US007174884B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`US 7,174,884 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Feb. 13, 2007
`Kempf et al.
`
`(54)
`
`(76)
`
`TRIGGER ASSEMBLY
`
`Inventors: James J. Kempf, 2926 12th Ave., Ext.
`NE., Iowa City, IA (US) 52240; Lewis
`A. Van Winkle, 1207 Highway 16,
`Hillsboro, IA (US) 52630; Alan Van
`Winkle, 1207 Highway 16, Hillsboro,
`IA (US) 52630; Samel Collora, 306
`Rosebud Ridge, Mt. Pleasant, IA (US)
`52641
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 11/029,878
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 5, 2005
`
`(65)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2006/0144381 A1
`
`Jul. 6, 2006
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`(2006.01)
`F4IB 5/12
`US. Cl.
`......................................... .. 124/25; 124/40
`Field of Classification Search ................ .. 124/25,
`124/40
`
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,192,281 A *
`4,766,874 A
`4,879,987 A
`4,976,250 A
`5,115,795 A *
`5,215,069 A *
`5,368,006 A
`5,598,829 A *
`5,630,405 A
`5,649,520 A *
`6,205,990 B1*
`6,267,108 B1
`6,460,528 B1
`
`3/1980 King ......................... .. 124/25
`8/1988 Nishioka
`11/1989 Nishioka
`12/1990 Jeffrey
`5/1992 Farris ........................ .. 124/86
`6/1993 Liu ........................... .. 124/25
`11/1994 McPherson
`2/1997 Bednar ...................... .. 124/25
`5/1997 Nizov
`7/1997 Bednar ...................... .. 124/25
`3/2001 Adkins ...................... .. 124/25
`7/2001 McPherson et 31.
`10/2002 Gallops, Jr.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examinerilohn A. Ricci
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or FirmiBrett Trout
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A crossbow having an improved firing assembly. The
`improved assembly attaches to a bowstring at a single point
`and draws the string back to have the string retained between
`a first string retainer and a second string retainer. By
`allowing the string to be drawn utilizing a single contact
`point on the bowstring as opposed to the prior art methods
`of dual engagement points with the bowstring,
`the cost,
`maintenance and undesired variance in string retention asso-
`ciated with the prior art are substantially eliminated.
`
`4,030,473 A *
`
`6/1977 Puryear
`
`................... .. 124/35.1
`
`19 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`RAVIN - EXHIBIT R1011
`
`RAVIN - EXHIBIT R1011
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 13, 2007
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`US 7,174,884 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 13, 2007
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`US 7,174,884 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 13, 2007
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 13, 2007
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb.13,2007
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`Sheet9 0f9
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`

`1
`TRIGGER ASSEMBLY
`
`2
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`US 7,174,884 B2
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention relates in general to an improved
`trigger assembly and, more particularly,
`to an improved
`trigger assembly for a crossbow.
`2. Description of the Prior Art
`Crossbows have been known for centuries. By allowing
`the shooter to mechanically retain the bow in a cocked
`position, the shooter is provided an advantage over a tradi-
`tional archer who must utilize muscular force to retain the
`
`bow in the cocked position. In a typical crossbow assembly,
`a cocking mechanism is utilized whereby two hooks are
`applied to the bowstring to draw the bowstring rearward into
`engagement with a retainer pin or other device utilized to
`retain the bowstring in the cocked position until the trigger
`is pulled. The necessity of the dual attachment points to the
`bow during cocking is a drawback associated with the prior
`art.
`
`the
`As crossbows typically utilize very strong limbs,
`bowstring is under very high pressure,
`requiring firm
`engagement between the seer and the trigger assembly.
`These high pressures associated with prior art devices and
`the solid engagement of the seer with the trigger assembly
`often results in an undesirably hard and rough trigger pull.
`It would, therefore, be desirable to provide a firing assembly
`which allowed a single attachment point to the bow during
`cocking, which provided for a lighter, smoother trigger pull
`and which maintained safety against unintentional launch of
`a projectile from the crossbow. The difficulties encountered
`in the prior art discussed hereinabove are substantially
`eliminated by the present invention.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In an advantage provided by this invention, a crossbow is
`provided with an improved firing assembly which is of a
`low-cost, simple manufacture.
`Advantageously, this invention provides a crossbow with
`an improved firing assembly which allows for a smoother
`trigger pull.
`Advantageously, this invention provides a crossbow with
`an improved firing assembly with a lighter trigger pull.
`Advantageously, this invention provides a crossbow with
`an improved firing assembly with reduced weight and main-
`tenance characteristics.
`
`Advantageously, this invention provides a crossbow with
`an improved firing assembly with improved safety charac-
`teristics.
`
`Advantageously, this invention provides a crossbow with
`an improved firing assembly with an integrated dryfire
`prevention system.
`in the preferred embodiment of this
`Advantageously,
`invention, a shooting bow is provided with a frame, a bow,
`and a string provided on the bow. Means are provided for
`engaging the string at a first point and for drawing the string
`into a cocked position. Means are also provided for retaining
`the string at the first point. A trigger is provided, as is means
`for releasing the retaining means from the string upon
`actuation of the trigger. Preferably, the retainer includes a
`first string retainer and a second string retainer which
`maintains the first point of the string in a cocked position
`between the first string retainer and the second string
`retainer.
`
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`The present invention will now be described, by way of
`example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
`which:
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of the crossbow of the
`present invention;
`FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation of the crossbow of FIG.
`
`1;
`
`FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom plan view of the cam associ-
`ated with the crossbow of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the locking
`mechanism of the present invention;
`FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation of the locking mecha-
`nism of the present invention, shown with the bowstring
`drawn between the string retainers;
`FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation of the lock assembly of
`FIG. 5, shown with the string engaging the rear of the
`retainer bar;
`FIG. 7 illustrates a side elevation of the locking mecha-
`nism of FIG. 5, shown with the locking mechanism in the
`cocked position;
`FIG. 8 illustrates a side elevation of the locking mecha-
`nism of FIG. 5, shown with a projectile positioned between
`the string retainers and the safety released;
`FIG. 9 illustrates a side elevation of the locking mecha-
`nism of FIG. 5, shown with the trigger actuated and the
`bowstring released from the retainer bar.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`A crossbow according to the present invention is shown
`generally as (10) in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
`crossbow (10) is provided with a frame (12) which includes
`a stock (14) and a rail (16). Although the stock (14) and rail
`(16) may be of any type known in the art, in the preferred
`embodiment
`the stock (14)
`is of a composite material
`construction, and the rail (16) is constructed of aluminum.
`Alternatively,
`the crossbow (10) may be of a “railless”
`design, such as those known in the art.
`The crossbow (10) is provided with a pivotable foot
`stirrup (18) to facilitate cocking of the crossbow (10). As
`shown in FIG. 1, the crossbow (10) is also provided with a
`pair of risers (20) and (22) secured to the rail (16). The risers
`(20) and (22) are preferably constructed of aluminum to
`reduce weight. Coupled to the risers (20) and (22) are limbs
`(24) and (26). The limbs (24) and (26) are constructed and
`coupled to the risers (20) and (22) in a manner such as that
`known in the art. Coupled to the first limb (24) is a first
`string guide, which in the preferred embodiment is a pulley
`(28), having an outer track (30) and an inner track (32). The
`pulley (28) is preferably journaled to the end of the limb (24)
`by an axle (34). The pulley (28) is preferably journaled to the
`limb (24) in a manner which positions a portion of the pulley
`(28) forward and outward of the space defined between the
`limbs (24) and (26). As shown in FIG. 1, a second string
`guide, which in the preferred embodiment is a cam (36), is
`journaled to the second limb (26) by an axle (38). The cam
`(36) is also journaled to the second limb (26) so that at least
`a portion of the cam (36) extends forward and outward of the
`area defined between the limbs (24) and (26). The cam (36)
`is preferably constructed as shown in FIG. 3, but may be
`constructed in a manner known in the art.
`
`If desired, two synchronized cams (not shown) may be
`used in place of the cam (36) and pulley (28). The cam (36)
`and pulley (28) may be coupled to a bowstring (48) and, if
`
`11
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`

`

`US 7,174,884 B2
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`3
`desired, one or more cables in any manner known in the art,
`but the bowstring (48) is preferably located, as shown in
`FIG. 1, forward of the points on the limbs (24) and (26)
`where the cam (36) and pulley (28) are journaled to the
`limbs (24) and (26).
`the foregoing orientation of the
`As shown in FIG. 1,
`pulley (28), cam (36), cable (44) and bowstring (48) posi-
`tions the bowstring (48) very close to the forward end (52)
`of the rail (16). As shown in FIG. 2, secured above the rail
`(16) is a scope (54). Releasably secured to the stock (14) is
`a cocker mechanism (56), such as those known in the art.
