US20090078243A1

US20090078243A1 - Trigger assembly for an archery device

Info

Publication number: US20090078243A1
Application number: US11/861,845
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard L. Bednar; Michael J. Shaffer
Original assignee: Hunters Manufacturing Co Inc
Current assignee: Hunters Manufacturing Co Inc
Priority date: 2007-09-26
Filing date: 2007-09-26
Publication date: 2009-03-26

Abstract

A trigger assembly is disclosed for releasing a bowstring of an archery device from a drawn position to propel an arrow from the archery device toward a target. The trigger assembly includes a guide along which the bowstring is retracted and held in the drawn position; and a pivotal string latch that can be adjusted between a first orientation in which the string latch contacts the bowstring in the drawn position to interfere with the release of the bowstring from the guide, and a second orientation in which the string latch allows the bowstring to be released from the guide. A trigger lever that can be manually actuated by an archer is provided to cause adjustment of the string latch between the first and second orientations, and a roller assembly rolls over a surface of the string latch when the trigger lever is actuated to adjust the orientation of the string latch.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to a trigger assembly, and more specifically, to a trigger assembly for releasing a bowstring from a cocked position via the action of a roller to minimize the force required to be applied to the trigger to cause said release.
2. Description of Related Art
Traditionally, crossbows have normally included a bow having two outwardly extending arms and a bowstring strung between the distal end of each arm for launching an arrow. Similar to a rifle, however, the crossbow also has a stock that can be placed against the shoulder of an archer and a sight that allows the archer to aim the crossbow in a manner similar to aiming the rifle. To load the crossbow, the bowstring is drawn rearwardly toward the stock until it is received within a chamber and locked in place by a latch called the “string latch.” Due to the large forces required of an archer to draw the bowstring rearward, a force referred to as the “draw weight,” the crossbow offers the advantage that the bowstring is held back without requiring the archer to manually hold it. An arrow is placed in the flight deck of the crossbow in front of the bowstring, and a trigger is pulled by the archer to release the bowstring, causing the arrow to be propelled from the crossbow.
Conventional crossbow triggers have included complex mechanical components required to withstand the draw force of the crossbow and maintain the bowstring in the drawn position. Among these components, a string latch was included to engage both the bowstring in the drawn position and a member that is actuated along with the trigger to release the bowstring when the trigger is pulled. Due to the large forces imparted on the string latch by the bowstring when drawn, the interface between the string latch and the trigger has typically required overlapping metal components that clear each other when the trigger is pulled to allow the string latch to pivot and release the bowstring.
Some known crossbow trigger assemblies have included a string latch that is abutted against a portion of the trigger with the bowstring in the drawn position, ready to fire. When the trigger is pulled by the shooter, the portion of the trigger butting up against the string latch is slid along the surface of the string latch and repositioned to permit the string latch to be rotated, thereby releasing the bowstring. However, the significant force exerted on the string latch by the bowstring while drawn, often reaching hundreds of pounds, is transmitted to the interface between the string latch and the trigger, creating a substantial sliding friction between those components. This sliding friction between the trigger and the string latch makes moving the trigger relative to the string latch difficult, requiring a significant force to be exerted by the shooter on the trigger to fire the arrow. Applying a suitable force to release the bowstring on a conventional trigger makes the crossbow less stable in the grasp of the archer, thereby decreasing the ability of the archer to accurately hit a target.
Attempts to minimize the force required to be applied to pull a trigger lever to release the bowstring have used a roller assembly to minimize friction between components of the trigger assembly that move when the trigger lever is pulled. Such assemblies typically replace the sliding friction between two translatable components that do not contact the bowstring in the drawn position with rolling friction. However, these assemblies are complex, including many compatible components that must be coordinated to achieve a release of the bowstring from the drawn position. Due to this complexity the cost of said assemblies is high, and, despite the high cost, there are many opportunities for the trigger assembly to fail.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a trigger assembly for an archery device that minimizes the force required to be applied to the trigger by the archer for releasing the bowstring and firing an arrow. A suitable trigger assembly includes a minimal number of components to facilitate release of the bowstring from a drawn position, and provides an archer with a sensitive feel when firing an arrow.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a trigger assembly is disclosed for releasing a bowstring of an archery device from a drawn position to propel an arrow from the archery device toward a target. The trigger assembly comprises a guide along which the bowstring is retracted and held in the drawn position; and a pivotal string latch that can be adjusted between a first orientation in which the string latch contacts the bowstring in the drawn position to interfere with the release of the bowstring from the guide, and a second orientation in which the string latch allows the bowstring to be released from the guide. A trigger lever that can be manually actuated by an archer is included to cause adjustment of the string latch between the first and second orientations, and a roller assembly rolls over a surface of the string latch when the trigger lever is actuated to adjust the orientation of the string latch.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a trigger assembly for releasing a bowstring of an archery device from a drawn position to propel an arrow from the archery device toward a target. The trigger assembly comprises a guide along which the bowstring is retracted and held in the drawn position; and a pivotal string latch that can be adjusted between a first orientation in which the string latch contacts the bowstring in the drawn position to interfere with the release of the bowstring from the guide, and a second orientation in which the string latch allows the bowstring to be released from the guide. The trigger assembly further comprises a trigger lever that can be manually actuated by an archer to cause adjustment of the string latch between the first and second orientations, and a roller assembly that rolls over a surface of the trigger lever when the trigger lever is actuated to adjust the orientation of the string latch.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a crossbow for propelling an arrow toward a target comprising a stock to be placed against a shoulder of an archer when firing the crossbow, a flight deck extending along an axis that is generally parallel with a desired flight pattern of the arrow to be propelled from the crossbow. The crossbow further comprises an arm transverse to the flight deck and extending generally away therefrom, and a bowstring coupled adjacent to each distal end of the arm that can be drawn rearward to a drawn position to increase the tension of the bowstring relative to the tension of the bowstring when not in the drawn position. A trigger assembly is provided for selectively releasing the bowstring from the drawn position. The trigger assembly comprises a guide along which the bowstring is retracted and held in the drawn position; and a pivotal string latch that can be adjusted between a first orientation in which the string latch contacts the bowstring in the drawn position to interfere with the release of the bowstring from the guide, and a second orientation in which the string latch allows the bowstring to be released from the guide. The trigger assembly further comprises a trigger lever that can be manually actuated by an archer to cause adjustment of the string latch between the first and second orientations, and a roller assembly that rolls over a surface of the string latch when the trigger lever is actuated to adjust the orientation of the string latch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a crossbow that can be used to propel an arrow towards a target;

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of a trigger assembly for receiving a bowstring in a drawn position until a trigger of the trigger assembly is actuated, wherein a safety feature is engaged;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the trigger assembly in FIG. 2 having been fired by actuation of the trigger following the disengagement of the safety feature;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a trigger and a roller for minimizing the force required to be exerted on the trigger to release the bowstring; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a string latch and a roller for minimizing the force required to be exerted on the trigger to release the bowstring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Relative language used herein is best understood with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals are used to identify like or similar items. Further, in the drawings, certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form.
FIG. 1 illustrates an archery device commonly referred to as a crossbow 10. Crossbows 10 such as that shown in FIG. 1 typically include a stock 14 to be placed against a shoulder of an archer when shooting an arrow from the crossbow 10. A flight deck 16 is coupled to the stock 14 and extends along an axis that is generally parallel with a desired flight pattern of the arrow to be propelled from the crossbow 10. The flight deck 16 is typically fabricated from a metal, a metal alloy, or any rigid material and includes a channel 17 formed therein that receives a member of the arrow's fletching, which is commonly a plastic vane or feather, and acts as a guide to direct the arrow from the crossbow 10. The arrow's fletching creates wind drag and also can cause the arrow to spin similar to a rifle bullet, providing stability and accuracy while the arrow is in flight. While the arrow is being propelled from the flight deck 16, however, the member of the arrow's fletching disposed within the channel 17 serves to guide the arrow towards the terminal end of the flight deck 16.
The crossbow 10 also includes an arm 22 that is affixed adjacent to a distal end of the flight deck 16 and extends transversely thereto in opposite directions generally away from the flight deck 16. The arm 22 can be a single member, or two or more separate members each coupled to the crossbow 10 independently of the others. A bowstring 24 is coupled adjacent to each distal end 26 of the one or more members forming the arm 22 by a series of cams 28 that rotate as the bowstring 24 is drawn rearward and then released. The cams 28 are oblong shaped pulley mechanisms over which the bowstring 24 travels as it is drawn and released. Once the bowstring 24 is drawn passed a predetermined point rearward towards a butt end 30 of the stock 14, the cams 28 serve to minimize the force that must be imparted on the bowstring 24 to maintain it in this drawn position. Similarly, as the bowstring 24 is released and passes a predetermined point in the forward direction generally away from the butt end 30 of the stock 14, the cams 28 provide a mechanical advantage that serves to enhance the force with which the arrow is propelled from the crossbow 10. The tension of the bowstring 24 in the drawn position is greater than the tension of the bowstring 24 when not in the drawn position. A bow or crossbow that includes the cams 28 is commonly referred to as a compound bow or compound crossbow 10, respectively, whereas a bow or crossbow that lacks the cams 28 is instead commonly referred to as a long bow or long crossbow, respectively.
As the bowstring 24 is drawn rearward, it eventually reaches a trigger assembly 35 that is provided for maintaining the bowstring 24 in the fully-drawn position and selectively releasing the bowstring 24 from said position when the archer desires to propel or “shoot” the arrow from the crossbow 10. Shown in FIG. 2, the trigger assembly 35 generally maintains the bowstring 24 in the drawn position, and releases the bowstring 24 when the archer pulls a trigger lever 38. To minimize the likelihood of undesired releases of the bowstring 24 from the trigger assembly 35, a safety latch 41 can be provided to interfere with the actuation of the trigger lever 38 itself, or with the transmission of the force imparted on the trigger to other components, such as a string latch 44, described in detail below.
A cutaway view of an embodiment of the trigger assembly 35 is shown in FIG. 2. According to such an embodiment, the trigger assembly 35 comprises a guide 46 along which the bowstring 24 is retracted to be held in the drawn position. The guide 46 includes a recess 48 in which the bowstring 24 is located when pulled rearward into the drawn position. The recess 48 can optionally be oval shaped and open at one end to permit the bowstring 24 an unobstructed ingress and egress to and from the guide 46, respectively. A biasing lever 50 is provided to the guide 46 to urge an arrow placed on the flight deck 16 downward generally toward the channel 17 in the direction indicated by the arrow 52. The force imparted by the lever 50 maintains the arrow on the flight deck 16 even when the orientation of the crossbow 10 deviates from a horizontal orientation.
The bowstring 24 is maintained in the drawn position by a pivotal string latch 44 that protrudes into the recess 48 of the guide 46 between the bowstring 24 in the drawn position and the open end of the recess 48. The string latch 44 is a metallic or other rigid-material member that contacts the bowstring 24 while the bowstring 24 is in the drawn position within the recess 48 of the guide 46. When the string latch 44 contacts the bowstring 24, the string latch 44 acts as a catch that blocks the bowstring's release from the guide 46.
To allow the string latch 44 to pivot, the string latch 44 can be pivotally supported between opposing lateral walls 54 of the trigger assembly 35 by a transverse axle 56 that extends between said lateral walls 54. Such an axle 56 can extend through an aperture formed in, and extending entirely through the string latch 44. Other embodiments include a string latch 44 that is pivotally coupled to any member of the trigger assembly 35 to pivot on an axis that is generally perpendicular to the direction in which the bowstring 24 is released from the trigger assembly 35. Coupled to the trigger assembly 35 in this manner, the string latch 44 can be adjusted between a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the string latch 44 contacts the bowstring 24 while the bowstring 24 is in the drawn position to interfere with the release of the bowstring 24 from the guide 46. In the second orientation, however, the string latch 44 is pivoted clockwise (as shown in FIG. 2) about the axle 56 from the first orientation such that the string latch 44 no longer protrudes into the recess 48 of the guide 46. Thus, in the second orientation, the string latch 44 is recessed below the surface of recess 48, thereby allowing the bowstring 24 to exit the recess 48 through the open end and propel an arrow 15 on the flight deck 16 from the crossbow 10. A spring 58, such as a helical spring or a torsion spring, for example, can optionally be provided to bias the string latch 44 generally toward the first orientation in the absence of an external force such as that from the bowstring 24 in the drawn position.
A trigger lever 38 that can be manually actuated by an archer is provided to the trigger assembly 35 to release the string latch 44 and allow it to pivot between the first and second orientations, and thereby selectively release the bowstring 24 from the guide 46. The trigger lever 38 can be pivotally coupled to the trigger assembly 35 in a manner analogous to that of the pivotal connection of the string latch 44. A transverse trigger pin 60 can extend through an aperture formed in a cantilevered portion 62 of the trigger lever 38. The trigger pin 60 can optionally extend between the side walls 54 of the trigger assembly 35, or between any other suitable support structures. The pivotal connection of the trigger lever 38 allows the trigger lever 38 to rotate about the trigger pin 60 when the archer's finger applies a force on a finger pad 64 of the trigger lever 38. A spring 66, such as a helical spring or a torsion spring, for example, can optionally be provided to bias the trigger lever 38 to a ready position, which is in a counterclockwise direction about the trigger pin 60 as shown in FIG. 2.
While the string latch 44 is oriented in the first orientation to prevent the release of the bowstring 24 from the guide 46, a roller assembly 74 including at least one generally round wheel 76 or other rollable member contacts a sear surface 67 of the string latch 44. As shown in FIG. 4 or 5, rolling surface 80 of the wheel 76 contacts the sear surface 67 of the string latch 44 to stand in the way of, or prohibit the clockwise rotation of the string latch 44 in FIG. 2. The rolling surface 80 allows adjustment of the position of the trigger lever 38 relative to the string latch 44 while minimizing the sliding friction therebetween. The rolling surface 80 of the wheel 76 primarily rolls over the sear surface 67 of the string latch 44, thereby reducing the force required to be imparted on the trigger lever 38 to adjust the position of the trigger lever 38, and accordingly the roller assembly 74, relative to the string latch 44.
As shown in FIG. 4, the roller assembly 74 allows the trigger lever 38 to roll off the sear surface 67 of the string latch 44 instead of sliding off of it when the archer pulls on the finger pad 64 to release the bowstring 24 from the drawn position and propel the arrow toward a target. According to one embodiment, the roller assembly 74 is coupled to the trigger lever 38 and includes at least one, and optionally two or more round, rigid wheels 76 that roll over a surface of the string latch 44 as the trigger lever 38 is actuated. The one or more wheels 76 can circumferentially extend around a generally cylindrical pin 78 extending transverse to the plane in which the one or more wheels 76 rotate. Once the trigger lever 38 has rotated a suitable distance in the clockwise direction about trigger pin 60, the wheel(s) 76 of the roller assembly 74 roll off the sear surface 67 of the string latch 44, allowing the string latch 44 to pivot from the first orientation in FIG. 2 to the second orientation shown in FIG. 3. The force of the bowstring 24 causes the pivotal adjustment of the orientation of the string latch 44 about the transverse axle 56 when the wheel(s) 76 roll off the sear surface 67, allowing the bowstring 24 to exit the guide 46.
As mentioned above, a safety latch 41 can be provided to interfere with the actuation of the trigger lever 38 itself, or with the transmission of the force imparted on the trigger lever 38 to the string latch 44, to minimize the likelihood of inadvertent releases of the bowstring 24 from the guide 46. The embodiment of the safety latch 41 shown in FIG. 2 is of the type that interferes with the actuation of the trigger lever 38 itself. As shown, the safety latch 41 is adjusted to a forward position that engages the safety feature and prevents rotation of the trigger lever 38 about the trigger pin 60 to prevent the bowstring 24 from being released from the guide 46.
The safety latch 41 shown in FIG. 2 includes an arm 69 supporting a transversely-extending locking pin (hidden in FIG. 2 by the arm 69, and thus, not shown) that extends generally perpendicular through the plane in which the trigger lever 38 rotates about trigger pin 60. When the archer's finger pulls on the finger pad 64 of the trigger lever 38, the trigger lever 38 ordinarily rotates about trigger pin 60. This rotation causes the cantilevered portion 62 of the trigger lever 38 to rotate downward about the trigger pin 60, in a clockwise direction as that direction is shown in FIG. 2. However, when the safety feature of the crossbow 10 is engaged by adjusting the safety latch 41 to the forward position, the locking pin contacts the cantilevered portion 62 of the trigger lever 38, thereby preventing the clockwise rotation of that cantilevered portion 62 and the rest of the trigger lever 38. Thus, the release of the bowstring 24 from the guide 46 is prevented even if a typical force required to bring about said release is imparted on the finger pad 64 of the trigger lever 38.
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the trigger assembly 35 with the safety feature disengaged and the trigger lever 38 adjusted to the fire position. Controlling whether the safety latch 41 is positioned to interfere with the firing of the crossbow 10 can be accomplished by manually adjusting an insert 70 that extends to communicate with a distal end of the arm 69. When the insert 70 is pulled outwardly to translate away from the trigger assembly 35 the distal end of the arm 69 is also so translated, thereby causing rotation of the arm 69 about a transversely extending pivot point 68. This positions the safety latch 41 to prevent rotation of the cantilevered portion 62 of the trigger lever 38, thereby preventing the bowstring 24 from being released from the guide 46.
FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the trigger lever 38 and the roller assembly 74. The roller assembly 74 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 comprises a pin 78 extending transversely through a passage 79 formed in the trigger lever 38 adjacent to an end of the cantilevered portion 62. A wheel 76 is rotatably coupled to the pin 78 on each side of the trigger lever 38, wherein the wheels 76 are concentric with the pin 78. Examples of suitable wheels 76 include, but are not limited to a bearing, a rigid metallic ring, and the like. The outside diameter of the wheels 76 is suitably large such that the rolling surface 80 of each wheel 76 extends beyond the edge of the trigger lever 38 where the trigger lever 38 would otherwise slide over the surface of the string latch 44. A washer 81 or other obstacle is provided to prevent removal of the pin 78 from the interior passage of the trigger lever 38 and the one or more wheels 76. As the archer pulls on the finger pad 64 of the trigger lever 38, the rolling surface 80 of each wheel 76 rolls over the surface of the string latch 44 until they reach a terminal end 82 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the string latch 44, at which time the wheels 76 fall off the terminal edge 82 of the string latch 44.
Operation of an embodiment of the crossbow lo and trigger assembly 35 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2-4. To prepare the crossbow 10 for shooting an arrow 15, the crossbow 10 must first be cocked and loaded. To cock the crossbow 10, the bowstring 24 must be drawn rearward towards the butt end 30 of the stock 14 and maintained in the drawn position by the trigger assembly 35. The archer can apply a pulling force on the bowstring 24, thereby drawing it rearward. The pulling force must be applied on the bowstring 24 long enough to pass it over the string latch 44. When the bowstring 24 contacts the string latch 44 while being drawn rearward, the string latch 44 pivots counterclockwise as that direction is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 about the transverse axle 56. Pivoting the string latch 44 in the counterclockwise direction causes the torsion spring 58 to wind about the transverse axle 56, creating a force that urges the string latch 44 in the opposite, clockwise direction (i.e., back toward its naturally-biased orientation that is approximately vertical). Once the bowstring 24 has cleared the string latch 44, the torsion spring 58 forces the string latch 44 to rotate clockwise about the transverse axle 56 until the sear surface adjacent to the terminal end 82 of the string latch 44 contacts the wheels 76 of the roller assembly 74. The archer is notified that the bowstring 24 has been drawn rearward a suitable distance to be maintained by the trigger assembly 35 by an audible click that is sounded when the string latch 44 returns to contact the wheels 76, by a pulse transmitted through the bowstring 24 by the string latch 44, by any other indication, and any combination thereof. The safety feature can be engaged automatically or by pulling the insert 70 from the trigger assembly, which inhibits rotation of the trigger lever 38 about the trigger pin 60 and therefore prevents the release of the bowstring 24 from the drawn position being maintained by the string latch 44.
With the bowstring 24 in the drawn position, the archer can place an arrow 15 upon the flight deck 16 with a fletching member such as a feather extending into the channel 17. A terminal end of the arrow 15 (not shown) opposite the arrowhead is slid along the channel 17 and backed under the lever 50 to a location adjacent to the string latch 44. Once a target is located by the archer, the safety feature can be disengaged by pushing the insert 70 inward toward the trigger assembly 35. The translation of the insert 70 forces the arm 69 of the safety latch 41 to rotate clockwise about the pivot point 68, thereby disengaging the safety feature and allowing the archer to pull the trigger 38 at position 64 allowing the bowstring 24 to be released from the guide 46. Rotation of the arm 69 in this manner moves a laterally-extending locking pin from a position where it inhibited actuation of the trigger lever 38 to a position where it would not inhibit actuation of the trigger lever 38. With the insert 70 suitably adjusted, the crossbow 10 is now ready to shoot.
After taking aim, the archer can manually actuate the trigger lever 38 by gradually applying a force on the finger pad 64 of the trigger lever 38, causing the trigger lever 38 to rotate about the trigger pin 60. Rotation of the trigger lever 38 about the trigger pin 60 causes the wheels 76 of the roller assembly 74 coupled to the trigger lever 38 to roll over the surface of the string latch 44, and fall off the sear surface upon reaching a terminal end 82 of the string latch 44. When the wheels 76 fall off of the sear surface, the force of the bowstring 24 in the direction generally away from the trigger assembly 35 and parallel with the flight deck 16 forces the string latch 44 to rotate about the lateral axis 56. The rotation of the string latch 44 moves the portion of string latch 44 that once extended into the recess 48 of the guide 46 to block the release of the bowstring beneath the surface of the flight deck 16. As the bowstring 24 leaves the recess 48 it catches the arrow 15 and propels the arrow 15 from the crossbow 10. Once the bowstring 24 has cleared the string latch 44 during the release, the torsion spring 58 returns the string latch 44 to a generally vertical orientation so the bowstring 24 can once again be placed in the drawn position.
According to another embodiment, shown best in FIG. 5, the roller assembly 74 is coupled to the string latch 44 instead of the trigger lever 38, and includes at least one, and optionally two or more round, rigid wheels 76 that roll over a surface of the trigger lever 38 as the trigger lever 38 is actuated. Once the trigger lever 38 has rotated a suitable distance in the clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 5 about trigger pin 60, the wheels 76 roll off of the trigger lever 38 and the force of the bowstring 24 causes pivotal adjustment of the orientation of the string latch 44 about the transverse axle 56, allowing the bowstring 24 to exit the guide 46.
The embodiments described herein eliminate the need for a complex trigger assembly that includes an intermediate member other than the trigger lever 38 or the string latch 44 to be provided with a roller assembly. Thus, other embodiments of the present invention include a trigger assembly with the roller assembly 74 coupled directly to either the trigger lever 38 or the string latch 44 that is devoid of any intermediary members for transmitting the force applied to the trigger lever 38 to the string latch 44.
Although the embodiments described above include a roller assembly 74 with a plurality of wheels 76, the present invention is not so limited. A roller assembly 74 with a single wheel 76, such as a single bearing centrally located within the trigger lever 38 or string latch 44, for example, is also within the scope of the present invention.
Further, the embodiments discussed above make reference to translation, movement, and rotation of various features of the present invention in specific directions. However, it should be noted that the scope of the attached claims encompasses variations to the present invention that translate, move and rotate features differently than described above.
Illustrative embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above devices and methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A trigger assembly for releasing a bowstring of an archery device from a drawn position to propel an arrow from the archery device toward a target, the trigger assembly comprising:

a guide along which the bowstring is retracted and held in the drawn position;

a pivotal string latch that can be adjusted between a first orientation in which the string latch contacts the bowstring in the drawn position to interfere with the release of the bowstring from the guide, and a second orientation in which the string latch allows the bowstring to be released from the guide;

a trigger lever that can be manually actuated by an archer to cause adjustment of the string latch between the first and second orientations; and

a roller assembly that rolls over a surface of the string latch when the trigger lever is actuated to adjust the orientation of the string latch.

2. The trigger assembly according to claim 1, wherein the string latch is pivotally supported between lateral walls of the trigger assembly by a transverse axle that extends between said lateral walls.

3. The trigger assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a spring to bias the string latch generally toward the first orientation in the absence of an external force.

4. The trigger assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a spring to bias the trigger lever generally toward a ready position.

5. The trigger assembly according to claim 1, wherein the roller assembly is coupled to the trigger lever.

6. The trigger assembly according to claim 5, wherein the roller assembly comprises:

a pin extending transversely through a portion of the trigger lever; and

a rigid roller provided adjacent to each opposing side of the trigger lever to be generally concentric with the pin.

7. The trigger assembly according to claim 1, wherein the roller assembly rolls over a lowermost surface of the string latch.

8. A trigger assembly for releasing a bowstring of an archery device from a drawn position to propel an arrow from the archery device toward a target, the trigger assembly comprising:

a guide along which the bowstring is retracted and held in the drawn position;

a roller assembly that rolls over a surface of the trigger lever when the trigger lever is actuated to adjust the orientation of the string latch.

9. The trigger assembly according to claim 8, wherein the string latch is pivotally supported between lateral walls of the trigger assembly by a transverse axle that extends between said lateral walls.

10. The trigger assembly according to claim 8 further comprising a spring to bias the string latch generally toward the first orientation in the absence of an external force.

11. The trigger assembly according to claim 8 further comprising a safety latch that interferes with actuation of the trigger lever when positioned in a safety position.

12. The trigger assembly according to claim 8 further comprising a safety latch that interferes with the transmission of the force imparted on the trigger lever to the string latch when in a safety position.

13. The trigger assembly according to claim 8 further comprising a spring to bias the trigger lever generally toward a ready position.

14. The trigger assembly according to claim 8, wherein the roller assembly is coupled to the string latch.

15. The trigger assembly according to claim 14, wherein the roller assembly comprises:

a pin extending transversely through a portion of the string latch; and

a rigid roller provided adjacent to each opposing side of the string latch to be concentric with the pin.

16. The trigger assembly according to claim 8, wherein the roller assembly rolls over a knuckle surface of the trigger lever.

17. A crossbow for propelling an arrow toward a target comprising:

a stock to be placed against a shoulder of an archer when firing the crossbow;

a flight deck extending along an axis that is generally parallel with a desired flight pattern of the arrow to be propelled from the crossbow;

an arm transverse to the flight deck and extending generally away therefrom;

a bowstring coupled adjacent to each distal end of the arm that can be drawn rearward to a drawn position to increase the tension of the bowstring relative to the tension of the bowstring when not in the drawn position; and

a trigger assembly for selectively releasing the bowstring from the drawn position, said trigger assembly comprising:

a guide along which the bowstring is retracted and held in the drawn position;

18. The crossbow according to claim 17, wherein the arm comprises two arms that extend away from the flight deck on opposite sides thereof.

19. The crossbow according to claim 17 further comprising a safety latch that interferes with actuation of the trigger lever when positioned in a safety position.

20. The crossbow according to claim 17 further comprising a safety latch that interferes with the transmission of the force imparted on the trigger lever to the string latch when in a safety position.

21. The crossbow according to claim 17 further comprising a set of cams about which the bowstring extends to minimize the force required to be imparted on the bowstring to fully retract the bowstring to the drawn position.