FIREARM TRIGGER MECHANISM AND METHOD

Abstract

A firing assembly for a firearm includes a trigger pull selector assembly comprising a trigger pull selector. The trigger pull selector includes a first firing position and a second firing position. The first firing position provides a first trigger pull and the second firing position provides a second trigger pull. The second trigger pull is less than the first trigger pull. A firearm, a method of operating a firearm, a method of making a firearm, and a method of modifying a firearm, and a trigger assembly for a firearm are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/747,715 filed on Jan. 21, 2025, entitled “FIREARM TRIGGER MECHANISM AND METHOD”, the entire disclosure of which incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to firearms, and more particularly to trigger assemblies and trigger pull mechanisms for firearms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The safety mechanism of a firearm prevents unwanted or premature operation of the firearm. In many firearms, the safety mechanism is a lever positioned on the exterior of the firearm which when operated moves a safety element within the firearm to render the firearm alternately safe or ready to fire. This safety mechanism in some firearms provides additional functionality. In the Colt M16 and M4 military rifles, for example, operation of the safety lever also can be used to switch the firearm from safe, to semi-automatic, and finally also to a fully automatic mode of operation. For the civilian version, AR-15, the third position of fully automatic mode is unused.

The trigger assembly of a firearm includes a trigger spring which operates to return the trigger to an initial position. The force that is required to pull the trigger against the force of this spring and any other mechanical or frictional forces associated with operation of the trigger assembly to fire the firearm is known as the trigger pull. The trigger pull is commonly measured in pounds of force. The trigger pull will vary with different styes of firearms but will generally range from about less than 1 lb. to as much as 10 or even 15 lbs. of force. Precision shooting such as target shooting or some military applications requires a small trigger pull. A skilled professional has expert control of the firearm and unnecessary trigger pull only increases the time and effort required to fire after the professional has properly aimed the firearm. A smaller trigger pull does have drawbacks, most especially the danger of accidental firing of the firearm either by someone without expert skill or in compromising conditions such as are presented to soldiers in many combat situations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A firing assembly for a firearm includes a trigger pull selector assembly. The trigger pull selector assembly includes a trigger pull selector. The trigger pull selector comprises a first firing position and a second firing position. The first firing position provides a first trigger pull and the second firing position provides a second trigger pull. The second trigger pull is less than the first trigger pull. The trigger pull selector can include a non-firing safe position.

The firing assembly can comprise a trigger assembly, a hammer and a disconnector. A compression spring can act between the trigger pull selector and the trigger assembly. In the first firing position the compression spring has a first degree of compression, and in the second firing position the compression spring has a second degree of compression. The second degree of compression can be less than the first degree of compression. The trigger assembly can comprise a trigger, a trigger sear and a trigger arm. The compression spring can act between the trigger pull selector and the trigger arm. The compression spring can be affixed to the trigger arm. The trigger pull selector can comprise first and second engagement surfaces for engaging the compression spring.

The trigger pull selector can comprise at least one compression spring. The compression spring can be affixed to the trigger pull selector, and can act against an engagement surface or projection affixed to the trigger arm. The trigger pull selector can comprise first and second elastomeric compression springs. The first and second elastomeric compression springs contact a part of the trigger assembly such as the trigger arm upon selective movement of the trigger pull selector. The first elastomeric compression spring can be in contact with the trigger assembly when the trigger pull selector is in the first firing position, and the second elastomeric compression spring can be in contact with the trigger assembly when the trigger pull selector is in the second firing position. The firing assembly can further comprise a projection affixed to the trigger arm for contacting the first elastomeric compression spring when the trigger pull selector is in the first firing position, and for contacting the second elastomeric compression spring when the trigger pull selector is in the second firing position.

The trigger pull selector can have an axis of rotation. An outer surface of the trigger pull selector can have a graduated distance from the axis of rotation.

The firing assembly can include a trigger assembly with a trigger and a trigger arm. The trigger arm comprises a trigger pull selector engagement surface. The trigger pull selector has an axis of rotation and a plurality of trigger arm engagement surfaces circumferentially disposed about the outer surface of the trigger pull selector. Rotation of the trigger pull selector about the axis of rotation aligns a different one of the plurality of trigger arm engagement surfaces with the trigger pull selector engagement surface of the trigger arm. At least one of the trigger arm engagement surfaces provides a high trigger pull engagement surface, and another of the trigger arm engagement surfaces provides a low trigger pull engagement surface. Each trigger arm engagement surface has a different radius measured from the axis of rotation of the trigger pull selector to each trigger arm engagement surface. Each trigger arm engagement surface can comprise an elastic material and can have a different elasticity from the other engagement surface.

The trigger pull selector can further comprise a fully automatic position.

The firing assembly comprises a trigger arm and the trigger pull selector comprises a radially movable trigger pull member. At least one spring can be provided for urging the movable trigger pull member into contact with the trigger arm. The movable trigger pull member can include an engagement surface member and a mounting bracket fixedly connected to the engagement surface member, the mounting bracket being slidably positioned within a mounting aperture in the trigger pull selector and a portion of the mounting bracket defining a stop for contacting a mounting bracket seat on the trigger pull selector to slidably secure the mounting bracket within the mounting bracket aperture.

The firing assembly can comprise a trigger arm and the trigger pull selector can comprise a radially adjustable trigger pull member. At least one spring can be provided for urging the adjustable trigger pull member into contact with the trigger arm. The adjustable trigger pull member can further include a trigger pull engagement member and a mounting bracket. The adjustable trigger pull member can include threads and can be engaged to a threaded aperture in the trigger pull selector. Rotation of the threaded adjustable trigger pull member will advance or retract the trigger pull engagement member.

The firing assembly can comprise a safety switch and separate a trigger pull selector. The safety switch contacts the trigger arm when in a safe position. The trigger pull selector contacts a different portion of the trigger arm and comprises a first firing position and a second firing position. The first firing position provides a first trigger pull and the second firing position provides a second trigger pull. The second trigger pull is less than the first trigger pull contacting the trigger arm

A firearm according to the invention can include a firing assembly. The firing assembly comprises a trigger pull selector assembly comprising a trigger pull selector. The trigger pull selector comprises a first firing position and a second firing position. The first firing position has a first trigger pull and the second firing position has a second trigger pull. The second trigger pull is less than the first trigger pull.

A method of operating a firearm is provided for a firearm comprising a firing assembly, where the firing assembly comprises a trigger pull selector assembly comprising a trigger pull selector. The trigger pull selector includes a first firing position and a second firing position. The first firing position has a first trigger pull and the second firing position has a second trigger pull. The second trigger pull is less than the first trigger pull. The method comprises the step of moving the trigger pull selector between the higher trigger pull position and the lower trigger pull position.

A method of making a firearm to have a variable trigger pull includes the step of inserting a firing assembly comprising a trigger pull selector. The trigger pull selector comprises a first firing position and a second firing position. The first firing position provides a first trigger pull and the second firing position provides a second trigger pull. The second trigger pull is less than the first trigger pull.

A method of modifying a firearm having an existing safety selector to have a variable trigger pull includes the step of removing the existing safety selector. The safety selector is replaced with a trigger pull selector comprising a first firing position and a second firing position. The first firing position provides a first trigger pull and the second firing position providing a second trigger pull. The second trigger pull is less than the first trigger pull.

A trigger assembly is provided for a firearm that is capable of having a variable trigger pull. The trigger assembly comprises a trigger and a trigger arm. The trigger arm has a trigger pull selector engagement member that is capable of engaging a trigger pull selector when installed in the firearm. The trigger pull selector comprises a first firing position and a second firing position, at least one of which have engagement of the trigger pull selector engagement member on the trigger arm with the trigger pull selector. The first firing position provides a first trigger pull and the second firing position provides a second trigger pull. The second trigger pull is less than the first trigger pull.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred it being understood that the invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a firearm according to the invention, partially in phantom.

FIG. 2 is a magnified side elevation view of area 2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a magnified side elevation of the opposite side of area 2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a magnified side elevation in a second mode of operation.

FIG. 5 is a magnified side elevation in a third mode of operation.

FIG. 6 is a magnified side elevation in a fourth mode of operation.

FIG. 7 is a magnified view in a fifth mode of operation.

FIG. 8 is a magnified view in a sixth mode of operation.

FIG. 9 is a magnified view in the sixth mode of operation, partially broken away and partially in cross section.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view in the sixth mode of operation, partially broken away and partially in cross section.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation of a firing assembly, partially broken away and partially in cross section, in a non-firing safe mode of operation.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation of a firing assembly, partially broken away and partially in cross section, in a high trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of a firing assembly, partially broken away and partially in cross section, in a low trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a trigger pull assembly, in a safe non-firing first mode of operation.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the trigger pull assembly of FIG. 14, in a high trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the trigger pull assembly of FIG. 14, in a lower trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 17 is an expanded schematic side elevation view, partially broken away, partially in cross section, and partially in phantom, of a trigger pull selector.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation of a trigger assembly and trigger pull selector, partially broken away and partially in cross section, in a safe mode of operation.

FIG. 19 is a side elevation of a trigger assembly and trigger pull selector, partially broken away and partially in cross section, in a high trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 20 is a side elevation of a trigger assembly and trigger pull selector, partially broken away and partially in cross section, in a low trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a trigger pull selector, partially in cross section.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a trigger assembly and a trigger pull selector.

FIG. 23 is a side elevation, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of the firing assembly of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of the firing assembly of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a side elevation, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of the firing assembly in a safe non-firing mode of operation.

FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of the firing assembly in the safe non-firing mode of operation.

FIG. 27 is a side elevation, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of the firing assembly in a high trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 28 is a rear perspective view, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of the firing assembly in the high trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 29 is a side elevation, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of the firing assembly in a lower trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of the firing assembly in the lower trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a trigger pull selector according to the invention, in a safe non-firing mode of operation

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the trigger pull selector of FIG. 31, in a high trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the trigger pull selector of FIG. 31, in a lower trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 34 is a sides elevation, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of a firing assembly with the alternative trigger pull selector of FIGS. 31-33.

FIG. 35 is a rear perspective view, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of the firing assembly of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a side elevation, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of a firing assembly with the alternative trigger pull selector of FIGS. 31-33, in a high trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of the firing assembly of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a side elevation, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of a firing assembly with the alternative trigger pull selector of FIGS. 31-33, in a lower trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 39 is a rear perspective view, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of the firing assembly of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a side elevation, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of a firing assembly with the alternative trigger pull selector of FIGS. 31-33 having elastomeric compression springs, in a lower trigger pull mode of operation and as the trigger is pulled.

