Trigger mechanism

Abstract

A trigger mechanism comprises a housing 201, a trigger 101, a sear 102 and an arm 103. The trigger 101, the sear 102 and the arm 103 are at least partially received within the housing 201. A magnetic

Description

Field of the invention The invention relates to trigger mechanisms, and in particular to trigger mechanisms for projectile firing devices such as bows, crossbows, rifles, shotguns and pistols. Background Trigger mechanisms in projectile firing devices such as bows, crossbows, rifles, shotguns or pistols usually include a trigger and other mechanical components that are biased by way of a spring such as a coil spring or leaf spring. US 12085356 discloses a release which can include first and second magnets that exert a magnetic repelling force on one another, thereby causing the trigger to automatically reset to the hold mode. Figures Some embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top view of a trigger, sear and arm of the trigger mechanism; Figure 2 is a top view of an housing containing the trigger, sear and arm; Figure 3 is a schematic illustrating a magnet configuration; Figure 4 is a schematic illustrating magnet configurations; Figure 5 is a schematic illustrating magnet configurations; Figure 6 is a schematic illustrating magnet configurations; Figure 7 is a schematic illustrating magnet configurations; Figure 8 is a top view of a schematic configuration of a trigger, sear and arm for use in a rifle; Figure 9 is a top view of a schematic configuration of a trigger, sear and arm for use in a crossbow; and Figure 10 is a method flow diagram. Statement of invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a trigger mechanism comprising: a housing; a trigger, a sear and an arm, wherein the trigger, the sear and the arm are at least partially received within the housing, a magnetic biasing mechanism comprising a first component arranged at the housing and a second component arranged at one of the trigger, the sear or the arm, wherein the second component is movable with respect to the housing; wherein the first component and second component are magnetically coupled, a third component arranged at the housing, wherein the third component is magnetically coupled to the second component, and wherein the second component is movable in a plane between the first component and the third component. One or more of the first component, the second component and the third component may be magnets. The magnets may act on another magnet or on a magnetisable material. Optionally, each of the trigger, the sear and the arm comprises a magnet. The second component may partially overlap with the first and second components in the direction of said plane. At least one pivot may be provided, and one or more of the trigger, sear and arm may be arranged to rotate around the at least one pivot. The at least one pivot and the second component of the corresponding trigger, sear or arm may be separated from each other along the corresponding trigger, sear or arm. At least one of the first component, the second component or the third component may comprise a magnetisable material, and another one of the first component, the second component or the first component comprises a magnet in that example. The trigger may comprise a finger portion extending in a first direction from a pivot, and a sear lever portion extending from the pivot at an angle between 70 and 90 degrees with respect to the finger portion. The sear lever portion may be in mechanical contact with the sear. The sear may comprise a pivot and a magnet, wherein the pivot and magnet are arranged at opposite portions of the sear. The sear may comprise a shoulder, wherein the shoulder is separated from a portion of the sear where the trigger contacts the sear, and wherein the shoulder is arranged to retain the arm until the trigger is actuated to release the arm. The arm may comprise a hook portion. The housing may comprise a further hook portion, wherein the hook portion and further hook portion are in contact with each other in a closed configuration for retaining a string. The trigger mechanism may further comprise one or more finger apertures. The arm may be arranged to release a hammer within a rifle on actuation of the trigger. The second component may comprise a trigger magnet arranged in the trigger, wherein the first component and third component may comprise magnets arranged in the housing, wherein the magnets arranged in the housing have a magnetic pole facing a same magnetic pole of the trigger magnet. The magnets of the housing may be offset with respect to the trigger magnet in the direction of movement of the trigger during actuation. The second component may comprise a sear magnet arranged in the sear, wherein the first component and the third component comprise magnets arranged in the housing, wherein the magnets arranged in the housing have a magnetic pole facing a same magnetic pole of the sear magnet. The magnets of the housing may be offset with respect to the sear magnet in the direction of movement of the sear during actuation of the trigger. The second component may comprise an arm magnet arranged in the arm, wherein the first component and the third component may comprise magnets arranged in the housing, wherein the magnets arranged in the housing have a magnetic pole facing a same magnetic pole of the arm magnet. Magnets of the housing may be offset with respect to the arm magnet in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the arm after actuation of the trigger. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a trigger mechanism, the method comprising providing a housing, a trigger, a sear and an arm, arranging a first component in the trigger, sear or arm, and arranging a second component and a third component in the housing, arranging the trigger, the sear and the arm at least partially within the housing, and magnetically biasing one of the trigger, sear or arm within the housing by a magnetic interaction between the first component and the second component, and by a magnetic interaction between the first component and the third component. Detailed description As set out in the statement of invention, in a broad sense the inventors have realised that a trigger mechanism can be provided whereby a trigger, a sear and an arm are arranged at least partially within a housing. The arm and trigger protrude at least partially from the housing because the trigger needs to be actuated by a user’s finger and the arm interacts with a further component outside the housing. The trigger, sear and arm interact with each other by way of direct mechanical contact, whereby movement of the trigger moves the sear, which in turn releases the arm. At least one of the trigger, sear and arm is biased by a magnetic force created by magnetic coupling between a first component in the respective trigger, sear or arm on one hand, and two further components provided at the housing on the other hand. The first component can move within a plane between the two further components and moves under the influence of the magnetic field. Within this broad concept, there are many possible configurations for magnets, lever arms, rotation and torque. Specific embodiments are described below, together with further considerations that will enable the implementation of variations on those specific embodiments within the broad concepts described herein. Fig. 1 illustrates the basic components of a trigger mechanism, showing a trigger 101, a sear 102 and an arm 103. The three components lie in the same plane, but may be offset from a shared plane in other examples. The shape of the components described herein extends in this plane, while the thickness of the components is generally uniform and much smaller than the extent of the components in the plane. The thickness is in a specific example around 5mm. Each of the three components pivots around an individual pivot point in this example: the trigger 101 can rotate around trigger pivot 104, sear 102 can rotate around sear pivot 105 and arm 103 can rotate around arm pivot 106. Each of the three components further comprises a magnet: the trigger 101 comprises a trigger magnet 107, sear 102 comprises sear magnet 108, and arm 103 comprises an arm magnet 109. Each of the magnets is offset with respect to the corresponding pivot points. A corresponding magnet (or magnetisable material) in a surrounding housing applies a force onto the magnet, and the distance to the pivot point causes a biasing force onto the component. More specifically, a torque t can be calculated as the vector product of the distance r between the pivot and magnet and the force F applied onto the magnet: t = r x F It will be appreciated that the skilled person can vary these parameters to suit a particular application, and that the examples provided herein are just a particular illustration. A larger force can be combined with a smaller distance (or the other way around) and result in the same torque. In the example illustrated in Fig. 1, the trigger has a generally longitudinal shape, with a width varying between 1cm and 0.5cm. A first portion, also referred to as finger portion, from a first end to the trigger pivot is around 7cm in length and has a slight curve to engage with a user’s finger. A curve is usual for triggers and the skilled person will be able to select the desired shape. A second portion, also referred to as sear portion, from the trigger pivot to a second end is around 1.3cm and the second portion is angled at about 70 to 80 degrees with respect to the first portion in a direction opposite to the direction of the curve of the trigger. A magnet is arranged within the first portion at a distance of about 2cm from the pivot point. The magnet is magnetically coupled to another magnet or a magnetisable material in the housing, by a pulling or pushing force, such that the trigger is biased against the direction in which the user would pull the trigger. The direction of biasing by the magnetic force is indicated with arrow 110 in Fig. 1. A contact area 111 near the end of the second portion is in contact with the sear 102. The end of the second portion is rounded, so that as the trigger rotates, the end is in sliding contact with a contact portion of the sear and the point of contact slides over the rounded end. The ratio between the length of the first trigger portion and the length of the second trigger portion determines the lever arm of the trigger. More specifically, the ratio between the distance between the area where the user’s finger is located and the trigger pivot on one hand, and the distance between the trigger pivot and the point of contact with the sear determines the lever arm. The sear 102 comprises the sear pivot 105 and magnet 108 as described previously. The sear has a generally longitudinal shape and is arranged at around 90 degrees with respect to the trigger. The total length of the sear is around 3.5cm and the width around 1cm. An area of contact 112 engages with area of contact 111 on the trigger. The area of contact 112 is also rounded, such that the two areas of contact have a sliding contact as the two parts rotate. The magnet 108 is arranged at the same end of the sear as the area of contact. The sear pivot is arranged at the opposite end. The magnet is biased by a corresponding magnet or magnetisable material in the housing in the direction of the area of contact to urge the sear and trigger together. Movement of the trigger is in anti-clockwise direction in the orientation shown in the figure when the user pulls the trigger, and corresponding movement of the sear is therefore also in anti-clockwise direction because of the relative orientation as described above. A shoulder 113 is provided adjacent the sear pivot 105 on the same side of the sear as the contact area 112 to engage with the arm 103. The arm 103 is arranged on the same side of the sear as the trigger, but the trigger and arm are only in contact with each other via the sear. The shoulder 113 blocks a corner 114 of the arm until the trigger is pulled by a user. The corner is biased against the shoulder by the magnet 109 provided in the arm. The arm is around 4cm and extends generally parallel to the sear. The arm pivot 1.6 is provided roughly in the middle of the arm, and the magnet 1.9 is arranged about 1cm away from the arm pivot on the same side as the trigger. A hook portion 115 extends in a direction away from the trigger. Movement of the sear in anti-clockwise direction will free corner 114 from shoulder 113 and the arm will turn also in anti-clockwise direction due to the biasing force of the magnet 109. As will be illustrated in Fig. 2, the hook can be used to retain and subsequently release a string of a compound bow. The pivots in Fig. 1 are openings in the components to received pivot pins from the housing, or alternatively the pivots may comprise pins to be received in corresponding openings in the housing. The pivots may be surrounded by ring magnets to further steer the biasing mechanisms. The different possible combinations of (ring-)magnets are described in more detail below. The ring magnet itself may provide a sufficiently strong torque to rotate the corresponding trigger, sear or arm, in which case no further magnet is required besides the ring magnet arranged around the pivot, thereby providing a compact design. Fig. 1 illustrates a single sear, but multiple sears may also be used. The sears are used to achieve the desired leverage for creating sufficient torque at the arm and the desired amount of movement of the arm, based on the desired torque and travel of the trigger. Fig. 2 illustrates the same parts as shown in Fig. 1 received within a housing 201. Like parts are given like numbers and are not described again. The housing 201 has a top an bottom part joined together by screws 202, whereby the top and bottom enclose most of the trigger, sear and arm. Part of the trigger is exposed such that it can be actuated by a user, and the rear of the trigger is received within a trigger guard 203. The trigger guard protects the trigger and prevents accidental firing. The trigger guard or other part of the housing also acts as a stop surface to the trigger, whereby further movement of the trigger is prevented shortly after firing by a ‘hard stop’. Significant further movement of the trigger after firing has taken place may disrupt the accurate release of the projectile, in particular in the example of a rifle discussed below. The hook portion 115 also extends outside the housing, where the tip of the hook portion meets a hook portion 204 of the housing with a similar but opposite shape. The two hook portions together can grip a string of a compound bow. The housing further defines two finger apertures 205, which are joined up to make a single aperture. The user’s ring finger and middle finger can be inserted into the apertures 205, and the user’s index finger can then be used to operate the trigger. The housing holds a first magnet 206, which overlaps but is offset with respect to the trigger magnet 107. These magnetic fields of these two magnets have components that have opposing fields. In other words, the north sides are facing each other or the south sides are facing each other, taking into account the offset. With opposite polarity, a driving force is created and the offset of the housing magnet is ‘behind’ the direction in which the trigger needs to be biased, as illustrated in Fig. 2. Alternatively, an attractive force can be used between magnets of the same polarity, whereby north and south poles are facing each other, but then the offset of the housing magnets is in the direction of the biasing force. If an attractive force is used, a pair of a magnet and a piece of magnetisable material can be used as well because the magnetisable material will be magnetised by the magnet such that it has the same polarity as the magnet. The housing may further comprise a second magnet 207 on the opposite side, which has the same offset as the first magnet 206. A technical effect of the offset magnet is a magnetic biasing force onto the trigger. A technical effect of the use of a pair of magnets on either side of the trigger within the housing is that the trigger is biased towards the plane in between the pair of magnets. A small gap is provided around the trigger, and the magnetic field thereby prevents the trigger from touching the walls of the housing and the trigger movement is nearly frictionless. Alternatively, magnets are used on only one side of the housing, but then the moving part will be urged onto a surface of the inner wall, thereby causing friction. Similarly, offset housing magnets 208 are used for the sear 102, and offset housing magnets 209 are used for the arm. The release aid illustrated in Fig. 2 further comprises a loop 210 on the side of the finger apertures 205 opposite to where the trigger mechanism is arranged. The loop 210 can be used for attaching a safety string or safety belt during use. Although examples are provided whereby north and south poles of adjacent magnets face each other and that is a good alternative, there is an advantage to using an adjacent pair of magnets with opposite polarity in that the repelling force is able to push the magnets into corresponding pockets of the housing or internal components. The magnets will thereby be kept in place without requiring much of an additional friction fit or adhesive. The compound bow release aid is set by moving the hook portion 115 to the closed position by hand, whilst wrapping it around the bow string, thereby trapping the bow string. The hook portion is being held in the open-state initially by the magnets 109 and 209. As the hook portion is moved to the set position, the sear moves automatically to an interference position with the hook portion, thereby stopping it from resetting to open. The sear will be in this position until the trigger is operated. The magnets force the sear into the interference position, and this position is then mechanically able to withstand the very high force of drawing the bow. The contact surfaces are preferably metal to metal to withstand the high forces. The actuation of the trigger will then push the sear out of interference with the arm with hook portion, allowing the hook portion to rotate freely off the bow string. Fig. 3 illustrates a vertical cross section through one of the sets of magnets, for example the set 107, 206 and 207. The vertical cross section shows a top housing magnet 301 with a north pole facing an internal component magnet 303 (the south pole is not illustrated, but faces away from magnet 303). The internal component magnet has a north pole facing the north pole of the magnet of housing 301. The south pole of the internal component 303 faces a south pole of a bottom housing magnet 302 (the north pole is not illustrated, but faces away from magnet 303). Magnets 301 and 302 are above each other, but component magnet 303 is offset in the vertical direction perpendicular to the main plane of the housing. Fig. 4 illustrates various magnet configurations. Fig. 4a shows a magnet 401 with a north side facing up, and a pivot 402 adjacent to the magnet, both being provided on a housing side. The plane of the drawing is schematically the same as the main plane of the device of Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 4b shows housing magnet 401 and pivot 402, with a component magnet 403 positioned above magnet 401 with north sides facing each other, and the magnet 403 having a mechanical connection to pivot 402 such that it can rotate away from magnet 401 under the pushing force. The offset is about 10 to 15 degrees, measured as the lines through the pivot. Fig. 4 c to e illustrate a different magnet configuration whereby a ring magnet 405 is used. The ring magnet can be placed over a pivot 406. The ring magnet can be magnetised in any direction, and the direction chosen here is a top portion of the ring shown in Fig. 4c having a north pole. Fig. 4d illustrates a second ring magnet 407 placed over the first ring magnet. Since a top view is shown, the two ring magnets coincide in the drawing. The north pole of ring magnet 407 is turned with respect to the ring magnet 405, as illustrated by line 408. The angle between the two magnets creates a torque, similar to the torque created in Fig. 4b. Therefore, the magnets discussed above in relation to the configuration of Figs. 1 and 2 can also be replaced with ring magnets and work in the same way, or ring magnets can be used in addition to the magnets discussed above in relation to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 4c illustrates the ring magnet 407 but with the north pole turned to the right, as illustrated by line 409. The forces at short range between the ring magnets are relatively large, so the ring magnets need to be attached firmly with respect to the housing or component parts to avoid slipping. As mentioned previously, the configuration of Fig. 4b has the advantage of the magnetic field assisting in keeping the magnets in place without requiring firm fitting, but the configuration of Fig. 4 provides a more compact design, even if firmer fits are required to avoid slipping. The movement range of the Fig. 4 c-e configurations is up to 180 degrees. This setup is more complex to implement in a product assembly in comparison, as each magnet needs to be pre-aligned rotationally prior to installation, which is time consuming and open to error. Fig. 5 illustrates further magnet configurations. Instead of ring magnets placed directly over each component pivot point as in fig. 4 c to e, a different magnet shape could be placed around the pivot point, comprising a common body that can rotate around the pivot, whereby the body comprises multiple magnets. Figs. 5 a to c illustrate examples of such body, shown as a disc shaped body 501 including multiple circular magnets 502, square magnets 503 or rectangular magnets 504. The same body would be placed over the pivot to form a pair. The movement range is determined by the number of magnets used. Three, as shown, would provide up to a maximum of 120 degrees (360 I 3) of rotation. The magnet sets would “settle” at the centre point between all fields. In order to ensure movement in the desired direction, each magnet pair would need a minimum of 1 degree of pre-setting which would technically limit range to right 59 degrees or left 59 degrees. This principle can be achieved with 2 or more magnets, set at equal or varied angles, set at equal or varied distance from the pivot, or indexed randomly around the pivot. Figs. 5 d to f illustrate a further magnet configuration. A pair of ring magnets is axially magnetised, instead of in the radial direction as in Fig. 4 c to e. With the central through hole of each magnet 505 and 506 placed over a pivot but slightly off-axis, repulsion is created with an angular torque. This configuration has a limited movement range, up to 180 degrees maximum. This setup is less complex to implement in product assembly when compared to the magnetisation in radial direction, as each magnet would not need to be pre-aligned prior to installation, with reduced possibility of error. Fig. 6 shows further options for magnet configurations. Two or more ring magnets 601, 602 are axially magnetised (instead of magnetised in the radial direction). An externally positioned pivot point 603 is provided outside of the area of the rings. In Fig. 6a, two ring magnets 601 and 602 are connected to a joint pivot point 603. Each magnet is set one slightly above the plane of the other so as to clear each other physically as they overlap during rotation around the joint pivot 603. Fig. 6b shows the magnets pivoted such that they overlap. This arrangement provides an attractive force between the pair of magnets in operation, as the ring magnets want to settle into the overlapping position. A joint pivot point can be used for two components, such as the trigger and sear, whereby each of the trigger and sear has its own magnet. Multiple pivot positions are possible, and Figs 6c and 6d illustrate an example whereby each magnet 604, 605 is attached to their own pivot point 606, 607. This configuration could be used in the Fig. 2 embodiment, but the relative positions of the magnets would then be changed to account for an attractive force between the magnets. Fig. 6d shows the magnets pivoted towards each other and overlapping. When the magnet pairs of Fig. 6 are set all north side up, as shown above, the magnets are attracted to each other. Alternatively, all magnets can be south side up. Alternatively, the magnets can be set up with one north side up, and the other south side up, the magnets are repulsed from each other, offering a multiplicity of use cases and assembly arrangement possibilities. The setup of Fig. 6 has an advantage of being convenient to implement in product assembly, as each magnet would not need to be prealigned prior to installation, with no possibility of alignment error. In yet a different embodiment, one or more of the internal moving components do not rotate around a pivot point, but slide through a linear sliding channel. The presence of pairs of magnets on the adjacent housing walls would also enable the ‘friction free’ floating action as described above in relation to the rotating components. As discussed above, in all embodiments it is possible arrange the magnets in a pull orientation or a push orientation and a similar outcome would be achieved. The magnets in each adjacent set can be put in a N-to-N or S-S configuration to achieve pushing, or in a N-to-S or S-to-N configuration to achieve pulling. All of these arrangements use a magnet set to drive the pivoting or sliding internal components magnets in a desired direction. In case of a pull action, a north or south pole can also be magnetically coupled to a magnetisable material. An offset between magnets with opposite poles facing each other is desired to avoid stalling at an equilibrium point. A schematic drawing is provided in Fig. 7. Orientation 701 includes two magnets with north poles facing each other, such that the magnetic fields have opposite orientations. An equilibrium position is created, and a corresponding internal part may stall at this position. Of course, if the magnets in orientation 701 were not restricted in movement, then they would be pushed apart, but the movement in the devices described herein is restricted to parallel planes. In contrast, in Fig. 702 a slight offset between the same magnets will cause a sideways force, which can be used to create torque. The orientation of Fig. 701 is therefore preferably avoided, whether at the start of the path of allowed movement or at the end of the path of allowed movement. In the Fig. 2 embodiment, an angle of about 90 degrees between the adjacent magnets is used for the trigger, sear and arm. The component in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2 are relatively close together, and a single magnet in a housing portion could be used to drive multiple magnets in one or more of the components. As a further variation, one of the components, such as the sear 102, may drive another component through mechanical contact without that other component having a magnet itself. The density of magnetic field lines increases closer to a magnet, and two magnets that are in direct contact with each other with opposite poles or very close to each other will therefore be difficult to separate. Close proximity of opposite poles is therefore preferably avoided. The magnet shapes illustrated before are cylinder magnets or ring magnets, but the invention is not restricted to these shapes of magnets. Square or rectangle shaped magnets may be used as well. Regardless of the shape of the magnet, the magnetic field can be oriented as desired. The north-south axis can be set during the manufacturing process of a magnet independent of the shape, so the outer dimensions do not need to dictate the magnetic field shape. One of the materials used for small magnets is neodymium. The use of magnets is described, but one or more of the components may include springs in addition to or instead of magnets. For example, the arm with hook portion may need a particularly strong retaining mechanism to withstand the forces on the string of a compound bow. In addition to or instead of the magnet, a mechanical spring may be used. The trigger and / or sear may still be operated using the magnets as described before. An advantage of only using magnets is that the device could be disassembled by an end-user for cleaning and subsequently be reassembled relatively easily. A trigger mechanism is preferably as smooth as possible without any ‘gritty’ feel to it, so the convenient assembly is a clear advantage. The position, number and shape of the magnets in the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 can therefore be varied based on the considerations described with reference to Figs. 3 to 7. The overall external dimensions as well as the shape and size of the components for the Fig. 2 embodiment are chosen for the optimal functioning of the hand-held bowstring release aid. However, the inventive concept can equally be used in other applications, two of which are discussed below. Fig. 8 shows a trigger 801, sear 802 and arm 803 for use in a rifle. The sear 802 is similar to sear 102 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, with the overall shape, dimensions, position of the magnet and pivot similar or the same. Arm 803 is also similar, with the only difference that instead of a hook portion a straight portion 804 with a rounded end extends upwards and away from the pivot. The arm acts on further parts within the rifle to release a hammer to impact on a firing pin. Trigger 801 has a pivot 805 and first magnet 806, similar to pivot 104 and magnet 107 in Figs. 1 and 2, but the trigger then extends at a right angle downwards from the magnet 806, for about 5cm. An additional magnet 807 may be used in the trigger, as illustrated in Fig. 8. More than one additional magnet may be used. The multiple magnets in the trigger interact with the same counterpart magnets in the housing, although multiple counterpart housing magnets can be used as well. The effect of additional magnets in the trigger is a stronger force against the user’s trigger action. Although the same effect of a stronger force can be achieved by using fewer but stronger magnets, there may be practical considerations such as commercial availability for using multiple weaker magnets. A pull force of two and a half to three pounds (corresponding to 11 to 13 N) is usually considered a good force for a rifle trigger and the different magnet combinations can be chosen to achieve this weight. When included in a rifle, the trigger extends downwards from the housing within a trigger guard like in existing rifles. A specific advantage of the mechanism for rifles is the nearfrictionless movement of one or more of the components under the influence of adjacent magnetic fields, because trigger handling in rifles is a critical part of the firing operation and is preferably as smooth as possible to avoid disturbing the aim. A similar mechanism could be used for a shotgun. Overtravel of the trigger can be minimised by including a stop against which the trigger abuts after the arm has released the firing mechanism. Fig. 9 illustrates a trigger mechanism for use in a crossbow. A trigger 901 and sear 902 are similar to the trigger 801 and sear 802 illustrated in relation to the rifle trigger mechanism. An arm 903, however, has a slightly different shape and includes a hook portion 904 that extends backwards and away from the pivot. The hook portion 904 is arranged to retain a string of the bow until release in actuating the trigger. Fig. 10 illustrates a flow diagram for a method of manufacturing a trigger mechanism as described above. The method comprises the steps of S1: providing a housing, a trigger, a sear and an arm, S2: arranging a first component in the trigger, sear or arm, and arranging a second component and a third component in the housing, S3: arranging the trigger, the sear and the arm at least partially within the housing, and S4: magnetically biasing one of the trigger, sear or arm within the housing by a magnetic interaction between the first component and the second component, and by a magnetic interaction between the first component and the third component Although the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments as set forth above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and that the claims are not limited to those embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and alternatives in view of the disclosure which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the appended claims. Each feature disclosed or illustrated in the present specification may be incorporated in the invention, whether alone or in any appropriate combination with any other feature disclosed or illustrated herein.

Claims

:

1. A trigger mechanism comprising:a housing;5 a trigger, a sear and an arm;wherein the trigger, the sear and the arm are at least partially received within the housing;a magnetic biasing mechanism comprising a first component arranged at the housing and a second component arranged at one of the trigger, the sear or the arm;10 wherein the second component is movable with respect to the housing;wherein the first component and second component are magnetically coupled;a third component arranged at the housing, wherein the third component is magnetically coupled to the second component, and wherein the second component is movable in a plane between the first component and the third component.

152. The trigger mechanism according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the first component, the second component and the third component are magnets.

3. The trigger mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein second component 20 partially overlaps with the first and third components in the direction of said plane.

4. The trigger mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the trigger, the sear and the arm comprises a magnet.25 5. The trigger mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, furthercomprising at least one pivot, and wherein one or more of the trigger, search and arm are arranged to rotate around the at least one pivot.

6. The trigger mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the at least one pivot and 30 the second component of the corresponding trigger, sear or arm are separated from each other along the corresponding trigger, sear or arm.

7. The trigger mechanism according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first component, the second component or the third component comprises a magnetisablematerial, and wherein another one of the first component, the second component or the first component comprises a magnet.

8. The trigger mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger comprises a finger portion extending in a first direction from a pivot, and a sear lever portion extending from the pivot at an angle between 70 and 90 degrees with respect to the finger portion.

9. The trigger mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the sear lever portion is in mechanical contact with the sear.

10. The trigger mechanism according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the sear comprises a pivot and a magnet, wherein the pivot and magnet are arranged at opposite portions of the sear.

11. The trigger mechanism according to claims 8 to 10, wherein the sear comprises a shoulder, wherein the shoulder is separated from a portion of the sear where the trigger contacts the sear, and wherein the shoulder is arranged to retain the arm until the trigger is actuated to release the arm.

12. The trigger mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm comprises a hook portion.

13. The trigger mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the housing comprises a further hook portion, and wherein the hook portion and further hook portion are in contact with each other in a closed configuration for retaining a string.

14. The trigger mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more finger apertures.

15. The trigger mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the armis arranged to release a hammer within a rifle on actuation of the trigger.

16. The trigger mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component comprises a trigger magnet arranged in the trigger, wherein thefirst component and third component comprise magnets arranged in the housing, wherein the magnets arranged in the housing have a magnetic pole facing a same magnetic pole of the trigger magnet.

17. The trigger mechanism according to claim 16, wherein the magnets of the housing are offset with respect to the trigger magnet in the direction of movement of the trigger during actuation.

18. The trigger mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component comprises a sear magnet arranged in the sear, wherein the first component and the third component comprise magnets arranged in the housing, wherein the magnets arranged in the housing have a magnetic pole facing a same magnetic pole of the sear magnet.

19. The trigger mechanism according to claim 18, wherein the magnets of the housing are offset with respect to the sear magnet in the direction of movement of the sear during actuation of the trigger.

20. The trigger mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component comprises an arm magnet arranged in the arm, wherein the first component and the third component comprise magnets arranged in the housing, wherein the magnets arranged in the housing have a magnetic pole facing a same magnetic pole of the arm magnet.

21. The trigger mechanism according to claim 20, wherein the magnets of the housing are offset with respect to the arm magnet in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the arm after actuation of the trigger.

22. A method of manufacturing a trigger mechanism, the method comprising providing a housing, a trigger, a sear and an arm, arranging a first component in the trigger, sear or arm, and arranging a second component and a third component in the housing, arranging the trigger, the sear and the arm at least partially within the housing, and magnetically biasing one of the trigger, sear or arm within the housing by a magnetic interaction between the first component and the second component, and by a magnetic interaction between the first component and the third component.

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