U.S. patent application number 13/456802 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for trigger trainer.
The applicant listed for this patent is James Taylor. Invention is credited to James Taylor.
Application Number | 20130288204 13/456802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49477614 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130288204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor; James |
October 31, 2013 |
Trigger Trainer
Abstract
An insert is placed in the trigger guard between the front
portion of the trigger guard and the trigger to reduce the size of
the opening designed to accommodate the trigger finger and permit
only a portion of the finger to be inserted for engaging the
trigger, typically the outer tip area between the tip and the first
joint of the finger. The training tool guides the trigger finger
into the right position, establishing proper alignment of the
finger to the trigger and increasing the probability that the
probability that the trigger will be properly squeezed by promoting
proper placement of the trigger finger each time the trigger is
engaged. After repeated use with the trigger guard, the placement
of the finger will become automatic.
Inventors: |
Taylor; James; (Blanchester,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Taylor; James |
Blanchester |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49477614 |
Appl. No.: |
13/456802 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
434/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 19/10 20130101;
F41A 19/00 20130101; F41A 19/11 20130101; F41A 33/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/16 |
International
Class: |
F41A 19/00 20060101
F41A019/00 |
Claims
1. A trigger trainer for a weapon having a trigger and a trigger
guard, the trigger trainer comprising: a. A substantially rigid
base sized to fit in the trigger guard between the trigger guard
and the trigger; b. A front wall of the base conforming to a front
wall of the trigger guard; and c. A back wall of the base shaped to
form, with the trigger, an opening for a finger.
2. The trigger trainer of claim 1, wherein the trigger trainer is a
unitary element constructed of a substantially rigid material.
3. The trigger trainer of claim 2, wherein the substantially rigid
material is synthetic.
4. The trigger trainer of claim 1, further including a groove in
the front wall of the base for receiving the front wall of the
trigger guard.
5. The trigger trainer of claim 1, wherein the opening for a finger
is sized to permit only the tip of the finger from the outer tip of
the finger to the first joint to enter into the trigger guard.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention is generally related to firearm training
apparatus for testing and training marksmen and is specifically
directed to an apparatus for controlling and training the proper
contact with and squeeze force applied to a trigger.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0004] One of the most critical aspects of good marksmanship is
directly related to the proper contact with and squeeze force or
pressure applied to the trigger. There have been a number of
devices and techniques developed of the years to monitor trigger
squeeze in an effort to improve both training and practice efforts
to improve this basic skill. All of the known techniques involve
monitoring the results of practice rounds and taking corrective
action on a trial and error basis.
[0005] For example, the RIKA Home Trainer manufactured by
Pilkington Competition Equipment, LLC of Monteagle, Tennessee,
analyzes all movements by the shooter before the shots and hits are
taken in order to develop an understanding of the shooter's
technique. The apparatus records all relevant data make up the
shooters aim and hold. The recorded data can then be reproduced in
real time and applied to preset minimum requirements for
analysis.
[0006] The "Trigger Trainer" manufactured by Full-Scale Tactics
Inc. (TheTriggerTrainer.com) is designed to enhance firearm
proficiency and speed by exclusively isolating and training the
index finger for the development of smooth trigger control. The
Trigger Trainer isolates and trains the trigger finger, enhancing
the muscle memory and finger dexterity that are essential to smooth
trigger control. This device measures trigger action of the
shooter, provides results and permits correction by typical
repetitive trial and error techniques.
[0007] Next Level Training of Ferndale, Washington, has developed a
standalone dry fire training pistol with the intent to provide a
tool for training skill sets nearly anywhere. Again, the Next Level
Training device is a system for recording and analyzing training,
with corrections being made by trial and error.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,235, Feb. 16, 1988, discloses a device
for training and scoring marksmanship by tracking and recording
results of simulated firing. By displaying graphically the actual
character of the trainee's trigger squeeze, the trainee can change
the application of finger pressure more readily to match the
desired ideal technique.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,418,822, Jan. 17, 1945, discloses a training
device using a simulated weapon in training marksmen wherein proper
trigger squeeze is taught by repetition and review of results.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,402, May 8, 1990, discloses a
marksmanship trainer that includes a long range light pen to
measure sighting accuracy and tracking steadiness. Bridge
configured dual strain gauges are used to sense breathing, and a
force sensing resistor is used to monitor trigger squeeze. The
feedback of corrective action is provided aurally/graphically from
a stored expert library.
[0011] U.S. Pat. App. Pub. US 2001/0047847, Mar. 3, 2011, discloses
a firearm training tool having a trigger take-up indicating system.
The trigger module is adjustable to adjust various properties of
the trigger. The take up indicator can be of a variety of forms
such as an illuminating device, in general, a noisemaker, a
vibrator, or otherwise some form of indicator such as an RF
transmitter sending a signal to an RF receiver indicating that the
trigger is taken up. In general, trigger take-up means that the
trigger member is partially pressed. In one form, take-up includes
partial pressure to reposition the trigger to a set point such as
where a seer or simulated seer is engaged. This system is designed
to be observed by a trainer or other individual or system to
indicate whether the trainee is taking up the trigger at a proper
time. The information can then be analyzed to correct techniques
using a trial and error method.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Unlike the prior art, the subject invention is a device
which assures proper contact with and pressure applied to the
trigger. Specifically, it is a training device that actually
positions the trigger finger properly on the trigger, promoting
proper contact and facilitating a proper squeeze or pressure
force.
[0013] It is known that good marksmanship requires the development
of numerous skills, including: [0014] draws, [0015] reloads, [0016]
presenting gun on target, [0017] natural point of aim, [0018]
TRIGGER CONTROL, [0019] awkward shooting positions, [0020]
increasing overall speed and accuracy, [0021] acceptable sight
picture/sight alignment [0022] scenarios (shooting live targets
with safety protocol in place), [0023] target transitions, [0024]
driving the eyes and bringing the gun on target without over
traveling [0025] weapon transitions (rifle to pistol), [0026]
prepping the trigger at appropriate times [0027] prepping when
muzzle is aligned on target [0028] not prepping when muzzle is not
pointed at something you are willing to destroy [0029] decelerating
the body to a shooting position ready to shoot.
[0030] Of these skill sets, trigger control is one of the hardest
to master and it has a major impact on the accuracy of the shooter.
In order to maximize the ability to use a weapon accurately it is
imperative that this skill be mastered. While the analysis and
trial and error techniques of the prior can improve this skill over
time, under the prior art techniques the trainee can only master
the skill by observing and duplicating the trigger control methods
employed by experts and trainers.
[0031] The subject invention provides a training tool that guides
the trigger finger into the right position, establishing proper
alignment of the finger to the trigger and increasing the
probability that, because of proper positioning, the trigger will
be properly squeezed.
[0032] Specifically, the device of the subject invention is an
insert which can be placed in the trigger guard between the front
portion of the trigger guard and the trigger. This reduces the size
of the opening designed to accommodate the trigger finger and
permits only a portion of the finger to be inserted for engaging
the trigger, typically the outer tip area between the tip and the
first joint of the finger. Having the finger in this position
enhances the probability that the trigger will be properly
squeezed. Using this as a trigger trainer promotes proper placement
of the trigger finger each time the trigger is engaged. After
repeated use with the trigger guard, the placement of the finger
will become automatic.
[0033] Typically, the trainer can only give verbal instruction to
the trainee as to how to engage the trigger, or at best visual
demonstrations. Using prior art methods and devices, the trainee
was never able to actually see and feel how his own finger should
be positioned when engaging the trigger. Use of the device of the
subject invention reduces training stress, minimizes shooter
problems relating to trigger control and reduces training time and
costs. It increases confidence through much quicker increased
shooting performance.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment the trigger trainer device of
the subject invention is a temporary insert in the trigger guard.
It may be constructed of any suitable, substantially rigid
synthetic material. The trigger trainer may be custom designed for
the specific weapon, and where desired, may be custom designed for
each trainee. In one embodiment the trigger trainer device includes
extended side walls forming a groove along the guard engaging edge
for securing the trigger trainer in place. However, in most
applications the extended side walls and groove are not
necessary.
[0035] The trigger trainer device of the subject invention reduces
the space between the shooter's trigger finger and the trigger;
prevents the shooter from placing too much of the trigger finger on
the trigger, prevents the shooter from slapping the trigger by
deflecting the trigger finger back to the trigger, preventing the
finger from exiting the trigger guard; enhances the proper grip of
the weapon by requiring the shooting hand to be properly positioned
in order to assure proper alignment of the trigger finger; and
increases balance by placing the hand in the position designed to
assure best balance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is a side view of the trigger trainer.
[0037] FIG. 2 is view of the trigger trainer without extended walls
and groove.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a view of the trigger trainer of FIG. 2 installed
in a trigger guard.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a view of the trigger trainer with extended side
walls and groove.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a view of the trigger trainer of FIG. 4 installed
in a trigger guard.
[0041] FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5 and shows the proximity of the
trigger to the trigger trainer when properly installed.
[0042] FIG. 7 shows placement of the hand to assure proper
alignment of the trigger finger from the side.
[0043] FIG. 8 shows placement of the hand to assure proper
alignment of the trigger finger from the front.
[0044] FIG. 9 shows proper placement of the trigger finger on the
trigger as controlled by the trigger trainer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the trigger trainer 10 of the subject
invention is a substantially rigid insert or base made of any
suitable synthetic material. The front or outer edge 12 of the
insert is adapted to be placed against the front 16 of a typical
trigger guard 14 (see FIG. 3). The rear or inner edge 18 is concave
and with the trigger 20 is designed to provide a controlled opening
for the tip of the trigger finger.
[0046] The front view of a trigger trainer 10a, without extended
side walls or a guard engaging groove is shown in FIG. 2 and is
installed in the trigger guard 14 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0047] The front view of a trigger trainer 10b with extended side
walls 22 and 24 which form a groove 26 is shown in FIG. 4 and is
installed in the trigger guard 14 as shown in FIG. 5. It will be
noted that the side walls 22 and 24 extend beyond the trigger guard
14 with the guard seated in the resulting groove 26.
[0048] FIGS. 6 through 9 illustrate the placement of the shooting
hand and the trigger finger when the trigger trainer is in place.
FIG. 6 shows the trigger trainer (in the example trigger trainer
10b) in place on the guard 14 with a suitable opening 30 between
the rear wall 18 of the trigger trainer and the trigger 20. This
enhances proper placement of the hand 32 and finger 34, as shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8, assuring proper placement of the trigger finger and
improving weapon balance. The position of the trigger finger 34 is
controlled as shown in FIG. 9, with the trigger finger tip 36
between the outer tip and first joint of the finger being all that
can engage the trigger, assuring proper placement of the trigger
finger on the trigger.
[0049] It has been found that the trigger trainer of the subject
invention greatly enhances training on trigger control and trigger
pressure.
[0050] While certain features and embodiments of the invention have
been described in detail herein it should be understood that the
invention encompasses all modifications and enhancements within the
scope and spirit of the following claims.
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