`Alternatively, a cocker mechanism may be integrated into
`the frame (12). Extending from the cocker mechanism (56)
`is a band (58) used to draw the bowstring (48). As shown in
`FIG. 4, however, unlike prior art cocking strings, the band
`(58) is provided with a single attachment point hook (60) to
`engage the bowstring (48). The cocker mechanism (56) may
`be of an ordinary dog and pawl construction, or any simi-
`larly suitable construction designed to retract the band (58).
`As shown in FIG. 4, the cocker mechanism (56) draws the
`band (58) over a locking assembly (62). The locking assem-
`bly (62) includes a retainer bar (64), a safety assembly (88),
`a dryfire bar (104) and a trigger assembly (116). The retainer
`bar (64) is pivotally mounted to the frame (12) by an axle
`(66). FIGS. 2 and 4. The retainer bar (64) is preferably
`constructed of hardened steel and is journaled to the frame
`(12) preferably at a point at least ten centimeters, more
`preferably at least twelve centimeters, and most preferably
`at least fourteen centimeters from sear (68) which forms the
`end of the retainer bar (64).
`As shown in FIG. 4, the retainer bar (64) is provided with
`a slot (70) defined by a left wall (72) and a right wall (74).
`The left wall (72) includes a left string retainer (76) and a left
`string engager (78). The string retainer (76) and string
`engager (78) define a left string slot (80) therebetween.
`Similarly, the right wall (74) includes a right string retainer
`(82) and a right string engager (84) coacting to define a right
`string slot (86).
`As shown in FIG. 4, the safety assembly (88) is pivotally
`coupled to the frame (12) by an axle (90). The safety
`assembly (88) includes a hardened steel safety bar (92)
`coupled to an actuation pin (94) which extends through a slot
`(96) provided in the stock (14). FIGS. 2 and 4.
`As shown in FIG. 5, the safety bar (92) defines a dryfire
`catch (98) and a trigger bar sear (100). The dryfire catch (98)
`is preferably provided with an arcuate surface as shown in
`FIG. 5 to accommodate the curved end (102) of the dryfire
`bar (104). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the dryfire bar (104)
`is pivotally coupled to the retainer bar (64) by an axle (106).
`The dryfire bar (104) preferably rests within the slot (70)
`defined by a left wall (72) and right wall (74) of the locking
`assembly (62). (FIGS. 475). As shown in FIG. 5, a torsion
`spring (108) may be secured to the left wall (72) and right
`wall (74). As shown, the torsion spring (108) wraps around
`the axle (106) on either side of the dryfire bar (104) and
`wraps around the back (110) of the dryfire bar (104) to
`motivate the dryfire bar (104) toward an upright position.
`Any type of spring, or even gravity, may be utilized to
`motivate the dryfire bar (104) toward an upright position. As
`shown in FIG. 5, the dryfire bar (104) is provided on one end
`with a projectile engager (112) and on the opposite end with
`a hook (114).
`the trigger assembly includes a
`As shown in FIG. 5,
`trigger bar (118), a safety engager (120), a sear engager
`(122) and a trigger (124), all integrally formed from a single
`piece of hardened steel. The trigger assembly (116)
`is
`journaled to the frame (12) by an axle (126). FIGS. 2 and 5.
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`The extended length of the retainer bar (64) and trigger bar
`(118) are preferred as this construction reduces wear on the
`sears (68) and (100), extends the life of the parts, and
`provides a lighter trigger pull, while still maintaining safety
`of the mechanism. Additionally, by locating the string retain-
`ers (76) and (82) rearward of the trigger (124), an increased
`power stroke is available, allowing the crossbow (10) to
`store and deliver more energy to a projectile.
`As shown in FIG. 5, the trigger assembly (116) is jour-
`naled to the frame (12) in a manner which motivates the
`trigger assembly (116) in a counterclockwise rotation, given
`the weight distribution of the elements of the trigger assem-
`bly (116) relative to the axle (126). Preferably, the trigger
`assembly (116) is provided with a set screw (not shown) to
`allow for trigger pull adjustment in a manner such as that
`known in the art.
