Firearms – Safety mechanism – Trigger lock
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-27
2001-10-16
Carone, Michael J. (Department: 3641)
Firearms
Safety mechanism
Trigger lock
C042S070060, C042S070070, C042S070010, C042S070110
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301816
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of firearm safety devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices that help prevent accidental discharge of the firearm, such as a trigger lock.
BACKGROUND
Our society is experiencing an increase in criminal activity against individuals. This has spurred many individuals to keep firearms in their homes for personal protection. While a firearm, by itself, is not dangerous, when loaded there is a potential for accidental discharge. However, an unloaded weapon proves to be of little help when facing an attacker or intruder. Therefore, keeping home firearms loaded is the trend, despite the potential for accidents.
The increasing trend of keeping loaded firearms at home has probably resulted in an observed increase in the number of accidental weapon firings. These accidents are frequently caused by children playing with the weapon, or adults who are unaware of the loaded condition of the firearms. Thus, there is a need for devices that enhance the safety of loaded firearms and help reduce the frequency of accidental discharges. Moreover, current trends in legal liability are indicating an increased burden upon those who supply firearms to provide safer weapons.
The device of the present invention, which helps solve these and other problems, relates specifically to firearms with trigger and/or trigger guard. Typically, the trigger and trigger guard of the firearm are mounted beneath the barrel and firing mechanism
Almost all firearms are provided with some form of safety mechanism which, when activated, is designed to prevent accidental or unwanted discharge of the firearm as it is carried or handled. These safety mechanisms may comprise a safety notch in the hammer that is engaged by the sear (or some equivalent element) of the trigger when the hammer is in its safe position (out of contact with the firing pin), or it may comprise a separate member that can be placed between the hammer and the frame to prevent the hammer from striking the firing pin. Also, there are a variety of separate attachable safety mechanisms, frequently covers for the trigger area that prevent access to the trigger by a finger.
While the above devices address some of the problems of firearm safety, it is evident that there is a present and a continuing need for further developments in the field of firearm safety devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a firearm safety device that prevent the accidental movement of a trigger or trigger assembly.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a firearm safety device that is integrally incorporated into a trigger of a firearm and prevents the accidental movement of the trigger.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a firearm safety device that is integrally incorporated into a trigger guard and engages a trigger of a firearm and prevents the accidental movement of the trigger.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an integrally incorporated firearm safety device that utilizes a key headed barrel screw located in a rear portion of a trigger.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an integrally incorporated firearm safety device that utilizes a key-headed barrel screw located in the trigger guard and that, when in a safe position engages a trigger of a firearm.
The novel features that are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its structure and its operation together with the additional object and advantages thereof will best be understood from the following description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts. If any other meaning is intended, the specification will specifically state that a special meaning is being applied to a word or phrase. Likewise, the use of the words “function” or “means” in the Description of Preferred Embodiments is not intended to indicate a desire to invoke the special provision of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, are sought to be invoked to define the invention(s), the claims will specifically state the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function, without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material, or act in support of the function. Even when the claims recite a “means for” or “step for” performing a function, if they also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means of step, then the intention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, are invoked to define the inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later-developed equivalent structures, materials or acts for performing the claimed function.
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Carone Michael J.
Richardson John
Saf-T-Hammer Inc
The Halvorson Law Firm
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