U.S. patent application number 12/941504 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-21 for removable trigger guard.
This patent application is currently assigned to SMITH & WESSON CORP.. Invention is credited to DAVID FINDLAY.
Application Number | 20110173859 12/941504 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44276453 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110173859 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FINDLAY; DAVID |
July 21, 2011 |
REMOVABLE TRIGGER GUARD
Abstract
A removable trigger guard for a rifle. The removable trigger
guard includes a first arm that is disposed between a magazine and
a grip of the firearm, a body portion disposed along an upper
portion of the grip, and a second arm portion that is disposed
along a lower surface of the rifle and between the grip and the
magazine. The first arm includes a ball bearing and a detent pin
that engage a yoke of the magazine. The body portion includes
another ball bearing that snap fits into engagement with a yoke
formed in the magazine. The second arm includes an opening that
receives a trigger that protrudes from the lower surface. The
removable trigger guard can be installed by hand without tools and
can be removed with the use of the tip of an ammunition
cartridge.
Inventors: |
FINDLAY; DAVID; (Athol,
MA) |
Assignee: |
SMITH & WESSON CORP.
Springfield
MA
|
Family ID: |
44276453 |
Appl. No.: |
12/941504 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61295328 |
Jan 15, 2010 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/69.01 ;
42/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 19/11 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/69.01 ;
42/106 |
International
Class: |
F41A 19/00 20060101
F41A019/00; F41A 35/02 20060101 F41A035/02; F41A 29/00 20060101
F41A029/00 |
Claims
1. A firearm apparatus comprising: a receiver with a grip and a
magazine well extending from a lower surface of the receiver and
defining therebetween a trigger space adjacent to the lower surface
of the receiver. a trigger mechanism housed in said receiver with a
trigger extending from the trigger mechanism into the trigger space
via a trigger opening formed in the lower surface of said receiver;
and a trigger guard removably clipped between the grip and the
magazine well of said receiver, said trigger guard substantially
covering the trigger opening of said receiver.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said trigger guard
includes: a first arm substantially covering said trigger opening;
and a second arm carrying in at least one end thereof at least one
resiliently actuable fastener engaged with one of said grip and
said magazine well.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one
resiliently actuable fastener of said trigger guard is engaged with
a yoke formed on one of said grip or said magazine well.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first arm of
said trigger guard includes a slot, and the trigger of said trigger
mechanism protrudes into the trigger space of said receiver through
the slot.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: a
movable barrier mounted on the first arm of said trigger guard
adjacent to the slot to follow movement of the trigger for further
covering the trigger opening of said receiver.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said movable
barrier includes a flexible elastic membrane entirely covering the
trigger slot.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the slot is formed
through a flexible elastic membrane mounted on the first arm of
said trigger guard.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a
movable barrier mounted on the first arm of said trigger guard to
follow movement of the trigger for further covering the trigger
opening of said receiver.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said trigger guard
further includes a body portion joining an end of the first arm to
an end of the second arm, the body portion of said trigger guard
includes an outer surface matingly aligned with a corresponding
surface formed on said receiver, and when said trigger guard is
clipped to said receiver, the second arm substantially encloses the
trigger space.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trigger
opening of said receiver is substantially larger than required for
movement of the trigger within the trigger mechanism.
11. A removable trigger guard apparatus for assembly to a lower
surface of a firearm receiver having a grip and a magazine well
fastened thereto, the grip and the magazine well defining a trigger
space adjacent to said lower surface, said firearm receiver
containing a trigger mechanism from which a trigger protrudes
through a trigger opening of said lower surface into said trigger
space, said apparatus comprising: a first arm shaped to
substantially close off said trigger opening. a second arm carrying
in at least one end thereof at least one resiliently actuable
fastener for engagement with one of said grip and said magazine
well; and a body portion joining an end of said first arm to an end
of said second arm, and having an outer surface shaped to align
with a corresponding surface formed on one of said grip and said
magazine well, wherein, when the outer surface of said body portion
is aligned with the corresponding surface formed on said grip or
said magazine well, said first arm substantially covers the trigger
opening of said receiver and said second arm substantially encloses
the trigger space of said receiver.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the outer surface
of said body portion includes a convex cylindrical surface
extending from said second arm toward said first arm.
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first arm
includes a slot extending along said first arm.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: a
movable barrier mounted on said first arm to follow movement of a
trigger within the slot.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said movable
barrier is a flexible elastic member mounted adjacent to the
slot.
16. A method for restoring proper operation of a trigger mechanism
of a firearm, comprising: rendering said firearm safe and unloaded;
removing a trigger guard from said firearm to expose a trigger
opening; and cleaning said trigger mechanism via said trigger
opening.
17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein cleaning said
trigger mechanism includes forcing air through said trigger
opening.
18. The method as claimed in claim 16, further comprising:
subsequent to cleaning said trigger mechanism, clipping said
trigger guard to said firearm to substantially cover said trigger
opening.
19. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein cleaning said
trigger mechanism includes mechanically agitating said firearm.
20. The method as claimed in claim 16, further comprising: loading
and locking said firearm; and actuating said trigger mechanism.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present utility application claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/295,328, filed Jan. 15, 2010,
hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a trigger guard for a firearm. In
particular, the present invention relates to a removable trigger
guard for an M-16 style rifle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Trigger guards mounted on rifles are known to protect the
trigger from inadvertent actuation that can, under some
circumstances, result in the discharging of a round of ammunition.
Such trigger guards are, in general, designed to avoid interfering
with or otherwise impacting the normal operation of the
trigger.
[0004] In some usage situations, such as combat conditions in
desert regions, sand and other field debris can find its way into
the lower receiver and become lodged in and under the trigger
mechanism. As a result, the trigger mechanism may require cleaning.
Typically, cleaning the trigger mechanism requires the firearm to
be rendered "safe and empty" for an extended period of time so that
the trigger mechanism may be removed from the firearm for thorough
cleaning.
[0005] The lower surface of a rifle that surrounds the trigger
necessarily includes an opening for motion of the trigger, which,
typically, admits debris into the trigger mechanism. Similarly,
known trigger guards are not involved with preventing or addressing
the problem of debris interrupting the trigger mechanism.
[0006] Additionally, the lower surface of a rifle that surrounds
the trigger is, in general, fixed to and integral with a receiver
of the rifle, and does not permit easy access to the trigger
mechanism for cleaning. Similarly, conventional trigger guards are
often fixed to the receiver of the firearm, block access to the
trigger mechanism. This prevents the clearing of debris from the
trigger mechanism.
[0007] Thus, there is a need for a trigger guard or lower edge of a
rifle that prevents debris from coming in contact with the trigger
mechanism or, otherwise, facilitates removal of debris from the
trigger mechanism.
[0008] The object of the present invention is, therefore, to
provide a removable trigger guard, which, among other desirable
attributes, significantly reduces or overcomes the above-mentioned
deficiencies of prior trigger guards.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a removable
trigger guard that prevents debris from coming in contact with a
trigger mechanism and facilitates removal of debris from around the
trigger mechanism.
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a lower
surface of a firearm that surrounds a trigger that prevents debris
from coming in contact with a trigger mechanism or, otherwise,
facilitates removal of debris from around the trigger
mechanism.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
trigger guard that is removable to facilitate access to the trigger
mechanism, for example, for rapid field cleaning of the trigger
mechanism.
[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
firearm having a removable trigger guard is provided. The trigger
guard is removably clipped between a grip and a magazine well of
the firearm, and substantially covers a trigger opening formed in a
receiver of the firearm between the grip and the magazine well.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
removable trigger guard is provided. The removable trigger guard
includes a first arm shaped to substantially close off a trigger
opening of a firearm, a second arm carrying in at least one end
thereof at least one resiliently actuable fastener for engagement
with one of the grip and the magazine well, and a body portion
joining an end of the first arm to an end of the second arm, and
having an outer surface shaped to align with a corresponding
surface formed on one of the grip and the magazine well.
[0014] According to the present invention, a firearm trigger
mechanism is restored to proper operation by rendering the firearm
safe, removing a trigger guard from the firearm to expose a trigger
opening, and cleaning the trigger mechanism via the trigger
opening.
[0015] These and other features of the present invention are
described with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments
of a removable trigger guard. The illustrated embodiments of the
system of the present invention are intended to illustrate, but not
limit, the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a firearm known in the
prior art.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a trigger space of
a firearm with an exploded removable trigger guard according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a grip of the firearm of
FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section along line 4-4 of the
grip of the firearm of FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a central portion of a
frame of the firearm of FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section along line 6-6 of the
central portion of the frame, proximate to a magazine, of the
firearm of FIG. 5.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section along line 7-7 of the
central portion of the frame of the firearm of FIG. 5.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a removable trigger guard
according to the firearm of FIG. 2.
