Trigger lock

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed for locking a trigger in a device that uses a trigger to operate. The trigger lock includes a locking shaft and extensions that extend into the device. The trigger lock includes a visible locking indicator. The locking shaft may either rotate or include a locking pin mounted in the locking shaft. A detent is also provided to prevent the locking shaft from inadvertently rotation.

Description

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,213, still pending, which is a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,379.

The present invention relates to a system and method for locking a trigger in a device that uses a trigger to operate. The trigger lock according to the present invention is preferably disposed in a position forward of the trigger and prevents the trigger from moving, thereby rendering the device inoperable.

There are many ways to prevent a trigger from being moved in the prior art. For example, there are devices that can be attached externally to the trigger to prevent a person from gaining access to the trigger. There are also internal trigger locks that block the trigger from moving. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,379, to Doiron. However, those internal locks are typically mounted behind the trigger to block the trigger from moving rearwardly. Typically, the space behind the trigger is relatively confined, making it difficult to design a trigger lock that can be installed, especially after the manufacture of the device. This is especially true with firearms. Other prior art locking mechanisms prevent the firing pin from moving, but may allow the trigger to operate. Again, these locking mechanisms cannot be added and are usually rather complex in design to fit within the device.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a system and method for locking a trigger in a device that substantially obviates one or more of the problems and disadvantages in the prior art. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the apparatus and process particularly pointed out in the written description and claims, as well as the appended drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention is directed to a trigger lock mounted in a device having a trigger that includes a trigger locking shaft, the trigger locking shaft having a first extension to extend through a first side of the device, a second extension to extend through a second side of the device, and a sleeve mounted in the second side of the device to receive the second extension of the trigger locking shaft, wherein the trigger locking shaft is mounted on a forward side of the trigger to allow the trigger to move when the trigger locking shaft is in a first position and to prevent the trigger from moving when the trigger locking shaft is in a second position.

In another aspect, the invention is directed to a trigger lock mounted in a device having a trigger that includes a trigger locking shaft, the trigger locking shaft having a first extension to extend through a first side of the device, a second extension to extend through a second side of the device, and a locking pin mounted in the trigger locking shaft, the locking pin movable between a first position and a second position, the trigger locking shaft mounted in the device such that the locking pin is mounted on a forward side of the trigger to allow the trigger to move when the locking pin is in a first position and to prevent the trigger from moving when the locking pin is in a second position.

In another aspect, the invention provides A trigger lock mounted in a device having a trigger that includes a trigger locking shaft, the trigger locking shaft having a cutout portion, a first extension on one end of the trigger locking shaft to extend through a first side of the device, and a second extension on another end of the trigger locking shaft to extend through a second side of the device, wherein trigger locking shaft is mounted on a forward side of the trigger to allow the trigger to move when the trigger locking shaft is in a first position and to engage the trigger to prevent the trigger from moving when the trigger locking shaft is in a second position.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides for a method for locking and unlocking a trigger in a device that includes the steps of providing a trigger locking shaft having a first extension to extend through a first side of the device, a second extension to extend through a second side of the device, and a cutout portion between the first and second extensions, the trigger locking shaft being mounted in a position forward of the trigger, positioning the trigger shaft in a first position, the first position allowing at least a portion of the trigger to pass into the cutout portion of the trigger locking shaft to unlock the device, and positioning the trigger shaft in a second position, the second position preventing the trigger from past a forward portion of the trigger locking shaft to lock the device.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a left side view of a handgun with one embodiment of the invention showing one location of the device;

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of one embodiment of the invention with the trigger lock in the no-fire position;

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of one embodiment of the invention with the trigger lock in the fire position;

FIG. 4 shows a right side view of a handgun with one embodiment of the invention showing one location of the trigger lock device;

FIG. 5 shows a partial cross section generally shown along A-A in FIG. 9, with the trigger lock device in the fire position;

FIG. 6 shows a partial cross section generally shown along A-A in FIG. 9, with the key inserted and the trigger lock device in the no-fire position;

FIG. 7 shows partial cross section along A-A in FIG. 9 with the trigger lock device in the no-fire position;

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of elements of the trigger lock shown in partial cross section A-A from FIG. 9;

FIG. 9 shows a partial cross section view of the left hand side of the weapon showing the relative arrangement of elements of one embodiment of the invention and the trigger lock device in the no- fire position;

FIG. 10 shows partial cross section view of the left hand side the weapon showing the relative arrangement of elements of one embodiment of the invention and the trigger lock device in the fire position;

FIG. 11 shows partial cross section view of the left hand side of the weapon showing arrangement of elements of one embodiment of the invention with the trigger depressed and the trigger lock device in the fire position;

FIG. 12 shows a side detailed view of one embodiment of the bushing of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows one embodiment of the work end of the shaft assembled with the bushing;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the bushing;

FIG. 15 shows a side view of one embodiment of a handgun with a thumb lever;

FIG. 16 shows a partial cross section generally shown along A-A of a second embodiment of the invention with a thumb lever;

FIG. 17a shows another embodiment of a trigger lock according to the present invention;

FIG. 17b shows a portion of the trigger lock of FIG. 17a;

FIG. 17c shows a portion of a frame into which the trigger lock of FIG. 17 would be installed;

FIG. 17d shows a top view of a sleeve to be used with the trigger lock of FIG. 17a;

FIG. 17e is a side view of a portion of the trigger lock of FIG. 17a;

FIG. 18 is a partial view of a device with a trigger locking shaft in place in front of a trigger;

FIGS. 19a-d illustrate the positioning of a trigger locking shaft relative to a trigger according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20a illustrates another embodiment of a trigger lock according to the present invention installed in a frame of a device;

FIG. 20b is a front view of one embodiment of a key to be used with the trigger lock of FIG. 20a;

FIG. 20c is a side view of the key of FIG. 20b;

FIG. 20d is a partial side view of the trigger lock of FIG. 20a in a frame of a device;

FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of a trigger lock according to the present invention installed in a frame of a device;

FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of a trigger lock according to the present invention installed in a frame of a device;

FIG. 23a illustrates another embodiment of a trigger lock according to the present invention installed in a frame of a device;

FIG. 23b is a side view of the trigger lock of FIG. 23a;

FIG. 24a is a plan view of another embodiment of a trigger locking shaft according to the present invention;

FIG. 24b is an end view of the trigger locking shaft of FIG. 24a;

FIG. 24c is an end view of the other end of the trigger locking shaft of FIG. 24a;

FIG. 25a is a plan view of another embodiment of a trigger locking shaft according to the present invention;

FIG. 25b is a schematic view of the trigger locking shaft of FIG. 25a illustrating the movement of the trigger locking shaft;

FIG. 26a is a side view of another embodiment of a trigger locking shaft according to the present invention;

FIG. 26b is a top view of the trigger locking shaft of FIG. 26a; and

FIG. 26c is an end view of the right end of the trigger locking shaft of FIG. 26a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like elements are indicated by like numerals, there is shown in FIG. 1 a left side view of a handgun 34 and recessed cavity 5 containing an indicator shaft 43 and color indicator 7, FIG. 2, of a trigger lock 36, FIG. 8. Also visible in FIG. 1 is slide 2, trigger guard 3, ammo magazine 24, and magazine lock 25. The color indicator 7 indicates that the trigger lock is in the fire position. FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the left side of handgun 34 with the shaft end 6 and color indicator 7 of the trigger lock 36, FIG. 8. In this figure the fire indicator 7 is in the no-fire position.

FIG. 4 shows the right hand side of handgun 34, the bushing 30 and work end 11 of the shaft 32 (not shown). FIG. 3 shows a detailed left side partial cutaway of handgun 34 indicator shaft 43 of shaft 32 and the color indicator 7 in the fire position.

FIG. 5 shows a cutaway view along A-A in FIG. 9 of the trigger lock 36, FIG. 8, and related elements with the trigger lock 36 in the fire position. In FIG. 5, the trigger 4 could rotate away from trigger force 21 (FIG. 10) moving trigger linkage 9 in the direction of trigger rotation 22, FIG. 10, and trigger 4 would rotate around cross pin 8 to fire the weapon. FIG. 9 shows the triggering linkage pivot pin 20 and an arrow showing direction of rotation 23 of the shaft 32.

The key 10 (FIG. 5) is used to engage the work end 11 of the shaft 32. The key 10 passes through the bore 29 (FIG. 13) of the bushing 30 to engage the work end 11 of the shaft 32. When the key 10 engages the work end 11 in direction “B”, FIG. 5, this compresses spring 16 and the color indicator 7 and indicator shaft 43 can extend from the frame 1, FIG. 6. The indicator shaft 43 could be shortened or lengthened such that less or more could extend form the frame 1 when the key 10 biases the shaft 32 in the direction “B”, FIG. 6.

While this particular embodiment shows a key 10 having a key end 28 matching a work end 11, other matching configurations are anticipated. Other common keys could be used with matching shaft 32 work end 11 such as a handcuff key or common key. Any other type of key devices known in the art could be utilized.

