U.S. patent application number 15/853325 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-19 for trigger assembly with modifications.
The applicant listed for this patent is Arthur J. Elftmann, Jr.. Invention is credited to Arthur J. Elftmann, Jr..
Application Number | 20180202740 15/853325 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62840744 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180202740 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elftmann, Jr.; Arthur J. |
July 19, 2018 |
Trigger Assembly with Modifications
Abstract
Trigger assembly for use in a weapon. Components of the trigger
assembly include a spring, a hammer, a disconnector, a trigger and
other components related to a trigger assembly.
Inventors: |
Elftmann, Jr.; Arthur J.;
(Glendale, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elftmann, Jr.; Arthur J. |
Glendale |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62840744 |
Appl. No.: |
15/853325 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14492065 |
Sep 21, 2014 |
9863730 |
|
|
15853325 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 19/15 20130101;
F41A 19/14 20130101; F41A 19/10 20130101; F41A 19/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 19/15 20060101
F41A019/15; F41A 19/10 20060101 F41A019/10; F41A 19/14 20060101
F41A019/14; F41A 19/16 20060101 F41A019/16 |
Claims
1) A hammer spring for use in a trigger and hammer assembly for use
in a weapon, the hammer spring formed of a single length of bent
and coiled wire, the hammer spring having a left and a right side
separated by a non-wound section of the bent and coiled wire, the
non-wound section of wire connecting the right side of the hammer
spring to the left side of the hammer spring, the hammer spring
comprising a spring having both the left and right sides of the
hammer spring wound in layers.
2) The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the right side
of the hammer spring comprises more than three coils of wound
wire.
3) The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the right side
of the hammer spring comprises more than three coils of wound
wire.
4) The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the right side
of the hammer spring and the left side of the hammer spring each
comprise more than three coils of wound wire.
5) The invention in accordance with claim 4 wherein the hammer
spring width is the sum of the width of the right side coil added
to the width of left side coil and further added to the length of
the non-wound section of the hammer spring resulting in an overall
width no greater than the width of a hammer spring having three
coils making up the right side of the hammer spring and three coils
making up the left side of the hammer spring.
6) The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the right side
of the hammer spring and the left side of the hammer spring each
comprise more than five coils of wound wire with at least one coil
of wire on each side of the hammer spring vertically adjacent other
coils of wire making up the hammer spring.
7) A hammer, having a hammer surface, the hammer for use in a
trigger and hammer assembly for use in a weapon having hammer
spring formed of a single length of bent and coiled wire, the
hammer spring having a left and a right side separated by a
non-wound section of the bent and coiled wire, the non-wound
section of wire connecting the right side of the hammer spring to
the left side of the hammer spring, the hammer spring comprising a
spring having both the left and right sides of the hammer spring
wound in layers, the hammer of the trigger and hammer assembly
comprising: a hammer body having hammer end and a through bore end
of the hammer body; the hammer body having a first side surface;
the hammer body having a second side surface; each hammer body
surface extending from the hammer end of the body to the through
bore end of the hammer body; the first side surface and the second
side surface of the hammer body each being a flat surface with each
flat surface generally perpendicular to the hammer surface of the
hammer.
8) The invention in accordance with claim 7 wherein one side of the
hammer spring is in contact with the one flat side surface of the
hammer body and a second side of the hammer spring is in contact
with the other flat side surface of the hammer body.
9) A trigger assembly for use in a weapon, the trigger assembly
having a housing, a hammer, a trigger, and a hammer spring, the
hammer of the trigger assembly comprising: the hammer pivotally
carried on a hammer bearing supported in the housing; the hammer
having a lobe comprising a firing notch, a safety notch, and a
curved landing flat.
10) The invention in accordance with claim 9 wherein the trigger
comprises a sear, the sear capable of interfacing with the firing
notch, safety notch, and the curved landing flat whereby the sear
will travel smoothly along the curved landing flat of the hammer
lobe.
11) A trigger assembly for use in a weapon, the trigger assembly
comprising: a trigger of the trigger assembly having a trigger
pivot recess; a disconnector having a disconnector bore, the
disconnector carried in the pivot recess of the trigger; a
disconnector pivot shaft passing through the trigger and through
the disconnector bore to mount the disconnector for rotational
movement in the trigger pivot access.
