Patents by Inventor Frank A. Spaniel

Frank A. Spaniel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6240669
    Abstract: A magazine safety for a firearm comprises a sleeve that is slidably received within a recessed pocket formed the magazine well and urged downward into the pocket by a spring. The sleeve has an upper blocking projection that engages a notch in the trigger bar of the firearm to prevent lateral movement of the trigger bar and a lower engaging projection that extends into the magazine well and engages the magazine once it is fully inserted, thereby lifting the sleeve and its blocking projection free of the notch of the trigger bar. When not lifted by the magazine against the urging of the spring, the blocking projection prevents movement of the trigger bar. Since the trigger bar is incapable of movement, the firearm cannot be fired until a magazine is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Frank A Spaniel, Zdenek Prisovsky
  • Patent number: 6223460
    Abstract: A trigger safety for a pistol includes a laterally slidable plug incorporated into the trigger that, when slid laterally to extend beyond the confines of the trigger, will prevent rearward movement of the trigger by the plug's interference with the pistol frame. A spring internal to the trigger, imparts a force on plug to retain it positioned in either the safety position or the fire position and resist movement. The plug can be reversed for left-handed users so that the pistol can be placed in a “safe” or a “fire” position with the trigger finger of either hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: Edward P. Schmitter, Zdenek Prisovsky, Gary A. Sniezak, Frank A. Spaniel