FIG. 41 is an expanded view of area 41 in FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a rear perspective view, partially broken away and partially in cross section, of a firing assembly with the alternative trigger pull selector of FIGS. 31-33 having elastomeric compression springs, in a lower trigger pull mode of operation and as the trigger is pulled.

FIG. 43 is an expanded view of area 43 in FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is an exploded view of the firing assembly with the alternative trigger pull selector of FIGS. 31-33.

FIG. 45 is a side elevation, partially broken away and partially in phantom, of an alternative embodiment of a trigger pull selector with a spiral outer surface.

FIG. 46 is a side elevation, partially in cross section, showing the trigger pull selector of FIG. 45 as engaged to a trigger arm, and in a safe non-firing mode of operation.

FIG. 47 is the side elevation of FIG. 46, with the trigger pull selector in a high trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 48 is the side elevation of FIG. 46, with the trigger pull selector in a low trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of an alternative trigger pull selector.

FIG. 50 is a side elevation, partially in phantom, of an alternative firing assembly and trigger pull selector.

FIG. 51 is a side elevation, partially in cross section, of an embodiment with a variable compression spring.

FIG. 52 is a cross section of a trigger pull selector with a variable compression elastic contact member, in a first high trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 53 is a cross section of the trigger pull selector of FIG. 52, in a second lower trigger pull mode of operation.

FIG. 54 is a cross section of a trigger pull selector with a variable position contact member.

FIG. 55 is a bottom perspective of the variable position contact member.

FIG. 56 is a rear perspective view of a firing assembly having a moveable trigger pull engagement member.

FIG. 57 is a front perspective view of the firing assembly of FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is a cross section of a trigger pull selector from the firing assembly of FIG. 56, in a first mode of operation.

FIG. 59 is a cross section of the trigger pull selector of the firing assembly of FIG. 56, in a second mode of operation.

FIG. 60 is a cross section of a trigger pull selector having an adjustable surface engagement member, in a first mode of operation.

FIG. 61 is a cross section of the trigger pull selector of FIG. 60, in a second mode of operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A firing assembly for a firearm includes a trigger pull selector which can comprise a trigger pull lever. A trigger pull lever is not strictly required, as other mechanisms for moving the trigger pull selector are possible. The trigger pull selector can include in some embodiments include a non-firing safe position, a first firing position and a second firing position, and can replace an existing safety. In some firearms the invention can be installed by removal and replacement of an existing safety mechanism. The first firing position provides a first trigger pull and the second firing position provides a second trigger pull. The second trigger pull is less than the first trigger pull. The firing assembly can also include a trigger assembly, a hammer and a disconnector.

The trigger assembly can include a trigger and a trigger arm. The trigger arm can have a trigger pull selector engagement surface. The trigger pull selector has an axis of rotation and a plurality of trigger arm engagement surfaces circumferentially disposed about the outer surface of the trigger pull selector, such that upon operation of the trigger one of the trigger arm engagement surfaces engages a trigger pull selector engagement surface. Rotation of the trigger pull selector about the axis of rotation aligns a different one of the plurality of trigger arm engagement surfaces with the trigger pull selector engagement surface of the trigger arm, at least one of the trigger arm engagement surfaces representing a high trigger pull engagement surface, and another of the trigger arm engagement surfaces being a lower trigger pull engagement surface. Each trigger arm engagement surface can have a different radius measured from the axis of rotation of the trigger pull selector to each trigger arm engagement surface. The trigger pull selector engagement surface can comprise a compression spring. Each trigger arm engagement surface can have a different compression strength. In the case of a compression spring that comprises an elastomeric material, the elastomeric material can be selected to provide different compressive properties.

The firing assembly can include a compression spring that acts between the trigger pull selector and the trigger assembly. A compression spring can be mounted on either or both of the trigger pull selector and/or the trigger assembly such as on the trigger arm. In the first firing position the trigger pull spring has a first degree of compression, and in the second firing position can have a second degree of compression. The second degree of compression is less than the first degree of compression. The trigger assembly can include a trigger bow, a trigger sear and a trigger arm. The compression spring can be affixed to the trigger arm. The trigger pull selector can comprise first and second trigger arm engagement surfaces for engaging the compression spring. In one embodiment, at least one compression spring is affixed to the trigger arm. In another embodiment, the compression spring or compression springs is/are affixed to the trigger pull selector. This embodiment can replace the need for a trigger spring, as is commonly present in firearms, since the compression spring allows switching between the high and low trigger pull setting. If a trigger spring is present, then the force imparted by this spring will be additive to the forces imparted by the compression springs of the invention.

It is possible to provide a trigger spring for the firearm that is designed to provide a lower trigger pull force. The trigger pull selector has a setting in which only this low trigger pull spring is engaged, and the compression spring between the trigger pull selector and the trigger arm is not engaged. This results in a lower trigger pull. In another setting, the trigger pull selector engages the compression spring, so that the combined trigger spring and compression spring are engaged. This is a high trigger pull setting. The trigger spring can be considered to be part of a firing assembly, but in this instance provides the low trigger pull force and the compression spring provides the higher trigger pull force. In the first firing position the compression spring is in contact with the trigger pull selector. In the second firing position the compression spring is not in contact with the trigger pull selector and only the force of the trigger spring provides the trigger pull force.

The trigger pull selector can comprise first and second elastomeric compression springs. The first and second elastomeric compression springs contact the trigger assembly upon selective movement of the trigger pull lever and thereby the trigger pull selector. The first elastomeric compression spring is in contact with the trigger assembly when the trigger pull selector is in the first firing position. The second elastomeric compression spring is in contact with the trigger assembly when the trigger pull selector is in the second firing position. The trigger assembly can include a trigger projection affixed to the trigger arm for contacting the first elastomeric compression spring when the trigger pull selector is in the first firing position, and for contacting the second elastomeric compression spring when the trigger pull selector is in the second firing position. The trigger assembly can include a trigger bow, a trigger sear and a trigger arm. The trigger projection can be affixed to the trigger arm.

The invention allows for integration into many different firearm designs. Also, the invention can be used to operate many different firearm types. The invention can further be used to modify existing firearms. The existing firing assembly of a firearm can be removed and replaced with a firing assembly according to the invention. The existing safety selector can be removed from a firearm and replaced by a trigger pull selector in accordance with the present invention.

There is shown in FIGS. 1-30 firearm 1 having a firing assembly 10 shown in area 2 of FIG. 1. The firing assembly 10 includes a trigger assembly 12, a hammer 14, a disconnector 16, and a trigger pull selector 20. The trigger assembly 12 includes a trigger 30, a trigger sear 32, and a trigger arm 34. The trigger pull selector 20 includes a trigger pull selector body 22 and a trigger pull lever 24 for rotating the trigger pull selector. The hammer 14 includes a hammer surface 15 for striking the firing pin. A trigger spring 36 is operable to return the trigger 30 an initial position following firing. A hammer spring 38 is operable to drive the hammer assembly 14 about a hammer pivot element 54 to strike the firing pin (not shown) during the firing motion. A compression spring is positioned between the trigger pull selector body 22 and the trigger arm 34, and can be affixed to or part of either, or otherwise positioned in between these components. For example, a compression spring 26 can be positioned in an interior opening 35 of U-shaped trigger arm 34. A disconnector spring 37 is positioned in the interior opening 35 of U-shaped trigger arm 34, such as in retaining groove 39, and is operable to rotate the disconnector 16 about trigger pivot element 50.

The trigger pull selector body 22 is fashioned with a non-firing ‘safe’ surface such as arcuate surface 23, a high trigger pull imparting surface 25, and a lower trigger pull imparting surface 27. The trigger pull selector body 22 has an axis of rotation 29 (FIG. 17). The arcuate non-firing surface 23 is farthest from the axis of rotation 29 and defines an outer arc of rotation 31. The high trigger pull imparting surface 25 is separated from the outer arc of rotation 31 by a distance 81. The lower trigger pull imparting surface 27 is separated from the outer arc of rotation 31 by a distance 83. The distance 83 is greater than the distance 81, and commensurately the radius from the axis of rotation 29 to the high trigger pull imparting surface 25 is greater than the radius from the axis of rotation 29 to the lower trigger pull imparting surface 27, and the radius from the axis of rotation 29 to the safe non-firing surface 23 is greater than the radius of either the high trigger pull imparting surface 25 or the lower trigger pull imparting surface 27.

The smaller radius afforded by the lower trigger pull imparting surface 27 allows more expansion of the compression spring 26. As the trigger arm 34 is rotated during firing, lower compression of the compression spring 26 will result in a lower trigger pull. Conversely, the higher radius of the high trigger pull imparting surface 25 increases the compression of the compressive spring 26, and during firing the trigger arm 34 must move against this higher compression. This results in a higher trigger pull. The compression spring 26 can have an end piece such as rounded end piece 33 to facilitate contact with the high trigger pull engagement surface and the lower trigger pull engagement surface 27.

The trigger pull selector body 22 can have an end piece 70 which includes a groove 74 and a series of depressions 78 which engage a corresponding spring-loaded projection (not shown) to secure the trigger pull selector 22 in any of these positions (FIG. 16). The trigger pull lever 24 can be rotated against this engagement with a minor amount of force. Other mechanisms for securing the trigger pull selector 22 in a desired position are possible.

Operation of the firing assembly 10 is shown in FIGS. 3-8. The firing assembly 10 is shown in the cocked or ready to fire position in FIG. 3. The hammer 14 is held in place by the engagement of the trigger sear 32 in a hammer notch 17 of the hammer 14. The application of a pull force by the user on the trigger 30 causes rotation of the trigger assembly 12 about trigger pivot element 50 as indicated by arrow 51 (FIG. 4). This movement of the trigger assembly 12 causes the trigger sear 32 to rotate and disengage from the hammer notch 17, which releases the hammer 14 to pivot about hammer pivot element 54 under the influence of hammer spring 38, as shown by arrow 53. The trigger pivot element 50 and hammer pivot element 54 can be secured in suitable receptacles such as trigger pivot receptacle 80 and hammer pivot receptacle 82 (FIG. 22). The hammer surface 15 strikes the firing pin of the firearm (not shown) as is known in the firearm art. The rearward motion of the bolt (not shown) of the firearm drives the hammer 14 rearward as shown by arrow 57 in FIG. 5. The continued rearward movement of the hammer 14 causes the hammer 14 to strike the disconnector 16, moving the disconnector slightly rearward as shown by arrow 55, and engages hammer latch surface 62 to the disconnector latch surface 64. The shape of the hammer latch surface 62 and the disconnector latch surface 64 then allow the disconnector 16 to rotate slightly forward under the action of disconnector spring 37 to secure the engagement, as shown by arrow 61 in FIG. 6. Upon release of the trigger 30 by the user, the trigger assembly 12 rotates back to the firing position and trigger 30 moves forward under the action of trigger spring 36 as shown by arrow 65 in FIG. 7. The rotation of the trigger assembly 12 about the trigger pivot 50 engages the disconnector 16, which moves rearward as shown by arrow 68. Such movement releases the hammer latch surface 62 from the disconnector latch surface 64, allowing the hammer 14 to move forward as shown by arrow 69. The trigger sear 32 reengages the hammer notch 17 to secure the firing assembly 10 in the cocked and ready to fire position shown in FIG. 8, which is the same as the starting position shown in FIG. 3. This is an example of the operation of one firing mechanism, and variations exist and still other variations are possible.

It should be noted that as shown in FIG. 9 the trigger spring 36 is present. The trigger spring 36 is typically partially responsible for the trigger pull of the firearm, since the force of this spring must be overcome to pull the trigger. In such a case the force of the compression spring 26 will be additive to the force of the trigger spring 36. It may therefore be necessary to replace the trigger spring 36 with a lower force spring such that when added to the force of the compression spring 26 the trigger pull is at the desired force. Also, it is possible to remove the trigger spring entirely as illustrated in FIG. 23. The trigger pull selector can also be fitted with a fully automatic position, as is currently found in some military firearms.

As shown particularly in FIG. 17, the trigger pull selector 20 includes the trigger pull selector body 22. The trigger pull selector body 22 has three engagement surfaces. A safe or non-firing surface 23 is used to prevent any operation of the firearm by engaging upper surface 41 of trigger arm 34 as shown in FIG. 18. The non-firing surface 23 rotates about the outer most circumference 31 of rotation of the trigger pull selector body 22, and is farthest from the axis of rotation 29 of the trigger pull selector body 22 The trigger assembly 12 is blocked by the non-firing surface 23 engaging the upper surface 41 of trigger arm 34 and thereby rotation of the trigger assembly 12 and movement of the trigger 30 is not possible. A high trigger pull engagement surface 25 is closer to the axis of rotation 29 of the trigger pull selector 22 and farther from the rotation circumference 31, as shown by arrow 81. A lower pull engagement surface 27 is closest to the axis of rotation 29, and farthest from the rotation circumference 31, as shown by arrow 83.

Operation of the trigger pull selector 22 is particularly shown in FIGS. 18-29. In the safe non-firing position shown in FIG. 18 and FIGS. 25-26, the safe non-firing surface 23 engages the upper edge 41 of the trigger arm 34 to prevent operation of the firearm. The trigger pull selector body 22 can be rotated to the high trigger pull position by rotation of the trigger pull lever 24 to the position shown in FIG. 19 and FIGS. 27-28. The spring 26 is allowed to extend to the high trigger pull engagement surface 25 due to the separation of the high trigger pull engagement surface 25 from the rotation circumference 31, as shown by arrow 81 in FIG. 17. The compression spring 26 will be substantially compressed and the force required to rotate the trigger assembly 12 from an initial position shown in phantom line 91 to a rotated position shown by phantom line 93 and indicated by arrow 95 in FIG. 19 will be a high trigger pull.

A lower trigger pull is desired in certain shooting circumstances such as target shooting. The trigger pull lever 24 can be rotated to the position shown in FIG. 20 and FIGS. 29-30 to impart a lower trigger pull to the firing mechanism 10. The compression spring 26 is allowed to extend to the lower trigger pull engagement surface 27. The lower trigger pull engagement surface 27 has greater separation from the rotation circumference 31, as shown by arrow 83 in FIG. 17. The compression spring 26 will be not as substantially compressed and the force required to rotate the trigger assembly 12 from an initial position shown in phantom line 91 to a rotated position shown by phantom line 93 and indicated by arrow 95 in FIG. 20 will be a lower amount of compression, and thereby a lower trigger pull.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 31-44. In this embodiment, the compression spring is provided on the trigger pull selector 120 and is elastic. The trigger pull selector 120 can have a trigger pull selector body 122 and a trigger pull lever 124 for rotating the trigger pull selector body 122. The trigger pull selector body 122 includes a rigid non-firing arcuate surface 130. There is also a high trigger pull elastomeric compression spring 138 comprising high compressive strength material or more elastic material and a lower trigger pull elastomeric compression spring 134 comprising lower elastic compression strength material or less material. The trigger pull selector body 122 can also have an end piece 140 with an engagement groove 144 and engagement depressions 146 to secure the trigger pull selector body 122 in a desired position with the assistance of a spring-loaded projection (not shown).

A firing assembly 100 according to the alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 34-43. Several parts of the firing mechanism can be the same as previously described, for example the hammer 14 and disconnector 16, trigger sear 32, trigger spring 36, hammer spring 38, trigger pivot element 50 and hammer pivot element 54 can be substantially the same as in other embodiments, or can be different. The firing assembly 100 can include a trigger assembly 110 with a trigger 112, a trigger arm 114 having an open interior 115 and a disconnector spring 117 mounted in the open interior 115. The trigger arm 114 also includes a projection 118 for contacting the trigger pull selector body 122.

In operation, the trigger pull lever 124 is rotated to rotate the trigger pull selector body 122 to a desired position. In a non-firing safe position shown in FIG. 34-35, the rigid non-firing arcuate surface 130 engages the trigger arm 114 or the projection 118 to prevent pivoting of the trigger assembly 110 and operation of the firing assembly 100. A high trigger pull position is shown in FIGS. 36-37. The trigger pull selector body 122 is rotated to position the high compression strength elastomeric material 138 adjacent the projection 118. The trigger assembly 110 can be operated, but the projection 118 must compress the high compressive strength elastomeric material 138 in order to pivot the trigger assembly 110 to operate the firing assembly 100. This will result in a high trigger pull. A lower trigger pull position is shown in FIG. 38-41. The trigger pull selector body 122 is rotated to position the lower elastic compressive strength material 134 adjacent the projection 118. Operation of the firing assembly 100 requires that the trigger assembly 110 be pivoted so as to compress the lower elastic compressive strength material 134. This results in a lower trigger pull.

There is shown in FIGS. 45-48 another alternative embodiment of a trigger pull selector 200 in which a variable trigger pull is possible. The trigger pull selector 200 includes a trigger pull selector body 210 and a trigger pull lever 224 for rotating the trigger pull selector body 210. The trigger pull selector body 210 has a spiral shaped outer surface 220. As shown in FIG. 45, the spiral surface 220 varies in distance from the axis of rotation 230 of the trigger pull selector body 210. An outermost portion of the surface 220A has a tangent 240 to the outer circumference of rotation 234 of the trigger pull selector body 210. A portion 220B is separated from the circumference of rotation 234 by distance shown by arrow 244. A still other portion 220C is distanced still farther from the outer circumference of rotation 234 as shown by arrow 248. An outermost location 220D is separated by a distance shown by arrow 250.

Operation of the trigger pull selector 200 is shown in FIGS. 46-48. The trigger pull selector 200 is positioned adjacent to a trigger arm 264 which can have a compression spring 260 positioned in the open interior 265 of the trigger arm 264. The compression spring 260 can have an engagement cap or surface 261 for engaging the trigger pull selector body 210. The spiral surface 220 has a graduated outer surface relative to the axis of rotation 230 as shown in FIG. 45. Rotation of the trigger pull selector body 210 from one rotational position to another aligns different portions of the spiral surface 220 adjacent to the compression spring 260. A safe non-firing position is shown in FIG. 26 in which the trigger pull selector body 210 is closest to the trigger arm 264, and substantially prevents pivoting of the trigger arm 264 and operation of the firing assembly. A high trigger pull position is shown in FIG. 47, where the trigger pull selector has been rotated to a position where pivoting of the trigger arm 264 is possible, but the compression spring 260 is highly compressed and pivoting of the trigger arm 264 requires a high trigger pull force. A lower trigger pull force is shown in FIG. 48 where the trigger pull selector body 210 has been further rotated to a position where more expansion of the compression spring 260 is possible, and accordingly less force is necessary to compress the spring and pivot the trigger arm 264, resulting in a lower trigger pull force. The gradual nature of the spiral surface 220 provides that an almost limitless number of trigger pull settings are possible, and the trigger pull selector can be fitted with suitable engagement structure such as brakes, ratchets, projections and detents, and other structure such that the position of the trigger pull selector 210 can be varied widely yet maintained in a desired trigger pull position and setting.

There is shown in FIG. 49 an embodiment of a trigger pull selector 300 having a trigger pull selector body 310. The trigger pull selector body 310 has a leaf spring 320 to provide graduated compressive resistance similar to an elastic material. The trigger pull selector 300 can include a trigger pull lever 324 and the trigger pull selector body 310 can have an end piece 314 with an engagement groove 330 and engagement depressions 334 to secure the trigger pull assembly in a desired position.

There is shown in FIG. 50 a firing assembly 400 having a trigger assembly 410, a hammer 414, a disconnector 416 and a trigger safety 420 with a trigger safety lever 424. The trigger assembly 410 includes a trigger 412 and trigger arm 430. The trigger safety 420 in this embodiment can be a traditional firearm trigger safety that secures the firing assembly only between “safe” non-firing positions and positions in which firing is possible. The firing assembly also has a trigger pull selector 440 with a trigger pull selector body 444 such as described herein and a dedicated trigger pull selector lever 448. The trigger arm 430 can be extended as shown by extension portion 438 to interact with the trigger pull selector 440 and the trigger pull selector body 444. This embodiment demonstrates that the trigger pull selection can be accomplished by the invention as a separate component independent of the safety mechanism commonly found on existing firearms, or alternatively as a replacement for the existing safety mechanism by removal and replacement.

There is shown in FIG. 51 a firing assembly 500 having a trigger assembly 510, a hammer 514, a disconnector 516, and a trigger pull selector 520 with a trigger pull selector body 530 having contact surfaces 532 and 534. The trigger assembly 510 includes a pivoting trigger arm 512 with an open interior 515, and a trigger 540. A compression spring 526 is positioned in the open interior 515 and can have a rounded end piece 535 to facilitate contact between the compression spring 526 and the contact surfaces 532 and 534 of the trigger pull selector body 530. The rounded end piece 535 can be secured to a threaded post 531 that is surrounded by the compression spring 526. Movement of the threaded post 531 as by manipulation of the screw head 533 will cause compression or expansion of the compression spring 526, and the force that it will bear against the contact surfaces 532 and 534 of the trigger pull selector body 530. This will allow for adjustment of the trigger pull force.

Another embodiment allowing for adjustment of the trigger pull is shown in FIGS. 52-53. A trigger pull selector 600 has a trigger pull selector body 610 and a trigger pull selector lever 640. An elastomeric spring 612 is fixed at a top end of a well 618 and has a first wedge 614 contacting an underside 613 of the elastomeric spring 612. An actuating wedge 620 is also positioned in the well 618 and is operable by a threaded actuator 624 and a screw head 630. Movement of the actuating wedge 620 in the well 618 causes the actuating wedge 620 to drive the first wedge 614 upward (FIG. 52), compressing the elastomeric spring 612 and creating a higher trigger pull when contacted by a portion of the trigger arm (not shown). Retraction of the actuating wedge 620 (FIG. 53) similarly reduces the compression on the elastomeric spring 612 and thereby reduces the trigger pull.

There is shown in FIGS. 54-55 another embodiment of a trigger pull selector 700 with a trigger pull selector body 710 and a trigger pull lever 740. A contact or engagement member 712 is provided in a well 718. Tension springs 722 are secured to the bottom 719 of the well 718 and the underside 715 of the contact member 712. A first wedge 714 is secured to the underside 715 of the contact member 712. An actuating wedge 720 is secured to a threaded actuator 724 and a screw head 730. Movement of the threaded actuator 724 drives the actuating wedge 720 against the first wedge 714, driving the contact member 712 up or down against the action of the tension springs 722 depending on the direction of movement, as illustrated by arrow 750. The contact surface 713 of the contact member 712 will thereby raised or lowered, which will change the resistance to a compression spring located on a trigger arm (not shown), and ultimately the trigger pull as has previously been described.

There is shown in FIGS. 56-59 a firing assembly 800 comprising a trigger 810, a trigger arm 812, and a trigger pull selector 820. Trigger pivot receptacles 814, 816 receive a pivot pin (not shown) to provide for pivotal movement of the trigger 810. A trigger pull lever 824 is provided for the user to rotate the trigger pull selector 820. The trigger pull selector 820 has engagement surfaces such as safety engagement surface 830, a low trigger pull engagement surface 834, and a high trigger pull engagement surface 836. A moveable trigger pull member 840 is positioned at the high trigger pull engagement surface 836 in a receptacle 838. At least one compression spring such as springs 856 and 858 can be provided for urging the moveable trigger pull member 840 into contact with the trigger arm 812. The moveable trigger pull member 840 can include an engagement surface member 841 and a mounting bracket 842 fixedly connected to the engagement surface member 841. The mounting bracket 842 can be slidably positioned within a mounting bracket aperture 847 in the trigger pull selector and a portion of the mounting bracket 842 defines a stop 844 for contacting a mounting bracket seat 848 at the base of a receptacle 846 on the trigger pull selector 820 to slidably secure the mounting bracket 842 and the stop 844 within the mounting bracket aperture 847. The mounting bracket 842 can be a screw that is engaged to the engagement surface member 841 through threads 849 on the engagement surface member and cooperating threads 850 on the mounting bracket screw 842. The screw head defines the stop 844. A mounting groove 870 can have receptacles 874 to engage projections (not shown) to secure the trigger pull selector 820 in desired positions.

This construction allows the engagement surface member 841 to move against the competing forces of the springs 856 and 858 and the trigger arm 812. As the trigger arm 812 contacts the engagement surface member during firing, the base 864 of the trigger arm 812 moves upward from original position 862 as shown by arrow 806 (FIG. 59) against the action of springs 856 and 858. This provides resistance to firing that provides a high trigger pull force.

There is shown in FIGS. 60-61 a firing assembly 900 that includes a trigger arm 912 and a trigger pull selector 920 with a trigger pull arm 924. An adjustable trigger pull member 940 is provided in a receptacle 938 in the trigger pull selector 920, and includes a trigger pull engagement member 941 and a mounting bracket 942. The mounting bracket 942 has adjustment structure such as ratchets, set screws or threads. In the embodiment shown the mounting bracket 942 is a screw having a head 944 that can be located in receptacle 946. Bottom threads 945 on the mounting bracket screw 942 can be used to engage threads 947 on the trigger pull engagement member 941. Threads 948 on the trigger pull selector 920 engage threads 950 on the screw to adjust the position of the trigger pull engagement member 941. As the mounting bracket 942 is rotated, as shown by arrow 960, the mounting bracket moves up or down, as shown by arrow 962. This movement increases or decreases the distance a trigger arm or engagement projection on the trigger arm 912 must travel to contact the trigger pull engagement member 941, as shown by arrow 962. This adjusts the trigger pull force required to fire the firearm.

The invention as shown in the drawings and described in detail herein disclose arrangements of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present invention. It is to be understood however, that elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those illustrated and described may be employed in accordance with the spirit of the invention, and such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Claims

1. A firing assembly for a firearm, the firing assembly comprising a trigger pull selector assembly comprising a trigger pull selector, the trigger pull selector comprising a first firing position and a second firing position, the first firing position providing a first trigger pull and the second firing position providing a second trigger pull, the second trigger pull being less than the first trigger pull.

2. The firing assembly of claim 1, wherein the trigger pull selector further comprises a non-firing safe position.

3. The firing assembly of claim 1, wherein the firing assembly comprises a trigger assembly, a hammer and a disconnector.

4. The firing assembly of claim 3, wherein a compression spring acts between the trigger pull selector and the trigger assembly, and in the first firing position has a first degree of compression, and in the second firing position has a second degree of compression, the second degree of compression being less than the first degree of compression.

5. The firing assembly of claim 4, wherein the trigger assembly comprises a trigger, a trigger sear and a trigger arm, and the compression spring is affixed to the trigger arm.

6. The firing assembly of claim 4, wherein the trigger pull selector comprises first and second engagement surfaces for engaging the compression spring.

7. The firing assembly of claim 1, wherein the trigger pull selector comprises at least one compression spring.

8. The firing assembly of claim 7, wherein the trigger pull selector comprises first and second elastomeric compression springs, the first and second elastomeric compression springs contacting a trigger assembly upon selective movement of the trigger pull selector, with the first elastomeric compression spring being in contact with the trigger assembly when the trigger pull selector is in the first firing position, and the second elastomeric compression spring being in contact with the trigger assembly when the trigger pull selector is in the second firing position.

9. The firing assembly of claim 8, wherein the trigger assembly further comprises a projection affixed to a trigger arm for contacting the first elastomeric compression spring when the trigger pull selector is in the first firing position, and for contacting the second elastomeric compression spring when the trigger pull selector is in the second firing position.

10. The firing assembly of claim 1, wherein the trigger pull selector has an axis of rotation, and an outer surface of the trigger pull selector has a graduated distance from the axis of rotation.

11. The firing assembly of claim 1, wherein the firing assembly comprises a trigger assembly with a trigger and a trigger arm, the trigger arm comprising a trigger pull selector engagement surface, and wherein the trigger pull selector has an axis of rotation and a plurality of trigger arm engagement surfaces circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the trigger pull selector, wherein rotation of the trigger pull selector about the axis of rotation aligns a different one of the plurality of trigger arm engagement surfaces with the trigger pull selector engagement surface of the trigger arm, at least one of the trigger arm engagement surfaces being a high trigger pull engagement surface, and another of the trigger arm engagement surfaces being a low trigger pull engagement surface.

12. The firing assembly of claim 11, wherein each trigger arm engagement surface has a different radius measured from the axis of rotation of the trigger pull selector to each trigger arm engagement surface.

13. The firing assembly of claim 11, wherein each trigger arm engagement surface comprises an elastic material and has a different elasticity from another engagement surface.

14. The firing assembly of claim 1, wherein the trigger pull selector further comprises a fully automatic position.

15. The firing assembly of claim 1, wherein the firing assembly comprises a trigger arm and the trigger pull selector comprises a radially movable trigger pull member, and at least one spring for urging the radially movable trigger pull member into contact with the trigger arm.

16. The firing assembly of claim 15, wherein the radially movable trigger pull member comprises an engagement surface member and a mounting bracket fixedly connected to the engagement surface member, the mounting bracket being slidably positioned within a mounting aperture in the trigger pull selector and a portion of the mounting bracket defining a stop for contacting a mounting bracket seat on the trigger pull selector to slidably secure the mounting bracket within the mounting bracket aperture.

17. The firing assembly of claim 1, wherein the firing assembly comprises a trigger arm and the trigger pull selector comprises a radially adjustable trigger pull member, and at least one spring for urging the adjustable trigger pull member into contact with the trigger arm.

18. The firing assembly of claim 17, wherein the radially adjustable trigger pull member further comprises a trigger pull engagement member and a mounting bracket.

19. The firing assembly of claim 18, wherein adjustable trigger pull member comprises threads and is engaged to a threaded aperture in the trigger pull selector, wherein rotation of the threaded adjustable trigger pull member will advance or retract the trigger pull engagement member.

20. The firing assembly of claim 1, wherein the firing assembly comprises a safety switch and separate a trigger pull selector, the safety switch contacting a trigger arm when in a safe position, the trigger pull selector contacting a different portion of the trigger arm and comprising a first firing position and a second firing position, the first firing position providing a first trigger pull and the second firing position providing a second trigger pull, the second trigger pull being less than the first trigger pull contacting the trigger arm.

21. A firearm comprising a firing assembly, the firing assembly comprising a trigger pull selector assembly comprising a trigger pull selector, the trigger pull selector comprising a first firing position and a second firing position, the first firing position having a first trigger pull and the second firing position having a second trigger pull, the second trigger pull being less than the first trigger pull.

22. A method of operating a firearm, wherein the firearm comprises a firing assembly, the firing assembly comprising a trigger pull selector assembly comprising a trigger pull selector, the trigger pull selector comprising a first firing position and a second firing position, the first firing position having a first trigger pull and the second firing position having a second trigger pull, the second trigger pull being less than the first trigger pull, the method comprising the step of moving the trigger pull selector between the first firing position and the second firing position.

23. A method of making a firearm to have a variable trigger pull, comprising the step of inserting a firing assembly comprising a trigger pull selector, the trigger pull selector comprising a first firing position and a second firing position, the first firing position providing a first trigger pull and the second firing position providing a second trigger pull, the second trigger pull being less than the first trigger pull.

24. A method of modifying a firearm having an existing safety selector to have a variable trigger pull, comprising the steps of;

removing the existing safety selector; and,

replacing the safety selector with a trigger pull selector comprising a first firing position and a second firing position, the first firing position providing a first trigger pull and the second firing position providing a second trigger pull, the second trigger pull being less than the first trigger pull.

25. A trigger assembly for a firearm that is capable of having a variable trigger pull, the trigger assembly comprising a trigger and a trigger arm having a trigger pull selector engagement member that is capable of engaging a trigger pull selector when installed in the firearm, where the trigger pull selector comprises a first firing position and a second firing position, the first firing position providing a first trigger pull and the second firing position providing a second trigger pull, the second trigger pull being less than the first trigger pull.