US Patent 9354018 Crossbow with a release mechanism

A trigger mechanism for use in a crossbow comprises a housing having a first slot formed in a first side and a second slot formed in a second side opposite the first side. A trigger lever, a bowstring catch and a disarm mechanism are all moveably mounted in the housing. The catch has a first end configured to engage the trigger lever and a second end configured to retain the bowstring in a cocked position. The disarm mechanism is partially positioned in the second slot and is moveable between a fixed first position proximate the housing second slot toward a second disarm position toward the housing first slot. As the disarm mechanism moves from the first position into the second position, it engages the trigger lever causing it to move out of engagement with the catch first end allowing the user to release the bowstring using the bowstring cocking device from the trigger mechanism without having to engage the trigger.