Weapon Retrofitting Systems and Methods

Abstract

A system allows remote triggering or firing of a weapon having a mechanical triggering or firing mechanism. The system can include at least one base, attachable to a weapon in a location adjacent a trigger of the weapon. At least one actuator is carried by the base, the actuator operable to engage the trigger of the weapon. At least one wireless controller is operable to actuate the actuator, the wireless controller being accessible by a system remote from the weapon.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems that can be used to retrofit triggering mechanisms of weapons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the technology, a remotely fireable weapons system is provided, including a weapon having a trigger operable to fire the weapon when depressed, and a trigger guard enclosure at least partially enclosing the trigger. A triggering system can be carried by the weapon and can include a first base segment that can be positioned adjacent the trigger guard enclosure of the weapon. At least one actuator can be carried by the first base segment and can be operable to mechanically engage a forward portion of the trigger and depress the trigger sufficiently to fire the weapon. At least one wireless controller can be operable to actuate the actuator, the wireless controller being accessible by a control system remote from the weapon.

In accordance with another aspect of the technology, a method of retrofitting a weapon to allow remote triggering of the weapon is provided. The method can include obtaining a weapon having a trigger operable to fire the weapon when depressed, and a trigger guard enclosure at least partially enclosing the trigger. A triggering system can be associated with the weapon. The triggering system can include a first and second base segment, positioned on adjacent sides of the trigger guard enclosure and at least one actuator, carried by one of the first or second base segments, the actuator operable to mechanically engage a forward portion of the trigger and move the trigger sufficiently to fire the weapon. At least one wireless controller can be operable to actuate the actuator, the wireless controller being accessible by a control system remote from the weapon. The method can include activating the at least one wireless controller with the control system to cause the actuator to depress the trigger to fire the weapon.

In accordance with another aspect of the technology, a kit is provided for allowing retrofitting of a variety of hand-held weapons into remotely fireable weapons, each of the hand-held weapons including a trigger and a trigger guard enclosure at least partially enclosing the trigger. The kit can include a triggering system, configured to be attached to a weapon to allow remote triggering of the weapon. The triggering system can include a first base segment, positionable adjacent the trigger guard enclosure of the weapon and at least one actuator, carried by the first base segment. The actuator can be operable to mechanically engage a forward portion of the trigger and depress the trigger sufficiently to fire the weapon. At least one wireless controller can be operable to actuate the actuator, the wireless controller being accessible by a control system remote from the weapon. A plurality of base plates can be provided, each attachable to the first base segment. Each of the plurality of base plates can include a differing raised engagement shoulder, with each of the raised engagement shoulders being configured to be fitted at least partially within a trigger guard enclosure of a differing weapon to retain the first base segment in position relative to the trigger of the weapon.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, relatively important features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying drawings and claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a remote triggering system in accordance with an embodiment of the technology;

FIG. 2 is a side view of some portions of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a trigger and trigger guard enclosure of a weapon;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the weapon of FIG. 3, with an actuator and a raised engagement shoulder of a base segment positioned within the trigger guard enclosure;

FIG. 5 is a bottom, perspective view of a remote triggering system installed on a weapon in accordance with an embodiment of the technology;

FIG. 6 is an opposing, top perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a remote triggering system installed on a weapon in accordance with an embodiment of the technology;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a remote triggering system installed on a weapon in accordance with an embodiment of the technology;

FIG. 9 is a series of exploded views of various components of a universal trigger assembly in accordance with embodiments of the technology; and

FIG. 10 is a side view of a kit having a series of base segments having differing base plates attached thereto in accordance with an aspect of the technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those of ordinarily skill in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “controller” can, but does not necessarily, include one or more of such controllers.

Definitions

In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend upon the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint.

Distances, angles, forces, weights, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited.

As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 inch to about 5 inches” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 inch to about 5 inches, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value and should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

The Invention

The present technology generally provides systems and methods that can be utilized to retrofit the triggering or firing mechanism of a conventional weapon to allow remote firing or triggering of the weapon. Systems in accordance with the present technology generally include a small, electromechanical device that can be easily attached to the trigger area of a weapon, thereby converting it into a “fire-by-wire” weapon, which can be operated remotely. The present system can include a Global Positioning System (“GPS”) receiver and/or an Inertial Navigation Unit (“INU”), which allow for additional functionality to be provided by the system.

Remote Access

The present system can provide a mechanism for remotely actuating the weapon trigger, allowing the remote use of the weapon mounted on a manned or unmanned vehicle, or mounted in a manned or unmanned emplacement.

Remote actuation can be accomplished in a variety of manners, including the following electrical “fire-by-wire” methods:

1. Dry contacts

2. Serial data stream

3. Internet UDP (user datagram packets)

Such mechanisms can be powered, operated and associated with the present technology in a variety of manners appreciable by one of ordinary skill in the art having possession of this disclosure.

Reduce/Slow Human Access

Because the universal trigger of the present technology can be fitted and locked to the trigger area of the weapon, it also serves as a trigger lock, securing the trigger environment against access by unwanted personnel. While an enemy combatant may physically gain access to the weapon, the locked universal trigger will prevent access to the trigger and therefore prevent the enemy from firing the weapon. Even in the event an enemy combatant may forcibly remove the present universal trigger, such removal will generally take considerable time, will likely require tools, and may result in noise detectable by friendly troops.

Visually Indicates Weapon is Safe

When the present universal trigger is fitted and locked to the trigger area of the weapon, an optional safety mechanism may be employed. The safety lock thumbscrew can include a red, plastic head, which can be screwed into the universal trigger. When so affixed, the thumbscrew shaft passes behind the weapon trigger, and positively prevents its actuation. Because its red head is visible on the weapon, it can be easily seen in the field that it is installed, and allows quick confirmation of the safety status of the weapon. Thus, in some embodiments, if the red thumbscrew is visible, the weapon cannot be fired.

Weapon is Unprepared and Unmodified

Generally speaking, once the universal trigger has been fitted to any weapon of a target weapon class, it may be installed on any specific, individual weapon of that class. The weapon generally does not need to be modified or otherwise prepared in any manner. When the universal trigger is removed from the specific weapon, the weapon is completely unmodified by Universal Trigger and can be operated as usual.

Proof of Remote Firing

When equipped with the optional INU, the universal trigger can detect the weapon recoil upon firing, and thereby provide positive confirmation that the weapon has discharged.

Proof of Weapon Movement

When equipped with the optional GPS receiver, the universal trigger can periodically transmit its GPS location, or respond to a remote query with its current GPS location. In either case, the remote operating software can detect that the weapon has been moved and can aid in locating the weapon.

Proof of Weapon Handling

When equipped with the optional INU, the universal trigger can detect the weapon being handled as its orientation changes, and thereby provide notification that the weapon has been removed from a temporary or permanent fixed mount.

Configurable for Multiple Weapon Classes

The mechanical design of the Universal Trigger can be easily adapted to new weapons classes. While the main portion of the design remains substantially constant, the following properties can be configured to each weapon class:

• • Fitment to trigger guard
  • Placement of Safety Lock Thumbscrew to trigger

The software design of the universal trigger is also easily adapted to new weapons classes. The embedded software can include pre-flashed calibrations for all known weapons, which may be configured using the serial data stream or UDP data packets.

Enabler for Additional Technologies

The universal trigger can enable additional technologies, such as posting an unmanned weapon in the field, and remotely firing it upon desired conditions.

Mechanical Construction

The body of the assembly can include a small standoff, placing the main portion of the body away from the left side of the weapon. This allows the user to manually access weapon controls such as safety, rate of fire, etc. The right side of the body can be configured so as to not interfere at all with weapon access.

The body can attach to the weapon over the trigger guard using a spring mechanism. This design allows the universal trigger to fit to all individual weapons securely while allowing variances due to manufacturing tolerances, in both the weapon and the universal trigger

In one aspect, the left cover can be formed from plastic so that the universal trigger can receive GPS and radio signals.

Mechanical Components

The body can be machined almost entirely from aluminum, with additional parts of steel. The body can include:

• • Servo to actuate trigger
  • Mechanism to support Safety Lock Thumbscrew
  • Single circuit board
    • Plug-in daughter board—GPS
    • Plug-in daughter board—INU
  • Military electrical connector
    • Power input (optional)
    • Serial data link—RS-232
  • Power-Over-Ethernet connector
    • Ethernet connection
    • Power supply (optional)

Electrical Construction

The aluminum body can contain a single circuit board, which can send and receive data on the serial or UDP stream. This can ensure the Universal Trigger transitions correctly between states, and provides data from the GPS and INU systems to the remote operator.

The main motherboard can carry two optional daughter boards, one for GPS and a second with an INU.

Electrical Interface

The base segments that form the body can contain two or more electrical connections:

• • an internal RJ-45 female connector, to which may be connected either a
    • male Ethernet connector, or
    • male Power-Over-Ethernet connector.
  • an external “Electrical Interface Connector,” which can include a metal military connector, containing pins for each of the following
    • power, nominally 48 VDC
    • serial RS-232
    • dry contact inputs

Command Interface

In one aspect, there are three ways to command the universal trigger to change its state and actuate the trigger:

• • Dry contacts (no safety procedure)
  • Serial interface, ASCII command line
  • Ethernet with UDP, or telnet to command line

Testing

Applicability to weapon classes: the universal trigger has been designed to fit to several classes of weapons. These include, without limitation, the HK IAR M27, the M16, the M4, the P90, and others.

In accordance with more detailed aspects of the technology, the figures generally illustrate a remotely fireable weapons system that can include a weapon (10 in FIGS. 3-8) that can include a trigger 12 operable to fire the weapon when depressed. A trigger guard enclosure 14 can at least partially enclose the trigger. It is noted that the weapons and triggers and trigger guards illustrated in the figures are shown generically: the features shown do not necessarily align with any particular class of weapon, nor are all components of the weapons illustrated. The trigger guard and trigger guard enclosure configurations shown are exemplary: variations from these are expected from one weapon class to another.

The technology can also include a triggering system, shown generally at 16 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The triggering system can be carried by the weapon and can include a first 18 and second 20 base segment. The base segments can, in one embodiment, be positioned on opposing sides of and thereby adjacent to the trigger guard enclosure of the weapon. In the examples shown, the second base segment can include at least one actuator (22a in FIGS. 4 and 22b in FIG. 10). The actuator can be carried by the first base segment and can be operable to mechanically engage a forward portion of the trigger and depress the trigger sufficiently to fire the weapon.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the actuator 22a is rotatable. When activated and powered, the actuator rotates (clockwise in the example) and thereby causes the trigger to be depressed and fire the weapon. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the actuator slides relative to the base segment, but otherwise interacts with the trigger in the same manner. Note that, in most cases, once the triggering system is installed on the weapon, the actuator is not visible, as it is hidden from view by the second base segment 20. The installation shown in FIG. 4 is only a partial installation: the system would not function properly at this stage of installation.

One of the base segments can carry at least one wireless controller, shown schematically 24 in first base segment 18 of FIG. 9. The wireless controller can be operable to receive a signal from a control system remote from the weapon, which then causes the actuator 22a, 22b to move, resulting in the weapon firing. The wireless controller can be any of a variety of such known devices, as can the control system, as would be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having possession of this disclosure.

One or both of the first 18 and second 20 base segments can include a raised engagement shoulder 26. In the examples shown in the figures, the first base segment includes this feature. The raised engagement shoulder can be specifically sized and shaped such that it can be positioned at least partially within the trigger guard enclosure 14 to retain the first base segment in position relative to the trigger. Thus, as will be appreciated from FIG. 4, the raised engagement shoulder includes an outer periphery 28. At least a portion of this outer periphery can correspond in shape to an inner periphery 30 of the trigger guard enclosure. Due to the fit of the one within the other, the first base segment is prevented from rotating relative to the weapon when the raised engagement shoulder of the first base segment is fitted within the trigger guard enclosure.

As mentioned previously, the triggering system 16 is shown only partially installed in the condition illustrated in FIG. 6. In this example, the first base segment 18 is installed such that the raised engagement shoulder 26 is positioned within the trigger guard 14. In this example, however, the second base segment 20 is not yet installed. Generally, the second base segment includes a lock extension (32 in FIG. 2) that extends through the trigger guard enclosure 14 and engages a lock opening (34 in FIG. 4) in the first base segment. Once so engaged, the two base segments are firmly held in position, with the trigger guard enclosure “sandwiched” between them. In this manner, the first 18 and second 20 base segments provide a mechanical barrier along both sides of the trigger enclosure 14 to prevent access to the trigger by a user. The two can be locked into this position via key 36 which can be fit within keyhole 38 (FIG. 5, for example) to lock the extension 32 into the first base segment.

In one aspect of the technology, the actuator 22 engages a front portion of the trigger, and the system can further include a safety trigger lock 40 attachable to at least one of the first and second base segments, the safety trigger lock that can be positioned behind a rear portion of the trigger. In this manner, the safety trigger lock prevents depression of the trigger by the actuator. In the examples shown, the trigger lock threadably engages the second base segment 20 through opening 42 (FIG. 5). Once fully threaded therein, the end of the trigger lock is positioned behind the trigger such that the trigger is mechanically, in this case, prevented from depressing.

In one embodiment, the safety trigger lock 40 can include a head portion 44 (FIG. 7) that is clearly visible outside of the at least one of the first or second base segments. This can serve as a visible indication of a locked condition of the weapon: the weapon can be viewed from afar and, if the head portion is visible, can serve as an indication that the weapon is safe. The head portion can be formed, for example, from a polymer material and can be red, orange, yellow, white, or other color that contrasts sharply with the color of the second base segment 20.

The present technology can be utilized to provide a system or kit for configuring a variety of different weapon classes with remote firing capabilities. Each of these hand-held weapons can include a distinctly sized and shaped trigger and a distinctly sized and shaped trigger guard enclosure. The kit can include a triggering system as discussed above and can also include a plurality of base plates that can each be attachable to a base segment. For example, in the array depicted in FIG. 10, three separate base segments 18 are provided, each with a unique base plate 26a, 26b, 26c. While three base segments are shown, each of the base plates can be removably attached to a base segment, so that any one base segment can be used for any one base plate. The base plates can be sized and shaped to fit snugly within a trigger guard enclosure of a variety of weapons.

The base plates can be attached to the base segment in a variety of manners. In the leftmost example shown in FIG. 10, the baseplate is attached via three screws 46. In other examples, the baseplates can include a magnetic interface with the base segment, so that the baseplate can be very quickly attached to and removed from a base segment.

In addition to the structure outlined above, the present technology also provides various methods of configuring, installing, operating and maintaining remote triggering systems. In one example, a method of retrofitting a weapon to allow remote triggering of the weapon is provided. The method can include obtaining a weapon having a trigger operable to fire the weapon when depressed, and a trigger guard enclosure at least partially enclosing the trigger; and associating a triggering system with the weapon. The triggering system can including: a first and second base segment, positioned on adjacent sides of the trigger guard enclosure; at least one actuator, carried by one of the first or second base segments, the actuator operable to mechanically engage a forward portion of the trigger and move the trigger sufficiently to fire the weapon; and at least one wireless controller, operable to actuate the actuator, the wireless controller being accessible by a control system remote from the weapon. The method can further include activating the at least one wireless controller with the control system to cause the actuator to depress the trigger to fire the weapon.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.

Claims

1. A remotely fireable weapons system, comprising: a weapon, including a trigger operable to fire the weapon when depressed, and a trigger guard enclosure at least partially enclosing the trigger;a triggering system, carried by the weapon, the triggering system including: a first base segment, positioned adjacent the trigger guard enclosure of the weapon;at least one actuator, carried by the first base segment, the actuator operable to mechanically engage a forward portion of the trigger and depress the trigger sufficiently to fire the weapon; andat least one wireless controller, operable to actuate the actuator, the wireless controller being accessible by a control system remote from the weapon.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first base segment includes a raised engagement shoulder positioned at least partially within the trigger guard enclosure to retain the first base segment in position relative to the trigger.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the raised engagement shoulder includes an outer periphery, at least a portion of which corresponds in shape to an inner periphery of the trigger guard enclosure.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is rotatable relative to the first base segment.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is linearly moveable to the first base segment.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second base segment coupled to first base segment through the trigger guard enclosure of the weapon.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first and second base segments provide a mechanical barrier along both sides of the trigger enclosure to prevent access to the trigger by a user.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the actuator engages a front portion of the trigger, and further comprising a safety trigger lock attachable to at least one of the first and second base segments, the safety trigger lock positioned behind a rear portion of the trigger to prevent depression of the trigger.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the safety trigger lock includes a head portion visible outside of the at least one of the first or second base segments to serve as a visible indication of a locked condition of the weapon.

10. The system of claim 6, further comprising an inertial navigation unit (“INU”), carried by one of the first base segment or the second base segment, the INU operable to detect movement of the weapon.

11. The system of claim 6, further comprising a global positioning system (“GPS”) unit, carried by one of the first base segment or the second base segment, the GPS unit operable to provide information relating to the position of the weapon.

12. A method of retrofitting a weapon to allow remote triggering of the weapon, comprising: obtaining a weapon having a trigger operable to fire the weapon when depressed, and a trigger guard enclosure at least partially enclosing the trigger;associating a triggering system with the weapon, the triggering system including: a first and second base segment, positioned on adjacent sides of the trigger guard enclosure;at least one actuator, carried by one of the first or second base segments, the actuator operable to mechanically engage a forward portion of the trigger and move the trigger sufficiently to fire the weapon; andat least one wireless controller, operable to actuate the actuator, the wireless controller being accessible by a control system remote from the weapon; andactivating the at least one wireless controller with the control system to cause the actuator to depress the trigger to fire the weapon.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the actuator rotates relative to at least one of the first and second base segments to depress the trigger.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the actuator moves linearly relative to at least one of the first and second base segments to depress the trigger.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising placing the weapon into a safe condition by installing a safety trigger lock through at least one of the first and second base segments, the trigger lock being thereby positioned behind a rear portion of the trigger to prevent depression of the trigger.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the triggering system includes one or more of an inertial navigation unit (“INU”) and a global positioning system (“GPS”) unit, and further comprising providing data from the INU or the GPS to the control system to provide information relating to movement or position of the weapon to the control system.

17. A kit for allowing retrofitting of a variety of hand-held weapons into remotely fireable weapons, each of the hand-held weapons including a trigger and a trigger guard enclosure at least partially enclosing the trigger, the kit comprising: a triggering system, configured to be attached to a weapon to allow remote triggering of the weapon, the triggering system including: a first base segment, positionable adjacent the trigger guard enclosure of the weapon;at least one actuator, carried by the first base segment, the actuator operable to mechanically engage a forward portion of the trigger and depress the trigger sufficiently to fire the weapon; andat least one wireless controller, operable to actuate the actuator, the wireless controller being accessible by a control system remote from the weapon; anda plurality of base plates, attachable to the first base segment, each of the plurality of base plates including a differing raised engagement shoulder, each of the raised engagement shoulders being configured to be fitted at least partially within a trigger guard enclosure of a differing weapon to retain the first base segment in position relative to the trigger of the weapon.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the raised engagement shoulder of each base plate includes a different outer periphery, at least a portion of which corresponds in shape to an inner periphery of a trigger guard enclosure of a weapon.

19. The kit of claim 17, wherein the actuator is rotatable relative to the first base segment.

20. The kit of claim 17, wherein the actuator is linearly moveable to the first base segment.