U.S. patent application number 15/380188 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-29 for trigger mechanism for a firearm.
The applicant listed for this patent is WHG Properties, LLC. Invention is credited to William H. Geissele.
Application Number | 20180087858 15/380188 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61633348 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180087858 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Geissele; William H. |
March 29, 2018 |
TRIGGER MECHANISM FOR A FIREARM
Abstract
A trigger mechanism includes a hammer element that has a ready
position, an intermediate position, and a fired position. The
hammer element includes a hammer sear and a notch positioned at a
front of the hammer element. The trigger mechanism includes a
trigger element has a ready position that retains the hammer
element in the ready position. The trigger mechanism also includes
a fired position that releases the hammer element. The trigger
element includes a trigger sear that includes a hammer sear
engagement zone and a notch engagement zone. When the hammer
element is in the ready position, the trigger sear at least
partially engages the hammer sear at the hammer sear engagement
zone. When the hammer element is in the intermediate position, the
trigger sear at least partially engages the notch at the notch
engagement zone and not at the hammer sear engagement zone.
Inventors: |
Geissele; William H.; (Lower
Gwynedd, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WHG Properties, LLC |
North Wales |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61633348 |
Appl. No.: |
15/380188 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29579212 |
Sep 28, 2016 |
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15380188 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/46 20130101;
F41A 19/45 20130101; F41A 19/44 20130101; F41A 19/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 17/46 20060101
F41A017/46; F41A 19/44 20060101 F41A019/44 |
Claims
1. A trigger mechanism for a firearm, the trigger mechanism
comprising: a hammer element having a ready position, an
intermediate position, and a fired position, the hammer element
including a hammer sear and a notch positioned at a front of the
hammer element; a trigger element having a ready position that
retains the hammer element in the ready position, and a fired
position that releases the hammer element, the trigger element
including a trigger sear that includes a hammer sear engagement
zone and a notch engagement zone, wherein, when the hammer element
is in the ready position, the trigger sear at least partially
engages the hammer sear at the hammer sear engagement zone, and
wherein, when the hammer element is in the intermediate position,
the trigger sear at least partially engages the notch at the notch
engagement zone and not at the hammer sear engagement zone.
2. The trigger mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a
disconnector pivotally connected to the trigger element, the
disconnector having a disconnector sear configured to receive a
portion of the hammer element when the hammer element is moving
from the fired position to the ready position.
3. The trigger mechanism of claim 2, wherein the trigger element
includes a disconnector pad that is configured to receive a portion
of the disconnector, the disconnector pad being positioned on the
trigger element at a point between a hammer rotation axis and a
trigger rotation axis.
4. The trigger mechanism of claim 1, wherein the hammer sear is
positioned across an entire width of a main body of the hammer
element, and wherein the notch projects outward from the main
body.
5. The trigger mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a safety
mechanism configured to disengage and engage the trigger element,
the safety mechanism having at least a safe position and a fire
position, wherein, when the safety mechanism is in the safe
position, the firearm is prevented from firing.
6. A firearm comprising the trigger mechanism of claim 1.
7. A firearm comprising: the trigger mechanism of claim 1, wherein
the hammer element is rotatable about a hammer rotation axis; and
the trigger element is rotatable independently from the hammer
element about a trigger rotation axis; wherein when the trigger
element is in the ready position, the hammer sear is retained by
the trigger sear, and when the trigger element is in the fired
position, the hammer element is not retained by the trigger sear;
and a disconnector pivotally connected to the trigger element, the
disconnector having a hammer engagement surface that is configured
to receive a portion of the hammer element when the hammer element
is moving from the fired position to the ready position, the hammer
engagement surface being positioned between the hammer rotation
axis and the trigger rotation axis.
8. The firearm of claim 7, wherein the trigger element includes a
disconnector pad that is configured to receive a portion of the
disconnector, the disconnector pad being positioned on the trigger
element at a point between the hammer rotation axis and the trigger
rotation axis.
9. The firearm of claim 7, wherein the disconnector has a
disconnector sear configured to retain a second hammer sear of the
hammer element.
10. The firearm of claim 7, further comprising a safety mechanism
configured to disengage and engage the trigger element, the safety
mechanism having at least a safe position and a fire position,
wherein, when the safety mechanism is in the safe position, the
firearm is prevented from firing.
11. The firearm of claim 7, wherein the hammer sear is positioned
across an entire width of a main body of the hammer element, and
wherein the notch projects outward from the main body.
12. (canceled)
13. A firearm receiver including: a receiver housing; and a trigger
mechanism housed by the receiver housing, the trigger mechanism
including: a hammer element being rotatable about a hammer rotation
axis, the hammer element having a ready position, an intermediate
position, and a fired position, the hammer element including a
hammer sear and a notch positioned at a front of the hammer
element; a trigger element being rotatable independently from the
hammer element about a trigger rotation axis, the trigger element
having a ready position that retains the hammer element in the
ready position, and a fired position that releases the hammer
element, the trigger element including a trigger sear that includes
a hammer sear engagement zone and a notch engagement zone, wherein,
when the hammer element is in the ready position, the trigger sear
at least partially engages the hammer sear at the hammer sear
engagement zone, and wherein, when the hammer element is in the
intermediate position, the trigger sear at least partially engages
the notch at the notch engagement zone and not at the hammer sear
engagement zone; and a disconnector pivotally connected to the
trigger element, the disconnector having a hammer engagement
surface that is configured to receive a portion of the hammer
element when the hammer is moving from the fired position to the
ready position, the hammer engagement surface being positioned
between the hammer rotation axis and the trigger rotation axis.
14. The firearm receiver of claim 13, further comprising a safety
mechanism, the safety mechanism having at least a safe position and
a fire position, wherein, when the safety mechanism is in the safe
position, the firearm is prevented from firing
15. The firearm receiver of claim 13, wherein the hammer sear is
positioned across an entire width of a main body of the hammer
element, and wherein the notch projects outward from the main
body.
16. The firearm receiver of claim 15, wherein the trigger element
includes a disconnector pad that is configured to receive a portion
of the disconnector, the disconnector pad being positioned on the
trigger element at a point between the hammer rotation axis and the
trigger rotation axis.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 29/579,212 filed Sep. 28, 2016, the disclosure
of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Firearms are configured to fire rounds of ammunition. To
fire a firearm, the user of the firearm can pull a trigger
mechanism, which releases a hammer. The hammer is designed to then
strike a firing pin which, in turn, strikes an impact sensitive
round of ammunition. Once struck, the round of ammunition expels a
bullet from the barrel of the firearm toward a target.
[0003] Some shooters prefer a firearm trigger mechanism that
requires a low pull back force (e.g., competitive shooters). This
allows for very precise operation of the firearm. However, the
lighter the trigger pull, the easier the trigger mechanism is to
activate (i.e., pull). Because of this, the risk of an accidental
discharge of the firearm is greater. An accidental discharge can
occur if the firearm is mishandled or dropped, resulting in a
dangerous situation. Therefore, improvements in firearm trigger
mechanisms are needed.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a trigger
mechanism for a firearm.
[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure a trigger mechanism
for a firearm is disclosed. The trigger mechanism includes a hammer
element that has a ready position, an intermediate position, and a
fired position. The hammer element includes a hammer sear and a
notch positioned at a front of the hammer element. The trigger
mechanism includes a trigger element has a ready position that
retains the hammer element in the ready position. The trigger
mechanism also includes a fired position that releases the hammer
element. The trigger element includes a trigger sear that includes
a hammer sear engagement zone and a notch engagement zone. When the
hammer element is in the ready position, the trigger sear at least
partially engages the hammer sear at the hammer sear engagement
zone. When the hammer element is in the intermediate position, the
trigger sear at least partially engages the notch at the notch
engagement zone and not at the hammer sear engagement zone.
[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure a firearm is
disclosed. The firearm includes a trigger mechanism. The trigger
mechanism includes a hammer element that is rotatable about a
hammer rotation axis. The hammer element has a first hammer sear.
The firearm includes a trigger element that is rotatable
independently from the hammer element about a trigger rotation
axis. The trigger element has a ready position and a fired
position. When the trigger element is in the ready position, the
hammer sear is retained by the trigger sear, and when the trigger
element is in the fired position, the hammer element is not
retained by the trigger sear. The firearm includes a disconnector
pivotally connected to the trigger element. The disconnector has a
hammer engagement surface that is configured to receive a portion
of the hammer element when the hammer element is moving from the
fired position to the ready position. The hammer engagement surface
is positioned between the hammer rotation axis and the trigger
rotation axis.
[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure a firearm
receiver is disclosed. The firearm receiver includes a receiver
housing and a trigger mechanism housed by the receiver housing. The
trigger mechanism includes a hammer element that is rotatable about
a hammer rotation axis. The hammer element has a ready position, an
intermediate position, and a fired position. The hammer element
includes a hammer sear and a notch positioned at a front of the
hammer element. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger element
that is rotatable independently from the hammer element about a
trigger rotation axis. The trigger element has a ready position
that retains the hammer element in the ready position, and a fired
position that releases the hammer element. The trigger element
includes a trigger sear that includes a hammer sear engagement zone
and a notch engagement zone. When the hammer element is in the
ready position, the trigger sear at least partially engages the
hammer sear at the hammer sear engagement zone, and, when the
hammer element is in the intermediate position, the trigger sear at
least partially engages the notch at the notch engagement zone and
not at the hammer sear engagement zone; The firearm receiver
includes a disconnector pivotally connected to the trigger element.
The disconnector has a hammer engagement surface that is configured
to receive a portion of the hammer element when the hammer is
moving from the fired position to the ready position. The hammer
engagement surface is positioned between the hammer rotation axis
and the trigger rotation axis.
[0008] A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the
description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual
features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood
that both the foregoing general description and the following
detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the
embodiments disclosed herein are based.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The following drawings are illustrative of particular
embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit
the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale
and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in
the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present
disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the
appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example firearm,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a trigger
mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of the trigger
mechanism of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the trigger mechanism
of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the trigger mechanism of
FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates another side view of the trigger
mechanism of FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a trigger element
of the trigger mechanism of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the trigger element of
FIG. 7;
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a hammer element of
the trigger mechanism of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the hammer element of
FIG. 9;
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the hammer element of
FIG. 9;
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic front view of the trigger
element of FIG. 7 and the hammer element of FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a disconnector of
the trigger mechanism of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the disconnector of FIG.
13;
[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates the trigger mechanism of FIG. 2 in a
ready position;
[0025] FIG. 16 illustrates the trigger mechanism of FIG. 2 in an
intermediate position;
[0026] FIG. 17 illustrates the trigger mechanism of FIG. 2 in a
fired position; and
[0027] FIG. 18 illustrates the trigger mechanism of FIG. 2 in a
position between the fired position and the ready position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Various embodiments will be described in detail with
reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views.
Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the
claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in
this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set
forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended
claims.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an example firearm 100.
In this example, the firearm 100 includes a receiver body 102. In
some embodiments, the receiver body 102 includes a trigger
mechanism 104 and a safety mechanism 106. In some embodiments, the
firearm 100 may also include a stock 108, a barrel 110, a grip 112,
and, in some embodiments, an ammunition magazine 114.
[0030] The firearm 100 is configured to have a plurality of
operating modes. The operating modes include at least a safe mode
and a fire mode. When the firearm 100 is in the safe mode, the
firearm 100 is prevented from discharging a round of ammunition.
When the firearm 100 is in the fire mode, the firearm 100 is
discharged each time that the trigger mechanism 104 is activated
(i.e., "pulled") without manually reloading ammunition.
[0031] The firearm 100 can be of a variety of types. Examples of a
firearm include handguns, rifles, shotguns, carbines, and personal
defense weapons. In at least one embodiment, the firearm is a Colt
AR-15 rifle or a variant of the AR 15.
[0032] The receiver body 102 is configured to house a firing
mechanism and associated components as found in, for example,
assault rifles and their variants. The firing mechanism includes
the trigger mechanism 104, which is described and illustrated in
more detail with reference to FIGS. 2-17. A bolt assembly (not
shown) can also be slidably disposed in the receiver body 102 for
axially reciprocating recoil movement therein during a firing cycle
sequence of the firearm 100. The bolt assembly is configured to
interface with the trigger mechanism 104.
[0033] The trigger mechanism 104 includes a trigger bow 116
configured to be pulled by the finger of the shooter (e.g., the
index finger) to initiate the firing cycle sequence of the firearm
100. The trigger mechanism 104 is mounted to the receiver body 102.
The trigger mechanism 104 is configured to discharge the firearm
100 when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the trigger
bow 116. As described herein, the trigger mechanism 104 can be
designed to replace the OEM trigger mechanism of the firearm 100,
such as assault type rifles, and provide multiple shooting modes,
or can be designed as an OEM trigger mechanism. The trigger
mechanism 104 is installed in the receiver body 102.
[0034] The safety mechanism 106 is configured to facilitate the
switching of the firearm 100 between different operating modes. As
mentioned above, each operating mode alters the behavior of the
firearm 100. In at least one embodiment, the safety mechanism 106
includes a safety mechanism lever 121 that is switchable between
multiple positions, such as a fire mode position and a safe mode
position. The safety mechanism 106 is in communication with the
trigger mechanism 104. Further, the safety mechanism 106 is
disposed in the side of the receiver body 102.
[0035] The stock 108 is configured to be positioned at a rearward
portion of the firearm 100. The stock 108 provides an additional
surface for a shooter to support the firearm 100, preferably
against the shooter's shoulder. In some embodiments, the stock 108
includes a mount for a sling. In other embodiments the stock 108 is
a telescoping stock. In other embodiments still, the stock 108 is
foldable. In some embodiments, the stock 108 is removably mounted
to the receiver body 102. In at least one embodiment, the stock 108
is threaded to the receiver body 102. In other embodiments, the
stock 108 is secured to the receiver body 102 by a fastener.
[0036] The barrel 110 is positioned at a forward end of the firearm
100 and is configured to be installed to the receiver body 102. The
barrel 110 provides a path to release an explosion gas and propel a
projectile therethrough. In some embodiments, the barrel 110
assembly includes a rail system for mounting accessories (e.g., a
fore-grip, a flashlight, a laser, optic equipment, etc.) thereto. A
portion of the barrel 110 is shown in FIG. 1.
[0037] The grip 112 provides a point of support for the shooter of
the firearm and can be held by the shooter's hand, including when
operating the trigger mechanism 104. The grip 112 assists the
shooter in stabilizing the firearm 100 during firing and
manipulation of the firearm 100. In some embodiments, the grip 112
is mounted to the receiver body 102.
[0038] The magazine 114 is an ammunition storage and feeding device
within the firearm 100. In at least one embodiment, the magazine
114 is detachably installed on the firearm 100. For example, the
magazine 114 is removably inserted into a magazine well of the
receiver body 102 of the firearm 100.
[0039] Other embodiments of the firearm 100 have other
configurations than the examples illustrated and described with
reference to FIG. 1. For example, some of the components listed
above are not included in some alternative embodiments.
[0040] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the trigger mechanism
104 suitable for use in the firearm 100 depicted in FIG. 1. The
trigger mechanism 104 includes the trigger bow 116 attached to a
trigger element 117, a hammer element 118, a disconnector 120, a
trigger element spring 122, a hammer element spring 124, a
disconnector spring 125, a trigger element pin 126, a hammer
element pin 128, and a hammer element pin sleeve 130. Each portion
of the trigger mechanism 104 will be described in detail below.
[0041] The trigger mechanism 104 is defined by a front 132, a back
134, a top 136, and a bottom 138. Throughout this disclosure,
references to orientation (e.g., front(ward), rear(ward), in front,
behind, above, below, high, low, back, top, bottom, under,
underside, etc.) of structural components shall be defined by that
component's positioning in FIGS. 2 and 3 relative to, as
applicable, the front 132, the back 134, the top 136, and the
bottom 138 of the trigger mechanism 104, regardless of how the
trigger mechanism 104, or the attached firearm 100, may be held and
regardless of how that component may be situated on its own (i.e.,
separated from the trigger mechanism 104).
[0042] In at least one embodiment, the trigger mechanism 104 is
configured to provide a single stage trigger mechanism that
provides a single stage resistance which causes the firearm 100 to
be discharged once the single resistance is overcome.
[0043] As described herein, one or more of the pivotable elements
of the trigger mechanism 104 include one or more contact surfaces
on which one or more of the other pivotable or movable elements of
the trigger mechanism 104 can selectively contact or slide. The
trigger mechanism 104 is operated by the interactions between the
movable or pivotable elements of the trigger mechanism 104. The
interactions can include surface-to-surface contacts between the
elements of the trigger mechanism 104.
[0044] The trigger element 117 is connected to the trigger element
spring 122, which aids in moving the trigger element 117. The
trigger element 117 is rotatable about the trigger element pin 126
about a trigger rotation axis. The safety mechanism 106 is
configured to disengage and engage the trigger element 117. The
safety mechanism 106 has at least a safe position and a fire
position. When the safety mechanism 106 is in the safe position,
the trigger element 117 is prevented from rotating and therefore
firearm 100 is prevented from firing.
[0045] Similarly, the hammer element 118 is rotatable about the
hammer element pin 128 about a hammer rotation axis. The hammer
element 118 is connected to the hammer element spring 124, which
aids in moving the hammer element 118. The hammer element pin
sleeve 130 is positioned within the hammer element 118 and placed
around the hammer element pin 128, being fixed thereto by way of a
retainer ring 140 (shown in FIG. 4). The hammer element spring 124
then engages the hammer element pin sleeve 130 so as to allow the
hammer element spring 124 to move the hammer element 118. The
hammer element pin 128 and the trigger element pin 126 are each
configured to be mounted and secured within the receiver body 102
of the firearm 100.
[0046] The disconnector 120 is configured to seat at least
partially within the trigger element 117. The disconnector 120 is
rotatable about the trigger element pin 126 and biased by the
disconnector spring 125, which is positioned within the trigger
element 117.
[0047] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the trigger mechanism 104
suitable for use in the firearm 100 depicted in FIG. 1. The trigger
mechanism 104 includes the trigger bow 116 attached to the trigger
element 117, the hammer element 118, the disconnector 120, the
trigger element spring 122, the hammer element spring 124, the
disconnector spring 125, the trigger element pin 126, and the
hammer element pin 128. FIGS. 5 and 6 show side views of the
trigger mechanism 104.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows a perspective isometric view of the trigger
element 117 and FIG. 8 shows a side view of the trigger element
117. The trigger element 117 includes the trigger bow 116, a
trigger sear 142, and a disconnector pad 144. In some embodiments,
the trigger element 117 has a ready position (shown in FIG. 5) and
a fired position (shown in FIG. 16). When in the ready position, a
rotation (known as a "pull") of the trigger bow 116 attached to the
trigger element 117 about the trigger element pin 126 moves the
trigger element 117 to the fired position, thereby releasing the
hammer element 118 and causing a firearm (for example the firearm
100 of FIG. 1), to which the trigger mechanism 104 is attached, to
discharge.
[0049] The trigger bow 116 is configured to receive a pulling force
from the firearm user, usually by way of a finger pull. The
rotation of the trigger bow 116 moves the trigger element 117 into
the fired position. When in the fired position, a pull of the
trigger bow 116 does not activate the firearm. In order for the
firearm to discharge again, the trigger bow 116 must be moved from
the fired position to the ready position. The trigger bow 116 can
have a variety of different shapes. For example, in some examples,
the bow can have a generally curved profile. In other embodiments,
the bow can have a generally straight profile.
[0050] The trigger sear 142 of the trigger element 117 is
configured to interact with the hammer element 118. The trigger
sear 142 is positioned at the front 132 of the trigger element 117
and includes a generally flat uniform surface.
[0051] The disconnector pad 144 is configured to interact with the
disconnector 120. The disconnector pad 144 is positioned on the
trigger element 117 at a location between the trigger sear 142 and
a trigger element pin receive recess 148. The trigger element pin
receive recess 148 is configured to receive the trigger element
pin. The disconnector pad 144 has a width W1 that is less than a
width W2 of the trigger element 117. The disconnector pad 144 is
also raised above side walls 150 of the trigger element 117.
[0052] FIG. 9 shows a perspective isometric view of the hammer
element 118 and FIG. 10 shows a side view of the hammer element
118. FIG. 11 shows a front view of the hammer element 118. The
hammer element 118 includes a first hammer sear 152, a main body
153, a second hammer sear 154, and a notch 156. The hammer element
118 is configured to pivot about the hammer element pin 128 between
a ready position and a fired position, such that the hammer element
118 strikes a firing pin of a bolt assembly (not shown) of the
firearm 100 as it moves from the ready position to the fired
position. The hammer element 118 is spring-loaded so that the
hammer element spring 124 powers the hammer element's movement
between the ready position and the fired position.
[0053] The first hammer sear 152 is configured to interface with a
portion of the trigger sear 142 of the trigger element 117. The
first hammer sear 152 is retained by the trigger sear 142 when the
trigger element 117 and the hammer element 118 are in the ready
position. The first hammer sear 152 is disposed across the entire
width of the main body 153 of the hammer element 118.
[0054] The second hammer sear 154 is configured to interface with
the disconnector 120 when the trigger element 117 is in the fired
position and the hammer element 118 is near the ready position. The
second hammer sear 154 allows the hammer element 118 to be retained
by the disconnector 120 if the trigger element 117 is held in a
fired position. This is to prevent the hammer element 118 from
constantly cycling from the ready to the fired position without the
shooter having to pull the trigger element 117 from the ready to
the fired position.
[0055] The notch 156 of the hammer element 118 allows the hammer
element 118 to have an intermediate position between the fired
position and the ready position. The hammer element 118 is shown in
the intermediate position in FIG. 16. The notch 156 projects from
the main body 153 of the hammer element 118. The notch 156 allows
the hammer element 118 to be caught by the trigger sear 142 in the
instance where the first hammer sear 152 of the hammer element 118
becomes dislodged from the trigger sear 142. For example, if the
first hammer sear 152 inadvertently releases from the trigger sear
(e.g., caused by the firearm being dropped or jostled), the notch
156 catches the hammer element 118 on the trigger sear 142 before
the hammer element 118 moves to the fired position. By catching the
hammer element 118 on the trigger sear 142 at the notch 156, the
hammer element 118 is prevented from moving to the fired position,
which would discharge the firearm 100. However, due to the spring
rate of the hammer element spring 124 and the position of the
trigger element 117 when in the fired position, the notch 156 of
the hammer element 118 bypasses the trigger sear 142 so as to allow
the hammer element 118 to move to the fired position when the
shooter moves the trigger element to the fired position. Therefore,
the notch 156 is configured to only catch the trigger sear 142 when
the trigger element 117 is not in the fired position. The notch 156
allows the trigger mechanism 104 to have a very light pull back
force, while also helping to reduce the chance of an accidental
discharge.
[0056] FIG. 12 shows a schematic front view representation of the
trigger sear 142, the first hammer sear 152, and the notch 156. As
described above, the trigger sear 142 has a width W2. The width W2
is greater than or equal to the combined width of the width W3 of
the first hammer sear 152 and the width W4 of the notch 156.
Accordingly, the trigger sear 142 has a hammer sear engagement zone
A and a notch engagement zone B. The hammer sear engagement zone A
only engages the first hammer sear 152 and the notch engagement
zone B only engages the notch 156. Such separation of the zones A
and B reduces the chance that the trigger sear 142 will become
damaged by the notch 156. Because the interaction of the first
hammer sear 152 and the trigger sear 142 is important with regards
to the operation and feel of the trigger mechanism 104, damage to
either the first hammer sear 152 or the hammer sear engagement zone
A can reduce performance of the trigger mechanism 104. In the event
of the notch 156 having to catch the hammer element 118, because
the notch 156 projects from the main body 153 of the hammer element
118, the notch 156 only engages the trigger sear 142 at the notch
engagement zone B, thereby substantially reducing the possibility
of the notch 156 damaging the hammer sear engagement zone A. The
hammer sear engagement zone A has a width W5 that is greater than
or equal to the width W3 of the first hammer sear 152. The notch
engagement zone B has a width W6 that is greater than or equal to
the width W4 of the notch 156
[0057] FIG. 13 shows a perspective isometric view of the
disconnector 120 and FIG. 14 shows a side view of the disconnector
120. The disconnector 120 includes a disconnector sear 158, a
hammer stop 160, a trigger pin recess 162, a spring recess 164, and
a trigger disconnector pad engagement surface 166. The disconnector
sear 158 is configured to potentially retain the second hammer sear
154 if the trigger element 117 is held in the fired position, as
described above. The disconnector 120 receives the trigger element
pin 126 at the trigger pin recess 162 and engages the disconnector
spring 125 at the spring recess 164. The trigger disconnector pad
engagement surface 166 receives the disconnector pad 144 of the
trigger element 117 when the hammer element 118 moves from the
fired position to the ready position.
[0058] The hammer stop 160 receives the hammer element 118 when the
hammer moves from the fired position to the ready position. The
hammer stop 160 helps to direct the force of the hammer element 118
to the disconnector pad 144 of the trigger element 117. This allows
the force exerted by the hammer element 118 on the disconnector 120
and the trigger element 117 to be focused at a location that is
less likely to damage the trigger mechanism 104. Specifically, the
hammer element force is transferred to the disconnector pad 144 at
a point between the trigger element pin 126 and the hammer element
pin 128. Such a force location reduces wear at the trigger element
pin 126, leading to increased reliability and an increased life
span of the trigger mechanism 104.
[0059] The trigger mechanism 104 is shown in a variety of positions
in FIGS. 15-18. FIG. 15 shows the trigger element 117 and hammer
element 118 in the ready position. The first hammer sear 152 is
shown being held by the trigger sear 142. Further, the hammer
element 118 is not contacting the disconnector 120.
[0060] FIG. 16 shows the hammer element 118 in the intermediate
position and the trigger element 117 in the ready position. As
shown, the notch 156 of the hammer element 118 is engaged with the
trigger sear 142. Specifically, the intermediate position of the
hammer element 118 is a position where the hammer element 118 has
not yet rotated to the fired position and the trigger element
remains in the ready position. In some embodiments, even if the
hammer element 118 is released from the intermediate position, the
hammer element 118 will not have enough speed and power to
discharge the firearm 100 to which it is attached.
[0061] FIG. 17 shows the hammer element 118 and the trigger element
117 in the fired position. The trigger sear 142 is not in contact
with any portion of the hammer element 118. In such a position, the
hammer element 118 is positioned to discharge the firearm 100 to
which it is attached. Upon discharging the firearm 100, the firearm
100 will begin to force the hammer element 118 in a direction back
toward the ready position. As the hammer element 118 begins to
rotate about the hammer element pin 128 toward the ready position,
the trigger sear 142 travels over the notch 156 and over the first
hammer sear 152.
[0062] FIG. 18 shows the hammer element 118 in a position where the
hammer element 118 is in contact with the hammer stop 160 of the
disconnector 120. The trigger element 117 is shown in the fired
position. At such a point in the firing cycle, the disconnector 120
receives the force from the hammer element 118 at the hammer stop
160 and transfers the force to the trigger disconnector pad
engagement surface 166 and to the disconnector pad 144 of the
trigger element 117. Once the force is received by the disconnector
120, the hammer element 118 begins traveling toward the fired
position due to the spring force of the hammer element spring 124.
Simultaneously, so long as there is not a force greater than the
trigger element spring 122 being exerted on the trigger bow 116
toward the back of the trigger mechanism 104, the trigger element
117 moves from the fired position toward the ready position.
Because the disconnector 120 is attached to trigger element 117,
the disconnector 120 begins to rotate with the trigger element 117
thanks to the trigger element spring 126, which biases the trigger
element toward the ready position. Specifically, the disconnector
120 rotates so that the disconnector sear 158 does not engage the
second hammer sear 154. The hammer element 118 continues to rotate
toward the ready position until the first hammer sear 152 engages
the trigger sear 142. At such a point, the trigger mechanism is
again in the ready position, as shown in FIG. 15.
[0063] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily
recognize various modifications and changes that may be made
without following the example embodiments and applications
illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the
true spirit and scope of the following claims.
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