooperates with the trigger when the bowstring release is moved proximate the trigger, the actuating lever being responsive to the trigger for selectively releasing the bowstring from the bowstring hook when a user pulls the trigger; and g. a string retractor coupled to the second end of the elongated frame member, and including a rope coupled to the bowstring release for pulling the bowstring release, and the bowstring engaged therewith, away from the riser toward a drawn position proximate the second end of the elongated frame member, wherein the actuating lever of the bowstring release is disposed proximate to the trigger.