WO2018102458A2

WO2018102458A2 - Semi-automatic pistol

Info

Publication number: WO2018102458A2
Application number: PCT/US2017/063789
Authority: WO
Inventors: Billie Cyril Hudson, Iii; Lauren Hudson; Mark Thomas HAMMOND; Marlin Ray II JIRANEK; David Orla MATTESON
Original assignee: Skunk Labs, Llc
Priority date: 2016-11-29
Filing date: 2017-11-29
Publication date: 2018-06-07
Also published as: WO2018102458A4; WO2018102458A3

Abstract

A semi-automatic pistol has a frame having a trigger guard defining a trigger finger space, a barrel connected to the frame and defining a bore axis, a slide connected to the frame and operable to reciprocate along the bore axis between a forward battery position and a rearward open position, a recoil mechanism operably connected between the slide and the frame, and operable to bias the slide to the battery position, and the recoil mechanism being entirely below the barrel axis and forward of the trigger finger space. The recoil mechanism may be a recoil spring defining a spring axis. The spring axis may be parallel to the bore axis. The recoil spring may be a helical shape defining a bore receiving a guide rod. The guide rod may be below the barrel. The trigger guard may have a downwardly facing upper surface defining the trigger finger space.

Description

SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[001] This application is related to, is a continuation-in-part of, claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 62/427,425 filed on November 29, 2016, entitled "Configurable Thumb Safety for Firearms," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.

[002] In addition, this application is related to the following United States patent applications, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein:

1. US Patent Application Serial No. 14732644, filed June 5, 2015, and entitled Semi- Automatic Pistol.

2. US Patent Application Serial No. 15255016, filed September 1, 2016, and

entitled Sear Mechanism for Firearms.

3. US Patent Application Serial No. 15700758, filed September 11, 2017, and entitled Firearms Trigger Assembly. 4. US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62407775, filed October 13, 2016, and entitled Firearms Slide Serrations.

5. US Patent Application Serial No. 15790874, filed October 23, 2017, and entitled

Firearms Recoil Spring Insert And Recoil Spring Insert Assembly.

6. US Patent Application Serial No. 15644573, filed July 7, 2017, and

entitled Firearm Barrel Assembly

7. US Design Patent No. D742985, issued November 10, 2015, and entitled Semi-automatic Pistol.

Field of the Invention

[003] The present invention relates to firearms, and more particularly to a pistol that reduces torque about a shooter's wrist, thereby redirecting more of the recoil force straight rearward into a user's major muscle groups and enhancing the functionality of the pistol by reducing muzzle flip to enable more rapid, accurate follow-up shots.

Background of the Invention

[004] A shooter's control of a firearm can be differentiated between pistols and rifles. The way a shooter holds a rifle directs most of the recoil energy into the shoulder and torso. As a result, the rifle is easier to continuously keep on target for subsequent shots because major muscle groups receive the recoil energy, and accurate follow-up shots can be made quickly. Pistols, because they are held at arm's length, require more muscle control by the shooter, and, because of that extended grip, reaction moments from firing the pistol, i.e., recoil, must be counter- acted by the shooter's hand, wrist and arm muscles. Because of the near instantaneous duration of the impulse, nearly all of that reaction moment may be sensed in a rotation of the firearm within the instantaneous "center-of-grip," which may be close to the center of rotation of the pistol. The "center of grip" is also aligned with the effective pivot point of the user's wrist, which may also be thought of as the key point of rotation. The rotation of the pistol resulting from an initial shot delays subsequent shots because the shooter has to expend time adjusting the pistol to reacquire the target prior to firing each follow-up shot. While various attempts have been made to control recoil to reduce firearm movement, recoil is considered the best mechanism for feeding semi-automatic firearms, so recoil elimination is not necessarily desirable.

[005] The Model 1911 is a single-action, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, recoil- operated pistol that served as the standard-issue sidearm for the United States Armed Forces from 1911 to 1985, is still carried by some U.S. forces, and is still popular in the civilian market. The Model 1911, modified for increased accuracy, is popular for use in competitive shooting events. One of the reasons for the popularity of the Model 1911 as a competitive shooting pistol is the draw and break of a 1911 trigger, which has been described as the most crisp, consistent and tunable trigger of all handgun designs. The consistency of the draw and the break of a Model 1911 trigger provides a "feel" that some shooters prefer because it minimizes one variable in the shooting action. However, the Model 1911 suffers from the disadvantage of all prior art pistols in that the placement of the recoil mechanism at such a distance above the shooter's wrist contributes to greater torque about the shooter's wrist, making it difficult for the user to continuously keep the Model 1911 on target for follow-up shots.

[006] US Patent No. 5,415,075 to Moon discloses a firearm having a moveable breech locking barrel supported on a receiver by an offset barrel cam lug. Moon discloses a recoil spring that is entirely below the barrel bore, but not the barrel, given that the protruding cam surfaces on the barrel located below the bore that the recoil spring rests against are integral to the barrel.

Furthermore, Moon's recoil spring is above the trigger guard area. Moon's design forces the barrel up higher with respect to the shooter's hand, to make room between the trigger finger and the barrel for the captured recoil spring assembly. The placement of the recoil mechanism at such a distance above the shooter's wrist contributes to greater torque about the shooter's wrist, making it difficult for the user to continuously keep Moon's firearm on target for follow- up shots.

[007] Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved semi-automatic pistol that reduces torque about a shooter's wrist by lowering the plane on which the recoil force is acting, thereby redirecting some of the recoil force straight rearward into a user's major muscle groups to prevent undesirable movement of the pistol between shots. In this regard, the various embodiments of the present invention substantially fulfills some of these needs. In this respect, the semi-automatic pistol according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a semi-automatic pistol that reduces torque about a shooter's wrist by lowering the plane on which the recoil force is acting, thereby redirecting some of the recoil force straight rearward into a user's major muscle groups to prevent undesirable movement of the pistol between shots.

Summary of the Invention

[008] The present invention provides an improved semi-automatic pistol, and overcomes the above- mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an improved semi-automatic pistol that has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned above.

[009] To attain this, the preferred embodiment of the present invention essentially comprises a frame having a trigger guard defining a trigger finger space, a barrel connected to the frame and defining a bore axis, a slide connected to the frame and operable to reciprocate along the bore axis between a forward battery position and a rearward open position, a recoil mechanism operably connected between the slide and the frame, and operable to bias the slide to the battery position, and the recoil mechanism being entirely below the barrel axis and forward of the trigger finger space. The recoil mechanism may be a recoil spring defining a spring axis. The spring axis may be parallel to the bore axis. The recoil spring may be a helical shape defining a bore receiving a guide rod. The guide rod may be below the barrel. The trigger guard may have a downwardly facing upper surface defining the trigger finger space. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.

[0010] In addition to the above innovations, the present invention incorporates numerous other

advantageous features, including:

1. Improved sear mechanism

2. Improved trigger assembly

3. Advantageous slide serrations

4. Advantageous recoil spring insert and recoil spring assembly

5. Improved firearms barrel assembly

6. A configurable thumb safety mechanism

[0011] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. An exemplary embodiment of a semi-automatic pistol of the present invention is described in overview, below, followed by descriptions of certain components of the pistol in more detail or in alternative exemplary embodiments. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Fig. 1 is a left-side elevational cross-sectional view of the current embodiment of a semiautomatic pistol constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 is an exploded view perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a sear mechanism of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view diagrammatic illustration of a trigger assembly of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 4 is an exploded view diagrammatic illustration of the trigger assembly of Fig. 3.

[0016] Figure 5 is a side view illustration of a pistol slide of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 6 is a perspective exploded side view of a recoil spring assembly of the present

invention.

[0018] Figure 7 is a perspective exploded view of a barrel assembly of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 8 is a perspective, partially exploded, plan view diagrammatic illustration of a firearm having configurable manual safeties of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 9A is a perspective, partially exploded, plan view diagrammatic illustration of a firearm insert having configurable manual safeties of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9B is a perspective plan view diagrammatic illustration of a firearm insert having configurable manual safeties of Fig. 9A.

[0022] The reference numbers for each drawing refer only to the elements of that drawing.

Description of the Current Embodiment

[0023] The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of the invention. The term

"invention" is not intended to refer to any particular embodiment or otherwise limit the scope of the disclosure. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

[0024] In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to." Also, the term "connect" or "connected" and comparable terms where used if at all is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first component connects to a second component, that connection may be through a direct connection or through an indirect connection via other components and connections.

[0025] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular system components and method steps. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different companies may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function.

[0026] Components of the present pistol include a frame with a trigger guard that defines a trigger finger space, a barrel connected to the frame and defining a bore axis,

a slide connected to the frame and operable to reciprocate along the bore axis between a forward battery position and a rearward open position, a recoil mechanism operably connected between the slide and the frame, and operable to bias the slide to the battery position. The recoil mechanism is entirely below the barrel and forward of the trigger finger space.

[0027] An exemplary embodiment of a sear mechanism of the present firearm has a sear housing, a sear block disposed in the sear housing, the sear block having a disconnector receiving slot, a sear operably mounted on the sear block and having a cam. A sear bias spring is operably attached to the sear. A disconnector having a cam is operably installed in the sear block disconnector receiving slot. A striker block actuator is disposed in the sear block adjacent to the disconnector cam and is operably interactive with a striker block. The striker block is operably actuated by the striker block actuator.

[0028] An exemplary firearms sear of the above described sear mechanism consists of a first lateral side, a distal sear portion, a proximate cam portion, a cam located at the proximate cam portion and on the first lateral side, a ledge portion adjacent to the cam on the proximate cam portion, and a bias spring attachment portion between the cam portion and the sear portion.

[0029] The present firearm provides a 1911-type trigger and a sear assembly having a rotational sear and a sear block actuated by the 1911-type trigger wherein rotation of the sear is isolated to the sear block.

[0030] A trigger assembly for the present firearm provides a trigger safety having a cam, a trigger housing piece housing a spring optionally actuatable by the cam, and a top piece actuated by and disposed on top of the spring; and a trigger yoke connected to the trigger housing. The present pistol provides a translational yoked trigger having an integral trigger safety.

[0031] An insert for a recoil spring of a firearm of the present disclosure has

[0032] a main body portion that fits inside the tunnel formed by coils of the recoil spring, the main body portion having a proximate end, and an end piece on the proximate end of the main body portion, the end piece being adapted to selectively secure the recoil spring to the firearm.

[0033] A slide of a pistol of the present invention has a slide portion and a rail portion, the slide hsa a plurality of serrations, the serrations being configured to maximize the thickness of the slide portion in the slide rail portion along which rail portion of the slide moves translationally.

[0034] A firearm of the present disclosure has a barrel assembly that includes [0035] a forward tubular portion having a lower wall surface portion and defining a bore axis, an insert housing a cam pin proximate the barrel, a rear portion of the barrel defining a cam channel receiving a cam pin, a cam channel having a guide surface angled downwardly to the rear with respect to the bore axis such that rearward movement of the barrel in recoil drives the rear portion of the barrel in a downward direction as the cam channel guide surface slides over the cam pin, and the cam channel has an upper portion above the level of the lower wall surface portion of the forward tubular portion of the barrel.

[0036] A firearm of the present disclosure includes a trigger guard with an insert above the trigger guard. A barrel connected to the insert and defines a center line axis. A slide enclosing the barrel is operable to reciprocate along the center line axis between a forward battery position and a rearward open position. An arrangement of cams, lugs, and a pin is connected to the barrel. The cams and lugs engage and disengage with each other and the pin as the barrel moves in and out of battery.

[0037] In the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the pistol in a neutral position, where slide assembly 150 is positioned at a base location relative to receiver 101, barrel 131 is entrapped between takedown pin 230 and face 161 on slide 152. Barrel 131 may also rest on surface 157 in aperture 156 in the neutral position shown in Fig. 7. Recoil spring assembly 220 includes a helical recoil spring 350 that defines a spring axis 348 that is parallel to the bore axis/center line CL. Recoil spring 350 defines a bore 372 receiving a guide rod 352. Guide rod 352 defines a guide rod axis 354. Recoil spring assembly 220 dissipates recoil forces and provides constant compression that biases the slide assembly 150 to the forward battery position and generates a consistent lock up position for barrel 131 relative to receiver 101 every time the action closes. When takedown pin 230 is removed, clearance 148, riding on trunnions 122 and 123, guides barrel 131 when slide barrel assembly 130 is removed or inserted on receiver 101.

[0038] Trigger bow assembly 270 is positioned within frame 102 with bow 274 positioned in grooves 121 on frame 102. This permits trigger bow assembly 270 to move forward and back and relative to frame 102 while being substantially constrained from any angular motion or any motion up and down or side to side relative to frame 102. In cooperation bow 274 and grooves 121 restrict trigger 272 to a substantial single degree of freedom relative to frame 102. Spring 282 biases trigger bow assembly 270 forward against the direction of depression of trigger 272. This arrangement may replicate the straight pull of a Model 1911 trigger. Emulation of a Model 1911 trigger is highly desirable for the reasons described previously relating to the consistency of the trigger' s draw and break.

[0039] Trigger bar 290 can be coupled to trigger bow assembly 270 at pivot point 292. Pin 308 passes through hole 280 and pivot point 292 to facilitate pivotal motion of trigger bar 290 relative to trigger bow assembly 270. Tongue 304 on trigger bar 290 rides on plunger 306, which limits the angular motion of trigger bar 290 while allowing trigger bar 290 to translate forward and back with trigger bow assembly 270. Plunger 306 includes a biasing structure, such as a spring, which biases trigger bar 290 upwardly to the position illustrated in Fig. 7. Safety cam 300 is arranged to be aligned with cam surface 324 on slide assembly 150 when trigger 272 is depressed relative to frame 102.

[0040] Sear recess cam 302 is constructed and arranged to align with trigger bar cam 170 on slide assembly 150 when slide assembly 150 translates rearwardly with respect to frame 102, such as during loading or reloading. Trigger bar cam 170 impinges upon sear reset cam 302 and forces trigger bar 290 to pivot downwardly against the bias of plunger 306. [0041] Tongue 304 on trigger bar 290 may abut notch 243 on sear 242. When sear reset cam 302 interacts with trigger bar cam 170 and deflects trigger bar 290 downwardly against plunger 306. Tongue 304 can be moved out of contact with notch 243 and sear 242, which allows sear 242 to return to a neutral position under the biasing force of spring 254.

[0042] Recoil spring assembly 220 is positioned forward of trigger 272 within the frame 102 in recoil spring well 116 with trigger plane TP passing through recoil spring assembly 220. Similarly, recoil spring assembly 220 can be positioned entirely below the downwardly facing upper/top surface 111 of trigger recess 110 and entirely below the bore axis/center line CL. Guide rod 352 can be positioned entirely below the barrel 131, and guide rod axis 354 can be positioned entirely below the level of the upper/top surface 111 of trigger recess 110. The entire guide rod 352 can be at a level below the upper/top surface 111 of trigger recess 110 when the bore axis/center line CL is horizontal. The entire guide rod 352 can be forward of the trigger guard. In another embodiment (not illustrated), a majority of recoil spring assembly 220 can be positioned below top surface 111 of trigger recess 110.

[0043] In the context of the specification, the term "left-side" means the left side of the shooter who is holding the pistol in their hand and pointing at a target away from the shooter. "Right- side" means the right side of the shooter holding the pistol as described above. "Front" means the point of view of the target of the pistol (barrel end). "Back" means the view of a shooter holding the pistol as described above (grip end). "Top" and "bottom" reference an orientation where the shooter holds the pistol vertically (in a gravitational orientation), with the barrel above the magazine.

[0044] To describe motion of the slide and barrel assembly of the disclosed pistol, motion of the slide toward the shooter (toward the "back" of the pistol, as defined above) is described herein as "rearward" motion while motion of the slide and barrel assembly away from the shooter, toward a target (toward the "front" of the pistol, as defined above) is described herein as "forward" motion. These relative positioning terms such as "top," "up," "down," "bottom," "above," "below" and "under" are used to describe the relative position of components and the orientation of elements. These terms are not intended to be limiting relative to a gravitational orientation or an orientation of the disclosed pistol as held by a shooter. Relative positioning terms should be understood only in reference to the relative position shown in the drawings and the position of various components relative to each other and relative to the frame of reference described above.

While a current embodiment of a semi-automatic pistol has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. For example, while semi-automatic pistols as described are the most likely contemplated application for the concepts of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the current invention could be used with automatic pistols as well. Also, any energy absorbing or dissipating device for absorbing the energy of recoil, including a gas delayed or roller delayed mechanism, may be used instead of the recoil spring described. Furthermore, a fixed barrel or rotational barrel may be used instead of the barrel described that initially translates rearwardly and subsequently rotates. In addition, the plunger and extension spring described may be replaced by a leaf spring, and a rectangular recoil spring may be used instead of the helical recoil spring described. [0046] This disclosure now turns to describe in more detail or in alternative exemplary embodiments certain components of the present firearm that were described in the overview above.

1. Sear Mechanism for Firearms

[0047] In a firearm, the sear is the part of the trigger mechanism that holds the hammer, striker or bolt securely until the right amount of pressure has been applied to the trigger when a shooter is ready to fire (trigger break). When enough pressure has been applied to the trigger, the sear releases the firing mechanism. The sear directly influences the "feel" and length or travel of the trigger pull. While a professional shooter may be able to proficiently use many weapons with differing trigger "feel" and pull, it has been demonstrated that novice shooters and professional shooters alike benefit from a short trigger travel and a crisp feeling trigger break.

[0048] Specific to pistols, the travel and tactile satisfaction or "feel" of the trigger can have a great impact on a shooter's sight picture and shot placement due to the relatively unsupported posture in a standard shooting stance. In a standard pistol shooting stance, the weapon is being mainly supported by the shooters hands around the grip of the pistol and minimal skeletal support. Whereas, a standard rifle or shotgun shooting stance allows a forward support provided by an extended arm, mid support around the grip of the rifle or shotgun, and rear support provided by the shoulder, creating an inherently more stable shooting position. Additionally, the type of trigger on a pistol can significantly impact the stability of the pistol during the trigger pull, and thus the sight picture and shot placement. The 1911 -style trigger constrains the movement of the trigger pull to one axis which is parallel to the bore and prevents the introduction of unintended movement which would disrupt a shooter's sight picture. Conversely, a rotational style trigger requires both translational and rotation about a pivot to actuate and induces off- axis movement on the pistol. This is not a desirable feature as it introduces movement that might cause a sight picture to shift. The conclusion is that the travel and "feel" of the trigger, along with the direction of force during the trigger pull has a great impact on maintaining a good sight picture and a precise shot placement on a pistol platform.

[0049] Multiple pistol sear designs have attempted to create a "crisp" sear release while maintaining a positive sear engagement. A positive sear engagement disallows the ability for the sear to be disengaged other than by pulling the trigger. While many pistol designs have been created with longer and heavier trigger pulls, the designs with short, "crisp" trigger pulls have had more commercial success and a larger shooter demand due to the behavior of the sear. Two such pistols are the 1911 and the Glock.

[0050] The 1911 is a hammer-fired pistol. Precise machined angles between the sear and the hammer, in additional to the single axis translational trigger, are what influence the crisp "feel" of the trigger pull. The Glock is a striker-fired pistol. A ledge directly between the sear and the striker, as well as the rotational style trigger, determine the "feel" of the trigger pull. Both the 1911 and the Glock maintain a positive sear engagement while the respective hammer and striker are held back in the battery ready to fire position.

[0051] Both designs have certain drawbacks. The sear of the 1911 is under constant pressure by the hammer. This means that any imperfection in the machining of the engagement ledges between the sear and the hammer may lead to a negative sear engagement and an accidental discharge. The 1911 design accounts for this by the incorporating quality control checks during manufacturing and the inclusion of two manual safeties, and in later designs an additional passive safety. The drawback is that due to the design of the interaction of the sear and the hammer, if strict quality control is not maintained through high volumes of production, it is possible for the occurrence of negative sear engagement. This design, however, along with the single axis translational trigger, does allow for a short, crisp trigger pull. [0052] In the Glock design, a rotational trigger translates the movement from the trigger pull to the trigger bar, allowing the sear, which is a geometry on the back of the trigger bar, to release the striker. The drawback of the Glock design is that it has an inherently long trigger pull due to the translational connections within the trigger and sear assembly, and the inclusion of a rotational trigger. Unlike the 1911, the Glock' s sear design is not at risk of quality control issues leading to the possibility of negative sear engagement; however, the inclusion of two passive safeties in addition to the sear itself, lends undesirable effects on the trigger "feel".

[0053] There is an unmet need, therefore, for a sear design that allows for a short trigger pull, a crisp trigger "feel", and has an inherently or intentionally positive sear engagement regardless of production volume or quality control.

[0054] The present invention is a rotational sear design. It isolates the rotational movement to the sear block, where other well-designed, positive sear mechanisms are usually achieved by necessitating the inclusion of a rotational trigger. The isolation of this rotation to the sear block allows for a 1911 -style trigger yoke to be used which gives the shooter the advantages of a short, crisp trigger pull without any off-axis movement. The positive sear engagement and inherent safety of the design are achieved due to the forces acting on the sear and sear block remaining independent of one another. This also allows for a effectively reproducible length of travel for the trigger lever in this design.

[0055] Sear and Disconnector Mechanism Overview

[0056] Exploded View of the Sear Mechanism

[0057] Figure 2 is an exploded view perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a sear mechanism of the present disclosure. Reference number 100 refers to the complete assembled sear mechanism 100 which is illustrated in Fig. 1 in an exploded view. Manifold sear housing 102 has a proximate end 140 and a distal end 150. Manifold sear housing holds, or has attached to it, the various components that combine to form sear mechanism 100. Sear block 104 is held in manifold sear housing 102 with first pin 126 through pin bore 126A and sear block pin bore 128B and sear bore collar 104B so as to engage sear 106. Sear bias spring 108 engages sear 106 to bias sear 106 on to sear block 104. The proximate end of sear 106 provides a sear cam 220 feature adjacent to the proximate flat end 225 of the body of sear 106. Disconnector 112 is mounted in manifold sear housing 102 on the distal side of sear block 104 with pin 126 through pin bore 126 A and disconnector bore 112B. Disconnector 112 has a top cam 210 adjacent to the flat end 205 of disconnector 112 body, and a bottom cam. Striker block actuator 110 pivotally and selectively engages striker block 526 (Fig. 11). Ejector 130 is held in place by sear 106 which selectively and operably engages ejector 130.

[0058] Inserts 114A/114B are mounted to distal end 150 of manifold housing 102 with 2nd pin 126 through pin bores 126A/126B and extend distally therefrom. Barrel cams 118A/118B are mounted to the distal end of inserts 114A/114B and form a slot to receive right slide lock 116. Distal inserts 120A/120B are attached, respectively to the distal ends of insert 114A/114B with third pin 122 through pin bore 122A, as well as left slide lock 124 through pin bore 124A.

[0059] Functional Description

[0060] Weapon is in battery ready to fire

[0061] The sear is engaged with the striker and the sear block physically holds the sear in place, which creates a positive sear engagement. A striker block actuator located within the slide is also disallowing the striker to move towards the primer in case of a drop shock or similar occurrence.

[0062] Trigger is being pulled [0063] The trigger yoke presses on the trigger lever within the sear mechanism. The trigger lever is doing 2 functions: engaging the cog to rotate the sear block and also translating the striker block to clear the striker.

[0064] Trigger is completely depressed

[0065] The trigger lever rotates the sear block to clear the path for the sear to drop out of the way of the striker, while simultaneously the striker block actuator disengages the striker block to clear the striker. The striker moves forward and ignites the primer and the cartridge is fired.

[0066] Post ignition

[0067] The explosion that results from ignition of the primer by the striker applies force on the breach face of the slide and begins translating the slide rearward. The barrel will translate with the slide for a brief period before the barrel cams engage with the barrel lugs and then begin a rotational movement. As the slide continues the rearward travel, it is performing three operations with respect to the sear mechanism: (1) A cam on the underside of the slide will actuate the disconnector to disengage the cog from the sear block, (2) move the striker rearward of the sear, and (3) also a cam on the underside of the slide will rotate the sear back into position. Once these three operations occur, the sear block leaf spring will rotate the sear block back into position underneath the sear to provide the positive sear engagement.

[0068] Slide travels back into battery

[0069] The striping feature on the slide will strip the next round from the magazine and push the round up the barrel ramp into the breach chamber. The striker will engage the sear and the slide will push the barrel back into battery position where it is biased onto the take down pin.

[0070] Notes about the disconnector

[0071] Disconnector 112 is actuated anytime the slide is not in the battery position. In other words, the trigger will have no effect on the sear mechanism while not in battery. If the sear lever is dropped and the slide is manually retracted, the cams in the slide will drive the sear to an engaged position. If the sear lever is in battery position and the slide is manually retracted, the cams on the slide will have no effect on the sear but will still disconnect the trigger.

[0072] The use of an isolated rotational sear of the present disclosure provides many advantages over the prior art including, the allowance for a 1911-style trigger yoke to be used which gives the shooter the advantages of a short, crisp trigger pull without any off-axis movement. The positive sear engagement and inherent safety of the design are achieved due to the forces acting on the sear and sear block remaining independent of one another. This also allows for a per- determined length of travel for the trigger lever in this design.

[0073] The sear housing has been expanded, relative to typical housings, to include the forward barrel cams (not shown) on a structural member, such as, for example, inserts 114A/B and 120 A/B.

[0074] Relative to prior art sear mechanisms, the complexity and number of parts have been reduced in the mechanism of the present invention.

[0075] Disconnector 112 is acted on via a vertical camming surface in the slide (not shown) versus the side detent as in other known designs.

[0076] One coil spring 108 biases the sear clockwise into the sear block 104. Tines from a leaf spring (not shown) integral to the weapon grip biases the sear block, disconnector and striker block actuator counter-clockwise.

[0077] The barrel interacts with a camming feature on sear manifold housing 102.

2. Firearms Trigger Assembly

[0078] The two most common types of triggers for firearms are (1) rotational; and (2) translational. A rotational trigger is generally considered safer because of the way it interacts with safety mechanisms, while a translational trigger has the advantages of a better "feel" or crispness in the action and also improved sighting. The improved sighting is due in part to the low amount of movement introduced on the sight picture during the shot process. Translational triggers, however, are considered less safe than rotational triggers because they are more likely to be prone to unintentional discharge from drop shock or occurrences which cause the safety mechanisms to fail.

[0079] A firearms trigger assembly for a firearm having a yoked trigger with an integral safety

includes a trigger piece, a safety cam pin, a trigger housing piece, and a trigger yoke to provide a crisp pull feel and good sighting while also providing reliable safety.

[0080] Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, the reference numeral 100 generally designates a trigger assembly embodying features of the present disclosure. Trigger assembly 100 includes trigger safety 110, trigger housing piece 120, and trigger yoke 130 to form a yoked translational trigger having an integral safety.

[0081] Figure 4 is an exploded view diagrammatic illustration of the trigger assembly of Fig. 1.

Trigger housing 120 provides trigger piece receiving slot 122, receptacle 124 for receiving vertical spring 210, stops 240/242 and pin bores 126A and 126B, 127, and 128 to receive pins 232, 234, and 236, respectively, to connect trigger safety 110 to trigger housing piece 120 and trigger housing piece 120 to trigger yoke 130 at attachment portion 132 (see, Fig. 2).

Additionally, set screw 220 is housed in trigger housing piece 120.

[0082] Trigger yoke 130 provides attachment portion 132 having pin bores 134, 136 to receive pins 236 and 234, respectively, and shoulder portion 138.

[0083] Trigger safety 110 has textured finger grip surface 112, cam 115 and pin bore 126C to receive pin 232. [0084] The use of a firearms trigger assembly of the present disclosure provides many advantages over the prior art including reducing the need for other redundant safety systems that complicate the firearm design. It allows a proven design to be used in the new context of a translational trigger system. Other translational trigger systems contain multiple manual systems, something that rotational triggers overcame by including the safety in the trigger itself. This allows the firearm to be safe when not in use.

[0085] The traditional firearms that utilize a translational trigger system either incorporated multiple manual safeties (i.e., for example, backstrap (grip) safety and thumb safeties) or they utilized a system of gears to actuate a drop safety (which affected the trigger feel). These types of safeties are found in traditional 1911 designs and the series 80 Colttm designs.

[0086] Traditional rotational triggers use an integrated trigger safety that is biased against a ledge in the grip and utilize a cam on the trigger bar to disengage the drop safety. This is relatively easy to do by using the front rotation and an attached trigger bar to accomplish it, as is the case with Glocktm and Smith and Wessontm M&Ptms.

[0087] The arrangement of the grip/insert construction of the present invention creates a safety

arrangement that occurs at the front of a translational trigger without affecting the feel of the trigger pull. This geometry would be nearly impossible to create without the insert construction inherent in the design that creates surface 320.

3. Firearms Slide Serrations

[0088] Pistols traditionally have a slide, with few notable exceptions, which translates forward and backward during the process of firing, ejecting and reloading a round into the chamber. Most slides have serrations that assist in gripping the slide in order to manually eject or load a round into the chamber. These serrations are usually as deep as possible without compromising the integrity of the slide.

[0089] In the present invention, the slide serrations have been optimized in order to provide the

maximum amount of purchase area, the bottom to the top of the slide, and a greater amount of gripping surface area, depth of the cuts, without compromising the integrity of the slide.

[0090] Slide serrations are cut into the slide along the full height of the slide and at an angle in such a way as to maximize the thickness of the slide in the rail portion to the extent possible within engineering constraints. The serrations are cut into the slide behind the firing chamber and in front of the chamber. Serrations are cut into the right and left sides of the slide.

[0091] The advantages provided by the slide serrations of the present invention include preserving material cross-sections; strengthening the slide with improved thickness in the rail; reducing stress concentrations through said thicknesses; minimizing stress fractures in the slide due to fatigue and shock during cycling; and increasing operational life of the slide.

[0092] In addition to providing an aesthetically pleasing feature to the weapon, slide cuts of the present invention provide the further advantages of allowing the user maximum purchase of the slide grips due to the discontinuity of the cuts outside of the serration area thereby having the full thickness of the slide at the origin and destination of each slide serration group, and providing increased gripping surface area for the user to operate the pistol. The cuts also serve as a lightening feature that reduces the overall weight of the slide.

[0093] Slide Serration Cuts

[0094] Slide serrations are cut through the full height of the slide at an angle.

[0095] Slide Serration Angled Cuts [0096] Slide serrations are cut through the full height of the slide. The cuts are made at an angle (dimension "B") such that thickness through the rail section is maximized where possible, thereby a number of advantages:

1. preserving material cross-sections;

2. reducing stress concentrations through said thicknesses;

3. minimizing stress fractures in the slide due to fatigue and shock during cycling; and

4. increasing operational life of the slide.

[0097] Slide cuts provide a number of advantages:

1. an aesthetically pleasing feature to the weapon;

2 allow the user maximum purchase of the slide grips due to the discontinuity of the cuts outside of the serration area. The discontinuity forms serration groups behind and in front of the chamber and on both sides of the slide. The full thickness of the slide at the origin and destination of each slide serration group; and

3. serve as a lightening feature, minimizing overall slide weight.

[0098] Turning now to the Figures, Figure 5 is a side view illustration of a pistol slide of the present invention with section lines A-A 202, B-B 204, C-C 206, D-D 208, E-E 210, F-F 212, G-G 214, H-H 216, 1-1 218, J-J 220 and K-K 222. Section lines A-A 202 through E-E 210 are vertical sections. Section lines F-F 212 through K-K 222 are angled sections.

4. Firearms Recoil Spring Insert And Recoil Spring Insert Assembly

[0099] The recoil spring of firearms, and pistols in particular, is positioned horizontally under the barrel. It attenuates the recoil action from discharging a round from a firearm and also restores the firearm slide to its starting position after a cartridge is ejected from the firing chamber. [00100] Firearms are disassembled to be cleaned, among other reasons. The recoil spring often presents a challenge when a firearm is disassembled because if tends to fall out of the grip and it also difficult to hold in place while re-assembling the firearm after cleaning. Although some previous firearms designs capture the recoil spring in the grip or slide of the firearm, the present invention provides an improved assembly to selectively capture the recoil spring.

[00101] The recoil spring assembly of the present invention provides a spring insert with an end piece.

The end piece interacts with other components of the firearm to selectively secure the recoil spring in position. This allows the recoil spring to be selectively retained in the firearm when the slide and barrel are removed from the grip, most often for cleaning.

[00102] A principal advantage of the recoil spring assembly of the present invention is that the

operator does not have to fumble to manually hold the spring in place in the grip while already simultaneously holding the grip and the slide with two hands to reassemble the slide into position on the grip. The present assembly obviates the need for a third hand to hold the recoil spring.

[00103] Figure 6 is a perspective exploded side view of a recoil spring assembly of the present

invention. Grip 110 houses grip insert 130, which provides bores 132/134 to receive pin 140. Grip insert 130 provides surface 136 which has a curved portion that defines an upper horizontal portion and a lower vertical portion. Recoil spring 120 is housed in grip 110 beneath pin 140 receiving bores 112/114. Recoil spring 120 houses spring insert 122, which provides end piece 125, to form a recoil spring assembly 128 comprising spring insert 122 having end piece 125 housed in spring 120.

5. Firearm Barrel Assembly [00104] The barrel of a pistol, specifically in a short recoil operated pistol, is comprised of multiple bearings surfaces comprised of cams and lugs that allow the pistol to function. The surfaces mechanically delay the pistol enough to allow the pistol to reliably function in the manner of an automatic firearm, chambering a round at the end of each cycle of operation.

[00105] Pistol barrels, in short recoil operated pistols, have traditionally located their cam and lug surfaces as near to the bore of the pistol as possible. These surfaces are usually comprised of an easily machined single or double lug surface that locks into the frame of the pistol. This action, traditionally, happens above the trigger guard, which increases the bore axis of these traditional designs.

[00106] The traditional lock up system constricts the ability to lower the bore axis with a robust barrel design. The present invention provides a barrel that locates a forward lug positioned horizontally in front of the trigger guard of the pistol with side cams that are shallow and interact in a way to provide the pistol with a robust and consistent lock up from shot to shot.

[00107] The barrel of the present invention provides a barrel with a forward lower lug surface operably forward of the bore and forward of the trigger guard that it operates in. It also has two side cams that interact with corresponding lugs in the pistol.

[00108] The placement of these cams and lugs, unique in pistol design, allow for the pistol to operate in as rugged and reliable a manner as other designs, while offering the advantages that the pistol design claims.

[00109] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the barrel 110, a slide 108 forward of breach face 102, a frame insert 116, and a pin 118. Lugs 106 are disposed behind barrel ramp 112 under barrel 110. Cams 104a and 104b (collectively, side cams 104) are mounted on insert 116, or alternatively are integral with insert 116. [00110] The present invention further contemplates a firearm barrel assembly having a trigger guard, an insert above the trigger guard, a barrel connected to the insert and defining a center line axis, a slide enclosing the barrel and operable to reciprocate along the center line axis between a forward battery position and a rearward open position, an arrangement of cams, lugs, and a pin, the arrangement connected to the barrel, such that the cams and lugs engage and disengage with each other and the pin as the barrel moves in and out of battery.

6. Configurable Thumb Safety for Firearms

[00111] A manual thumb safety has been used on pistols for over a century. It is described as a

"manual" safety in order to differentiate it from "passive" safeties that are disengaged during the operation of the firing sequence of the firearm.

[00112] Therefore, "passive" safeties can be seen as inherent mechanical safeties to protect the weapon from accidental discharge, like if the firearm was dropped or bumped. While a "manual" safety is to be purposefully disengaged by the user before firing a weapon and therefore is used as an extra safety measure before purposefully using a firearm.

[00113] There is an unmet need, however, for a firearm that has a number of manual safeties such that a user can configure the number of safeties to have for their firearm.

[00114] A configurable manual safety system of the present invention allows the end user to decide the number of safeties they would like to use on their firearm. Depending on the use or training background of the end user, different safety configurations may be desirable due to training or requirements. It also allows the user to configure the manual safety to be right handed or left handed. [00115] While other firearms have had manual thumb safeties, the present design allows the end user to configure to have no "manual" thumb safeties, a dual side ambidextrous manual thumb safety, a right side manual thumb safety or a left side manual thumb safety. The end user configurability is the most unique aspect of this design.

[00116] Portions of the safeties are held in the firearm, such as a pistol, for example, by a detent and spring on the left side (as if the end user were holding the pistol) of the pistol. The slide must be removed in order to configure the safeties.

[00117] Referring to Figure 8 of the drawings, the reference numeral 100 generally designates a

firearm, in this exemplary instance a pistol, having a configurable manual safety assembly of the present invention. A left side manual safety assembly 110 and a right side manual safety assembly 120 are illustrated in exploded view. Manual safety assemblies 110/120 are installed in bore 130. The slide of pistol 100 has been removed revealing a plan view of insert 140.

7. Chassis Insert

[00118] Pistols and submachine guns rarely use parts in common due to the differing designs needed to configure them for their various purposes, the pistol being a non- stabilized hand held firearm, while a submachinegun benefits in being able to affix a stock to the firearm and shoulder for increased stability while shooting. Therefore, not many attempts have been made to

universalize part of pistols and submachine guns though they share the same calibers. Though, certain pistols have sought to universalize housings surrounding the pistol parts to benefit the manufacturing method and the ability to make different sizes of pistols around universal platforms. [00119] Such a pistol known in practice, is the Sig Sauer 320. In this pistol, the metal portion of the firearm, that houses the rails, trigger, and sear are housed in a plastic housing; those portions, the insert and plastic housing, pinned together, comprise the frame. The slide and barrel then mate to the frame in the traditional manner. This gives the Sig 320 an advantage in production, because simply by changing out the plastic housing, you can create different sizes of pistol from sub-compact to full size, by only changing plastic parts, which gives an economic advantage in the introduction of new pistols. However, the inclusion of the trigger in the insert limits the use of the insert to pistols. It is the object of the present invention to provide an insert that does not integrate the trigger assembly into the insert for other triggers and types to be used, which allows the insert to be housed in different housings for different purposes.

[00120] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a single multifunction part that is removably insertable into multiple firearm housings having different trigger configurations, such that the sear mechanism is housed in the insert and the trigger mechanism is not mounted, guided or housed in the insert. The multifunction part, the insert, can thus be used in multiple firearm housings and in various configurations to reduce firearm manufacturing costs across different product lines.

[00121] The present invention provides a firearm having a housing of plastic, steel, aluminum or other suitable material and a barrel and slide combination, as well as a trigger mechanism that is not integral to the housing. To allow key parts to be used for more than one specific firearm, the housing contains a multifunction part inserted into the housing, without supporting the trigger mechanism. This arrangement of parts allows for different types of triggers to be used, which allows various types of firearms to be built around a single insert; including, but not limited to: pistols, grip fed submachine guns, bullpup submachineguns and various personal defense weapon configurations. The housing can be any number on configurations using this part. [00122] The present invention provides a multifunction part improved to no longer require supporting the trigger mechanism, which allows the use of different types of different triggers in different housings. The multifunction part housing a firing control mechanism, able to be mounted within multiple housings.

[00123] Figures 9 A is an exploded view of a firearm having an insert of the present invention and Fig.

9B is a perspective plan view of the firearm of Fig. 9A. Pin 130 is used to mount insert 100 in firearm 140. Firearms 140 houses insert 100. Trigger assembly 110 is optionally operably engaged with firearm 140 and insert 100.

[00124] Figure 9B is a perspective view of a firearm of the present invention. Insert 100 is disposed in firearm 140.

[00125] A chassis insert for a firearm is described where the insert is configured to be operational in more than one type of firearm to provide a multi-functional piece usable across firearm platforms.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A firearm comprising:

a frame having a trigger guard defining a trigger finger space;

a barrel connected to the frame and defining a bore axis;

a slide connected to the frame and operable to reciprocate along the bore axis between a forward battery position and a rearward open position;

a recoil mechanism operably connected between the slide and the frame, and operable to bias the slide to the battery position; and

the recoil mechanism being entirely below the barrel and forward of the trigger finger space.

2. A firearms sear mechanism, the sear mechanism comprising:

a sear housing;

a sear block disposed in the sear housing, the sear block further comprising a disconnector receiving slot;

a sear operably mounted on the sear block; the sear further comprising a cam;

a sear bias spring operably attached to the sear;

a disconnector operably installed in the sear block disconnector receiving slot; the disconnector further comprising a cam;

a striker block actuator disposed in the sear block adjacent to the disconnector cam and operably interactive with a striker block; and

a striker block operably actuated by the striker block actuator.

3. A firearms sear comprising

a first lateral side;

a distal sear portion;

a proximate cam portion; a cam located at the proximate cam portion and on the first lateral side;

a ledge portion adjacent to the cam on the proximate cam portion; and

a bias spring attachment portion between the cam portion and the sear portion.

4. A firearm comprising a 1911-type trigger and a sear assembly having a rotational sear and a sear block actuated by the 1911-type trigger wherein rotation of the sear is isolated to the sear block.

5. A trigger assembly for a firearm, the trigger assembly comprising:

a trigger safety having a cam;

a trigger housing piece housing a spring optionally actuatable by the cam, and a top piece actuated by and disposed on top of the spring; and

a trigger yoke connected to the trigger housing.

6. A trigger safety assembly for a firearm, the firearm comprising a housing or insert and wherein the safety assembly comprises an integral trigger safety having a vertical stop surface, such that the vertical stop surface operably interacts with the housing or insert.

7. The firearm of claim 6, wherein the right-handed manual safety assembly and left-handed

manual safety assembly are independently and selectively actuatable by an end user.

8. A translational yoked trigger for a firearm, the translational yoked trigger comprising an integral trigger safety.

9. An insert for a recoil spring of a firearm, the insert comprising:

a main body portion that fits inside the tunnel formed by coils of the recoil spring, the main body portion having a proximate end; and

an end piece on the proximate end of the main body portion, the end piece being adapted to selectively secure the recoil spring to the firearm.

10. A firearm comprising:

a recoil spring having coils and comprising a tunnel formed by the coils of the spring; a recoil spring insert disposed in the tunnel, the insert further comprising:

a main body portion that fits inside the tunnel, the main body portion having a proximate end, wherein the main body portion defines a horizontal plane;

an end piece on the proximate end of the main body portion wherein at least a portion of the end piece extends perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the main body portion; and

a grip insert shaped to provide a slot to receive the perpendicular portion of the end piece of the recoil spring insert, whereby the end piece selectively engages or disengages with the slot.

11. A firearm comprising:

an insert;

a cam pin housed proximate the barrel in the insert;

a barrel connected to the insert and defining a bore axis, the barrel having a forward tubular portion having a lower wall surface portion;

a slide enclosing the barrel and operable to reciprocate along the bore axis between a forward battery position and a rearward open position; and

a cam channel defined by a rear portion of the barrel and having an upper portion above the level of the lowest portion of the forward tubular portion of the barrel, the cam channel receiving the cam pin, the cam channel further having a guide surface angled downwardly to the rear with respect to the bore axis, such that rearward movement of the barrel in recoil drives the rear portion of the barrel in a downward direction as the cam channel guide surface slides over the cam pin.

12. A firearm comprising:

a trigger guard;

an insert above the trigger guard;

a barrel connected to the insert and defining a center line axis; a slide enclosing the barrel and operable to reciprocate along the center line axis between a forward battery position and a rearward open position;

an arrangement of cams, lugs, and a pin, the arrangement connected to the barrel, wherein the cams and lugs engage and disengage with each other and the pin as the barrel moves in and out of battery.

13. The firearm of claim 12, wherein one or more of the cams of the arrangement of cams, lugs and a pin, are connected to the insert.

14. A trigger assembly for a firearm, the trigger assembly comprising:

a trigger safety having a cam;

a trigger yoke connected to the trigger housing.

15. A translational yoked trigger for a firearm, the translational yoked trigger comprising an integral trigger safety.

16. A firearm having a barrel assembly, the barrel assembly comprising:

a forward tubular portion having a lower wall surface portion and defining a bore axis;

an insert housing a cam pin proximate the barrel;

a rear portion of the barrel defining a cam channel receiving a cam pin;

a cam channel having a guide surface angled downwardly to the rear with respect to the bore axis, such that rearward movement of the barrel in recoil drives the rear portion of the barrel in a downward direction as the cam channel guide surface slides over the cam pin; and

the cam channel having an upper portion above the level of the lower wall surface portion of the forward tubular portion of the barrel.

17. A firearm slide, the firearm having a slide portion and a rail portion, the slide comprising a plurality of serrations, the serrations being configured to maximize the thickness of the slide portion in the slide rail portion along which rail portion the slide moves translationally.

18. A firearm having a user-configurable manual safety system, the system comprising:

a bore having a right side and a left side;

a right-handed manual safety assembly installed in the right side of the bore; and

a left-handed manual safety assembly installed in the left side of the bore.

19. The firearm of Claim 18, wherein a manual safety assembly is installed on one side of the bore and a plug is installed on the other side of the bore.

20. A chassis insert for a firearm, the insert configured to be operational in more than one type of firearm to provide a multi-functional piece usable across firearm platforms.