[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the removable trigger guard
according to FIG. 8.
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of the removable trigger
guard according to FIG. 8.
[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the removable trigger
guard according to FIG. 8.
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross section of the removable trigger
guard along line 12-12 of FIG. 8.
[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross section of the removable trigger
guard along line 13-13 of FIG. 8.
[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the removable
trigger guard according to FIG. 8.
[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates a section view of the removable trigger
guard along line 15-15 of FIG. 14.
[0031] FIG. 16 illustrates a section view of the removable trigger
guard along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a firearm 10 according to the prior
art, such as a M-16 style firearm, is shown. The firearm 10 has a
grip 12 and a magazine well 14 that, together, define a trigger
space 16 disposed adjacent to a partly-opened lower surface 18 of a
receiver 20 of the firearm 10. The grip 12 commonly is mounted to
the receiver 20, while the magazine well 14 may be formed integral
with or as a part of the receiver 20. The receiver 20 houses a
trigger mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1) that is operable by a
trigger 22, which protrudes through the lower surface 18 of the
receiver 20 into the trigger space 16. The firearm 10 also has a
trigger guard 24 disposed between the grip 12 and the magazine well
14 to define and enclose the trigger space 16. The trigger guard 24
prevents actuation of the trigger 22 by inadvertent insertion of an
object or finger into the trigger space 16.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, the trigger space 16 is shown with a
removable trigger guard 26, according to the present invention,
exploded therefrom. The trigger space 16, as shown, has a
substantially rectangular shape. The rearward portion of the
trigger space 16, proximate an upper portion 28 of the grip 12, is
defined in part by a flat surface 30 that includes a small
spherical recess 32 disposed in the center thereof. A concave
cylindrical surface 34 extends from the flat surface 30 toward the
lower surface 18 of the receiver 20.
[0034] The receiver 20 has two sidewalls 36 that enclose a
substantially rounded rectangular inner cavity 37 with a trigger
opening 38 at the lower surface 18. Within the cavity 37, the
trigger mechanism 40 is mounted to the sidewalls 36, for example,
by way of pins (not shown). The trigger mechanism 40 typically is
located within the cavity 37 such that the trigger 22 protrudes
through the trigger opening 38 substantially midway between the
sidewalls 36 in the lateral direction and midway along the trigger
opening 38 in the longitudinal direction. Two springs 42 are
mounted in the inner cavity 37, one at each lateral side of the
trigger mechanism 40, so that a distal end of each spring 42
extends beyond the inner cavity 37 and into the trigger space
16.
[0035] The frontward portion of the trigger space 16, which abuts
the magazine well 14, is defined by a curved surface 44. The curved
surface 44 extends from the lower surface 18 of the receiver 20 to
a yoke 46 at a lower edge of the trigger space 16. The yoke 46 has
two laterally opposed arms, each having a circular opening 47
formed therein. Preferably the opposed arms of the yoke 46 are
laterally flexible without permanent deformation, to accept
assembly of the removable trigger guard 26 as further discussed
below.
[0036] The removable trigger guard 26 has a horseshoe-shape and is
fitted to the trigger space 16. In particular, the removable
trigger guard 26 has a first arm 48 that is fitted to bridge a gap
formed between the grip 12 and the magazine well 14. The first arm
48 extends to a tapered end 50, which houses in its opposed lateral
faces a ball bearing 51 (better shown in FIG. 14), a detent pin 52,
and a spring 53 (also shown in FIG. 14). Alternatively, a two-sided
detent spring, two opposing ball bearings, or two opposed detent
pins may be substituted for the ball bearing and the detent pin
mounted in the tapered end of the first arm. Other resiliently
actuable or clip-type fasteners will be apparent to those of
skill.
[0037] Referring back to FIG. 2, when the removable trigger guard
26 is installed onto the firearm 10, the tapered end 50 of the
first arm 48 clips into the yoke 46 via engagement of the detent
pin 52 and the ball bearing 51 into the circular openings 47a, 47b.
For instance, the detent pin 52 compresses laterally into the
tapered end 50 of the first arm 48 in order to snap fit or clip
into the circular opening 47a formed through the arms of the yoke
46. Meanwhile, the opposite arm of the yoke 46 may deform laterally
outward to accept into the circular opening 47b the ball bearing 51
opposed to the detent pin 52.
[0038] In order to remove or unclip from the yoke 46 the first arm
48 of the removable trigger guard 26, the detent pin 52 may be
compressed. For example the detent pin 52 may be disengaged from
its mating circular opening 47 by inserting the tip of a round of
ammunition through the opening 47. Once unclipped from the yoke 46,
the removable trigger guard 26 then can be slid out of the trigger
space 16.
[0039] The first arm 48 also includes a flanged end 54
longitudinally opposed to the tapered end 50. The flanged end 54
has a flat rearward surface 56 that is fitted to the flat surface
30 of the grip 12. As better shown in FIG. 16, the flat rearward
surface 56 includes a ball bearing 58 housed in a recess 57 and
rearwardly biased by a spring 59 that the ball bearing captures
into the recess. Referring back to FIG. 2, when the removable
trigger guard is installed onto the firearm 10, the ball bearing 58
presses into the small spherical recess 32 formed on the grip 12,
thereby helping to locate and to retain the removable trigger guard
26 within the trigger space 16.
[0040] The removable trigger guard 26 also has a body portion 60
that extends substantially perpendicularly from the flanged end 54
of the first arm 48. The body portion 60 of the removable trigger
guard 26 includes a convex cylindrical surface 61 that is fitted to
the concave cylindrical surface 34 formed on the grip 12. The
complimentary shapes of the convex cylindrical surface 61 and the
concave cylindrical surface 34 help to align and retain the
removable trigger guard 26 within the trigger space 16.
[0041] In addition, the removable trigger guard 26 has a second arm
62 that extends perpendicularly from an upper end of the body
portion 60. The second arm 62 is fitted to the inner cavity 37,
between the sidewalls 36, so as to substantially close off or cover
the trigger opening 38. A slot 64 is formed in the second arm 62
for receiving the trigger 22 when the removable trigger guard 26 is
installed in the trigger space 16. Thus, the second arm 62 of the
removable trigger guard 26 reduces entry of debris into the trigger
mechanism 40 while also providing for operation of the trigger
22.
[0042] Optionally, the slot 64 formed in the second arm 62 of the
removable trigger guard 26 may include a movable barrier (not
shown) that seals around the trigger 22 for further reducing entry
of debris into the inner cavity 37. For example, the barrier can be
a flexible and resilient polymer sheet or membrane having an
elastic opening for receiving the trigger 22. Alternatively, the
membrane may closely encompass the entire trigger 22, so that the
trigger opening 38 is entirely sealed by the removable trigger
guard 26. Alternatively the barrier can be a slidable plate that is
movably biased against the trigger 22 by the springs 42. Other
alternatives will occur to those of skill. When installed, the
second arm 62 contacts the springs 42, which resist movement of the
second arm 62 so that the removable trigger guard 26 is properly
and firmly installed in the trigger space 16.
[0043] As should be appreciated, once the firearm 10 has been made
safe for partial disassembly, the removable trigger guard 26 can be
readily removed from the trigger space 16 by compressing the detent
pin 52 of the first arm 48 into the tapered end 50, then pulling or
pivoting the removable trigger guard 26 away from the lower surface
18 of the receiver 20. Once the removable trigger guard 26 has been
removed, the trigger mechanism 40 can be cleaned out via the
trigger opening 38. For example, large debris can be removed simply
by shaking the firearm 10. Compressed air can be used to blow out
smaller debris. Those of skill will appreciate other measures for
cleaning the trigger mechanism 40, via the trigger opening 38,
without requiring complete disassembly of the firearm 10. Then,
once the cleaning is complete, the removable trigger guard 26 can
be reinserted into the trigger space 16 by sliding the removable
trigger guard 26 toward the lower surface 18 with the body portion
60 aligned with the concave cylindrical surface 34 until the ball
bearing and the detent pin 52 mounted in the tapered end 50 of the
first arm 48 clip or snap fit into the arms of the yoke 46. To
facilitate reinsertion, the detent pin 52 can be compressed by the
user.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the grip 12 is shown. The grip
12 includes the flat surface 30 defining the small spherical recess
32, as discussed above. For mounting the grip 12 to the receiver
20, the grip 12 also includes a bolt hole 65 that is opened from an
interior cavity of the grip 12 onto a substantially
triangular-shaped notch 66. The grip 12 also includes a first ridge
68 for engaging a user's middle and ring fingers and a second ridge
70 for engaging the user's pinky finger. The first ridge 68 and the
second ridge 70 improve the user's ability to hold of the grip
12.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, details of the receiver 20 are
shown. As shown in FIG. 5, the receiver 20 includes a flange 74
with the concave cylindrical surface 34 formed at its forward face,
and also includes a gusset 76 extending rearwardly from the flange
74. The gusset 76 fits into the notch 66 of the grip 12 and has a
threaded mounting hole 77 formed therein, as shown in FIG. 7.
Referring again to FIG. 5, the lower surface 18 of the receiver 20
includes two parallel steps 78 having a slope 80 formed
therebetween. The curved rearward surface 44 of the magazine well
14 is substantially circular for allowing an index finger of the
user to be received between the trigger 22 and the magazine well
14. The yoke 46 has a rounded rectangular shape.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, the yoke 46 is shown as being
asymmetrical. In particular, one arm of the yoke 46, for instance,
the arm for receiving the detent pin 52, includes a first circular
opening 47a that extends from the inner side of the yoke 46 to the
outer side of the yoke 46 thereby allowing a user to actuate the
detent pin 52. However, the other arm of the yoke 46, for instance,
the arm for receiving the ball bearing 51, includes a second
circular opening 47b that does not extend through the arm of the
yoke 46 thereby preventing inadvertent release of the ball bearing
51 from the yoke 46.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, the inner cavity 37, the trigger
opening 38, and the sidewalls 36 are shown. The threaded mounting
hole 77 also is shown at a rearward part of the receiver 20.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 8-13, details of the removable trigger
guard 26 are shown. As shown in FIG. 8, the removable trigger guard
26 is substantially U-shaped. However, the first arm 48, as shown,
has an arcuate shape, such that the first arm 48 is slightly convex
with a partially flattened outer surface 82 and a curved inner
surface 84. In addition, the tapered end of the first arm 48 is
slightly enlarged for receiving the ball bearing and the detent pin
52 and for conforming to the curved surface 44 of the magazine.
Similarly, the distal end of the second arm 62 is slightly enlarged
for conforming to the curved surface 44 of the magazine. The
flanged end 54 of the first arm 48 extends beyond the body portion
60.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 9, the second arm 62 of the removable
trigger guard 26 has a substantially rounded rectangular shape that
conforms to the perimeter of the inner cavity 37. The second arm of
the removable trigger guard includes grooves 63 formed in its upper
surface, for engagement with the springs 42. The second arm 62 also
includes the slot 64 for receiving the trigger 22. The slot 64 has
a substantially rounded rectangular shape. The tapered end 50 and
the flanged end 54 of the first arm 48 are substantially
rectangular and extend beyond the silhouette of the second arm
62.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 10, the flat flanged surface 56 includes
the ball bearing recess 57 for receiving the ball bearing 58. The
ball bearing recess 57 is substantially circular and located at a
central portion of the flat flanged surface 56. The body portion 60
is slightly tapered along its lateral edges, proximate the apex of
the curved inner surface 84 thereof.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 11, the curved inner surface 84 of the
removable trigger guard 26 is rounded, as is, to a lesser extent,
the outer surface 82 of the first arm 48. The slot 64 extends into
the second arm 62 along the curved inner surface 84.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 12, the tapered end 50 of the first arm 48
has a substantially cylindrical opening 88 formed therein for
receiving the ball bearing and the detent pin 52. The cylindrically
opening 88 is tapered at one end for receiving the ball bearing and
for mounting a remote end of the detent pin 52.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 13, the slot 64 extends into the second arm
62 along the curved inner surface 84.
[0054] FIGS. 14-16 show details of the ball bearings 51, 58, the
detent pin 52, the ball bearing recess 57, and the springs 53, 59,
as previously discussed above.
[0055] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and
modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.
[0056] For example, in another embodiment of the present invention,
the geometry of the first arm can be modified to provide a
different contour and feel to the trigger guard. For instance, the
outer surface of the first arm and the curved inner surface can be
substantially flattened to provide a more box-like trigger
guard.
[0057] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
removable trigger guard can be adapted to be used for a pistol,
missile launcher, or other firearm.
[0058] Thus, while the invention has been described with reference
to preferred embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying
drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various obvious changes may be made, and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the
essential scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended
that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments
disclosed, but that the invention includes all embodiments falling
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *