Firearm Training Method and Apparatus
20230107368 · 2023-04-06
Inventors
- Michael Frank Hughes (Maple Falls, WA, US)
- Britton R. Lentz (Everson, WA, US)
- Thomas Ryan Swetish (Bellingham, WA, US)
Cpc classification
F41A33/02
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F41A19/10
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
Abstract
A training pistol and method of providing the same having fixedly and adjustably removable base extensions to emulate the feel of a corresponding live fire pistol, a trigger mechanism configured to be fit in a compact pistol to provide a large number and sophistication of sear surfaces and biasing members such as helical springs and lasers into a compact pistol to provide training for an end user such as concealed carry holder or law enforcement personnel.
Claims
1. A firearm training pistol comprising: a frame having an upper portion; a grip portion coupled to the frame and configured to be grasped by a user; a slide operatively mounted to the upper portion; the slide having a surface defining slots, wherein the slots comprise a front slot and a rear slot; sights operatively mounting the slide to the upper portion, wherein the sights comprise a front sight and a rear sight, wherein the front sight is inserted into the front slot, and the rear sight is inserted into the rear slot to operatively mount the slide to the upper portion of the frame; and a trigger system operatively coupled to the frame, the trigger system having a trigger member, the transfer bar and a trigger bar, wherein the trigger member is mounted to the frame at a rotational mount portion and the transfer bar at a rotational mount to define a first vector representing a center of rotation of the trigger member and the rotational mount, wherein the transfer bar from a first longitudinal end is rotatably mounted at a mount portion of a first end of the trigger bar to define a second vector between the rotational mount and the mount portion, wherein in between the first end and a second end of the trigger bar, there is a frame rotation point whereby the trigger bar is rotatably mounted about a lateral axis at the frame rotation point to define a third vector by the frame rotation and the second longitudinal ends, wherein in between the rotational mount portion and the frame rotation point defines a base vector fixedly and rigidly attached to the frame, wherein the base vector being stationary vector, wherein when the trigger member is repositioned longitudinally rearwardly, the first vector rotates in a clockwise direction, and thereafter, the third vector rotates in a clockwise direction by way of being pivotally attached to the second vector.
2. The firearm training pistol as claimed in claim 1 further comprising shot-indicating laser, wherein the sights are configured to guide a user to point the shot-indicating laser to a target.
3. The firearm training pistol as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third vector is shorter than the first vector creating a distinct leverage point to obtain a unique and distinct feel as opposed to when the trigger bar is rotated as a trigger itself
4. The firearm training pistol as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a surface defining an interior weight cavity, wherein the surface defining the interior weight cavity is operatively configured to contain a weight therein to supply additional weight to the training pistol.
5. The firearm training pistol as claimed in claim 4, wherein the surface defining the interior weight cavity is arranged by way of dimensions configured to fit common bar stock of steel for ease of cost and simplicity of creating a weight by using a bandsaw to cut a weight and place thereto in the cavity area to supply additional weight to the training pistol.
6. A firearm training pistol, comprising: a frame having an upper portion; a grip portion coupled to the frame and configured to be grasped by a user; a slide operatively mounted to the upper portion; the slide having a surface defining slots, wherein the slots comprise a front slot and a rear slot; sights operatively mounting the slide to the upper portion, wherein the sights comprise a front sight and a rear sight, wherein the front sight is inserted into the front slot, and the rear sight is inserted into the rear slot to operatively mount the slide to the upper portion of the frame.
7. The firearm training pistol as claimed in claim 6 further comprising a trigger system operatively coupled to the frame the firearm training pistol, the trigger system comprising: a trigger member, the transfer bar and a trigger bar, wherein the front sight is inserted into the front slot, and the rear sight is inserted into the rear slot to operatively mount the slide to the upper portion of the frame; and a trigger system operatively coupled to the frame, the trigger system having a trigger member, the transfer bar and a trigger bar, wherein the trigger member is mounted to the frame at a rotational mount portion and the transfer bar at a rotational mount to define a first vector representing a center of rotation of the trigger member and the rotational mount, wherein the transfer bar from a first longitudinal end is rotatably mounted at a mount portion of a first end of the trigger bar to define a second vector between the rotational mount and the mount portion, wherein in between the first end and a second end of the trigger bar, there is a frame rotation point whereby the trigger bar is rotatably mounted about a lateral axis at the frame rotation point to define a third vector by the frame rotation and the second longitudinal ends, wherein in between the rotational mount portion and the frame rotation point defines a base vector fixedly and rigidly attached to the frame, wherein the base vector being stationary vector, wherein when the trigger member is repositioned longitudinally rearwardly, the first vector rotates in a clockwise direction, and thereafter, the third vector rotates in a clockwise direction by way of being pivotally attached to the second vector.
8. The firearm training pistol as claimed in claim 7, wherein the third vector is shorter than the first vector creating a distinct leverage point to obtain a unique and distinct feel as opposed to when the trigger bar is rotated as a trigger itself
9. The firearm training pistol as claimed in claim 6 further comprising shot-indicating laser, wherein the sights are configured to guide a user to point the shot-indicating laser to a target.
10. The firearm training pistol as claimed in claim 6, wherein the frame further comprises a surface defining an interior weight cavity, wherein the surface defining the interior weight cavity is operatively configured to contain a weight therein to supply additional weight to the training pistol.
11. The firearm training pistol as claimed in claim 10, wherein the surface defining the interior weight cavity is arranged by way of dimensions configured to fit common bar stock of steel for ease of cost and simplicity of creating a weight by using a bandsaw to cut a weight and place thereto in the cavity area to supply additional weight to the training pistol.
12. A firearm training pistol, comprising: a grip portion, wherein the grip portion having one or more grip modules in the form of the first, second and third base extension to emulate the grip portion, and wherein the grip portion having an interior weight cavity operatively configured to contain a weight therein to supply additional weight to the training pistol, wherein the first, second and third base extensions are aligned below the interior weight cavity; and a trigger mechanism configured to the grip portion to activate a laser with weighted and emulated grip portion having the weight in the cavity, and at least one of the first, second and third base extension.
13. A method for firearm training using a firearm training pistol, the method comprising: emulating a grip portion of the firearm training pistol, wherein the grip portion having one or more grip modules to be accommodated in the grip portion, wherein the one or more grip modules comprises a first base extension, a second base extension and a third base extension; weighting the grip portion of the firearm training pistol, wherein the grip portion having an interior weight cavity operatively configured to contain a weight therein to supply additional weight to the training pistol, and wherein the first, second and third base extensions are aligned below the interior weight cavity; and triggering a trigger mechanism to activate a laser with the weighted and emulated grip portion having the weight in the cavity, and at least one of the first, second and third base extension.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
[0034]
[0035]
[0036]
[0037]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] For a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the following detailed description, including the appended claims, in connection with the above-described drawings. Although the present invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
[0039] 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 items.
[0040] Referring to
[0041] Still referring to
[0042] In one another arrangement of a training pistol, such as, the training pistol 20, as generally shown in
[0043] Referring now back to
[0044] Now, referring to
[0045] As can be seen in
[0046] Now, referring to
[0047] The grip portion 24 further has a lateral portion 27 which is provided to have insignia placed thereon, such as markings like the trademark SIRT for SIRT training pistol. Further in one form, there is a recessed cavity 27′ configured in the grip portion 24, which may recess a few thousandths of an inch to allow a decal to be placed therein, such as a serial number. Having a recessed cavity 27′ is useful because it provides a mount region for a decal and remains protected therein since the recessed cavity 27′ is positioned laterally inward with respect to the material of the frame 22 immediately therearound.
[0048] Now referring to
[0049] As can be seen in
[0050] All of these different orientations of base extensions 21, 21′ and 21″ have a very different unique feel for the natural point of aim of a shooter. The natural point of aim is where the shooter can align the pistol based on the feel of the gun and it has been found that different base extensions have a very substantial influence for a training gun to build and train the natural point of aim. In one form, a training pistol 20 can be provided with all three or two out of the three of the base extensions 21, 21′ and 21″ and the end user can easily change these base extensions 21, 21′ or 21″ by simply punching. Alternatively, either of the base extensions 21, 21′ 21″ can otherwise may be changed by removing the first and second laterally extending pins 50 and 52. In doing so, one of the said base extensions may be removed by simply removing the lateral pins 50 and 52, and other base extension may be repositioned therein and having lateral pins 50 and 52, as one form of a mounting system, to fixedly attached the new or changed base extension to the grip lower region 42 of the frame 22.
[0051] The foregoing description will now be discuss with respect to
[0052] As shown in
[0053] As can be seen in
[0054] The trigger mechanism 100 further configures a sear bar 130 rotatably mounted at the second end 120 of the trigger bar 116. The sear bar 130 has a conductive surface, in one form, which can be an over-molded piece of metal around a plastic such as seal. The conductive surface, herein referred to by ‘Numeral 132’, is operatively engaged to forcefully make contact to a first conductor 150. In one form, the first conductor 150 has a current supplied thereto from a battery 152. In one form, a wire can be soldered to a battery contact 154 and provide current to the first conductor 150.
