U.S. patent application number 11/460274 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for trigger safety assembly.
Invention is credited to Michael Peter Occhionero, Richard Wayne Watson.
Application Number | 20060254110 11/460274 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35994787 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060254110 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Occhionero; Michael Peter ;
et al. |
November 16, 2006 |
TRIGGER SAFETY ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A safety assembly for a firearm and method for using the same. A
safety assembly includes at least one control extending to the
exterior of the firearm; a bias element operatively associated with
the control, the bias element biasing the control in a first
position; and an unlocking mechanism, the unlocking mechanism being
connected to the control and interlinked with a trigger to unlock
the trigger when the control is in a second position. A method for
using a safety assembly includes placing at least one hand on a
forestock of a firearm; placing at least one digit on the trigger;
using the hand to depress a button extending to the forestock to
unlock the trigger, the button being operatively associated with
the trigger and being connected to at least one bias element that
biases the button in a locked position; and while the button is
depressed, squeezing the trigger.
Inventors: |
Occhionero; Michael Peter;
(Idaho Falls, ID) ; Watson; Richard Wayne;
(Blackfoot, ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
P.O. BOX 1625
IDAHO FALLS
ID
83415-3899
US
|
Family ID: |
35994787 |
Appl. No.: |
11/460274 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10939016 |
Sep 9, 2004 |
|
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11460274 |
Jul 27, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/70.07 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 19/18 20130101;
F41A 19/09 20130101; F41A 19/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/070.07 |
International
Class: |
F41A 17/00 20060101
F41A017/00 |
Goverment Interests
GOVERNMENT RIGHTS
[0002] The United States Government has certain rights in this
invention pursuant to Contract No. DE-AC07-99ID13727, and Contract
No. DE-AC07-05ID14517 between the United States Department of
Energy and Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC.
Claims
1. A safety assembly for a firearm, comprising: at least one
control member extending to the exterior of the firearm, said
control member being moveable between a first position and a second
position; a bias element operatively associated with the control
member, the bias element biasing the control member in the first
position; and an unlocking mechanism, the unlocking mechanism being
connected to the control member and interlinked with a trigger to
unlock the trigger when the control member is in the second
position.
2. The safety assembly of claim 1 wherein the control member
further comprises a button.
3. The safety assembly of claim 1 wherein the bias element further
comprises a spring.
4. The safety assembly of claim 1 wherein the first position
comprises a locked position and the second position comprises an
unlocked position.
5. The safety assembly of claim 1 wherein the exterior of the
firearm further comprises a forestock.
6. The safety assembly of claim 1, wherein the unlocking mechanism
further comprises an aperture in a trigger rod, the trigger rod
being connected to the trigger, and further comprising: a cross-bar
disposed between the control member and the unlocking mechanism,
the cross-bar being shaped to allow the cross-bar to pass through
the aperture for movement of the trigger rod when the control
member is in the second position.
7. The safety assembly of claim 6, wherein the aperture further
comprises a slot and the cross-bar further comprises at least one
notch, the notch being disposed to slide into the slot when the
control member is in the second position.
8. The safety assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one control
member, comprises a first control member and a second control
member, the first and second control members being connected to the
cross-bar at a separate cross-bar end and extending to each side of
the forestock.
9. A safety assembly for a firearm, comprising: at least one
control member extending to the exterior of the firearm; at least
one bias element operatively associated with the control member,
the bias element biasing the control member in at least a first
position and a second position; an unlocking mechanism, the
unlocking mechanism being connected to the control member and
interlinked with a trigger to unlock the trigger when the control
member is in the second position; and a locking mechanism, the
locking mechanism being connected to the control member and
interlinked with a trigger to lock the trigger when the control
member is at rest in the first position and to relock the trigger
when the control member is reset to the first position from the
second position.
10. The safety assembly of claim 9 wherein the control member
further comprises a button.
11. The safety assembly of claim 9 wherein the bias element
comprises a spring ring.
12. The safety assembly of claim 9 wherein the unlocking mechanism
further comprises a slot and the locking mechanism further
comprises an opening connected to the slot, the slot and the
opening being in a trigger rod, the trigger rod being connected to
the trigger, and further comprising: a cross-bar having at least
one notch, the cross-bar being disposed to remain in the opening
when the control member is in the first position, and the notch
being disposed to slide into the slot when the control member is in
the second position.
13. The safety assembly of claim 9 wherein the exterior of the
firearm further comprises a forestock.
14. The safety assembly of claim 13 wherein the bias element
further comprises a spring ring, and further comprising: a first
groove in the forestock, the first groove being disposed to receive
the spring ring and hold it in the first position; and a second
groove in the forestock, the second groove being disposed to
receive the spring ring and hold it in the second position.
15. A safety assembly for a combination weapon, comprising: a
safety detent extending to the exterior of a receiver of a primary
weapon, the safety detent being operatively associated with a
trigger on the primary weapon to lock and unlock the trigger on the
primary weapon; a control member extending to the exterior of a
forestock of a secondary weapon, the secondary weapon being mounted
underneath the primary weapon, the control member being moveable
between a first position and a second position; a bias element
operatively associated with the control member, the bias element
biasing the control member in the first position; and an unlocking
mechanism connected to the control member, the unlocking mechanism
being interlinked with a trigger on the secondary weapon to unlock
the trigger on the secondary weapon when the control member is in
the second position.
16. The safety assembly of claim 15 wherein the unlocking mechanism
further comprises an aperture in a trigger rod, the trigger rod
being connected to the trigger, and further comprising: a cross-bar
disposed between the control member and the unlocking mechanism,
the cross-bar being shaped to allow the cross-bar to pass through
the aperture for movement of the trigger rod when the control
member is in the second position.
17. A safety assembly for a combination weapon, comprising: a
safety detent extending to the exterior of a receiver of a primary
weapon, the safety detent being operatively associated with a
trigger on the primary weapon to lock and unlock the trigger on the
primary weapon; a control member extending to the exterior of a
forestock of a secondary weapon, the secondary weapon being mounted
underneath the primary weapon, the control member being moveable
between a first position and a second position; at least one bias
element operatively associated with the control member, the bias
element biasing the control member in at least the first position
and the second position; an unlocking mechanism connected to the
control member, the unlocking mechanism being interlinked with a
trigger of the secondary weapon to unlock the trigger of the
secondary weapon when the control member is in the second position;
and a locking mechanism connected to the control member, the
locking mechanism being interlinked with the trigger of the
secondary weapon to lock the trigger of the secondary weapon when
the control member is at rest in the first position and to relock
the trigger of the secondary weapon when the control is reset to
the first position from the second position.
18. The safety assembly of claim 17 wherein the bias element
comprises a spring ring.
19. A method for locking and unlocking a trigger on a combination
weapon, comprising: placing a support hand on the forestock of a
secondary weapon, the secondary weapon being mounted underneath a
primary weapon; moving a safety detent on the primary weapon to an
unlocked position; placing a firing hand on a trigger of the
primary weapon; using the support hand to operate a control member
on the forestock of the secondary weapon to unlock a trigger of the
secondary weapon, the control member being operatively associated
with the trigger of the secondary weapon; and using the support
hand to operate the trigger of the secondary weapon while the
control member keeps the trigger unlocked.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the control comprises a button
and wherein using the support hand to operate the control member
further comprises depressing the button.
21. The method of claim 20 further comprising: releasing the
button; and releasing the trigger of the secondary weapon, causing
the button to relock the trigger of the secondary weapon.
22. The method of claim 19 further comprising: operating the
trigger of the primary weapon after the safety detent has been
moved to the unlocked position.
23. A method for locking and unlocking a trigger on a combination
weapon, comprising: placing a support hand on a forestock of a
secondary weapon, the secondary weapon being mounted underneath a
primary weapon; moving a safety detent on the primary weapon to an
unlocked position; placing a firing hand on a trigger of the
primary weapon; using the support hand to depress a button on the
forestock of the secondary weapon to unlock a trigger of the
secondary weapon, the button being connected to at least one bias
element and operatively associated with the trigger of the
secondary weapon so that the button is retained in a depressed
position; and using the support hand to operate the trigger of the
secondary weapon.
24. The method of claim 23 further comprising: depressing the
button again, causing the button to be reset the button in a locked
position, thereby locking the trigger of the secondary weapon.
25. The method of claim 23 further comprising: operating the
trigger of the primary weapon after the safety detent has been
moved to the unlocked position.
25. A method for locking and unlocking a trigger, comprising:
placing at least one hand on a forestock of a firearm; placing at
least one digit on the trigger; using the hand to depress a button
extending to the forestock a first time to unlock the trigger, the
button being operatively associated with the trigger and being
connected to at least one bias element that biases the button in at
least a locked position; and while the button is depressed,
squeezing the trigger.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising: releasing the
trigger, thereby causing the button to be reset in the locked
position.
27. The method of claim 25 further comprising: pressing the button
a second time to reset the button to the locked position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/939,016, filed Sep. 9, 2004, which is incorporated
herein by reference for all that it discloses.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates generally to the field of firearms
and more specifically to safety mechanisms associated with firearm
triggers.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Conventional firearms are equipped with safety detents to
prevent the firearm from being fired accidentally. The safety
detent is generally a lever that must be moved from the "safe"
position to the "fire" position before the trigger can be depressed
to fire the weapon. However, safety detents may not provide the
best safety protection in the case of either weapons that require
use of both hands, or combination weapons, such as a secondary
weapon mounted under a primary weapon.
[0005] In the case of a secondary weapon (e.g., a shotgun) mounted
underneath a primary weapon (e.g., a rifle), the resulting
conventional combination firearm has two barrels of different
lengths. The barrel of the secondary weapon extends further forward
than the barrel of the primary weapon mounted on top. When using
the combination weapon as a battering ram (i.e., to break down a
door in law enforcement), the user runs the risk of inadvertently
placing his hand over the barrel of the secondary weapon. With a
conventional safety detent left in the "fire" position, this can
pose a risk of injury due to inadvertent firing.
[0006] In addition, in a conventional combination firearm, both
hands are generally used to fire and support the weapon. The normal
trigger finger is positioned on the trigger of the primary weapon
(e.g., rifle) toward the rear of the combination firearm. The other
hand is used in a forward position to support the combination
firearm. However, in a conventional combination firearm, the safety
mechanisms and the triggers for both weapons are located near the
rear of the stationary receiver which is generally connected to the
rifle stock. With the safety mechanism and the trigger for the
secondary weapon in this location, the user would likely have to
move his forward support hand to the rear of the combination weapon
in order to disengage the safety and fire the weapon. Moving the
support hand can compromise stability of the weapon, delay firing
and create potential hazards when the hands are moved or
repositioned on the combination weapon.
[0007] As a result of these inefficiencies and safety risks, there
developed a need for a firearm trigger safety assembly that would
permit the safety mechanism for the secondary weapon to be
disengaged and the weapon to be fired without requiring the user to
move either one of his hands.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, a safety assembly for a
firearm comprises at least one control member extending to the
exterior of the firearm; a bias element operatively associated with
the control member, the bias element biasing the control member in
a first position; and an unlocking mechanism, the unlocking
mechanism being connected to the control and interlinked with a
trigger to unlock the trigger when the control member is in a
second position.
[0009] In other embodiments, the control member may comprise a
button and the bias element may comprise a spring.
[0010] In still other embodiments, the unlocking mechanism may
comprise an aperture in a trigger rod, the trigger rod being
connected to the trigger. This embodiment may further comprise a
cross-bar disposed between the control member and the unlocking
mechanism, the cross-bar being shaped to allow the cross-bar to
pass through the aperture for movement of the trigger rod when the
control member is in the second position.
[0011] In another embodiment, the aperture may comprise a slot and
the cross-bar may comprise at least one notch, the notch being
disposed to slide into the slot when the control member is in the
second position, thereby allowing the trigger rod to move.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the bias element may comprise a
spring ring. This embodiment may also comprise a first groove in
the forestock, the first groove being disposed to receive the
spring ring and hold it in the first locked position, and a second
groove in the forestock, the second groove being disposed to
receive the spring ring and hold it in the second unlocked
position.
