Crossbow having trigger mechanism with arrow retention

Abstract

A nock for an archery arrow or bolt. The nock includes a radial indention configured to be engaged by a biased retainer of a trigger mechanism of a crossbow to retain the arrow or bolt in a desired position relative to the trigger mechanism and/or a bowstring. The radial indention may optionally comprise a groove defined generally continuously around a circumference of the nock. The radial indention is exposed when the nock is coupled with an arrow or bolt such that the radial indention may be engaged by a biased retainer within the trigger mechanism. The nock may further include a generally planar rearward bearing surface configured for being engaged by a bowstring. The nock of the present invention may be suitable for use with a multiple-shot crossbow or a single-shot crossbow. Other aspects of the present invention are directed to a projectile, a projectile retention system, and a crossbow.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.