`
`When it is desired to load and fire the crossbow (10), the
`cocker mechanism (56) is released to allow the band (58)
`and hook (60) to be extended and engaged with the bow-
`string (48). The cocker mechanism (56) is thereafter actu-
`ated utilizing the handle (130), a power drill (not shown), or
`any other suitable means known in the art to begin retracting
`the band (58) and hook (60) toward the cocker mechanism
`(56). As shown in FIG. 4, as the cocker mechanism (56)
`draws the bowstring (48) rearward, the band (58) passes
`between the downwardly rotated string retainers (76) and
`(82). As shown in FIG. 5, as the cocker mechanism (56)
`retracts the bowstring (48), the trigger assembly (116) is in
`the fired position, having previously released the sear (68)
`from the sear engager (122). This causes the retainer bar (64)
`to pivot downward, creating the required clearance between
`the hook (60) and the tops of the string retainers (76) and
`(82). As shown, the safety assembly (88) is disengaged,
`allowing the trigger bar (118) to pivot past the trigger bar
`sear (100) and to allow the curved end (102) of the dryfire
`bar (104) to move past the dryfire catch (98). As shown in
`FIG. 6, as the cocker mechanism (56) continues to draw the
`bowstring (48) rearward, the bowstring (48) contacts the
`string engagers (78) and (84). (FIGS. 4 and 6). As the cocker
`mechanism (56) continues to exert force against the string
`engagers (78) and (84) via the bowstring (48), the retainer
`bar (64) begins to rotate counterclockwise, raising the sear
`(68) above the sear engager (122). The weight of the trigger
`assembly (116) rotates the sear engager (122) under the sear
`(68). Additionally, the hook (114) associated with the dryfire
`bar (104) engages the safety bar (92).
`Thereafter, as the cocker mechanism (56) is actuated to
`release the bowstring (48), the band (58), hook (60) and
`bowstring (48) move forward as shown in FIG. 7. As
`pressure is released from the string engagers (78) and (84),
`the retainer bar (64) rotates clockwise under the force of
`gravity to move the sear (68) into engagement with the sear
`engager (122) and to cause the trigger bar sear (100) to move
`into engagement with the safety engager (100). Additionally,
`the curved end (102) of the dryfire bar (104) moves into
`engagement with the dryfire catch (98). In this orientation,
`the safety assembly (188) prevents actuation of the trigger
`assembly (116) as the bowstring (48) continues to move
`forward into contact with the string retainers (76) and (82).
`Because there are two retainers (76) and (82), located on
`either side of the hook (60), a single hook may be utilized
`instead of prior art utilization of a dual hook assembly. This
`orientation not only reduces parts and increases the repeat-
`ability of the draw, it also reduces stress on the nock point
`of the bowstring (48).
`After the crossbow (10) has been cocked as described
`above, a projectile such as an arrow (130) is positioned
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`US 7,174,884 B2
`
`5
`along the rail (16) as shown in FIG. 8. (FIGS. 1 and 8.)
`Given the increased power stroke of the present invention,
`standard arrows may be used in place of standard crossbow
`bolts. As shown, placement of the arrow (130) between the
`left wall (72) and right wall (74) of the locking assembly
`(62) forces the projectile engager (112) portion of the dryfire
`bar (104) downward and rearward, causing the dryfire bar
`(104) to rotate out of engagement with the safety assembly
`(88). (FIGS. 4 and 8). Thereafter, the actuation pin (94) of
`the safety assembly (88) may be actuated to rotate the safety
`assembly (88) from the safe position to the fire position as
`shown in FIG. 8.
`
`When it is desired to fire the crossbow (10), the trigger
`(124) is moved rearward, causing the sear engager (122) of
`the trigger assembly (116) to rotate out of engagement with
`the sear (68), and allowing the retainer bar (64) to rotate
`clockwise, thereby allowing the bowstring (48) to release
`from the string engagers (78) and (84) and propel the arrow
`(130) forward.
`Although the invention has been described with respect to
`a preferred embodiment thereof, it also to be understood it
`is not to be so limited, since changes and modifications can
`be made therein which are within the full, intended scope of
`this invention as defined by the appended claims. As an
`example, the locking mechanism described above may be
`constructed of any suitable parts and any suitable dimen-
`sions.
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. A shooting bow comprising:
`(a) a frame;
`(b) a bow;
`(c) a string provided on said bow;
`(d) a first string retainer;
`(e) a second string retainer
`(f) means provided between said first string retainer and
`said second string retainer for engaging said string at a
`first point along said string;
`(g) means coupled to said engaging means for drawing
`said string;
`(11)
`(i) a trigger; and
`(j) means coupled to said first string retainer, said second
`string retainer and said trigger for releasing said first
`string retainer and said second string retainer from said
`string upon actuation of said trigger.
`2. The shooting bow of claim 1 wherein said first string
`retainer and said second string retainer are rigidly secured to
`one another.
`
`3. The shooting bow of claim 1 wherein said first string
`retainer and said second string retainer define an interstice,
`and wherein said first string retainer and said second string
`retainer retain said first point of said string in said interstice.
`4. A shooting bow comprising:
`(a) a frame;
`(b) a bow;
`(c) a string provided on said bow;
`(d) means for engaging said string at a first point along
`said string;
`(e) means coupled to said engaging means for drawing
`said string;
`(f) means for retaining said string at said first point;
`(g) a trigger;
`(h) means coupled to said retaining means and said trigger
`for releasing said retaining means from said string upon
`actuation of said trigger; and
`(i) means positioned between said first string retainer and
`said second string retainer for preventing actuation of
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`said trigger until a projectile is positioned between said
`first string retainer and said second string retainer.
`5. The shooting bow of claim 4, wherein said preventing
`means comprises a block pivotally coupled to said shooting
`bow.
`
`6. The shooting bow of claim 4, further comprising means
`for pivoting said retaining means into a path of said string.
`7. The shooting bow of claim 4, further comprising means
`for pivoting said retaining means into a path of said string in
`response to pressure exerted on said pivoting means by said
`string.
`8. A shooting bow comprising:
`(a) a frame;
`(b) a bow;
`(c) a string provided on said bow;
`(d) means for engaging said string at a first point along
`said string;
`(e) means coupled to said engaging means for drawing
`said string;
`(f) means for retaining said string at said first point;
`(g) a trigger;
`(h) means coupled to said retaining means and said trigger
`for releasing said retaining means from said string upon
`actuation of said trigger;
`(i) a first string contact and a second string contact; and
`(j) means for pivoting said retaining means into a path of
`said string in response to pressure being exerted on said
`first string contact and said second string contact.
`9. The shooting bow of claim 8, wherein said retaining
`means comprises a first string retainer and a second string
`retainer.
`
`10. The shooting bow of claim 9, wherein said first string
`contact, said second string contact, said first string retainer
`and said second string retainer are all rigidly coupled to one
`another.
`
`11. A shooting bow comprising:
`(a) a frame;
`(b) a bow;
`(c) a string provided on said bow;
`(d) a first string retainer;
`(e) a second string retainer;
`(f) means for engaging said string;
`(g) means for drawing said engaging means between said
`first string retainer and said second string retainer;
`(h) a trigger;
`(i) means coupled to said first string retainer, said second
`string retainer and said trigger for releasing said string
`from said first retainer and said second retainer upon
`actuation of said trigger.
`12. The shooting bow of claim 11, further comprising
`means positioned between said first string retainer and said
`second string retainer for preventing actuation of said trigger
`until a projectile is positioned between said first string
`retainer and said second string retainer.
`13. The shooting bow of claim 12, wherein said prevent-
`ing means comprises a block pivotally coupled to said
`shooting bow.
`14. The shooting bow of claim 11, further comprising
`means for pivoting said first string retainer and said second
`string retainer into a path of said string.
`15. The shooting bow of claim 11, further comprising
`means for pivoting said first string retainer and said second
`string retainer into a path of said string in response to
`pressure exerted on said pivoting means by said string.
`16. The shooting bow of claim 15, wherein said pivoting
`means comprises a first string contact and a second string
`contact.
`
`13
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`13
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`

`

`US 7,174,884 B2
`
`7
`17. A shooting bow comprising:
`(a) a frame defining a projectile path;
`(b) a how;
`(c) a string provided on said how;
`(d) a string retainer;
`(e) a trigger;
`(f) means coupled to said string retainer for releasing said
`string retainer from said string upon actuation of said
`trigger; and
`(g) means coupled to said releasing means below said 10
`string for preventing actuation of said trigger until a
`projectile is placed in said projectile path.
`18. The shooting bow of claim 17, further comprising a
`safety, wherein said trigger actuation preventing means
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`5
`
`8
`comprises means for preventing actuation of said safety until
`a projectile is placed in said projectile path.
`19. The shooting bow of claim 17, wherein said trigger
`actuation preventing means comprises:
`(a) a block pivotably coupled for movement into and out
`of a path of said string, wherein said block is of a
`sufficient configuration and design to prevent firing of
`said string when said block is in said path of said string;
`and
`(b) means for moving said block out of a path of said
`string in response to the positioning of a projectile on
`said projectile path.
`
`*
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`*
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`*
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`*
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`*
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`14
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`14
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