US20180224231A1

US20180224231A1 - Firearm and method for using a firearm

Info

Publication number: US20180224231A1
Application number: US15/886,470
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian Weinberg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-06
Filing date: 2018-02-01
Publication date: 2018-08-09
Also published as: US20190219351A1

Abstract

A firearm is disclosed. The firearm has a power assembly, a member driven by the power assembly between a first position and a second position, and a trigger assembly. The member blocks a movement of the trigger assembly in the first position. The member allows a movement of the trigger assembly in the second position. The member is a rotatable member that rotates between the first position and the second position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/454,924 filed Feb. 6, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a firearm and a method for using a firearm, and more particularly to safety features for a firearm.

BACKGROUND

Firearms are useful tools that perform various functions. Because firearms shoot projectiles at high velocities, firearms may cause unintentional injury if used improperly or if used by unsuitable operators such as small children. Additionally, certain jurisdictions may set safety standards to which firearms must conform.
Firearms sometimes include safety features designed to prevent improper use. However, conventional safety features typically work in a restricted set of circumstances and do not provide robust protection against improper use of a firearm. Also for example, some jurisdictions have enacted regulations calling for firearms to have safety features preventing a firearm from operating if a magazine has been removed from a frame of a firearm, which typical safety features do not address.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a firearm with additional safety features that provide robust protection and that comply with regulations of relevant jurisdictions. The exemplary disclosed firearm of the present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the shortcomings set forth above and/or other deficiencies in existing technology.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a firearm. The firearm includes a power assembly, a member driven by the power assembly between a first position and a second position, and a trigger assembly. The member blocks a movement of the trigger assembly in the first position. The member allows a movement of the trigger assembly in the second position. The member is a rotatable member that rotates between the first position and the second position.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method. The method includes providing a first rotatable member in a firearm assembly, providing a second rotatable member in the firearm assembly, and rotating the first rotatable member to selectively block movement of a first portion of a trigger assembly. The method also includes rotating the second rotatable member to selectively block movement of a second portion of the trigger assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment, with some portions removed for clarity, of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, and 3 illustrate an exemplary firearm 100. The exemplary firearm disclosed herein may be any suitable firearm that may include safety features such as, for example, a pistol, a rifle, a machine gun, a submachine gun, an automatic rifle, and/or an assault rifle. It is also contemplated that the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be used, for example, with weapon systems and/or ballistics systems such as military direct fire and indirect fire weapons, naval weapons systems, and/or air-delivered and air-mounted weapons systems.
Firearm 100 may include a frame assembly 105, a slide assembly 110, a trigger assembly 115, a magazine assembly 120, and a safety system 125. Frame assembly 105 may receive slide assembly 110, trigger assembly 115, and magazine assembly 120. Safety system 125 may be disposed within, disposed on, and/or integrated into frame assembly 105, slide assembly 110, trigger assembly 115, and/or magazine assembly 120.
Firearm 100 (e.g., including components of frame assembly 105, slide assembly 110, trigger assembly 115, magazine assembly 120, and/or safety system 125) may be formed from any suitable materials for use in a firearm. For example, firearm 100 (e.g., including components of frame assembly 105, slide assembly 110, trigger assembly 115, magazine assembly 120, and/or safety system 125) may be formed from polymeric, composite, metallic, and/or metal alloy materials. For example, components of firearm 100 (e.g., including components of frame assembly 105, slide assembly 110, trigger assembly 115, magazine assembly 120, and/or safety system 125) may be formed from polymer material, co-polymer material, steel material, and/or aluminum material. Also for example, components of firearm 100 (e.g., including components of frame assembly 105, slide assembly 110, trigger assembly 115, magazine assembly 120, and/or safety system 125) may be formed from PVC material, PTFE material, thermoplastic material, nylon type 6 material, and/or nylon type 6/6 material. Further for example, components of firearm 100 (e.g., including components of frame assembly 105, slide assembly 110, trigger assembly 115, magazine assembly 120, and/or safety system 125) may include materials such as thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers and resins and elastomers, including e.g. polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, epoxy resins and phenolic resins. Additionally for example, components of firearm 100 (e.g., including components of frame assembly 105, slide assembly 110, trigger assembly 115, magazine assembly 120, and/or safety system 125) may include or be manufactured from materials such as Acrylanitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polycarbonate (PC), Mix of ABS and PC, Acetal (POM), Acetate, Acrylic (PMMA), Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), Mylar, Polyamid-Nylon, Polyamid-Nylon 6, Polyamid-Nylon 11, Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyethylene (PE), Low Density PE (LDPE), High Density PE (HDPE), Ultra High Molecular Weight PE (UHMW PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), PolPolypropylene (PP), Polyphthalamide (PPA), Polyphenylenesulfide (PPS), Polystyrene (PS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Polysulfone (PSU), Polyurethane (PU), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Chlorinated Polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), Polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN), Teflon TFE, Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), and/or Engineered Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ETPU), or any suitable combination thereof.
Frame assembly 105 may be any suitable assembly for receiving and/or housing components of firearm 100. Frame assembly 105 may include a grip 130 that may serve as a grip for a user to hold firearm 100. Grip 130 may include a cavity 132 that may be a receiver for receiving magazine assembly 120. Frame assembly 105 may also include a trigger guard 135 that may serve to protect against unintentional urging of components of trigger assembly 115 (e.g., unintentional firing). Frame assembly 105 may also include a frame portion 140 that may receive components of slide assembly 110 and trigger assembly 115.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, slide assembly 110 may be an assembly that is movably disposed (e.g., slidably disposed) on frame portion 140 of frame assembly 105. During operation of firearm 100, slide assembly 110 may move (e.g., slide) along frame portion 140, thereby being configured to move ammunition rounds from magazine assembly 120 into desired portions of slide assembly 110 and to eject spent casings away from firearm 100. Slide assembly 110 may include suitable components for moving ammunition rounds into a chamber formed by components of slide assembly 110. For example, slide assembly 110 may include a slide member 145 having a chamber portion 148. Slide member 145 may house for example a barrel assembly 150, a recoil spring assembly 155, and a firing pin assembly 160. During an operation of firearm 100, ammunition rounds loaded into a chamber of firearm 100 may be struck by portions of firing pin assembly 160 (e.g., when released and/or actuated by an operation of trigger assembly 115) and a projectile (e.g., bullet) of the ammunition round is propelled through barrel assembly 160 and out of firearm 100 toward a target. Recoil spring assembly 155 then causes slide member 145 to move, causing spent casings to be ejected out of chamber portion 148. The process may be iteratively repeated as additional ammunition rounds are received in the chamber formed by components of slide assembly 110.
Trigger assembly 115 may include a trigger 165 and a trigger bar 170. A user may urge or actuate trigger 165, causing trigger bar 170 to transfer mechanical force to actuate slide assembly 110 (e.g., when safety system 125 is not operating to prevent an operation of firearm 100 to shoot ammunition rounds). For example, a movement of trigger bar 170 caused by a user pulling trigger 165 may cause firing pin assembly 160 to actuate, move, and/or be released to strike an ammunition round as described herein. A bullet may thereby be fired out of firearm 100 based on a user actuating or urging (e.g., pulling) trigger 165.
Magazine assembly 120 may be any suitable housing for storing one or more rounds of ammunition. For example, magazine assembly 120 may store a plurality of rounds 175 (e.g., round of ammunition including for example a bullet, primer, and powder charge housed in or on a casing). Magazine assembly 120 may be mounted on and/or received within frame assembly 105. For example, magazine assembly 120 may be received within cavity 132 of frame assembly 105. Magazine assembly 120 may for example include a housing 180 that may be configured to receive and hold one or more rounds 175. Housing 180 may be spring-loaded to urge rounds 175 held in housing 180 toward frame portion 140 and the chamber formed by components of slide assembly 110. Rounds of ammunition may thereby be fed from housing 180 into slide assembly 110 during an operation of firearm 100.
Safety system 125 may be disposed within, disposed on, and/or integrated into other components and systems of firearm 100. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, safety system 125 may include a structural frame assembly 185, a magazine lock assembly 190, a trigger lock assembly 195, an electromechanical assembly 200, an electromechanical frame assembly 205, a mechanical lock assembly 210, a security assembly 215, and a slide cover assembly 220. The structural frame assembly 185, magazine lock assembly 190, trigger lock assembly 195, electromechanical assembly 200, electromechanical frame assembly 205, mechanical lock assembly 210, security assembly 215, and slide cover assembly 200 may work in conjunction with each other and other assemblies of firearm 100 to for example provide safety features for firearm 100 as disclosed herein.
Structural frame assembly 185 may be any suitable structural frame assembly for reinforcing and/or stabilizing frame assembly 105 and/or other portions of firearm 100. For example, structural frame assembly 185 may be a substantially full frame that may reinforce and/or stabilize one or more receiver portions of firearm 100 such as, e.g., cavity 132 and/or portions disposed at or near frame portion 140. For example, structural frame assembly 185 may be inserted in frame portion 140 and may extend along some, most, or substantially all of frame portion 140. For example, structural frame assembly 185 may be a substantially full frame that may distribute force (e.g., stress) relatively evenly across firearm 100. For example, structural frame assembly 185 may substantially prevent stress concentrations at portions of firearm 100 that may cause, e.g., unsuitable deformation (e.g., plastic deformation) and/or cracking at portions of firearm 100. For example, based on extending along most or substantially all of frame portion 140, structural frame assembly 185 may reinforce and/or stabilize firearm 100 to substantially prevent twisting and/or other unsuitable deformation (e.g., distortion) of receiver portions (e.g., cavity 132 and/or portions disposed at or near frame portion 140) of firearm 100 during an operation of firearm 100 to shoot rounds of ammunition. For example, structural frame assembly 185 may be a plastic frame (e.g., or a frame including any other exemplary materials disclosed herein) that may prevent unsuitable twisting and/or other unsuitable deformation of cavity 132 (e.g., either when magazine assembly 120 is received in cavity 132 or when magazine assembly 120 is not received in cavity 132). For example, structural frame assembly 185 may extend along more than half of a length of firearm 100 (e.g., from a rear portion of firearm 100 to a location disposed along a length of barrel assembly 150).
As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, magazine lock assembly 190 may be any suitable structural assembly for locking and/or unlocking magazine assembly 120 in cavity 132 of frame assembly 105. For example, magazine assembly 120 may be received and locked in cavity 132 based on a snap-fit attachment and/or friction-fit attachment of magazine assembly 120 with magazine lock assembly 190 and/or surfaces of cavity 132 (e.g., or any other suitable type of attachment such as, for example, threaded fastening, adhesive attachment, hook and loop system fastener, and/or any other suitable type of fastening technique).
For example, magazine lock assembly 190 may include a release member 225 and a fastener 230. For example, fastener 230 may removably fasten release member 225 to structural frame assembly 185 and/or frame assembly 105. For example, fastener 230 may be received in one or more apertures disposed in structural frame assembly 185 and/or frame assembly 105. For example, a user of firearm 100 may selectively removably attach release member 225 within cavity 132 by fastening release member 225 to structural frame assembly 185 and/or frame assembly 105. For example, fastener 230 may be removably received in one of a plurality of apertures disposed in structural frame assembly 185 and/or frame assembly 105. It is also contemplated that a plurality of fasteners 230 may be used to attach release member 225 to structural frame assembly 185 and/or frame assembly 105. For example, based on which of the plurality of apertures disposed in structural frame assembly 185 and/or frame assembly 105 that fastener 230 is fastened into, an orientation of release member 225 may be adjusted (e.g., an orientation of release member 225 may be changed). For example, release member 225 may be a reversible magazine release that may be oriented based on a placement of fastener 230 to accommodate a preference of a user of firearm 100 for insertion and/or release of magazine assembly 120. For example, left-handed users, right-handed user, and/or ambidextrous users may favor a desired orientation of release member 225 based on their dominant hand, and may attach fastener 230 to a certain one of the plurality of apertures disposed in structural frame assembly 185 and/or frame assembly 105 based on preference. For example, magazine lock assembly 190 may be removably attachable in a first orientation and in a second orientation (e.g., in an orientation substantially opposite to the first orientation) to an interior surface of cavity 132 (e.g., a surface formed by structural frame assembly 185 and/or frame assembly 105). Release member 225 may include a plurality of apertures for receiving fastener 230. An attachment of release member 225 to structural frame assembly 185 and/or frame assembly 105 via fastener 230 may be made by any suitable technique such as, for example, a threaded connection, a bolted connected, a snap-fit attachment, a friction-fit attachment, an adhesive attachment, a hook and loop attachment, and/or any other suitable mechanical attachment. For example, fastener 230 may be a threaded fastener that is selectively received in threaded apertures of release member 225 and threaded apertures of structural frame assembly 185 and/or frame assembly 105. For example, fastener 230 may be a screw pin.
As illustrated in FIGS. 8-12, trigger lock assembly 195 may be any suitable assembly for selectively blocking a movement of trigger 165. Trigger lock assembly 195 may include a mounting member 235, a member 240, and an urging member 245. Mounting member 235 may be any suitable structural member for structurally supporting member 240. For example, mounting member 235 may be a member (e.g., a rod or pin) that is mounted to surfaces of portions of structural frame assembly 185 and/or frame assembly 105. Also for example, mounting member 235 may rotatably support member 240 so that member 240 may rotate about a longitudinal axis of mounting member 235. For example, member 240 may be rotatably movable about mounting member 235. Urging member 245 may be disposed on mounting member 235 and/or member 240 to urge member 240 to rotate about mounting member 235 in a desired direction. For example, member 240 may be a rotatable member such as, e.g., a rotatable cam.
For example, urging member 245 may be a potential-energy-storing member that can be stretched and unstretched and/or compressed and uncompressed such as, for example, a tension member and/or a compression member. For example, urging member 245 may be a spring, an elastic member such as an elastic band, an elastic cable, an elastic wire, and/or any suitable member formed from materials having elastic or resilient properties and capable of being stretched and unstretched (e.g., or compressed and uncompressed). Urging member 245 may be formed from any suitable materials for forming a tension member or a compression member (e.g., that can be stretched and unstretched, or compressed and uncompressed) such as metallic material, plastic material, composite material, elastomeric material, natural rubber, and/or synthetic rubber. For example, urging member 245 may be a spring configured to urge member 240 to rotate about mounting member 235 in a desired direction. For example, urging member 245 may be a torsional spring. For example, urging member 245 may be attached to mounting member 235 and/or member 240, and may urge member 240 to rotate about mounting member 235 in a desired direction as disclosed herein.
For example as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 (e.g., illustrating a mode of operation of firearm 100 when magazine assembly 120 is not disposed within cavity 132, e.g., a no-magazine mode of operation), urging member 245 may urge member 240 to rotate about mounting member 235 to be disposed in a position substantially blocking a movement of trigger 165. For example as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, urging member 245 may urge member 240 to a position so that a portion 250 of member 240 blocks a portion 255 of trigger 165. For example as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, member 240 may selectively block a movement of trigger 165 (e.g., member 240 may selectively prevent a user from fully actuating trigger 165 in order to fire a round from firearm 100). Accordingly for example, urging member 245 may urge member 240 to maintain firearm 100 in a trigger-locked state when no magazine is present (e.g., when magazine assembly 120 has been removed, e.g., in a no-magazine mode of operation).
Also for example as illustrated in FIG. 8 (e.g., illustrating a mode of operation of firearm 100 when magazine assembly 120 is disposed within cavity 132, e.g., a magazine mode of operation), member 240 may be urged by magazine assembly 120 to rotate about mounting member 235 to be disposed in a position allowing movement of trigger 165 (e.g., a force imparted to member 240 by magazine assembly 120 may exceed or overcome a force imparted by urging member 245 to member 240). For example as illustrated in FIG. 8, magazine assembly 120 may urge member 240 to a position so that a portion 250 of member 240 does not block a portion 255 of trigger 165. For example as illustrated in FIG. 8, magazine assembly 120 (e.g., when inserted into cavity 132) may press against portion 260 of member 240, thereby rotating member 240 about mounting member 235 (e.g., against an urging force of urging member 245) to the position illustrated in FIG. 8. For example as illustrated in FIG. 8, member 240 may selectively allow movement of trigger 165 (e.g., member 240 may selectively allow a user to fully actuate trigger 165 in order to fire a round from firearm 100).
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another exemplary operation of trigger lock assembly 195. For example as illustrated in FIG. 11 (e.g., illustrating a mode of operation of firearm 100 when magazine assembly 120 is disposed within cavity 132, e.g., a magazine mode of operation), portion 260 of member 240 may be urged by magazine assembly 120 to rotate about mounting member 235 to a position so that portion 250 of member 240 does not block portion 255 of trigger 165. Also for example as illustrated in FIG. 12 (e.g., illustrating a mode of operation of firearm 100 when magazine assembly 120 is not disposed within cavity 132, e.g., a no-magazine mode of operation), urging member 245 may urge member 240 to rotate about mounting member 235 to be disposed in a position so that portion 250 of member 240 blocks portion 255 of trigger 165.
As described above and as illustrated in FIGS. 8-12, trigger lock assembly 195 may provide a safety feature such as a no-magazine-enabled trigger lock that may be removable (if desired) by a user. For example, a user may easily remove member 240 and/or urging member 245 if desired. Also for example if a user desires to remove trigger lock assembly 195, member 240 may be replaced, e.g., with an insert that does not selectively lock trigger 165 when magazine assembly 120 has been removed from cavity 132.
For example, an exemplary firearm assembly (e.g., frame assembly 105) may include a magazine cavity (e.g., cavity 132) configured to removably receive magazine assembly 120. An exemplary rotatable member (e.g., member 240) may be disposed within the exemplary firearm assembly, and an exemplary urging member (e.g., urging member 245) may be disposed within the exemplary firearm assembly. The exemplary urging member may urge the exemplary rotatable member to move to an urged position blocking a movement of the trigger assembly (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10), and a portion of the exemplary rotatable member may extend into the magazine cavity (e.g., cavity 132) when the rotatable member is in the urged position. The exemplary rotatable member and the exemplary urging member may be removably attachable within the firearm assembly. Magazine assembly 120 may move the exemplary urging member to a second position when magazine assembly 120 is inserted into the magazine cavity (e.g., cavity 132). The exemplary rotatable member may allow a movement of trigger assembly 115 in the second position.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, electromechanical assembly 200 may include any suitable components for facilitating and/or controlling operation of firearm 100, including safety system 125. For example, electromechanical assembly 200 may include a mechatronics and/or electromechanical control module for facilitating and/or controlling operation of firearm 100. For example, electromechanical assembly 200 may include a controller 265, a motor 270, a sensor 275, and a power source 280. Controller 265, motor 270, sensor 275, and power source 280 may operate together and with other components of firearm 100 to facilitate and/or control safety system 125 as disclosed herein. Electromechanical assembly 200 may be disposed in any suitable portion of firearm 100 such as, for example, grip 130. It is also contemplated that some, most, or substantially all components of electromechanical assembly 200 may be alternatively disposed and integrated into security assembly 215 (e.g., as disclosed below). Also for example, electromechanical assembly 200 may control an operation of safety system 125 (e.g., including mechanical lock assembly 210) and may control and/or drive rotation of exemplary members of safety system 125 as disclosed herein.
Controller 265 may include any type of suitable programmable logic controller for automating machine processes. Controller 265 may be made from any suitable material for logic control devices, and may include a protective housing of metal, plastic, or another durable material. Controller 265 may include input/output arrangements that allow it to be connected to motor 270, sensor 275, a user interface, and any other suitable components of safety system 125. Controller 265 may rely upon digital and/or analog techniques for processing input and output for controlling components of safety system 125. Controller 265 may communicate with the various components of firearm 100 via electrical lines. Controller 265 may for example include a plurality of circuit boards for facilitating operation of and/or controlling motor 270, sensor 275, power source 280, and/or other components of safety system 125.
Motor 270 may be any suitable arrangement or assembly for actuating or moving (e.g., mechanically actuating, driving, and/or moving) components of firearm 100. For example, motor 270 may be a brushless DC motor, an electric DC motor, a torque motor, a coreless rotor motor, or a magnet DC motor. For example, motor 270 may be a miniature coreless motor. For example, motor 270 may be a micro electric motor. For example, motor 270 may include a neodyn magnet that fits into armature coils, with a motorized shaft disposed in the magnet. Motor 270 may actuate, drive, and/or move components of safety system 125 as disclosed for example herein. For example, motor 270 may actuate, drive, and/or move components of safety system 125 via a movement (e.g., rotation) of a shaft or other movable component of motor 270.
Sensor 275 may be any suitable type of sensor for determining a position or location of any suitable component of firearm 100. For example, sensor 275 may be a magnetic sensor, a mechanical sensor such as a deflection sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor for measuring a position and/or location of a component of firearm 100 as disclosed herein. For example, sensor 275 may be a magnetic sensor that measures the position and/or location of a component of firearm 100 having magnetic properties as disclosed for example below. Sensor 275 may provide a signal indicative of a position and/or location of one or more components of firearm 100 as input to controller 265.
Power source 280 may be any suitable power source for providing energy to power an operation of components of firearm 100 such as, for example, controller 265, motor 270, and/or sensor 275. For example, power source 280 may be an electric power source such as, e.g., an electric power storage device, a solar-powered power storage device, and/or any other suitable type of power source. For example, power source 280 may be any suitable type of battery for powering components of firearm 100. For example, power source 280 may include a primary cell battery and/or a secondary cell battery. For example, power source 280 may include a lithium battery, an alkaline battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, and/or a zinc-carbon battery.
Motor 270 and power source 280 may for example comprise a power assembly. For example, the exemplary power assembly may include any exemplary embodiments disclosed above regarding motor 270 and/or power source 280. For example, the exemplary power assembly may be any suitable assembly of components for actuating, driving, and/or moving components of firearm 100 (e.g., by mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, magnetic, and/or any other suitable technique for actuating, driving, and/or moving components).
As illustrated in FIG. 14, electromechanical assembly 200 may be supported by electromechanical frame assembly 205. Electromechanical frame assembly 205 may be any suitable structural frame assembly for supporting controller 265, motor 270, sensor 275, and power source 280. For example, electromechanical frame assembly 205 may include a frame member 285. Frame member 285 may be a rigid structural member on which components of electromechanical assembly 200 may be mounted and that may protect electromechanical assembly 200. For example, frame member 285 may be a metal (e.g., or plastic or including any structural materials disclosed herein) structural frame member that may protect controller 265, motor 270, sensor 275, and power source 280 that are disposed in grip 130 of firearm 100. Frame member 285 may include an aperture 290. A member 295 may be movably attached to frame member 285 and may selectively cover aperture 290. For example, member 295 may be a door formed from material similar to frame member 285 and may selectively open and close access to electromechanical assembly 200. For example, member 295 may be movably attached to frame member 285 by any suitable technique, e.g., slidably attached to selectively cover and uncover aperture 290, rotatably attached by a hinge rotatably attaching member 295 to frame member 285, and/or any other suitable technique for movably attaching member 295 to frame member 285. For example, member 295 may cover aperture 290 so that aperture 290 is substantially sealed (e.g., member 295 may include a seal and/or sealing material to form a seal covering aperture 290 when closed on frame member 285). Also for example, a user may access member 295 by reaching into cavity 132 when magazine assembly 120 has been removed. For example, member 295 may be opened by a user to access electromechanical assembly 200 via aperture 290 when firearm 100 is unlocked as disclosed herein. For example, member 295 may be opened to allow a user to access electromechanical assembly 200 via aperture 290 when the user presses a button located on an interior surface of cavity 132 when firearm 100 is unlocked (e.g., when a user has successfully entered an access code as disclosed herein). Accordingly, a user may access electromechanical assembly 200 via member 295 when firearm 100 is unlocked, and may not access electromechanical assembly 200 when firearm 100 is locked. For example, a user may access electromechanical assembly 200 via member 295 when firearm 100 is unlocked to inspect, replace, and/or view components of electromechanical assembly 200 (e.g., to for example replace power source 280). Accordingly for example, electromechanical frame assembly 205 may provide an internally-operated door for accessing electromechanical assembly 200 (e.g., internally accessed via cavity 132 when firearm 100 is unlocked). Additionally for example, electromechanical assembly 200 may be mounted on electromechanical frame assembly 205, and electromechanical frame assembly 205 may seal electromechanical assembly 200 within grip 130 of firearm 100.
Based on the operation of electromechanical frame assembly 205 disclosed above, electromechanical assembly 200 may be for example protected from the elements (e.g., dirt, debris, and moisture) and external physical forces. For example, electromechanical frame assembly 205 (e.g., based on member 295 providing a sealed closing of aperture 290 as disclosed above) may provide for IP68 protection of firearm 100 (e.g., including electromechanical assembly 200) from the elements. For example, electromechanical frame assembly 205 may provide for substantially complete protection from dust ingress (or other particles or material) and/or substantially complete protection against immersion in liquid up to a desired external pressure. Also for example, electromechanical frame assembly 205 may include shock-absorbing material (e.g., any suitable material for absorbing and/or reducing vibrations such as, for example, elastic material such as polymers, elastic polymers, thermosetting plastics, rubber material, silicone rubber gel, and/or visco elastic polymer material) disposed at or adjacent to components of electromechanical assembly 200. For example, components of electromechanical assembly 200 mounted on electromechanical frame assembly 205 may be potted with shock-absorbing material to absorb impulse energy and/or reduce vibrations based on external shocks to firearm 100, firing of rounds from firearm 100, and/or any other forces or stresses to which firearm 100 is subjected. Also for example, electromechanical assembly 200 may be potted with shock-absorbing material.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, electromechanical assembly 200 may also include a member 300. Member 300 may be for example a safety lever that changes position based on whether or not a user has released and/or gripped firearm 100 (e.g., released and/or gripped grip 130 of firearm 100). For example, member 300 may be a sensor input (e.g., an electronic switch) that indicates whether or not a user has gripped and/or released firearm 100. For example, member 300 may be disposed in a first predetermined position when a user has gripped firearm 100 (e.g., gripped grip 130), and member 300 may be disposed in a second predetermined position when a user has released firearm 100 (e.g., a user is not gripping firearm 100). For example, firearm 100 may be in the unreleased position (e.g., a user is gripping firearm 100) when a user is carrying or firing firearm 100 or replacing an expended magazine assembly 120 (e.g., magazine from which rounds 175 have been expended) with a new magazine assembly 120 (e.g., filled with unexpended rounds 175). For example, member 300 may be moved between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position based on any suitable technique (e.g., mechanical movement based on a user gripping grip 130 and/or any other suitable technique). Member 300 may be sized and/or shaped based on a configuration of firearm 100 and/or a preference of a user. For example, member 300 may be of any suitable size or shape to accommodate a size of a user's hand and/or a size of grip 130 of a given firearm 100.
Sensor 275 may sense whether member 300 is in the first predetermined position corresponding to the gripped position or the second predetermined position corresponding to the released position. Sensor 275 may provide a signal to controller 265 indicating whether or not slide assembly 110 is released or unreleased based on sensing the position of member 300. For example as disclosed above regarding sensor 275, member 300 may include magnetic components or materials that may be sensed by sensor 275, which may be a magnetic sensor. For example, member 300 may include any suitable magnetic material, e.g., magnetized material such as magnetized iron, magnetized cobalt, rare-earth alloys, magnetized nickel, naturally occurring materials with magnetic properties, any suitable ferromagnetic material, and/or any suitable material that is attracted to a magnet such as cobalt, iron, nickel, and/or any other suitable material. For example, sensor 275 may be a magnetic sensor that senses a position of member 300 including magnetic material through a wall of grip 130. Also for example, sensor 275 may be a mechanical sensor or other suitable type of sensor that senses a position of member 300 by any suitable techniques.
For example, member 300 may be a release-indicating member that is disposable in a first position when grip 130 of firearm 100 is gripped and a second position when grip 130 of firearm 100 is released. Also for example, controller 265 (e.g., or a controller of security assembly 215) may prevent a rotation of an exemplary member (e.g., of mechanical lock assembly 210 as disclosed herein) based on sensing when the release-indicating member (e.g., member 300) is in the first or second position. Also for example, sensor 275 may be a magnetic sensor that senses the first and second positions of the release-indicating member (e.g., member 300).
As illustrated in FIGS. 15-17, mechanical lock assembly 210 may be any suitable assembly for selectively locking trigger assembly 115. For example, mechanical lock assembly 210 may be controlled and/or driven by electromechanical assembly 200 to selectively mechanically lock trigger assembly 115.
For example, mechanical lock assembly 210 may include a member 305 that may be moved based on an operation of electromechanical assembly 200. For example, motor 270 may operate to move member 305 between predetermined positions. For example, motor 270 may be mechanically connected to member 305 by any suitable configuration such as, e.g., by gears, mechanically interconnected components, and/or any other suitable type of mechanical connection. For example, motor 270 may operate to rotate one or more mechanical members connecting motor 270 and member 305, thereby moving member 305. For example as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 15, motor 270 may move a member 310 that is mechanically connected to member 305. For example, motor 270 may rotate member 310, which may rotate member 305 between two or more predetermined positions. For example, member 305 may be a selectively rotatable member. It is also contemplated that motor 270 may actuate a member to move member 305 in any desired manner such as, for example, translation (e.g., sideways or up and down) movement. It is also contemplated that member 305 may be moved by any other suitable technique such as, for example, hydraulically, pneumatically, and/or by an electrical motor co-located with member 305.
For example as illustrated in FIG. 15, motor 270 may be operated to move member 305 to a first predetermined position substantially blocking a movement of trigger assembly 115 (e.g., trigger bar 170). For example, when a user actuates trigger 165 to attempt to fire firearm 100, trigger 165 urges trigger bar 170 to move. If for example member 305 is in the first predetermined position illustrated in FIG. 15, member 305 blocks a movement of trigger bar 170. Member 305 may thereby act as a mechanical blocker of trigger assembly 115. For example, member 305 may be a rotatable member that is part of a rotational trigger lock formed by mechanical lock assembly 210.
Also for example as illustrated in FIG. 16, motor 270 may be operated to move member 305 to a second predetermined position allowing a movement of trigger assembly 115 (e.g., trigger bar 170). For example, when member 305 is in the second predetermined position illustrated in FIG. 16, a user may actuate trigger 165 to move trigger bar 170 and fire firearm 100. For example, based on the user actuating trigger 165, trigger bar 170 may be free to move, allowing firearm to move to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 17 in order to fire firearm 100.
For example, an exemplary member (e.g., member 305) may be driven by a power assembly (e.g., motor 270 and power source 280) between a first position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 15) and a second position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 16). The exemplary member may block a movement of trigger assembly 115 in the first position and may allow a movement of trigger assembly 115 in the second position. For example, the exemplary member may be a rotatable member that rotates between the first position and the second position.
Also for example as illustrated in FIG. 6, mechanical lock assembly 210 may include a member 315. Member 315 may be for example an elastic member such as an elastic band, an elastic cable, an elastic wire, an urging member such as a spring, and/or any other suitable member formed from materials having elastic or resilient properties and capable of being stretched and unstretched. For example, member 315 may be connected between components of mechanical lock assembly 210 and electromechanical assembly 200. Also for example, member 315 may allow firearm 100 to remain in a locked state based on an operation of electromechanical assembly 200 and/or mechanical lock assembly 210 regardless of whether firearm 100 is in a cocked or uncocked state based on a disposition of trigger assembly 115.
As illustrated in FIG. 18, security assembly 215 may be removably disposed on frame assembly 105. For example, security assembly 215 may be a rail accessory of firearm 100. For example, security assembly 215 may include an attachment portion 320 (e.g., rail attachment portion) that may be used to removably attach security assembly 215 to an attachment portion 325 (e.g., an attachment rail) of frame assembly 105.
Security assembly 215 may for example include components similar to electromechanical assembly 200 such as, e.g., a controller and a power source. Also for example, some, most, or substantially all components of electromechanical assembly 200 may be alternatively disposed in and/or integrated into security assembly 215. For example, power source 280 may alternatively be disposed in security assembly 215 (e.g., instead of electromechanical assembly 200) and may be used to power components of firearm 100 from a position within security assembly 215. Also for example, some, most, or substantially all components of security assembly 215 may be disposed in and/or integrated into electromechanical assembly 200.
Also for example, security assembly 215 may include an alarm module for securing and/or locking firearm 100. Similar to components (e.g., controller 265) of electromechanical assembly 200, the alarm module of security assembly 215 may include computer-executable code stored in non-volatile memory. For example, similar to electromechanical assembly 200, security assembly 215 may include computing device components such as a processor, Random Access Memory, a storage medium (e.g., hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash memory, cloud storage), an operating system (OS), one or more application software, one or more programming languages and one or more input/output devices/means (e.g., such as a user interface 330 disposed on grip 130 of firearm 100).
For example, security assembly 215 may facilitate and/or control security and locking features of firearm 100. For example, security assembly 215 may include a motion sensor having components such as, e.g., a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and/or any other suitable components that may detect a motion of firearm 100 (e.g., detect that firearm 100 is being picked up in a locked state). Also for example, security assembly 215 may include a timer that may set systems of firearm 100 (e.g., safety system 125) into a low power mode after a predetermined time period, when firearm 100 is in a locked state, and/or in any other desired state of firearm 100. Security assembly 215 may also include an alarm component that may emit an audio and/or visual (e.g., light-emitting and/or vibrating) alarm under predetermined conditions (e.g., when firearm is picked up in a locked state, or picked up in a locked state and not unlocked after a predetermined period of time). For example, the alarm component may include a piezoelectric device and/or any other suitable device for emitting an audio warning having wide sound dispersion.
For example, the alarm module of security assembly 215 may be disposed at any suitable portion of firearm 100 and/or security assembly 215 (e.g., integrated within frame assembly 105 and/or security assembly 215). An exemplary embodiment of the alarm module will now be described. The exemplary alarm module may be removable from firearm 100 by unlocking firearm 100 (e.g., unlocking components of safety system 125 as disclosed herein) and then disassembling firearm 100 to for example access a hidden additional locking mechanism (e.g., components of safety system 125 and/or the hidden additional locking mechanism may be removed by a user if desired). For example, a user may remove the exemplary alarm module at a front portion of trigger guard 135 at a receiver such as cavity 132 of firearm 100. For example, a user may utilize a fastener/release method (e.g., a fastener and/or spring type locking mechanism) that the user may press to release the exemplary alarm module. For example, firearm 100 may send a one-way digital command signal via a set of contacts on the receiver (e.g., cavity 132) with which the exemplary alarm module may make contact (e.g., when the exemplary alarm module is installed in firearm 100). For example, a one-way signal may be used as a simple technique to prevent unsuitable use of firearm 100 (e.g., hacking of firearm 100, e.g., including computer hacking). For example, the exemplary contacts may be suitably protected from a high voltage environment or other unsuitable ambient environment in order to protect exemplary electronics of firearm 100 (e.g., electronics of electromechanical assembly and/or security assembly 215). For example, the exemplary alarm module may include a power source (e.g., a battery or other power source similar to power source 280), audio components such as piezoelectric speakers, components such as those described above regarding controller 265, and/or mechanical and/or electrical connections to an exemplary light or laser light device (e.g., as disclosed for example above regarding light device 335). For example, the exemplary alarm module may provide a countdown based on a predetermined or preset time period (e.g., such as 10 seconds) when the exemplary alarm module detects motion. For example, unless firearm 100 is unlocked (e.g., as disclosed herein, e.g., including firearm 100 sending a signal to the exemplary alarm module indicating that firearm 100 is unlocked), the exemplary alarm module may emit an audio or other alarm (e.g., as disclosed above) if motion of firearm 100 is detected). Once the exemplary alarm module is sounding an alarm, the user stops the alarm by unlocking firearm 100 as disclosed above. For example when firearm 100 is unlocked, the exemplary alarm module may be disabled and/or enabled by entering input via user interface 330 and/or removing the exemplary alarm module and/or exemplary power source. For example, the exemplary power source (e.g., battery) of the exemplary alarm module may be accessible if the exemplary alarm is removed as disclosed for example herein.
Also for example, security assembly 215 may include a light device 335 such as a laser light device. For example, light device 335 may be a tactical laser light (e.g., a tactical light with red or green laser light). Also for example, light device 335 may include light-emitting diode components. For example, light device 335 may be powered from a power device disposed in security assembly 215 and/or power source 280 disposed in electromechanical assembly 200. For example, some, most, or substantially all components of security assembly 215 and/or electromechanical assembly 200 may be powered by a power source disposed in security assembly 215 and/or power source 280 disposed in electromechanical assembly 200. For example, security assembly 215 may be removably attachable to a rail (e.g., portion 325) of the firearm assembly (e.g., frame assembly 105), the security assembly including at least one of an alarm and a laser light.
Also for example, security assembly 215 may include a housing 340. Similar to electromechanical frame assembly 205 disclosed above, housing 340 may provide a sealed closure to protect components of security assembly 215 from the elements (e.g., dirt, debris, moisture, and/or any other IP68 standard protection) and external physical forces. Also for example similar to electromechanical frame assembly 205 disclosed above, security assembly 215 may include shock-absorbing material disposed at or adjacent to components of security assembly 215 to absorb impulse energy and/or reduce vibrations based on external shocks and/or any other forces or stresses to which security assembly 215 is subjected.
Security assembly 215 may operate to selectively lock and unlock firearm 100 based on user input, signals received from electromechanical assembly 200, and/or predetermined conditions. For example, a user may put firearm 100 into either a locked state or an unlocked state based on input entered into user interface 330 and/or following a predetermined time period of inactivity (e.g., set by the user) of firearm 100 (e.g., based on whether or not security assembly 215 detects if firearm 100 is moved). Firearm 100 may be placed into a locked state based on any predetermined criteria (e.g., if slide assembly 110 remains in an unreleased position for a predetermined amount of time). Also for example, firearm 100 may be placed in a locked state remotely (e.g., based on remote signals received by electromechanical assembly 200 and/or security assembly 215). For example, security assembly 215 may place firearm 100 in a locked and/or unlocked state based on any suitable criteria or conditions. For example, if firearm 100 is in a locked state, security assembly 215 may cause an alarm to sound as disclosed above if firearm 100 is picked up or moved. Also for example, security assembly 215 may cause an alarm to remain inactive when firearm 100 is in an unlocked state. For example, a user may unlock firearm 100 by entering a predetermined code into user interface 330 (e.g., set by the user or another source such as the manufacturer), by using a key (e.g., a mechanical key and/or a fob key using near field communication that may unlock firearm 100), entering biometric data (e.g., via a thumbprint or a retina scan provided to biometric-reading components that may be disposed in firearm 100), and/or audio input (e.g., voice command processed by audio components that may be disposed in firearm 100) within a predetermined amount of time after picking up firearm 100. Also for example, a user may enter the predetermined code to cause security assembly 215 to stop an alarm from sounding (e.g., when the alarm was unintentionally set off). For example, a signal indicating that firearm 100 is locked and/or unlocked may be provided in a binary fashion (e.g., 0 indicating firearm 100 is unlocked and 1 indicating that firearm 100 is locked). For example, components of safety system 125 or other components of firearm 100 may generate or be provided with a binary signal indicating a locked or unlocked state of firearm 100. Also for example, components of safety system 125 or other components of firearm 100 may generate or be provided with a signal indicating whether or not slide assembly 110 has been released, whether or not magazine assembly 120 is inserted into cavity 132, whether or not member 295 is open to expose aperture 290, whether member 305 is blocking trigger assembly 115, and/or whether slide cover assembly 220 is locked or unlocked (e.g., based on operation, input, and/or output provided by components of safety system 125 as disclosed for example herein).
As illustrated in FIG. 20, slide cover assembly 220 may be any suitable assembly for locking and securing frame assembly 105 and/or slide assembly 110. For example, slide cover assembly 220 may be a lockable assembly that may substantially prevent access to components of safety system 125 disposed in firearm 100. For example, slide cover assembly 220 may include a member 345 and a member 350. Members 345 and 350 may be for example hardened members that are resistant to fracture and failure (e.g., hardened structural members such as members formed from hardened plastic, hardened metal, or other materials resistant to damage such as the exemplary materials disclosed herein). For example as illustrated in FIG. 20, member 345 may be locked into place at an end portion of slide assembly 110 based on an attachment to member 350 that may be disposed within firearm 100. Slide cover assembly 220 may thereby substantially prevent unsuitable access to firearm 100. For example when firearm 100 is in a locked state as disclosed for example herein, member 345 may not be removed (e.g., based on an attachment to member 350). Also for example, if member 345 is forcibly removed, then security assembly 215 may sound an alarm as disclosed above. Also for example, when firearm 100 is in an unlocked state (e.g., when a user has unlocked firearm 100 by entering input or using a key as disclosed for example herein), member 345 may be removed from slide assembly 110 and components of safety system 125 disposed within firearm 100 may be accessed by a user (e.g., without security assembly 215 setting off an alarm). For example, slide assembly 110 may include a lockable assembly (e.g., slide cover assembly 220) that may be disposed at a rear portion of slide assembly 110.
For example, an exemplary method for using a firearm may include providing a first rotatable member (e.g., member 305) and a second rotatable member (e.g., member 240) in a firearm assembly (e.g., frame assembly 105). The exemplary method may also include rotating the first rotatable member to selectively block movement of a first portion of trigger assembly 115. The exemplary method may further include rotating the second rotatable member to selectively block movement of a second portion of trigger assembly 115. For example, the first portion of trigger assembly 115 may be a rear portion of trigger bar 170, and the first rotatable member may be disposed at the rear portion of trigger bar 170. Also for example, the second portion of trigger assembly 115 may be trigger 165 of trigger assembly 115, and the second rotatable member may be disposed in a magazine cavity (e.g., cavity 132) of firearm 100.
The exemplary disclosed firearm and method for using a firearm may provide safety features that may be used in any firearm in a large amount of jurisdictions. For example, the exemplary disclosed firearm may be used in jurisdictions having regulations setting forth that a firearm is inoperable when a magazine has been removed. Also for example, the exemplary disclosed embodiments may be used to provide safety features in any suitable type of firearm such as, for example, pistols, rifles, machine guns, submachine guns, automatic rifles, and/or assault rifles.
An exemplary operation of firearm 100 will now be described. A user may for example pick up firearm 100. Slide assembly 110 of firearm 100 may be released (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2) and no magazine assembly 120 may be inserted in cavity 132. Also, no rounds 175 may be disposed (e.g., in a chamber) in firearm 100. Firearm 100 may be in a locked state (e.g., based on the user previously locking firearm 100 via user interface 330 or firearm 100 being inactive for a predetermined amount of time). For example, user interface 330 may be disposed on a surface (e.g., an exterior surface) of firearm 100, and components of firearm 100 disclosed herein may move (e.g., rotate) based on input received from a user via user interface 330. The user may enter a predetermined code into user interface 330 (e.g., or use a mechanical key or key fob as input or as a mechanical technique for unlocking firearm 100). Based on the user input and/or key operation, security assembly 215 and/or electromechanical assembly 200 may change the status of firearm 100 from locked to unlocked. If a user does not enter a predetermined code or other authenticating input as disclosed for example above (e.g., fob key, voice-activation, and/or biometric data) within a predetermined time period, security assembly 215 and/or electromechanical assembly 200 may control the alarm component to emit a warning. The alarm warning may continue until deactivated by a user by successfully entering authentication data as disclosed above.
Because firearm 100 may be in a released state (e.g., grip 130 has been released), member 300 may be disposed in the second predetermined position indicating firearm 100 is in the released position. Sensor 275 determines that member 300 is in the second position and signals to security assembly 215 and/or electromechanical assembly 200 that firearm 100 is released based on the position of member 300. For example, when slide assembly 110 is determined as released (e.g., or unreleased), security assembly 215 and/or electromechanical assembly 200 may allow an operation of mechanical lock assembly 210. For example, the user if desired may enter input to user interface 330 (e.g., press a predetermined function button on grip 130) to cause mechanical lock assembly 210 to drive member 305 to move to the first predetermined position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 15) substantially blocking a movement of trigger assembly 115 (e.g., trigger bar 170) so that firearm 100 may not be able to fire. By doing so, the user may place firearm 100 into a heightened state of safety during performance of certain operations (also for example, firearm 100 may additionally be prevented from firing based on an operation of trigger lock assembly 195 as disclosed below). For example, the user may reverse a configuration of magazine lock assembly 190 by removing fastener 230, reversing a configuration of release member 225, and re-attaching release member 225 to structural frame assembly 185 and/or frame assembly 105 via fastener 230 as disclosed above (e.g., the user may adjust magazine lock assembly 190 based on personal preference such as whether the user is left-handed or right-handed). After the user has completed an operation of reconfiguring magazine lock assembly 190, the user may enter input to user interface 330 to cause mechanical lock assembly 210 to drive member 305 to move to the second predetermined position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 16) substantially allowing a movement of trigger assembly 115 (e.g., trigger bar 170) so that firearm 100 may fire (e.g., when magazine assembly 120 is inserted into cavity 132 as disclosed below).
In addition to the safety features provided by mechanical lock assembly 210 above (if desired), firearm 100 may also not fire based on an operation of trigger lock assembly 195. For example, when no magazine assembly 120 is inserted in cavity 132 as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, urging member 245 urges member 240 to rotate about mounting member 235 to be disposed in a position substantially blocking a movement of trigger 165. Accordingly, a user may not be able to fire firearm 100 when no magazine assembly 120 is inserted in cavity 132, if desired. If this additional safety feature is not desired by the user, then the user may remove trigger lock assembly 195 as disclosed above.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the user may insert magazine assembly 120 into cavity 132. Member 240 is thereby urged by magazine assembly 120 to rotate about mounting member 235 to be disposed in a position allowing movement of trigger 165. With trigger lock assembly 195 (and also mechanical lock assembly 210 as disclosed above) allowing firearm 100 to fire, the user may fire rounds 175 from firearm 100 as disclosed herein.
While firearm 100 is in the state illustrated in FIG. 1A or 2, (e.g., magazine assembly including rounds 175 inserted into cavity 175, slide assembly 110 released, and mechanical lock assembly 210 not blocking an operation of trigger assembly 115), a user may continue to fire rounds 175 from firearm 100. If desired, the user may quickly and easily put firearm 100 into a safe (e.g., no-fire mode) by entering input (e.g., pushing a button) on user interface 330. The user may for example enter input causing mechanical lock assembly 210 to drive member 305 to move to the first predetermined position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 15) substantially blocking a movement of trigger assembly 115 (e.g., trigger bar 170) so that firearm 100 may not be able to fire. The user may maintain firearm 100 in this safe (e.g., no-fire) mode for as long as desired. When the user wishes to fire firearm 100 again, the user may again enter input to user interface 330 to cause mechanical lock assembly 210 to move member 305 to move to the second predetermined position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 16) substantially allowing a movement of trigger assembly 115 (e.g., trigger bar 170 as illustrated in FIG. 17) so that firearm 100 may fire.
After a user expends all rounds 175 of magazine assembly 120 (e.g., and no rounds 175 remain in the chamber of firearm 100), slide assembly 110 may automatically move to the position illustrated in FIG. 1B. A user may release firearm 100 (release a grip from grip 130). When grip 130 is released, member 300 is disposed in the second predetermined position, which may be sensed by sensor 275. When sensor 275 determines that member 300 is in the second position, sensor 275 may signal to security assembly 215 and/or electromechanical assembly 200 that firearm 100 is released based on the position of member 300. For example, when firearm 100 is determined as released, security assembly 215 and/or electromechanical assembly 200 may substantially prevent an operation of mechanical lock assembly 210 (e.g., to avoid an unintentional operation of mechanical lock assembly 210 and/or possible unsuitable operation of firearm 100 by attempting to move member 305 when firearm 100 is released).
A user may remove expended magazine assembly 120 from cavity 132, which causes member 240 to block trigger 165 as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 and disclosed above (thereby substantially preventing the user from pulling trigger 165 to operate firearm 100). The user may insert a new magazine assembly 120, which causes member 240 to move to allow a user to pull trigger 165 as illustrated in FIG. 8.
The user may then grip firearm 100 to continue to fire firearm 100. When the user grips firearm 100, member 300 moves to the first predetermined position indicating that firearm 100 is gripped. Sensor 275 determines that member 300 is in the first position and signals to security assembly 215 and/or electromechanical assembly 200 that firearm 100 is gripped based on the position of member 300. When firearm 100 is determined as gripped for example, security assembly 215 and/or electromechanical assembly 200 may again allow an operation of mechanical lock assembly 210 to allow the user to selectively place firearm 100 in a safe (e.g., no-fire) mode by entering input (e.g., pressing a button) to user interface 330 (e.g., as disclosed above, to move member 305 to a position blocking trigger assembly 115 as illustrated in FIG. 15). It is also contemplated that the above operation may be allowed when firearm 100 is determined as released (e.g., not gripped, based on a position of member 300). The user may also place firearm 100 in a locked state by entering input into user interface 330 (e.g., to enter input to security assembly 215 and/or electromechanical assembly 200 to emit an alarm if firearm 100 is picked up or moved without authentication as disclosed above).
For example, various states of firearm 100 may be controlled based on a user entering input to firearm 100 via user interface 330. For example when firearm 100 is not in use (e.g., sleeping), firearm 100 may be in a low power consumption mode (e.g., a first state that may be an ultra-low power consumption mode in which relatively little power is used in order to preserve the operating duration of the exemplary power source). For example if an exemplary power source becomes low (e.g., low on energy), electromechanical assembly 200 may instruct an audio component to emit an audio alarm (e.g., a chirping sound or any other suitable audio alarm) or other alarm such as a visual alarm. Firearm 100 may remain in (e.g., or return to) the low power consumption mode when firearm 100 detects no motion of firearm 100 for a predetermined period of time as disclosed for example above.
For example when firearm 100 detects motion of firearm 100, a user may be prompted to enter an authorization code as disclosed for example above (e.g., a second state of firearm 100). For example, the user may enter the code using letter and/or number buttons as illustrated in FIG. 19. For example, if an authentication code (e.g., PIN such as a user-generated PIN and/or a Factory-provided PIN) is entered incorrectly after a predetermined number of attempts, firearm 100 may be disabled for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., if the authentication code is entered incorrectly five times, firearm 100 may be disabled for 1 hour, e.g., or disabled for any other suitable amount of time following any suitable number of incorrect attempts). When a user successfully enters an authentication code, one or more components of safety system 125 may be unlocked. For example, when an authentication code has not been successfully entered (e.g., when firearm 100 is in the low power consumption mode disclosed above), one or more exemplary assemblies of safety system 125 disclosed above may prevent firearm 100 from firing (and/or an alarm may be emitted as disclosed above).
For example after an authentication code has been entered, firearm 100 may be in a ready-to-fire state (e.g., a third state). For example, when firearm 100 is in motion (e.g., and/or member 300 is in the first predetermined position indicating that firearm 100 is gripped) and an authentication code has been successfully entered, firearm 100 may be in the ready-to-fire state. Also for example, firearm 100 may be in a third alternative state that may be a sleeping and unlocked state, e.g., firearm 100 may be ready-to-fire and one or more LEDs (e.g., red LEDs) disposed on firearm 100 may indicate that firearm 100 is unlocked (e.g., firearm 100 is not in motion and/or gripped, but may still be ready-to-fire).
User interface 330 may for example include function buttons (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 19) for controlling the above states of firearm 100. For example, a user may use interface 330 to enter a temporary on/off command to lock and unlock firearm 100 for brief periods of time (e.g., by pressing for example button “A” illustrated in FIG. 19). Also for example, a user may use interface 330 to enable and/or disable an exemplary alarm as disclosed above (e.g., by pressing button “B” illustrated in FIG. 19). Further for example, a user may use interface 330 to operate components of safety system 125 such as an operation of member 305 disclosed above (e.g., by pressing button “C” illustrated in FIG. 19). Also for example, a user may use interface 330 to change an authentication code of firearm 100 (for example by pressing two buttons simultaneously, e.g., by simultaneously pressing buttons “B” and “C” illustrated in FIG. 19, which may for example activate assemblies of safety system 125 to lock firearm 100 to prevent firearm 100 from firing while entering and confirming a PIN change).
The exemplary disclosed firearm and method for using a firearm may provide an intuitively simple device and technique for incorporating safety features into a firearm to reduce the probability of unsuitable use. For example, the exemplary device and method may provide a technique for putting a firearm into a safe (e.g., no-fire) mode if desired when a magazine assembly is not inserted into the firearm and/or a user enters input via a user interface. Also for example, the exemplary device and method may provide a simple way to lock and unlock a firearm and to provide an alarm if the firearm is picked up or used without proper authentication (e.g., without being unlocked by a user). Further for example, the exemplary device and method may provide a simple way to put a firearm in a safe (e.g., no-fire) state based on a user entering simple input (e.g., pushing a button).
It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed firearm and method. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed method and apparatus. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A firearm, comprising:

a power assembly;

a member driven by the power assembly between a first position and a second position; and

a trigger assembly;

wherein the member blocks a movement of the trigger assembly in the first position;

wherein the member allows a movement of the trigger assembly in the second position; and

wherein the member is a rotatable member that rotates between the first position and the second position.

2. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising a structural frame assembly that is disposed in the firearm and that extends along more than half of a length of the firearm.

3. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising a controller disposed in a grip of the firearm, the controller controlling the member.

4. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the rotation of the member is driven by a miniature motor.

5. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising an electromechanical assembly disposed in the firearm, the electromechanical assembly controlling the member and driving rotation of the member.

6. The firearm of claim 5, wherein the electromechanical assembly is mounted on a structural frame, the structural frame sealing the electromechanical assembly within a grip of the firearm.

7. The firearm of claim 6, wherein the electromechanical assembly is potted with shock-absorbing material.

8. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising a user interface disposed on a surface of the firearm, the member rotating based on input received from the user interface.

9. The firearm of claim 1, further including a release-indicating member that is disposable in a first position when the firearm is gripped by a user and a second position when the firearm is released by a user.

10. The firearm of claim 9, wherein a controller disposed in the firearm prevents a rotation of the member based on sensing the first position or the second position of the release-indicating member.

11. The firearm of claim 9, further comprising a magnetic sensor that senses the first and second positions of the release-indicating member.

12. An apparatus, comprising:

a firearm assembly including a magazine cavity configured to removably receive a magazine assembly;

a trigger assembly;

a rotatable member disposed within the firearm assembly;

an urging member disposed within the firearm assembly;

wherein the urging member urges the rotatable member to move to an urged position blocking a movement of the trigger assembly; and

wherein a portion of the rotatable member extends into the magazine cavity when the rotatable member is in the urged position.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the rotatable member and the urging member are removably attachable within the firearm assembly.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, further including a magazine assembly that moves the urging member to a second position when the magazine assembly is inserted into the magazine cavity.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the rotatable member allows a movement of the trigger assembly in the second position.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a security assembly removably attachable to a rail of the firearm assembly, the security assembly including at least one of an alarm and a laser light.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a slide assembly movably disposed on the firearm assembly, the slide assembly including a lockable assembly disposed at a rear portion of the slide assembly.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a magazine lock assembly that is removably attachable in a first orientation and in a second orientation to an interior surface of the magazine cavity.

19. A method for using a firearm, comprising:

providing a first rotatable member in a firearm assembly;

providing a second rotatable member in the firearm assembly;

rotating the first rotatable member to selectively block movement of a first portion of a trigger assembly; and

rotating the second rotatable member to selectively block movement of a second portion of the trigger assembly.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first portion of the trigger assembly is a rear portion of a trigger bar, and the first rotatable member is disposed at the rear portion of the trigger bar.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the second portion of the trigger assembly is a trigger of the trigger assembly, and the second rotatable member is disposed in a magazine cavity of the firearm.