Trigger assembly for striker fired firearm

Abstract

A trigger insert for a striker fired firearm is described. The trigger insert comprises an articulated sear, a sear spring, and a trip bar. The articulated sear is coupled to the trigger insert and configured to engage a firing pin of the firearm. The sear spring is configured to bias the articulated sear in a position to hold the firing pin. The trip bar is coupled to the articulated sear and comprises a lip extending away from and transverse to the trigger insert. When a force is applied to the lip of the trip bar, it is translated to the articulated sear, which is configured to release the firing pin. A trigger module and a backing plate module are also described. A trigger assembly comprising the trigger insert, the backing plate module, and a transfer bar are also described.

Description

TRIGGER ASSEMBLY FOR STRIKER FIRED FIREARM

[0001] The present invention relates generally a trigger assembly and specifically to an improved trigger assembly for a striker fired firearm.BACKGROUND

[0002] The Glock was created in 1982 by Gaston Glock, an Austrian engineer. The original Glock 17 model, first adopted by the Austrian army, could hold 17 rounds instead of the six common to standard-issue pistols of the day and was more lightweight than other semiautomatic handguns. The Glock came to America in the late 80’s and rapidly rose in popularity. The Glock is still one of the most popular firearms today.

[0003] The Glock, which made use of polymers to achieve a lighter carry weight, included a number of new or previously obscure features, including a striker-fired system. Although not new, the striker-fired system differentiated the Glock from the more traditional hammer-fired system.

[0004] In striker-fired pistols, pulling back on the handgun slide half-cocks the weapon, which is only fully cocked when the trigger is pulled. Pulling the trigger disengages three different safeties, each of which is designed to stop an accidental discharge that does not involve a finger on the trigger. One of the last actions activated by pulling the trigger is the release of a firing pin which impacts a bullet primer, setting off a chain reaction that ends with a bullet exiting the barrel of the gun.

[0005] However, striker fired firearms include triggers that are consistent with mass produced injection molded products. As such, there is a need to improve the trigger of striker fired pistols to reduce the trigger pull weight, reduce take up when the trigger is engaged, and increase the crispness of the break of the trigger.

[0006] Accordingly, it is desirable to be able to provide a trigger assembly that obviates or mitigates at least some of the above mentioned disadvantages.SUMMARY

[0007] In accordance with an aspect of an embodiment, there is provided a trigger module for a striker fired firearm, the trigger module comprising: a trigger lever rotatably mounted to the trigger module; and a firing pin safety cam extending upwardly from the trigger lever; wherein the firing pin safety cam is shaped and positioned to disengage a firing pin safety of the firearm upon rotation of the trigger lever.

[0008] In an embodiment, the trigger lever and the firing pin safety cam may be of a unitary construction. The firing pin safety cam may disengage the firing pin safety prior to releasing the firing pin. The trigger module may further comprise a trigger safety rotatably mounted tothe trigger lever. A trigger module mounting pin may couple the trigger module to the body of the firearm.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of an embodiment, there is provided a backing plate module for a striker fired firearm. The backing plate module comprises a backing plate for coupling to the firearm and a camming blade coupled to the backing plate. The camming blade may be shaped to fit into a groove in the firearm. The camming blade may comprise a recess proximal the backing plate and an end portion of the recess acts as a camming surface. The camming blade may change a lateral camming motion provided by the groove in the firearm to a vertical camming provided by the camming surface. In an embodiment, the camming surface may be a sloped front end surface of the recess.

[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of an embodiment, there is provided a trigger insert for a striker fired firearm, the trigger insert comprising: a first side and a second side; a slot in the trigger insert; a trip bar coupled to the first side of the trigger insert, the trip bar comprising: a trip pin extending through the slot to the second side, and a lip extended away from the trigger insert; an articulated sear coupled to the second side of the trigger insert, the articulated sear configured to abut the trip pin; and a sear spring configured to bias the articulated sear in a position to hold a firing pin of the firearm; wherein when a force is applied to the trip bar, the force is translated to the articulated sear via the trip pin and the articulated sear is configured to release the firing pin when the force is sufficient to over the bias of the sear spring.

[0011] In an embodiment, the articulated sear may comprise: a first hinge rotatably coupled to the trigger insert; a second hinge rotatably coupled to the trigger insert, and a sear body coupled body coupled between the first hinge and the second hinge; wherein movement of the trip pin causes the first hinge to rotate and release the sear body.

[0012] In an embodiment, the articulated sear may further comprise a captured roller positioned between the first hinge and the sear body. The sear body may comprise a roller interface portion and a firing pin interface portion. The firing pin interface portion is configured to protrude from a trigger insert housing and engage with a firing pin, the firing pin interface portion comprising a front facing camming surface and a rear facing firing pin surface. The front facing camming surface may be sloped and the rear facing firing pin surface may be substantially vertical. The roller interface portion may extend arcuately from a main portion of the articulated sear and tapers to a narrow end.

[0013] In accordance with yet another aspect of an embodiment, there is provided a trigger insert for a striker fired firearm. The trigger insert comprises an articulated sear coupled to the trigger insert. The articulated sear is configured to engage a firing pin of the firearm. A sear spring is configured to bias the articulated sear in a position to hold the firing pin. A trip bar iscoupled to the articulated sear. The trip bar comprises a lip extending away from and transverse to the trigger insert. When a force is applied to the lip of the trip bar, the force is translated to the articulated sear and the articulated sear is configured to release the firing pin when the force is sufficient to over the bias of the sear spring.

[0014] In an embodiment, the articulated sear may comprise a first hinge rotatably coupled to the trigger insert and a sear body coupled, proximal one end, to the first hinge and, proximal another end, to the trigger insert. The force applied to the lip of the trip bar may cause the first hinge to rotate and release the sear body.

[0015] In an embodiment, the trigger insert may further comprise a second hinge coupled to the trigger insert. The sear body may comprise a slot, and a coupling pin positioned within the slot may couple the sear body to the second hinge so that the sear body is coupled to the trigger insert via the second hinge.

[0016] In an embodiment, the trigger insert may further comprise a sear body pin. The sear body may comprise an opening and the sear body pin may be positioned within the opening to restrict motion of the sear body.

[0017] In an embodiment, the trigger insert may further comprise a captured roller positioned between the first hinge and the sear body. The sear body may comprise a roller interface portion and a firing pin interface portion. The firing pin interface portion may be configured to protrude from a trigger insert housing and engage with the firing pin, the firing pin interface portion comprising a front facing camming surface and a rear facing firing pin surface. The front facing camming surface may be sloped and the rear facing firing pin surface may be substantially vertical. The roller interface portion may extend arcuately from a main portion of the articulated sear and taper to a narrow end.

[0018] In an embodiment, the trigger insert may further comprise a trip pin, wherein the trip bar is distinct from the articulated sear and is rotationally coupled to the trigger insert about a trip bar pivot pin, and wherein the trip pin couples the trip bar to the articulated sear. The trip pin may couple the trip bar to the first hinge of the articulated sear. The trigger insert may comprise a housing having a slot therein. The trip bar may be coupled to the outside of the housing and the articulated sear may be positioned within the housing. The trip pin may be positioned within the slot to couple the trip bar to the articulated sear.

[0019] In an embodiment, the trip bar may be integrated with the articulated sear.

[0020] In accordance with yet another aspect of an embodiment, there is provided a trigger assembly for a striker fired firearm, the trigger assembly comprising: a trigger module comprising a trigger lever rotatably mounted to the trigger module; a backing plate module as described above; a trigger insert as described above; and a transfer bar configured to operatively couple the trigger module with the backing plate and the trigger insert.

[0021] In an embodiment, the trigger module may further comprise a firing pin safety cam extending upwardly from the trigger lever; wherein the firing pin safety cam is shaped and positioned to disengage a firing pin safety of the firearm upon rotation of the trigger lever.

[0022] In an embodiment, the transfer bar may comprise a notch configured to receive the lip of the trigger insert. The transfer bar may comprise a disconnector portion configured to be received within the recess of the backing plate module. The recess of the backing plate module may comprise a camming surface configured to cam the disconnector portion of the transfer bar.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which:Fig. 1 is a right side view of a trigger assembly in accordance with an embodiment;Fig. 2 is a left side view of the trigger assembly;Fig. 3 is a right side view of a trigger module and transfer bar of the trigger assembly;Fig. 4a is a right side view of a trigger insert of the trigger assembly;Fig. 4b is a left side view of the trigger insert;Fig. 4c is a left side view of the trigger insert without the trigger assembly housing;Fig. 5a is a rear view of a backing plate module of the trigger assembly;Fig. 5b is a side view of the backing plate module;Fig. 5c is a bottom-rear isometric view of the backing plate module;Figs. 6a to 6g are right side views illustrating the operation of the trigger module when firing a firearm;Fig. 7a is a right side view of a trigger assembly in accordance with another embodiment; and Fig. 7b is a top-right isometric view of the trigger assembly in Fig. 7a.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] For convenience, like numerals in the description refer to like structures in the drawings. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a trigger assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated generally by numeral 100. The trigger assembly 100 comprises a trigger module 102, a transfer bar 104, a trigger insert 106, and a backing plate module 108. Although a firing pin 110 is illustrated for ease of explanation, the firing pin 110 is not part of the trigger assembly 100.

[0025] Referring to Fig. 3, the trigger module 102 and the transfer bar 104 are illustrated in greater detail. The trigger module 102 comprises a trigger lever 302, a trigger safety 304, a trigger module mounting pin 306, a trigger coupling pin 308, and a firing pin safety cam 310.The trigger safety 304 is rotationally coupled to the trigger lever 302 via the trigger coupling pin 308. The trigger safety 304 is configured to inhibit motion of the trigger lever 302 unless the trigger safety 304 is engaged, as is known in the art. The trigger module 102 is configured to be rotatably coupled to the firearm via the trigger module mounting pin 306.

[0026] The firing pin safety cam 310 extends upwardly from the trigger lever 302. In some embodiments, the trigger lever 302 and the firing pin safety cam 310 are of a unitary construction. The firing pin safety cam 310 is shaped and positioned to disengage the firing pin safety (not shown) when the trigger lever 302 is pulled. Specifically, the firing pin safety cam 310 is configured to disengage the firing pin safety before the firing pin 110 is released. In contrast, prior art implementations provided a protrusion on the transfer bar 104 to disengage the firing pin safety. Using the trigger module 102 to directly disengage the firing pin safety as described, rather than using the transfer bar 104 as in the prior art, allows the stroke of the trigger to be tuned.

[0027] The transfer bar 104 is coupled to the trigger module 102. In some embodiments, the transfer bar 104 may be rotationally coupled to the trigger module 102 via the trigger coupling pin 308. The transfer bar 104 is biased in an upward direction. The transfer bar 104 comprises a disconnector portion 312 at the end distal from the trigger module 102. In some embodiments, the disconnector portion 312 protrudes rearward and upward from the transfer bar 104. In some embodiments, the disconnector portion 312 is curved. The shape of the disconnector portion 312 may vary depending on the design of the trigger insert 106. The disconnector portion 312 includes a blade camming surface 314. As will be described in detail, the blade camming surface 314 facilitates interfacing the trigger module 102 with the backing plate module 108. The transfer bar 104 further comprises a notch 316 distal from the trigger module 102 and proximal to the disconnector portion 312. As will be described in detail, the notch 316 facilitates coupling the trigger module 102 with the trigger insert 106.

[0028] Referring to Fig. 4a, the right side of the trigger insert 106 is illustrated in greater detail. The trigger insert 106 comprises a trigger insert housing 401 sized and shaped to fit into a predefined cavity within the firearm. The trigger insert housing 401 includes an opening 402 and a slot 404. The trigger insert 106 further comprises a trip bar 406 and a trip bar pivot pin 408. The opening 402 is used to couple the trigger insert housing 401 to the body of the firearm. The trip bar 406 is rotationally coupled to the trigger insert housing 401 via the trip bar pivot pin 408.

[0029] The trip bar 406 comprises a trip pin 410 and a lip 412. The trip pin 410 extends perpendicularly from the trip bar 406, through the slot 404 and into the trigger insert housing 401 . The lip 412 extends perpendicularly from the trip bar away from the trigger insert 106 and transverse to the trigger insert housing 401. The lip 412 is sized and shaped to engage withthe notch 316 in the transfer bar 104. In some embodiments, the rotation of the trip bar 406 about the trip bar pivot pin 408 may be limited by the positioning of the trip pin 410 within the slot 404. In some embodiments, the trip bar 406 is positioned within a recess 403 in the right face of the trigger insert housing 401 . Accordingly, the rotation of the trip bar 406 about the trip bar pivot pin 408 may be limited by the size of the recess 403.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 4b, the left side of the trigger insert 106 is illustrated. Referring to Fig. 4c, the side of the trigger insert 106 is illustrated in greater detail without the trigger insert housing 401. The trigger insert 106 comprises an articulated sear 450 positioned within a recess in the left face of the trigger insert 106. The articulated sear 450 comprises a first hinge 452, a sear body 454, a second hinge 456, a captured roller 458, a sear spring 460, a first hinge pivot pin 462, and a second hinge pivot pin 464.

[0031] The first hinge 452 is substantially V-shaped. The first hinge 452 is rotationally coupled to the trigger insert housing 401 via the first hinge pivot pin 462 at a position proximal to a base of the V-shape. The sear spring 460 is coupled to a first arm 470 of the first hinge 452. The sear spring 460 is configured to bias the first hinge 452 in a forward (counterclockwise) direction. A second arm 472 of the first hinge 452 terminates in a square hook 474. The square hook 474 includes a first roller surface 474a. An inner surface of the second arm 472 abuts the trip pin 410 protruding through the slot 404.

[0032] The second hinge 456 is spaced apart from the first hinge 452. The second hinge 456 is rotationally coupled to the trigger insert housing via the second hinge pivot pin 464. The second hinge further includes a coupling pin 475 for coupling to the sear body 454.

[0033] The sear body 454 comprises a main portion 454a, a roller interface portion 454b, and a firing pin interface portion 454c. The main portion 454a comprises a slot 476 for receiving the coupling pin 475. In some embodiments, the sear body 454 is constructed from an elastic material.

[0034] The roller interface portion 454b extends arcuately from the main portion 454a and tapers to a narrow end. The roller interface portion 454b includes a second roller surface 478. In an embodiment, the second roller surface 478 comprises a step shape along an edge of the roller interface portion 454b.

[0035] The captured roller 458 is configured to rotate freely about its axis. A slot in the trigger insert housing facilitates lateral motion of the captured roller 458. As will be described below, the captured roller 458 is held in place between the first roller surface 474a and the second roller surface 478 until the trigger lever 302 is pulled.

[0036] The firing pin interface portion 454c is configured to protrude from the trigger insert housing and engage the firing pin 110. The firing pin interface portion 454c comprising a front facing camming surface 480 and a rear facing firing pin surface 482. In some embodiments,the camming surface 480 is a continuation of the arcuate surface of the main portion 454a, and slopes upward from front to back. In some embodiments, the firing pin surface 482 is shaped to engage the firing pin 110 and inhibit its forward motion until the trigger is pulled.

[0037] In some embodiments, the trip bar 406 may be positioned on the left side of the trigger insert housing 401. In some embodiments, the trip bar 406 may be positioned within the trigger insert housing 401 , with only the lip 412 protruding therefrom.

[0038] Referring to Figs. 5a to 5c, the backing plate module 108 is illustrated in greater detail. The backing plate module 108 comprises a backing plate 502 and a camming blade 504. The backing plate 502 is configured to attach to the back of the body of the firearm. The camming blade 504 extends perpendicularly from the backing plate 502. The camming blade 504 comprises a recess 506 proximal the backing plate 502. The recess 506 comprises a camming surface 508 at a front end thereof. In an embodiment the camming surface 508 is a sloped surface defining the front end of the recess. The camming blade 504 is shaped to fit into a predefined groove in the body of the firearm. The predefined groove in the firearm was designed to laterally cam the trigger bar of the prior art. Accordingly, the camming blade 504 changes the camming motion of trigger release mechanism from a lateral motion to a vertical motion.

[0039] Operation of the trigger assembly 100 to fire the firearm is described with reference to Figs 6a to 6g. Referring to Fig. 6a, the right side of the trigger assembly 100 is shown in an armed position. The trigger lever 302 has not yet been pressed. The firing pin 110 is biased in a forward direction by a compression firing spring (not shown). The firing pin 110 engages the firing pin surface 482 of the articulated sear 450 and has its forward motion inhibited. Specifically, the force from the firing spring is resisted by the configuration of the articulated sear 450, at least partially because the position of first hinge 452 holds the captured roller 458 in place. The disconnector portion 312 of the transfer bar 104 is positioned within the recess 506 of the camming blade 504. The lip 412 of the trip bar 406 is engaged with the notch 316 in the transfer bar 104.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 6b, the right side of the trigger assembly 100 is shown with the trigger lever 302 pressed, but the firearm not yet fired. As the trigger lever 302 is pressed, the firing pin safety cam 310 rises to disengage the firing pin safety mechanism. Further, the transfer bar 104 is moved rearward. In turn, the transfer bar 104 moves the lip 412 rearward, which causes the trip bar 406 to rotate rearward. This motion causes the trip pin 410 to move rearward. The rearward motion of the trip pin 410 overcomes the bias force of the sear spring 460 and causes the first hinge 452 to rotate rearward. Rotation of the first hinge 452 allows the captured roller 458 to move laterally away from the sear body 454. Accordingly, the articulated sear 450 no longer resists the force of the firing spring.

[0041] As a result, referring to Fig. 6c, the sear body 454 drops and the firing pin 110 releases, moving forward and away from the backing plate 502. The firing pin 110 keeps moving forward until it hits the primer (not shown) and the energy inside the bullet is released. After the firing pin 110 has hit the primer, the blowback movement occurs and the firing pin 110 moves rearward, along with the backing plate module 108.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 6d, as the backing plate module 108 moves rearward, the camming surface 508 of the recess in the camming blade 504 engages the disconnector portion 312 of the transfer bar 104 and pushes the transfer bar 104 down. This downward motion causes the notch 316 to disengage from the lip 412 of the trip bar 406. Thus, the transfer bar 104 and the trip bar 406 are disconnected. As a result, the firearm will be inhibited from firing again.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 6e, since the trip bar 406 is disconnected from the transfer bar 104, the sear spring 460 causes the first hinge 452 to rotate forward. The forward rotation of the first hinge 452 causes the trip pin 410 to move forward. The forward motion of the trip pin 410 causes the trip bar 406 to move forward so that the lip 412 is no longer in alignment with the notch 316. The forward rotation of the first hinge 452 also re-engages and raises the sear body 454 so that the firing pin interface portion 454c protrudes from the trigger insert housing.

[0044] Referring to Fig. 6f, as the backing plate module 108 and the firing pin 110 continue to move rearward, the firing pin 110 engages the camming surface 480 of the firing pin interface portion 454c of the sear body 454. A combination of the elasticity of the sear body 454, the slot 476 in the sear body 454, and the rotatability of the second hinge 456 about the second hinge pivot pin 464, allows the sear body 454 to flex rearward and downward as the firing pin 110 moves backwards overtop of it.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 6g, once the backing plate module 108 and the firing pin 110 have moved as far back as possible, they are once again moved forward under force from at least the firing spring. Since the articulated sear 450 has reset to its original position, movement of the firing pin 110 is halted by the firing pin surface 482 of the firing pin interface portion 454c of the sear body 454. The transfer bar 104 and the trip bar 406 remain disconnected and the firearm remains inhibited from firing again. As the trigger lever 302 is released, the transfer bar 104 moves forward. The notch 316 re-aligns with the lip 412 of the trip bar 406. The realignment allows the transfer bar 104 to rise and the notch 316 to engage with the lip 412, as illustrated in Fig. 6a. Accordingly, the firearm is once again ready to fire.

[0046] Referring to Figs. 7a and 7b, another embodiment of the trigger insert is illustrated generally by numeral 700. The trigger insert 700 is similar to the trigger insert 106, with the exception of several components. For example, the trigger insert 700 comprises an integrated first hinge 452’. That is, rather than an independent trip bar 406, the features of the trip bar406 are integrated with the first hinge 452. As will be appreciated, the term “integrated first hinge” is used only to easily distinguish the different embodiments.

[0047] The integrated first hinge 452’ is substantially bar shaped. The integrated first hinge 452’ is rotationally coupled to the trigger insert housing via the first hinge pivot pin 462 at a position proximal to a base portion of the integrated first hinge 452’. The integrated first hinge 452’ includes an opening 706 proximal to an upper portion thereof. The opening 706 is configured to receive the roller 458. The opening 706 is sized to allow the roller 458 to translate, as will be described below. Further, the integrated first hinge 452’ comprises the lip 412 proximal to an upper portion thereof. In some embodiments, the lip 412 is positioned proximal to a top portion of the integrated first hinge 452’. The lip 412 protrudes away from and transverse to the trigger insert 700. The lip 412 is configured to engage the notch 316 of the transfer bar 104.

[0048] A flange 708 extends from a lower portion of the integrated first hinge 452’ and is configured to receive the sear spring 460. The sear spring 460 is positioned between a threaded wedge screw 712 and spring cap 710. The spring cap 710 comprises a pointed tip configured to couple the sear spring 460 with the flange 708. As a result of its shape, the spring cap 710 can pivot on the flange 708 when the integrated first hinge 452’ rotates. The pivoting of the spring cap 710 allows it to absorb some of the rotational force from the flange 708. Thus, a primarily linear force is transferred to the sear spring 460.

[0049] The threaded wedge screw 712 is positioned near the top of the trigger insert housing. Access to the threaded wedge screw 712 is provided from outside of the trigger insert housing. Depending on the direction of rotation, the threaded wedge screw 712 compresses or decompresses the sear spring 460. The compression or decompression of the sear spring 460 varies the spring constant, thereby modifying the amount of force required to release the articulated sear 450. Thus, the pull weight for the trigger insert 700 is adjustable by a user. The use if the threaded wedge screw 712 as part of an adjustable trigger biasing member is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 9,752,841 , titled “Trigger device”.

[0050] Operation of the trigger insert 700 to release the articulated sear 450 is described as follows. The remainder of the operation to fire the firearm remains the same as described with reference to Figs. 6a to 6g.

[0051] As illustrated in Fig 7b, the lip 412 of the integrated first hinge 452’ is engaged with the notch 316 in the transfer bar 104. As the transfer bar 104 moves rearward, the transfer bar 104 moves the lip 412 rearward. This motion causes the integrated first hinge 452’ to rotate rearward. The rearward rotation of the integrated first hinge 452’ overcomes the bias force of the sear spring 460. Rotation of the integrated first hinge 452’ repositions the opening706 rearward, which allows the captured roller 458 to move laterally away from the sear body 454. As a result, the sear body 454 drops and the articulated sear 450 is released.

[0052] In some embodiments, the articulated sear 450 excludes the second hinge 456. Referring to Figs. 8a to 8e, a two-piece articulated sear 450’ is illustrated. The articulated sear 450’ comprises the first hinge 452 and a modified sear body 454’. Although the articulated sear 450’ is illustrated comprising the first hinge 452, it could comprise the integrated first hinge 452’ instead. The modified sear body 454’ is similar to the sear body 454. However, the modified sear body 454’ includes a substantially triangular opening 802 rather than the slot 476 in the sear body 454. The triangular opening 802 is in the form of an inverted triangle. A sear body pin 804 is positioned within the triangular opening 802. Although the opening 802 is described as triangular, other shapes may also be found to be useful. The sear body pin 804 is coupled to the trigger insert housing and positioned to restrict movement of the sear body 454’ as follows.

[0053] Referring to Fig. 8a, in the cocked position, the sear spring 460 biases the first hinge 452 to rotate forward about the first hinge pivot pin 462. This biasing force is translated through the captured roller 458 to the sear body 454’. The biasing force pushes the sear body 454’ upward. The upward motion of the sear body 454’ is limited by the sear body pin 804 contacting a lower corner of the triangular opening 802.

[0054] Referring to Fig. 8b, the trigger has been pulled and the articulated sear 450 has been released. Force from the firing pin 110 pushes the sear body 454’ forward and downward. The motion of the sear body 454’ is limited by the sear body pin 804 contacting an upper left corner of the triangular opening 802.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 8c, the trigger has been released and the sear spring 460 biases the first hinge 452 to rotate forward about the first hinge pivot pin 462. The biasing force pushes the sear body 454’ upward. The upward motion of the sear body 454’ is again limited by the sear body pin 804 contacting the lower corner of the triangular opening 802.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 8d, during the blowback movement, force from the firing pin 110 pushes the sear body 454’ rearward and downward. The motion of the sear body 454’ is limited by the sear body pin 804 contacting an upper right corner of the triangular opening 802.

[0057] Referring to Fig. 8e, the firing pin 110 has traveled past the sear body 454’ and the sear spring 460 biases the first hinge 452 to rotate forward about the first hinge pivot pin 462. The biasing force pushes the sear body 454’ upward. The upward motion of the sear body 454’ is again limited by the sear body pin 804 contacting the lower corner of the triangular opening 802. The articulated sear 450’ is now reset.

[0058] The trigger assembly 100 described herein has been specifically designed for a Glock firearm. However, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, it may be implemented on other striker fired firearms.

[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0060] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0061] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0062] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” “forward,” “rearward,” “upward,” “downward,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element’s or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. For convenience, the relativeterms used in the application relate to a user holding a firearm with the barrel facing forward as a reference frame. However, spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptions used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0063] This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0064] In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention.

[0065] Also, the use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it states otherwise.

[0066] The description in the present application should not be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included in the claim scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none of the claims invokes 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim, followed by a participle phrase identifying a function.

[0067] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that can cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, sacrosanct or an essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0068] After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that certain features which are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, can also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:1 . A trigger insert for a striker fired firearm, the trigger insert comprising: an articulated sear coupled to the trigger insert, the articulated sear configured to engage a firing pin of the firearm; a sear spring configured to bias the articulated sear in a position to hold the firing pin; and a trip bar coupled to the articulated sear, the trip bar comprising: a lip extending away from and transverse to the trigger insert; wherein when a force is applied to the lip of the trip bar, the force is translated to the articulated sear and the articulated sear is configured to release the firing pin when the force is sufficient to over the bias of the sear spring.

2. The trigger insert of claim 1 , wherein the articulated sear comprises: a first hinge rotatably coupled to the trigger insert; and a sear body coupled proximal one end to the first hinge and proximal another end to the trigger insert; wherein the force applied to the lip of the trip bar causes the first hinge to rotate and release the sear body.

3. The trigger insert of claim 2 further comprising a second hinge coupled to the trigger insert, wherein the sear body comprises a slot, and a coupling pin positioned within the slot couples the sear body to the second hinge so that the sear body is coupled to the trigger insert via the second hinge.

4. The trigger insert of claim 2 further comprising a sear body pin, wherein the sear body comprises an opening and the sear body pin is positioned within the opening to restrict motion of the sear body.

5. The trigger insert of any one of claims 2 to 4 further comprising a captured roller positioned between the first hinge and the sear body.

6. The trigger insert of claim 5, wherein the sear body comprises a roller interface portion and a firing pin interface portion.

7. The trigger insert of claim 6, wherein the firing pin interface portion is configured to protrude from a trigger insert housing and engage with the firing pin, the firing pin interface portion comprising a front facing camming surface and a rear facing firing pin surface.

8. The trigger insert of claim 7, wherein the front facing camming surface is sloped and the rear facing firing pin surface is substantially vertical.

9. The trigger insert of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the roller interface portion extends arcuately from a main portion of the articulated sear and tapers to a narrow end.

10. The trigger insert of any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprising a trip pin, wherein the trip bar is distinct from the articulated sear and is rotationally coupled to the trigger insert about a trip bar pivot pin, and wherein the trip pin couples the trip bar to the articulated sear.11 . The trigger insert of claim 10, wherein the trip pin couples the trip bar to the first hinge of the articulated sear.

12. The trigger insert of claim 10, wherein the trigger insert comprises a housing having a slot therein, the trip bar coupled to the outside of the housing and the articulated sear is positioned within the housing, and the trip pin is positioned within the slot to couple the trip bar to the articulated sear.

13. The trigger insert of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the trip bar is integrated with the articulated sear.

14. A trigger module for a striker fired firearm, the trigger module comprising: a trigger lever rotatably mounted to the trigger module; and a firing pin safety cam extending upwardly from the trigger lever; wherein the firing pin safety cam is shaped and positioned to disengage a firing pin safety of the firearm upon rotation of the trigger lever.

15. The trigger module of claim 14, wherein the trigger lever and the firing pin safety cam are of a unitary construction.

16. The trigger module of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the firing pin safety cam disengages the firing pin safety prior to releasing the firing pin.

17. The trigger module of any one of claims 14 to 16 further comprising a trigger safety rotatably mounted to the trigger lever.

18. The trigger module of any one of claims 1 to 17 further comprising a trigger module mounting pin to couple the trigger module to the body of the firearm.

19. A backing plate module for a striker fired firearm, the backing plate module comprising: a backing plate for coupling to the firearm; and a camming blade coupled to the backing plate and shaped to fit into a groove in the firearm, the camming blade comprising a recess proximal the backing plate and an end portion of the recess acts as a camming surface; wherein the camming blade changes a lateral camming motion provided by the groove in the firearm to a vertical camming provided by the camming surface.

20. The backing plate of claim 19, wherein the camming surface is a sloped front end surface of the recess.21 . A trigger assembly for a striker fired firearm, the trigger assembly comprising: a backing plate module as recited in claim 19 or claim 20; a trigger insert as recited in any one of claims 1 to 18; and a transfer bar configured to operatively couple a trigger module with the backing plate and the trigger insert.

22. The trigger assembly of claim 21 further comprising the trigger module, where the trigger module comprises a trigger lever rotatably mounted to the trigger module and a firing pin safety cam extending upwardly from the trigger lever; wherein the firing pin safety cam is shaped and positioned to disengage a firing pin safety of the firearm upon rotation of the trigger lever.

23. The trigger assembly of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein transfer bar comprises a notch configured to receive the lip of the trigger insert.

24. The trigger assembly of any one of claims 21 to 23, where in the transfer bar comprises a disconnector portion configured to be received within the recess of the backing plate module.

25. The trigger assembly of claim 24, wherein the recess of the backing plate module comprises a camming surface configured to disconnect the disconnector portion of the transfer bar.

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