Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
  • F41A33/00—Adaptations for training; Gun simulators

Definitions

• the practice process builds muscle memory, and helps the shooter develop proper techniques of delivery and complete weapon control.
• Nos.9,182,189 and 11,460,271 included a swing lock configured to interact with a member in the pistol’s magazine well to lift and place the lever in the proper position with respect to the pistol’s trigger mechanism when the device is inserted into the pistol’s magazine well.
• the swing lock was discovered to have drawbacks when used with some smaller models of firearms in that it would catch in the magazine well of some pistols causing unnecessary wear and tear. In some rare examples, the swing lock unnecessarily scored the pistol’s magazine well after repeated use.
• a further drawback was the swing lock included additional moving parts that created an additional possible point-of-failure. Furthermore, due to the configuration of the swing lock, it was 3 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 necessarily narrower than the lever.
• a dry fire training device is designed for use with a fully functional firearm with a trigger mechanism.
• the dry fire training device includes a rigid outer case.
• the rigid outer case is designed to engage with the magazine slot or well of the firearm.
• Within the outer case is a lever.
• the lever is configured to pivot between two positions – a resting position and a firing position.
• the lever is biased in the resting position.
• the lever includes a trigger bias component or protrusion.
• the trigger bias protrusion is a molded part of the lever or otherwise fixedly attached to the lever.
• the trigger bias protrusion is configured such that when the rigid outer case is inserted into the magazine well of the firearm, the trigger bias protrusion frictionally engages with the interior surface of the magazine well and pushes the lever backward and positions the lever behind the trigger mechanism and in the resting position.
• the trigger 4 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 mechanism is pulled the trigger mechanism pushes the lever into the firing position.
• the trigger mechanism is released, the lever returns to its resting position and pushes the trigger mechanism back to its original position, ready to fire again.
• a detent reed connected to the lever. The detent reed provides tactile and audible feedback every time the trigger mechanism is pulled and the lever is pivoted between positions.
• the device includes a compression spring functionally situated between the lever and the outer case to bias the lever in the resting position.
• the outer case of the dry fire training device has a top end portion, a bottom end portion, a front portion, a back portion, two opposing side portions, an exterior surface and an interior cavity.
• the interior cavity has inside surfaces at the top end portion, the bottom end portion, the front portion, the back portion, and the two opposing side portions.
• the outer case also has a platform at the inside top end portion for engagement with the compression spring.
• the lever is pivotably carried within the interior cavity of the case.
• the lever is elongate and has a bottom end portion that is proximate the inside bottom surface of the interior cavity.
• the lever also has a top end portion that is proximate the top end portion of the rigid outer case.
• the trigger bias protrusion includes a projection at the top end portion of the lever that engages with the trigger mechanism of the firearm.
• the lever also includes a projection for engagement with the compression spring.
• the lever pivots on a fulcrum within the outer case, preferably connected between the two opposing side portions.
• the detent reed is interconnected with the lever and adjacent the inside back surface of the rigid outer case.
• the detent reed is formed of a material that generates a 5 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 tactile and audible signal when manipulated through an activation point between an un-tripped position and a tripped position.
• the training device also includes a regulating assembly inside the interior cavity of the rigid outer case near the top end portion.
• the regulating assembly has a set screw base carrying a regulating set screw that operatively communicates with the detent reed to provide adjustability to the activation point of the detent reed. This makes the tactile and audible feedback of the detent reed adjustable.
• the training device also includes a microswitch lever pivotally carried by the lever near the bottom end portion and near the inside back surface of the rigid outer case.
• the microswitch lever includes a microswitch thereon that is activated when the microswitch makes contact with the inside back surface of the rigid outer case when the lever is pivotally moved rearwardly responsive to actuation of the firearm trigger mechanism.
• the training device also includes a microprocessor within the outer case and connected to the microswitch. The microprocessor sends a signal when the microswitch is activated.
• the trigger bias protrusion is located on the lever between the top end portion and the bottom end portion. The trigger bias protrusion has an end portion that extends through an orifice in the front portion of the rigid outer case.
• the exterior surface of the bottom end portion of the outer case includes an attachment interface configured to engage with a firearm accessories mounting 6 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 platform, such as (but not limited to) the Picatinny rail system.
• the attachment interface is fixedly connected to and integral with the outer case. In some other embodiments, the attachment interface is removably attached to the outer case.
• a method of manufacturing a dry fire training device designed for use with a fully functional firearm with a trigger mechanism, includes providing a rigid outer case.
• the rigid outer case is designed to engage with the magazine well of the firearm.
• a lever is arranged to pivot between two positions – a resting position and a firing position.
• the lever is biased in the resting position.
• the trigger bias protrusion is a molded part of the lever or otherwise fixedly attached to the lever.
• the trigger bias protrusion is configured such that when the rigid outer case is inserted into the magazine well of the firearm, the trigger bias protrusion frictionally engages with the interior surface of the magazine well and pushes the lever backward and positions the lever behind the trigger mechanism and in the resting position.
• a method of using the dry fire training device includes inserting the training device into the magazine well of a fully functional firearm with a trigger mechanism and actuating the trigger mechanism one or more times.
• the 7 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 method of use also includes removing the dry fire training device from the magazine well of the firearm and/or reinserting another (or the same) dry fire training device into the magazine well.
• Fig.1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the dry fire training device.
• Fig. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the dry fire training device.
• Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dry fire training device.
• Fig. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the dry fire training device.
• Fig. 5 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the dry fire training device.
• Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the dry fire training device.
• 8 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• one or more embodiment(s) are disclosed herein and described in detail; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment(s) are merely examples, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present concept in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Referring to the embodiment shown in Fig.
• a dry fire training device 10 is designed with a fully functional firearm (not shown) having a trigger mechanism (not shown).
• the dry fire training device 10 includes a rigid outer case comprised of two opposing sides 101 and 102.
• the rigid outer case is sized, shaped, and configured to engage with the ammunition magazine compartment of the firearm.
• the outer case is designed to engage with a Glock 43x or Glock 48.
• the training device 10 is configured to be substantially interchangeable with a standard 10-round 9 mm ammunition magazine for a Glock 43x or Glock 48.
• the outer case is designed to engage with a Glock 17 or 40.
• the outer case is designed to engage with a Smith & Wesson M&P. In some other embodiments (not shown), the outer case is designed to engage with a Sig Sauer P320. In some other embodiments (not shown), the outer case is designed to engage with a Springfield Armory XD. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the outer case can be designed to engage with virtually any firearm with an ammunition magazine compartment.
• a lever 104 within the outer case is a lever 104.
• the lever 104 is configured to pivot between two positions – a resting position and a firing position.
• the lever 104 is biased in 9 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 the resting position.
• the lever 104 includes a trigger bias protrusion 120.
• the trigger bias protrusion 120 is sized and shaped such that when the rigid outer case is inserted into the magazine well of the firearm, the trigger bias protrusion 120 frictionally engages with the interior surface of the magazine well and pushes the lever 104 rearward and positions the lever 104 behind the trigger mechanism and in the resting position.
• the trigger bias protrusion 120 is configured to be non- moveable or fixed relative to the lever 104. As shown in Fig. 1, the trigger bias protrusion 120 is a molded part of the lever 104. In some embodiments (not shown) the trigger bias protrusion 120 is fixedly attached to the lever 104. When the trigger mechanism is pulled the trigger mechanism pushes the lever 104 into the firing position.
• a detent reed 111 connected to the lever 104.
• the detent reed 111 provides tactile and audible feedback every time the trigger mechanism is pulled and the lever 104 is pivoted between positions.
• the detent reed 111 is lodged against the interior surface of the outer case. In some other embodiments, the detent reed 111 rests against a regulating set screw 109.
• the device 10 includes a compression spring 110 functionally situated between the lever 104 and the outer case (101 and 102) to bias the lever 104 in the resting position.
• the outer case of the dry fire training device 10 is formed when opposing sides 101 and 102 are connected to one another using screws or adhesive.
• the outer case has a top end portion, a bottom end portion, a front portion, a back portion, two opposing side portions, an exterior surface and an interior cavity.
• the interior cavity of the outer case has inside surfaces at the top end portion, the bottom end portion, the front portion, the back portion, and the 10 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 two opposing side portions 101 and 102.
• the outer case also has a platform at the inside top end portion for engagement with the compression spring 110.
• the lever 104 is pivotably carried within the interior cavity of the rigid outer case.
• the lever 104 is elongate and has a bottom end portion that is proximate the inside bottom surface of the interior cavity.
• the lever 104 also has a top end portion that is proximate the top end portion of the rigid outer case.
• the trigger bias protrusion 120 includes a projection at the top end portion of the lever 104 that engages with the trigger mechanism of the firearm.
• the lever 104 also includes a projection for engagement with the compression spring 110.
• the lever 104 pivots on a fulcrum within the outer case, preferably connected between the two opposing side portions 101 and 102.
• the detent reed 111 is connected to the lever 104 at one end and adjacent the inside back surface of the rigid outer case at the other end.
• the detent reed 111 is formed of a material that generates a tactile and audible signal when manipulated through an activation point between an un-tripped position and a tripped position.
• the end of the detent reed 111 opposite the lever 104 rests against a regulating set screw 109.
• the training device 10 also includes a regulating assembly inside the interior cavity of the rigid outer case near the top end portion.
• the regulating assembly has a set screw base 103 carrying a regulating set screw 109 that operatively communicates with the detent reed 111 to provide adjustability to the activation point of the detent reed 111. This makes the tactile and audible feedback of the detent reed 111 adjustable.
• the training device 10 also includes a microswitch lever pivotally carried by the lever near the bottom end portion and near the inside back surface of the rigid outer case.
• the microswitch lever includes a microswitch thereon that is activated when the microswitch makes contact with the inside back surface of the rigid outer case 11 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 when the lever is pivotally moved rearwardly responsive to actuation of the firearm trigger mechanism.
• the training device 10 also includes a microprocessor on a printed circuit board 105 within and connected to the outer case. The microprocessor is connected to the microswitch. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Fig. 1, the microswitch 117 is located on the PC board 105 and is activated by an adjustment screw 115 that runs through the lever 104, when the lever is actuated from the resting position to the firing position.
• the microprocessor sends a signal when the microswitch 117 is activated.
• the signal activates a light source or emitter.
• the signal activates an LED 108.
• the LED 108 is powered by a battery 106 located within the rigid outer case.
• the signal sent by the microprocessor when the microswitch 117 is activated is infrared.
• the signal sent by the microprocessor when the microswitch 117 is activated is light in the visible spectrum.
• the signal sent by the microprocessor when the microswitch 117 is activated is ultraviolet.
• the signal sent by the microprocessor when the microswitch 117 is activated is Bluetooth.
• the signal sent by the microprocessor when the microswitch 117 is activated is sound. In some embodiments, the signal sent by the microprocessor when the microswitch 117 is activated is vibration.
• the trigger bias protrusion 120 is located on the lever 104 between the top end portion and the bottom end portion. The trigger bias protrusion 120 has an end portion that extends through an orifice in the front portion of the rigid outer case.
• the exterior surface of the bottom end portion of the outer case includes an attachment interface 130 configured to engage with a firearm accessories mounting platform, such as (but not limited to) the Picatinny rail system.
• a firearm accessories mounting platform such as (but not limited to) the Picatinny rail system.
• the attachment interface 130 can be designed to engage with virtually any firearm accessories mounting platform.
• the attachment interface 130 is fixedly connected to or an integral part of the outer case.
• the attachment interface 130 is removably affixed to the outer case.
• a front view of an embodiment of the dry fire training device 10 is shown.
• the training device 10 includes a rigid outer case.
• the lever 104 extends through the top of the rigid outer case.
• the trigger bias protrusion 120 extends through an orifice in the front portion of the rigid outer case.
• Adjustment screw 115 is accessible through the rigid outer case and runs through the lever 104 such that a microswitch is activated when the lever is actuated from the resting position to the firing position.
• the attachment interface 130 is located at the exterior surface of the bottom end portion of the outer case.
• the training device 10 includes the rigid outer case.
• the lever 104 extends through the top of the rigid outer case.
• the trigger bias protrusion 120 extends through the orifice in the front portion of the rigid outer case.
• the attachment interface 130 is located at the exterior surface of the bottom end portion of the outer case.
• a side view of an embodiment of the dry fire training device 10 is shown.
• the training device 10 includes a rigid outer case.
• the lever 104 extends through the top 13 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 of the rigid outer case.
• Compression spring 110 is positioned between the lever 104 and the rigid outer case to bias the lever 104 in the resting position.
• the trigger bias protrusion 120 extends through an orifice in the front portion of the rigid outer case.
• the attachment interface 130 is located at the exterior surface of the bottom end portion of the outer case.
• a bottom view of an embodiment of the dry fire training device 10 is shown.
• the training device 10 includes the rigid outer case.
• the attachment interface 130 is located at the exterior surface of the bottom end portion of the outer case.
• a dry fire training device 10 includes the rigid outer case comprised of two opposing sides 101 and 102.
• lever 104 Within the outer case is lever 104, configured to pivot between two positions – a resting position and a firing position.
• the lever 104 is biased in the resting position.
• the lever 104 includes the trigger bias protrusion 120.
• the trigger bias protrusion 120 is sized and shaped such that when the rigid outer case is inserted into the magazine well of the firearm, the trigger bias protrusion 120 frictionally engages with the interior surface of the magazine well and pushes the lever 104 rearward and positions the lever 104 behind the trigger mechanism and in the resting position.
• the trigger bias protrusion 120 is configured to be non-moveable or fixed relative to the lever 104.
• the trigger mechanism When the trigger mechanism is pulled the trigger mechanism pushes the lever 104 into the firing position.
• the lever 104 returns to its resting position and pushes the trigger mechanism back to its original position, ready to fire again.
• a detent reed 111 within the outer case (101 and 102) is a detent reed 111 connected to the lever 104.
• the detent reed 111 provides tactile and audible feedback every time the trigger mechanism is pulled and the lever 104 is pivoted between positions.
• the device 10 also includes 14 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 compression spring 110 functionally situated between the lever 104 and the outer case (101 and 102) to bias the lever 104 in the resting position.
• the training device 10 also includes a regulating assembly inside the interior cavity of the rigid outer case near the top end portion.
• the regulating assembly has a set screw base 103 carrying a regulating set screw 109 that operatively communicates with the detent reed 111 to provide adjustability to the activation point of the detent reed 111.
• the dry fire training device is manufactured by providing the rigid outer case sides 101 and 102. Within one side of the outer case (either 101 or 102) the lever 104 is situated such that it can pivot between two positions – a resting position and a firing position. The lever 104 is biased in the resting position.
• the lever 104 includes the trigger bias protrusion 120 fixedly attached to the lever 104.
• the lever 104 and trigger bias protrusion 120 are situated within the outer case such that when the device 10 is fully assembled and inserted into the magazine well of the firearm, the trigger bias protrusion 120 frictionally engages with the interior surface of the magazine well and pushes the lever 104 rearward and positions the lever 104 behind the trigger mechanism and in the resting position.
• the trigger bias protrusion 120 frictionally engages with the interior surface of the magazine well and pushes the lever 104 rearward and positions the lever 104 behind the trigger mechanism and in the resting position.
• the trigger mechanism pushes the lever 104 into the firing position.
• the lever 104 15 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 returns to its resting position and pushes the trigger mechanism back to its original position, ready to fire again.
• the detent reed 111 is connected to the lever 104.
• the set screw 109 and set screw base 103 are positioned within the outer case as previously described.
• the microprocessor, PC board 105 and microswitch are placed within the outer case.
• the battery 106 and LED 108 are placed within the outer case and functionally connected to the microprocessor and microswitch.
• the two sides of the outer case 101 and 102 are connected to one another.
• the compression spring 110 is functionally situated between the lever 104 and the outer case to bias the lever 104 in the resting position. Adjustment screw 115 and set screw 109 are adjusted for optimal performance for a specific firearm, in accordance with the description of the device provided herein.
• a training device 10 In use, a training device 10 according to that which is described herein is provided.
• the training device 10 is inserted into the magazine well of a fully functional firearm.
• the trigger bias protrusion 120 frictionally engages with the interior surface of the magazine well and pushes the lever 104 rearward and positions the lever 104 behind the trigger mechanism and in the resting position and the trigger mechanism is ready to be actuated or fired.
• the trigger mechanism When the trigger mechanism is actuated, the lever pivots to the firing position and the detent reed is activated.
• the microprocessor In those embodiments with the microswitch and microprocessor, the microprocessor generates a signal when the lever 104 pivots to the firing position.
• the light source is activated when the lever 104 pivots to the firing position.
• the trigger mechanism is released, the lever 104 returns to its resting position and resets the trigger mechanism to its original position, ready to fire again.
• training is 16 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 complete, the training device 10 is removed from the fully functional firearm. The firearm can then be used with a live ammunition magazine without any reconfiguration.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Instructional Devices (AREA)
• Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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ID=94172591

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• 2024
  • 2024-03-28 AU AU2024289210A patent/AU2024289210A1/en active Pending
  • 2024-03-28 EP EP24836457.2A patent/EP4689534A2/de active Pending
  • 2024-03-28 WO PCT/US2024/021924 patent/WO2025010092A2/en not_active Ceased
• 2025
  • 2025-09-29 IL IL323672A patent/IL323672A/en unknown

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