Fire Control Housing

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/105,169, filed Jan. 19, 2015, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a housing for a fire control system such as a trigger mechanism for a firearm. In some embodiments, the invention relates to a trigger training device.

Firearms such as the AR-15 are well known in the art. A firearm generally includes a fire control system, such as a trigger group. Different triggers are available for firearms, and the specifics of the trigger can change the performance of the firearm.

Competent shooters become familiar with the feel of their trigger, which can result after firing the firearm many times. Developing a feel for a trigger can be costly, for example requiring trips to a firing range and a good deal of ammunition.

There remains a need for a device capable of displaying a trigger device as the trigger device operates. There remains a need for a device capable of providing for trigger feel without the costs associated with firing a firearm.

All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification is provided as well only for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a fire control housing comprises a frame defining a cavity. The frame comprises a floor, a first sidewall and an opposed second sidewall. The first sidewall defines a first window. A trigger assembly comprises a hammer and a finger trigger. The finger trigger extends through the floor of the frame.

In some embodiments, the frame comprises a second sidewall that defines a second window. In some embodiments, the second window has the same shape as the first window.

In some embodiments, a firearm trigger training device consists of a trigger assembly, a grip and a frame. The trigger assembly is contained in the frame. The frame comprises a first sidewall having a first window, and the trigger assembly is visible through the window.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a trigger housing device.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show an embodiment of a frame.

FIGS. 4-6 show an embodiment of a trigger housing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a trigger housing device 10. In some embodiments, the trigger housing device 10 comprises a frame 20, a trigger group 16 and a grip 14. Desirably, the frame 20 is constructed and arranged to support the trigger group 16. Desirably, the trigger group 16 can be cocked and fired by a user.

In some embodiments, the trigger housing device 10 provides the structure necessary to support the trigger group 16 and allow the trigger to be cocked and fired, but does not provide other elements that commonly embody a firearm. For example, in some embodiments, trigger housing device 10 does not comprise a firing pin, a barrel, a cartridge chamber, an upper receiver, a magazine, etc.

In some embodiments, a trigger housing device 10 consists of a frame 20, a grip 14 and a trigger group 16.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show an embodiment of a frame 20. Desirably, the frame 20 defines a cavity 22 that is suitable for receiving at least a portion of a trigger group.

In some embodiments, the cavity 22 is at least partially defined by a floor 24. In some embodiments, the floor defines an aperture 25. In some embodiments, a finger trigger of a trigger group will extend through the aperture 25.

In some embodiments, the cavity 22 is at least partially defined by a front wall 26. In some embodiments, a hammer of a trigger group will contact the front wall 26, for example after actuation of the trigger group. In some embodiments, a bumper 32 is positioned between the front wall 26 and the hammer, for example to absorb force applied by the hammer. In some embodiments, a bumper 32 comprises an elastomeric material, such as rubber or an elastomer. In some embodiments, the front wall 26 comprises an aperture 27, and a portion of the bumper 32 is oriented in the aperture 27.

In some embodiments, the cavity 22 is at least partially defined by a first sidewall 34 and a second sidewall 44. In some embodiments, the first sidewall 34 and second sidewall 44 are positioned on opposite sides of the frame 20. In some embodiments, the first sidewall 34 and second sidewall 44 comprise mirror images of one another.

In some embodiments, each sidewall 34, 44 defines a first aperture 35, 45. In some embodiments, the first apertures 35, 45 will receive a hammer pin and thus define a hammer pivot axis. In some embodiments, each sidewall 34, 44 defines a second aperture 37, 47. In some embodiments, the second apertures 37, 47 will receive a trigger pin and thus define a trigger pivot axis. In some embodiments, each sidewall 34, 44 defines a third aperture 38, 48. In some embodiments, the third apertures 38, 48 will receive a safety mechanism portion of a trigger group.

In some embodiments, each sidewall 34, 44 defines a window 30, 40. Desirably, a window 30, 40 comprises an opening in the respective sidewall 34, 44. Desirably, the windows 30, 40 allow the components of an installed trigger group to be visible. In some embodiments, a window 30, 40 occupies a horizontal distance that is greater than a horizontal distance between the first aperture 35 and second aperture 37. In some embodiments, a window 30, 40 occupies a horizontal distance that is greater than twice a horizontal distance between the first aperture 35 and second aperture 37. In some embodiments, a window 30, 40 occupies a horizontal distance that is greater than a horizontal distance between the first aperture 35 and the third aperture 38. In some embodiments, a window 30, 40 occupies a horizontal distance that is greater than half a length of the frame 20. In some embodiments, a window 30, 40 occupies a vertical distance that is greater than a vertical distance between the first aperture 35 and second aperture 37. In some embodiments, a window 30, 40 occupies a vertical distance that is greater than four times a vertical distance between the first aperture 35 and second aperture 37. In some embodiments, a window 30, 40 occupies a vertical distance that is up to 80% of a vertical distance between the floor 24 and a top surface of the frame 20.

In some embodiments, a length of a window 30, 40 occupies at least 50% of a length of the frame 20. In some embodiments, a height of a window 30, 40 occupies at least 60% of a height of the frame 20 between the floor 24 and a top surface of the frame 20.

In some embodiments, a window 30, 40 occupies at least 50% of an area of the sidewall 34, 44.

In some embodiments, an upper surface 50 of the frame 20 comprises an aperture 51. In some embodiments, an upper surface 50 of the frame 20 is defined by upper surfaces of the sidewalls that define the cavity 22. In some embodiments, a hammer of a trigger group can extend through the aperture 51 or open top surface of the frame 20.

In some embodiments, the frame 20 comprises a lanyard attachment location 12. In some embodiments, a lanyard attachment location 12 comprises an aperture.

FIGS. 4-6 each show an embodiment of a trigger housing device 10 with a grip 14 and trigger group 16 installed. In some embodiments, a trigger group 16 comprises any suitable trigger mechanism. In some embodiments, a trigger group 16 comprises a trigger group constructed and arranged for use in an AR lower receiver. In some embodiments, a trigger group 16 comprises components as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,572,880, US Publication No. 2014-0068989 and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226576, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 4-6 show a hammer 60 supported by a hammer pin 61, wherein the hammer pin 61 and a finger trigger 62 supported by a trigger pin 63. A safety 64 can be moved between safe and fire orientations. The trigger group 16 is functional. The hammer 60 can be cocked, and will release upon actuation of the finger trigger 62.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims.

Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.