Patent Application
20250172364
U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/093,639 (our docket FGP23FMS1) which was filed on Jan. 5, 2023, by James Shelton Farley, Jr., et al., and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/361,555, filed on Jan. 5, 2022, by James Shelton Farley, Jr., et al., are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, including figures.
This non-provisional patent application claims benefit of the filing date of U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/093,639 (our docket FGP23FMS1) which was filed on Jan. 5, 2023, by James Shelton Farley, Jr., et al., which claimed benefit of the filing date of Provisional Patent Application 63/361,555, filed on Jan. 5, 2022, by James Shelton Farley, Jr., et al. The present invention relates to certain improvements of firearms, and particularly to compact pistols.
Compact pistols include pistols which are designed to be stored in small areas. Pocket pistols are a type of compact pistol which are designed to be small enough, lightweight enough and safe for carrying in a pocket such as a pant pocket or a jacket pocket. Most pocket pistols have a capacity of one to seven rounds, weigh less than 22 ounces, and are smaller than 6.5 inches long by 5 inches high, but some are much smaller and some are larger. Pocket pistols fulfill many roles in personal defense, including but not limited to deep concealment (personal defense, undercover law enforcement, etc.), backup gun (law enforcement, military, etc.), and convenience carry (personal defense).
A hammerset device for a firearm incorporates a single quadrant, fixed point, modified Scotch Yoke mechanism between a trigger finger piece and a hammer such that linear movement of the trigger finger piece translates to releasing the hammer, and optionally, continued linear movement of the trigger cocks the hammer for a subsequent firing of the firearm.
The following figures, when considered in conjuction with the rest of the present disclosure, provide one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention, including certain improvements.
The present inventor(s) have recognized that certain needs of users and carriers of small and very small firearms remain unmet. The pistol design described in the related patent application addressed and solved many of these needs for a pocket pistol for concealed carry on one's person Further, to enable such a flat or thin pistol design, the present inventors devised a new type of trigger mechanism which can be use in other types of firearms as well.
For the purposes of illustration of the new, flatter and thinner trigger mechanism, this disclosure will describe its use with the related compact pistol. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that this new trigger mechanism can be used in a variety of other types of firearms and trigger-controlled weapons. We will begin by describing the pistol of the related invention.
Pocket pistols have been desired for personal defense for hundreds of years. The very early designs employed ball and cap ammunition of the time. Advancements in ammunition and manufacturing methods have yielded a variety of double action multi-barreled designs, commonly referred to as Derringer pistols, and archaically referred to as pepper-box pistols.
Perhaps a brief description of double action as it pertains to this instance is useful. Double action for purpose herein references the actions of cocking the pistol to fire and cartridge advancement in the same trigger pull. Specifically in this case, a pistol with fixed barrels, cocking the pistol to fire and barrel selection in the same trigger pull.
Within the last 125 years, two types of double action multi-barreled pistols have become the standard. In both designs an embodiment of a basic ratchet and pawl is employed to mechanically generate barrel selection. Considering two barreled pistols, the indexing ratchet is configured in a radial arrangement. Four-barreled pistol designs position the ratchet in an axial configuration.
The embodiments of the related present invention include a new design of a double action multi-barreled pistol using a radially configured ratchet and a unique double action hammer. The main objectives according to at least one embodiment of the related invention were, firstly concealability, as it relates to pistol size, thickness, and weight. Many pocket pistols can be heavy or otherwise viewable in the pocket. Secondly, the pistol should be able to be brought into service quickly, which translates to a pistol design without an external hammer or the use of a muzzle sight. Some known designs with these features can be slow to be brought to bear when drawing down, which the present invention intends to improve. Thirdly, reliability in operation is a must, which translates into mechanical simplicity. The compact nature of known double action pocket pistols often results in design complexities, which affect reliability negativity.
Turning to the figures according to at least one embodiment of the related invention, its components, the pistol frame and interworking components may be viewed. The external shape according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is generally rectanctular, like a deck of playing cards, wallet or cell phone, such that it “prints” (e.g., produces a shape on the outside of a cloth garment when carried in a pocket) with a shape other than that resembling a traditional L-shape of a pistol. This enhances its concealability.
