Abstract: A bow, preferably a crossbow, is provided herein. The bow is provided with a recoil energy dissipation system. When applied to a crossbow, the crossbow comprises a stock member including a barrel at a forward portion thereof, the barrel being configured for supporting an arrow for firing of the crossbow. A riser block assembly is provided at a forward end of the barrel, the riser block assembly supporting first and second bow limbs extending outwardly, the first and second bow limbs carrying a bowstring between the outward tips thereof, and extending transversely to the barrel. The stock member further has a trigger mechanism associated therewith selectively to hold and release the bowstring from a cocked position in which the bowstring is drawn in a direction away from the first and second bow limbs to tension the bow limbs.

Abstract: A novel trigger mechanism for a crossbow is disclosed, in which a relatively large mechanical advantage is employed to obtain reduced trigger pressures in comparison with trigger pressures in the prior art. The mechanism has two main components, namely a trigger and a catch, pivotally mounted in a case which is in turn mounted in the crossbow stock. The trigger has a trigger arm extending downwardly from the trigger pivot point and out of the case, and a sear arm extending forwardly and having a rearward-facing sear surface. The catch is installed with its pivot point slightly above the plane of a bowstring entry area in the case, and thus slightly above the plane of the bowstring. The catch has a bowstring-retaining hook portion extending forwardly from the catch pivot point, and a catch arm extending downwardly from the catch pivot point and terminating in a forward-facing sear surface, which is engaged by the sear surface of the trigger sear arm when the crossbow is armed.

Abstract: A tree step is disclosed, including a substantially L-shaped step member of constant cross section. The upright portion of the L-shape is provided with an aperture adapted to hang over a lag screw. The aperture is elongated, with its lower aspect being wide enough to allow it to be passed over the head of the lag screw, and its uppper aspect being somewhat narrower and unable to pass over the head of the lag screw. In the preferred embodiment, at least one and preferably two anchoring lugs project inwardly from a lower portion of the upright portion of the L-shape, each lug having a contoured lower surface and a somewhat pointed upper surface. The upright portion of the L-shape extends somewhat below the horizontal portion, with an integral strut provided between the horizontal portion and the downward extension of the upright portion. The lower portion of the aperture is shaped to match the head of the lag screw.