Dry fire practice training device

Abstract

When a semi-automatic weapon is live fired, it's firing pin is reset, and it is ready to be fired again. The shooter's hands remain in the firing position, and just the trigger finger and trigger are employed. With dry fire practice, the shooter must manually rack the slide to reset the firing pin, allowing the trigger to return to its unfired position each time a shot is simulated. This invention provides, realistic muscle memory training by duplicating the action of the trigger in normal live fire, the feel and the sound of the release of the firing pin, and the resetting of the trigger for additional trigger activation. The invention further provides components that allow use with other electronic training devices such as lasers, video simulators, and virtual reality.

Claims

1. A dry fire training device for use with a pistol having an ammunition magazine compartment and a trigger mechanism, the dry fire training device comprising: a simulated ammunition magazine that has opposing side portions, an exterior surface, and an interior cavity, the simulated ammunition magazine having a platform at a top end portion for operative engagement with a compression spring; a lever that is pivotably carried within the interior cavity of the simulated ammunition magazine, the lever is elongate and has a bottom end portion that is proximate an inside bottom surface of the interior cavity, and a top end portion that is proximate the top end portion of the simulated ammunition magazine, the lever further having a projection at the top end portion thereof that operatively communicates with the trigger mechanism of the pistol, and a projection for engagement with the compression spring, and the lever is pivotably movable on a fulcrum between a resting position and a firing position, the fulcrum is sandwiched between the opposing side portions inside the interior cavity of the simulated ammunition magazine; a detent reed carried on the lever, the detent reed formed of a material that generates a tactile and audible signal when manipulated through an activation point between an un-tripped position and a tripped position; a microswitch operatively connecting the lever to the simulated ammunition magazine such that the microswitch is activated when the lever is pivotably moved on the fulcrum from the resting position to the firing position; and a microprocessor operatively communicating with the microswitch and which sends a signal when the microswitch is activated.

2. The dry fire training device of claim 1 and further comprising: a laser training device carried by the pistol that receives the signal from the microprocessor and the laser training device is actuated responsive to the signal from the microprocessor.

3. The dry fire training device of claim 1 and further comprising: a baseplate carried on a bottom end portion exterior surface of the simulated ammunition magazine, and the baseplate is colored so that an observer is able to recognize the pistol ammunition magazine compartment is carrying a simulated ammunition magazine for use with dry fire training.

4. The dry fire training device of claim 1 and further comprising: a regulating assembly carried inside the interior cavity of the simulated ammunition magazine proximate the top end portion, the regulating assembly having a set screw base carrying a regulating set screw that operatively communicates with the detent reed to provide adjustability to the activation point of the detent reed.

5. The dry fire training device of claim 1 and further comprising: a swing lock pivotally carried by the lever spaced between the top end portion and the bottom end portion, the swing lock having an end portion that extends through an orifice at a front portion of the simulated ammunition magazine and the extending end portion of the swing lock frictionally communicates with a surface of the pistol ammunition magazine compartment so as to properly position the projection at the top end portion of the lever relative to the pistol trigger mechanism for operation.

6. A method of using a dry fire training device, the method comprising: providing a dry fire training device for use with a pistol having an ammunition magazine compartment and a trigger mechanism, the dry fire training comprising: a simulated ammunition magazine that has opposing side portions, an exterior surface, and an interior cavity, the simulated ammunition magazine having a platform at a top end portion for operative engagement with a compression spring; a lever that is pivotably carried within the interior cavity of the simulated ammunition magazine, the lever is elongate and has a bottom end portion that is proximate an inside bottom surface of the interior cavity, and a top end portion that is proximate the top end portion of the simulated ammunition magazine, the lever further having a projection at the top end portion thereof that operatively communicates with the trigger mechanism of the pistol, and a projection for engagement with the compression spring, and the lever is pivotably movable on a fulcrum between a resting position and a firing position, the fulcrum is sandwiched between the opposing side portions inside the interior cavity of the simulated ammunition magazine; a detent reed carried on the lever, the detent reed formed of a material that generates a tactile and audible signal when manipulated through an activation point between an un-tripped position and a tripped position; a microswitch operatively connecting the lever to the simulated ammunition magazine such that the microswitch is activated when the lever is pivotably moved on the fulcrum from the resting position to the firing position; and a microprocessor operatively communicating with the microswitch and which sends a signal when the microswitch is activated; inserting the dry fire training device into the ammunition magazine compartment of a pistol; and positioning the projection at the top end portion of the lever relative to the pistol trigger mechanism for operation.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: actuating the pistol trigger mechanism to pivotally move the lever from the resting position to the firing position.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: releasing the pistol trigger mechanism to pivotally move the lever from the firing position to the resting position.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising: removing the dry fire training device from the ammunition magazine compartment of the pistol.

10. A method of manufacturing a dry fire training device, the method comprising: providing a first side portion and a second side portion of a simulated ammunition magazine, the first and second side portions opposing one another, and each of the first and second side portions having an exterior surface and an interior cavity, and at least one of the first and second side portions of the simulated ammunition magazine having a platform at a top end portion for operative engagement with a compression spring; inserting a lever into the interior cavity of one of the first and second side portions of the simulated ammunition magazine, the lever is elongate and has a bottom end portion that is proximate an inside bottom surface of the interior cavity, and a top end portion that is proximate the top end portion of the simulated ammunition magazine, the lever further having a projection at the top end portion thereof that operatively communicates with a trigger mechanism of a pistol, and a projection for engagement with the compression spring, and the lever is pivotably movable on a fulcrum between a resting position and a firing position; connecting a detent reed to the lever, the detent reed is formed of a material that generates a tactile and audible signal when manipulated through an activation point between an un-tripped position and a tripped position; operatively connecting the lever to the simulated ammunition magazine with a microswitch such that the microswitch is activated when the lever is pivotably moved on the fulcrum from the resting position to the firing position; providing a microprocessor to operatively communicate with the microswitch and which sends a signal when the microswitch is activated; and sandwiching the lever and the detent reed between the opposing first and second side portions inside the interior cavity of the simulated ammunition magazine.

11. The method of claim 10 and further comprising: attaching a baseplate to a bottom end portion exterior surface of the simulated ammunition magazine, and the baseplate is colored so that an observer is able to recognize the pistol ammunition magazine compartment is carrying a simulated ammunition magazine for use with dry fire training.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates a back view of a simulated magazine case with an adjusting set screw base adhered to or at least partially captured or enveloped within its inner back wall.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional side view of said simulated magazine case showing the set screw base adhered to or at least partially captured or enveloped within its back wall.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a lever.

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of said lever.

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a swing lock.

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of said swing lock.

(7) FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a micro switch lever.

(8) FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of said micro switch lever.

(9) FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a set screw base.

(10) FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of said set screw base.

(11) FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a fulcrum pin.

(12) FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of a compression spring.

(13) FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of a detent reed.

(14) FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a set screw.

(15) FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of a micro switch.

(16) FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of said micro switch.

(17) FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of a micro processor.

(18) FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of said micro processor

(19) FIG. 19. illustrates a sectional view of the assembled device in its resting position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(20) FIG. 1 illustrates a back view of the exterior of a simulated magazine case 1. FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional side view of the simulated magazine case 1 along the sectional line 2-2 shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 1 & 2 illustrate the simulated magazine case 1 that has six holes. The simulated magazine case 1 includes a pair of opposing holes, one in each side of the simulated magazine case 1 (indicated as 14 in FIG. 2). In combination, this pair of opposing holes 14, one in each side of the simulated magazine case 1, are sized and shaped to receive the fulcrum pin 7 (shown in FIG. 19) for the lever 2 (shown in FIG. 19) to hinge upon. The simulated magazine case 1 also includes a third hole (indicated as 15 in FIGS. 1 & 2) in the front of said magazine case 1 to provide access to the regulating set screw 10 (shown in FIG. 19) which is mounted in the set base 5 as illustrated in FIG. 2, being adhered to the inside back wall of said magazine case 1. The simulated magazine case 1 also includes a fourth hole (indicated as 16 in FIGS. 1 & 2) beneath the previously mentioned third hole 15, and which the fourth hole 16 allows for adjusting the mounting screw (indicated as 17 in FIG. 19) for the detent reed 6. The simulated magazine case 1 also includes a fifth hole (not shown) in the back of the magazine 1 for adjusting a second set screw (not shown) in the micro switch lever (indicated as 4 in FIG. 19), the second set screw (not shown) being configured to regulate the adjusting point of another training device. The simulated magazine case 1 also includes a sixth hole (indicated as 18 in FIGS. 2 & 19) in the front of the magazine 1 to allow the swing lock (indicated as 3 in FIG. 19) to interact with a member in the pistol's magazine well (not shown) to lift and place the lever (indicated as 2 in FIG. 19) in the proper position with the pistol's trigger mechanism when the device is inserted into the pistol's magazine well.

(21) FIGS. 3 & 4 illustrate the lever 2 sized and shaped to support the detent reed (indicated as 6 in FIG. 19), locate the compression spring (indicated as 8 in FIG. 19), mount the swing lock (indicated as 3 in FIG. 19), and mount the micro switch lever (indicated as 4 in FIG. 19), and a projection at the top to interact with the pistol's trigger mechanism at point A; all these are illustrated in FIG. 19.

(22) FIGS. 5 & 6 illustrate the swing lock 3 which is pin mounted to the lever 2 (as shown in FIG. 19) and protrudes out of the hole (indicated as 18 in FIGS. 2 & 19) in the front of the magazine's 1 front side (as shown in FIGS. 2 & 19) to interact with a member in the pistol's magazine well (not shown) which places the lever 2 (as shown in FIG. 19) into its proper position with the pistol's trigger mechanism (not shown). In some embodiments, the swing lock 3 snaps onto a fulcrum pin that is integrated as a molded component of the lever 2.

(23) FIGS. 7 & 8 illustrate a micro switch lever 4 which pin mounts to the lever 2 (as shown in FIG. 19), the micro switch lever 4 has a hole for accommodating a second set screw (not shown) for adjustments through the fifth hole (not shown) in the back of the magazine 1, and provides a location for mounting a micro switch 9 (shown in FIG. 19). In some embodiments, the lever 2 includes no microswitch lever 4, but instead the micro switch 9 is mounted to a PC board that is mounted in the case by screws, in such embodiments the lever 2 includes a screw to actuate the micro switch 9.

(24) FIGS. 9 & 10 illustrate the set screw base 5 which is adhered to or at least partially captured or enveloped within the inner back wall of the magazine 1 (as shown in FIGS. 2 & 19) and accommodates the set screw 10 (shown in FIG. 19) to adjust when the detent reed 6 (shown in FIG. 19) snaps as the lever 2 (shown in FIG. 19) is actuated by the pistol's trigger mechanism (not shown) at point A (shown in FIG. 19). In some embodiments, the set screw base 5 includes a protrusion as shown in FIGS. 2, 10, and 19. In some other embodiments (not shown), the case includes a pocket or cavity instead of the protrusion shown in FIGS. 2, 10, and 19.

(25) FIG. 11 illustrates a fulcrum pin 7 that allows the lever 2 (shown in FIG. 19) to rotate to activated the detent reed 6 (shown in FIG. 19) by the action transferred through the lever 2 (shown in FIG. 19) at point A (shown in FIG. 19), moving the detent reed 6 (shown in FIG. 19) against the set screw 10 (shown in FIG. 19), producing the simulated tactile release and the audible response of the weapon's firing pin. Another fulcrum pin (not shown) mounts the micro switch lever 4 (shown in FIG. 19) onto the lever 2 (shown in FIG. 19). In some embodiments, the fulcrum pin 7 and/or another fulcrum pin (not shown) is integrated as a part of lever 2 and/or as a molded portion of one or both case halves.

(26) FIG. 12 illustrates a compression spring 8 that returns the lever 2 (shown in FIG. 19) to its resting position against the front of the magazine 1 (shown in FIG. 19) and resets the pistol's trigger mechanism to its resting position. The location of the compression spring 8 relative to the magazine case 1 and lever 2 is shown at FIG. 19.

(27) FIG. 13 illustrates a detent reed 6 which is mounted to the lever 2 (shown at FIG. 19) and provides the tactile release simulating the feel of the release of the pistol's firing pin and an audible response simulating the sound of the release of the pistol's firing pin.

(28) FIG. 14 illustrates the set screw 10 which is used in the set screw base 5 (shown at FIG. 19) and is configured to be adjustable to apply more or less pressure to the detent reed 6 (as shown in FIG. 19). A second set screw (not shown), similar to set screw 10, provides for adjustments to micro switch lever 4 (shown in FIG. 19).

(29) FIGS. 15 & 16 illustrate the micro switch 9 which is mounted to the micro switch lever 4 (shown in FIG. 19) and presses against the inner wall of the magazine 1 (shown in FIG. 19) to activate an electronic component for other training devices. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the configuration of the micro switch 9 relative to the inner wall of the magazine 1 is interchangeable, such that the micro switch 9 is mounted to the inner wall of the magazine 1 and in any event the micro switch 9 is depressed when the lever 2 is actuated by the pistol's trigger mechanism.

(30) FIGS. 17 & 18 illustrate the micro processor 11 that is activated by the micro switch 9 (shown in FIG. 19) when the lever assembly is hinged towards the back of the magazine 1 (shown in FIG. 19) and thus provides an electrical signal received by another device for dry fire training. In some embodiments, the electrical signal includes a Bluetooth, LED, RF, and/or IR signal.

(31) FIG. 19 illustrates a sectional view of the assembled dry fire training device showing the lever 2 in its resting position. The compression spring 8 is applying a forward force to hold the lever 2 forward. This view shows the detent reed 6 resting against the set screw 10 in its untripped or unreleased position. The set screw 10 provides adjustment to control the release of the detent reed 6 at precisely the right position in the travel of the pistol's trigger. The swing lock 3 is mounted to the lever 2 so that when the device is inserted into the pistol's magazine compartment, the swing lock 3 interacts with the pistol's magazine release bar and pushes the lever 2 towards the back of pistol far enough that the lever 2 can freely move behind the pistol's trigger mechanism. The swing lock 3 then swings out of the way so that the lever 2 assembly is free to interact with the pistol's trigger mechanism. When the pistol's trigger mechanism presses against the lever 2 at point A, the lever 2 assembly swings towards the back of the magazine 1. This movement compresses the coil spring 8, bends the detent reed 6 through its activation point against the set screw 10 and provides the tactile and the audible response, thus simulating the release of the pistol's firing pin; the micro switch 9 is compressed against the wall of the magazine 1 completing the circuit to the micro processor 11 which sends a signal to interact with a separate dry fire training device. When the pistol's trigger is released, the coil spring 8 returns the lever 2 assembly to its resting position.

(32) The previously patented device U.S. Pat. No. 9,182,189 had a sliding member that had to be pushed up to accomplish the positioning of the lever 2 behind the trigger mechanism. Then, after the lever 2 was in its working position, the shooter needed to pull the sliding lever lifter back to its resting position. This new design accomplishes this setting action without any additional actions of the shooter. The new devise also has means of interacting electronically with other dry fire training devices.