Abstract:
A removable, non-permanent trigger extension that does not require gunsmithing and is operable with a firearm to provide a contact surface adapted to be manipulated by a user to actuate a trigger assembly of the firearm, wherein the contact surface is disposed a location spaced from a location of the trigger and a rifle stock operable with the trigger extension and the firearm.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to firearms, and, more specifically, to an apparatus, system, and method for altering the position of a trigger of a firearm. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Shooting sports and firearm collection are enjoyable pastimes for many individuals. In particular, hobbies involving the collection, restoration, conversion, modification, and/or shooting of historic and exotic military firearms are popular. Rifles figure prominently in such hobbies, and the sales of both original and modified firearms, along with associated parts and accessories, represent a large portion of the commerce surrounding such hobbies. 
         [0003]    In certain instances, hobbyists may wish to replace original components with customized or modified components in order to alter the appearance and/or the functionality of the firearm. For example, replacement stocks for numerous models of rifles are available from multiple manufacturers, and may be purchased and installed by rifle owners and hobbyists for any of a number of reasons, such as to modernize the firearm&#39;s appearance, to reduce weight, to modify a shooting position, to add or modify mounting points for accessories, or the like. One of the more radical types of reconfiguration involves relocating the position of the trigger. Such repositioning is typically technically difficult, and if performed improperly can adversely impact the function, reliability, and/or safety of the firearm. Therefore trigger modification is typically performed only by professional gunsmiths, or the like. Nonetheless, a large demand exists for rifles having repositioned triggers. 
         [0004]    Thus, it is clear that there is an unmet need for a removable apparatus, system, and method for repositioning a trigger of a rifle that may be installed successfully by amateur hobbyists, i.e. that does not require gunsmithing, and that provides for easy, safe, and reliable use of the trigger. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an apparatus, system, and method for repositioning the trigger of a rifle by providing a modified stock engageable with a rifle and a trigger extension, wherein the location of the trigger access of the modified stock is spaced from the trigger assembly of the rifle, and wherein the trigger extension operates to actuate the trigger assembly without modification of the trigger assembly itself. 
         [0006]    According to its major aspects, and broadly stated, the present invention comprises a trigger extension that is removably operable with a trigger assembly of a rifle and/or the modified stock, wherein activation of the trigger extension by a user activates the trigger assembly of the rifle, causing the weapon to fire. The length of the trigger extension determines the position of the access point of the trigger assembly for the user, and in some embodiments, the trigger extension may have an adjustable length. Such relocation of the trigger access point preferably enables alternative configurations for the rifle. The system further comprises a modified stock adapted to receive the rifle barrel, trigger mechanism, magazine, and the like, along with the trigger extension engaged with the trigger assembly. The modified stock preferably includes a relocated grip, wherein the trigger extension is operable by a user while grasping the relocated grip of the modified stock. The grip may be formed as a pistol grip, if desired. 
         [0007]    The trigger extension is preferably formed having an exterior surface on a forward end thereof adapted to be actuated by a user and rearwardly-extending arms adapted to transfer a force applied to the surface to a trigger engaging portion on a rearward end thereof. The rearwardly-extending arms preferably extend around, and optionally engage, a trigger guard of the rifle trigger assembly. The trigger engaging portion is preferably connected to at least one of the rearwardly-extending arms for transmission of the force thereto, and preferably engages the trigger of the rifle. 
         [0008]    The modified stock is preferably adapted to receive a rifle barrel, a receiver, a bolt assembly, a trigger assembly, and a magazine assembly. The modified stock preferably provides a cavity for receiving and enclosing at least the trigger assembly of the rifle, wherein a user may preferably not access the trigger of the trigger assembly directly while the trigger assembly is installed in the modified stock. The modified stock further preferably includes a channel or other means for slidably receiving the trigger extension, wherein at least a portion of forward surface of the trigger extension is accessible to a user for activation of the firing mechanism of the rifle. The trigger extension preferably engages, and is guided by, the modified stock, whereby the trigger extension is capable solely of motion in a direction to activate the trigger of the rifle. In a preferred embodiment, the trigger extension extends from the trigger of the rifle in a forward direction, i.e. towards the barrel or in a direction of fire, and has a length sufficient to dispose the forward surface of the trigger extension well in front of a the trigger guard of trigger assembly of the rifle, such as in a position where a user may activate either of both of the trigger, through the trigger extension, and another element of the rifle, such as a magazine release mechanism, with the same finger, and without needing to reposition the user&#39;s hand, i.e. without having to release the grip with the hand of the user&#39;s trigger finger. Such repositioning of the trigger access point of the rifle preferably allows selective modification of other features of the rifle. For example, by repositioning the trigger access point forward, the length-of-pull of the rifle may be increased without increasing the overall length of the rifle. Similarly, if the trigger access point is repositioned, but the stock is designed to maintain the original length-of-pull, i.e. the stock is shortened, the balance of the rifle may be adjusted to suit a user&#39;s preference, to reduce the overall length dimension of the rifle, to reduce weight, or the like. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, one feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to allow the access point for a trigger assembly of a rifle to be repositioned without modification of the trigger assembly, the receiver, the bolt assembly, the barrel, or the like. 
         [0010]    Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a rifle stock adapted to receive a trigger extension and optionally having a pistol grip, or other modified characteristic. 
         [0011]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reading the following Detailed Description of the Invention and Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Accordingly, the present invention will be understood best through consideration of, and with reference to, the following drawing Figures, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Invention referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various Figures designate like structure, and in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a trigger extension according to the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of the trigger extension of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top cross-sectional view of the trigger extension of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of another trigger extension according to the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the trigger extension of  FIG. 1  in combination with a trigger assembly of an assault rifle; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a modified stock according to the present invention operable in combination with a trigger extension; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the modified stock of  FIG. 6  in combination with an assault rifle and a trigger extension; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an adjustable-length trigger extension; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side cross-sectional view of the trigger extension of  FIG. 8 ; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the trigger extension of  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
       [0023]    It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the invention to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    In describing preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0025]    In that form of the preferred embodiment of the present invention chosen for purposes of illustration,  FIGS. 1-3  show trigger extension  100  formed from monolithic body  110  having forward contact portion  111 , two rearwardly-extending arms  113  and  115 , and trigger contact portion  117 . Rearwardly-extending arms  113  and  115  preferably define cavity  119  therebetween. Body  110  may be formed from any suitable material, such as wood, plastic, metal, composite, combinations thereof, or the like, whereby arms  113  and  115  may extend around a trigger guard (such as trigger guard TG of  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of a rifle with which trigger extension  100  may be used, and may exhibit sufficient strength to transfer a force necessary to overcome a biasing force of a trigger of a rifle with which trigger extension  100  is engaged, such as a force of 8 pounds or more. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, forward contact portion  111  may be formed in any desired shape, such as a saddle shape designed to provide a comfortable and a secure contact surface for a user. Similarly, trigger contact portion  117  may be formed to provide a secure engagement with a trigger of the rifle, such as having a contour matching that of the trigger, whereby activation of the trigger via trigger extension  100  may be smooth and reduce slippage between the trigger and trigger contact surface  117 . 
         [0026]    Referring more particularly to  FIG. 3 , cavity  119  comprises first portion  119   a  and second portion  119   b,  wherein first portion  119   a  is preferably configured to accommodate a trigger guard of a trigger assembly of a rifle therein. Thus, first portion  119   a  preferably defines a space in the first direction of axis Y between arms  113  and  115  of sufficient dimension to receive the width of the trigger guard in the first direction without excessive frictional engagement that may interfere with activation of the trigger. Additionally, first portion  119   a  preferably defines a space in the second direction of axis X between forward contact portion  111  and trigger contact portion  117  of sufficient dimension to allow motion of trigger extension in the second direction relative to the trigger housing. As will be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art, the minimum amount of motion in the second direction is equal to the amount of motion in the second direction necessary to actuate the trigger, i.e. to complete firing of the weapon and resetting the trigger. Preferably, first portion  119   a  defines a space having a dimension in the second direction greater than such a minimum distance, whereby trigger extension may preferably travel with the travel of the trigger of the rifle in the second direction during use. 
         [0027]    Second portion  119   b  is preferably configured to allow trigger contact portion  117  to be disposed within a trigger guard of the rifle that completely surrounds the trigger, at least in one plane. Second portion  119   b  may define first portion  117   a  and second portion  117   b  of trigger contact portion  117 , and may be formed as a space having a dimension in the first direction equal to the width of the trigger guard. Such space may allow trigger extension  100  may slip over the trigger guard without flexing and be arranged such that trigger contact portion  117  is disposed proximate the trigger of the rifle. Alternatively, and as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , second portion  119   b  may optionally define a space having a distance in the first direction substantially less than the width of the trigger guard, such as a distance less than the width of the trigger. Accordingly, arms  113  and  115  may be separated, at least temporarily, to increase the dimension of second portion  119   b  in the second direction in order to allow trigger contact portion  117  to be disposed within the trigger guard proximate the trigger. Such relatively smaller dimension of second portion  119   b  may reduce or eliminate a chance of the trigger of the rifle slipping into the space of second portion  119   b.  To further reduce such a chance of the trigger slipping into the space of second portion  119   b,  a dimension of first portion  117   a  in the first direction may preferably be greater than the dimension of second portion  117   b  in the first direction, whereby the trigger is preferably disposed proximate a point of first portion  117   a  spaced from second portion  119   b.    
         [0028]    As will be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art, alternate configurations for trigger extension  100  are possible, such as the alternate configuration illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Trigger extension  200 , preferably includes two opposing members that, when attached together, function in the same way as trigger extension  100 . More specifically, trigger extension  200  may include first portion  210   a  and second portion  210   b,  each comprising forward contact portions  211   a,    211   b,  rearwardly-extending arms  213   a,    213   b,  and trigger contact portion  215   a ,  215   b,  respectively. First portion  210   a  and second portion  210   b  preferably combine to provide a secure and comfortable surface for use in firing the rifle. Rearwardly-extending arms  213   a  and  213   b  preferably define cavity  219  adapted to accept a trigger guard therein, and carry trigger contact portions  215   a  and  215   b , respectively. First portion  210   a  and second portion  210   b  may preferably be disposed encircling a trigger guard of a rifle such that trigger contact portions  215   a  and  215   b  are disposed proximate the trigger, and may be mutually secured via mechanical fasteners, adhesive, welding, or the like. Thereafter, a user may press forward contact portions  211   a  and/or  211   b  to activate the trigger. 
         [0029]    As another alternative, not shown, one or the other of first portion  210   a  and second portion  210   b  may be omitted. In the case where second portion  210   b  is omitted, the length of one or both of forward contact portion  211   a  and trigger contact portion  215   a  may be increased in the first direction of axis Y to ensure proper engagement of trigger contact portion  215   a  with the trigger, and to ensure adequate surface area of forward contact portion  211   a  for a user to manipulate. Such increased length in the first direction preferably further serves to reduce or eliminate a chance that first portion  210   a  will become disengaged from the trigger of the rifle. 
         [0030]    Now referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , trigger extension  100  may be engaged with trigger assembly TA, including trigger TR and trigger guard TG. Preferably, a forward portion of trigger guard TG is disposed within cavity  119  between rearwardly-extending arms  113  and  115  such that forward contact surface  111  is disposed forward of trigger guard TG. Trigger contact portion  117  is preferably disposed in a position within trigger guard TG and proximate trigger TR whereby movement of trigger extension  100  relative to trigger assembly TA may cause activation of trigger TR, and thus firing of the rifle. 
         [0031]    In use, trigger extension  100  is preferably installed via sliding over trigger guard TG. Such sliding may be enabled via separation of rearwardly-extending arms  113  and  115  such that a dimension of second portion  119   b  of cavity  119  is sufficiently large to allow at least a portion of trigger guard TG to pass therethrough into first portion  119   a  of cavity  119 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , an upper portion of trigger extension  100  is preferably disposed in a position proximate trigger assembly TA, and optionally in sliding engagement therewith. Once trigger extension  100  has been so installed, rifle RL, including barrel BR, receiver RC, bolt assembly BA, trigger assembly TA, and magazine assembly MA, may be engaged with modified stock  300 . Modified stock  300  preferably includes a butt  301 , grip  303 , trigger guard  305 , receiver cover  307 , and foregrip  309 . Butt  301 , grip  303 , trigger guard  305 , receiver cover  307  and foregrip  309  may be formed from monolithic body  300   a,  or may be formed from separate pieces and joined using conventional techniques. 
         [0032]    For example, butt  301  may optionally be formed as a separate piece that is removable and/or collapsible, and may be attached via quick-release clips, slides, or the like, or via conventional mechanical fasteners. Similarly, foregrip  309  may be formed from a separate piece and may be removable, whereby replacement foregrips or foregrip covers may be installed, such as those made from differing materials, having different shapes or configurations, or merely having different appearances. Likewise, grip  303  may be removable and/or adjustable to enable stock  300  to be converted between a conventional rifle configuration and a sportsterized configuration. 
         [0033]    In a preferred embodiment, such as one adapted for use with an SKS assault rifle, stock  300  includes a channel (not shown) formed in an upper surface thereof adapted to securely and removably receive barrel BR, receiver RC, bolt assembly BA, trigger assembly TA, and magazine assembly MA. Stock  300  further includes an opening formed in a lower surface thereof adapted to receive a magazine clip. Thus, rifle RL may be engaged with stock  300  by lowering rifle RL into the channel. As shown in  FIG. 7 , trigger TR of rifle RL is preferably enclosed by stock  300  when rifle RL is engaged with stock  300 . More specifically, grip  303  is preferably disposed at position along a length thereof approximately the same as a position of trigger TR of trigger assembly TA. Accordingly, trigger guard  305  of stock  300  is preferably disposed in a position forward of trigger TR and approximately the same as a position of forward contact surface  111  of trigger extension  100 . Thus, forward contact surface  111  is preferably accessible to a user for manipulation, and for firing of rifle RL. As a result of the advance positioning of grip  303 , a distance to clip release CR may be reduced as compared to a grip positioned to allow direct access to trigger TR, whereby a user may preferably activate clip release CR while holding grip  303 . Thus, one-handed operation of clip release CR is enabled by stock  300 , wherein a user may remove and insert a magazine clip using a free hand, thereby decreasing a time necessary for replacement of a magazine clip. 
         [0034]    Rifle RL may be secured to stock  300  via one or more fastener, such as a threaded fastener disposed through hole  311  and engaging a portion of trigger assembly TA, or the like. Additionally, cap  313  may be provided proximate foregrip  309  and secured thereto to prevent undesired removal of rifle RL from stock  300 . 
         [0035]    Now referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , trigger extension  400  according to an alternate embodiment of the invention preferably comprises body  401  defining forward contact portion  411  rearwardly-extending arms  413  and  415 , trigger contact portion  417 , and cavity  419 . A position of trigger contact portion  417  is preferably adjustable relative to forward contact portion  411 , whereby an effective length of trigger extension  400  may be adjustable. Such adjustment of the length of trigger extension  400  may enable a user to personalize trigger extension  400  for comfort, length of pull, or the like. Specifically, trigger contact portion  117  may be formed as a rotatable member, such as a round or oval member, preferably including a contoured surface adapted to securely engage a trigger. As shown, trigger contact portion  417  may be formed as a generally concave external circumferential surface of round member  420 . Member  420  may be rotatably operable with rearwardly-extending arms  413  and  415  via threaded fastener  425  disposed therethrough. Fastener  425  is preferably located at a distance from a cross-sectional center of member  420 , whereby rotation of member  420  about fastener  425  causes a cam action. That is to say, when member  420  is disposed in a first position  420 ′, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a section of trigger contact portion  417  facing to the rear, i.e. that will engage a trigger, is spaced from fastener  425  by a relatively short distance, whereas when member  420  is disposed in second position  420 ″, an opposing section of trigger contact portion  417  faces to the rear, and is spaced from fastener  425  by a relatively greater distance. 
         [0036]    As will be understood by those skilled in the art, alternative structures may be employed to accomplish adjustment in length of trigger extension  400 , i.e. to change a distance between a section of the trigger contact portion that will contact the trigger and the forward contact portion. For example, member  420  may be adjustable by engagement with fastener  425  disposed in one of a plurality of spaced holes, wherein selection of one of the holes adjusts a relative position of the trigger contact portion. Similarly, such a plurality of holes may be employed in combination with fastener  425  disposed off-center through member  420 , thereby allowing greater adjustment in length of trigger extension  400 . Furthermore, length adjustment of trigger extension  400  may be accomplished via engagement of one of a plurality of interchangeable members  420  having different diameters. Likewise, many other mechanisms for altering an effective length of trigger extension  400  will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art, and such alternative mechanisms may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0037]    Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments as illustrated herein, but is only limited by the following claims.