Patent Application
20240035767
The present invention relates generally to firearms. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with an improved single-action, recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol with a magazine catch retainer plate.
Hand pistols taught by U.S. Pat. No. 984,519, or some variation thereof, (each a “1911”) have been in production for over one-hundred years. During that time, the 1911 has developed a loyal following for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, the magazine capacity of traditional 1911's is somewhat limited. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have a firearm that is capable of satisfying 1911 loyalists while offering a higher magazine capacity than a traditional 1911.
A traditional 1911 includes a frame having a magazine well that is configured to receive a single stack magazine. As the magazine is inserted into the magazine well, it is guided through a trigger bow. Unfortunately, the width of the magazine well and trigger bow prevents traditional 1911's from receiving a double stack magazine, such as a P320 magazine. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have a 1911 style firearm that includes a magazine well and a trigger bow that are each wide enough to accept a double stack magazine.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a firearm including: a frame; a slide; a trigger shoe assembly including: a trigger shoe further including a first engagement feature; a trigger bow further including a second first engagement feature configured to engage with the first engagement feature; a third engagement feature securing the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature into engagement with each other, a magazine catch including a catch body, a catch spring, and a release mechanism configured to disengage the magazine catch; a magazine catch retainer plate positioned between the trigger shoe and the magazine catch, wherein the magazine catch retainer plate is configured to prevent the catch spring of said magazine catch from buckling into a trigger cavity behind the trigger shoe; and an adjustment mechanism extending behind said trigger shoe, engaging with a front surface of the magazine catch retainer plate to establish a maximum allowed rearward travel of said trigger shoe, wherein the adjustment mechanism is inserted into a trigger shoe adjustment hole, wherein the adjustment mechanism being adjustable to change the maximum allowed rearward travel of the trigger shoe, the adjustment mechanism being perpendicular to the front surface of said magazine catch retainer plate for uniform engagement.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly including: a magazine catch including a catch body, a catch spring, and a release mechanism configured to disengage the magazine catch; a magazine catch retainer plate positioned between a trigger shoe and the magazine catch, wherein the magazine catch retainer plate is configured to prevent the catch spring of said magazine catch from buckling into a trigger cavity behind the trigger shoe; and an adjustment mechanism extending behind said trigger shoe, engaging with a front surface of the magazine catch retainer plate to establish a maximum allowed rearward travel of said trigger shoe, wherein the adjustment mechanism is inserted into a trigger shoe adjustment hole, wherein the adjustment mechanism being adjustable to change the maximum allowed rearward travel of the trigger shoe, the adjustment mechanism being perpendicular to the front surface of said magazine catch retainer plate for uniform engagement.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly including: a magazine catch including a catch body, a catch spring, and a release mechanism configured to disengage the magazine catch; and a magazine catch retainer plate positioned between a trigger shoe and the magazine catch, wherein the magazine catch retainer plate is configured to prevent the catch spring of said magazine catch from buckling into a trigger cavity behind the trigger shoe.
Further features of the disclosed systems and methods, and the advantages offered thereby, are explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference to specific example embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
In order to facilitate a fuller understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the attached drawings. The drawings should not be construed as limiting the present invention, but are intended only to illustrate different aspects and embodiments of the invention.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in order to illustrate various features of the invention. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention, but rather are intended to provide examples of the components, use, and operation of the invention.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of an embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.
Traditional 1911 trigger bows are swaged with a trigger shoe, thereby forming a trigger shoe assembly. The trigger shoe assembly is then installed on the firearm by inserting the trigger shoe assembly through a back opening of the magazine well and translating the trigger shoe assembly through the magazine well until the trigger shoe extends through a front opening of the magazine well, thereby forming a trigger cavity between the trigger shoe and magazine well. Although the traditional 1911 assembly process is satisfactory in certain situations, it would be beneficial to have an alternative assembly process, such as an installation process that allows for installation of the trigger shoe prior to engaging the trigger shoe with the trigger bow.
Additionally, a traditional 1911 utilizes a magazine catch to selectively retain a magazine within a magazine well and to selectively release the magazine therefrom. When a magazine is installed, an outward force from a laterally-oriented catch spring biases the magazine catch into engagement with the magazine, thereby retaining the magazine. Upon applying a sufficient inward force to the magazine catch, the outward biasing force of the spring is overcome, thereby disengaging the magazine catch from the magazine so that the magazine can be removed. A traditional 1911 magazine catch is configured to receive a proximal end of the catch spring, thereby inhibiting buckling of the spring as the spring is compressed into the magazine catch during operation. A concentric magazine catch lock extends into a distal end of the spring, thereby further inhibiting buckling of the spring. In other words, the 1911 catch spring is entrapped such that buckling of the spring is prevented. When assembled, the magazine catch and the magazine catch lock each extend into a frame of the 1911 from opposed sides of the frame, thereby forming a catch assembly having a nested catch spring. The catch assembly is positioned behind the trigger shoe such that the magazine assembly traverses the trigger cavity. In other words, the 1911 frame defines a lateral catch cavity and a longitudinal trigger cavity that are in communication with each other. Unfortunately, the communication of the catch cavity with the trigger cavity renders a traditional 1911 frame incompatible with certain magazine catches, such as the P320 magazine catch, thereby rendering the traditional 1911 incompatible with associated magazines. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have a 1911 style firearm that is compatible with a larger variety of magazines, including the P320 magazine.
Like the 1911, the P320 magazine catch is associated with a lateral catch spring. Unlike the 1911, however, the P320 catch spring is not entrapped within a magazine catch. Instead, the P320 magazine catch and associated lateral catch spring are each installed within a lateral catch cavity of an associated frame such that the catch spring is entrapped between the magazine catch and a front surface of the catch cavity. Unfortunately, the communication of the 1911 catch cavity with the 1911 trigger cavity prevents a traditional 1911 from 1911 from sufficiently entrapping a P320 catch spring. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have a system for and a method of entrapping a P320 catch spring in a 1911 style firearm.
The following embodiments describe a firearm with a magazine catch retainer plate. The plate is novel in that it sits between the trigger shoe and the magazine catch assembly while also functionally engaging with the magazine catch assembly itself. More specifically, the plate sits between in a cavity within the firearm frame between the trigger shoe and the magazine catch assembly. The plate is designed to fit snugly within the cavity, e.g. the plate can be designed to dovetail into the cavity via a recess in the firearm frame. During assembly and disassembly of the firearm, the plate can be inserted into the frame through the empty magazine well or in any suitable opening of the frame during assembly or disassembly. In some embodiments, the body of the plate can include a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion can be rectangular shaped or trapezoidal shaped to fit the cavity within the frame. Furthermore, the bottom face of the bottom portion can itself have a relief configured to dovetail snugly with a part of the frame. The top portion can also be of rectangular or trapezoidal shape and extend perpendicular or at a slight angle from perpendicular from the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the plate can have a dimple, recess, or insert on the top portion which is useful for pushing the plate into place within the frame via a narrow object like a screw, nail, tweezers, screwdriver, armorer's punch, or any suitable tool that is narrow enough to fit the plate within the frame of the firearm during assembly and disassembly. Furthermore, the top portion of the plate can be configured to fit snugly with a recess on the magazine catch assembly. That is, the recess of the magazine catch assembly is designed to fit the top portion.
Once the plate is inserted into the frame, the magazine catch assembly can be inserted into the magazine catch assembly hole in the frame. Once inserted, the magazine catch assembly can operably engage with the magazine catch plate. Specifically, the magazine catch spring can be pushed against the plate by the user, thereby the spring is stopped or caught by the plate. Applying pressure to the spring against the catch plate, the user can engage the magazine release function of the magazine of the magazine catch assembly. That is, when a magazine is installed, the magazine catch assembly engages with the magazine, thereby retaining the magazine. Upon applying a sufficient inward force to the magazine catch, the outward biasing force of the spring is overcome, thereby disengaging the magazine catch from the magazine so that the magazine can be removed.
It is understood that the placement of the magazine catch plate between the trigger shoe and the magazine catch assembly is crucial. This placement allows for the magazine catch assembly to sit far enough away from the magazine well, thereby allowing the magazine well to fit larger magazines such as double stack magazine and P320 magazines. Thus, the plate allows for much greater compatibility with magazines as compared to the 1911 and other 1911-styled firearms.
In some embodiments, the trigger shoe assembly 100 further includes a third engagement feature 130 for securing the first 115 and second 125 engagement features into selective engagement with each other. In some such embodiments, the third engagement feature 130 is accessible from the top of the firearm frame when a slide of the firearm is removed, thereby facilitating assembly of the trigger bow 120 with the trigger shoe 110 while the trigger shoe 110 is installed within the firearm. In some embodiments, the third engagement feature 130 can be a screw, nail, bolt, rivet, or some other mechanical faster or attachment. This third engagement feature 130 can engaged with the trigger bow 120 via a trigger shoe attachment hole 127. The trigger shoe attachment hole 127 can be accessed from the frame when the slide is removed. This allows for alternative assembly process compared to traditional 1911 models: the user can install the trigger shoe to the frame of the firearm 50 without first engaging the trigger shoe 110 with the trigger bow 120. That is, the trigger shoe 110 can be first attached to the frame, then attached to the trigger bow 120.
The firearm further includes a P320-style magazine catch 200 and a magazine catch retainer plate 250 associated therewith. The magazine catch retainer plate 250 is positioned between the trigger shoe 110 and the magazine catch 200, thereby preventing a catch spring (not shown) of the magazine catch 200 from buckling into a trigger cavity 150 positioned behind the trigger show 110.
In some embodiments, the firearm includes an adjustment mechanism 230, such as a set screw or the like. In some such embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 230 extends behind the trigger shoe 110 and is configured to engage with a front surface of the magazine catch retainer plate 250, thereby establishing the maximum allowed rearward travel of the trigger shoe 110. The adjustment mechanism 230 can be inserted into a trigger shoe adjustment hole 112. In some such embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 230 is adjustable, thereby changing the maximum allowed rearward travel of the trigger shoe 110. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 230 is normal to the front surface of the magazine catch retainer plate 250 such that engagement of the adjustment mechanism 230 with the magazine catch retainer plate 250 is relatively uniform, thereby reducing wear.
Furthermore, the magazine catch 200 can be configured such that the magazine well 350 is not encroached upon by the magazine catch. Thus, the firearm 50 is compatible with a larger variety of magazines, including a double stacked magazine and a P320 magazine.
The trigger shoe 605 is positioned in front of the plate 500 such that when an attachment member like the adjustment mechanism 230 is placed or threaded through the trigger shoe attachment hole 610, the member touches the plate 500, thus giving the user a physical barrier by which to measure the movement of the trigger shoe 605.
The positioning of the plate 500 between the trigger assembly 600 and the magazine catch 400 is crucial to leaving enough room in the magazine well to accommodate a variety of magazines including double stack magazines and P320 magazines. Indeed, the tapered upper portion of the plate 500 in addition to its proximity to the trigger assembly 600 allows the magazine catch 400 to not encroach on the magazine well. Thus, the novel design and position of the plate 500 allows greater compatibility with various magazines.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a firearm including: a frame; a slide; a trigger shoe assembly including: a trigger shoe further including a first engagement feature; a trigger bow further including a second first engagement feature configured to engage with the first engagement feature; a third engagement feature securing the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature into engagement with each other, a magazine catch including a catch body, a catch spring, and a release mechanism configured to disengage the magazine catch; a magazine catch retainer plate positioned between the trigger shoe and the magazine catch, wherein the magazine catch retainer plate is configured to prevent the catch spring of said magazine catch from buckling into a trigger cavity behind the trigger shoe; and an adjustment mechanism extending behind said trigger shoe, engaging with a front surface of the magazine catch retainer plate to establish a maximum allowed rearward travel of said trigger shoe, wherein the adjustment mechanism is inserted into a trigger shoe adjustment hole, wherein the adjustment mechanism being adjustable to change the maximum allowed rearward travel of the trigger shoe, the adjustment mechanism being perpendicular to the front surface of said magazine catch retainer plate for uniform engagement.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a firearm, wherein the third engagement feature is accessible from the top of the frame when the slide is removed.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a firearm, wherein the magazine catch is configured such that a magazine well is not encroached upon by the magazine catch, enabling compatibility with double stacked magazines and P320 magazines.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a firearm, wherein said third engagement feature includes a pin, a screw, or a bolt.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a firearm, wherein the release mechanism of the magazine catch includes a button or lever.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a firearm, wherein the firearm further includes an extended magazine catch button configured to release the magazine catch from a magazine.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a firearm, wherein the adjustment mechanism further includes a set screw or a threaded rod.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a firearm, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes markings or indicators for visual reference of the set rearward travel position of the trigger shoe.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a firearm, wherein the magazine catch is reversible or interchangeable to accommodate left-handed or ambidextrous shooters.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly including: a magazine catch including a catch body, a catch spring, and a release mechanism configured to disengage the magazine catch; a magazine catch retainer plate positioned between a trigger shoe and the magazine catch, wherein the magazine catch retainer plate is configured to prevent the catch spring of said magazine catch from buckling into a trigger cavity behind the trigger shoe; and an adjustment mechanism extending behind said trigger shoe, engaging with a front surface of the magazine catch retainer plate to establish a maximum allowed rearward travel of said trigger shoe, wherein the adjustment mechanism is inserted into a trigger shoe adjustment hole, wherein the adjustment mechanism being adjustable to change the maximum allowed rearward travel of the trigger shoe, the adjustment mechanism being perpendicular to the front surface of said magazine catch retainer plate for uniform engagement.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly, wherein the magazine catch retainer plate includes a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion extends longitudinally from the bottom portion.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly, wherein one side of the magazine catch retainer plate tapers from the bottom portion to the top portion.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly, top portion of the magazine catch retainer fits with a recess on the catch body.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly, wherein bottom face of the bottom portion includes a recess configured to mate with a protrusion on a frame of a firearm.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly, wherein one face of the top portion includes a recess.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly, wherein the magazine catch retainer plate has beveled edges.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly, wherein the magazine catch retainer plate has rounded edges.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly, wherein the magazine catch retainer plate is included of at least one selected from the group of steel, polymer, and carbon fiber.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly, wherein the composition of the catch body is made of at least one selected from the group of steel, polymer, and carbon fiber.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a magazine catch assembly including: a magazine catch including a catch body, a catch spring, and a release mechanism configured to disengage the magazine catch; and a magazine catch retainer plate positioned between a trigger shoe and the magazine catch, wherein the magazine catch retainer plate is configured to prevent the catch spring of said magazine catch from buckling into a trigger cavity behind the trigger shoe.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in the context of a particular implementation in a particular environment for a particular purpose, those skilled in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the embodiments of the present invention can be beneficially implemented in other related environments for similar purposes. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiments, method, and examples, but by all embodiments within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.
Further, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as oriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may be changed based on the user's perspective of the device.
In the invention, various embodiments have been described with references to the accompanying drawings. It may, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The invention and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.
The invention is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described herein, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope. Functionally equivalent systems, processes and apparatuses within the scope of the invention, in addition to those enumerated herein, may be apparent from the representative descriptions herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such representative claims are entitled.
The preceding description of exemplary embodiments provides non-limiting representative examples referencing numerals to particularly describe features and teachings of different aspects of the invention. The embodiments described should be recognized as capable of implementation separately, or in combination, with other embodiments from the description of the embodiments. A person of ordinary skill in the art reviewing the description of embodiments should be able to learn and understand the different described aspects of the invention. The description of embodiments should facilitate understanding of the invention to such an extent that other implementations, not specifically covered but within the knowledge of a person of skill in the art having read the description of embodiments, would be understood to be consistent with an application of the invention.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/393,536 filed Jul. 29, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also relates to U.S. Pat. No. 984,519 filed on Feb. 17, 1910, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63393536 | Jul 2022 | US |
