Firearm With Various Improvements
Patent No. US12007199 (titled "Firearm With Various Improvements") was filed by Oa Defense Llc on Jul 31, 2023.
What is this patent about?
’199 is related to the field of firearms, specifically improvements to the design and functionality of handguns, particularly those based on the classic 1911 platform. The 1911 handgun, while popular, has certain limitations in terms of magazine capacity, ergonomics, and ease of use for left-handed shooters. The patent addresses these shortcomings by introducing several modifications and enhancements.
The underlying idea behind ’199 is to modernize the 1911 handgun while retaining its core appeal. This is achieved through several key innovations. First, a redesigned trigger shoe assembly allows for easier adjustment and assembly. Second, a magazine catch retainer plate enables the use of higher-capacity magazines. Third, a captive mainspring assembly simplifies maintenance. Fourth, an ambidextrous slide stop caters to both right- and left-handed users. Finally, debris channels mitigate the impact of dirt and fouling on the firearm's operation.
The claims of ’199 focus on a firearm that incorporates a combination of improved components. These include a frame with recesses for a modular sight block, a trigger shoe assembly with a set screw for adjustment, a magazine catch with a retainer plate to prevent spring buckling, a mainspring assembly with a retention clip, an ambidextrous slide stop with a mating mechanism, a relief in the frame to capture debris, and a barrel lug with flutes to direct debris away from the barrel. The claims essentially cover a holistic redesign of the 1911 with a focus on modularity, ergonomics, and reliability.
In practice, the invention allows for a more customizable and user-friendly handgun. The trigger shoe assembly can be easily adjusted to the shooter's preference without disassembling the entire firearm. The magazine catch retainer plate allows for the use of double-stack magazines, increasing firepower. The ambidextrous slide stop makes the firearm accessible to a wider range of users. The debris channels help to maintain the firearm's reliability in adverse conditions. The modular sight block provides a stable platform for aiming.
The invention differentiates itself from prior approaches by integrating these improvements into a cohesive design. Traditional 1911 handguns lack many of these features, such as the adjustable trigger, the magazine catch retainer plate, and the ambidextrous slide stop. Furthermore, the combination of debris mitigation features is novel. By addressing these limitations, the invention provides a more versatile, reliable, and user-friendly handgun that builds upon the legacy of the 1911.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2020s when ’199 was filed, firearms design was at a time when modularity and customization were increasingly common, and when manufacturing techniques allowed for more complex geometries and tighter tolerances. At this time, firearms commonly relied on standardized interfaces for accessories, and when designs often incorporated features to improve ergonomics and reduce recoil.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner approved the application because independent claims 1 and 20 are distinct from the closest prior art (Resca), particularly in the frame's design, which includes a block member recess and a pin connector recess. Additionally, the claims cover a specifically structured sight block with a block member, a barrel hole, a pin hole below the barrel hole, a pin connector hole through the block member intersecting the pin hole, a pin, and a pin connector. Independent claim 10 was also deemed patentable over the closest prior art (Roy; Lopata et al.) due to its specifically structured trigger shoe assembly and mainspring assembly, combined with a retention mechanism that secures the mainspring assembly relative to the frame via a retention clip.
Claims
This patent contains 20 claims, of which claims 1, 10, and 20 are independent. The independent claims are directed to a firearm comprising various components such as a frame, barrel, slide, trigger shoe assembly, magazine catch, mainspring assembly, and slide stop. The dependent claims generally elaborate on and add detail to the specific features and configurations of the firearm components described in the independent claims.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
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Date
Description
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US12007199
- Application Number
- US18228542
- Filing Date
- Jul 31, 2023
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Jul 31, 2043
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents