SELECTABLE RELEASE TRIGGER WITH RESET

Abstract

A trigger assembly includes a trigger housing body, a firing pin retainer, a first trigger sear, a twisting switch housing and a twisting switch. The firing pin retainer is mounted to the trigger housing body near a top thereof so as to pivot about a transverse axis. The first trigger sear is mounted to the trigger housing body so as to pivot about a transverse axis and is configured to selectively support the firing pin retainer to retain a firing pin. The twisting switch housing is at least partially contained by the trigger housing body. The twisting switch has proximal and distal ends and is mounted within the twisting switch housing. The twisting switch is configured to, at a first twist angle, set a first firing mode for the trigger assembly and, at a second twist angle, set a second firing mode for the trigger assembly.

Claims

1. A trigger assembly, comprising: a trigger housing body; mounted to the trigger housing body near a top thereof so as to pivot about a transverse axis, a firing pin retainer; mounted to the trigger housing body so as to pivot about a transverse axis, a first trigger sear configured to selectively support the firing pin retainer to retain a firing pin; a twisting switch housing at least partially contained by the trigger housing body; and mounted within the twisting switch housing, a twisting switch having proximal and distal ends and being configured to, at a first twist angle, set a first firing mode for the trigger assembly and, at a second twist angle, set a second firing mode for the trigger assembly.

2. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the firing pin retainer releases the firing pin in the first firing mode when the distal end of the twisting switch is pivoted forward after being pivoted rearward and, releases the firing pin in the second firing mode when the distal end of the twisting switch is pivoted rearward.

3. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the twisting switch includes a firing mode indicator at a distal/external end.

4. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the twisting switch is configured to, at the first twist angle, direct a concave surface of the twisting switch towards the first trigger sear and, at a second twist angle, direct a convex surface of the twisting switch towards the first trigger sear.

5. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the twisting switch is configured to assume a retracted position in which it is permitted twisting to change between the first and second firing modes and an extended position in which it is prohibited from twisting to change between the first and second firing modes.

6. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 5, further comprising a spring pushing the twisting switch into the extended position.

7. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 5, wherein the twisting switch further comprises a pin projecting therefrom and configured to engage a slot of the twisting switch housing with the twisting switch in the extended position.

8. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein in the first firing mode, at a first angle of rearward pivot of the twisting switch distal end, the twisting switch disengages the first trigger sear from the firing pin retainer and, at a second angle of rearward pivot of the twisting switch distal end, the twisting switch elevates the firing pin retainer to a height sufficient to accommodate support by a second trigger sear pivotably coupled with the twisting switch housing.

9. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein in the second firing mode, at a first angle of rearward pivot of the twisting switch distal end, the twisting switch disengages the first trigger sear from the firing pin retainer.

10. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the twisting switch housing is configured for pivoting relative to the trigger housing body about a transverse axis.

11. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a second trigger sear pivotably coupled with the trigger housing body and configured to support the firing pin retainer when the distal end of the twisting switch is pivoted rearward in the first firing mode.

12. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a second trigger sear pivotably coupled with the trigger housing body and configured to selectively support the firing pin retainer wherein the first trigger sear is permitted reset under the firing pin retainer with the second trigger sear supporting the firing pin retainer and prohibited from reset under the firing pin retainer with the second trigger sear disengaged from the firing pin retainer.

13. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a second trigger sear configured to hold the firing pin retainer in an upward position until the first sear is reset.

14. A trigger assembly, comprising: a trigger housing body; a firing pin retainer pivotably mounted to the trigger housing body near a top thereof; a first trigger sear mounted to the trigger housing body so as to pivot about a transverse axis and configured to selectively support the firing pin retainer to retain the firing pin; a twisting switch housing at least partially contained by the trigger housing body; and mounted within the twisting switch housing, a twisting switch configured to, at a first twist angle, disengage the first trigger sear from the firing pin retainer at a first angle of pivot of the twisting switch distal end and, at a second twist angle, disengage the first trigger sear from the firing pin retainer at a second angle of pivot of the twisting switch distal end less than the first angle of pivot.

15. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 14, wherein the twisting switch is further configured to, at the first twist angle, support the firing pin retainer at the first angle of pivot of the distal end.

16. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 14, wherein the twisting switch is further configured to, at the first twist angle, disengage from the firing pin retainer at a third angle of pivot of the distal end less than the first angle of pivot.

17. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 14, wherein the twisting switch is further configured to, at the first twist angle, elevate the firing pin retainer at a fourth angle of pivot of the distal end greater than the first angel of pivot.

18. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 17, further comprising, mounted to the trigger housing body so as to pivot about a transverse axis, a second trigger sear configured to support the firing pin retainer with the twisting switch at the first twist angle and fourth angle of pivot.

19. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 14, wherein the twisting switch is further configured to, at the second twist angle, avoid contact with the firing pin retainer at the second angle of pivot.

20. A trigger assembly, comprising: a twisting switch housing including, extending along a length between open top and bottom ends, an interior space having an internal step and at least first and second diametrically opposed channels aligned with the length; and rotatably/twistably mounted within the twisting switch housing, a switch including: a sear engagement end protruding from the interior space at the top and having a side surface concavity; a trigger end protruding from the interior space at the bottom end; an external step between the sear engagement end and the trigger end; and a pin projecting from a surface of the switch configured for receipt in the channel; and a spring provided between the internal and external steps and configured to urge the external step away from the internal step and the pin into the one of the first and second channels; and wherein upon compression of the spring sufficient to liberate the pin from the first channel, the switch is configured for twisting between a first switch orientation with the surface concavity facing a first direction and a second switch orientation with the surface concavity facing a first direction and in which the compression spring will urge the pin into the second channel.

21. The trigger assembly as set forth in claim 20, further comprising, mounted to the trigger housing body so as to pivot about a transverse axis, a second trigger sear configured to selectively support the firing pin retainer to retain a firing pin with the twisting switch at the first twist angle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0005] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, example constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an example trigger assembly and an example firearm into which it may be installed or otherwise placed.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an example switch and switch housing.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates another exploded view of the example switch and switch housing of FIG. 2.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an example trigger assembly in a first state.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates the example trigger assembly of FIG. 4 in a second state.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates the example trigger assembly of FIGS. 4 & 5 in a third state.

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates the example trigger assembly of FIGS. 4-6 in a fourth state.

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates the example trigger assembly of FIGS. 4-7 in a fifth state.

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates the example trigger assembly of FIGS. 4-8 in a sixth state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and manners by which they can be implemented. Although the best mode of carrying out the present disclosure has been disclosed, those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

[0017] It should be noted that the terms first, second, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms a and an herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0018] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a trigger assembly suitable for use in any of a variety of firearms.

[0019] Embodiments of the disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art, enabling users to conveniently operate a firearm in either of squeeze and release firing modes, to safely reset the firearm to an idle or safe position when in release mode and to readily identify the set mode.

[0020] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the disclosure will be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

[0021] It will be appreciated that features of the disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0022] FIGS. 2-9 illustrate various features of an example trigger assembly 1100 suitable for installation and use in a firearm such as rifle 1000 (FIG. 1). Referring to FIGS. 2-9, trigger assembly 1100 includes a trigger housing body 1110, a firing pin retainer 1120, a first trigger sear 1130, a twisting switch housing 1140 and a twisting switch 1150.

[0023] Trigger housing body 1110 may include first and second covers (FIGS. 1 & 4-9) which couple together to support and enclose or partially enclose other components of trigger assembly 1100.

[0024] Firing pin retainer 1120 is mounted to trigger housing body 1110 at pivot 1121 near a top of the trigger housing body so as to pivot about a transverse axis. Firing pin retainer 1120 includes a first leg 1122 and a second leg 126 each extending generally transverse to the length of the firing pin retainer and, with firing pin retainer 1120 installed in trigger housing body 1110, in the general direction of first trigger sear 1130 and twisting switch 1150.

[0025] First trigger sear 1130 is mounted to trigger housing body 1110 at pivot 1131 so as to pivot about a transverse axis and is configured to selectively support the firing pin retainer 1120 with a support surface 1132 to retain a firing pin (not shown). In an example, first trigger sear 1130 is configured to selectively support first leg 1122 of the firing pin retainer by engaging a notch.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2 & 3, twisting switch housing 1140 has a body 1141 including, extending along a length between open top and bottom ends, an interior space or lumen 1146, aligned with the length and having an internal step 1147 and at least first and second diametrically opposed channels 1148. When installed, twisting switch housing 1140 is at least partially contained by trigger housing body 1110 and is configured for pivoting relative to the trigger housing body about a transverse axis, for example, by way of pivot arm 1142.

[0027] Twisting switch 1150 may have a main body 1151 taking the shape of an elongated rod. Twisting switch 1150 is mounted within twisting switch housing 1140 and further includes a proximal, sear engagement end 1153 protruding from the interior space 1146 of the twisting switch housing at the top and a distal, trigger end 1159 protruding from the interior space 1146 of the twisting switch housing at the bottom end.

[0028] Twisting switch 1150 may include knurling or other grip improving surface treatment at its outer surface.

[0029] In some arrangements or states, twisting switch 1150 is configured for selective twisting or rotating about its length or longitudinal axis. When oriented at a first twist angle (FIGS. 4-7), twisting switch 1150 is configured to set a first firing mode for trigger assembly 1100. When oriented at a second twist angle (FIGS. 8 & 9), twisting switch 1150 is configured to set a second firing mode for trigger assembly 1100.

[0030] Firing pin retainer 1120 releases the firing pin in the first firing mode when distal end 1159 of twisting switch 1150 is pivoted forward after being pivoted rearward (released after being squeezed) and releases the firing pin in the second firing mode when the distal end of the twisting switch is pivoted rearward (squeezed).

[0031] Depending on the orientation, twist angle or twist setting of twisting switch 1150, either a side surface concavity 1155 or a side surface convexity 1156 is configured for engaging with post 1133 of first trigger sear 1130 to disengage or push the first trigger sear from support of firing pin retainer 1120.

[0032] At the first twist angle (FIGS. 4-7), first trigger sear 1130 disengages from firing pin retainer 1120 at a first angle of pivot of twisting switch distal end 1159 and, at a second twist angle, the first trigger sear is disengaged from the firing pin retainer at a second angle of pivot of the twisting switch distal end less than the first angle of pivot.

[0033] The angle of pivot may be achieved by pivoting of twisting switch housing 1140 about pivot 1142, pivoting of twisting switch 1150, or both.

[0034] In the first firing mode and/or at the first twist angle (FIGS. 4-7), at a first angle of pivot of the twisting switch distal end 1159, twisting switch 1150 is configured to disengage first trigger sear 1130 from firing pin retainer 1120 and directly support firing pin retainer.

[0035] In the first firing mode and/or at the first twist angle, at a third angle of pivot of twisting switch distal end 1159, twisting switch 1150 is further configured to disengage from the firing pin retainer 1120. The third angle of pivot of twisting switch distal end 1159 is less than the first angle of pivot of twisting switch distal end 1159.

[0036] A second trigger sear 1160 may be mounted to trigger housing body 1110 at pivot 1161 so as to pivot about a transverse axis. Second trigger sear 1160 may be configured to selectively support firing pin retainer 1120 with a support surface 1162 to retain a firing pin with twisting switch 1150 at the first twist angle when the distal end of the twisting switch has been pivoted rearward in the first firing mode. In an example, second trigger sear 1160 is configured to selectively support second leg 1126 of firing pin retainer 1120 by engaging a notch.

[0037] Depending on the orientation, twist angle or twist setting of twisting switch 1150, either a side surface concavity 1155 or a side surface convexity 1156 is configured for engaging with post 1163 of second trigger sear 1160 to disengage or push second trigger sear 1160 from support of firing pin retainer 1120.

[0038] First trigger sear 1130 may be permitted reset under firing pin retainer 1120 with second trigger sear 1160 supporting the firing pin retainer while being prohibited from reset under the firing pin retainer with the second trigger sear disengaged from the firing pin retainer. For example, second trigger sear 1160 may be configured to hold firing pin retainer 1120 in an upward position until first sear 1130 is reset underneath the firing pin retainer.

[0039] In the first firing mode and/or at the first twist angle, at a fourth angle of pivot of twisting switch distal end 1159, twisting switch 1150 is configured to elevate firing pin retainer 1120 to a height sufficient to accommodate support by second trigger sear 1160. The fourth angle of pivot of twisting switch distal end 1159 is greater than the first angle of pivot of the same.

[0040] In the second firing mode and/or at the second twist angle (FIGS. 8 & 9), at the second angle of pivot of twisting switch distal end 1159, twisting switch 1150 disengages first trigger sear 1130 from firing pin retainer 1120 with side surface convexity 1156 and the twisting switch avoids contact with the firing pin retainer due to the elevation or height of proximal end 1153 of the twisting switch and/or the angle of retainer first leg 1122 and/or the angle of inclined plane 1154 of the twisting switch. In an example, the second angle of pivot of twisting switch distal end 1159 is less than the first angle of pivot of twisting switch distal end 1159 due to the increased radial dimension of side surface convexity 1156 as compared with side surface concavity 1155. As such, in the second firing mode, first trigger sear 1130 may be disengaged from firing pin retainer first leg 1122 earlier that it would be disengaged from the firing pin retainer first leg in the first firing mode.

[0041] Twisting switch 1150 may be configured to assume either of a retracted position (not shown) in which it is permitted twisting to change between the first and second firing modes and an extended position in which it is prohibited from twisting and/or changing between the first and second firing modes. In an example, twisting switch 1150 includes a pin 1158 projecting transversely therefrom and configured to engage channels or slots 1148 of twisting switch housing 1140 with the twisting switch in the extended position while being disengaged from slots 1148 in a retracted position. Pin 1158 is configured to selectively be received in or otherwise engage with slots 1148 to prevent twisting of the twisting switch.

[0042] An external step or perimeter shoulder 1157 is formed or otherwise provided between sear engagement end 1153 and trigger end 1159. In an example, perimeter shoulder 1157 may be formed or otherwise provided between side surface concavity 1155 and a firing mode indicator 1152.

[0043] A spring 1190 may surround twisting switch 1150 and seat between perimeter shoulder 1157 and upper, internal shoulder 1147 of twisting switch housing 1140. Spring 1190 is configured to urge twisting switch 1150 downward, externally and/or to an extended position where pins 1158 are within slots 1148 and to resist pushing of the twisting switch upward, internally and/or into retraction. As such, in the absence of external forces, twisting switch 1150 and compression spring 1190 are configured to cooperatively position pin 1158 within slots 1148 where the twisting switch is prohibited from twisting. Twisting switch 1150 is configured for twisting when spring 1190 is compressed from an equilibrium or default position. Upon sufficient compression of spring 1190 to retract twisting switch 1150 and liberate pin 1158 from slots 1148, the twisting switch is configured for twisting between the first switch orientation and the second switch orientation in which compression spring 1190 will urge pins 1158 back into slots/channels 1148.

[0044] Twisting switch 1150 may further include a firing mode and/or firing release direction indicator 1152 configured to indicate which direction of pivot of twisting switch distal end 1159 will cause firing pin retainer 1120 to release the firing pin. Indicator 1152 may be formed near trigger end 1159 of twisting switch 1150 and be configured to signal orientation of the twisting switch. Firing release direction indicator 1152 may include a triangle provided to one side of the external, distal or trigger end 1159 of twisting switch 1150 wherein the triangle pointing in a first direction (FIGS. 4-7) indicates release firing mode whereas the triangle pointing in a second direction, 180 degrees from the first direction (FIGS. 8 & 9), indicates squeeze firing mode.

[0045] A safety 1170 may also be provided with trigger assembly 1100. Actuation of safety 1170 by handle 1171 moves facet 1172 between a first position which prevents disengagement of first sear 1130 from firing pin retainer 1120 and a second position which allows the disengagement.

[0046] Further, a disconnector 1180 may be fastened to the trigger assembly 1100 with a fastener 1181.

[0047] Trigger assembly 1100 may be suitable for use in any of a variety of firearms including but not limited to rifles, shotguns, pistols, bows and cross bows. In an example, trigger assembly may be suitable for use in a Reminton Model 700 rifle. Components of trigger assembly 1100 may be formed from any of a variety of lightweight, rigid, durable materials including but not limited to various metals. Example materials include metal, aluminum, chromoly and plastic.

[0048] The trigger assembly may be suitable for operation in accordance with any of a variety of methods. To enable selective release and/or squeeze firing operations, the pre-existing trigger assembly of a firearm may be replaced with trigger assembly 1100.

[0049] With the twisting switch set so that an indicator is directed forward and the trigger assembly is set to a release mode, in an idle state, a first sear supports a firing pin retainer at a first notch of a first retainer leg. As twisting switch is squeezed such that the distal end of the twisting switch rotates backward, a pivot angle is reached wherein a concave surface knocks the first sear forward from the first retainer leg and a smooth surface thereof rests on the top, proximal end of the twisting switch in an armed state.

[0050] Continued squeezing from this first angle of pivot to a third angle of pivot lifts the firing pin retainer high enough at the first retainer leg that a second sear clicks in to the second notch of the second retainer leg to support the same in a reset state. When twisting switch is released from this position, the second sear is knocked from the second retainer notch and the retainer drops with the first sear supporting the retainer at the first notch. The trigger assembly is returned to the idle state.

[0051] Rather than continued squeezing from the first angle of pivot to the second angle of pivot, if the twisting switch is released, it pulls back from underneath the first surface of the retainer, the retainer drops around the twisting switch proximal end with the first retainer leg in front and the second retainer leg in back and the weapon fires as the retainer drops.

[0052] To change the firing mode, the twisting switch is pushed upward, against a biasing member such as a spring into the twisting switch housing and/or trigger housing body. With the twisting switch in the upward, retracted position, a pin withdraws from a slot or channel so that the twisting switch can be twisted. The twisting switch may be twisted 180 degrees to achieve the other firing mode. In an example, the twisting switch is rotated 180 degrees from a release firing mode to a squeeze firing mode. After twisting the twisting switch to the desired firing mode orientation, the twisting switch is released so that it again assumes an extended position with the pin again received within the slot or channel so that the twisting switch is prevented from twisting and the firing mode is locked.

[0053] With the twisting switch set so that the indicator is directed rearward and the trigger assembly is set to a squeeze mode, in an idle state, a first sear supports a firing pin retainer at a first notch of a first retainer leg. As the twisting switch is squeezed so that the distal end rotates backward, the first sear is knocked from the first retainer notch, the retainer drops and the weapon fires. The first retainer leg is not supported by the superior, proximal end of the twisting switch due to the height of the proximal end of the twisting switch and the angles on the respective surfaces of the twisting switch superior end and the first retainer surface.

[0054] After setting to squeeze firing mode, it may be desirable to change the mode back to release firing mode. The twisting switch may again be pushed upward, against the biasing member into the twisting switch housing and/or trigger housing body and the twisting switch may again be twisted to achieve the other firing mode. In an example, the twisting switch is rotated 180 degrees from the squeeze firing mode to the release firing mode. With the twisting switch twisted to the desired firing mode orientation, the twisting switch is released so that it again assumes an extended position with the pin again received within the slot or channel so that the twisting switch is prevented from twisting and the firing mode is locked.

[0055] Embodiments of the disclosure are susceptible to being used for various purposes, including, though not limited to enabling users such as competition shooters, long-range shooters, hungers, members of the armed forces and/or police officers to conveniently operate a firearm in either of squeeze and release firing modes, to safely reset the firearm to an idle or safe position when in release mode and to readily identify the set mode.

[0056] Modifications to embodiments of the disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as including, comprising, incorporating, consisting of, have, is used to describe and claim the disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.