Trigger Assembly

Abstract

Trigger assembly for use in a weapon. Components of the trigger assembly include a spring, a hammer, a disconnector, a trigger and other components related to a trigger assembly.

Claims

1-13. (canceled)

14. A trigger assembly for use in a weapon, the trigger assembly comprising: a trigger shoe including a sear; and a hammer including a firing notch and a safety notch, wherein: (1) the sear is configured to engage with the firing notch in a ready-to-fire position; (2) the trigger shoe is configured to disengage the sear from the firing notch in response to the trigger shoe in the ready-to-fire position being pulled by a user, thereby releasing the hammer to rotate and fire the weapon; and (3) the safety notch is configured to catch on the sear and prevent the hammer from firing the weapon in response to accidental disengagement of the sear from the firing notch.

15. The trigger assembly of claim 14, wherein the hammer is configured to rotate on an axis, and a radial distance from a center point of the axis to a tip of the safety notch is further than a radial distance from the center point of the axis to a tip of the firing notch.

16. The trigger assembly of claim 14, wherein the hammer is spring-loaded.

17. A method of using a trigger assembly in a weapon including 1) a trigger shoe with a sear and 2) a hammer, the method comprising: (1) engaging the sear with a firing notch of the hammer to put the weapon in a ready-to-fire position; and (2) dropping the weapon, thereby causing the safety notch to catch on the sear, which prevents the hammer from firing the weapon.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the hammer rotates on an axis, and a radial distance from a center point of the axis to a tip of the safety notch is further than a radial distance from the center point of the axis to a tip of the firing notch.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the hammer is spring-loaded.

20. A trigger assembly for use in a weapon, the trigger assembly comprising: a hammer including a firing notch; a trigger shoe including a sear, wherein (1) the sear is configured to engage with the firing notch in a ready-to-fire position and (2) the trigger shoe is configured to disengage the sear from the firing notch, thereby releasing the hammer to rotate and fire a round of the weapon, in response to the trigger shoe in the ready-to-fire position being pulled by a user; a disconnector including (1) a catch edge and (2) a projection that interconnects the disconnector to the trigger shoe, the projection comprising (i) a neck and (ii) a head that fits into a slot of the trigger shoe, wherein the slot includes a gap to allow movement of the neck; wherein the disconnector is configured to (1) with the trigger shoe in a pulled position, catch the hammer of the weapon with the catch edge by moving at the neck in response to a force exerted by the hammer that results from the round of the weapon being fired and (2) release the catch edge from the hammer in response to the trigger shoe being released from the pulled position, thereby causing the sear to engage with the firing notch in the ready-to-fire position.

21. The trigger assembly of claim 20, further comprising a safety notch on the hammer configured to catch on the sear and prevent the hammer from firing the weapon in response to accidental disengagement of the sear from the firing notch.

22. The trigger assembly of claim 20, wherein a thickness of the catch edge and a thickness of the hammer are equal.

23. The trigger assembly of claim 20, wherein a spring is in contact with the disconnector and the shoe.

24. The trigger assembly of claim 20, wherein a thickness of the disconnector and a thickness of the shoe are equal.

25. The trigger assembly of claim 20, wherein a thickness of the disconnector and a thickness of the hammer are equal.

26. The trigger assembly of claim 20, wherein the head is cylindrical.

27. The trigger assembly of claim 20, wherein the weapon is an AR-15 rifle.

28. The trigger assembly of claim 20, wherein the weapon is an AR-10 rifle.

29. The trigger assembly of claim 20, wherein the disconnector includes a bore for receiving the spring.

30. The trigger assembly of claim 20, wherein the trigger assembly is a drop-in trigger assembly with orifices and openings for mounting the assembly to the weapon.

31. The trigger assembly of claim 20, wherein the disconnector, the head, and the neck are machined out of a single piece.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0018] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the figures in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular trigger;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular trigger having a dual trigger;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular trigger with needle bearings at two pivot points;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular trigger having needle bearings and a dual trigger;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular trigger having multiple adjustment elements;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular dual trigger having multiple adjustment elements and a dual trigger;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular dual trigger having multiple adjustment elements and a dual trigger;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular trigger having multiple adjustment elements;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular trigger having multiple adjustment elements;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a hammer;

[0029] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a hammer;

[0030] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a one embodiment of a disconnector;

[0031] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a one embodiment of a sear;

[0032] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a single trigger for use in the drop-in modular trigger assembly;

[0033] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a double trigger for use in the drop-in modular trigger assembly;

[0034] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of a trigger and hammer having a catch notch on the hammer;

[0035] FIG. 17 is the trigger and hammer shown in FIG. 16 with the hammer in a released position;

[0036] FIG. 18 is a depiction of a trigger and hammer having notches on the hammer;

[0037] FIG. 19 is the trigger and hammer shown in FIG. 18 from a different viewing angle;

[0038] FIG. 20 is an expanded view of a trigger and hammer assembly for use in an AR-15 style weapon;

[0039] FIG. 21 is an expanded view of a trigger and hammer assembly for use in an M-16 style weapon.

[0040] FIG. 22 is a top view of a wound spring.

[0041] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the wound spring shown in FIG. 22.

[0042] FIG. 24 is a side view of the spring shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

[0043] Elements depicted in the figure are illustrated for simplicity. They are presented to illustrate the invention to assist in an understanding thereof. The figures are not necessarily rendered according to any particular sequence, size, scale or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the invention is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0045] It should also be pointed out that the front of the trigger assembly is the direction that finger contacting portion of the trigger faces. The back or rear of the trigger assembly is the direction that the trigger is pulled when being fired. That is, the trigger is pulled back when being fired. The trigger is generally mounted to the rifle such that the trigger is pointed away from the lower receiver in a downwardly facing direction as is usual.

[0046] Turning to FIG. 1, the drop-in modular trigger assembly is shown. Included in this figure are, among other elements, the housing 42, the hammer generally 60, having a hammer-striking surface 16, and the hammer 60 having two ratchet elements, the torsion spring 18, the disconnector 14, a single trigger 12, and various adjustment screws.

[0047] In each of the figures of the drop-in modular trigger a side of the housing has been removed to show the internals of the drop-in modular trigger. For instance, in FIGS. 1-6 only a portion of the housing 42 is shown as the right angle corner at the lower left side of each figure. The housing will extend from the left side of the drop-in modular trigger assembly along the bottom side of the drop-in modular trigger assembly and up the right side of the drop-in modular trigger assembly. The drop-in modular trigger assembly housing is machined or formed with orifices and openings to allow proper mounting, component location and retention and operation of the drop-in modular trigger assembly. A portion of the drop-in modular trigger assembly housing may extend over the top of the housing and may extend along both or either end of the drop-in modular trigger assembly.

[0048] FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 with a dual trigger instead of a single trigger as well as a trigger guard 34.

[0049] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the drop-in modular trigger assembly. Included in this figure are, among other elements, the housing, the hammer with two ratchet elements, the torsion spring, the disconnector, a single trigger, needle bearings at two pivot points and various adjustment screws. Needle roller bearings 30 and 32 are used on the hammer pivot point and at the pivot point of the trigger respectively.

[0050] FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 with a dual trigger, also identified as item 12, instead of a single trigger as well as a trigger guard.

[0051] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the drop-in modular trigger assembly. Included in this figure, among other elements, are the housing, an alternative hammer embodiment, herein called an “ultra-hammer 58, the torsion spring, the disconnector, a sear, a single trigger, needle bearings at two pivot points and various adjustment screws. It is contemplated by the inventor that the ultra-hammer 58 in this embodiment could; alternatively, be a hammer with two ratchet elements, these being the firing notch 22, and the safety notch 24, as shown in FIG. 3 FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the drop-in modular trigger assembly. Included in this figure, among other elements, are the housing, an alternative hammer embodiment, the torsion spring, the disconnector, a sear, needle bearings at two pivot points and various adjustment screws, and a dual trigger as well as a trigger guard. It is contemplated by the inventor that the hammer in this embodiment could; alternatively, be a hammer with two ratchet elements as shown in FIG. 4.

[0052] FIG. 7 is an embodiment of the drop-in modular trigger assembly. Included in this figure, among other elements, are the housing 42, an alternative hammer embodiment, the torsion spring 18, the disconnector 14, a sear 40, needle bearings 30 and 32, at two pivot points and various adjustment screws, and a dual trigger as well as a trigger guard 34. It is contemplated by the inventor that the ultra-hammer 58 in this embodiment could; alternatively, be an ultra-hammer with two ratchet elements 22 and 24 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0053] FIG. 8 is an embodiment of the drop-in modular trigger assembly. Included in this figure, among other elements, are the housing 42, an alternative hammer embodiment, the torsion spring 18, the disconnector 14, a sear 40, a single trigger 12, needle bearings 30 and 32 at two pivot points and various adjustment screws. It is contemplated by the inventor that the hammer in this embodiment is, alternatively, a hammer with two ratchet elements 22 and 24 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0054] FIG. 9 is an embodiment of the drop-in modular trigger assembly. Included in this figure, among other elements, are the housing 42, a hammer 16, the torsion spring 18, an alternative disconnector 14, a sear 40, an alternative single trigger 12, needle bearings 30 and 32 at two pivot points and various adjustment screws. It is contemplated by the inventor that the hammer in this embodiment is, alternatively, a hammer with two ratchet elements as shown in FIG. 4. The ratchet detents operate as safety devices to prevent the accidental firing of the weapon.

[0055] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a hammer having two ratchet elements 22 and 24 or ratchet detents. This hammer includes a firing notch 22 and a safety notch 24.

[0056] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of an alternative hammer. At the bearing-receiving end of this hammer, what shows as a large hole in the body of the hammer, is a cam 54 having a slightly enlarged portion that operates as a cam surface. In comparing the FIG. 11 hammer with the hammer shown in FIG. 10 there is noted a significant difference between these two hammers. In FIG. 10 the relative lower surface 56 of the trigger body is, for the most part, comprises a straight portion. In contrast, the FIG. 11 hammer, which has been referred to as an “ultra-hammer” in the figure, has a significantly different configuration. The relative lower surface of the “ultra hammer,” generally 58 includes a sear interface 62 that will interface in a latched and subsequently unlatched relationship with the sear shown in FIGS. 5, 8, 9, and 13 (as well as in several of the dual trigger embodiments). This embodiment could also have two ratchet elements or ratchet detents as shown in FIG. 10.

[0057] The hammer shown in the single trigger embodiments in FIGS. 1, 3 10 (as well as in several of the dual trigger embodiments) has a disconnector interface 64 with a catch projection 66 that will interface in a restraining relationship with the disconnector 14 catch edge 68 until the trigger is pulled and the catch projection 66 is released from the catch edge 68.

[0058] FIG. 12 is one embodiment of a disconnector, generally 60, as used in FIG. 9.

[0059] FIG. 13 is one embodiment of a sear.

[0060] FIG. 14 is an embodiment of a single trigger 12.

[0061] FIG. 15 is an embodiment of a dual trigger also shown as 12.

[0062] FIGS. 16 and 17 show one embodiment of a trigger and hammer assembly. In this embodiment FIG. 16 shows the hammer 16 in a partially deployed state with a release pawl 44 preventing the further movement of the hammer to a firing position. In FIG. 17 the release pawl has been released from interference with the notch 20 allowing the hammer to complete its travel to contact the firing pin of the weapon.

[0063] FIGS. 18 and 19 show one embodiment of the invention. In these views the hammer spring 18 is a double/double torsion spring. In this wound configuration the torsion spring can fit inside the housing without extra machining of the housing.

[0064] FIG. 20 shows an expanded view of a trigger assembly for use in an AR-15.

[0065] FIG. 21 shows an expended view of a trigger assembly for use in an M-16.

[0066] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 have differences dictated by the intended use of the trigger assembly. One common element of these two embodiments is the firing notch 22 and safety notch 24.

[0067] In some embodiments depicted in the drawings (for example, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-8, 12, and 20, as well as others), the disconnector 14 has a catch edge 68 that is configured to catch the hammer 16, with the trigger shoe 12 in a pulled position, in response to a force exerted by the hammer 16 that results from the round of the weapon being fired. The catch edge 68 also releases the hammer 16 in response to the trigger shoe 12 being released from the pulled position, thereby causing the sear 28 to engage with the firing notch 22 in the ready-to-fire position, which is shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-4. The disconnector 12 also has a projection (96, 98) that interconnects the disconnector 14 to trigger shoe 12. The projection comprises a neck 96 and a head 98, and the trigger shoe 12 has a slot 100 for receiving the projection, wherein the head 98 fits into the slot 100 and the slot 100 includes a gap 102 configured to enable movement of the neck 96.

[0068] The invention presented here, with the firing notch and safety notch on the hammer, presents a safer trigger than triggers currently on the market. This safety hammer, having the firing notch and safety notch prevents a double fire of the trigger mechanism.

[0069] In the trigger presented here there are four main subassemblies, as in normal triggers of this type, comprising the trigger. These are the hammer, the trigger itself, the disconnector and the hammer spring.

[0070] However, one element of improvement in this trigger assembly is that the hammer spring, shown as item 18, is a specially wound double torsion spring. It may be referred to as double/double torsion spring. In this spring, unlike any other spring in similar trigger assemblies, is a spring that is wound in layers. There are five coils in this spring. Normally a gun trigger hammer spring for an AK-47 or AR-15 is wound in a single layer of coils. Because of the available clearance in the trigger housing 42 the standard trigger is limited to three coils on each side of the centerline of the spring. In the “double-double” wound coil torsion spring used in the s trigger presented here there are five coils on each side of the centerline of the spring. This spring configuration, the “double-double” configuration, has an overall width less than the conventional “double” configuration with three coils on each side of the spring.

[0071] In most trigger configurations the hammer spring is partially carried in a machined channel formed on each side of the hammer around the trigger pivot point. The machined groove isn't needed with the “double-double” torsion spring shown in, for example, FIGS. 20 and 21, and used in the inventor's trigger. Since the “double-double” torsion spring is wound in a stacked coil configuration the coil stacking height is less than the double torsion spring coil stacking height by a very significant amount. An amount resulting in a spring that can be mounted to a trigger without the need for a relief grove or channel being formed in the hammer body itself.

[0072] This can be seen in several of the figures, for instance, in FIG. 20, there is a hammer surface 46, generally at the hammer end of the hammer body. The hammer surface, as is well known, is used to contact a firing pin when the trigger is pulled. In the hammer embodiment of FIG. 20, there is a spring 18 having a left side 80 and a right 82 side, the two sides separated by a non-wound section 84 of the bent and coiled wire spring. The non-wound section 84 of wire connects the right side 82 of the hammer spring to the left side 80 of the hammer spring 18. In one embodiment the hammer of the trigger and hammer assembly comprise a hammer body, generally 86 with a hammer end, generally 76 and a through bore end, generally 78 of FIG. 20. This hammer body 86 has both a first side surface 70 and a second side surface 72 with these surfaces extending from the hammer end 76 of the body to the through bore end 74 of the hammer body. The side surfaces, one being the first side surface 70 of the hammer and the opposite side surface being the second side surface 72 of the hammer, are each flat surfaces with each flat surface generally perpendicular to the hammer surface 46 of the hammer body 86.

[0073] In various figures the hammer is shown in an elevation view. In one embodiment the trigger assembly is for an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle. The actual hammer surface is surface 46 in FIGS. 20 and 21. Extending downwardly from the hammer surface is the tail 48. Inboard from the tail, in the direction of the hammer bearing is the lower disconnector hook. This lower disconnector hook will interface with the trigger disconnector hook 50. The bearing 32 of the hammer is carried in a bore of the hammer body. The bore is sized to provide a press fit with the bearing so the bearing is retained in the bore. The bearing 32 used in this invention is a needle roller bearing of the style having rolling pins carried in a bearing housing. One such needle roller bearing is manufactured by Timken in the United States.

[0074] The end of the hammer furthest away from the tail 48 and outboard of the bearing comprises a lobe having three functional items. These are the firing notch 22, a safety notch 24, and a curved landing flat 52. As is well known, the firing notch 22 will interface with the sear 28 of the trigger element. In certain circumstances the safety notch will also interface with the sear, most usually to prevent the accidental firing of the host weapon. The curved landing flat 52 will facilitate smooth travel of the sear along the hammer lobe allowing more rapid reset of the trigger.

[0075] The trigger element comprises a trigger shoe 12, the sear 28 carried on the sear arm. A central bore of the trigger element will locate a trigger needle bearing 32. The disconnector 14 is carried in a trigger pivot recess 92 by means of a disconnector pivot shaft 88. The pivot shaft 88 is a generally longitudinal bar element having a diameter closely fitted to match the pivot recess bore 90 that houses the disconnector pivot shaft 88. The pivot shaft can rotate a small arcuate distance in the pivot recess. The disconnector 14 is spring loaded, using a spring to urge the disconnector 14 into a position that will restrain the hammer 16 from rotation until the trigger is pulled. The spring 94 is positioned in the trigger pivot recess 92 of the trigger, and the spring 94 is also in contact with the disconnector.

[0076] As is usual in a trigger of this type there is a safety tail to interface with the safety of the rifle.

[0077] It is preferred to cast, machine, or fabricated the drop-in modular trigger assembly from aluminum with steel or other hard metal elements in wear zones or areas where the trigger contacts other components of the rifle such as, but not limited to, the insertable hammer contact element. The inventor also contemplates making the drop-in modular trigger assembly from non-aluminum metals, such as, but not limited to steel, or from non-metallic materials such as high performance plastics or other polymer based materials. Metal inserts may be necessary at wear points when non-steel materials are used to form the trigger.

[0078] The layout and structure of the drop-in modular trigger assembly allows the drop-in modular trigger assembly to be fitted directly into the location of the original trigger on an AR-15, after the stock trigger assembly has been removed from the lower receiver. No machining of the lower receiver assembly is required. No special gunsmithing skills are needed. The whole replacement of the original single trigger assembly with the drop-in modular trigger assembly is easily done by the owner of an AR-15 semi-automatic or similar rifle.

[0079] The invention includes the method of retrofitting a dual trigger assembly to an AR-15 or an AR-15 look-alike or clone. It is anticipated by the inventor that this drop-in modular trigger assembly could be used with firearms other than the AR-15. Some detail modifications may be necessary to the embodiments shown here but these modifications would be addressed more to mounting, fitting and structural considerations to make a drop-in modular trigger assembly for a particular firearm.

[0080] Operation using the drop-in modular trigger assembly may be found to be easier to operate, faster to operate and more versatile then the original trigger design. Since no modifications to the lower receiver assembly was necessary in the conversion it is simply a matter of removing the drop-in modular trigger assembly and reinstalling the trigger assembly parts in the event it is necessary or desirable to return the rifle to its original trigger configuration.

[0081] In summary, one of the inventions described herein is a hammer having a hammer surface that is used to contact a firing pin when the trigger is pulled. In this hammer embodiment, which is for use in a trigger and hammer assembly used in a weapon having hammer spring formed of a single length of bent and coiled wire. This hammer spring has a left and a right side separated by a non-wound section of the bent and coiled wire. The non-wound section of wire connects the right side of the hammer spring to the left side of the hammer spring, and this hammer spring has a spring with both the left and right sides of the hammer spring wound in layers. In one embodiment claimed, the hammer of the trigger and hammer assembly comprise; a hammer body with a hammer end and a through bore end. This hammer body has both a first side surface and a second side surface with these surfaces extending from the hammer end of the body to the through bore end of the hammer body. The side surfaces are each being a flat surface with each flat surface generally perpendicular to the hammer surface of the hammer.

[0082] While the invention is described herein in terms of preferred embodiments and generally associated methods, the inventor contemplates that alterations and permutations of the preferred embodiments and methods will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. For instance, the drop-in modular trigger assembly could be made of any durable material.