Patent attributes
A crossbow including first and second flexible limbs are attached to a center rail. A draw string extends across the center rail that translates between a released configuration and a drawn configuration. A string carrier including a catch is movable between a closed position that engages the draw string and an open position that releases the draw string. The string carrier slides along the center rail to engage with the draw string in the released configuration and slides to a retracted position that locates the draw string in the drawn configuration. A retaining mechanism retains the string carrier in the retracted position and the draw string in the drawn configuration. A trigger moves the catch from the closed position to the open position to fire the crossbow when the string carrier is in the retracted position.