Firearm Trigger Mechanism

Patent No. US11293715 (titled "Firearm Trigger Mechanism") was filed by Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft As Security Agent on Dec 11, 2020.

What is this patent about?

’715 is related to the field of firearms, specifically bolt-action precision rifles. These rifles often use a manually operated bolt for loading and extracting cartridges. A common challenge is achieving a precise and consistent trigger pull, which is crucial for accuracy. Existing trigger mechanisms can sometimes lack the desired mechanical advantage or feel, leading to inconsistencies in shot placement.

The underlying idea behind ’715 is to use a compound lever system within the trigger mechanism to enhance mechanical advantage and control. This is achieved by introducing a trigger member that pivots relative to a first member, which in turn acts on the sear. The trigger member's bearing arm makes contact with the receiver, creating a pivoting action that requires less force from the user to disengage the sear and release the firing element.

The claims of ’715 focus on a compound lever firearm trigger mechanism. This mechanism includes a first member pivotally attached to the receiver with a lever arm connected to a sear. The sear is movably mounted and spring-biased. A trigger member is pivotally attached to the first member's lever arm, featuring a trigger blade arm and a bearing arm. Pulling the trigger blade causes the trigger member to pivot, moving the bearing arm against the receiver and pivoting the lever arm to release the firing element.

In practice, pulling the trigger blade arm initiates a chain reaction. The trigger member pivots, leveraging the bearing arm against the receiver. This leverage amplifies the force applied by the user, making it easier to overcome the sear's resistance. The sliding fulcrum created by the bearing arm against the receiver is a key element in achieving the desired mechanical advantage and a smooth, consistent trigger pull.

This design differentiates itself from traditional trigger mechanisms by using a compound lever system with a sliding bearing surface . Instead of a direct connection between the trigger and sear, the intermediate trigger member and its interaction with the receiver create a more refined and controllable trigger action. This can lead to improved accuracy and consistency, especially in precision shooting scenarios where a predictable trigger pull is essential.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the late 2010s when ’715 was filed, precision rifles at a time when were typically implemented using manually operated bolts to load and extract cartridges to and from the barrel chamber. Receivers housing the bolts were commonly mounted in stocks or chassis providing a forearm, butt stock, and grip. Folding stocks were also a known feature to allow for more compact storage.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The examiner approved the application because they agreed with the applicant's arguments that the claims were different enough from what already existed. The examiner's search did not find any prior art that would have made the claimed invention obvious or anticipated.

Claims

This patent includes 8 claims, with claim 1 being the only independent claim. Independent claim 1 focuses on a compound lever firearm trigger mechanism. The dependent claims elaborate on the features of the trigger mechanism, such as spring biasing, adjustability, and integration with a safety selector and other firearm components.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Bearing arm
(Claim 1)
“A trigger member pivotally attached to the first member first lever arm between the first pivot and the sear at a second pivot, the trigger member having a trigger blade arm extending away from the second pivot in one direction and a bearing arm extending away from the second pivot in another direction toward bearing contact with a surface of the receiver. When a user applies pulling force to the trigger blade arm, it causes the trigger member to pivot relative to the first member and the bearing arm to move in bearing contact against the receiver, thereby pivoting the lever arm from the first position to the second position.”A portion of the trigger member that makes contact with the receiver surface.
Compound lever firearm trigger mechanism
(Claim 1)
“The trigger includes a compound lever mechanism with a first member pivotally attached to a firearm receiver at a first pivot and a first lever arm extending away from the first pivot attachment point to a sear. The first member is pivotable between a first position where the sear engages a firing element and a second position where the sear does not engage the firing element. A trigger member is pivotally attached to the first member first lever arm between the first pivot and the sear at a second pivot.”A trigger mechanism that uses a compound lever system to actuate the firing element.
First lever arm
(Claim 1)
“The trigger includes a compound lever mechanism with a first member pivotally attached to a firearm receiver at a first pivot and a first lever arm extending away from the first pivot attachment point to a sear. The first member is pivotable between a first position where the sear engages a firing element and a second position where the sear does not engage the firing element. A trigger member is pivotally attached to the first member first lever arm between the first pivot and the sear at a second pivot.”A portion of the first member that extends from the first pivot point to the sear.

Litigation Cases New

US Latest litigation cases involving this patent.

Case NumberFiling DateTitle
4:25-cv-00299Jun 6, 2025Abc Ip, Llc V. Harrison Gunworks Llc

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US11293715

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT AS SECURITY AGENT
Application Number
US17118810
Filing Date
Dec 11, 2020
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Dec 11, 2040
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents