Dry fire practice and training magazine device and methods

Abstract

A dry fire training and practice device for use with a fully functional firearm and related methods are provided. The device includes a rigid outer case configured as a magazine. Within the outer case is a lever with a trigger bias protrusion to automatically position the lever behind the trigger mechanism when the device is inserted into the magazine well and reset the trigger mechanism when the trigger is released. A compression spring biases the lever back to its resting position after every trigger mechanism pull. The device also includes a detent reed to provide audible and tactile feedback to the user.

Description

[0001]DRY FIRE PRACTICE AND TRAINING MAGAZINE DEVICE AND METHODS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. that was filed on 31 March 2023 entitled “DRY FIRE PRACTICE AND TRAINING MAGAZINE DEVICE AND METHODS,” the entire contents and disclosure thereof is fully incorporated by this reference as if fully restated herein. FIELD The present application relates to firearms and more particularly to dry fire practice and training magazines for firearms. BACKGROUND Live fire (using live ammunition) is essential to practice drawing and firing a weapon and historically has been the primary method of training with firearms. The practice process builds muscle memory, and helps the shooter develop proper techniques of delivery and complete weapon control. There are several negatives of this type of practice. Using ammunition is an ongoing expense, and measures have to be taken to practice with safety. This could mean traveling to a firing range, providing safety equipment for the shooter and possibly others, and allotting special time in the schedule for the practice session. More recently, experts have recognized that dry fire practice (practicing without live ammunition) is an essential addition for live fire practice to be successful and effective. Dry firing is another process of building muscle memory whereby a firearm, especially a pistol or handgun, is drawn, aimed, and fired without using live ammunition. This enables the practice of firing a weapon to proceed smoothly and accurately without all of the negatives of live fire practice. 1 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 Because no live ammunition is used, there is no ongoing expense, there is no need to use safety equipment, a special shooting environment is not necessary, and practicing can be accomplished in much less time. Dry firing also allows the shooter to practice in the actual environment where the weapon may need to be used for protection such as in the home. With complete safety, actual shooting scenarios can be practiced in and around the home. Practicing at the range can also be improved. When live fire is practiced at the range, the novice shooter usually has to spend a significant amount of time and expend a lot of ammunition getting accustomed to the report and recoil of the pistol. Before live practice begins, some dry fire practicing can be done. This gets the shooter accustomed to the trigger feel before having to deal with the recoil and the report of live firing. One negative factor with most methods of dry firing occurs because when a semi- automatic pistol is live fired, the live firing resets the firing pin and / or trigger mechanism and the firearm is ready to be fired again immediately until the magazine is empty. The shooter's hands remain in the firing position, and just the trigger finger and the trigger mechanism are employed. With normal dry fire practice, after the first activation of the trigger mechanism releasing the firing pin, the shooter must remove a hand from the pistol, and “rack” the slide back in order to reset the firing pin and to return the trigger mechanism and firing pin to an unfired position. The pistol is then ready for another activation. This must be done each time a shot is simulated. Doing this teaches improper muscle memory because it is not at all what happens during actual live fire. When people are in real shooting situations, they need to be able to depend on simply acting upon how they have practiced. Anything else could be deadly and some situations have proven catastrophic. 2 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 Another negative for standard dry fire practice is wear and tear caused by repeated releasing of a weapon's firing pin without having the cushioning effect of the firing pin striking a round of ammunition. Some firearm training systems incorporate computer graphics into the training scenario. Other patents address the duplication of a pistol's recoil, laser marking of "shots", projecting images onto a screen, etc. Further drawbacks of known devices and systems are that such devices / systems are user intensive and / or expensive to purchase, and significantly do not allow a shooter to use a fully functioning pistol that may already be owned. There is also a learning curve and training necessary to use such devices / systems. Known dry fire practice devices, such as those disclosed at U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,182,189 and 11,460,271 resolve various of these drawbacks including, but not limited to, resolving the "hands-free" trigger mechanism reset problem and the possible firing pin damage problem of normal dry fire practice. Previous versions of the dry fire practice device, such as those disclosed at U.S. Pat. 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. It was discovered that the swing lock was potentially problematic when the user desired the swing lock to be as wide as or wider than the lever. There is a remaining need for improved dry fire training devices for use with fully functioning firearms, that allow for precise muscle memory training, are simple to operate, prevent the firing pin of the fully functioning firearm from being damaged, provide for safe on-site home training, insert easily into the magazine well of the fully functioning firearm, and have capabilities to interact with a variety of other functional and / or training systems. The present application improves upon prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,182,189 and 11,460,271. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that different manufacturers and models of firearms include various different parts and components in their respective trigger mechanisms. Throughout this disclosure, the term “trigger mechanism” refers to and includes any part of the trigger assembly from the trigger through the striker. SUMMARY According to one aspect, 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. When the trigger 4 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 mechanism is pulled the trigger mechanism pushes the lever into the firing position. When 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. Also within the outer case is 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. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, the outer case also has a platform at the inside top end portion for engagement with the compression spring. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, 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. When the training device is inserted into the magazine well of the firearm, the extending end portion of the trigger bias protrusion frictionally engages with the interior surface of the firearm magazine well so as to properly position the top end portion of the lever relative to the firearm trigger mechanism for operation. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, 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. According to another aspect, 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. Within the outer case 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. When the trigger mechanism is pulled the trigger mechanism pushes the lever into the firing position. When 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. Also within the outer case a detent reed is 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. A compression spring is functionally situated between the lever and the outer case to bias the lever in the resting position. According to another aspect, 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. In some embodiments, 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. The foregoing is intended to be illustrative and not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the entire specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Benefits will become apparent from the description set forth in this specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, one or more embodiment(s) of the present concept and various features thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various embodiments of the present inventive concept, illustrative of the best mode in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The full scope of the invention is set forth in the accompanying claims and, accordingly, the drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 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 As required, 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. 1, 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. In some embodiments, the outer case is designed to engage with a Glock 43x or Glock 48. In other words, 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. In some other embodiments (not shown), the outer case is designed to engage with a Glock 17 or 40. In some other embodiments (not shown), 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. Referring to Fig. 1, 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. When the trigger mechanism is released, the lever 104 returns to its resting position and pushes the trigger mechanism back to its original position, ready to dry fire again. As shown in Fig. 1, 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. In some embodiments, 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. Still referring to Fig.1, 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. Still referring to Fig.1, 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. In some embodiments, the end of the detent reed 111 opposite the lever 104 rests against a regulating set screw 109. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, 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. In some embodiments (not shown in Fig. 1), 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. In some embodiments, the signal activates a light source or emitter. In the embodiment shown in Fig.1, the signal activates an LED 108. The LED 108 is powered by a battery 106 located within the rigid outer case. In some embodiments, the signal sent by the microprocessor when the microswitch 117 is activated is infrared. In some embodiments, the signal sent by the microprocessor when the microswitch 117 is activated is light in the visible spectrum. In some embodiments, the signal sent by the microprocessor when the microswitch 117 is activated is ultraviolet. In some embodiments, the signal sent by the microprocessor when the microswitch 117 is activated is Bluetooth. In some embodiments, 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. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the configuration of the microswitch 117, the microprocessor, and the lever 104 can be arranged in many different functional configurations. 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. When the training device 10 is inserted into the magazine well of the firearm, the extending end portion of the trigger bias protrusion 120 12 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 frictionally engages with a surface of the firearm magazine well so as to properly position the top end portion of the lever 104 relative to the firearm trigger mechanism for operation. As shown in Fig. 1, 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. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the attachment interface 130 can be designed to engage with virtually any firearm accessories mounting platform. In some embodiments such as that shown in Fig. 1, the attachment interface 130 is fixedly connected to or an integral part of the outer case. In some embodiments (not shown), the attachment interface 130 is removably affixed to the outer case. Referring to Fig. 2, 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. Referring to Fig.3, a perspective view of an embodiment of the dry fire training device 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. Referring to Fig. 4, 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. Referring to Fig. 5, 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. Referring to the embodiment shown in Fig.6, a dry fire training device 10 includes the rigid outer case comprised of two opposing sides 101 and 102. 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. When the trigger mechanism is pulled the trigger mechanism pushes the lever 104 into the firing position. When the trigger mechanism is released, the lever 104 returns to its resting position and pushes the trigger mechanism back to its original position, ready to fire again. As shown in Fig.6, 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. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, 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 embodiment shown in Fig. 6 also includes weights 112 such that the total weight of the training device 10 more closely approximates the weight of a magazine filled with live ammunition to give the device 10 a more realistic feel. Operation The operation of the described embodiment(s) of the present concept is believed to be readily apparent, and is briefly summarized at this point. In operation, 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. When the trigger is pulled, the trigger mechanism pushes the lever 104 into the firing position. And when the trigger mechanism is released, 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. Also within the outer case the detent reed 111 is connected to the lever 104. In some embodiments, the set screw 109 and set screw base 103 are positioned within the outer case as previously described. In some embodiments, the microprocessor, PC board 105 and microswitch are placed within the outer case. In some embodiments, 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. 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. When the trigger mechanism is actuated, the lever pivots to the firing position and the detent reed is activated. In those embodiments with the microswitch and microprocessor, the microprocessor generates a signal when the lever 104 pivots to the firing position. In those embodiments with the microswitch, microprocessor, and light source, the light source is activated when the lever 104 pivots to the firing position. When 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. When 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. In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventive concept is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. Although the foregoing detailed description of the present inventive concept has been described by reference to one or more exemplary embodiment(s), and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the present inventive concept, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the accompanying claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the present inventive concept, the manner in which it is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and 17 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037 advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the inventive concept herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the accompanying Abstract is to the patent offices and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to define the invention or the application, which only is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 18 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A dry fire training device, for use with a fully functional firearm with a trigger mechanism, the device comprising: a rigid outer case, shaped and configured to operatively cooperate with an ammunition magazine compartment of the firearm; a lever positioned within the rigid outer case and configured to be moveable between a resting position and a firing position, the lever comprising a trigger bias protrusion configured to be non-moveable relative to the lever, and, when the dry fire training device is inserted into the ammunition magazine compartment of the firearm, the trigger bias protrusion frictionally engages with the magazine compartment of the firearm to push the lever rearward and behind the trigger mechanism of the firearm, such that when the trigger mechanism is actuated, the lever is moved from the resting position to the firing position, and when the trigger mechanism is released, the lever is moved from the firing position to the resting position; a compression spring positioned between the lever and the rigid outer case and configured to bias the lever in the resting position; and a detent reed positioned within the rigid outer case and configured to interact with the lever to provide audible and tactile feedback when the lever is moved from the resting position to the firing position.

2. The dry fire training device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rigid outer case has a top end portion, a bottom end portion, a front portion, a back portion, opposing side portions, an exterior surface and an interior cavity, the interior cavity having inside surfaces at the top end portion, the bottom end portion, the front portion, the back portion, and the opposing side 19 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037portions, the rigid outer case further having a platform at the inside top end portion for operative engagement with the compression spring.

3. The dry fire training device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lever is pivotably carried within the interior cavity of the rigid outer case, the lever is elongate and has a bottom end portion that is proximate the inside bottom surface of the interior cavity, and a top end portion that is proximate the top end portion of the rigid outer case, the lever comprises a projection for engagement with the compression spring, and the lever is pivotably movable on a fulcrum that communicates with the opposing side portions inside the interior cavity of the rigid outer case.

4. The dry fire training device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the detent reed is interconnected with the lever and the detent reed 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.

5. The dry fire training device as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a regulating assembly carried inside the interior cavity of the rigid outer case proximate the top end portion, the regulating assembly having 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.

6. The dry fire training device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a microswitch lever pivotally carried by the lever proximate the bottom end portion thereof and proximate the inside back surface of the rigid outer case, the microswitch lever carrying a microswitch thereon that is activated when the microswitch operatively contacts the inside back surface of the rigid outer 20 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037case when the lever is pivotally moved rearwardly responsive to actuation of the firearm trigger mechanism.

7. The dry fire training device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a printed circuit board located within and connected to the rigid outer case, the printed circuit board comprising a microprocessor operatively communicating with a microswitch to send a signal when the microswitch is activated, and the microswitch is configured to be activated when the lever is in the firing position.

8. The dry fire training device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the signal is at least one of LED, infrared, Bluetooth, vibration, or sound.

9. The dry fire training device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the trigger bias protrusion is located on the lever between the top end portion and the bottom end portion, the trigger bias protrusion having an end portion that extends through an orifice in the front portion of the rigid outer case and the extending end portion of the trigger bias protrusion frictionally communicates with a surface of the firearm ammunition magazine compartment so as to properly position the top end portion of the lever relative to the firearm trigger mechanism for operation.

10. The dry fire training device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the exterior surface of the bottom end portion of the rigid outer case further comprises an attachment interface configured to engage with a firearm accessories mounting platform.

11. The dry fire training device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the firearm accessories mounting platform is a Picatinny rail system. 21 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-03712. A method of manufacturing a dry fire training device, for use with a fully functional firearm with a trigger mechanism, the method comprising: providing a rigid outer case, shaped and configured to operatively cooperate with an ammunition magazine compartment of the firearm; positioning a lever within the rigid outer case such that the lever is moveable between a resting position and a firing position, the lever comprising a trigger bias protrusion configured to be non-moveable relative to the lever, and, when the dry fire training device is inserted into the ammunition magazine compartment of the firearm, the trigger bias protrusion frictionally engages with the magazine compartment of the firearm to position the lever behind the trigger mechanism and in the resting position, such that when the trigger mechanism is actuated, the lever is moved from the resting position to the firing position, and when the trigger mechanism is released, the lever is moved from the firing position to the resting position and the lever resets the trigger mechanism to its position before the trigger mechanism was actuated; positioning a compression spring between the lever and the rigid outer case to bias the lever and trigger bias protrusion in the resting position; and positioning a detent reed within the rigid outer case to interact with the lever to provide audible and tactile feedback when the lever is moved from the resting position to the firing position.

13. A method of using a dry fire training device, the method comprising: providing a dry fire training device as claimed in claim 1; inserting the dry fire training device into the ammunition magazine compartment of the firearm; and actuating the trigger mechanism of the firearm. 22 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-03714. The method of use as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: removing the dry fire training device from the firearm. 23 ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.45341-037

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