The bushing 30 is generally four sided on one end and round on an opposite end and has at least one set of serrations 19. The remaining sides can be smooth; see FIG. 14 where the round end is illustrated and has a round section 17 with a bushing contact surface 13. The serrations are needed to engage the frame 1 which in some embodiments is manufactured from a polymer. Other materials can be used depending on the materials used for the frame 1 in which case, the bushing 30 could utilize other methods of engagement with the frame 1. For example, the bushing 30 could be round all along the length and have threads (not shown) and any other methods of attachment to the frame 1 well known in the art.

Once the key 10 biases the shaft 32, to the position shown in FIG. 6, the trigger 4 cannot move past the shaft 32, or the weapon is in the no-fire position. If the authorized user biases the shaft 32 to the position shown in FIG. 6, the trigger 4 will not operate. Once the shaft 32 is depressed with key 10, the authorized user rotates the key 10, the shaft 32 turns from the fire position shown by color indicator 7 of FIG. 3 and position of shaft 32, FIG. 5, to the no-fire position shown by color indicator 7 of FIG. 2 and position of shaft 32, FIGS. 7; The shaft 32 can be turned in either the clockwise or counter clockwise direction to either the fire or no-fire position.

It should be noted that once the shaft 32 is translated or rotated form the fire position, the weapon trigger 4 is in the no-fire position This continues until the shaft 32 is returned to the position, both angular and linear, shown in FIG. 5.

Once the shaft 32 is translated to the position shown in FIG. 6 and rotated a preset amount, the user could release the pressure on the key 10 and shaft 32 would bias to the position such that the bushing ears 14, FIGS. 12, 14, would contact the contact surface 12, FIG. 8. This embodiment shows two bushing ears 14, FIG. 14, approximately 180 degrees apart and two corresponding shaft cavities 15, FIG. 8—only one shown. It is to be understood that more or fewer bushing ears 14 and corresponding number of shaft cavities 15 could be utilized and still fall within the scope of this disclosure.

The bushing ears 14, would ride along contact surface 12 until the bushing ears 14 engaged the shaft cavities 15 of shaft 32, FIGS. 7, 8. At this point the spring 16 biases the shaft 32 such that the bushing ears 14 are engaged within the shaft cavities 15 and the trigger lock 36 is in the no-fire position FIG. 7. The bushing ears 14 are on opposite sides of the bore 29 best shown in FIGS. 13, 14.

If the user rotates the shaft 32 a preset amount, the shaft 32 will prevent the trigger 4 from firing. The trigger 4 can only be fired if the shaft 32 is in the proper orientation with respect to the trigger 4 and the bushing ears 14 are engaged within the cavities 15. This provides for the greatest number of no-fire positions, or once the authorized user inserts the key, all translation and rotation of the key results in the trigger lock 36 being in the no-fire position. There is only one angular position where the trigger lock 36 will allow the weapon to fire.

While this embodiment shows a shaft 32 where approximately one half of the of the shaft is removed to allow the trigger 4 trigger surface 39 to pass and operate, FIGS. 8, 10 & 11, less material could be removed from the shaft 32. In other words, the orientation of the shaft 32 to the trigger 4 could be adjusted such that a small portion of the shaft 32 could be removed requiring a very specific orientation of the shaft 32 relative to the trigger 4 to allow the trigger 4 to fire. This would provide for a larger no-fire rotational orientation of the shaft 32 resulting in the trigger 4 being in a no-fire position and a smaller rotational orientation of the shaft 32 resulting in the trigger 4 being in a fire position. Other embodiments of this invention could also utilize a cam (not shown) on the trigger 4 and a slot (not shown) in the shaft 32 where the weapon would only fire if the cam and slot were aligned and various other methods can be anticipated. The location of the cutout 60 (FIG. 7) of the shaft 32 could also be angularly adjusted relative to the location of the bushing ears 14 and corresponding shaft cavities 15. This provides for many different possible angular combinations of the shaft 32, bushing ears 14 and cavities 15, to put the trigger lock 36 into a fire position from a no-fire position and vice-versa.

Even if an authorized user were able to obtain the key, they would have to know to bias the shaft 32 away from the bushing 30 and then rotate the shaft 32 the appropriate angular amount.

They would then have to release the bias on the shaft 32 such that the bushing ears 14 engage the shaft cavities 15 in the correct orientation of the shaft 32 relative to the trigger 4, to get the trigger 4 of the handgun 34 to operate.

To assemble the trigger lock 36 in the frame 1 requires that there be holes in the frame. These holes can either be included during the manufacture of the frame 1, or cut in the frame at a later time. The trigger lock 36 and spring 16 would be inserted from the right hand side of the weapon, FIG. 8, into the shaft bore 26 until the spring 16 engages both the retainer 47 and the shoulder 45. It should be noted that the trigger lock 36 could be inserted from the opposite side of the weapon too by mirror imaging the relating structure, should the user prefer to have it configured in this manner. FIG. 8 shows a square hole terminating at shoulder 41 in the frame 1. This corresponds with the flat side 18 of the bushing 30, FIG. 14. This shoulder 41 prevents the bushing 30 from being inserted too far into the frame 1 and also allows for the proper alignment and operable configuration of the trigger lock 36 and trigger 4 and trigger surface 39.

The spring 16 is inserted over the indicator shaft 43. The shaft 32 is then inserted into the frame 1 from the right hand side such that the spring 16 engages the shoulder 45, FIG. 8, near shaft end bore 27. The bushing 30 is then inserted in the right side and aligned in the hole and pressed into the frame 1 such that the flat side 18 abuts shoulder 41. The serrations 19 on bushing 30 engage the frame 1 and discourage the removal of the bushing 30 and other elements from the frame 1.

Another embodiment of the trigger lock 36 is shown in FIGS. 15 & 16. In this embodiment, a thumb lever 50 is attached to the rod 56 of the shaft 32 with a pin 54 or other attachment method. The lever 50 and the shaft 32 can be reversed for the right hand or left hand user. FIG. 15 shows the lever 50 positioned on the left side of the handgun 34 for the right handed user. The shaft 32 rotates relative to the frame 1 when the user engages the thumb pad 52 on the end of thumb lever 50. Rotating the thumb lever 50 causes the shaft 32 and cutout 60 to rotate In one position of the thumb lever 50 and thumb pad 52, as shown in FIG. 15, the trigger 4 and 10 triggering linkage 9 can clear the cutout 60 when the trigger 4 is pulled. In this position, the trigger will operate. Rotating the thumb lever 50 towards the butt end of the handgun 34, causes the shaft 32 to rotate such that cutout 60 is positioned where the trigger 4 and triggering linkage 9 cannot move and engage the shaft 32. The handgun 34 is in the no-fire, or no-operation position.

A first end 62 can likewise be on the shaft 32 and visible on the weapon on the side opposite the thumb lever 50, or contained within the frame 1. The spring 16 can be used to retain the trigger lock 36 in the frame.

Another embodiment of a trigger lock 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 17a-e. The trigger lock 100 is to be placed in front of a trigger in a device. The trigger lock 100 preferably has a trigger locking shaft 102 with a first extension 104 on one side and a second extension 106 on the other side. The first extension 104 is configured to extend through a hole 108 in a frame 110 of a device having a trigger. The second extension 106 extends through a hole 112 of frame 110 and a sleeve 114. The sleeve 114 receives the second extension 106 in a friction fit and engages the hole 112 in the frame 110. The sleeve 114 is inserted into the hole 112 of the frame 110 from the outside, with a lip 116 engaging the outside of frame 110. The sleeve 114 is held in the frame with a C-ring 118 that is inserted from the inside of the frame 110. The C-ring 118 rests in a recessed portion 120 of the sleeve 114 to prevent the sleeve from being removed from the frame. While a C-ring is illustrated, other methods and structures to prevent the removal of the sleeve from the frame 110 fall within the scope of the invention. This arrangement prevents the sleeve 114 and/or the trigger locking shaft 102 from being externally or easily removed from the frame 110 of the device.

The sleeve 114 has an opening 122 to receive the second extension 106 of the trigger locking shaft 102. The sleeve 114 also has a ball 124 that is seated in a groove 126 and the ball 124 engages a corresponding groove 128 in the opening 112 of the frame 110 to prevent rotation of the sleeve relative to the frame, thereby defeating the trigger lock 100. See FIGS. 17c & d. Again, while a ball and two grooves are illustrated, a tab on the sleeve to engage the frame or, conversely, a tab on the frame to engage an opening in the sleeve could also be used to prevent rotation of the sleeve. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the hole 112 could be of a shape other than circular (i.e., oval, square, or any other shape) and the sleeve 114 could have a corresponding complementary outer shape to prevent rotation of the sleeve 114 in the frame 110.

As best seen in FIG. 17b, the trigger locking shaft 102 also has a cutout portion 102a located between the two extensions 104,106. As illustrated, the cutout portion 102a comprises about half of the center section 102b of the trigger locking shaft 102. However, the cutout portion 102a may be larger or smaller relative to the center section 102b of the trigger locking shaft 102.

The first extension 104 has an end with an indicator 130 that indicates the position of the trigger lock 100. Indicator 130 is preferably divided into least two portions 132,134. Each of the two portions 132,134 preferably has indicia that will indicate to the operator or user of the device the position the trigger lock 100. For example, the indicator 130 may have portion 132 with a red color to indicate that the trigger may be operated and portion 132 may have a green color to indicate that the trigger or device is not operable. There may also be other indicia, including, for example, numbers, symbols, letters, colors, etc., to indicate the position of the trigger lock 100.

A side view of the trigger lock 100 is illustrated in FIG. 18 in a device 140. As can be seen in this partial cross sectional view, the trigger locking shaft 102 is positioned in front of trigger 142. A portion 144 of the trigger 142, when trigger 142 rotates around pivot point 146, will either pass by the trigger lock 100 or engage the trigger lock 100. This is shown in more detail in FIGS. 19a-d.

FIG. 19a illustrates only a trigger 150 and the trigger locking shaft 102. The trigger 150 could be mounted in any type of device that uses a trigger and it would be prudent to lock the trigger so that the device does not operate unintentionally and prevents unauthorized use. For example, the device could be a firearm, a weapon, a drill, an electric screw driver, a nail gun, etc. The trigger 150, as with the trigger 142, has a trigger portion 152 to either engage or not engage the trigger lock. Trigger portion 152 may be integral with the trigger 150 and be any portion of the trigger 150 as originally manufactured that could engage the trigger lock. However, the trigger 150 may need to have a trigger portion 152 added that would engage the trigger lock 100, especially if the trigger lock is added later. It should also be noted that while trigger portion 152 has a shape corresponding to the rounded outer surface of the trigger locking shaft 102, it can be of any appropriate shape. As illustrated in FIG. 19a, the trigger 150 and trigger portion 152 are disposed behind the trigger locking shaft 102. In FIGS. 19a-c, the trigger locking shaft 102 is rotated to a first position so that the cutout portion 102a is positioned nearest to the trigger 150. In this first position, as best seen in FIG. 19b, the trigger 150 and (more particularly) trigger portion 152 moves in the direction indicated by arrow A and is able to pass through the cutout portion 102a. The trigger 150 and trigger portion 152 need not pass all the way through the cutout portion 102a. It only needs to move far enough into or through the cutout portion 102a to allow the device to be operated. Then as illustrated in FIG. 19c, the trigger moves in the direction of arrow B and back into the normal position. FIG. 19d illustrates the trigger lock 100 in a second position by rotating the trigger locking shaft 102 so that the trigger locking shaft 102 prevents the trigger 150 from moving due to interference of the trigger locking shaft 102 with the trigger 150.

The trigger locking shaft 102 is preferably rotated by a key that mates with an end portion of the second extension 106. For the present invention, the make up of the key or the configuration of the key and the end portion of the second extension is not critical. The shape of the key and the end portion should be relatively uncommon so that it is more difficult to rotate the trigger locking shaft 102. For example, it would not be wise for a single slot to be use so that a screw driver could be used to rotate the lock.

Another embodiment of a trigger lock is illustrated in FIG. 20a. The trigger lock 160 also has a trigger locking shaft 162, as with the previous embodiment. The trigger locking shaft 162 also has a first extension 164 and a second extension 166. A cutout portion 168 is similar to the cutout portion of the previous embodiment. The trigger lock 160 is also installed in a frame 170 of a device, also as with the previous embodiment and in a position in front of the trigger.

Trigger locking shaft 162 also has a shaft opening 172 that passes through the trigger locking shaft 162 in this embodiment. The shaft opening 172 has an axis S that is parallel to but apart from the axis of rotation R of the trigger locking shaft 162. Two detents 174,176 are disposed in the shaft opening 172 and separated by a spring 178. The detent 174 engages a plate 180 placed inside the frame 182. The plate 180 also has two depressions 184,186 or cavities, grooves, or any other appropriate structure, into which the detent 174 is urged by the spring 178. The depressions 184,186 correspond to locations when the trigger lock 160 allows the trigger to move or does not allow the trigger to move (first and second positions, respectively). This arrangement prevents the trigger locking shaft 162 from rotating inadvertently during use of the device. The plate 180 also has a hole through which the first extension 164 passes. Rather than having plate 180 provide the depressions 184,186, the depressions could be formed in the frame 182 itself, eliminating the need for the plate 180.

It should be noted that the cutout portion 168 fits entirely between the sides of the frame 182 in this embodiment. However, the cutout portion 168 could be smaller relative to the opening between the sides of the frame 182 as in the previous embodiment.

On the end of the trigger locking shaft 162 with the second extension 166, there are two holes 188,190. One of the holes 188 corresponds to one end of the shaft opening 172. The other hole 190 is used in conjunction with hole 188 and a key 192 used to rotate the trigger locking shaft 162. The trigger lock 160 also includes a sleeve 194 that can be secured into the frame 182 of the device, to prevent the trigger locking shaft from being rotated without the key 192.

It should be noted that other than the detent 174 cooperating with the depressions 184,186, the trigger locking sleeve is positioned into the frame 182 with an interference fit. Therefore, the turning of the trigger locking sleeve is protected with the sleeve 194 and the key 192. The key 192 is illustrated in FIGS. 20b and 20c. As can be seen best in FIG. 20c, the key 192 has an enlarged end portion 196 to allow a person to grasp and rotate it. The key 192 has a shaft 198, which has an opening 200 to allow the second extension 166 to fit therein. The key also has two extensions 202,204 to engage the openings 188,190 in the trigger locking shaft 162. However, the extensions 202,204 are relatively narrow to cooperate with features on the sleeve 194 to make rotating the trigger locking shaft 162 difficult, if not impossible, without the key 192. The sleeve 194 has an opening that corresponds to the outline of the key 192 as illustrated in FIG. 20b. See also FIG. 20d. The sleeve 194 has a cylindrical outer portion 206 and two partial inner cylindrical portions 208,210, with an opening therebetween to allow the extensions of the key to engage the holes 188,190 of the trigger locking shaft 162. The two partial inner cylindrical portions 208,210 extend only partially from the outward side of the sleeve 194 toward the trigger locking shaft 162, creating a chamber 212. When the key 192 is inserted into the sleeve 194, the extensions 202,204 engage the hole 188,190 and the opening 200 of shaft 198 slides over second extension 166. When the key 194 is turned to rotate the trigger locking shaft 162, the extensions 202,204 are behind the two partial inner cylindrical portions 208,210 and the key may rotate freely in chamber 212 to turn the trigger locking shaft 162 (apart from the fiction fit and the detents/depressions). However, if a person were to try and turn the trigger locking shaft 162 with two straight pins, for example, the two partial inner cylindrical portions 208,210 would prevent the trigger locking shaft 162 from rotating as they would be in the way.

As mentioned above with respect to the previous embodiment, the sleeve 194 would preferably have a feature that would prevent it from being rotated in the frame 182. As illustrated in the front view of the sleeve 194 mounted in the frame 182 in FIG. 20d, the sleeve 194 may have a tab 212 to prevent rotation. Similarly, the outer configuration of the sleeve may also have a shape that prevents rotation (i.e., square, rectangular, oval, polygonal, etc.).

Another embodiment of a trigger lock is illustrated in FIG. 21. The trigger lock 220 is similar to the trigger lock 160 discussed above, but has different components in the shaft opening 222. It should be noted that the trigger lock 220 operates in the same manner and with the same key 192. In this embodiment, however, instead of two detents, there is only one detent 224 and then a plug 226 on either end of a spring 228. The plug 226 is illustrated as having a larger portion in the shaft opening 222 and then a smaller portion in the opening 230. As with the previous embodiment, the plug 226 provides a surface against which the spring 228 can push and provide force for the detent 224 to engage the depressions 232,234 in the plate 236.

Trigger lock 240 is illustrated in FIG. 22, and is quite similar to the two previous embodiments. The difference with trigger lock 240 is that the shaft opening 242 has only one detent 244 and a spring 246. The spring 246 abuts against an inside portion 248 of the shaft opening 242. The key 192 would still work with trigger lock 240 in the same manner as above.

New trigger lock 260 is illustrated in FIGS. 23a and 23b. The trigger lock 260 has a trigger locking shaft 262 with a shaft opening 264 that extends only partially into the trigger locking shaft 262. The shaft opening 264 has a spring 266 that engages the closed end 268 of the shaft opening 264 and detent 270. The end of trigger locking shaft 262 has an extension 278 that preferably has a unique configuration for a key to turn the trigger locking shaft 262. In the present embodiment, the extension 278 has a hexagonal shape to match with a key that has a hexagonal opening. In trigger lock 260, the detent 270 engages the sleeve 280. As best seen in FIG. 23b, the sleeve 280 has a rear wall portion 282 in which there are two openings 284,286 and the detent engages the openings, but does not pass through the openings. The detent 270 has a spherical end face 272, that when pushed by a flat end of a key that engages the extension 278, will slip through the opening 284 and behind the rear wall portion 282, allowing the trigger locking shaft 262 to rotate. The operator continues to rotate the trigger locking shaft 262 until the detent 272 engages the other opening 286.

The sleeve 280, illustrated in FIG. 23b, preferably has a configuration that prevents it from being rotated in the device. In this embodiment, the sleeve 280 has a tab 288 that engages the device to prevent the sleeve 280 from rotating with the trigger locking shaft 262. However, the outside configuration of sleeve 280 can be different from circular. It may be square, rectangular, oval, or multi-sided (hexagonal, octagonal, etc.).

Another embodiment of a trigger locking shaft that can be used with the trigger locks discussed above is illustrated in FIGS. 24a-c. The trigger locking shaft 290 has a central portion 292 with a cutout portion 294 that is not as deep or as wide as in the previous embodiments. However, the cutout portion 294 could be either deeper or wider that the illustration in FIG. 24a or both. The trigger locking shaft 290 has a first extension 296 as with the other embodiments. While not illustrated, the first extension 296 may have indicia to indicate a status of the trigger locking shaft 290, either locked or unlocked. The trigger locking shaft 290 also has a second extension 298 at the other end, but it is illustrated as being smaller than the previous embodiments. The second extension is also located in a cavity 300 at the end of the trigger locking shaft 290. The cavity is preferably lined with teeth 302. The teeth 302 cooperate with the teeth 304 on the a 306. The key 306 can be used in conjunction with a sleeve (not shown) to align the teeth 304 on the key 306 with the teeth 302 on the trigger locking shaft 290. When the key 306 is rotated, then the trigger locking shaft 290 will also rotate within the device.

It should be noted that the trigger locking shaft 290 may also have any of the features of the trigger locks noted above. For example, the trigger locking shaft 290 could have a shaft opening adjacent to the first extension 296 that has a detent and spring to prevent unintentional movement of the trigger locking shaft 290 during use. The detent could engage depressions similar to the depressions 232,234 in trigger lock 220.

Another embodiment of a trigger locking shaft according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 25a and 25b. The trigger locking shaft 310 has a first extension 312 and a second extension 314 as with the prior embodiments. It should be noted that all of the extensions may be integral with the trigger locking shafts or be attached to the trigger locking shafts by an appropriate process. It should also be noted that the trigger locking shaft 310 has a central axis C and that the extensions 312,314 are aligned on an axis R, which is also the axis of rotation for the trigger locking shaft 310. The rotational axis R is parallel to but disposed away from the central axis C. The trigger locking shaft 310 can be rotated with the second extension 314 about the rotational axis R with any of the previously mentioned keys or methods.

The trigger locking shaft 310 is rotated about the axis R, and since axis R is off center from the central axis C, the trigger locking shaft 310 itself will move into and out of the path of the trigger 316 as illustrated in FIG. 25b. In the left side of FIG. 25b, the trigger locking shaft 310 is in a first position that is out of the way of the trigger 316 and its path to move as illustrated by the arrow F. The movement of the trigger 316 is illustrated by the arrows T, and the movement of the trigger locking shaft 310 is illustrated by the arrows S. As can be seen in the left side of FIG. 25b, the movement of trigger 316 is less than the movement of the trigger locking shaft 310 when it is rotated about axis R. So, when the trigger locking shaft 310 is in the first position (left side of FIG. 25b), it is out of the way of trigger 316. However, in the second position (right side of FIG. 25b), due to the rotation about axis R, the trigger locking shaft 310 moves into the path of trigger 316, preventing the trigger 316 from moving and operating the device.

Another embodiment of the trigger locking shaft according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 26a-c. The trigger locking shaft 320 has a first extension 322 and a second extension 324 as with the prior embodiments. In this embodiment, the trigger locking shaft 320 does not move relative to the device, but rather a locking pin 326 moves up and down. Therefore, a sleeve is not needed with this embodiment. When the locking pin 326 is in the up position, it interferes with the trigger and prevents it from moving. When the locking pin 326 is in the down position, it moves out of the way and allows the trigger to move. The locking pin 326 is moved with a key that can be inserted into the opening 328 on the second extension 324. The mechanism to move the locking pin 326 is not critical to the embodiment and can be devised in any number of ways. This embodiment, as well as all of the embodiments, is preferably positioned in the devices in front of the trigger.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the trigger lock and methods of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A trigger lock mounted in a device having a trigger comprising:

a trigger locking shaft, the trigger locking shaft having a first extension to extend through a first side of the device, a second extension to extend through a second side of the device; and

a sleeve mounted in the second side of the device to receive the second extension of the trigger locking shaft,

wherein the trigger locking shaft is mounted on a forward side of the trigger to allow the trigger to move when the trigger locking shaft is in a first position and to prevent the trigger from moving when the trigger locking shaft is in a second position.

2. The trigger lock according to claim 1, further comprising a locking position indicator associated with the first extension, the locking position indicator visible from the first side of the device and indicating the position of the trigger locking shaft.

3. The trigger lock according to claim 1, wherein in the second position, the locking shaft engages at least a portion of the front of the trigger when the trigger is pulled.

4. The trigger lock according to claim 1, further comprising a cutout portion in the trigger locking shaft between the first and second extensions.

5. The trigger lock according to claim 1, wherein in the second position at least a portion of the trigger passes at least through a portion of the cutout portion of the locking shaft when the trigger is pulled.

6. The trigger lock according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is secured in the device by a locking element in an inside portion of the device.

7. The trigger lock according to claim 1, further comprising an alignment element to prevent the sleeve from rotating relative to the device.

8. The trigger lock according to claim 1, wherein the locking shaft has an opening therein, the opening having a spring and at least one detent therein to prevent the trigger locking shaft from inadvertent rotation.

9. The trigger lock according to claim 1, wherein the locking shaft has an opening extending through at least a portion thereof, the opening having a spring and at least one detent therein to prevent the trigger locking shaft from inadvertent rotation.

10. The trigger lock according to claim 9, wherein the trigger locking shaft has an axis of rotation about which the trigger locking shaft rotates to move between the first and second positions, and wherein the opening is disposed along an axis apart from and parallel to the axis of rotation.

11. The trigger lock according to claim 1, wherein the trigger locking shaft has a central axis, and a rotational axis parallel to the central axis, the first and second extensions disposed on the rotational axis and the locking shaft rotating around the rotational axis.

12. The trigger lock according to claim 8, wherein the shaft opening extends through the locking shaft.

13. The trigger lock according to claim 8, wherein the detent is depressed with a key having at least one extension element, the key having a longitudinal axis therethrough, the extension element being disposed radially outward on the key from the longitudinal axis.

14. The trigger lock according to claim 1, wherein the trigger locking shaft has a surface configured to mate with a rotating shaft, whereby rotating the rotating shaft will cause the trigger locking shaft to move between the first and second positions.

15. The trigger lock according to claim 14, wherein the surface configured to mate with the rotating shaft is on one end of the trigger locking shaft.

16. A trigger lock mounted in a device having a trigger comprising:

a trigger locking shaft, the trigger locking shaft having a first extension to extend through a first side of the device, a second extension to extend through a second side of the device; and

a locking pin mounted in the trigger locking shaft, the locking pin movable between a first position and a second position,

the trigger locking shaft mounted in the device such that the locking pin is mounted on a forward side of the trigger to allow the trigger to move when the locking pin is in a first position and to prevent the trigger from moving when the locking pin is in a second position.

17. The trigger lock according to claim 16, further comprising a locking position indicator associated with the first extension, the locking position indicator visible from the first side of the device and indicating the position of the locking pin.

18. The trigger lock according to claim 16, wherein in the second position, the locking pin engages at least a portion of the front of the trigger when the trigger is pulled.

19. A trigger lock mounted in a device having a trigger comprising:

a trigger locking shaft, the trigger locking shaft having a cutout portion;

a first extension on one end of the trigger locking shaft to extend through a first side of the device; and

a second extension on another end of the trigger locking shaft to extend through a second side of the device,

wherein trigger locking shaft is mounted on a forward side of the trigger to allow the trigger to move when the trigger locking shaft is in a first position and to engage the trigger to prevent the trigger from moving when the trigger locking shaft is in a second position.

20. A method for locking and unlocking a trigger in a device comprising the steps of:

providing a trigger locking shaft having a first extension to extend through a first side of the device, a second extension to extend through a second side of the device, and a cutout portion between the first and second extensions, the trigger locking shaft being mounted in a position forward of the trigger;

positioning the trigger shaft in a first position, the first position allowing at least a portion of the trigger to pass into the cutout portion of the trigger locking shaft to unlock the device; and

positioning the trigger shaft in a second position, the second position preventing the trigger from past a forward portion of the trigger locking shaft to lock the device.