Patent attributes
The present invention relates generally to crossbow bowstring drawing mechanisms, also called cocking mechanisms in the art. More particularly, the present invention relates to a crossbow bowstring drawing mechanism that is integrated into a crossbow. The mechanism primarily consists of a pneumatically actuated piston and cylinder assembly, a compressed gas dispenser, and a string pick up arm. An after-the-fact bolt-on kit is also intended to be within the scope of this application allowing retrofit to existing bows not currently outfitted with this cocking feature. The bowstring cocking mechanism may utilize an internal power source such as compressed carbon dioxide (CO2) cartridge, or a plurality of cartridges to actuate the pneumatics that are part of the cocking mechanism on demand. Such actuation draws a bowstring from the un-cocked position to the cocked position. Likewise, such actuation will equally allow a controlled dry-fire, allowing the bowstring to be released from the cocked position to the un-cocked position; the pneumatics acting as a system damper, preventing damage to the bow limbs.