Patent Description:
There are situations such as hunting where the simultaneous discharge of two or more firearms toward one or more targets can be of value. Achieving simultaneous discharge of firearms while still achieving a high level of accuracy can be challenging even if the hunters can communicate visually or with the use of voice commands, which is not conducive in most hunting situations even when hunters are in close proximity to one another. Achieving good marksmanship usually requires gently squeezing the trigger while holding the firearm on the target. However, the hunters may not actually know the precise moment when their respective firearms will be discharged while gently squeezing the trigger and gradually increasing the force applied to the trigger. The firearm will usually only discharge once the hunter has applied the trigger pull weight required to cause the discharge.

When attempting the simultaneous discharge of firearms, usually only the first shooter will get a good shot since the second shooter becomes affected by the noise of the first shot. This situation is not conducive to the second shooter producing an accurate second shot, and may require the second shooter to make a rushed shot or reset his firing procedure from the beginning an thereby delaying the second shot further. In addition, the second shooter must also deal with the target's reaction to the first shooter's shot. In a hunting scenario, this would usually mean the immediate evacuation of the area by the animal(s) being hunted and leaving the second shooter aiming at a moving target. The second shooter must then attempt to make a rushed shot at a further distance from the target before the target gets out of range or makes cover. Improvement is desirable.

The document <CIT> relates to a system of weapons, at least two of which each have at least one trigger.

The present invention relates to a firearm synchronized discharge device according to independent claim <NUM>, wherein further developments of said device are provided in the sub-claims, respectively. The present invention further relates to a method of facilitating a synchronized discharge of firearms according to independent claim <NUM>. Further developments of said method are provided in the sub-claims, respectively.

The following disclosure describes systems, devices and methods that facilitate the synchronized discharge of two or more firearms operated by respective shooters. In some embodiments, the devices described herein may facilitate synchronized discharge of firearms without altering the normal operating procedure or the safety features of the firearms. In some embodiments, the devices described herein also do not disrupt the traditional procedure of the shooter and may consequently promote good marksmanship. The devices described herein may be incorporated in various types of handheld firearms. In some embodiments, the devices may be configured as a module that may be integrated with an "AR style" rifle or other pistol-gripped firearms in a convenient and user-friendly manner.

The term "substantially" as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation which could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. The terms "connected", "coupled to" or "engaged with" may include both direct connection/coupling/engagement (in which two elements contact each other) and indirect connection/coupling/engagement (in which at least one additional element is disposed between the two elements).

<FIG> is a side elevation view of two exemplary firearms 10A, 10B each including firearm synchronized discharge device <NUM> for facilitating the synchronized discharge of firearms 10A, 10B (referenced generically herein as "firearm <NUM>"). Devices <NUM> may work together as a system for facilitating the synchronized discharge of firearms 10A, 10B. Firearms 10A, 10B as illustrated are of a type commonly known as an "AR-<NUM> style" rifle but it is understood that device <NUM> may be integrated with other types of handheld firearms. An AR-<NUM> style rifle is known as being a relatively lightweight semiautomatic civilian rifle based on the ArmaLite AR-<NUM> design. Examples of AR-<NUM> style rifles include model XM-<NUM> sold under the trade name Bushmaster Firearms®, and model R-<NUM> sold under the trade name Remington®. In some embodiments, one or both of firearms 10A, 10B may be of a type known as a "modern sporting rifle" suitable for hunting. In some embodiments, one or both of firearms 10A, 10B may be a pistol-gripped rifle. In some embodiments, firearm <NUM> may be an ArmaLite AR-<NUM> rifle. Device <NUM> may be used with pistol-gripped firearms or with other types of firearms that can be modified to accommodate a pistol grip.

Even though <FIG> illustrates firearms 10A, 10B as being identical, it is understood that the two or more firearms 10A, 10B that are used together for synchronized discharge using devices <NUM> may be of a same type or may be of different types. In other words, device <NUM> may each be integrated with a different type of firearm <NUM> and used for synchronized discharge of firearms <NUM> of different types. As explained further below, device <NUM> of firearm 10A may be configured to communicate (e.g., wirelessly, as illustrated by arrow W) with device <NUM> of firearm 10B and/or with other similar device(s) <NUM> associated with one or more additional firearms <NUM>. While <FIG> only shows two firearms 10A, 10B, it is understood that two or more devices <NUM> may be integrated with two or more respective firearms <NUM> to permit synchronization of two or more firearms <NUM>. In other words, the synchronized discharge system described herein may include more than two devices <NUM> associated with respective firearms <NUM>.

The following description refers to firearm 10A for simplicity but it is understood that the same description may also apply to firearm 10B or other firearms <NUM> to be synchronized together. Like elements are identified using like reference numerals between firearms 10A and 10B in <FIG>. Firearm 10A may include buttstock <NUM>, scope <NUM>, upper receiver <NUM>, lower receiver <NUM>, hand guard <NUM>, barrel <NUM>, pistol grip <NUM> and magazine <NUM>. In some embodiments, firearm 10A may have a modular construction where some or all of the above components, and optionally other components, are removably attached together and owners may be able to replace some of the components for customizing firearm 10A according to their personal preferences. For example, buttstock <NUM> may be removably attached to lower receiver <NUM>. Pistol grip <NUM> may also be removably attached to lower receiver <NUM>. In various embodiments, pistol grip <NUM> may be hollow and some or all elements of device <NUM> may be housed inside of pistol grip <NUM>. In some embodiments, device <NUM> may include pistol grip <NUM> as a housing or may include other type of housing. Pistol grip <NUM> may be a pistol-style grip other than buttstock <NUM>. Pistol grip <NUM> may be held by a shooter's hand that operates trigger <NUM>, and may orient the hand in a forward, generally vertical orientation, similar to the position that a shooter's hand would take with a conventional pistol.

Trigger <NUM> may be movable rearwardly from a forward rest position to a firearm-discharge position to actuate the firing sequence of firearm 10A. Trigger <NUM> may have the form of a pivotable lever that is actuated by an index finger. Trigger <NUM> may be resiliently biased toward the forward rest position by a spring so that trigger <NUM> may automatically return to the rest position after discharge of firearm 10A.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an exemplary device <NUM> for facilitating the synchronized discharge of firearms <NUM>. In various embodiments, device <NUM> may include (e.g., hydraulic) actuator <NUM> for interfacing with movable trigger <NUM> of firearm <NUM>, reservoir <NUM> for receiving hydraulic fluid from actuator <NUM> or delivering hydraulic fluid to actuator <NUM>, valve <NUM> operatively disposed between actuator <NUM> and reservoir <NUM>, controller <NUM>, user interface <NUM> and power supply <NUM>. In some embodiments, a relatively low-viscosity silicone fluid may be used as hydraulic fluid in device <NUM>. However, other types of substantially non-compressible fluids (e.g., liquids) may also be suitable for use as hydraulic fluid in device <NUM>.

In various embodiments, actuator <NUM> may be a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric actuator. As shown in <FIG>, actuator <NUM> may be a hydraulic cylinder actuatable by a flow of hydraulic fluid to or from actuator <NUM>. Actuator <NUM> may include actuator piston <NUM> movable in the directions of arrow A within chamber <NUM> of actuator <NUM>. Piston <NUM> may be drivingly coupled to ram <NUM>. Ram <NUM> may extend toward and engage with a back side of trigger <NUM>. When ram <NUM> is extended and substantially locked in the extended position, ram <NUM> may block (e.g., obstruct) the rearward movement of trigger <NUM> indicated by arrow T and thereby prevent the discharge of firearm <NUM>. When ram <NUM> is unlocked and permitted to retract, ram <NUM> may no longer prevent the rearward movement of trigger <NUM> toward the firearm-discharge position, and consequently, the discharge of firearm <NUM> by the shooter may be permitted. For example, when ram <NUM> is unlocked, force F equal to or exceeding a trigger pull weight value (TPWV) of the associated firearm <NUM> may cause the rearward movement of trigger <NUM> toward the firearm-discharge position and may urge ram <NUM> toward its retracted position.

The locked and unlocked configurations of actuator <NUM> may be achieved by respectively closing and opening valve <NUM>. Closing of valve <NUM> may prevent the flow of hydraulic fluid into or out of chamber <NUM> of actuator <NUM>. Opening of valve <NUM> may permit the flow of hydraulic fluid into or out of chamber <NUM> of actuator <NUM>. Various known or other types of controllable (e.g., gate, ball, butterfly) valves may be suitable. In some embodiments, valve <NUM> may be actuated by way of a solenoid. In some embodiments, valve <NUM> may be normally open (e.g., biased toward the open position), and closed by energizing the solenoid. Accordingly, when device <NUM> is in the OFF state, no power may be consumed by device <NUM> to keep valve <NUM> open. When valve <NUM> is in the open state, the hydraulic fluid may pass freely from chamber <NUM> to reservoir <NUM>. Accordingly, ram <NUM> may be manually retractable and may remain retracted so as not to interfere with the ordinary use of firearm <NUM>.

In some embodiments, valve <NUM> may be of a type known as a two-way micro solenoid valve. As a non-limiting example, a Series <NUM> micro solenoid valve sold under the trade name ASCO SCIENTIFIC may be suitable for use as valve <NUM> in some embodiments. Valve <NUM> may be operatively coupled to controller <NUM> via solenoid driver <NUM> so that the operation of valve <NUM> may be controlled by controller <NUM> based on one or more inputs.

When ram <NUM> is unlocked by the opening of valve <NUM> and being retracted, the hydraulic fluid being driven out of chamber <NUM> by actuator piston <NUM> may flow through open valve <NUM> and be received in reservoir <NUM>. Reservoir piston <NUM> may be movably disposed within reservoir <NUM>. Reservoir <NUM> and reservoir piston <NUM> may operate as a hydraulic actuator. In reference to <FIG>, reservoir piston <NUM> may be movable along the directions of arrow R. For example, reservoir piston <NUM> may be displaced upwardly to expand reservoir <NUM> when hydraulic fluid is being received in reservoir <NUM>. On the other hand, downward movement of piston <NUM> may drive hydraulic fluid out of reservoir <NUM> and into chamber <NUM> via open valve <NUM>.

Reservoir piston <NUM> may be coupled to synchronizing button <NUM> (referred hereinafter as "sync button <NUM>"), which may be a manual push button and part of user interface <NUM> of device <NUM>. It is understood that other types of button, switch, knob or other user input device may be suitable. In some embodiments, reservoir piston <NUM> and sync button <NUM> may be movable together in unison in the directions of arrow R. Accordingly, sync button <NUM> may be deployed when hydraulic fluid is received in reservoir <NUM> and ram <NUM> is retracted. On the other hand, manually depressing sync button <NUM> by the shooter may cause hydraulic fluid to be urged out of reservoir <NUM> and directed to chamber <NUM> of actuator <NUM> via open valve <NUM> in order to cause ram <NUM> to extend toward the back side of trigger <NUM>. Locking of ram <NUM> in the extended position may be achieved by closing of valve <NUM> to substantially prevent hydraulic fluid out of chamber <NUM>.

Sync button <NUM> may also be operatively coupled to synchronizing switch <NUM> (referred hereinafter as "sync switch <NUM>") which may be operatively coupled to controller <NUM>. In addition to causing the extension of ram <NUM>, the depression of sync button <NUM> may also cause the actuation (e.g., closing) of sync switch <NUM> that, in turn, may cause controller <NUM> to initiate a synchronization function of device <NUM>. Such synchronization function may include the closing of valve <NUM> to lock ram <NUM> in the extended position and also initiate pairing of device <NUM> with other devices <NUM> of other firearms <NUM> within communication range of device <NUM>. Pairing of devices <NUM> within communication range may allow such devices <NUM> to communicate together to coordinate and synchronize the unlocking of trigger <NUM> of respective firearms <NUM> to facilitate synchronized discharge of those firearms <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the use of a hydraulic actuator instead of a pneumatic actuator may substantially prevent rearward creeping and/or spongy/resilient movement of ram <NUM> and consequently of trigger <NUM> when force F is applied to trigger <NUM>. This may be due at least in part to hydraulic fluid (i.e., liquid) being relatively incompressible compared to air (i.e., gas).

It is understood that device <NUM> may include suitable seals to prevent unwanted leakage of hydraulic fluid at various fluid connections, at actuator <NUM> and at reservoir <NUM>. For example, such seals may be provided around actuator piston <NUM> to provide fluid sealing of chamber <NUM> and around reservoir piston <NUM> to provide fluid sealing of reservoir <NUM>.

Device <NUM> may include one or more controllers <NUM> (referred hereinafter in the singular) operatively coupled to valve <NUM> via solenoid driver <NUM>, sensor <NUM> via sensor interface <NUM> and to user interface <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may include one or more computers <NUM> (referred hereinafter in the singular) and one or more radio-frequency (RF) transceivers <NUM> (referred hereinafter as "transceiver <NUM>") or other suitable wired or wireless communication interface(s). Computer <NUM> may include one or more data processors and one or more computer-readable memories storing machine-readable instructions executable by the data processor and configured to cause the data processor to generate one or more outputs (e.g., signals) for causing the execution of steps of methods described herein.

Computer <NUM> may include any suitable device(s) configured to cause a series of steps to be performed by controller <NUM> so as to implement a computer-implemented process such that the instructions, when executed by computer <NUM>, may cause the functions/acts specified in the methods described herein to be executed. Computer <NUM> may include, for example, any type of general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing processor, an integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, a reconfigurable processor, other suitably programmed or programmable logic circuits, or any combination thereof.

The machine-readable memory of computer <NUM> may include non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The memory may include a suitable combination of any type of computer memory that is located either internally or externally to computer <NUM>. The memory may include any storage means (e.g. devices) suitable for retrievably storing machine-readable instructions executable by computer <NUM>.

Various aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied as systems, devices, methods and/or computer program products. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more non-transitory computer readable medium(ia) having computer readable program code embodied thereon. Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. Such program code may be executed entirely or in part by computer <NUM> or other data processing device(s). It is understood that, based on the present disclosure, one skilled in the relevant arts could readily write computer program code for implementing the methods disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, controller <NUM> may be a microcontroller or may include a microcontroller. Controller <NUM> may include one or more processor cores along with memory and programmable input/output peripherals. As a non-limiting example, controller <NUM> may, in some embodiments, be an ultra-low-power, dual-band wireless microcontroller such as model CC1350 SimpleLink™ sold under the trade name TEXAS INSTRUMENTS.

Transceiver <NUM> may be operatively connected to computer <NUM> and to one or more antennae <NUM>. Transceiver <NUM> may include both a transmitter and a receiver to permit both wireless data transmission and data reception. Transceiver <NUM> may permit data communication such as pairing with one or more controllers <NUM> of other devices <NUM> within communication range, and exchange of parameters/states with one or more of such other controllers <NUM>. Transceiver <NUM> may permit data communication using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radio signals, or the like to communicate between different paired devices <NUM> associated with different firearms 10A, 10B. Controller <NUM> may, instead or in addition, be paired with one or more mobile phones or other portable electronic device(s) to enable the devices <NUM> to communicate over greater distances via such portable electronic device(s) able to communicate over a cellular telecommunication network for example. Settings or other user input(s) may be communicated to controller <NUM> via an application (app) loaded on another (e.g., portable/mobile) electronic device that is in communication with controller <NUM> for example. In some embodiments, transceiver <NUM> may be configured for wireless data communication at one or more frequencies (e.g., <NUM> and/or at <NUM>).

Power supply <NUM> may include battery <NUM> and optional power conditioner <NUM>. In some embodiments, battery <NUM> may be rechargeable. Power conditioner <NUM> may be configured to perform conditioning of power delivered from battery <NUM> to controller <NUM> or to one or more other components of device <NUM>. In some embodiments, power conditioner <NUM> may be a direct current (DC) to DC converter to step up a voltage from battery <NUM> according to the requirements of one or more powered components of device <NUM>. In some embodiments, power conditioner <NUM> may be a step-up switching voltage regulator. In some embodiments, power conditioner <NUM> may be a pulse width modulated (PWM) DC to DC converter. As a non-limiting example, a voltage regulator such as model number MAX751 sold under the trade name MAXIM INTEGRATED may be suitable for use as power conditioner <NUM> in some embodiments.

Device <NUM> may also include sensor <NUM> configured to generate one or more signals <NUM> indicative of a force F applied to trigger <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> may be operatively coupled to controller <NUM> via sensor interface <NUM>. In some embodiments, sensor <NUM> may be a force sensor (e.g., strain gage, load cell) installed to generate signal <NUM> indicative of force F applied to trigger <NUM>. In some embodiments, sensor <NUM> may be disposed on a front side of trigger <NUM> to generate signal <NUM> indicative of force F applied to trigger <NUM>. In some embodiments, sensor <NUM> may indirectly measure force F by way of measuring the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in chamber <NUM>. Various types of pressure sensors may be suitable. Sensor interface <NUM> may be include signal conditioning circuitry (e.g., analog to digital conversion) that receives signal(s) <NUM> and provides controller <NUM> with suitable signal(s) representative of signal(s) <NUM>. Machine readable instructions executed by controller <NUM> may utilize the pressure value(s) directly in computations or may correlate the pressure value(s) to equivalent force(s) F applied to trigger <NUM>.

Device <NUM> may also include power button <NUM>, which may be part of user interface <NUM>. Power button <NUM> may be a push button operatively coupled to power switch <NUM>. Power button <NUM> may be used to activate (e.g., power on) device <NUM> and optionally also shut off device <NUM>. It is understood that other types of button, switch, knob or other user input device may be suitable.

Device <NUM> may also include optional message button <NUM>, which may be part of user interface <NUM>. Message button <NUM> may be a push button operatively coupled to message switch <NUM> operatively coupled to controller <NUM>. It is understood that other types of button, switch, knob or other user input device may be suitable. Message button <NUM> may be used by one shooter to send a message to one or more other shooters of other firearm(s) <NUM> that have respective devices <NUM> within communication range of the present device <NUM>. Message button <NUM> may provide a means of communication between shooters. The meaning of the message may be previously agreed upon by the applicable shooters and may include "commence firing procedure", "cease firing procedure" or "wait" for example.

The actuation of message switch <NUM> may cause controller <NUM> of the messaging shooter to communicate a signal to other devices <NUM> within communication range. Upon receipt of such signal, the other devices <NUM> may cause their respective indicators <NUM> to provide a visual indication indicative of the signal received. Such visual indication may be the emission of (e.g., white) light or other color (e.g., by a LED) that is not associated with another state of the respective device <NUM>. The signal may be communicated by controller <NUM> of the messaging shooter to other devices <NUM> that are paired with device <NUM> of the messaging shooter. Alternatively, controller <NUM> may broadcast the signal so that other devices <NUM> within communication range (paired or not paired with the present device <NUM>) and powered ON may all receive the signal and cause the applicable visual indication to be provided to their respective shooters via their respective indicators <NUM>. In some embodiments, the receipt of the signal may cause the receiving controller(s) <NUM> to cause whatever indication currently provided by the applicable indicator <NUM> to be overridden by the new visual indication indicative of the message.

In some embodiments, message button <NUM> may be resiliently biased (e.g., via a spring) toward the undepressed position. In some embodiments, releasing message button <NUM> may cause the associate visual indication provided to the other shooters by the other devices <NUM> to be terminated. In some embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured so that the termination of the messaging visual indication is followed by resuming the previous visual indication that was provided by indicator(s) <NUM> immediately before the signal was received. In some embodiments, depressing message button <NUM> may also cause the present indicator <NUM> of the messaging shooter to provide the messaging visual indication as a confirmation to the messaging shooter that the message has been sent to the other shooters.

User interface <NUM> may also optionally include analog or digital readout <NUM> (e.g., display, dial) that may indicate a prescribed pull weight value (PPWV) that is equal to or higher than the TPWV of the applicable firearm <NUM>. The TPWV may be measured in pounds (lbs) applied to trigger <NUM> to make it break or trip, transition to the firearm-discharge position and hence cause the discharge of firearm <NUM>. The TPWV can vary greatly on handheld firearms based on a shooter's preference. For example, typical TPWV may vary from <NUM> lb (<NUM> N) to <NUM> lbs (<NUM> N). An AR style rifle may have a TPWV within the range of <NUM> lbs (<NUM> N) to <NUM> lbs (<NUM> N) for example. Even firearms <NUM> of the exact same make and model may have different TPWV because the TPWV on some triggers may be adjustable and/or stock triggers may be replaced with higher performance custom triggers of lower TPWV.

The PPWV may be used by controller <NUM> to determine when valve <NUM> should be opened to enable synchronized discharge. For example, one criterion used by controller <NUM> may be that the force F is equal to or exceeds the PPWV (i.e., F ≥ PPWV). Force F applied to trigger <NUM> may be monitored via sensor <NUM> and controller <NUM> may continuously or intermittently monitor the force F applied to trigger <NUM> against the PPWV. The force F reaching or exceeding the PPWV may be indicative of the shooter of the applicable firearm <NUM> being ready to discharge firearm <NUM>. Accordingly, the PPWV of device <NUM> may be higher than the TPWV of the applicable firearm <NUM> so that the threshold force F meeting the criterion is sufficiently high to cause trigger <NUM> to transition to the firearm-discharge position with little to no delay upon opening of valve <NUM>.

In some embodiments, controller <NUM> may be provided with a fixed/standard PPWV that is higher than an expected TPWV of firearm <NUM>. The fixed PPWV may be about <NUM> lbs (<NUM> N) for example. Alternatively, controller <NUM> may be provided with a variable PPWV that may be adjusted by the shooter to accommodate the shooter's preference of TPWVs. In some embodiments, readout <NUM> that may indicate the PPWV to be used by controller <NUM> during the synchronized firearm discharge. In some embodiments, the PPWV may be varied by increments of <NUM> lbs (<NUM> N) for example by repeatedly pressing power button <NUM> or another user input device, and may cycle from a minimum value to a maximum value by repeatedly pressing power button <NUM> for example. The shooter may accordingly set the PPWV to be <NUM> Ib (<NUM> N), <NUM> Ib (<NUM> N) or more higher than the TPWV of the applicable firearm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the PPWV may be communicated to controller <NUM> via an application (app) loaded on another (e.g., portable/mobile) electronic device that is in communication with controller <NUM>.

In some embodiments, user interface <NUM> may also include indicator <NUM> providing a visual indication of the state of device <NUM> to the applicable shooter substantially in real time. In some embodiments, indicator <NUM> may be a display screen or readout providing a textual or graphic indication. In some embodiments, indicator <NUM> may include a signal light. In some embodiments, indicator <NUM> may include a variable color light-emitting diode (LED) that may provide an indication of the state of device <NUM> by way of a color of the light emitted and/or whether the LED is flashing/blinking for example.

<FIG> is a tridimensional view of an exemplary assembly including lower receiver <NUM> of firearm <NUM> and device <NUM> integrated with pistol grip <NUM> of firearm <NUM>. In some embodiments, some or all of the components of device <NUM> may be housed within the confines of pistol grip <NUM>. Alternatively, some of the components of device <NUM> may be housed in some other housing separate from pistol grip <NUM>.

In some embodiments, device <NUM> may be installed (e.g. retrofitted) on firearm <NUM> relatively easily by replacing an existing pistol grip of firearm <NUM> with pistol grip <NUM> that houses device <NUM>. Pistol grip <NUM> may be made to easily attach to lower receiver <NUM> to facilitate installation without extensive modifications or gunsmithing of firearm <NUM> being required. In some embodiments, a modified trigger guard <NUM> allowing the passage of ram <NUM> may be supplied with device <NUM> to replace an existing trigger guard of firearm <NUM>.

In some embodiments, pistol grip <NUM> may include door <NUM> for accessing the interior of pistol grip <NUM>. Door <NUM> may be sized to permit replacement or recharging battery <NUM>. Door <NUM> may be a slidable panel or may be a hinged panel that is movably attached to pistol grip <NUM>.

Message button <NUM> may be disposed at any location that is convenient and readily accessible by the shooter during a shooting procedure. In various embodiments, message button <NUM> may be disposed on pistol grip <NUM>. For example, message button <NUM> may be disposed on a front side of pistol grip <NUM> at a location between a middle finger and a ring finger of the shooter.

<FIG> is a tridimensional view illustrating an exemplary method of assembling pistol grip <NUM> (including device <NUM>) to lower receiver <NUM>. In some embodiments, pistol grip <NUM> may be attachable to pistol grip interface <NUM> of lower receiver <NUM>. Pistol grip interface <NUM> may include one or more surfaces with which a conventional pistol grip of firearm <NUM> may be engaged and one or more threaded holes normally used for securing the conventional pistol grip to lower receiver <NUM> via one or more bolts. With respect to pistol grip <NUM>, adaptor block <NUM> may be provided with device <NUM> to facilitate attachment of pistol grip <NUM> to pistol grip interface <NUM>. Adaptor block <NUM> may include channel <NUM> for engagement with pistol grip interface <NUM>. Adaptor block <NUM> may also include through hole <NUM> allowing adaptor block <NUM> to be releasably secured to pistol grip interface <NUM> using bolt <NUM>.

Once adaptor block <NUM> is secured to pistol grip interface <NUM>, pistol grip <NUM> may be positioned so that part of adaptor block <NUM> and pistol grip interface <NUM> are received into and engaged with receptacle <NUM> defined in an upper portion of pistol grip <NUM>. Then, pistol grip <NUM> may be releasably secured to adaptor block <NUM> by threading bolt <NUM> into threaded hole <NUM> of adaptor block <NUM>. