Abstract:
Pump-action and semi-automatic firearms are well known in the art. Common to all of these types of firearms is their dependency on a user&#39;s ability to continually pull the trigger in a rapid manner when a high rate of fire is desired. Because human fatigue reduces an amount of time that a high rate of fire can be sustained, or physiological impairments may interfere with a users ability to operate the trigger effectively, there are ongoing efforts to improve firearm design. The embodiments disclosed herein seek to improve trigger operation by assisting in improving reset of the trigger for individuals with or without physiological impairments.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0005]    1. Technical Field 
         [0006]    The present disclosure relates generally to a trigger mechanism of a firearm and, more specifically, a mechanism for assisting trigger reset upon discharge of a firearm. 
         [0007]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0008]    Pump-action and semi-automatic firearms are well known in the art. Common to all of these types of firearms is their dependency on a user&#39;s ability to continually pull the trigger in a rapid manner when a high rate of fire is desired. Because human fatigue reduces an amount of time that a high rate of fire can be sustained, or physiological impairments may interfere with a user&#39;s ability to operate the trigger effectively, there are ongoing efforts to improve firearm design. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1A  shows one embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring at a beginning of a firing cycle, wherein the firearm is in a closed bolt position prior to trigger activation. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1B  shows one embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring at a point in the firing cycle immediately after trigger activation. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1C  shows one embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring at a point in the firing cycle wherein a hammer engages a firing pin located within a bolt carrier group of the firearm. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1D  shows one embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring at a point in the firing cycle after discharge of a cartridge, wherein the bolt carrier group begins contact with the trigger reset assist spring. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1E  shows one embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring at a point in the firing cycle when the bolt carrier group continues its rearward motion following discharge of the cartridge. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1F  shows one embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring at a point in the firing cycle when the bolt carrier group stops its rearward motion and is about to reverse direction to chamber a new cartridge for a next firing cycle. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1G  shows one embodiment of a firearm of having a trigger reset assist spring at a point in the firing cycle wherein the bolt carrier group continues its forward motion to chamber the new cartridge for the next firing cycle. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1H  shows one embodiment of a firearm of having a trigger reset assist spring at a point in the firing cycle immediately prior to the bolt carrier group chambering the new cartridge for the next firing cycle. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  shows a side view of one embodiment of the trigger reset assist spring in closed bolt position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2B  shows a top view of one embodiment of the trigger reset assist spring of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0020]      FIG. 2C  shows a perspective view of the one embodiment of the trigger reset assist spring of  2 A. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3A  shows a side view of one embodiment of a trigger reset assist spring coupled to a receiver utilizing coupling holes located above and in addition to an existing hammer pivot pin, or existing hammer pin holes, or existing trigger pin holes. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3B  shows an alternate view of the trigger reset assist spring and receiver shown in  FIG. 3A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A  shows one embodiment of a trigger reset assist spring integrated with a modular drop-in assembly. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4B  shows one embodiment of an entire drop-in assembly having the disclosed trigger reset assist spring and assembly housing of  FIG. 4A   
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    Firearm technology dates back to at least the twelfth century, where a firearm resembled a lance or a spear with gunpowder on an end that could be lit to direct flames at an enemy. Since then, there has been significant innovation in firearm technology. Generally speaking, modern firearms use an expansion of gasses to propel ammunition out of a barrel of a firearm and over a distance. Today, firearms are well-known in the art and are quite sophisticated. Modern firearms have firing capabilities ranging from single shot to fully automatic, are made of a wide variety of materials, and utilize a wide variety of ammunition. 
         [0026]    There are two basic types of firearm firing cycles: open bolt and closed bolt. A bolt or bolt carrier group is a part of a firearm that forces the expansion of gasses and moves the ammunition or cartridge into and down a barrel of the firearm and out of a muzzle of a firearm. In an open bolt cycle, the bolt or bolt carrier group typically starts in a rearward position. When a trigger is pulled, the bolt or bolt carrier group moves forward pushing the cartridge into the barrel of the gun. The expansion of gasses then pushes the cartridge out of the firearm. The bolt or bolt carrier group is then returned to the rearward, or open bolt, position and awaits a next pull of the trigger. 
         [0027]    In a closed bolt cycle, the bolt or bolt carrier group typically starts in a forward position with ammunition or a cartridge already positioned in the barrel. When the trigger is pulled, the expansion of gasses pushes the bolt carrier group rearward, which propels the cartridge out of the barrel. When the bolt or bolt carrier group reaches its maximum rearward position, it reverses direction and slides forward towards the starting position. As the bolt or bolt carrier group slides forward, it pushes a new cartridge into the barrel. The cycle is completed when the bolt or bolt carrier group reaches its starting forward position, awaiting a next trigger pull. 
         [0028]    In addition to different firing cycles, firearms can employ a range of firing mechanisms from single-shot to fully automatic. A pump-action firearm, requires a user to manually move the bolt or bolt carrier group after each pull of the trigger. A semi-automatic firearm is one in which a full firing cycle of the bolt or bolt carrier group is accomplished by each pull of the trigger. Thus, a full cycle of a semi-automatic firearm includes both firing and reloading of the ammunition. To initiate another firing cycle in a semi-automatic firearm, the trigger must reset and the user must pull the trigger again. A fully automatic firearm is one in which the bolt or bolt carrier group will continue to fully cycle until the trigger is released. 
         [0029]    Though mostly associated with wartime activities, firearms are used in many peaceable settings, such as for hunting and in shooting competitions. Indeed, peaceable recreational use of firearms is increasing. During shooting competitions it is often desired to shoot rapidly. Insofar as government regulations prohibit recreational use of fully automatic firearms, firing speed is dependent upon how fast a user can repeatedly pull the trigger of the firearm. During a competition, the user may suffer from fatigue, which will decrease the rate at which the user can pull the trigger. This results in a reduction of firing speed and can negatively impact user performance during competitions. 
         [0030]    Additionally, many physical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and carpel tunnel syndrome, can impair a user&#39;s ability to extend their fingers after contracting them. These finger extensor limitations impair a user&#39;s ability to operate a semi-automatic firearm or pump-action firearm. Specifically, a user may be able to contract a finger to pull the trigger, but the inability to extend their finger after pulling the trigger prevents the trigger from properly resetting. The trigger is prevented from resetting because the user&#39;s contracted finger physically interferes with the trigger returning or resetting to its starting position. As previously indicated, if the trigger of a semi-automatic firearm or pump-action firearm is not properly reset, the firearm cannot be re-fired. Thus, there exists a need that has not been fully addressed by the current art for improved mechanisms for assisted and faster trigger reset that still keeps the firearm operating as a semi-automatic. 
         [0031]    The embodiments disclosed herein seek to provide a trigger reset assist apparatus and method that supplements an existing trigger spring, and functions to decrease or eliminate a force needed to reset the trigger of a firearm. In one embodiment, an upper region of a torsion spring, that is in addition to any existing stock trigger springs, is engaged by the bolt carrier group as it moves rearward during a closed bolt firing cycle, which causes a lower region of the torsion spring to apply a force to the trigger to assist with trigger reset. 
         [0032]    With these concepts in mind, reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. 
         [0033]    With this general description in mind, attention is first directed to  FIGS. 1A through 1H , which show one embodiment of a firing cycle of a firearm employing the disclosed trigger reset assist spring. Discussion of the firing cycle begins with  FIG. 1A , which shows one embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring at a beginning of the firing cycle, wherein the firearm is in a closed bolt position prior to trigger activation. This position is also referred to as a cocked or a ready-to-fire position. This position is considered, for the purposes of defining a cycle, a start of the firing cycle. In this position a bolt carrier group  100  is in a closed bolt position. In other words, the bolt carrier group  100  is in a forward position, such that the bolt carrier group  100  does not make contact or engage an upper arm  101  of a trigger reset assist spring  102 . Insofar as there is no force applied to the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 , one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there is, likewise, no corresponding force applied to a trigger  103  by a lower arm (or bridge)  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . A trigger  103  is any mechanism that actuates the firing sequence of a firearm. 
         [0034]    In the closed bolt position shown in  FIG. 1A , a hammer  105  is engaged with a trigger sear  106  at the hammer interlock  107 , which is a notch at one end of the hammer  105 . The trigger sear  106  is a part of the trigger  103  that holds the hammer  105  by engaging the hammer interlock  107  until a sufficient amount of force is applied to the trigger  103  by a user, at which point the hammer  105  is released to discharge the firearm. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a typical trigger activation or trigger pull force is from approximately 3 pounds to approximately 6 pounds. However, custom designs have utilized a trigger activation force of as low as approximately 1 pound to as high as approximately 9 pounds. For some embodiments the trigger sear  107  is fully integrated with the trigger  103 . In other embodiments the trigger sear  107  is a separate and independent part of a trigger group  108 , which comprises all parts of the firearm that initiate firing of ammunition. 
         [0035]    When the hammer interlock  107  is engaged with the trigger sear  106 , the hammer  105  does not engage a disconnector  109  or a firing pin  110 . The disconnector  109  is an important and required safety feature of semi-automatic and pump-action firearms. In short, the disconnector  109  functions to ensure that only a single round of ammunition is fired with each activation of the trigger  103  by engaging various parts of the trigger group  108  during the firing cycle to disconnect the trigger sear  106  until the trigger  103  is reset. Stated differently, the disconnector  109  prevents a semi-automatic firearm from becoming a fully automatic firearm. This stage in the cycle is ended when the user pulls or activates the trigger  103 . 
         [0036]    With this in mind, attention is turned to  FIG. 1B , which shows one embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring  102  at a point in the firing cycle immediately after trigger  103  activation. One having ordinary skill will appreciate that a pulling movement of a user&#39;s finger against the trigger  103  typically activates the trigger  103 . However, other methods of trigger activation are to be considered within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. At this point in the firing cycle, the trigger sear  106  is released from the hammer interlock  107 . This allows the hammer  105  to begin its movement within the firing cycle. At this point, the hammer has not yet engaged the firing pin  110 , nor engaged the disconnector  109 . The bolt carrier group  100  is not yet beginning its rearward motion and is not applying any force or otherwise coming in contact with the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . 
         [0037]    In contrast, due to motion of the trigger  103  when activated, the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  comes in contact with the trigger  103 . Although the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  is in contact with the trigger  103 , no force is applied to the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there is no defined endpoint to this stage in the firing cycle. Rather, the firing cycle continues seamlessly as various parts of the trigger group  108  continue their movements initiated by trigger  103  activation. 
         [0038]    Discussion of the firing cycle continues with  FIG. 1C , which shows one embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring  102  at a point in the firing cycle where the hammer  105  engages the firing pin  110  located within the bolt carrier group  100  of the firearm. At this point in the firing cycle, the hammer  105  is striking the firing pin  110 , or other discharge mechanism to discharge the ammunition or cartridge. The trigger  103  is physically prevented from returning to its closed bolt, or starting, position ( FIG. 1A ) by a contoured end  111  of the hammer  105 . Still, at this stage in the firing cycle, the bolt carrier group  100  has yet to begin its rearward motion. As such, no force is applied to the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  at this point. The lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring is still in contact with the trigger  103 , however there is no force being applied to the trigger  103  by the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . This stage of the firing cycle can be said to end when the cartridge is discharged within the firearm. 
         [0039]    The firing cycle continues with  FIG. 1D , which shows one embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring  102  at a point in the firing cycle after discharge of a cartridge, wherein the bolt carrier group  100  begins contact with the trigger reset assist spring  102 . As the hammer  105  strikes the firing pin  110 , an expansion of gasses results in discharge of the cartridge and generates a force that causes the bolt carrier group  100  to move rearwards. The rearward motion of the bolt carrier group  100  begins to force the hammer  105  back towards its closed bolt position ( FIG. 1A ). The trigger is still prevented from returning to its closed bolt position ( FIG. 1A ) by the contoured end  111  of the hammer  105 . 
         [0040]    Moreover, as the bolt carrier group  100  moves rearward, it begins to come into contact with the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . This contact by the bolt carrier group  100  results in a force being applied to the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 , causing the upper arm  101  to begin its motion rearward. One having ordinary skill will appreciate that as the bolt carrier group  100  applies a force to the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 , a corresponding force, modulated only by the trigger reset assist spring configuration  102 , is translated to the trigger  103  by the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there is no defined endpoint to this stage in the firing cycle. Rather, the cycle continues seamlessly as the bolt carrier group  100  continues its rearward motion. 
         [0041]    With this in mind attention is directed to  FIG. 1E , which shows one embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring  102  at a point in the firing cycle when the bolt carrier group  100  continues its rearward motion following discharge of the cartridge. As the rearward motion of the bolt carrier group  100  continues, it applies even greater force to the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a corresponding force, modulated only by the configuration of the trigger reset assist spring  102 , is translated to the trigger  103  by the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . Although the hammer  105  is moving closer to its closed bolt position ( FIG. 1A ), the contoured end  111  of the hammer  105  still prevents the trigger  103  from returning to its closed bolt position ( FIG. 1A ). One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there is no defined endpoint to this stage in the firing cycle. Rather, the cycle continues seamlessly as the bolt carrier group  100  continues its rearward motion. 
         [0042]    Discussion of the firing cycle continues with  FIG. 1F , which shows one embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring  102  at a point in the firing cycle when the bolt carrier group  100  stops its rearward motion and is about to reverse direction to chamber a new cartridge for a next firing cycle. The hammer  105 , forced by the bolt carrier group  100 , now engages the disconnector  109 . Additionally, the hammer interlock  107  is allowed to engage the trigger sear  106  to lock the hammer  105  into its closed bolt or cocked position ( FIG. 1A ), if there is no interference from the user. As indicated above, a user with a finger extensor mobility limitation, such as that seen with rheumatoid arthritis or carpel tunnel syndrome, can prevent the trigger sear  106  from engaging the hammer interlock  107  at this point in the firing cycle simply by remaining in a contracted state and thus physically interfering with the motion of the trigger  103 . 
         [0043]    To overcome this interference with a user&#39;s finger, as the bolt carrier group  100  applies maximum force to the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  a corresponding amount of force, modulated only by the configuration of the trigger reset assist spring  102 , is translated to the trigger  103  by the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . At this point, the force applied to the trigger  103  by the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  is great enough to overcome the pressure provided by the user&#39;s contracted finger, thus allowing the trigger  103  to reset and the trigger group  108  to prepare for the next round. This action of the trigger assist spring  102  is also advantageous for use in competition settings where rapid firing is desired. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the trigger assist spring  102  increases the rate at which the trigger  103  engages the hammer  105 . Thus, the disclosed trigger assist spring  102  has advantages for users with or without finger extensor mobility limitations. 
         [0044]    It is important to understand that the amount of force applied by the trigger reset assist spring  102  to the trigger  103  is only great enough to overcome a force applied to the trigger  103  by a finger that is merely not extended and not actively engaging the trigger. In other words, the force applied by the trigger reset assist spring  102  is not great enough to overcome the force applied by a contracted finger actively engaging the trigger  103 , such as the force applied to the trigger  103  to first activate it. Thus, it is possible for the user to actively engage the trigger  103 , thereby preventing trigger reset, even when the trigger reset assist spring  102  is applying pressure to the trigger  103  as shown in  FIG. 1F . Stated differently, a user can overcome the force applied by trigger reset assist spring  102  simply by continuously pulling the trigger  103  without ever releasing it. Even if the trigger  103  is not allowed to reset, it is important to understand that the firearm disclosed herein will still only fire one round. This is because the disconnector  109  has engaged the hammer  105 , thus preventing it from engaging the firing pin  110  and initiating discharge of another round of ammunition. 
         [0045]    Discussion of the firing cycle continues with  FIG. 1G , which shows one embodiment of a firearm of having a trigger reset assist spring  102  at a point in the firing cycle wherein the bolt carrier group  100  continues its forward motion to chamber the new cartridge for the next firing cycle. At this point in the firing cycle, the bolt carrier group  100  is no longer in contact with the hammer  105 , but is still in contact with the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . Additionally, the hammer  105  is disengaged from the disconnector  109 . 
         [0046]    As the bolt carrier group  100  continues to move forward, the amount of force applied to the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  decreases. One having ordinary skill will appreciate that likewise, the amount of force applied to the trigger  103  by the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  is also decreased. However, it will be appreciated that the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  is still applying force to the trigger  103  such that engagement of the trigger sear  106  and the hammer interlock  107  of the hammer  105  is maintained. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there is no defined endpoint to this stage in the firing cycle. Rather, the cycle continues seamlessly as the bolt carrier group  100  continues its forward motion towards its closed bolt position ( FIG. 1A ). 
         [0047]    With that said, attention is directed to  FIG. 1H , which shows one embodiment of a firearm of having a trigger reset assist spring  102  at a point in the firing cycle immediately prior to the bolt carrier group  100  chambering the new cartridge for the next firing cycle. At this point the bolt carrier group  100  is not in contact with the hammer  105 , but continues to apply force to the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . As the bolt carrier group  100  continues its forward motion, the amount of force applied to the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  continues to correspondingly decrease. The lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  is still in contact with the trigger  103 , and, as will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, continues to apply a force to the trigger  103  to maintain engagement of the trigger sear  106  and the hammer interlock  107 . Insofar as the force being applied to the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset spring  102  is continually decreasing as the bolt carrier group  100  continues its forward motion, likewise, the force being applied to the trigger  103  by the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset spring  102  is also decreasing. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there is no defined endpoint to this stage in the firing cycle. Rather, the firing cycle continues seamlessly as the bolt carrier group  100  continues its forward motion towards its closed bolt position ( FIG. 1A ). 
         [0048]    The firing cycle is ended when the bolt carrier group finishes its forward motion and returns to its closed bolt position as shown in  FIG. 1A . At this point the trigger group  108  components have also returned to the closed bolt state and are as previously described in relation to  FIG. 1A . The bolt carrier group  100  is no longer applying any force to the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . Further, the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  is no longer in contact with the trigger  103 . As such, the lower arm  104  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  is no longer applying a force to the trigger  103 . In short, the firearm has returned to the closed bolt position and is ready to begin a new firing cycle. The firing cycle, as described in  FIGS. 1A through 1H , is completed each time the trigger is pulled or otherwise activated. 
         [0049]    With the operation of a firearm employing the disclosed trigger reset assist spring  102  in mind, attention is directed to  FIGS. 2A through 2C , which show one embodiment of the trigger reset assist spring  102  in greater detail. Insofar as different types of firearms have different dimensions associated with their corresponding parts, it will be appreciated that the exact size and dimensions of the trigger reset assist spring can be altered to fit with the dimensions of the firearm. However, there are certain aspects of the disclosed trigger reset spring that are important to maintaining function and compliance with government regulations. Thus, emphasis is placed not on the exact dimensions of the trigger reset spring  102 , but rather on these important features. 
         [0050]    With that said, attention is turned to  FIG. 2A , which shows a side view of the trigger reset assist spring  102  in the closed bolt position ( FIG. 1A ). In other words, this is the position of the trigger reset assist spring  102  when no force is being applied to the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset spring  102 . The upper arm  101  extends to from a coil body  205  to an upper-most end  202  of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . It will be appreciated that in operation the coil body  205  surrounds a spring pivot pin  201 . The spring pivot pin  201  functions to couple the trigger reset assist spring  102  to the firearm and are a point about which the trigger reset assist spring  102  will pivot. In some embodiments the spring pivot pin  201  is an existing hammer pivot pin, which is a part of the hammer  105  that couples the hammer to a receiver. In other embodiments, the spring pivot pin  201  is an existing hammer pin or an existing trigger pin. However, preferably, the spring pivot pin  201  is unique to the trigger reset spring  102 , and, as will be discussed in detail in relation to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , utilizes separate coupling holes located above, and in addition to, existing hammer pin and trigger pin holes. The lower arm  104  of the trigger reset spring  102  extends from the spring pivot pin  201  to the “U” shaped curve located at the opposite end of the trigger reset spring  102  from the upper arm  101 . 
         [0051]    Important to the function of the trigger reset assist spring  102  and its ability to operate as intended within a firearm is the angle  203  at which the upper arm  101  is bent and the angle  204  at which upper arm  101  and the lower arm  104  are articulated around the spring pivot pin  201 . As stated above, the exact degrees for the angles  203  and  204  will depend upon the exact dimensions of the firearm. Importantly, the exact angles should allow for the bolt carrier group  100  to apply a force to the upper arm  101  and result in a force being applied to the trigger  103  by the lower arm  104  at an appropriate time in the firing cycle as described in relation to  FIGS. 1A through 1H . Further, the exact angles should result in a force only great enough to overcome a force applied by a merely unextended finger. Preferably, the amount of force applied to the trigger  103  by the lower arm  104  is between approximately two (2) and approximately five (5) pounds of force. 
         [0052]    Moreover, the degree of the angle at which the upper arm  101  is bent can affect the speed at which the trigger is reset. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that if the angle  203  at which the upper arm  101  is bent and/or the angle  204  at which the upper arm  101  and the lower arm  104  is articulated around the spring pivot pin  201  is decreased, it will take a longer amount of time for the bolt carrier group to interact with the upper arm  101  as the upper arm  101  will be in a more rearward position, which decreases how fast trigger reset can occur. 
         [0053]    Alternatively, if the angle  203  at which the upper arm  101  is bent and/or the angle  204  at which the upper arm  101  and the lower arm  104  are articulated around the spring pivot pin  201  is too great, the trigger assist spring  102  will be in contact with the bolt carrier group  102  too soon in the firing cycle and, thus apply pressure to the trigger  103  too soon in the firing cycle and not allow the trigger sear  106  to disengage the hammer interlock  107 . In sum, although the exact angles of the trigger reset assist spring  102  may vary from firearm to firearm, they still should allow for faster trigger reset, over what can be achieved by a firearm&#39;s stock trigger reset spring, while not impeding the normal firing cycle. 
         [0054]    For example, for an assault rifle platform, the angle  203  at which the upper arm  101  is bent can be anywhere from approximately 90 degrees to approximately 180 degrees, but is preferably approximately 126.5 degrees. The angle  204  at which the upper arm  101  and the lower arm  104  are articulated around the spring pivot pin  201  can be anywhere from approximately 90 degrees to approximately 150 degrees, but is preferably approximately 126 degrees. It will be appreciated that the angle  203  at which the upper arm  101  is bent and the angle  204  at which the upper arm  101  and the lower arm  104  are articulated around the spring pivot pin  201  are optimized based on the location of the spring pivot pin  201  in relation to a hammer pin and other components of the firearm. 
         [0055]    Discussion of the disclosed trigger reset assist spring  102  continues with  FIG. 2B , which shows a top view of one embodiment of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . In this view, it is apparent that there are two sides of the trigger reset assist spring  102  that are mirror images of one another. In a preferred embodiment, the upper arms  101  are not connected to one another. This is to reduce interference of the trigger reset assist spring  102  with any other components of the firearm during operation, particularly the hammer  105  and disconnector  109 . As different firearms have different configurations of components of the trigger group  108 , in some embodiments, the upper arms  101  are connected to one another and, yet, do not interfere with any other components of the fire arm during operation. 
         [0056]    At the heart of the disclosed trigger reset assist spring  102  is a coil body  205 . In the preferred embodiment the trigger reset assist spring comprises two coil bodies  205 , one on each side bridged together by the lower arm  104 . The number of coils  206  within a coil body  205  is dependent upon many factors, such as wire diameter of trigger reset assist spring  102 , the angle ( FIG. 2A ,  203 ) at which the upper arm  101  is bent, the angle ( FIG. 2A ,  204 ) at which the upper arm  101  and the lower arm  104  are articulated around the spring pivot pin  201 , and amount of force desired to be translated to the trigger  103  from the bolt carrier group  100  by the trigger reset assist spring  102 . Although the number of coils can vary, there should be at least one in order for the spring to operate as a torsion spring and result in translation of a force from the bolt carrier group  100  to the trigger  103 . 
         [0057]    The configuration of the lower arm  104  is also important to the performance of the disclosed trigger reset assist spring  102 . The lower arm  104  is curved at points  207  along its length so as to allow for clearance of the various components of the trigger group  108  and firearm. The exact distance between the two sides of the lower arm  104  is dependent upon the exact dimensions of the firearm. However, regardless of the exact dimensions of the firearm, the lower arm will be curved  207  in a region, to allow for the trigger reset assist spring  102  to operate as described in  FIGS. 1A through 1H  without interfering with any components of the firearm, except for those components with which the disclosed trigger reset assist spring  102  is designed to come into contact. More significantly, the configuration of the lower arm  104  allows the disclosed trigger reset assist spring  102  to avoid any contact with the disconnector  109 . It is against government regulation to add any component to a firearm that would come in contact with or otherwise interfere with the disconnector  109 . 
         [0058]    To fully appreciate the configuration of the disclosed trigger reset assist spring  102 , attention is turned to  FIG. 2C , which shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . It is important to note that the “U” shape of the end of the lower arm  104  allows the trigger reset assist spring  102  to come in contact with the trigger  103  and apply force to the trigger  103 , while completely avoiding contact with other components of the trigger group  108  and the firearm, particularly the disconnector  109 . 
         [0059]    With the various aspects of the trigger reset assist spring  102  in mind, attention is directed to  FIGS. 3A and 3B  which show several views of a firearm employing the disclosed trigger reset assist spring  102 , wherein the spring pivot pins  201  utilize spring pivot pin holes, which are in addition to any existing hammer pin, hammer pivot, or trigger pin holes. 
         [0060]    Discussion of this preferred embodiment begins with  FIG. 3A , which shows a side view of one embodiment of the trigger reset assist spring  102  coupled to a receiver, utilizing coupling holes located above and in addition to an existing hammer pivot pin, or existing hammer pin holes, or existing trigger pin holes. In this preferred embodiment, the trigger reset assist spring  102  is coupled to a receiver  301  of a firearm by inserting the spring pivot pins  201  through two holes placed in the receiver  301  that are in addition to the existing hammer pin holes  302  or trigger pin holes  303  in the receiver  301 . The receiver  301  is a part of the firearm that houses operating parts. Typically, the receiver  301  houses the bolt carrier group  100 , trigger group  108  and, if present, a magazine port. Generally, applicable laws view the receiver  301  as that part of a firearm housing that has a serial number upon it. 
         [0061]    Preferably, the spring pivot pin holes are placed above the existing hammer pin holes  302  or trigger pin holes  303 . The exact position of the spring pivot pin holes above the existing hammer pin  302  and trigger pin  303  holes is determined upon the exact dimension of the firearm and the trigger reset assist spring  102 . The spring pivot pins  201  after being placed in the spring pivot pin holes are secured to the receiver  301  using mechanical fasteners, which are threaded or unthreaded. In some embodiments, the spring pivot pins  201  are also the mechanical fasteners, and thus attach directly to the receiver  301 . It will be appreciated that in embodiments where the spring pivot pins  201  are also the mechanical fasteners, the spring pivot pins  201  will still operate to allow the trigger reset assist spring  102  to pivot about the spring pivot pins  201 . 
         [0062]    In some embodiments the mechanical fasteners are service removable. It will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that, for those embodiments in which the mechanical fasteners are service removable, it is not possible to link a particular trigger reset assist spring  102  to a receiver&#39;s serial number. Thus, for embodiments where it is required to link a receiver&#39;s serial number and the trigger reset assist spring  102 , the mechanical fasteners are of a swaged design to prevent removal of the trigger reset assist spring  102  from the receiver  301 . One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that fasteners of a swaged design will thus link the trigger spring apparatus  102  to the receiver&#39;s serial number. 
         [0063]    To more fully appreciate the preferred embodiment of the disclosed trigger reset assist spring  102  coupled to a receiver  301 , attention is directed to  FIG. 3B , which shows an alternative view of one embodiment of the trigger reset assist spring  102  and receiver  301  shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         [0064]    In another embodiment of a firearm having a trigger reset assist spring  102 , the trigger reset assist spring  102  is coupled to a firearm through use of existing hammer pins and trigger pins. In these embodiments, the trigger reset assist spring  102  is first attached to two (2) thin mounting plates. The thin mounting plates are anywhere from approximately 0.030 inches to 0.090 inches thick. Preferably, the thin mounting plates are 0.060 inches to 0.075 inches thick. In some embodiments the thin mounting plates are uniform in thickness. In other embodiments, the thin mounting plates vary in thickness over their entirety. 
         [0065]    In some embodiments, the trigger reset assist spring is attached to the mounting plates by mechanically fastening the spring pivot pins to the mounting plates utilizing holes existing in the mounting plates. In some embodiments, the spring pivot pins are threaded. In other embodiments, the spring pivot pins are unthreaded. In the embodiments that employ unthreaded spring pivot pins, a clinching or a swage fastener design is used to attach the spring pivot pins to the mounting plates. The mounting plates are coupled to the receiver  301  by utilizing the existing hammer pins and hammer pin holes and/or the existing trigger pin and trigger pin holes of the firearm. As the mounting plates are permanently affixed to the receiver  301 , this embodiment is linked to the receiver&#39;s serial number. Alternatively, in some embodiments the mounting plates are independently serialized to allow for traceability. 
         [0066]    In some instances, a modular drop-in assembly is preferred. With this in mind attention is directed to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , which show a trigger reset assist spring  102  integrated with a modular drop-in assembly that also comprises other trigger group  108  components.  FIG. 4A  shows one embodiment of a trigger reset assist spring  102  integrated with a modular drop-in assembly. For clarity, the other trigger group  108  components are omitted from  FIG. 4A , emphasis instead being placed on coupling of the trigger reset assist spring  102  to an assembly housing  401 . As shown, the trigger reset assist spring  102  is coupled to the assembly housing  401  by inserting the spring pivot pins  201  into spring pivot holes in the assembly housing  401 . Preferably, the spring pivot holes are in addition to and located higher on the assembly housing  401  than a set of hammer pin holes  402  and trigger pin holes  403 . In the preferred embodiment, the spring pivot pins  201  are coupled to the assembly housing  401  by mechanical fasteners. In other embodiments, the spring pivot pins  201  are also the mechanical fasteners. 
         [0067]    With coupling of the disclosed trigger reset assist spring  102  to the assembly housing  401  in mind, attention is directed to  FIG. 4B , which shows one embodiment of an entire drop-in assembly having the disclosed trigger reset assist spring and assembly housing of  FIG. 4A . In a preferred embodiment, the drop-in assembly comprises all the components of the trigger group  108 , including the trigger  103 , hammer  105  and disconnector  109 , as well as the disclosed trigger reset assist spring  102 . The hammer  105  and trigger  103  are coupled to the assembly housing  401  by placing the hammer pin through the hammer pin hole  402  on the assembly housing  401 , and by placing the trigger pin through the trigger pin hole  403 . The hammer and trigger pins are secured to the assembly housing  401  by mechanical fasteners. In some embodiments the assembly housing  401  is serialized to allow for traceability. It will be appreciated that the hammer pins and trigger pins are typically tubular and are thus hollow through their centers. However, in some instances they may be solid. 
         [0068]    In yet another embodiment, the trigger reset assist spring  102  is coupled to the firearm by placing the coil bodies  205  around the hammer pivot pin. This is in contrast to the embodiments disclosed in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , wherein the coil bodies  205  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  are coiled around spring pivot pins  201 , which are independent of the hammer pivot pin. For some firearms, attachment of the trigger reset assist spring  102  to the firearm by coupling it to the hammer pivot pin is the least efficient design because it can result in the trigger assist spring  102  having a less than optimal shape. For example, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that by placing the coil bodies  205  at the hammer pivot pin, the upper arm  101  of the trigger reset assist spring  102  must have a decreased angle  203  of bend, which reduces the efficiency of the trigger reset assist spring  102 . Further, this embodiment does not allow for traceability insofar as the trigger reset assist spring  102  is not permanently linked to the receiver&#39;s serial number. 
         [0069]    The embodiments disclosed herein allow for increased and consistent semi-automatic firing rates approaching those of currently legal “bump-fire-stock” firearms without having inaccuracies due to movement of the receiver of the firearm. Importantly, the disclosed embodiments have the advantage of being able to be operated with a single hand. This is in stark contrast to “bump-fire-stock” firearms, which require the use of two hands to properly operate. Thus, the disclosed embodiments allow effective operation of a firearm by a user who only has use of one hand, such as in a prone, seated kneeling or standing position with use of a biopod or a monopod firearm support device. This functionality is not possible with a conventional “bump-fire-stock” firearm. Moreover, the disclosed embodiments are of ergonomic value to firearm enthusiasts that have limitations to extensor ability of their trigger finger. In sum, the disclosed embodiments provide beneficial improvement for firearm users with and without finger extensor ability limitations. 
         [0070]    Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the disclosure as described may be made. The method of operation is described in relation to a closed bolt firing cycle, however modifications of the disclosed trigger reset assist spring to allow for operation during operation of an open bolt firing cycle will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art and are within the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0071]    Further, the embodiments disclosed herein will be appreciated by one having skill in the art to be applicable to a variety of firearms including, but not limited to, pistols that are of a semi-automatic or of a single action design, shotguns that are of a semi-automatic or pump design, and rifles of a semi-automatic or pump design. 
         [0072]    Additionally, the embodiments disclosed herein will be appreciated by one having skill in the art to be applicable to firearms employing a direct impingement operation as well as a blowback operation method. In a direct impingement operation gas is directed from a fired cartridge directly to the bolt carrier group or a slide assembly to further cycle action. A blowback system of operation is typical for self-loading firearms, and obtains energy from a motion of the cartridge as the cartridge is pushed to the rear part of the bolt carrier group by gasses created by ignition of the gas or propellant charge. 
         [0073]    The apparatus and method disclosed herein is to be appreciated as being fully compatible with centerfire and rimfire cartridges. Further, it will be appreciated that a typical caliber compatibility range for the apparatus and method disclosed herein ranges from approximately 17 caliber to 50 caliber cartridges. 
         [0074]    Moreover, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosed embodiments are compatible with firearms employing a striker method of operation as well as a hammer method of operation. 
         [0075]    All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as within the scope of the disclosure.