US20120141957A1

US20120141957A1 - Training firearm with trigger finger position sensing

Info

Publication number: US20120141957A1
Application number: US11/906,682
Authority: US
Inventors: Willard M. Miller
Original assignee: University of Illinois
Current assignee: University of Illinois
Priority date: 2007-10-03
Filing date: 2007-10-03
Publication date: 2012-06-07

Abstract

A training firearm including a body that has or replicates the look and feel of a real firearm where the body includes handle, trigger and barrel portions. The training firearm includes at least one sensor for sensing separate ready and trigger positions of a trainee's trigger finger and at least one indicator for providing distinguishable indications of the ready and trigger positions of the trainee's trigger finger sensed by the sensor.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to the field of firearms, and more specifically, to the field of training firearms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Firearm training programs teach trainees the safe use of firearms for self-protection and the protection of others. Training programs are available for private citizens and professionals, such as police officers, military personnel and private security professionals. Firearm maintenance, handling, firing, etc. are covered in training programs. The handling of an unholstered firearm when preparing for action in response to a potential threat is an issue of particular importance. Potential threats must be evaluated before a weapon is discharged. The tension inherent to such situations makes the handling of an unholstered firearm a particularly critical aspect of training.
For example, a substantial part of standard police officer firearm training programs is devoted to unholstered weapon training. A police officer must have their firearm in their hands and ready to be used if necessary. In such situations, their trigger finger, typically the index finger, may be on or off the trigger. A police officer's trigger finger is typically held on the trigger in more dangerous or threatening situations where it may be necessary to shoot their firearm to defend the officer or other people with little or no notice. In situations where the safety of innocent people is concerned or where there is only a potential threat, a police officer may have a trigger finger on the side of the gun or otherwise off the trigger to avoid accidental discharge of the weapon.
In the past, real firearms were used to train police officers. Training with real or live firearms, however, caused accidental injuries or fatalities. To increase safety, many training facilities started using inoperable, training firearms that replicate the physical details of real firearms during training exercises. The training firearms are inoperable and made to replicate the look, weight, size and feel of a real firearms, including particular firearm models.
Police officers are trained to have a trigger finger on the trigger of the firearm only in particular circumstances and should have the trigger finger off of the trigger, such as on the side of the firearm, in other circumstances. This is a difficult aspect of the training program. Typically, this portion of training relies on instructors, who must visually locate the position of a trainee's trigger finger during an exercise to determine whether the trainee has their finger in the proper position on the firearm. Typical training solutions involve quick and sudden movements, making it difficult, if not impossible, for an instructor to accurately monitor the position of a trainee's trigger finger.
Some training firearms include indicators, e.g., lasers, that emit light toward a target to identify a potential bullet impact location. Such indicators are useless to indicate proper trigger finger positions during many important firearm training exercises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention provides a training firearm including a body that has or replicates the look and feel of a real firearm where the body includes handle, trigger and barrel portions. The training firearm includes at least one sensor for sensing separate ready and trigger positions of a trainee's trigger finger and at least one indicator for providing distinguishable indications of the ready and trigger positions of the trainee's trigger finger sensed by the sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a right side view of an embodiment of the training firearm of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the training firearm of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, front perspective view of the training firearm of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, bottom perspective view of the training firearm of FIG. 1 with the battery cover removed.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the training firearm of FIG. 1 where a person is holding the training firearm and their finger is on the side sensor.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the training firearm of FIG. 1 where a person is holding the training firearm and their finger is on the trigger.

FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of the training firearm of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A training firearm of the invention provides separate identifiable and distinguishable indicators that enable an instructor to easily determine a trainee's trigger finger position on the training firearm. In preferred embodiments, the indicators provide at least two distinguishable visible displays that are responsive to the trainee's trigger finger positions.
A training firearm of the invention senses a trainee's trigger finger position and provides a clear indication of a ready position and a trigger position to an instructor. This allows instructors to immediately correct a trainee's finger position on their firearm and thereby provide immediate feedback to trainees. The training firearm of the present invention therefore allows trainees and instructors to identify and correct trigger finger position issues.
Preferred embodiments will now be discussed with respect to the drawings. The drawings may include schematic figures that are not to scale, which will be fully understood by skilled artisans with reference to the accompanying description. Features may be exaggerated for purposes of illustration. From the preferred embodiments, artisans will recognize additional features and broader aspects of the invention.
FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a training firearm 100 of the invention. The training firearm 100 preferably replicates the physical characteristics of an actual particular model firearm. For example, the training firearm 100 replicates a semi-automatic pistol. The invention is equally applicable to training firearms that replicate any other type of firearm, including, for example, handguns, rifles, and semi- and fully automatic weapons.
In the illustrated embodiment, the training firearm 100 includes a body 102 that replicates the look and feel of a real firearm, where the body includes a slide 104, a handle 106 and a trigger assembly 108. The body 102 is made of a durable rubber or other suitable material that replicates the weight and size of a real firearm, which helps a trainee to transfer the skills they learn on the training firearm to a real firearm. Other materials or combinations of materials may also be used to manufacture the training firearm such as different types of metal.
The handle 106 enables a trainee to securely grip the training firearm. Specifically, the handle 106 includes a grip portion 107 having a plurality of ridges or bumps which help to improve the grip between a trainee's hand and the handle 106. Although a particular grip portion is shown, other grip portions are contemplated such as bumps, grooves, finger slots or ridges and any other configurations that may be formed on the handle 106 to enhance the trainee's grip of the firearm. The grip portion 107 preferably replicates a grip portion of a particular model firearm.
The trigger assembly 108 includes a trigger guard 109 and a trigger 110 and replicates the feel and action of a trigger on a real firearm. Specifically, the trigger 110 is movably connected to the body 102 and moves between a non-firing position and a firing position. To simulate the firing of the firearm, a trainee presses the trigger 110 to move the trigger 110 from the non-firing position to the firing position. The trigger guard 109 is attached to the body 102 in front of the trigger 110. Because the training firearm 100 is not operable as a real firearm, the trigger guard 109 on the training firearm replicates the trigger guard on a real firearm to help enhance the realistic look and feel of the training firearm.
A sensor 112 is located on each side of the body 102 and senses when a trainee's trigger finger is on the side of the firearm in the ready position. The sensors 112 may be in any suitable location on the body such as on the top, bottom and side surfaces of the body. The opposing sensors 112 allow both right-handed and left-handed people to operate the training firearm. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 112 are switches that must be physically pressed by the trainee's trigger finger to sense the trainee's finger. Alternatively, the sensors 112 may be proximity or pressure sensors that sense when the trainee's trigger finger is proximate to or in contact with one of the sensors 112. The trigger assembly 108 also includes a sensor 113 that senses when a trainee's trigger finger contacts the trigger 110 but is not pressing or squeezing the trigger (i.e., the trigger position) and also when the trainee's finger is squeezing the trigger 110 (i.e., the firing position).
Several indicators 114, 116 and 118 are attached to the body 102 of the training firearm 100 and provide a visual indication to an instructor of when a trainee's trigger finger is in a specific position sensed by the sensors 112, 113. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the indicators 114, 116 and 118 includes at least one light such as a light emitting diode (L.E.D.) that activates or illuminates when the trainee's trigger finger is sensed by the corresponding sensor. An additional indicator, indicator 120, emits a light beam such as a laser light beam, to identify a potential impact location of a bullet.
As an example, indicator 114 illuminates when the trainee's trigger finger is sensed by either one of the sensors 112. Indicator 114 therefore provides a visual indication to an instructor of when the trainee's trigger finger is on the side of the firearm 100 or in the ready position. Similarly, indicator 116 illuminates when the trainee's trigger finger contacts the trigger 110 but is not squeezing or moving the trigger. Indicators 118 and 120 respectively illuminate and emit a beam of light when a trainee contacts and squeezes the trigger 110. The illustrated sensors 112 and 113 are electrically connected to the respective indicators 114, 116, 118 and 120 via one or more electrical wires. It is also contemplated that the sensors and indicators can communicate wirelessly via radio signals or using other types of wireless technology, or through controller circuits.
Indicator 114 and indicators 116, 118 and 120 preferably include different colored lights to distinguish the indicators during a training exercise. For example, indicator 114 may include a green light to indicate that the trainee's trigger finger is in the ready position and indicators 116 and 118 may include red lights to indicate that the trainee's trigger finger is in the trigger position and the firing position, respectively. Alternatively, indicators 116 and 118 may include different colored lights to further distinguish between the trigger and firing positions. It is contemplated that other colors and color combinations can be used to distinguish the different indicators.
The positioning of the indicators on the body may also be used to help an instructor distinguish between the indicators. For example, indicator 114 could be located on top of the body 102 and indicator 116 could be on the side of the body, or vice versa. In such a configuration, the indicators may include the same colored lights or different colored lights. Other types of indicators are also contemplated such as audio indicators or indicators that transmit electronic data to a remote devices such as a laptop computer or handheld device.
Impact indicator 120 marks or identifies a potential impact location of a bullet if it had been fired from an operable firearm. The impact indicator 120 is attached to the front of the training firearm. In the illustrated embodiment, the impact indicator 120 is a lighting device such as a laser beam generator that emits a beam of light. The laser beam contacts a target and identifies the potential impact location of a bullet if it had been fired from a working model of the training firearm. The impact indicator 120 may be any suitable lighting device, laser device or other device.
Sensors 112 and 113, and indicators 114, 116, 118 and 120, are powered by a battery 122 or other power source positioned within the handle 106 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. The battery 122 is preferably a replaceable battery that may be replaced by a new battery, re-chargeable battery, or other suitable power source. The battery is connected to the indicators and sensors using electrical wires. Alternatively, the training firearm 100 can be constructed to receive one or more disposable batteries to provide power to the firearm. Also in an embodiment, a removable battery cover 123 is attached to the bottom of the handle to secure and protect the battery 122.
FIGS. 5 and 6 show the training firearm 100 being used by a trainee such as a police officer trainee. The trainee securely holds the firearm 100 in one or both hands as shown in FIG. 5 and places one of their fingers, typically their trigger finger, on the training firearm. In FIG. 5, the trainee's finger is contacting sensor 112 on the right side of the firearm, which is the ready position. The positioning of the trainee's finger on sensor 112 causes indicator 114 to activate or illuminate to enable an instructor to know that the trainee's trigger finger is in the ready position. The other indicators 116, 118 and 120 do not illuminate.
In FIG. 6, the trainee's finger contacts trigger 110 (i.e., the trigger position), which illuminates indicator 116. When the trainee also presses against the trigger 110, sensor 113 illuminates indicators 118 and 120 on the front of the training firearm 100. Indicator 116 allows an instructor to easily identify that a trainee has their trigger finger on the trigger but is not pressing the trigger. Indicator 118 allows the instructor to know that the trainee is pressing the trigger 110 to simulate the firing of the training firearm 100. Additionally, impact indicator 120 informs the trainee and the instructor of the potential impact location of a bullet if fired from a working model of the training firearm.
The training firearm 100 of the present invention thereby allows an instructor or other person viewing the training exercises to easily identify the position of a trainee's trigger finger on the training firearm. This enables the instructor to provide immediate correction and guidance to a trainee as necessary to properly train the trainee on the proper use of a real firearm.
FIG. 7 shows an adjustable switch 124 attached to the handle 106 of the training firearm 100. The switch 124 enables a trainee to adjust the brightness intensity level of one or more of the indicators 114, 116, 118 and 120. The switch 124 includes a lever 126 that moves upward or downward within channel 128. A user moves the lever 126 upward to increase the brightness intensity level, and downward to decrease the brightness intensity level of the indicators. The switch 124 specifically allows a trainee to adjust the brightness of the indicators to account for different lighting conditions at a training facility or area. For example, a user may increase the brightness intensity level of the indicators during daylight hours to increase the visibility of the indicators. In darker conditions, such as at night or in a poorly lit room, a user may decrease the brightness intensity level of the indicators because the indicators are easier to see in darker conditions and to save battery power. The switch 124 is connected directly to one or more of the indicators using one or more electrical wires and may be attached to any suitable location on the body 102. It is also contemplated that one or more switches 124 may be used to control the brightness intensity levels of the indicators.
Many real firearms and training firearms include a light rail under the slide of the firearm. In an embodiment, a lighting system, including one or more of the sensors described above, and a compact, self-contained housing is fastened onto the light rail of a real firearm to convert the real firearm into a training firearm of the invention. Regarding real firearms, in an embodiment, the lighting system renders these firearms inoperable to enhance safety during training sessions. It is also contemplated that the sensors can be connected to a real firearm or a training firearm using Velcro®, double-sided tape or any other suitable connector.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it should be understood that other modifications, substitutions, and alternatives are apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications, substitutions, and alternatives can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which should be determined from the appended claims. Various features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A training firearm comprising:

a body having or replicating the look and feel of a real firearm, the body including handle, trigger and barrel portions;

at least one sensor for sensing separate ready and trigger positions of a trainee's trigger finger; and

at least one indicator for providing distinguishable indications of the ready and trigger positions of the trainee's trigger finger sensed by said sensor.

2. The training firearm of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor further senses when the trainee's trigger finger is in a firing position and said at least one indicator provides distinguishable indications of the ready, trigger and firing positions of the trainee's trigger finger.

3. The training firearm of claim 2, wherein said at least one indicator comprises a plurality of indicators, at least one of said plurality of indicators providing an indication of when the trainee's trigger finger is in the ready position, at least one of said plurality of indicators providing an indication of when the trainee's trigger finger is in the trigger position and at least one of said plurality of indicators providing an indication of when the trainee's trigger finger is in the firing position.

4. The training firearm of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors, at least one of said plurality of sensors sensing when the trainee's trigger finger is in the ready position and another one of said plurality of sensors sensing when the trainee's finger is in the trigger position.

5. The training firearm of claim 1, wherein said at least one indicator includes a colored light.

6. The training firearm of claim 1, wherein said at least one indicator includes a plurality of indicators, each of said indicators including a colored light.

7. The training firearm of claim 6, wherein at least two of said colored lights are different colors.

8. The training firearm of claim 1, wherein said at least one indicator includes a light.

9. The training firearm of claim 8, further comprising a switch attached to said body for adjusting a brightness intensity level of said light.

10. The training firearm of claim 8, wherein said light is a light-emitting diode.

11. The training firearm of claim 1, further comprising a power source.

12. The training firearm of claim 11, wherein said power source is at least one of a disposable battery and a re-chargeable battery.

13. The training firearm of claim 1, which includes an impact indicator attached to said body.

14. A training firearm including a body that replicates the look and feel of a real firearm, said training firearm comprising:

means for sensing a position of a trainee's trigger finger on the body; and

means for providing distinguishable indications of at least two different sensed positions of the trainee's trigger finger.

15. The training firearm of claim 14, further comprising means for indicating a potential impact location.

16. The training firearm of claim 14, further comprising means for providing power to said sensing means and said indication means.