Patent Publication Number: US-8109024-B2

Title: Trigger activated switch

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/106,604 filed on Oct. 19, 2008, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not Applicable 
     NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION 
     A portion of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §1.14. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to firearms, and more particularly to a laser activation switch for a firearm. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     In present art guns, the mechanism for activating a laser or other attached electronic device typically involves pressing a button, sliding a switch, using a pressure pad type switch or other type of manual switch. Thus, an additional step is needed to activate a laser aiming device or other electronic device (e.g. a flashlight for illumination, or a video camera for recordkeeping, or the like). Particularly in moments of extreme duress, this extra step complicates and/or delays the act of shooting while potentially providing an adversary a momentary advantage. 
     It is generally accepted convention that the shooter is not to rest his/her finger on the trigger until they are ready to shoot the firearm. This is evidenced in Rule #2 of the NRA (National Rifle Association): “Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.” 
     This “finger off the trigger until ready to shoot” convention is often misconstrued to mean that there must be no other function associated with trigger movement other than firing the gun. This logic would further extend to incorporating a switch into the trigger, as the general convention would prohibit touching the trigger to activate an auxiliary device because of possible negligent discharge. As such, current art devices all incorporate an auxiliary device from a location other than the trigger. 
     However, the above logic does not take into consideration that there is generally a primary laser switch attached to the laser itself that may be used for certain situations, and also neglects the need in other situations to have a quickly available laser in times of duress. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to equip a firearm with multiple ways to activate the laser, to accommodate different scenarios where a soldier, law enforcement officer, or other needs to present his weapon. 
     For example, a first scenario is when there is a need to present the weapon and also enough time for the officer or soldier to deal with the situation by issuing orders to the suspect. The weapon is unholstered in order to “threat escalate”. The weapon is not necessarily pointed at the subject. The weapon may be then pointed at the suspect in order to further “threat escalate”. A laser pointer on the weapon may be activated (e.g. with the laser&#39;s primary switch) without touching the trigger in order to again “threat escalate”. Ultimately the weapon may be discharged. 
     The second scenario is that there is an immediate deadly threat and the soldier or law enforcement officer needs to return fire without delay. The weapon is fired and the laser is thereby activated with the trigger switch allowing instant accurate point shooting. In this scenario, there is little or no chance that a laser can be activated when there is a need to deliver deadly force with no delay, no time to threat escalate, no time to think, no time to issue orders. Currently, there is no device available that addresses this need. 
     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that automatically activates an auxiliary device, such as a laser, via the normal operation of the gun trigger. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a trigger activated switch to operate and one or more auxiliary electronic components such as a laser for a firearm. The switch comprises a sensor such as a Hall-effect sensor or the like, a sensor target such as a magnet, a transistor, a power supply, and associated wiring which is preferably embedded into the frame of the handgun. 
     The present invention is used to switch on or activate a laser or other attached electronic device without the need of pressing a button, sliding a switch, using a pressure pad type switch or any other type of manual switch. 
     An aspect of the invention is a firearm, comprising a trigger disposed within a housing, the trigger comprising a firing module mounted within the housing to have a range of motion with respect to the housing from a non-firing position to a firing position. The trigger comprises a retractable member coupled to the firing module, wherein the retractable member has a non-engaged position and engaged position with respect to the firing module. The retractable member is coupled to a first element. The housing comprises a sensor in proximity to the first element when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position. Motion of the retractable member from the non-engaged position to the engaged position causes the first element to articulate away from the sensor. The sensor is sensitive to motion of the first element with respect to the housing such that motion of the retractable member from the non-engaged position to the engaged position is sensed by the sensor, wherein the sensor activates an auxiliary device upon sensing motion of the retractable member. 
     In a preferred embodiment, wherein the first element comprises a magnet and the sensor comprises a Hall-effect sensor responsive a magnetic field of the magnet. 
     The trigger mechanism is configured such the firing module is able to remain stationary in the non-firing position while the auxiliary device is activated. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary device comprises a laser. The auxiliary device may also comprise one or more of the following: flashlight, LED, or video camera or the like. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the sensor is embedded in the housing. The housing also preferably comprises a non-metallic substance, such as a polymer. The magnet may also be embedded in the retractable member. 
     In one embodiment, the retractable member comprises a safety that houses the magnet. The spur is located adjacent the sensor when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position such that the spur articulates away from the sensor when the retractable member moves toward the engaged position. Furthermore, the safety release may comprise a lower portion of the trigger. The safety release may be pivotably attached to the firing module such that the safety release is configured to rotate independently with respect to the firing module from the non-engaged position to the engaged position. 
     In another embodiment, the retractable member comprises a touch detection tab that is pivotally attached to the trigger and comprises a lower arm that is biased to extend from the inner gripping surface of the trigger when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position. The touch detection tab further comprises an upper arm that houses the magnet. The upper arm of the touch detection tab is adjacent or near the sensor when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position such that the upper arm of the touch detection tab articulates away from the sensor when the lower arm is articulated toward the trigger. The trigger may further have a recess extending into the inner gripping surface such that the lower arm of the touch detection tab is retracts at least partially into the recess when in the engaged position. 
     Another aspect is a trigger mechanism for a firearm. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger configured to be disposed within a firearm housing, wherein the trigger comprising a firing module configured to be rotatably coupled to the housing to have a range of motion with respect to the housing from a non-firing position to a firing position. The trigger has a retractable member movably coupled to the firing module from a non-engaged position and engaged position with respect to the firing module. The retractable member is coupled to a magnet, and a Hall-effect sensor is configured to be attached to the firearm housing in proximity to the magnet when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position. Motion of the retractable member from the non-engaged position to the engaged position causes the magnet to articulate away from the sensor, which is configured to activate an auxiliary device upon sensing motion of the retractable member. 
     Yet another aspect is a firearm or gun, comprising a trigger disposed within a firearm housing, a firing module rotatably coupled to the housing to have a range of motion with respect to the housing from a non-firing position to a firing position. The gun includes an auxiliary device, such a laser wherein the laser comprises a first switch configured to control actuation of said laser. The first switch is disposed on the gun at a location other than the trigger, and allows for activation of the laser when the shoot is not intending to immediately fire the gun. A second switch is provided having a retractable member moveably coupled to the firing module. The retractable member has a non-engaged position and engaged position with respect to the firing module, and is coupled to a magnet such that motion of the retractable member affects motion of the magnet. The second switch further comprises a Hall-effect sensor coupled to the firearm housing in proximity to the magnet when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position. Motion of the retractable member from the non-engaged position to the engaged position causes the magnet to articulate away from the sensor, which activates the laser upon sensing motion of the retractable member. The second switch is ideal for point shooting, or situations where the user is likely to fire the gun. 
     Further aspects of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a trigger-activated switch in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a handgun with the trigger-activated switch of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed schematic view of the gun of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed view of the gun of  FIG. 2  with safety release engaged to activate the switch. 
         FIG. 5  is a view of the gun of  FIG. 2  with safety release disengaged to deactivate the switch. 
         FIG. 6  is a view of the gun of  FIG. 2  with the switch activated and the trigger engaged toward the firing position. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of activating a laser in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an alternative trigger activated switch incorporating a touch detection tab in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the trigger-activated switch of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is detailed view of the trigger-activated switch of  FIG. 8  installed in a carbine gun. 
         FIG. 11  is a view of the gun of  FIG. 10  with the trigger-activated switch engaged. 
         FIG. 12  is a view of the gun of  FIG. 10  with the trigger-activated switch engaged and the trigger engaged toward the firing position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 12 . It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts, and that the method may vary as to the specific steps and sequence, without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic diagram of a trigger-activated switch  10  in accordance with the present invention. The device comprises a sensor module  40  for sensing movement or motion of the gun trigger  16 . The sensor module  40  comprises a Hall-effect printed circuit board (PCB)  26  having a Hall-effect sensor  32  that is responsive to a first element, e.g. magnet  24 , embedded in the trigger  20 . The sensor  32  is coupled to a transistor  30  on the PCB  26 . The circuit board  26  is attached to or embedded into the polymer handgun frame  22  ( FIG. 2 ). The sensor unit  26  preferably comprises a self-contained unit with circuit board, transistor and other circuitry such as, but not limited to, the Allegro A1172 Hall-effect switch provided be Allegro Microsystems, Inc. 
     It is appreciated that while the Hall-effect sensor is preferred for sensing motion of the first element, other sensing means available in the art may also be employed. For example, a pressure transducer may also be employed to detect motion of an element coupled to the trigger with respect to the housing  22 . 
     The magnet  24  is attached to or embedded into a moving part of the trigger mechanism  20 . The magnet  24  and sensor/transistor circuit board  26  are mounted in close proximity with respect to each other to maximize sensitivity of the sensor. The Hall-effect sensor  26  of the present invention acts as a transducer that converts magnetic energy to electrical energy for purposes of information transfer), in which the output voltage is varied in response to changes in magnetic field. With a predetermined magnetic field, its distance from a magnetic source (e.g. magnet  24 ) can be determined. 