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The reader may then observe the linear raceway slots at A.06 to provide guiding means for both firing and barrel release triggers. Accompanying slots to house both triggers' springs may be found at A.07. The reader may then turn to view relief surface for Barrel pivot at A.08. The reader will observe internal ledge at A.09 to serve as limiting surface for barrel set in open position. The reader may then recognize relief cavity for barrel set lockup engagements at A.10. The integral boss at A.11 serves to limit the travel of the barrel release trigger.
The reader may then turn to the slot at A.12 to notice provision for pawl spring containment. Accompanying pawl features at A.13, A.14, and A.15 bring service to limiting pin, attachment hole, and pivot bushing, respectively. Lastly the reader may notice the frame-to-frame attachment holes at A.16, accompanying alignment pin holes at A.17, and pawl relief at A.18.
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Firing Trigger C.16 and its engagement with the Hammer Set at C.01 is shown in
Continued depression acts to start Hammer Set rotation centered on Hammer Set Pivot Boss at C.18 and begin compression of Hammer Set ball C.05 and Ball Spring at C.06. Simultaneously, Spring Pivot at C.07 and Hammer Set Main Spring at C.08 also begin to compress.
Please note also that Spring Pivot at C.07 in this example embodiment is represented as a rotating link which also serves to pilot in the spring. This embodiment has since proven to produce undesirable drag and has been changed to a ball engagement for main spring compression. The new embodiment provides multidirectional compression of spring bias, as well as assists in generating a focused and free transmission of energy release.
Further depression adds the contact of engagement surfaces of the Pawl at C.11 and Ratchet at C.04. Complete Firing Trigger depression brings Hammer Set Ball and Firing Trigger Blade to terminal arc end of rotation with simultaneous completion of Ratchet index rotation at C.04. Hammer Set release is achieved as Hammer Set Ball descends beneath the Firing Trigger Blade at terminal arc end releasing compressed Hammer Set Main Spring at C.08, allowing rotation and subsequent pistol firing. Firing Trigger reset is provided for via Firing Trigger Spring at C.17.
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Please note that the integral pivot boss at D.03 has been removed and changed to a spherical pocket to captivate said ball for improved embodiment at spring engagement C.07.
Indexing engagement relief may be viewed at D.04 with adjoining spring pocket at D.05. D.06 represents spring relief as D.07 provides clearance relief for the Pawl. D.08 represents both the pocket for the ball spring and the track for the Hammer sets' ball. D.09 is clearance relief for the firing trigger blade.
As such, the the detailed and described embodiment of the foregoing paragraphs discloses a pocket pistol design with an over under barrel configuration, using two triggers: a fore-mounted trigger which actuates barrel release (but which does not fire a round), and a rear mounted trigger which fires the cartridges (one pull per round fired). Both Pistol Frame halves and the Hammer Set are of dual cavity Monobloc construction. The Pistol is Double Action. The Pistol incorporates an enclosed, radially configured, ratchet to provide for the action of barrel selection. The presented embodiment employs a Ball and Blade Sear for the action of Cocking and firing.
The present invention provides one or more unique features, functions and elements not incorporated in other pocket pistol designs, which when embodied individually or in combination, meet several previously-unmet needs in the art. The first design element that may be viewed as unique to the art is the use of two independent triggers: the fore-mounted trigger for barrel release and the rear mounted trigger for pistol firing. The fore-mounted trigger that provides for barrel release is different from other multi-barrel pistol designs in that most existing designs incorporate a thumb latch to actuate barrel release for reloading. While both designs allow for single hand actuation, the thumb latch design inherently causes a momentary loss of grip while reloading takes place. Our fore-mounted trigger design allows for the thumb to remain in hold position and subsequent gripping force to be maintained while barrel release is actuated and reloading takes place.
Second, some embodiments according to the related invention eliminate the thumb latch buttons or levers contained in exisiting designs which often protrude from the pistol's frame, and which create potential hang points that can hinder the user from drawing quick action. This aspect is often twice as evident when ambidextrous controls are present on some models of pocket pistols. Some embodiments of the related invention may produce no projections from the sides of the frame to avoid potential hang points as well as being ambidextrous in a single control.
Third, some embodiments of the related invention may incorporate our firing pin arrangement and design. Known firing pin designs employed in existing multi-barreled derringer type pistols have traditionally involved two types of striker pin designs. In four barrel designs, as well as two barrel designs, a hammer operating as a secondary unit indexes to make targeted contact with firing pins aligned independently with each barrel. This design is represented as one hammer, multiple striker pins. The other traditional approach has the striker itself to change position in relation to the cartridge. This second traditional design is one hammer, one pin. However, according to at least one embodiment of the related invention, our firing pin arrangement and design presents a striker with two independent contact surfaces to engage the cartridges. The design is one hammer, one pin, but with two engaging surfaces. As such, the related invention allows for the simplicity of the one hammer one pin design, while changing the wear characteristics by distributing the strikes between two different surfaces. This introduced redundancy also increases both reliability and longevity.
Fourth, embodiments according to the related invention may incorporate the present invention's firing trigger arranangement and design. The inventors believe that this pocket pistol invention is the first of its kind to employ a captive ball and blade sear engagement to actuate firing of the pistol. Those skilled in the art understand that two basic types of finger piece trigger embodiments have evolved for use in firearms. The first is the hinged finger piece, allowing for rotation to actuate the firing mechanism. The second embodiment being a linear sliding type finger piece guided in slots or on rails, to provide for linear actuation of the firing mechanism.
According to at least one embodiment of the related invention, the new pocket pistol is the first of its kind to employ a lineally actuated finger piece without the use of levers to provide for sear engagement and related geometry. The captivated ball and blade arrangement allows for Bidirectional movement to allow for firing and subsequent reset. The unique embodiment presented witih the related invention employs linear firing trigger actuation, represented in the finger piece blade, to work against an angularly captivated ball containing bias. As linear travel of the blade progressively drives the captivated ball and Hammer Set to rotation about their shared hinge point, ball compression is then seen to take place, and as rotation continues, the idea of terminal arc end becomes apparent. As ball track length and firing trigger blade configuration determine the terminal arc end point, the angularity of an over center track arrangement serves to enhance actuation.
The novelty of the Ball and Blade sear engagement according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is accentuated if not defined by the dual-cavity mono bloc construction principles applied in our Hammer Set design. The present inventors believe our Hammer Set design is the first of its kind to employ dual cavity mono bloc construction principles to all engagements contained within. This aspect simplifies both construction and manufacture by creating a Hammer Set design in which location and hinge pins are integral to frames. In addition, the symmetrical halves of our Hammer Set, present dual-cavity mono bloc construction principles as opposed to single cavity mono bloc principles, a considerable advancement over traditional designs. The inherent symmetry of our dual cavity mono bloc construction allows for relationships between actuating members to be centered about one another both radially and axially. Specific embodiments in this instance can be viewed in the relationships between our Pawl, Ratchet, and Firing Pin. The design yields a condition in which the ratchet and pawl action is centered with the cocking action, improving form and function. In addition, all three actions—pawl to ratchet, ratchet to firing pin, and blade to ball—are enclosed, each being protected during respective operation. This design aspect further increases reliability.
Fifth, the dual cavity mono bloc construction according to at least one embodiment of the present invention also allows for location and containment of both symmetrical and non-symmetrical operating elements. Specifically in this instance, our dual cavity design provides for the symmetrical location and containment of the ball and spring bias provision represented in the ball track, as well as the ball engagement for main spring compression represented in the required spherical pocket for the aforementioned improved main spring embodiment. Dual cavity mono bloc construction also provides for non-symmetrical operating elements represented in the location and containment of the firing pin and its spring.
Additional embodiments according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, making some features integral to the pistol frame instead of the hammer set frame, optionally with a combination of dual cavity construction using the exterior surfaces of the hammer set and the interior surfaces of the frame cavity or a combination thereof.
The ball and blade sear design of the present invention may be embodied in a reverse geometric arrangement employing counter-rotation, or rendered in an axial configuration employing a horizontal blade instead of a vertical blade as disclosed in the foregoing embodiment. The number of balls may be increased, and/or additional spherical elements added and and/or the angularity of such features changed to create a similar bi-directional condition of terminal arc end. The ball and blade sear design of the present invention may also be realized with a rotating finger piece for actuation.
The firing pin design of the present invention may be realized in a side-by-side barrel configuration. In addition, embodiments of the present invention may be configured for centerfire cartridge use. Further, embodiments of the present invention may be adapted to employ an independent multiple striker design as well.
