Trigger group for semi-automatic firearms

What is this patent about?

’580 is related to the field of firearm trigger mechanisms, specifically for semi-automatic platforms like the AR-15. Traditional triggers fire a round when pulled and reset when released, but specialized shooting disciplines sometimes utilize release triggers that fire upon the return stroke. The challenge addressed here is the lack of a safe, integrated system that allows a shooter to switch between standard semi-automatic fire and release-fire modes using a single, intuitive interface without risking accidental discharges during mode transitions.

The underlying idea behind ’580 is the use of a multi-lobed safety selector that manages a suite of independent retention components to alter the firearm's firing cycle. By coordinating a standard sear, a semi-automatic disconnector, and a dedicated release disconnector, the system can reconfigure its internal timing geometry. This allows the hammer to be caught and released at different points in the trigger’s travel depending on the selector's orientation, effectively turning the forward motion of the trigger into the primary firing mechanical trigger event when desired.

The claims of ’580 focus on a trigger assembly featuring a selector movable between at least two positions that control a plurality of retention facilities. In the first position, the assembly functions as a standard semi-automatic trigger where the hammer releases upon rearward movement. In the second position, the claims cover a specific sequence where the hammer is restrained during the pull and only released to the striking position when the trigger element returns to its forward position.

In practice, the invention utilizes a specialized backup disconnector and a release disconnector that work in tandem when the release mode is active. When the user pulls the trigger, the backup disconnector first hands off the hammer to the release disconnector rather than letting it strike the firing pin immediately. It is only when the user relaxes their finger pressure, allowing the trigger to move forward, that the release disconnector moves out of the way to initiate discharge. This mechanical hand-off ensures the firearm remains under control throughout the entire trigger stroke.

This system differentiates itself from prior art by integrating a safety-critical mode-cancellation capability. Because the selector directly interacts with the various disconnectors, a user who has already pulled the trigger in release mode can rotate the selector back to a safe or standard setting to neutralize the pending shot. Furthermore, the design includes mechanical interlocks that prevent switching into release mode unless the bolt carrier is locked back, ensuring the transition between firing behaviors is intentional and performed under controlled conditions.