The present invention relates generally to projectile firing devices and more specifically to an optical trigger for bows, crossbows and firearms, which includes an adjustable pull distance for releasing an arrow or a firing pin.
Trigger mechanisms are used in string releases and firearms. The process of pulling the trigger is critical in the aim of the projectile being fired from a bow, crossbow a firearm or any projectile launching device. However, trigger mechanisms in crossbows are similar to trigger mechanisms in firearms. String releases include triggers that do not require a high amount of pull force to release the bowstring. The above trigger mechanisms are dependent upon an interaction between numerous mechanical parts. It is common for shooters to have the sear surfaces of their firearms polished to eliminate roughness or grittiness due to machining sear surfaces during manufacture. It is advantageous to eliminate the feeling caused by a rough sear mechanism or a vibration generated by pulling the trigger. Insulating the shooter from feeling any roughness in the trigger mechanism will provide a more fluid trigger pull, which produces a more accurate shot.
Accordingly, there is a clearly felt need in the art for an optical trigger for bows, crossbows and firearms which eliminates the friction from multiple mechanical parts interacting with each other in a trigger mechanism and the ability to change the pull distance for releasing an arrow or a firing pin.
The present invention provides an optical trigger for bows, crossbows and firearms which eliminates the friction from multiple mechanical parts interacting with each in a trigger mechanism. The optical trigger for bows, crossbows and firearms (optical trigger) preferably includes a trigger member, a light source and a light receiver. The trigger member is pivotally retained between a first plate and a second plate with a pivot rod or the like. However, the trigger member could be pivotally retained relative to at least one surface. The trigger member preferably includes a flat plate having a substantially comma perimeter shape. The substantially comma perimeter shape includes a pull area and an actuation area. An actuation hole is preferably formed above pivot point. The actuation hole allows light to travel from the light source to the light receiver. The light source is retained in the first plate or the second plate. The light receiver is retained in the second plate or the first plate.
One end of a spring is engaged with an edge of the actuation area and the other end is retained by at least one of the first and second plates. The spring biases the trigger to be in a non-pulled position. It is preferable to have a light shield located on opposing sides of the trigger member. Each light shield is located between one side of the trigger member and one of the first or second plates. Each light shield surrounds the actuation hole and the light source or light receiver. The light shield prevents natural or artificial light from entering the light receiver and causing a false release of the arrow or bullet. A safety pin may be inserted into the trigger member to prevent movement of the trigger member. Further, a power switch is preferably used to only allow the light receiver to be powered, before a user is going to pull the trigger member.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical trigger, which eliminates the friction from multiple mechanical parts interacting with each other in a trigger mechanism.
Finally, it is another object of the present invention to provide an optical trigger, which includes the ability to change the pull distance for releasing an arrow or a firing pin.
These and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification.
With reference now to the drawings, and particularly to
One end of a spring 28 is engaged with an edge of the actuation area 24 and the other end is retained by at least one of the first and second plates 16, 18. The spring 28 biases the trigger member 10 to be in a non-pulled position. A stop pin 30 may be used to limit the travel from the biasing 28. It is preferable to have a light shield 32 located on opposing sides of the trigger member 10. The light shield 32 may be an o-ring, a brush, an elastic loop or any other suitable device. A light shield groove 34 is preferably formed in the first and second plates 16, 18 to receive each light shield 32, located between one side of the trigger member 10 and one of the first or second plates 16, 18. Each light shield 32 surrounds the actuation hole 26 and the light source 12 or light receiver 14. The light shield 32 prevents natural or artificial light from entering the light receiver 14 and causing a false release of the arrow or firing pin.
A safety pin 36 may be inserted into the trigger member 10 during non-use to prevent movement of the trigger member 10. Further, a power switch 38 is preferably used to only allow the light emitting device 12 and the light receiver 14 to be powered, before a user is going to pull the trigger member 10. With reference to
While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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10962320 | Burdine | Mar 2021 | B1 |