[0013] In an embodiment for a combination weapon, the safety
assembly of the present invention may comprise a detent extending
to the exterior of a receiver of a primary weapon, the detent being
operatively associated with a trigger on the primary weapon to lock
and unlock the trigger on the primary weapon; a control member
extending to the exterior of a forestock of a secondary weapon, the
secondary weapon being mounted underneath the primary weapon, the
control member being moveable between a first position and a second
position; a bias element operatively associated with the control
member, the bias element biasing the control member in a first
position; an unlocking mechanism connected to the control member,
the unlocking mechanism being interlinked with a trigger on the
secondary weapon to unlock the trigger on the secondary weapon when
the control member is in a second position; and a locking mechanism
connected to the control member, the locking mechanism being
interlinked with the trigger of the secondary weapon to lock the
trigger of the secondary weapon when the control member is at rest
in the first position and to relock the trigger of the secondary
weapon when the control is reset to the first position from the
second position.
[0014] An embodiment of a method for locking and unlocking a
trigger on a combination weapon according to the present invention
comprises placing a support hand on the forestock of a secondary
weapon, the secondary weapon being mounted underneath a primary
weapon; moving a safety detent on the primary weapon to an unlocked
position; placing a firing hand on a trigger of the primary weapon;
using the support hand to operate a control member on the forestock
of the secondary weapon to unlock a trigger of the secondary
weapon, the control member being operatively associated with the
trigger of the secondary weapon; and using the support hand to
operate the trigger of the secondary weapon while the control
member keeps the trigger unlocked.
[0015] In another embodiment of the method, the control may
comprise a button that the user depresses to unlock the trigger.
The method may further comprise releasing the button and releasing
the trigger, causing the button to relock the trigger of the
secondary weapon.
[0016] In yet another embodiment of according to the present
invention, a method for locking and unlocking a trigger on a
combination weapon may comprise placing a support hand on a
forestock of a secondary weapon, the secondary weapon being mounted
underneath a primary weapon; moving a safety detent on the primary
weapon to an unlocked position; placing a firing hand on a trigger
of the primary weapon; using the support hand to depress a button
on the forestock of the secondary weapon to unlock a trigger of the
secondary weapon, the button being connected to at least one bias
element and operatively associated with the trigger of the
secondary weapon so that the button is retained in a depressed
position; and using the support hand to operate the trigger of the
secondary weapon.
[0017] Another embodiment of a method may further comprise
operating the trigger of the primary weapon after the safety detent
has been moved to the unlocked position.
[0018] Another embodiment of a method for locking and unlocking a
trigger of a firearm may comprise placing at least one hand on a
forestock of a firearm; placing at least one digit on the trigger;
using the hand to depress a button extending to the forestock to
unlock the trigger, the button being operatively associated with
the trigger and being connected to at least one bias element that
biases the button in at least a locked position; and while the
button is depressed, squeezing the trigger.
[0019] Still another embodiment of a method herein may further
comprise releasing the trigger, thereby causing the button to be
reset in the locked position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020] Illustrative and presently preferred exemplary embodiments
of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings, in
which:
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a safety assembly for a
moving barrel firearm in a closed position;
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a safety assembly for a
moving barrel firearm in an open position;
[0023] FIG. 3 provides an exploded view of an embodiment of a
firearm, including a safety assembly, such as that shown in FIGS. 1
and 2;
[0024] FIG. 4 is view from the underside and front of an embodiment
of a moving barrel firearm, including a safety assembly and trigger
mechanism;
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a safety assembly and
trigger mechanism of a firearm as engaged by a user's support
hand;
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a safety assembly and
trigger mechanism of a firearm as engaged by a user's support
hand;
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a combination weapon,
including a safety assembly and trigger mechanism
[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a stand-alone long gun,
including a safety assembly and trigger mechanism;
[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a combination weapon,
including safety assemblies and triggers for the primary and
secondary weapons, and an embodiment for using the same;
[0030] FIG. 10 shows a view from the underside and front of a
user's support hand operating an embodiment of a firearm trigger
and a safety assembly simultaneously;
[0031] FIG. 11 shows a user's hand in relation to an embodiment of
a safety assembly, action release and trigger mechanism of a
firearm;
[0032] FIG. 12 illustrates an enlarged exploded view of an
embodiment of a safety assembly and trigger mechanism as
illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 5-6, 9-11 and 13;
[0033] FIG. 13 provides a cross-section view of an embodiment of a
trigger assembly, including a trigger rod equipped with a key-hole
shaped aperture;
[0034] FIG. 14, which includes sub-part FIGS. 14A-14E, provides a
set of elevational views, the latter four of which are partly in
cross-section, of portions of a trigger mechanism and a safety
assembly, as could be taken along lines 14B/D-13B/D of FIG. 13, and
respective lines B-B; C-C, D-D and E-E of corresponding sub-parts
14C, 14B, 14E and 14D; and
[0035] FIG. 15, which includes sub-part FIGS. 15A and 15B, provides
a set of partially cut-away views of an embodiment of a safety
assembly in respective locked and unlocked positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The present invention is directed to a novel safety assembly
42 for a firearm 10 used as a single weapon and for a combination
weapon 200 comprising a secondary weapon 203 (e.g., a shotgun)
integrated with a primary weapon 201 (e.g., a rifle). The
embodiments of firearm 10, long gun 202 and combination weapon 200
described herein may require the use of both hands for operation.
Broadly described, the embodiments of the safety assembly 42
described herein comprise a control 43 extending to the exterior of
forearm or forestock 17, a bias element 46 that biases the control
43 in a "safe" or locked position and, an unlocking mechanism that
is connected to the control 43 and interlinked with a trigger
mechanism 32 of the firearm 10 to unlock the trigger mechanism 32
when control 43 is moved to a "fire" or unlocked position. As used
herein, control 43 may comprise any type of control capable of
being linked to unlocking mechanism, including but not limited to a
button, a lever, a detent, a toggle, or a knob. The bias element 46
may comprise any type of bias element capable of biasing the
control 43 in at least one position, including but not limited to a
spring, a coil, a spring ring, or any other elastic device that
will regain its original position after removal of stress,
compression or the like. As used herein, the term "forward" means
in a position toward barrel 16 or muzzle 16e of the firearm 10,
combination weapon 200 or long gun 202. "Rear" as used herein means
in a position toward receiver 18 or magazine 20 of the firearm 10,
or toward receiver 18 or buttstock 25 of combination weapon 200 or
long gun 202.
[0037] With reference to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows one embodiment
of the firearm 10, with pump action 21 in a closed position. Action
release 54 is for unlocking the pump action 21. Once unlocked, the
pump action 21 may be operated by moving the forestock 17, mounted
below barrel 16 and forward of receiver 18 which is mounted above
magazine 20. FIG. 2 shows the firearm 10 with the pump action 21 in
an open position. Control 43 is shown extending through the
forestock 17.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the firearm 10. Trigger
mechanism 32 may comprise trigger button 34 and trigger actuating
rod 36. In addition, trigger mechanism 32 may comprise trigger
guide member 37, spring follower 38, and trigger spring 39. Trigger
actuating rod 36 is connected on the forward end to trigger button
34. Near its rear end, trigger actuating rod 36 is connected to
sear 62. The trigger actuating rod 36 may comprise one or more
pieces. The connection to sear 62 may actually be part of trigger
actuating rod 36, or may be connected to it. Actuating rod or
cross-bar 44 may be orthogonally disposed to trigger actuating rod
36. Cross-bar 44 may be connected to at least one control 43 which
extends through the forestock 17. The trigger mechanism 32 may fit
within trigger tube 33 in a manner similar to a piston.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, trigger tube 33 and forestock 17
are equipped with recess 41, located substantially on their
underside. Recess 41 is disposed to accommodate trigger button 34
as well as the user's finger(s). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when
the user is ready to fire firearm 10, the user places a finger in
recess 41 on trigger button 34. When trigger button 34 is
depressed, trigger mechanism 32 is pulled back from the at-rest
position to activate sear assembly 60 (which includes sear 62),
actuating hammer 71, striking lever 78 and other parts of the
firing assembly which causes firearm 10 to fire (when loaded). By
virtue of locating trigger button 34 on the underside of firearm
10, the user may depress trigger button 34 to operate trigger
mechanism 32 using either hand. That is, the user may use any
finger of the firing hand or any finger of the support hand to
depress trigger button 34, as shown in FIG. 5. When the support
hand is used to depress the trigger button 34, it may do so while
remaining in a support position on the forestock 17, as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0040] One embodiment of the present invention for safety assembly
42 for firearm 10 is shown in FIGS. 3-5. Safety assembly 42 may be
placed in a forward position on forestock 17 near recess 41 in the
vicinity where the user would customarily place the support hand.
With safety assembly 42 in this position, control 43 is exposed on
the exterior of either side, or preferably, both sides of forestock
17 for ambidextrous operation. Preferably, control 43 may be
disposed above and slightly behind the face of trigger button 34 as
shown. As shown, trigger button 34 (and trigger mechanism 32) are
placed in a more forward position than they would be on a
conventional weapon. Such a location is preferable because it
allows the user to operate control 43 and depress trigger button 34
with the support hand without moving the support hand from the
support position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0041] The safety assembly 42 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 may be
operated according to an embodiment of a method of the invention.
The user would place a support hand on the forestock 17 of firearm
10 and place a digit on trigger button 34. The user would use
another digit to operate control 43 (that extends to the exterior
of forestock 17) by in this case depressing the control 43 (e.g.,
button). While control 43 was depressed, the user would then
squeeze trigger button 34 to fire firearm 10 (assuming that firearm
10 was loaded). Thereafter, the user could keep firing if he
continued to seamlessly squeeze trigger button 34 or if he
continued to depress control 43 as he squeezed trigger button 34.
The user would reset control 43 to relock trigger mechanism 32 by
releasing the trigger button 34 (without continuing to depress
control 43).
[0042] An exemplary embodiment showing the location of safety
assembly 42 on combination weapon 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and
9. In this embodiment for combination weapon 200, safety assembly
42 may be placed in a forward position on forestock 17 near recess
41 in the vicinity where the user would place the support hand on
secondary weapon 203. With safety assembly 42 in this position,
control 43 is exposed on the exterior of either side, or
preferably, both sides of forestock 17 for ambidextrous operation.
Preferably, control 43 may be disposed above and slightly behind
the face of trigger button 34 as shown. With respect to secondary
weapon 203 (with pump action 21), action release 54 may be located
in the same general area as control 43. As shown, trigger button 34
(and trigger mechanism 32) are placed forward of breech 16a on
secondary weapon 203, instead of to the rear of the breach 16a as
would be the case for conventional long guns, such as shotguns and
rifles. A trigger 206 for primary weapon 201 may be locked and
unlocked using a conventional safety detent 204 as shown on FIG. 7.
FIG. 8 shows the location of safety assembly 42 (and control 43),
action release 54, trigger button 34 and recess 41 for an
embodiment in an embodiment where long gun 202, (e.g., pump action
21 shotgun) is used as a stand-alone weapon. A method for operating
the safety assembly 42 of long gun 202 may be about the same as
that set forth above with respect to firearm 10.
[0043] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate how the user may operate control
43 and trigger button 34 at the same time using one hand,
preferably the support hand. FIG. 9 shows preferable locations for
the user's hands when using combination weapon 200. The user's
firing hand is placed on trigger 206 of the primary weapon. The
user's support hand may be placed in the vicinity of trigger button
34, as well as control 43. For firearm 10, long gun 202 and
secondary weapon 203 (of combination weapon 200), FIG. 10
illustrates how the thumb of the user's support hand can be used to
operate control 43, while depressing trigger button 34 located in
recess 41.
[0044] An embodiment for operating combination weapon 200 (as
illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10) may comprise having the user
place a support hand on the forestock 17 of secondary weapon 203.
With the other (non-supporting) hand, the user would move detent
204 on primary weapon 201 to an unlocked position and place the
non-supporting hand on the trigger 206 (without squeezing it) of
primary weapon 201. The user may depress control 43 on the
forestock 17 of secondary weapon 203 to unlock trigger mechanism 32
of secondary weapon 203. While continuing to depress control 43,
the user may then depress trigger button 34 to fire the secondary
weapon. By releasing control 43 and/or trigger button 34, the user
may reset safety assembly 42 to the locked position. At any time
after moving detent 204 to the unlocked position and positioning
the hands, the user may also squeeze trigger 206 to fire the
primary weapon.
[0045] Thus, the embodiments of safety assembly 42 according to the
present invention allow the user to fire any of long gun 202,
firearm 10, or secondary weapon 203 or primary weapon 201 of
combination weapon 200 without having to reposition either of his
hands to do so. In the case of combination weapon 200, the user may
use both hands to simultaneously fire primary weapon 201 and
secondary weapon 203 without having to reposition either hand.
[0046] FIG. 11 shows a preferred location of control 43, trigger
button 34 and action release 54 on firearm 10, long gun 202 and
secondary weapon 203. FIG. 11 illustrates the manner in which the
user may operate action release 54, control 43 and trigger button
34 with one hand without having to reposition that hand.
[0047] FIG. 12 generally shows an exploded view of safety assembly
42 comprising cross-bar 44, bias element 46 (e.g., a spring),
control 43 (e.g., a button) and the manner in which these elements
are connected. Preferably, as illustrated, cross-bar 44 will be
operatively associated with bias element 46 and control 43 at both
of the cross-bar 44 ends. Cross-bar 44 may comprise one or more
pieces. In the embodiment shown, cross-bar 44 comprises two notches
45b, 45c and one barrier 45a along its length and between controls
43. However, the number of notches 45b, 45c and barriers 45a for
any given embodiment of the invention may depend on the
configuration of control 43 and cross-bar 44, as well as the
overall design of the unlocking and locking mechanisms. For
example, if the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12 had a single control
43, then one notch 45b and one barrier 45a may be sufficient.
[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-14A-E, trigger actuating
rod 36 comprises a slot 47 (for unlocking trigger mechanism 32) and
an opening 48 (for locking trigger mechanism 32). In the embodiment
shown, slot 47 and opening 48 are adjacent to one another forming a
key-hole shaped aperture in trigger rod 36. In the embodiment
shown, slot 47 is disposed in both size and location to accept
notch 45b, 45c, but not barrier 45a, when either control 43 is
depressed. Opening 48 is disposed in both size and location to
accept barrier 45a when control 43 is biased by bias element 46
into its resting (e.g., locked) position. Trigger actuating rod 36
may have a flattened portion or surface 46a surrounding opening 48
and slot 47 to provide a support surface for bias element 46 to
prevent it from fouling. As shown in the illustrated embodiment,
bias element 46 may be a spring.
[0049] For the embodiment shown, FIGS. 12-14A-E illustrate the
relationship between the elements comprising safety assembly 42.
FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14D shows how the bias element 46 may be
operatively associated with control 43 and cross-bar 44, with
reference to notch 45b, 45c and barrier 45a. FIGS. 14B and 14C show
how cross-bar 44 may be disposed when control 43 is biased in a
resting or locked position. Cross-bar 44 passes through the opening
48 of trigger actuating rod 36. While barrier 45a can slide through
opening 48, which is of a sufficient size and shape to accept it,
barrier 45a is too large to be accepted by slot 47. Thus, when
barrier 45a is aligned with opening 48, it locks trigger actuating
rod 36 and prevents operation of the trigger mechanism 32.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 14D and 14E, operating either control 43
(by pressing a button in the embodiment shown) moves the affected
cross-bar 44 notch 45b, 45c to line up with and slide into slot 47.
The effect of this alignment is to unlock trigger actuating rod 36,
allowing it to move. Thus, when trigger button 34 is depressed, the
trigger mechanism 32 can be engaged, causing firearm 10, long gun
202 or secondary weapon 203 to fire.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 12-14A-14E, cross-bar 44 is biased about
trigger actuating rod 36 by a plurality of bias elements 46 (e.g.,
springs) generally between barrier 45a and control 43. The
plurality of bias elements 46 bias the cross-bar 44 in the resting
(locked) position wherein the barrier 45a is aligned with opening
48. In order to unlock trigger actuating rod 36 and trigger
mechanism 32, the user would have to depress and hold down either
one of the controls 43 so that notch 45b, 45c moves into slot 47,
thereby unlocking trigger actuating rod 36 so firearm 10, long gun
202 or secondary weapon 203 can be fired.
[0052] An advantage of the embodiment of safety assembly 42 as
previously discussed is that it allows the user to operate the
control 43 without having to move his hand (preferably, the support
hand). Thus, by moving any digit, the user can depress and hold
control 43 and then press trigger button 34 at the same time, as
illustrated in FIG. 10. Other advantages may be that control 43
cannot accidentally be moved from the locked to the unlocked
position and that trigger mechanism 32 cannot be fired
inadvertently. An example of a situation where this aspect of the
invention may be beneficial is when using combination weapon 200 as
a battering ram for law enforcement purposes. In addition, when
discharging combination weapon 200, since the user's hands would be
occupied in the support position on the secondary weapon 203 and
the firing position on the primary weapon 201, the user's hands
would not end up near the muzzle 16e.
[0053] Nonetheless, as would be apparent to those of skill in the
art after becoming familiar with the embodiments of this invention,
other mechanisms may be employed to permit the safety assembly 42
to remain unlocked after control 43 was only depressed one time
(i.e., depress once and it stays depressed). Such a mechanism could
also be coupled with a reset mechanism such that control 43 would
stay depressed and the trigger mechanism 32 would remain unlocked
until control 43 were subsequently depressed in the manner of a
reset button.
[0054] An embodiment of a safety assembly 401 for temporarily
locking or unlocking the trigger mechanism 32 is shown in FIGS. 15A
and 15B. Safety assembly 401 can be adapted for use in connection
with firearm 10, long gun 202 or secondary weapon 203 of
combination weapon 200, or with any other weapon as would be
familiar to one of skill in the art. In this embodiment, once the
user moves control 43 from the first position (locked) to the
second position (unlocked), the trigger mechanism 32 remains
unlocked so that the user does not have to operate the control 43
every time he wants to fire the weapon 10, 202, 203. In the
embodiment shown, spring ring 402, which serves as a bias element,
may be installed on either or both controls 43. As shown, spring
ring 402 is constructed so that it will compress to fit within a
depression 403 in the control 43 itself, but will also, in the
absence of compression, expand to be wider than control 43. Being
so constructed, spring ring 402 may expand to be received by first
groove 404 in forestock 17 to maintain safety assembly 401 in a
locked position such that barrier 45a prevents trigger actuating
rod 36 from moving as shown in FIG. 15A. When control 43 is
depressed, spring ring 402 may be received by second groove 405,
thereby maintaining safety assembly 401 in an unlocked position,
allowing notch 45c to slide into slot 47, thereby permitting the
movement of trigger actuating rod 36. Thus, spring ring 402 can
hold cross-bar 44 in the unlocked position, for example, without
requiring continued depression of control 43. Depression 403 may be
formed by machining such a depression into control 43 itself.
Spring ring 402 may then be installed in depression 403. Similarly,
grooves 404, 405 may be machined in the forestock 17. Other
mechanisms may also be used as would become familiar to one of
skill in the art after becoming familiar with the embodiments of
the present invention described herein.
[0055] A method for using the safety assembly 401 illustrated in
FIGS. 15A and 15B may comprise having the user place a support hand
on forestock 17. The user would then depress control 43 to unlock
trigger mechanism 32. The action of spring ring 402 operatively
associated with control 43 would cause trigger mechanism 32 to
remain in the unlocked position. The user could then squeeze
trigger button 34 repeatedly or even intermittently without having
to press control 43 again. To reset the safety assembly 401 and
relock the trigger mechanism 32, the user would depress control 43
again.
[0056] The foregoing description has been presented to illustrate
and describe various embodiments of the present invention,
including preferred embodiments. Therefore, it is not intended to
limit the invention in any way to the precise forms and methods
disclosed. Having herein set forth preferred embodiments of the
present invention, it is anticipated that suitable modifications
can be made thereto which will nonetheless remain within the scope
of the invention. The invention shall therefore be construed in
accordance with the following claims:
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