[0055] The sear bar 130 includes a base 144, which in one form, can be a cylindrical type attachment, attached to the second end 120 of the trigger bar 116. In one form, the base 144 has an outer surface which is a substantially cylindrical member that can slide about a lateral axis for ease of assembly to attach the sear bar 130 to the trigger bar 116. As noted in
[0056] Further, as seen in
[0057] The trigger member 102 has a prep location whereby when the sear surface 160 engages the sear block surface 168. This occurs when the trigger member 102 rotates longitudinally rearwardly a small degree with respect to a fully forward rest position. As the trigger member 102 continues to reposition longitudinally rearwardly, the lower tip of the sear surface 160 disengages from the upper tip area of the sear block surface 168. As soon as these two surfaces 160, 168 disengage from one another, this is herein referred to as the break location. Because the sear block 164 has to move longitudinally forward henceforth compressing a helical spring 180, energy is released from the helical spring 180 violently repositioning the sear block 164 forward as interned, the sear bar 130 will now rapidly accelerate in a longitudinally forward direction. In a one form, the forward portion 161 of the sear bar 130 will bias very quickly forward and in one form hit a stop member 200.
[0058] The stop member 200 in one form has an electrically conductive portion 202 whereby the conductive surface 132 has a forward portion 132′ that forcefully engages the electrically conductive portion 202 to close the circuit to provide current to a shot-indicating laser 29 (see
[0059] Referring back now to
[0060] As shown in
[0061] Now referring to
[0062] Finally, between the rotational mount portions 226 and 122 is defined a base vector 234. Base vector 234 is fixedly and rigidly attached to the frame 22 and is considered the stationary vector for purposes of analyzing a four-bar linkage. Therefore, it can be appreciated that when the trigger member 102 is repositioned longitudinally rearwardly, the vector 224 rotates in a clockwise direction. Further, the vector 232 will rotate in a clockwise direction by way of being pivotally attached to the vector 228. Therefore, it can be appreciated that these four vectors create a conventional compliant mechanism referred to as a four-bar linkage. In one form, the vector 232 is shorter than the vector 224 creating a unique leverage point and hence the ultimate feel of the break between the sear surfaces (now refer back to
[0063] In other words, as can be seen in
[0064] It should further be noted that the helical spring 300 is provided as a take-up force to bias the trigger bar (the upper portion thereof) longitudinally rearwardly. It should be further noted that a take-up laser 33 is provided in the preferred form of the embodiment which allows for laser to be activated when the trigger is in the prepped position as mentioned above.
[0065] Referring now to
[0066] The firearm training pistol further comprising a shot-indicating laser 29, wherein the sights 31, 31′, 31″ are configured to guide a user to point the shot-indicating laser 29 to a target.
[0067] The firearm training pistol further comprising a trigger system 220 operatively coupled to the frame 20. The trigger system 220 having a trigger member 102, the transfer bar 106 and a trigger bar 116. The trigger member 102 is mounted to the frame 20 at a rotational mount portion 226 and the transfer bar 106 at a rotational mount 104 to define a first vector 224 representing a center of rotation of the trigger member 102 and the rotational mount 104. Further, the transfer bar 106 from a first longitudinal end 108 is rotatably mounted at a mount portion 114 of a first end 118 of the trigger bar 116 to define a second vector 228 between the rotational mount 104 and the mount portion 114. Further, in between the first end 118 and a second end 120 of the trigger bar 116, there is a frame rotation point 122 whereby the trigger bar 116 is rotatably mounted about a lateral axis at the frame rotation point 122 to define a third vector 232 by the frame rotation 122 and the second longitudinal ends 112. Furthermore, in between the rotational mount portion 226 and the frame rotation point 122 defines a base vector 234 fixedly and rigidly attached to the frame 22, wherein the base vector 234 being stationary vector. Moreover, when the trigger member 102 is repositioned longitudinally rearwardly, the first vector 224 rotates in a clockwise direction, and thereafter, the third vector 232 rotates in a clockwise direction by way of being pivotally attached to the second vector 228. The third vector 232 is shorter than the first vector 224 creating a distinct leverage point to obtain a unique and distinct feel as opposed to when the trigger bar 116 is rotated as a trigger itself.
[0068] The frame 22 further comprises a surface defining an interior weight cavity 60, as seen in
[0069] In one additional embodiment, as seen in
[0070] Further, a method for firearm training using a firearm training pistol is provided. The method includes: emulating a grip portion 24 of the firearm training pistol, wherein the grip portion 24 having one or more grip modules to be accommodated in the grip portion, wherein the one or more grip modules comprises a first base extension, a second base extension and a third base extension 21, 21′, 21″; weighting the grip portion 24 of the firearm training pistol, wherein the grip portion 24 having an interior weight cavity 60 operatively configured to contain a weight 61 therein to supply additional weight to the training pistol 20, and wherein the first, second and third base extensions 21, 21′, 21″ are aligned below the interior weight cavity 60; and triggering a trigger mechanism 100 to activate a laser with the weighted and emulated grip portion having the weight 61 in the cavity 60 and at least one of the first, second and third base extension below the weighted cavity 21, 21′, 21″.
[0071] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.