Abstract:
A module to provide assistance in pulling of a trigger of a non-fully automatic firearm. The module includes a finger extension which engages the trigger and is powered by a compact motor such as an electrically driven solenoid. Further, the rate of trigger pulls and other parameters thereof are determined according to a processor of the module that is programmed to direct the solenoid. Thus, a user of the firearm may remain focused on sights and targeting while the act of achieving a trigger pull is accomplished by the extension of the module. Therefore, accuracy and safety of may be enhanced for the firearm.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM/CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This Patent Document claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional App. Ser. No. 61/967,364, filed Mar. 18, 2014, and entitled, “Trigger Pull Assist”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Firearms, or portable guns that may be carried, generally by a single individual, have been available for several centuries. However, in the last hundred years or so, a transition has taken place from cumbersome muzzle loaded firearms to those which may generally be referred to as “self-loading”. For example, the multiple chambered cylinder of a handheld revolver may be loaded with several rounds of ammunition at a single point in time. Subsequently, as the trigger of the revolver is pulled for sake of firing an initial round, the cylinder may simultaneously be rotated for “self-loading” of the next round to he fired. As a result, so long as the cylinder still contains unspent rounds, the user need not stop between firing shots in order to reload as would be the case with a muzzle loaded firearm. However, the conventional revolver does have some aspects that are less than user-friendly when the gun is put into actual use. For example, because the pull of the trigger must provide the energy sufficient for both recoiling of the hammer or firing pin and also for the rotation of the self-loading cylinder, the gun is often somewhat heavier or more difficult to control. 
     With the cumbersome nature of both muzzle loaded guns and revolvers in mind, more user-friendly semi-automatic firearms are often utilized, Like a revolver, a semi-automatic firearm is a self-loading firearm that is not fully automatic. That is, while self-loading, both a revolver and a semi-automatic firearm would not be considered “self-triggering” as discussed further below. The semi-automatic firearm, however, does have user-friendly advantages in that a spring loaded magazine may be utilized to provide the energy for the “self-loading” of subsequent rounds. That is, as opposed to relying on the user&#39;s band strength in pulling the trigger to rotate a cylinder for sake of loading subsequent rounds, the energy for reloading of the semi-automatic is supplied by a spring in a magazine which houses subsequent rounds. Thus, once a round is fired and space for the next round is available, the spring of the magazine will “self-load” the next round. 
     The semi-automatic firearm does provide some user-friendly and control advantages which in certain respects may render the firearm a bit safer. However, certain challenges remain, indeed, even in looking at the simple task of pulling a trigger, the opportunity for human error remains. For example, as a matter of physiology, users untrained in the use of firearms often display a tendency to move the gun slightly in the direction of the hand pulling the trigger as the gun is being fired. Of course, given that this is a firearm, missing a target for this reason could be of disastrous consequences. Once more, for a person that is handicapped or otherwise compromised in terms of manual abilities, the act of pulling a trigger may be impossible or of enhanced danger if attempted. 
     These challenges are not ones that might be addressed by way of utilizing a fully automatic firearm. That is, as alluded to above, a fully automatic firearm is one that is not only “self-loading” but is also considered to be “self-triggering”. However, this term is a bit misleading in that the fully automatic firearm requires that the user pull and hold the trigger. Indeed, the only self-triggering aspect is that unlike a semi-automatic or revolver, there need not be a re-pulling of the trigger for each new round to be fired. Instead, the energy for firing of subsequent rounds is supplied by the charge of the prior fired round so long as the user maintains a manual hold on the trigger. However, this not only fails to address the need of the user to manually pull a trigger as described above but it also leads to a variety of other potential safety issues. That is, in addition to natural trigger pull control issues which a non-fully automatic might face, the automatic firearm does not require a re-pull of the trigger. Therefore, the user does not have the ability to control the rate at which the rounds are fired. As a practical matter this may mean that the user has quickly spent an uncertain amount of ammunition in a manner that has no more control in terms of accuracy than that found in the use of a non-fully automatic firearm. In fact, due to the uncontrolled rate at which rounds are fired, the hazards involved have only increased without ever addressing potential issues a user may face in terms of manual trigger pull. 
     SUMMARY 
     A trigger assist module is provided for use with a non-fully automatic firearm. The module may include a finger extension for engagement with a trigger of the firearm. Additionally, a compact electric motor may be coupled to the extension for driving it in an axial direction and in a reciprocating fashion. Thus, the trigger of the firearm may be actuated, further, a processor is coupled to the motor such that a controlled rate of firing may he directed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Implementations of various structure and techniques will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that these drawings are illustrative and not meant to limit the scope of claimed embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of a trigger assist module for use with a com fully automatic firearm. 
         FIG. 2  is a view of an opposite side of the trigger assist module of  FIG. 1  for use with a non-fully automatic firearm. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a firearm accommodating the trigger assist module as shown from the side depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the firearm and module of  FIG. 3  as shown from the opposite side as depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of an embodiment of arranged electronic components for the trigger assist module of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a flow-chart summarizing an embodiment of utilizing a trigger assist module to govern firing of a non-fully automatic firearm. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments are described with reference to a trigger assist module that is utilized with a semi-automatic firearm. Specifically, the embodiments depict a module employed with a conventional M15. However, a variety of other semi-automatic firearms may be utilized with embodiments of trigger assist modules as detailed herein, indeed, even a revolver, which would not be classified as any type of semi-automatic firearm, may be utilized with such modules. So long as the firearm is non-fully automatic, with a trigger pull required for each round fired, a controlled rate of firing may be achieved through use of the assist module and appreciable benefit may be realized. Additionally, embodiments detailed herein do not alter the underlying functionalities of non-fully automatic firearms. However, they do allow for a more controlled, and by extension: safer firing of the firearm. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side view of an embodiment of a trigger assist module  100  is shown. With added reference to  FIG. 3 , the module  100  is configured for use with a non-fully automatic firearm  300 , Specifically, the module  100  houses and/or accommodates a variety of components in a package form that may be readily secured to a firearm  300  in a user friendly manner. So, for example, a component in the form of a finger extension  110  may engage a trigger  310  of the firearm  300  to provide trigger assistance for a user as detailed further below. The extension  110  may be a wire, small rod or other appropriate device of suitable size, morphology and durability for the task of trigger assistance. For sake of illustration, the extension  110  is provided with the appearance of a human finger in the Figures herein. Of course, this is only illustrative and not a required feature thereof. 
     In the embodiment shown, the trigger assist module  100  is also outfitted with an arming switch  130  and a manual actuator  120  in the form of a conventional press-type button. Thus, a user may turn on or “arm” the module  100  by deflecting or positioning the switch  130  to an armed position. Requiring arming in this manner may help to prevent any accidental firing by the module  100 . Specifically, the arming of the module  100  may allow for the user to press the actuator  120  in order to begin reciprocation of the finger extension  110  as detailed further below. In this way, the user may be provided with controlled trigger assistance if the module  100  is secured to the firearm  300  with the extension  110  properly engaged with the trigger  310  (again see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 1 , with added reference to  FIG. 3 , the module  100  is also equipped with securing implements  190  for sake of secure attachment to a firearm  300 . In the embodiment shown, this may include the use of conventional nuts and bolts with appropriately sized and located slots at the firearm  300  and through the body  175  of the module  100 . Of course, in other embodiments alternative types of securing implements  190  may be utilized. For example, hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® may be utilized as well as clamps or other types of implements  190 . Once more, as a practical matter, such securing implements  100 , which do not result in any substantial altering of the firearm  300 , may be of particular benefit. That is, in terms of user friendliness for the user and/or firearm manufacturers, such implements  300  do not require any substantial reconfiguring of the firearm  300  in order to accommodate the module  100 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the module  100  is also provided with a keypad  140  and display screen  150  to serve as an interface for the user. For example, as a matter of added safety, the keypad  140  may allow the user to type in a preset arming code, without which, the arming switch  130  and/or actuator  120  would remain non-functional, in other embodiments alternate types of identifying/access information may be utilized such as the use of a receiver for biometrics, voice activation or radio frequency of an electronically detectable key, More specifically, a users fingerprint, voiced key term, or RFID tag on a bracelet, may be utilized to confirm user identity and allow for arming and use of the module  100 . Additionally, as detailed further below with added reference to  FIG. 3 , such modes of required identification for an authorized user of the module  100  may also be used to prevent use of the firearm  300 , not just the module  100 , in absence of such authentication. For example, the trigger  310  may be rendered immobile or inaccessible except through use of the module  100 . In such circumstances, confirmation of the authorized user at the module  100  may be the only practical way to allow use of the firearm  300 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 1 , additional information may be input through the watch face sized keypad  140  with confirmation at the display screen  150 . This information may be related to the number of rounds stored in a magazine  370 , programming information such as a number of reciprocations for the finger extension  110  or the rate of reciprocation and any other type of information related to use of the module  100  or firearm  300  (see  FIG. 3 ). With added reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , this information may be stored at a processor  500  of a control unit  250  which, in the embodiment shown, is secured at the back side of the body  175  of the module  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a view of an opposite side of the trigger assist module  100  of  FIG. 1  is shown. In this depiction it is apparent that in the body  175  is primarily in the form of a plate to which components such as the above noted control unit  250  are secured. Of course, in other embodiments, the body  175  may be more of an enclosed housing for accommodating the components. Regardless, as indicated above, the control unit  250  houses a processor  500  as shown in  FIG. 5  which directs the reciprocation of the finger extension  110 . Thus, with added reference to  FIG. 3 , not only may instructions be stored for directing the reciprocations, but tracking of the reciprocations may also be recorded. Specifically, real-time tracking of the number of rounds fired or remaining may be available to the user at ail times. For example, in one embodiment, the number of rounds remaining in a given magazine  370  may be displayed and dynamically updated at the display screen  150  during use of the firearm  300 . Of course, this information may also be conveyed to the user through alternate interface modes. For example, the information may be conveyed audibly from a speaker of the module  100 , or perhaps even with a wireless transmitter via Bluetooth speakers worn by the user. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 2 , in addition to the control unit  250 , a motor  200  is shown for driving the above described reciprocation of the finger extension  110 . As used herein, the term “motor” is meant to refer to any suitable device for driving the actuation of the finger extension  110  as indicated. This may include a solenoid motor  200  as depicted in  FIG. 2  and elsewhere. However, any number of other devices of appropriate size and functionality may be utilized. Specifically, the motor  200  is capable of actuating the finger extension  110  to pull a standard trigger  310  and fire a single round for each reciprocating pull of the extension  110 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2  the module  100  is also provided with a battery  225  for supplying power requirements of the solenoid motor  200 , the control unit  250 , the display  150  and any other power requiring components. The battery  225  may be a lithium battery of suitable size and voltage for powering such components. Once more, in order to save power, the arming switch  130  may need to be turned to an on position before any draw on the battery  225  is made available to components of the module  100 . Indeed, in one embodiment, a light or audible sound may be present whenever the -module  100  is armed. Thus, the odds of accidentally leaving the module  100  armed and prone to accidental firing may be reduced along with any unnecessary drain on the battery  225 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a side view of a firearm  300  is shown which accommodates the trigger assist module  100  as shown from the side depicted in  FIG. 1 . The firearm  300  depicted is a standard M15. However, as indicated above, any non-fully automatic firearm may accommodate an appropriately sized and configured embodiment of a trigger assist module  100 , the entirety of which being self-contained together as depicted and described herein. In the view of  FIG. 3 , the add-on modular nature of the trigger assist module  100  is readily apparent. From the butt  330  to the barrel  390  at the other end, the firearm  300  itself remains platform-free with no substantial modification required for the module  100  to be secured thereat. Indeed, in order for the finger extension  110  to stably engage the trigger  310  the handle  350  and firearm region forward of the butt  330  are configured to work with securing implements  190  as detailed above. 
     With this simple add-on or plug-in type of mating of the module  100  to the firearm  300 , a user may turn on the module  100  at the arming switch and/or set firing parameters through the keypad  150  or other suitable interface. The firearm  300  is now ready for firing as assisted by the reciprocation of the finger extension  110  once the user presses the manual actuator  120 . A countdown of remaining rounds may even be shown in real-time at the display screen  150  as described above. 
     Use of the module  100  to assist in pulling of the trigger  310  provides the user with several advantages, not the least of which is improved safety and control. In contrast to a conventional fully automatic firearm, the firearm  300  shown is of improved control with a single round fired for each poll of the trigger  310 . This control and accuracy is enhanced by the addition of the depicted module  100 . Similar to a scope that may be added on to a firearm, the module  100  also provides added accuracy and safety benefits. By way of specific example, the physiological tendency of the user to pull the firearm  300  to one side as the user pulls the trigger  310  is eliminated because the finger extension  110  performs the task of pulling the trigger  310 . Indeed, in circumstances where the user is handicapped or otherwise compromised in terms of manual dexterity, the pulling of the trigger  310  by the extension  110  may make firing a round possible and/or a substantially safer undertaking. 
     In addition to control over the act of pulling a trigger  310 , the module  100  also provides control over the rate or number of trigger pulls. This is in sharp contrast to a fully automatic firearm which does not allow the user adjustable or set control over the rate of trigger pulls. By the same token, the module  100  allows the user to focus concentration on holding sights on the target at hand during firing of the firearm  300  without undue concern over the potentially repeating task of pulling a trigger  310 . Instead, uniform, precisely timed pulls of the trigger  310  are achieved by the module  100 , freeing the user&#39;s focus to one of aiming (i.e. in contrast to a non-fully automatic firearm lacking an embodiment of the module  100 ). 
     Once more, the number of, or rate of, trigger pulls may be different from user to user in terms of attaining optimum accuracy. For example, one user may generally achieve maximum accuracy with a 3 second delay between rounds of up to 5 total rounds being fired. On the other hand another user may require a longer delay of say 5 seconds but be able to maintain maximum accuracy for up to about 10 rounds being fired. Regardless, the module  100  as described allows for such personalization so that each user may optimize his or her own personal accuracy. That is, one user may program the module  100  for a firing rate of every 3 seconds for a total of 5 shots whereas another may program a firing rate of every 5 seconds for a total of 10 shots to be fired. Along these lines, the trigger assist module  100  may be particularly beneficial for police and military use where training is provided in a manner that may allow each user to determine his or her own optimum firing parameters for sake of maximum accuracy when employing such bearable arms during handheld use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a side view of the firearm  300  and module  100  of  FIG. 3  are shown from the opposite side as depicted in  FIG. 2 . In this view, the components of the module  100  are apparent in context with the firearm  300 . So, for example, the finger extension  110  is fully visible as it traverses the trigger guard across the front of the trigger  310 . Further, components such as the battery  225 , motor  200  and control unit  250  are visibly secured to the plate-type body  175  of the module  100 . In one embodiment, the battery  725  is a lithium battery of a 5-25 voltage rating which powers a solenoid version of the motor  200  for reciprocation of the finger extension  110 , Further, the control unit  250  houses a processor  500  for controlling a rate of firing, the number of rounds to be fired and for storing other, potentially personalized information relative operation of the firearm  300 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the components discussed above are visible and manually accessible for replacement or repair. However, in another embodiment, the body  175  may serve as an enclosure, protecting the underlying components. In such an embodiment, the body  175  may also enclose the region of the trigger  310  and trigger guard such that this area is not manually accessible. Thus, where the trigger assist module  100  requires an arming code in order to operate, the module  100  naturally serves as a safety lock to any use of the firearm  300 . That is, in such an embodiment the arming code as entered at the keypad  140  would be a prerequisite to use of the firearm  300  given that its operation would be dependent upon operation of the module  100  given the inaccessibility of the trigger  310  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Of course, the same would be true of any arming lock for the module  100  (i.e. not limited to one in “code” form). Similarly, the trigger  310  could also be rendered inaccessible for manual user actuation in other manners apart from an enclosed body  175 . For example, the finger extension  110  may interface both sides of the trigger  310  or otherwise engage the trigger  310  in an immobilizing fashion so as to prevent its movement in either direction except through reciprocation of the extension  110 , Regardless, such an embodiment would provide an added degree of safety in terms of preventing children or other unauthorized users from being able to operate the firearm  300 . Once more, unlike a conventional gun safe or trigger lock wedged behind the trigger  310 , this form of safety locking does not pose a cumbersome hurdle to operation for the authorized user. Thus, the firearm  300  remains usable for the authorized user in relatively short order for any potential quick time circumstances. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a schematic view of an embodiment of arranged electronic components for the trigger assist module  100  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  is shown. While these components may be arranged in a variety of ways, for sake of illustration, they are schematically shown similar to the layout of the module  100  as depleted in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Specifically, the solenoid motor  502  is positioned at the upper right whereas the battery or power source  525  and user interface  540  are at the left (see the keypad  140  and display screen  150  of  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). 
     Regardless, with added reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , these components are linked together and controlled by a control unit  250 . Notably, the control unit  250  houses a processor  500  which stores and tracks a variety of different types of information pertinent to use of an associated firearm  300  as detailed hereinabove, furthermore, the control unit  250  also houses a solid state relay (SSR)  560  which serves as an interface between the processor  500  and the solenoid  502 . Thus, actuation commands for the finger extension  110  from the processor  500  are precisely carried out by the SSR  560 . As opposed to a mechanical relay, the electronic nature of the SSR  560  may render it less prone to wear over time and use. 
     In addition to the SSR  560 , the processor  500  is also coupled to a regulator  580  and arming circuit  530 . Thus, as indicated above and with added reference to  FIG. 3 , the module  100  may effectively be armed once the switch  130  is tripped. Further, a regulated signal indicative of a pressed manual actuator  120  may be relayed to the processor  500  for responsive action based on pre-stored information therein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a flow-chart is shown summarizing an embodiment of utilizing a trigger assist module to govern firing of a non-fully automatic firearm. Specifically, as indicated at  615  and  630 , the module may be programmed with firing parameters and secured to the firearm. This programming of the module may take place before or after securing of the module to the firearm. Further, these program parameters may be tailored to the user and/or the type of firearm and may include information such as a firing rate or number of rounds to be fired. Additionally, as indicated herein, the module may he secured to the firearm in a number of ways. So long as engagement between a finger extension of the module and a trigger of the firearm is stably assured, the module may be properly positioned for operation. 
     Once programmed and secured, the module may then be armed and ready for use as indicated at  645 . Thus, pressing of the manual actuator as noted at  660  may lead to reciprocating of the module&#39;s finger extension as noted at  675 . More specifically, the finger extension may reciprocate according to the programmed parameters to fire a single round per pull of the trigger. Once more, as indicated at  690 , the module may be equipped with the capacity for real-time tracking and display or otherwise relay of information regarding rounds fired or remaining. 
     Embodiments described hereinabove include an add-on module-type of device for a firearm that is non-fully automatic. This trigger assist module serves as an interface tor a user in pulling a trigger of the non-fully automatic firearm. Thus, the opportunity for human error is reduced. For example, the physiological tendency of the user to move the firearm in conjunction with pulling of the trigger is eliminated. Indeed, for a person that is handicapped or otherwise compromised in terms of manual dexterity and ability, the ability to safely pull the trigger through use of the interfacing module may be of even more significant benefit. Once more, all of these benefits are achieved without the firearm being converted to a fully automatic firearm. Thus, the challenges of potential inaccuracy, reduced control and/or tracking the amount of ammunition spent during use may be substantially eliminated. 
     The preceding description has been presented with reference to presently preferred embodiments, Persons skilled in the art and technology to which these embodiments pertain will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of operation may be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principle, and scope of these embodiments. For example, given the electronic nature of the trigger assist module, one embodiment may be equipped with a pan, tilt and/or zoom camera and a receiver or other features supportive of remote non-manual actuation not requiring user pressing of the manual actuator (e.g. for police, military, sniper or other appropriate use). Furthermore, the foregoing description should not be read as pertaining only to the precise structures described and shown in the accompanying drawings, but rather should be read as consistent with and as support for the following claims, which are to have their fullest and fairest scope.