12) The invention in accordance with claim 11 wherein the
disconnector pivot shaft is a generally longitudinal bar element
having a diameter closely fitted to match the pivot recess bore
diameter of the trigger pivot recess and the diameter of the
disconnector bore that houses the disconnector pivot shaft.
13) The invention in accordance with claim 11 comprising: a spring
positioned in the trigger pivot recess of the trigger, and the
spring in contact with the disconnector.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/492,065, filed Sep. 21, 2014 which is a
Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/749,017, filed
Jan. 24, 2013 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,442 on Nov. 11, 2014.
This patent is incorporated by reference in its entirety. This
application claims the benefit of provisional Application
61/880,947, filed Sep. 22, 2013. This earlier filed application is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention is a drop-in modular trigger assembly for use
in replacing the stock trigger assembly of a semi-automatic rifle
such as the "Colt" brand, "AR-15" brand ("Colt" and "AR-15" are
trademarks of Colt Industries) as well as similar semi-automatic
rifles or clones of the "Colt" "AR-15" semi-automatic rifle made by
many companies throughout the world. The device is a replacement of
the stock or original equipment trigger assembly carried in the
lower receiver portion of a semi-automatic rifle. This drop-in
modular trigger assembly is made to replace the original trigger
provided with the stock rifle without impairing the functionality
of the original rifle. The drop-in modular trigger assembly
presented here can also be used in rifles other than the AR-15
family of rifles having a removable trigger assembly.
Description of Known Art
[0003] It is known to use modular replacement trigger assemblies to
replace the stock trigger assemblies on various automatic weapons.
Manufactures of drop in triggers include, among others, CMC
Triggers, Timney Triggers and High Performance Firearms
Accessories.
[0004] It is known that stock triggers in AR-15 style rifles have
triggers with accuracy-robbing characteristics, such as, but not
limited to, excessive trigger take-up and a propensity to
accumulate grit in the trigger mechanism causing trigger creep that
makes for inconsistent trigger let-off. As will be addressed
further on, the drop-in modular trigger presented here overcomes
those shortcomings and provides a trigger that enhances the
accuracy of an AR-15 and of other rifles that can accommodate a
drop in replacement trigger assembly.
[0005] Applicant believes that the material incorporated above is
"non-essential" in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57, because it is
referred to for purposes of indicating the background of the
invention or illustrating the state of the art. However, if the
Examiner believes that any of the above-incorporated material
constitutes "essential material" within the meaning of 37 CFR
1.57(c)(1)-(3), applicants will amend the specification to
expressly recite the essential material that is incorporated by
reference as allowed by the applicable rules.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides, among other things, a
drop-in trigger module for use as a direct replacement of the
standard trigger of an AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle. In one
embodiment of this invention the drop-in modular trigger assembly
includes a needle bearing supported pivot points, an adjustable
sear, an adjustable disconnector, a hammer with a safety notch
(also referred to herein as a "ratchet element" or "ratchet
detent") and, in one embodiment, a second safety notch (also
referred to herein as a "ratchet element" or "ratchet detent") in
the hammer, and a further adjustment hardware.
[0007] An object of this invention is to provide a drop-in modular
trigger that is easily installed in the lower receiver of an AR-15
style semi-automatic rifle.
[0008] It is also an object of the invention to provide a drop-in
modular trigger that is a direct fit into a lower receiver of an
AR-15 style semi-automatic weapon without the need for any special
tools, machining operations, or gunsmithing experience.
[0009] Another object of this invention is to increase the firing
rate of a semi-automatic AR-15 style rifle by providing a more
efficient trigger assembly.
[0010] A further object of the invention is to provide a drop-in
modular trigger with a dual trigger configuration.
[0011] It is also an advantage of this drop-in modular trigger to
lower the trigger pull effort rate to provide for single precision
shots from a semi-automatic rifle.
[0012] Another advantage of this drop-in modular trigger is that
the pull weight of the trigger is reduced.
[0013] A further advantage is that the trigger enables better
utilization of ammunition as the accuracy of the rifle is
improved.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a drop-in
modular trigger replacement that can easily be installed in less
than an hour without the need to hire a gunsmith to do the
installation.
[0015] Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are
described below in the drawings and detailed description of the
invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words
and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their
plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill
in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can
be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly
elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and
ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless
they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth
the "special" definition of that term and explain how it differs
from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements
of intent to apply a "special" definition, it is the inventors'
intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to
the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and
claims.
[0016] The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of
English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be
further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then
such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional
adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance
with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such
adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that
such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary
English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set
forth above.
[0017] Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards
and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112,
6. Thus, the use of the words "function," "means" or "step" in the
Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is
not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special
provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, 6, to define the invention. To
the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, 6 are
sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will
specifically and expressly state the exact phrases "means for" or
"step for, and will also recite the word "function" (i.e., will
state "means for performing the function of [insert function]"),
without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or
act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a
"means for performing the function of . . . " or "step for
performing the function of . . . ," if the claims also recite any
structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or
that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention
of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
112, 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, 6
are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that
the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure,
material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments,
but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts
that perform the claimed function as described in alternative
embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known
present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts
for performing the claimed function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0018] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered
in connection with the figures in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to
show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular
trigger;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to
show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular
trigger having a dual trigger;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to
show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular
trigger with needle bearings at two pivot points;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to
show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular
trigger having needle bearings and a dual trigger;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to
show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular
trigger having multiple adjustment elements;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to
show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular dual
trigger having multiple adjustment elements and a dual trigger;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to
show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular dual
trigger having multiple adjustment elements and a dual trigger;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to
show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular
trigger having multiple adjustment elements;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view with parts broken away to
show various elements of one embodiment of a drop-in modular
trigger having multiple adjustment elements;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a
hammer;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a
hammer;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a one embodiment of a
disconnector;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a one embodiment of a
sear;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a single trigger for use
in the drop-in modular trigger assembly;
[0033] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a double trigger for use
in the drop-in modular trigger assembly;
[0034] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of a trigger and hammer
having a catch notch on the hammer;
[0035] FIG. 17 is the trigger and hammer shown in FIG. 16 with the
hammer in a released position;
[0036] FIG. 18 is a depiction of a trigger and hammer having
notches on the hammer;
[0037] FIG. 19 is the trigger and hammer shown in FIG. 18 from a
different viewing angle;
[0038] FIG. 20 is an expanded view of a trigger and hammer assembly
for use in an AR-15 style weapon;
[0039] FIG. 21 is an expanded view of a trigger and hammer assembly
for use in an M-16 style weapon.
[0040] Elements depicted in the figure are illustrated for
simplicity. They are presented to illustrate the invention to
assist in an understanding thereof. The figures are not necessarily
rendered according to any particular sequence, size, scale or
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] In the following description, and for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the
invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the
relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without
these specific details. In other instances, known structures and
devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid
obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the
operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various
forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be
implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many
different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies
to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of
the invention is not limited to the examples that are described
below.
[0042] It should also be pointed out that the front of the trigger
assembly is the direction that finger contacting portion of the
trigger faces. The back or rear of the trigger assembly is the
direction that the trigger is pulled when being fired. That is, the
trigger is pulled back when being fired. The trigger is generally
mounted to the rifle such that the trigger is pointed away from the
lower receiver in a downwardly facing direction as is usual.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 1, the drop-in modular trigger assembly is
shown. Included in this figure are, among other elements, the
housing 42, the hammer generally 60, having a hammer-striking
surface 16, and the hammer 60 having two ratchet elements, the
torsion spring 18, the disconnector 14, a single trigger 12, and
various adjustment screws.
[0044] In each of the figures of the drop-in modular trigger a side
of the housing has been removed to show the internals of the
drop-in modular trigger. For instance, in FIGS. 1-6 only a portion
of the housing 42 is shown as the right angle corner at the lower
left side of each figure. The housing will extend from the left
side of the drop-in modular trigger assembly along the bottom side
of the drop-in modular trigger assembly and up the right side of
the drop-in modular trigger assembly. The drop-in modular trigger
assembly housing is machined or formed with orifices and openings
to allow proper mounting, component location and retention and
operation of the drop-in modular trigger assembly. A portion of the
drop-in modular trigger assembly housing may extend over the top of
the housing and may extend along both or either end of the drop-in
modular trigger assembly.
[0045] FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 with a dual trigger instead of a
single trigger as well as a trigger guard 34.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the drop-in modular
trigger assembly. Included in this figure are, among other
elements, the housing, the hammer with two ratchet elements, the
torsion spring, the disconnector, a single trigger, needle bearings
at two pivot points and various adjustment screws. Needle roller
bearings 30 and 32 are used on the hammer pivot point and at the
pivot point of the trigger respectively.
[0047] FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 with a dual trigger, also
identified as item 12, instead of a single trigger as well as a
trigger guard.
[0048] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the drop-in modular
trigger assembly. Included in this figure, among other elements,
are the housing, an alternative hammer embodiment, herein called an
"ultra-hammer 58, the torsion spring, the disconnector, a sear, a
single trigger, needle bearings at two pivot points and various
adjustment screws. It is contemplated by the inventor that the
ultra-hammer 58 in this embodiment could; alternatively, be a
hammer with two ratchet elements, these being the firing notch 22,
and the safety notch 24, as shown in FIG. 3 FIG. 6 shows another
embodiment of the drop-in modular trigger assembly. Included in
this figure, among other elements, are the housing, an alternative
hammer embodiment, the torsion spring, the disconnector, a sear,
needle bearings at two pivot points and various adjustment screws,
and a dual trigger as well as a trigger guard. It is contemplated
by the inventor that the hammer in this embodiment could;
alternatively, be a hammer with two ratchet elements as shown in
FIG. 4.
[0049] FIG. 7 is an embodiment of the drop-in modular trigger
assembly. Included in this figure, among other elements, are the
housing 42, an alternative hammer embodiment, the torsion spring
18, the disconnector 14, a sear 40, needle bearings 30 and 32, at
two pivot points and various adjustment screws, and a dual trigger
as well as a trigger guard 34. It is contemplated by the inventor
that the ultra-hammer 58 in this embodiment could; alternatively,
be an ultra-hammer with two ratchet elements 22 and 24 as shown in
FIG. 4.
[0050] FIG. 8 is an embodiment of the drop-in modular trigger
assembly. Included in this figure, among other elements, are the
housing 42, an alternative hammer embodiment, the torsion spring
18, the disconnector 14, a sear 40, a single trigger 12, needle
bearings 30 and 32 at two pivot points and various adjustment
screws. It is contemplated by the inventor that the hammer in this
embodiment is, alternatively, a hammer with two ratchet elements 22
and 24 as shown in FIG. 4.
[0051] FIG. 9 is an embodiment of the drop-in modular trigger
assembly. Included in this figure, among other elements, are the
housing 42, a hammer 16, the torsion spring 18, an alternative
disconnector 14, a sear 40, an alternative single trigger 12,
needle bearings 30 and 32 at two pivot points and various
adjustment screws. It is contemplated by the inventor that the
hammer in this embodiment is, alternatively, a hammer with two
ratchet elements as shown in FIG. 4. The ratchet detents operate as
safety devices to prevent the accidental firing of the weapon.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a hammer having two
ratchet elements 22 and 24 or ratchet detents. This hammer includes
a firing notch 22 and a safety notch 24.
[0053] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of an alternative hammer.
At the bearing-receiving end of this hammer, what shows as a large
hole in the body of the hammer, is a cam 54 having a slightly
enlarged portion that operates as a cam surface. In comparing the
FIG. 11 hammer with the hammer shown in FIG. 10 there is noted a
significant difference between these two hammers. In FIG. 10 the
relative lower surface 56 of the trigger body is, for the most
part, comprises a straight portion. In contrast, the FIG. 11
hammer, which has been referred to as an "ultra-hammer" in the
figure, has a significantly different configuration. The relative
lower surface of the "ultra hammer," generally 58 includes a sear
interface 62 that will interface in a latched and subsequently
unlatched relationship with the sear shown in FIGS. 5, 8, 9, and 13
(as well as in several of the dual trigger embodiments). This
embodiment could also have two ratchet elements or ratchet detents
as shown in FIG. 10.
[0054] The hammer shown in the single trigger embodiments in FIGS.
1, 3 10 (as well as in several of the dual trigger embodiments) has
a disconnector interface 64 with a catch projection 66 that will
interface in a restraining relationship with the disconnector 14
catch edge 68 until the trigger is pulled and the catch projection
66 is released from the catch edge 68.
[0055] FIG. 12 is one embodiment of a disconnector, generally 60,
as used in FIG. 9.
[0056] FIG. 13 is one embodiment of a sear.
[0057] FIG. 14 is an embodiment of a single trigger 12.
[0058] FIG. 15 is an embodiment of a dual trigger also shown as
12.
[0059] FIGS. 16 and 17 show one embodiment of a trigger and hammer
assembly. In this embodiment FIG. 16 shows the hammer 16 in a
partially deployed state with a release pawl 44 preventing the
further movement of the hammer to a firing position. In FIG. 17 the
release pawl has been released from interference with the notch 20
allowing the hammer to complete its travel to contact the firing
pin of the weapon.
[0060] FIGS. 18 and 19 show one embodiment of the invention. In
these views the hammer spring 18 is a double/double torsion spring.
In this wound configuration the torsion spring can fit inside the
housing without extra machining of the housing.
[0061] FIG. 20 shows an expanded view of a trigger assembly for use
in an AR-15.
[0062] FIG. 21 shows an expended view of a trigger assembly for use
in an M-16.
[0063] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 have differences
dictated by the intended use of the trigger assembly. One common
element of these two embodiments is the firing notch 22 and safety
notch 24.
[0064] The invention presented here, with the firing notch and
safety notch on the hammer, presents a safer trigger than triggers
currently on the market. This safety hammer, having the firing
notch and safety notch prevents a double fire of the trigger
mechanism.
[0065] In the trigger presented here there are four main
subassemblies, as in normal triggers of this type, comprising the
trigger. These are the hammer, the trigger itself, the disconnector
and the hammer spring.
[0066] However, one element of improvement in this trigger assembly
is that the hammer spring, shown as item 18, is a specially wound
double torsion spring. It may be referred to as double/double
torsion spring. In this spring, unlike any other spring in similar
trigger assemblies, is a spring that is wound in layers. There are
five coils in this spring. Normally a gun trigger hammer spring for
an AK-47 or AR-15 is wound in a single layer of coils. Because of
the available clearance in the trigger housing 42 the standard
trigger is limited to three coils on each side of the centerline of
the spring. In the "double-double" wound coil torsion spring used
in the s trigger presented here there are five coils on each side
of the centerline of the spring. This spring configuration, the
"double-double" configuration, has an overall width less than the
conventional "double" configuration with three coils on each side
of the spring.
[0067] In most trigger configurations the hammer spring is
partially carried in a machined channel formed on each side of the
hammer around the trigger pivot point. The machined groove isn't
needed with the "double-double" torsion spring shown in, for
example, FIGS. 20 and 21, and used in the inventor's trigger. Since
the "double-double" torsion spring is wound in a stacked coil
configuration the coil stacking height is less than the double
torsion spring coil stacking height by a very significant amount.
An amount resulting in a spring that can be mounted to a trigger
without the need for a relief grove or channel being formed in the
hammer body itself.
[0068] This can be seen in several of the figures, for instance, in
FIG. 20, there is a hammer surface 46, generally at the hammer end
of the hammer body. The hammer surface, as is well known, is used
to contact a firing pin when the trigger is pulled. In the hammer
embodiment of FIG. 20, there is a spring 18 having a left side 80
and a right 82 side, the two sides separated by a non-wound section
84 of the bent and coiled wire spring. The non-wound section 84 of
wire connects the right side 82 of the hammer spring to the left
side 80 of the hammer spring 18. In one embodiment the hammer of
the trigger and hammer assembly comprise a hammer body, generally
86 with a hammer end, generally 76 and a through bore end,
generally 78 of FIG. 20. This hammer body 86 has both a first side
surface 70 and a second side surface 72 with these surfaces
extending from the hammer end 76 of the body to the through bore
end 74 of the hammer body. The side surfaces, one being the first
side surface 70 of the hammer and the opposite side surface being
the second side surface 72 of the hammer, are each flat surfaces
with each flat surface generally perpendicular to the hammer
surface 46 of the hammer body 86.
[0069] In various figures the hammer is shown in an elevation view.
In one embodiment the trigger assembly is for an AR-15
semiautomatic rifle. The actual hammer surface is surface 46 in
FIGS. 20 and 21. Extending downwardly from the hammer surface is
the tail 48. Inboard from the tail, in the direction of the hammer
bearing is the lower disconnector hook. This lower disconnector
hook will interface with the trigger disconnector hook 50. The
bearing 32 of the hammer is carried in a bore of the hammer body.
The bore is sized to provide a press fit with the bearing so the
bearing is retained in the bore. The bearing 32 used in this
invention is a needle roller bearing of the style having rolling
pins carried in a bearing housing. One such needle roller bearing
is manufactured by Timken in the United States.
[0070] The end of the hammer furthest away from the tail 48 and
outboard of the bearing comprises a lobe having three functional
items. These are the firing notch 22, a safety notch 24, and a
curved landing flat 52. As is well known, the firing notch 22 will
interface with the sear 28 of the trigger element. In certain
circumstances the safety notch will also interface with the sear,
most usually to prevent the accidental firing of the host weapon.
The curved landing flat 52 will facilitate smooth travel of the
sear along the hammer lobe allowing more rapid reset of the
trigger.
[0071] The trigger element comprises a trigger shoe 12, the sear 28
carried on the sear arm. A central bore of the trigger element will
locate a trigger needle bearing 32. The disconnector 14 is carried
in a trigger pivot recess 92 by means of a disconnector pivot shaft
88. The pivot shaft 88 is a generally longitudinal bar element
having a diameter closely fitted to match the pivot recess bore 90
that houses the disconnector pivot shaft 88. The pivot shaft can
rotate a small arcuate distance in the pivot recess. The
disconnector 14 is spring loaded, using a spring to urge the
disconnector 14 into a position that will restrain the hammer 16
from rotation until the trigger is pulled. The spring 94 is
positioned in the trigger pivot recess 92 of the trigger, and the
spring 94 is also in contact with the disconnector.
[0072] As is usual in a trigger of this type there is a safety tail
to interface with the safety of the rifle.
[0073] It is preferred to cast, machine, or fabricated the drop-in
modular trigger assembly from aluminum with steel or other hard
metal elements in wear zones or areas where the trigger contacts
other components of the rifle such as, but not limited to, the
insertable hammer contact element. The inventor also contemplates
making the drop-in modular trigger assembly from non-aluminum
metals, such as, but not limited to steel, or from non-metallic
materials such as high performance plastics or other polymer based
materials. Metal inserts may be necessary at wear points when
non-steel materials are used to form the trigger.
[0074] The layout and structure of the drop-in modular trigger
assembly allows the drop-in modular trigger assembly to be fitted
directly into the location of the original trigger on an AR-15,
after the stock trigger assembly has been removed from the lower
receiver. No machining of the lower receiver assembly is required.
No special gunsmithing skills are needed. The whole replacement of
the original single trigger assembly with the drop-in modular
trigger assembly is easily done by the owner of an AR-15
semi-automatic or similar rifle.
[0075] The invention includes the method of retrofitting a dual
trigger assembly to an AR-15 or an AR-15 look-alike or clone. It is
anticipated by the inventor that this drop-in modular trigger
assembly could be used with firearms other than the AR-15. Some
detail modifications may be necessary to the embodiments shown here
but these modifications would be addressed more to mounting,
fitting and structural considerations to make a drop-in modular
trigger assembly for a particular firearm.
[0076] Operation using the drop-in modular trigger assembly may be
found to be easier to operate, faster to operate and more versatile
then the original trigger design. Since no modifications to the
lower receiver assembly was necessary in the conversion it is
simply a matter of removing the drop-in modular trigger assembly
and reinstalling the trigger assembly parts in the event it is
necessary or desirable to return the rifle to its original trigger
configuration.
[0077] In summary, one of the inventions described herein is a
hammer having a hammer surface that is used to contact a firing pin
when the trigger is pulled. In this hammer embodiment, which is for
use in a trigger and hammer assembly used in a weapon having hammer
spring formed of a single length of bent and coiled wire. This
hammer spring has a left and a right side separated by a non-wound
section of the bent and coiled wire. The non-wound section of wire
connects the right side of the hammer spring to the left side of
the hammer spring, and this hammer spring has a spring with both
the left and right sides of the hammer spring wound in layers. In
one embodiment claimed, the hammer of the trigger and hammer
assembly comprise; a hammer body with a hammer end and a through
bore end. This hammer body has both a first side surface and a
second side surface with these surfaces extending from the hammer
end of the body to the through bore end of the hammer body. The
side surfaces are each being a flat surface with each flat surface
generally perpendicular to the hammer surface of the hammer.
[0078] While the invention is described herein in terms of
preferred embodiments and generally associated methods, the
inventor contemplates that alterations and permutations of the
preferred embodiments and methods will become apparent to those
skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study
of the drawings. For instance, the drop-in modular trigger assembly
could be made of any durable material.
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