Firearms – Safety mechanism – Hammer or firing pin
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-09
2001-08-07
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3641)
Firearms
Safety mechanism
Hammer or firing pin
C042S070110
Reexamination Certificate
active
06269576
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of firearms, and more particularly to a device for disabling a firearm.
Auto-loading, automatic, and semi-automatic firearms have been in use for many years in the United States and throughout the world. Firearms are used by law enforcement personnel, military personnel, and individuals for various purposes such as, for example, self-defense, target shooting, and sport shooting, to name a few. One of the more popular models for auto loading handguns is found in the commonly referred to Model 1911 .45 caliber handgun (M-1911). Other types of semi-automatic or auto-loading firearms have also become popular over the years and are widely used. Given the availability of these firearms to the general public, one aspect of these firearms that has received much attention and debate over recent years has been the design of safety and locking devices. These devices are designed to prevent the accidental discharge or firing of the weapon.
One example of a design of a safety lock for a handgun is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 5,081,779 to Pack. This patent describes a safety lock having a cam surface positioned below the bottom end of a shaft of a plunger. The plunger shaft extends through the internal spring. When the safety lock is engaged, the bottom end of the plunger shaft is blocked by the cam surface, thereby preventing the hammer from being cocked. The safety lock also defines a recess coaxial with the plunger shaft when the safety lock is disengaged. The recess allows downward movement of the plunger shaft as the hammer is cocked when the safety mechanism is disengaged. The '779 patent represents just one example of many types of prior art safety devices.
Although there have been many attempts to design safe and effective safety devices for firearms in the prior art, there remains a need for a mechanism that addresses the deficiencies in the prior art devices. For example, many prior art safety devices require substantial modifications to the components of the firearm in order for the safety device to work properly. In addition to substantial modifications to the firearm components, another problem with the prior art safety devices is that substantial modifications must be made to the frame of the firearm in order to accommodate the position of the safety device. Thus, for some safety devices, it is not feasible or even possible to retrofit an existing firearm with the device. Also, some prior art safety devices are comprised of several complex components, dramatically increasing the cost and effort of manufacturing, installing, and using the safety device.
The above describes just a few of the problems that exist with respect to devices designed to facilitate the safe use and handling of firearms. What is needed is a safety device that is enabled and disabled by the user in a safe, efficient and reliable manner. The device should be readily adaptable to installation in a variety of firearms. The device should also be readily adaptable for use in retrofitting an existing firearm, and in the manufacture and design of new firearms. The present invention satisfies these needs, among others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a mechanism for a firearm positionable to disable the hammer spring assembly to prevent it from providing the required energy to cause the hammer to strike the firing pin. The mechanism is positionable whether the hammer is cocked or uncocked.
In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for firing a cartridge is provided. The apparatus includes a firearm with a hammer that moves between a cocked position and an uncocked position. A hammer spring assembly connects the hammer with a spring that is tensioned when the hammer is cocked. Actuation of a trigger assembly releases the hammer from the cocked position. A disablement mechanism is positionable to contact the hammer spring assembly and prevent the hammer from being cocked, and from being actuated from the cocked position to fire the cartridge.
In one form, the hammer spring assembly includes a hammer strut pivotally connected at one end to the hammer. The hammer spring assembly includes a spring cap positioned on the spring with a head portion having a top surface abutting the opposite end of the hammer strut. The disablement mechanism is positionable in a groove to contact the spring cap to prevent the hammer from being cocked and is also positionable to contact top surface of the spring cap to prevent trigger-actuation of the cocked hammer from firing the cartridge.
In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for disabling a firearm is provided. The firearm includes a hammer movable between a cocked position and an uncocked position. A trigger assembly releases the hammer from the cocked position when actuated. A spring for providing energy to the hammer is positioned within a well of a spring housing. A hammer strut is pivotally connected with the hammer at one end has a length extending to an opposite end. A spring cap is positioned on the spring, and the opposite end of the hammer strut abuts the spring cap. A disablement mechanism is received within a bore in the spring housing. The disablement mechanism is movable from a first position where the firearm is enabled to a second position in contact with the head portion of the spring cap to disable the firearm.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for retrofitting a firearm is provided. The method includes providing a firearm having a hammer movable between a cocked position and an uncocked position and a hammer spring assembly connected with the hammer. The hammer spring assembly includes a spring and a first spring cap positioned on the spring within a well of a first spring housing. The hammer spring assembly is disassembled from the firearm. A second spring housing is provided having a well, a bore formed through the housing in communication with the well, and a disablement mechanism in the bore. A second spring cap is provided with a head portion configured for contact with the disablement mechanism. The disablement mechanism is provided and is positionable within the bore of the second spring housing to contact the second spring cap to disable the firearm when the hammer is in either the cocked position or the uncocked position. The firearm is then reassembled with the second spring housing.
In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for disabling a firearm is provided. The firearm has a hammer movable between a cocked position and an uncocked position. A spring positioned within a well of a spring housing is tensioned when the hammer is cocked. The apparatus includes a spring cap with a head portion connected to the hammer and abutting the top of the spring. A body is received within a bore formed in the spring housing. The body has a length extending between a first end and an opposite second end. The body is movable from a first position where the firearm is enabled to a second position where contact between the body and the head portion of the spring cap disables the firearm.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment.
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Chambers Troy
Jordan Charles T.
Springfield, Inc.
Woodard Emhardt Naughton Moriarty & McNett
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