     A power source  42  is connected to the PCB  26  and laser  14  via wiring  46 . The power source  42  preferably comprises a portable battery or like source. The output of the PCB  26  connects to the aiming laser  14  (or other auxiliary device to be switched, e.g., flashlight, light emitting diode, microminiature video camera, a sound recording transducer, associated circuitry for recording and storing video images and sound, etc). Movement of the magnet  24  is sensed by sensor  32  (via the magnetic field produced from magnet  24 ), which switches transistor  30  to cause V+ to go from infinite resistance to almost zero resistance allowing the laser  14  to turn on with the completion of the circuit between the PCB  26 , battery  42 , and laser  14 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary handgun  12  utilizing the system  10  of the present invention. Handgun  12  comprises a Smith and Wesson model M&amp;P handgun with safety release trigger assembly  16 . Trigger assembly  16  comprises a retractable member in the form of lower trigger release  18  that is rotatably coupled to upper firing module  20 . 
     It is appreciated that the laser  14 , or other auxiliary device, may have a primary switch (other than the trigger activated switch  10  of the present invention) that turns the laser  14  on or off. This switch may be located on the laser itself or on another location on the gun other than the trigger (e.g., in frame  22 ). This primary switch may be used in situations where the user is not intending to immediately fire the gun, e.g. illuminate a subject for a warning, etc. The trigger-activated switch  10  would then be preferably used for point shooting, particularly in situations of duress. 
       FIGS. 3-5  illustrate in more detail the trigger assembly  16  having a trigger safety release or retractable member  18  and upper firing module  20 . Although a handgun is illustrated in  FIGS. 3-5 , it is appreciated that any gun (e.g. rifle, shotgun, etc.) may be equipped with the system  10  of the present invention. Additionally, the system  10  of the present invention may also be used with other systems utilizing triggers. The sensor  26  is embedded in the frame  22  very close to, or directly adjacent to, the magnet  24  embedded in the spur  28 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , as pressure is applied to the trigger assembly  16 , the lower section (trigger safety release)  18  of trigger assembly  16  releases from its initial, non-engaged position and travels rearward toward the gun handle. The trigger safety release  18  rotates about pivot  34  such that the drop safety spur  28  (which is fixedly coupled to the safety release  18 ) rotates away from the frame  22  of the gun  12 . Accordingly, the stop, which houses magnet  24 , moves away from surface  38  of frame  22 . This alters the magnetic field applied to the sensor  26 , which then acts as a switch to power laser  14  by allowing current to flow from the battery  42  into the transistor  44 , closing the circuit to the laser  14 , and activating the laser  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , upon firing and/or release of pressure applied to the trigger  18 , the magnet  24  returns to its adjacent location against the sensor  26  (via biasing spring not shown), switching the laser  14  back to the off condition. 
     As shown above, the Hall-effect sensor  26  is the stationary element of assembly  40  embedded into the handgun frame  22  so as to be in a fixed position. The magnet is attached to or embedded into part of the trigger mechanism so that it is in very close proximity to the Hall-effect sensor circuit board. 
     A highly beneficial aspect of the present invention is that the gun&#39;s firing mechanism (defined by motion of trigger module  20 ), is not activated in any way as a result of the engagement of the laser  14  (or other auxiliary device). Thus, the act of touching the trigger  18  (with minimal applied force (e.g., less than a pound, and preferably less than an ounce)) is all that is needed to activate a laser-aiming device  14  or other electronic device installed on the gun  12 . The upper trigger module  20 , which generally takes a much larger amount of force (approximately 5-7 lbs) to initiate motion, is entirely stationary during activation of laser  14  via safety release  18 . 
     The laser  14 , or other electronic device, is activated only for that time that the finger is on the trigger  18  and is deactivated when the finger is removed from the trigger  18 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates actual activation of the gun&#39;s firing mechanism. Trigger firing module  20  comprises a forward non-firing position and a rearward firing position. With a significantly larger amount of pressure (approximately 5-7 lbs as opposed to less than 1 oz), the upper trigger module  20  begins to rotate in unison with the drop safety spur  28  from the non-firing position (at which it is biased) to the firing position to fire the gun. As explained above, the release of retractable member  18  and activation of laser  14  is achieved without motion of the firing module  20 . The firing module  20  remains in the non-firing position until the user applies significant force to the handle, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     The above described trigger-activated switch mechanism is further described in method  60  shown in  FIG. 7 . At step  62 , the user puts his/her finger on the trigger  16  of the gun. At step  64 , the user applies a very slight amount of pressure (e.g. 1 oz or less) to the trigger safety  18 , deactivating the safety. The corresponding motion of the magnet  24  away from the sensor  26  is sensed by sensor  26 , which closes the laser circuit at step  66 . Power is then supplied to laser  14  (or other auxiliary device) to activate the laser at step  68 . Up to this point, no motion of the firing mechanism (e.g. upper firing module  20 ) is required to activate the laser  14 . If the user does not fire the gun and releases the trigger release  18  (step  70 ), the laser is deactivated (step  72 ). If the user fires the gun, and keeps the finger on the trigger release  18 , the sequence repeats at step  62  to keep or maintain activation of the laser for site on the intended target. 
     Thus, the activation of auxiliary device  14  is seamless, relatively effortless and invisibly incorporated into the act of shooting the gun. No intermediate steps or additional actions need be performed to activate the aiming laser, as found with laser aiming devices. The present invention removes the additional step needed to activate a laser aiming device or other electronic device which, especially in moments of extreme duress, does not complicate the act of shooting while the shooter gains the advantage of automatically activating a laser for aiming, a flashlight for illumination, or a video camera for recordkeeping. 
       FIGS. 8-12  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a trigger-activated switch  100  in accordance with of the present invention. The trigger-activated switch  100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 8-12  for use with a carbine-type gun. However, it is appreciated that the trigger-activated switch  100  may be incorporated into any number of different gun types. 
     Trigger-activated switch  100  includes a sensor module  40  comprising sensor PCB  26  opposite a magnet  24  located on upper arm  104  of touch detection tab  102 . The touch detection tab  102  comprises a trigger-shaped tab that is pivotably mounted inside a recess or slot  120  (see  FIGS. 8 and 9 ) of trigger body  110 . The slot  120  runs vertically down an inside portion of the length of trigger portion  112 . Touch detection tab  102  comprises a hinge  108  disposed a lower arm  106  and magnet arm  104 . The lower arm  106  of touch detection tab  102  is biased with spring  118  to extend outward from slot  120  so that it protrudes from the inner, or gripping, surface of trigger portion  112 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the trigger body  110  is pivotally mounted to gun frame  130  via a hinge  134  in bore  114 .  FIG. 10  illustrates the trigger body  110  in the non-engaged configuration with the sensor PCB  26  is mounted to the frame  130  so that it lines up adjacent to or near magnet  24 . The trigger body  110  is the firing module for the gun, and activation of the firing module (i.e., pulling the trigger) is the sole mechanism for firing the gun. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , when a user grasps handle  132  and positions his/her finger on trigger portion (firing module)  112 , the lower portion  106  of touch detection tab  102  retracts at least partially within trigger  112 . Spring  118  may bias the tab  102  with a minimal amount of force, so that the slightest pressure applied to the tab  102  (e.g., an amount (e.g., 1 ounce) significantly less than the pressure required to pull, or even initiate motion of, the upper portion  112 ) retracts the tab trigger portion  106  at least partially into slot  120 . As trigger portion  106  retracts inward, the upper arm  104  rotates downward about pivot  108 . The movement of upper arm  104  causes separation (distance d) between the stationary sensor  26  and the magnet  24 . This separation changes the magnetic field sensed by the sensor  26 , which then activates the auxiliary device  14 . If the person&#39;s finger is released from the trigger  112 , the biasing spring  118  forces the lower trigger portion  106  of tab  102  to its initial orientation, returning the magnet  24  in proximity to sensor  26  and deactivating the laser  14 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates motion of the trigger  112  from its initial, non-firing orientation (shown in phantom) to a position toward engagement of the firing mechanism. As the trigger body  110  rotates about pin  134 , the touch detection tab moves with it, furthering the distance between the magnet  24  and sensor  26 , and thus the laser  14  remains engaged. 
     The frame  22  in  FIGS. 2-6  and frame  130  in  FIGS. 10-12  preferably comprise a polymeric material that facilitates mounting of electronics. The sensor PCB  26  and wiring  46  are preferably embedded in the polymer. The electrical insulating properties of polymer plastic allows the embedding of wiring, electronic sensors, batteries, (and other devices such as light emitting diodes, video cameras and other components) without the inherent problems associated with adding electrical components and circuitry onto or into electrically conductive metal framed handguns or other firearms. In addition, the polymer plastic is non-magnetic so micro-miniature magnetic sensors can easily detect very small movements of trigger components for switch activation. 
     Polymer plastic is easily machined for the creation of cavities and/or channels for insertion of wires and components (e.g. PCB sensor  26 ). Backfilling the residual channels and cavities permanently covers the wires and electrical components so there is little chance of exposure and subsequent damage of fragile circuitry or components. The wiring and components may be manufactured into the gun frame ( 22 ,  130 ) mold prior to the injection mold process and embed electrical circuitry and components directly into the polymer frame. 
     As can be seen, therefore, the present invention includes the following inventive embodiments, among others: 
     1. A firearm, comprising: 
     a trigger disposed within a housing; 
     said trigger comprising a firing module mounted within the housing to have a range of motion with respect to the housing from a non-firing position to a firing position; 
     the trigger comprising a retractable member coupled to the firing module; 
     the retractable member comprising a non-engaged position and engaged position with respect to the firing module; 
     the retractable member being coupled to a first element; 
     wherein the housing comprises a sensor in proximity to the first element when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position; 
     wherein motion of the retractable member from the non-engaged position to the engaged position causes the first element to articulate away from the sensor; 
     wherein the sensor is sensitive to motion of the first element with respect to the housing such that motion of the retractable member from the non-engaged position to the engaged position is sensed by the sensor; and 
     an auxiliary device coupled to the housing; 
     wherein the sensor is configured to activate said auxiliary device upon sensing motion of the retractable member. 
     2. A firearm as recited in embodiment 1: 
     wherein the first element comprises a magnet; and wherein the sensor comprises a Hall-effect sensor responsive a magnetic field of the magnet. 
     3. A firearm as recited in embodiment 2, wherein the firing module remains in the non-firing position while the auxiliary device is activated. 
     4. A firearm as recited in embodiment 3, wherein the auxiliary device comprises a laser. 
     5. A firearm as recited in embodiment 3, wherein the auxiliary device comprises one of the following: flashlight, LED, or video camera. 
     6. A firearm as recited in embodiment 1, wherein the sensor is embedded in the housing. 
     7. A firearm as recited in embodiment 6, wherein the housing comprises a non-metallic substance. 
     8. A firearm as recited in embodiment 7, wherein the housing comprises a polymer. 
     9. A firearm as recited in embodiment 6, wherein the magnet is embedded in the trigger. 
     10. A firearm as recited in embodiment 3: 
     wherein the retractable member comprises a safety release pivotably coupled to the firing module; 
     wherein the safety release comprises a spur housing the magnet; 
     wherein the spur is located adjacent the sensor when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position; and 
     wherein the spur articulates away from the sensor when the retractable member moves toward the engaged position. 
     11. A firearm as recited in embodiment 10: 
     wherein the safety release comprises a lower portion of the trigger; and 
     wherein the safety release is pivotably attached to the firing module such that the safety release is configured to rotate independently with respect to the firing module from the non-engaged position to the engaged position. 
     12. A firearm as recited in embodiment 3: 
     wherein the trigger comprises an inner gripping surface; 
     wherein the retractable member comprises a touch detection tab; 
     wherein the touch detection tab is pivotally attached to the trigger and comprises a lower arm that is biased to extend from the inner gripping surface when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position; 
     wherein the touch detection tab further comprises an upper arm, the upper arm housing the magnet; 
     wherein the upper arm of the touch detection tab is adjacent or near the sensor when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position; and 
     wherein the upper arm of the touch detection tab articulates away from the sensor when the lower arm is articulated toward the trigger. 
     13. A firearm as recited in embodiment 12: 
     wherein the trigger comprises a recess extending into the inner gripping surface; and 
     wherein the lower arm of the touch detection tab is retracts at least partially into said recess in the engaged position. 
     14. A trigger mechanism for a firearm, comprising: 
     a trigger configured to be disposed within a firearm housing; 
     said trigger comprising a firing module configured to be rotatably coupled to the housing to have a range of motion with respect to the housing from a non-firing position to a firing position; 
     the trigger comprising a retractable member coupled to the firing module; 
     the retractable member comprising a non-engaged position and engaged position with respect to the firing module; 
     the retractable member being coupled to a magnet; 
     a Hall-effect sensor configured to be attached to the firearm housing in proximity to the magnet when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position; 
     wherein motion of the retractable member from the non-engaged position to the engaged position causes the magnet to articulate away from the sensor; 
     wherein the sensor is sensitive to motion of the magnet with respect to the housing such that motion of the retractable member from the non-engaged position to the engaged position is sensed by the sensor; and 
     wherein the sensor is configured to activate an auxiliary device upon sensing motion of the retractable member. 
     15. A trigger mechanism as recited in embodiment 14, wherein the firing module remains in the non-firing position while the auxiliary device is activated. 
     16. A trigger mechanism as recited in embodiment 15, wherein the auxiliary device comprises a laser. 
     17. A trigger mechanism as recited in embodiment 15: 
     wherein the retractable member comprises a safety release pivotably coupled to the firing module; 
     wherein the safety release comprises a spur housing the magnet; 
     wherein the spur is located adjacent the sensor when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position; and 
     wherein the spur articulates away from the sensor when the retractable member moves toward the engaged position. 
     18. A trigger mechanism as recited in embodiment 17: 
     wherein the safety release comprises a lower portion of the trigger; and 
     wherein the safety release is pivotably attached to the firing module such that the safety release is configured to rotate independently with respect to the firing module from the non-engaged position to the engaged position. 
     19. A trigger mechanism as recited in embodiment 14: 
     wherein the trigger comprises an inner gripping surface; 
     wherein the retractable member comprises a touch detection tab; 
     wherein the touch detection tab is pivotally attached to the trigger and comprises a lower arm that is biased to extend from the inner gripping surface when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position; 
     wherein the touch detection tab further comprises an upper arm, the upper arm housing the magnet; 
     wherein the upper arm of the touch detection tab is adjacent or near the sensor when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position; and 
     wherein the upper arm of the touch detection tab articulates away from the sensor when the lower arm is articulated toward the trigger. 
     20. A trigger mechanism as recited in embodiment 19: 
     wherein the trigger comprises a recess extending into the inner gripping surface; 
     wherein the lower arm of the touch detection tab is retracts at least partially into said recess in the engaged position. 
     21. A firearm, comprising: 
     a trigger disposed within a firearm housing; 
     said trigger comprising a firing module rotatably coupled to the housing to have a range of motion with respect to the housing from a non-firing position to a firing position; 
     a laser; 
     the laser comprising a first switch configured to control actuation of said laser; 
     the first switch being disposed on the gun at a location other than the trigger; 
     a second switch configured to control actuation of said laser; 
     the second switch comprising a retractable member moveably coupled to the firing module; 
     the retractable member comprising a non-engaged position and engaged position with respect to the firing module; 
     wherein the retractable member is coupled to a magnet such that motion of the retractable member affects motion of the magnet; 
     the second switch further comprising a Hall-effect sensor coupled to the firearm housing in proximity to the magnet when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position; 
     wherein motion of the retractable member from the non-engaged position to the engaged position causes the magnet to articulate away from the sensor; 
     wherein the sensor is sensitive to motion of the magnet with respect to the housing such that motion of the retractable member from the non-engaged position to the engaged position is sensed by the sensor; and 
     wherein the sensor is configured to activate the laser upon sensing motion of the retractable member. 
     22. A firearm as recited in embodiment 21: 
     wherein the retractable member comprises a safety release pivotably coupled to the firing module; 
     wherein the safety release comprises a spur housing the magnet; 
     wherein the spur is located adjacent the sensor when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position; and 
     wherein the spur articulates away from the sensor when the retractable member moves toward the engaged position. 
     23. A firearm as recited in embodiment 22: 
     wherein the safety release comprises a lower portion of the trigger; and 
     wherein the safety release is pivotably attached to the firing module such that the safety release is configured to rotate independently with respect to the firing module from the non-engaged position to the engaged position. 
     24. A firearm as recited in embodiment 21: 
     wherein the trigger comprises an inner gripping surface; 
     wherein the retractable member comprises a touch detection tab; 
     wherein the touch detection tab is pivotally attached to the trigger and comprises a lower arm that is biased to extend from the inner gripping surface when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position; 
     wherein the touch detection tab further comprises an upper arm, the upper arm housing the magnet; 
     wherein the upper arm of the touch detection tab is adjacent or near the sensor when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position; and 
     wherein the upper arm of the touch detection tab articulates away from the sensor when the lower arm is articulated toward the trigger. 
     25. A firearm as recited in embodiment 24: 
     wherein the trigger comprises a recess extending into the inner gripping surface; and 
     wherein the lower arm of the touch detection tab is retracts at least partially into said recess in the engaged position. 
     Although the description above contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”