The dual trigger design according to the present invention may be realized using a rotating finger piece to actuate barrel release for spent shell ejection and/or loading, as has been achieved in certain shotgun embodiments. It may also be realized to actuate in a parallel arrangement, or, in addition, not represented as a trigger, but a forward barrel release feature accessible by the user's trigger finger that does not stand off from the frame to create a potential hang point.
As mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs and shown in some detail in the drawings, some embodiments of the related pistol invention will include a new, thinner and flatter trigger mechanism. The present patent application is directed towards this new trigger mechanism and its various embodiments. The new Ball and Blade Trigger operates as a novel, single quadrant, fixed point, Scotch Yoke type of mechanism, which is the first known usage of a Scotch Yoke art to a firearm trigger.
Many different general-purpose mechanism are known to those ordinarily skilled in the art to convert or transmit rotary motion to linear motion and vice versa. Three primary examples are (1) the Geneva-type Movement, (2) the Slider Crank, and (3) a Scotch Yoke. Most early examples of these devices and the multitudes of descendants have been designed with the intention of constant power transmission, such as from a rotating motor (source of energy and power) to a reciprocating workpiece (output of power) such as a stamp or blade. Some of these mechanical devices have been used in the capacity of open loop actuation, albeit not in a capacity as a firearm trigger, such as the present invention.
Conventional Scotch Yoke designs employ a double acting vertical Yoke Slider Head to provide reciprocation across the face of the axial drive crank. The sliding element moves 360 degrees about the crank's center, thus employing all 4 radial quadrants, as defined 800 in
Embodiments of the new Ball and Blade trigger of the present invention take advantage of the principle of sine/cosine change in the conversion of linear motion to radial motion, as well, in order to provide the flatter and thinner improvements over conventional triggers and in order to support the linear movement of the triggers of pistols such as the example provided in the related invention.
The new trigger mechanism, however, preferrably operates in a single quadrant, and is designed for open loop actuation, such that some conventional Scotch Yoke movement and construction restraints do not apply. One particular restraint would relate to the Crank and Yoke members always existing as independent components. The relationship interpreted as one power input and one power output as represented in constant motion examples. An additional example would be that the drive element is almost always rigidly affixed to the crank member, again to support rigid radial drive and quadrant change in constant motion designs. Yet another constraint in constant motion designs would be that the Yoke most often exists as one slider link containing both Drive and Control surfaces for actuation.
As such, embodiment of the Ball and Blade trigger of the present invention serve as departures from conventional firearms trigger design and, to a degree, a departure from the full constraints of a conventional Scotch Yoke mechanism.
Embodiments of our new trigger mechanism employ a single-quadrant modified Scotch Yoke actuation, such as operation only in Quadrant 1 800. Embodiments of our new Ball and Blade design incorporate linear actuation of the trigger blade as guided, independent, input force, working against the Ball, held as a captive sliding element under spring bias in the Integral Spherical Yoke contained in the spring biased Crank represented as the Hammer Set. The Hammer Set is therefore positioned to rotate around a fixed link contained in the Pistol Frame. Trigger mechanism output occurs as the sliding element (Ball) reaches the terminal point in its respective arc and sine/cosine position, which is followed by a directional change in movement. Linear Output becomes apparent during reset as ball return path is 0 degrees to rotation.
The modified Scotch Yoke-like mechanism devised by the present inventors employs a unique system in which the elements of Crank, Yoke, and Drive Ball, are all contained within the same operating element, which we refer to as the Hammer Set. The finger piece of the example embodiment shown in the foregoing figures uses stepped rails to provide linear affixation, bias, and movement guidance. The accompanying stepped slots machined in the symmetrical frame halves of the gun function as bearing block supports. The finger piece design allows for parallel linear guidance of the blade as its yoke control surfaces operate against the drive ball.
The Hammer Set system brings direct linear input of the Finger Piece Blade to engage the Ball as encapsulated drive element under spring bias. This linear progression initiates clockwise radial motion of the Hammer Set Crank. The drive Ball then follows the Yoke control surface of the Blade as the drive Ball and Hammer Set Crank are driven to rotation. The drive Ball under spring bias maintains fixed position throughout radial travel until the sine/cosine terminal endpoint is reached.
