Bi-directional trigger assembly

What is this patent about?

’297 is related to the field of firearm trigger mechanisms, specifically those designed for semi-automatic platforms like the AR-15. Traditional triggers are unidirectional, requiring a rearward pull to release the hammer and fire a round. While this is the standard ergonomic motion, it limits the user's ability to interact with the fire control group using alternative finger movements, which can be useful for speed or specialized shooting applications.

The underlying idea behind ’297 is to convert a forward pushing motion of the finger into the same downward sear release motion typically achieved by a rearward pull. By introducing a specialized transfer linkage that sits alongside the trigger bar, the system translates a forward pivot of the trigger into a vertical force. This allows the firearm to be discharged regardless of whether the user pulls the trigger toward the grip or pushes it away toward the muzzle.

The claims of ’297 focus on a specific mechanical arrangement involving a trigger with a first protrusion, a trigger bar, and a linkage equipped with second and third protrusions. The core of the claim is the interaction where the trigger's protrusion hits the linkage's third protrusion during a forward push, forcing the linkage downward. This movement causes the linkage's second protrusion to press down on the front of the trigger bar, effectively mimicking a standard trigger pull to trip the sear engagement.

In practice, the assembly functions as a multi-mode system controlled by a selector switch. In a standard semi-auto mode, the trigger bar moves conventionally. However, in the bi-directional mode, the linkage becomes the primary mechanical bridge for forward-actuated firing. The hammer and disconnector cycle normally after the shot is fired, ensuring that the weapon remains safe and requires a distinct reset before the next discharge, whether initiated by a push or a pull.

This approach differs from prior binary or rapid-fire triggers by utilizing a dedicated mechanical translation linkage rather than simply firing on the release of the trigger. By using a three-protrusion geometry to redirect force, the invention provides a deliberate way to fire using a forward stroke without compromising the fundamental sear geometry of the firearm. This gives the operator more flexibility in how they engage the trigger while maintaining a crisp, predictable break in both directions.