Patent Abstract:
A method for making a workpiece having an operation station comprising the steps of: forming a passage communicating with said operation station of the workpiece; installing a predetermined link mounted in the operational station; and positioning resilient means on the link operable to return a portion of the workpiece to a ready position after use, a method and apparatus for forming said workpiece and the resulting workpiece.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    (1) Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for making a workpiece and the workpiece and, more particularly, to such a method and apparatus and workpiece which have particular utility in application to improving the dependability of existing workpieces as well as workpieces at the time of manufacture. 
         [0005]    (2) Description of the Prior Art 
         [0006]    A workpiece of virtually any type can be improved during its manufacture, as well as thereafter, by the application of improved methods, apparatuses and technology. Such techniques, modifications and the like can relate to improved operation of the workpiece, improved performance, improved durability and a host of other beneficial results. Where the application of a method and apparatus in a particular environment produce a plurality of beneficial results, a truly significant departure from conventional practice may have been created. 
         [0007]    For example, in the case of firearms, and particularly of the handgun type, the desired compact nature of the weapon, the desirability for rapid and dependable performance, the capacity for containing the greatest number of projectiles and many other such considerations frequently compete with each other for emphasis in the design and specific construction of the weapon. The resulting compromise is nearly always less than would be desirable with respect to one or more of these considerations. This is true of all types of handguns, such as revolvers and pistols, as well as in the case of other types of weapons. 
         [0008]    In the case of firearms, for example, semi-automatic firearms, the sequence of operation which must take place, as well as the capabilities desired of the weapon, directly control the design which is adopted. In general, the sequence of operation is, of necessity, to pull the trigger, or other actuating mechanism, thereby causing the firearm to release a firing pin into proper engagement with the projectile in the firing chamber; to absorb shock resulting from the projectile being fired; dependably to eject the shell casing from the firing chamber; and to replace the fired projectile in the firing chamber with another unfired projectile so as to enable the weapon again to be fired. These steps must be performed in a designated sequence which must occur so rapidly as to be virtually simultaneous. 
         [0009]    As a direct consequence of the demands of such operation, there are inherent weaknesses in key internal elements which can periodically break, or jam, immediately rendering the weapon unusable. This can have dire consequences, or, at very least, result in a frustrating and often lengthy delay for repair or adjustment before the weapon can again be used. Obviously, in the case of combat, law enforcement as well as in other environments, a firearm that fails to function can result in the loss of life of the firearm&#39;s user. 
         [0010]    One such weakpoint which plagues the operation of such weapons is the trigger mechanism. This mechanism is obviously central to the proper operation of the weapon. Since depression of the trigger initiates the above-summarized sequence of operation, a failure in this mechanism can infrequently cause of failure of the weapon. Conventional methods for the repair of such trigger and related mechanisms are time consuming, undependable, expensive and normally result in installing the same type of mechanism which failed in the first place. Certain brands of handguns are notorious for such circumstances, but all handguns suffer from this same problem to varying degrees. Repair by the manufacturer of the weapon, is inadequate because it usually similarly involves installation of another of the same component which failed. Additionally, connective manufacture is frequently expensive and slow. Thus, the conventional solutions to these problems are entirely unsatisfactory in most instances. 
         [0011]    Therefore, it has long been known that it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus for making a workpiece and the resulting workpiece which afford the capability of producing a superior workpiece; which are capable of operation on and with a wide variety of work products including weapons; which produce a workpiece which can perform a series of steps in rapid sequence substantially without operational failure; which possess a dependability of operation in the workpiece so as to be substantially without the possibility of failure; which perform with a simplicity of construction and yet has the capability of performing a series of operations in very rapid sequence; which operate in a manner superior to prior art devices; and which are otherwise completely successful in achieving their operational objectives. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for making a workpiece and the resulting workpiece. 
         [0013]    Another object is to provide such a method and apparatus which are operable to produce a workpiece superior to those conventionally available. 
         [0014]    Another object is to provide such a method and apparatus which can be employed in a wide variety of operative environments. 
         [0015]    Another object is to provide such a method and apparatus which are operational on both existing as well as new workpieces at the time of manufacture. 
         [0016]    Another object is to provide such a method and apparatus which are particularly well suited to the production of a workpiece which must perform a series of steps in very rapid sequence, conventionally being is susceptible to failure. 
         [0017]    Another object is to provide such a method and apparatus which have particular utility in the manufacture or repair of workpieces, such as firearms and the like. 
         [0018]    Another object is to provide such a method and apparatus which are operable in one environment of use significantly to improve upon the operation and dependability of firearms and particularly those which are subject to failure during conventional operation. 
         [0019]    Another object is to provide such a method and apparatus which can be employed rapidly and dependable to accomplish their operational objectives and which have application to both workpieces at the time of manufacture, as well as in retrofitting an existing workpiece by both experts as well as laymen. 
         [0020]    Another object is to provide such a method and apparatus which are operable to modify a workpiece for the improved performance thereof under difficult circumstances. 
         [0021]    Another object is to provide a workpiece, and particularly a weapon, which operates with dependability not heretofore achieved in the art. 
         [0022]    Further objects and advantages are to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in a method and apparatus and the resulting workpiece for the purpose described which are dependable, economical, durable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes. 
         [0023]    These and other objects and advantages are achieved, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a method and apparatus for making a workpiece including the steps of: removing a selected portion of the workpiece so as to leave a predetermined operational area within the workpiece; forming a passage communicating with the operational area; and installing a predetermined replacement portion for the selected portion through the passage and into the operational area. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical section of a prior art workpiece, in this example a firearm, showing the conventional trigger mechanism using a torsion spring for the trigger return. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical section of the workpiece of  FIG. 1  shown in a partially disassembled condition and illustrating a first step in the method of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical section of the workpiece of  FIG. 1  shown in a partially disassembled condition and illustrating a second step in the method of the present invention; that is, drilling a spring seat. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical section of the workpiece of  FIG. 1  and illustrating a third step in the method of the present invention; that is, drilling a guide pin hole. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical section of the workpiece of  FIG. 1  shown in a partially disassembled condition and showing a fourth step in the method of the present invention; that is, tapping the hole in the front magazine well wall. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical section of the workpiece of  FIG. 1  shown in a partially disassembled condition and showing a fifth step in the method of the present invention; that is installation of a setscrew. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation of a vice, a locking lug jig removably clamped in the vice, the barrel slide locking lug of the workpiece and a file assembly all of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a side elevation of the pistol of the present invention shown in its fully assembled configuration and with portions thereof shown in hidden lines. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a longitudinal vertical section of the workpiece of the present invention ready for the completion of the assembly thereof. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is an exploded, perspective view of the trigger mechanism of the workpiece of the present invention. The workpiece of the present invention is in its fully assembled form in  FIG. 8  with these operative components of  FIG. 10  shown in hidden lines therein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Prior Art 
       [0034]    The apparatus or workpiece of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral  10  in  FIG. 8  where it is shown in its fully completed or converted form. However, for purposes of descriptive convenience, reference will first be made to a conventional weapon, firearm, handgun, or workpiece  100  which is to be converted in accordance with the method of the present invention. The conventional workpiece is shown in  FIG. 1  in a fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical section. In an effort to avoid being unnecessarily repetitive, this conventional workpiece is described herein in general terms. This will afford a background for a full disclosure of all of the subject matter which individually constitute the method and apparatus for making a workpiece and the workpiece all of the present invention. 
         [0035]    Accordingly, with reference to  FIG. 1 , the workpiece  100 , in general, has a handle  101 , a trigger  102 , a trigger guard  103  and a barrel mounting assembly  104 . The conventional workpiece has a trigger pivot pin  105  on which the trigger is mounted for pivotal movement thereabout. The workpiece has an operation station generally indicated by the numeral  106 . 
         [0036]    Again for illustrative convenience, in general, the workpiece or pistol  100  can be viewed as having a butt, or handle portion  111 . The pistol has a top portion  115  and an opposite bottom portion  116 . The pistol has a front portion  117  and an opposite rear portion  118 . The pistol has a hammer  119 . 
         [0037]    A conventional torsion spring  127  is mounted on, and extended about, trigger pivot pin  105  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The torsion spring has opposite ends  128  which are individually mounted on the workpiece frame on opposite sides of the trigger  102 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The workpiece has a magazine well  129  which is adapted to receive a magazine, not shown, holding a plurality of cartridges, also not shown. A magazine release mechanism  130  is mounted on the handle  101  and extends through the magazine well wall. The magazine release mechanism is operable releasably to retain the magazine in the magazine well. The magazine release mechanism is also operable to release the magazine for removal of the magazine from the magazine well. 
         [0038]    This conventional workpiece  100  is, purely for illustrative convenience, a semi-automatic pistol. In such pistols, as previously noted, the torsion spring  127  and other conventional springs are notoriously subject to structural failure. Such breakage can occur at one or both of the opposite ends  128  thereof, or in the torsion spring  127  itself which extends about the trigger pivot pin  105 . In any case, such breakage prevents the trigger from being returned to the start, or firing position. This renders the pistol inoperable because there is, in such case, nothing operable to return the trigger to the start, or firing position. 
       Method and Apparatus for Making a Workpiece and the Workpiece 
     All of the Present Invention 
       [0039]    The method and apparatus for making a workpiece and the workpiece of the present invention are all individually believed to be new and nonobvious as those standards are interpreted under the Patent Laws of the United States. While there are conventional individual elements in the workpiece, these are discussed herein only to the extent necessary to have a clear understanding of the subject invention. 
         [0040]    The workpiece  100  is, at this point, conventional. The conventional workpiece, and the failings thereof heretofore setforth in the illustrative example, are present in many specific types of pistols including the semi-automatic Beretta pistol shown herein. 
         [0041]    The interoperation of elements of the present invention with conventional elements reveals the full invention hereof including the method and apparatus and resulting workpiece. The subject invention is, however, not limited in any respect to use in combination with the specific conventional workpiece shown and described herein. 
         [0042]    The pistol  100  has a spring pin  105 . A torsion spring  127  extends about the spring pin, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The torsion spring has opposite ends  128  which are mounted on the pistol so as to maintain the torsion in the torsion spring. The pistol has a magazine well  129  adapted to receive a conventional magazine, not shown, housing a plurality of projectiles, or bullets, also not shown. A release mechanism  130  is mounted so as releasably to retain the magazine in the magazine well. The release mechanism has a control, not shown, to operate the release mechanism and accessible from the exterior of the handle  101 . 
         [0043]    The method and apparatus of the present are adapted readily to convert the pistol  100  from its conventional form, to the pistol, or workpiece, of the present invention shown in  FIG. 8 . This method and apparatus of the present invention are best shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  7 . Using the release mechanism  130 , the magazine is removed from the magazine well  129  so as to leave the magazine well entirely empty and unobstructed, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Also in preparation, the trigger pivot pin  105 , torsion spring  127  and trigger  102  of the pistol  100  are removed from the pistol. 
         [0044]    Referring more particularly to  FIG. 2 , the practice of the method and apparatus of the present invention include a drill guide generally indicated by the numeral  150 . The drill guide, as will subsequently be described, is retained in a vice  151 , or other means for holding an object in fixed position. The vice is mounted, for example, on a workbench, not shown. The drill guide is not conventional and constitutes part of the method and apparatus of the present invention. Referring more particularly to  FIG. 2 , the drill guide has an upper end portion  152  and an opposite lower end portion  153 . The lower end portion has a projection  154  dimensioned to be received in the jaws or chuck  155  of the vice so that the drill guide is firmly held in the upright, slightly canted attitude, shown in  FIG. 2 . The specific angle of cant of the drill guide as well as its shape and size, are shown in  FIGS. 2 through 6  and are part of the subject invention, as will hereinafter become more clearly apparent. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the drill guide  150  has a front side  160  and an opposite rear side  161 . The front and rear sides are substantially parallel to each other. The upper end portion of the drill guide, in the preferred embodiment, has three drill guide passages extending therethrough in the predetermined positions shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0046]    For purposes of distinguishing from among the drill guide passages, the upper drill guide passage is identified by the numeral  162 , the central drill guide passage is identified by the numeral  163 , and lower drill guide passage is identified by the numeral  164 . The upper, central and lower drill guide passages are substantially parallel to each other and are canted at a predetermined angle relative to the front side and rear side of the drill guide. Furthermore, the upper, central and lower drill guide passages are of different diameters corresponding to their respective uses. The upper drill guide passage is of a predetermined intermediate diameter. The central drill guide passage is of a predetermined smaller relative diameter. The lower drill guide passage is of the largest relative diameter. 
         [0047]    The drill guide  150  has a top drill guide notch  184 , a central drill guide notch  185  and a bottom drill guide notch  186 . These drill guide notches are shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5  and  6 . The notches are disposed in predetermined spaced relation to each other corresponding to the predetermined space relation of the upper drill guide passage  162 , the central drill guide passage  163  and the lower drill guide  164 . 
         [0048]    As previously discussed, in accordance with the practice of the method of the present invention using the apparatus of the subject invention, the magazine, not shown, is removed from the magazine well  129  using the magazine release mechanism  130 . Such removal of the magazine leaves the magazine well entirely vacant and unobstructed, except for the small extension of a portion of the release mechanism into the magazine well. 
         [0049]    The next step calls for sliding the pistol  100  downwardly about the drill guide  150 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 through 6 . The drill guide is dimensioned slidably to be received in the magazine well  129  and is first moved to the position shown in  FIG. 2 . The magazine release mechanism releasably engages the top drill guide notch  184  to retain the pistol in an upper position  200  on the drill guide, as shown in  FIG. 2 . Consequently, the pistol is held in this upper position for the performance of the next step in the method of the subject invention. 
         [0050]    The next step is shown in  FIG. 3 . A first drill bit  201  is extended into and through the upper drill guide passage  162 . For purposes solely for illustration, it will be understood that the first drill bit is 0.156 inches in diameter. The first drill bit has a drive portion  202  on the left, as viewed in  FIG. 3  and an externally screwthreaded drill portion  203  on the right, as viewed in  FIG. 3 . A central stop collar  204  intermediate the drive portion and the drill portion is mounted on the first drill bit in a predetermined position. The screwthreaded drill portion of the first drill bit has a terminal end  205 . The outer diameter of the central collar is larger than the inner diameter of the upper drill guide passage. Thus, the depth of the drilling within the pistol is limited by engagement of the central stop collar with rear side  161  of the drill guide  150 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The first bit is rotated, using a suitable drill, not shown, to “bump” the terminal end of the drill bit against the front magazine well wall to establish a start point for the following steps of the method. The drill is continued to be operated forwardly over the trigger opening. The drill is continued to be operated into the release latch of the pistol  100  a predetermined distance. The stop collar  204  stops the drill bit at the correct drilling depth. The depth of the base, so formed, extends inwardly of the pistol to the position shown in  FIG. 8  to the right of the trigger pivot pinhole of the pistol. 
         [0051]    The next step in the method is best shown in  FIG. 4 . To accomplish this step, the magazine release mechanism  130  is operated to release the pistol  100  on the drill guide  150 . The pistol is pushed downwardly on the drill guide until the magazine release mechanism is releasably received in the central drill guide notch  185 . In this central position  220 , the central drill guide passage is directly aligned with the base formed in the proceeding step. 
         [0052]    As previously noted, the central drill guide passage  163  is of smaller diameter than the upper and lower drill guide passages  162  and  164  respectively. For purposes of illustration only it will be understood that the second drill bit is 0.125 inches in diameter. At this time a second drill bit  221  is inserted into the central drill guide passage. The second drill bit has a drive portion  222  and an externally screwthreaded drill portion  223  which extends to a terminal end  224 . A stop collar  225  is mounted on the second drill bit is a predetermined position substantially midway between the drive portion and the drill portion thereof. 
         [0053]    The second bit  221  is pushed through the previously drilled hole in the front magazine well wall and such drilling continued in forward movement over the trigger opening bounded by the trigger guard  103 . Such drilling is continued until it reaches the prescribed depth into the release latch, as best shown in  FIG. 4 . The stop collar  225  on the second drill bit at this point engages the rear side  161  of the drill guide  150  to terminate any further penetration. 
         [0054]    The next step in the method is again to operate the magazine release mechanism  130  and move the pistol downwardly until the bottom drill guide notch is engaged by the magazine release mechanism  130 . This holds the drill guide  150  in the lower position  230  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0055]    A tap  231  is then inserted in the lower drill guide passage  164  and to the bottom of the drill guide hole. The tap is used to form screwthreads  232  in the bottom of the hole. A suitable thread cutting oil is used to assist in forming the screwthreads in the front magazine well wall. 
         [0056]    Using an Allen wrench  233 , a setcrew  234  is placed on to the end of the Allen wrench and screwthreadably secured in the screwthreads  132 . The setscrew does not protrude into the trigger well. 
         [0057]    The method and apparatus include a guide pin  240  which is then installed in the pistol  100 . The guide pin has a central shaft portion  241  which is substantially cylindrical. The guide pin has a tapered portion  242  having a rounded terminal end  243 . The guide pin has a spring seat  244  bounded by a spring shoulder  245 . The guide pin, opposite the rounded terminal end  243 , has a connection ring  246 , as best shown in  FIG. 10 . The connection ring is mounted on the transfer bar pin  249  of the transfer bar  248  between the upper clevis ears  250 , in the holes  251  thereof. The upper clevis ears also have lower holes  252  in which the trigger pivot pin  105  is received, all as best shown in  FIG. 10 . A compression spring  247  is received about the guide pin positioned so as to be captured between the spring shoulder  245  and the shoulder formed by the first drill bit  201 . 
         [0058]    As can best be seen in  FIG. 8 , the trigger  102  is maintained in a ready position by the compression spring  247  disposed in its expanded condition so as resiliently to maintain the trigger in a position ready for use, as shown in  FIG. 8 . When the pistol  100  is to be fired, the trigger is depressed by movement in a clockwise direction, as viewed in  FIG. 8 . The compression spring resiliently resists such movement in that it is captured between the spring shoulder  245  and the shoulder formed by the first drill bit  201 . In the meantime, the tapered portion  242  of the guide pin  240  slide downwardly in the passage formed by the second drill bit thereby accommodating such motion and firing, or discharging, the pistol. When finger pressure is removed from the trigger  102 , the compression spring  247  moves the trigger in a counter-clockwise direction, as shown in  FIG. 8 , again to the ready position. 
         [0059]    As a consequence of the foregoing method of the present invention, it is preferred that another modification be made in the pistol  100  using a file holder and depth gauge  258  having a handle  259 . This is best shown in  FIG. 7 . It is preferred that the barrel slide locking lug  260  be modified to ensure clearance between the guide pin  240  and the barrel slide locking lug. This step of the method is performed as best shown in  FIG. 7 . An appropriate locking lug jig  261  is placed in the vice  151  and locked into position. The barrel slide locking lug  260  is mounted in the locking lug jig in inverted relation. Using the metal file  263 , borne by the file holder and depth gauge  258 , a clearance notch  264  is formed in the locking lug foot. Stops  265  shown in  FIG. 7  prevent the metal file from cutting a deeper clearance notch. The file holder and depth gauge is used to make the clearance notch  264  3/16 of an inch in size and the fixed depth of 0.078 inches in this illustrative embodiment. This insures that during operation, there is no interference between the guide pin  240  and the locking lug foot  262 . 
         [0060]    For purposes of distinguishing the conventional pistol  100  from the resulting pistol or workpiece of the present invention, the resulting pistol or workpiece is identified by the numeral  300 . The resulting pistol or workpiece  300  of the present invention operates with a high degree of accuracy while being entirely dependable. The guide pin  240  and compression spring  247  interoperate to provide such dependability that there is little or no chance of failure such as by dislodgment or breakage of a conventional spring structure as is experienced with conventional apparatuses, handguns, or other workpieces as previously setforth. 
         [0061]    As heretofore described in detail in the illustrative embodiment hereof, the method of the present invention using, for example, the drill guide  150 , the first and second drill bits  201  and  221 ; the tap  231 ; the Allen wrench  233 ; the guide pin  240  and compression spring  247 ; and the file holder and depth gauge  258  ensure that the conversion is performed precisely each time. The invention hereof ensures this precision even for people with limited skills. Furthermore, the method and apparatus can be performed rapidly and repeatedly without variation providing the same precision in each case. 
         [0062]    Therefore, the method and apparatus for making a workpiece and the resulting workpiece of the present invention afford the capability of producing a superior workpiece; are capable of operation on and with a wide variety of workpieces including weapons; produce a workpiece which can perform a series of steps in rapid sequence substantially without operational failure; possess a dependability of operation in the workpiece so as to be substantially without the possibility of failure; perform with a simplicity of construction and yet have the capability of performing a series of operations in very rapid sequence; operate in a manner superior to any prior art devices; and are otherwise completely successful in achieving their operational objectives. 
         [0063]    Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention which is not to be limited to the illustrative details disclosed.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8