When the sine/cosine terminal endpoint is reached by the drive Ball, the corresponding Yoke Control Surfaces change from Vertical to Horizontal. The Yoke Control Surfaces changes allow the drive Ball to transition to the horizontal Yoke Surface as its spring bias is overcome. The Hammer Set Crank is now allowed to release its energy bias as the drive Ball is guided horizontally to reset during rotation.
The Finger Piece, once released from compression, allows the linear reset of trigger Blade and the corresponding Yoke Surfaces. The Ball element follows the Yoke Surfaces as the Finger Piece is released, culminating in the Ball returning to biased drive position.
Physical and mechanical novel features of embodiments of this new trigger mechanism serve to represent the actual control surfaces of the Yoke member in space. The Ball in the improved trigger mechanism serves as an encapsulated drive element, spring biased, in spherical yoke pockets. The symmetrical pockets, formed in each half of the Hammer Set, form one pocket inside the Hammer Set once assembled, which creates a closed track with spherical relief at the drive end.
The spherical track acts as the yoke drive surface allowing for the Ball to maintain positioned containment throughout drive and reset movement operations. The Yoke Control surfaces formed in relief on the trigger Blade element combined with the encapsulated Ball Drive element provide an open loop design. The trigger Blade, as a piloted yoke, the encapsulated Ball, and the spherical Yoke, once formed, arranged and assembled in their disclosed relationships may be applied with the accompanying spring bias, to the Hammer Set and the Frame formation, thereby allowing for fixed point, open loop, modified Scotch Yoke-like trigger actuation.
Functional and operational novel features of embodiments of this new trigger mechanism includes that it requires one hinged escapement. Those skilled in the art of firearm trigger design understand that the overwhelming majority of firearms trigger actuating systems operate with the finger piece affixed “rotatably” or “pivotably” to the frame.” Many traditional firing systems operate with two or more rotary or hinged unions, with a first union originating at the finger piece, and a second union to control the sear. Many conventional firearms trigger mechanisms present the firing train initiation and actuation relationship to function as rotary to rotary motion relationship. Other conventional trigger systems operate with a rotary union at the finger piece to contain or engage lever geometry at the sear. The firing train relationship in many of these conventional triggers is rotary to rotary, as well.
However, embodiments of the present trigger invention provide straight linear travel at the Finger Piece, not rotating trigger travel. The Finger Piece is linearly affixed to the frame via rails in at least one embodiment according to the present invention, and the Finger Piece itself has no rotary members directly affixed. The firing train of embodiments according to the present invention are represented as linear to rotary motion conversion or translation, accomplished through modified, single-quadrant open-loop Scotch Yoke-like trigger actuation. Yoke control surfaces contained in the finger piece blade engage the ball to employ the geometric principle contained in arc rotation and sine/cosine terminal end point to provide for actuation. The arrangement of elements of the embodiments of the present invention effectively creates a new, never before known Scotch Yoke type of sear engagement, characterized in this instance by the Ball and Blade remaining in constant contact throughout actuation of the trigger mechanism. A design characteristic consistent with drive and control elements in constant motion designs. In at least these ways, the present invention serves as a departure and improvement from conventional art of trigger design, replacing conventional firing train systems with a thinner, flatter mechanism.
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A first benefit or advantage of this trigger mechanism is that no escapement is required because the trigger mechanism uses this sine/cosine change in motion. Another benefit or advantage of this trigger mechanism is that the blade is a sliding member, which eliminates any requirement for a typical hinged member in an ordinary trigger mechanism. Yet another benefit or advantage of this trigger mechanism is how constant power transmission from the blade movement through the crank and yoke provides for a smooth, continuous feel for the firearm trigger, unlike conventional hinged or rotating triggers in which the operator can feel different springs, resistence strengths, and discontinuities through the full motion of the trigger.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, unless specifically stated otherwise.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
The foregoing example embodiments do not define the extent or scope of the present invention, but instead are provided as illustrations of how to make and use at least one embodiment of the invention.
This non-provisional patent application claims benefit of the filing date of U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/093,639 (our docket FGP23FMS1) which was filed on Jan. 5, 2023, by James Shelton Farley, Jr., et al., which claimed benefit of the filing date of Provisional Patent Application 63/361,555, filed on Jan. 5, 2022, by James Shelton Farley, Jr., et al.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63361555 | Jan 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18093639 | Jan 2023 | US |
| Child | 19037741 | US |
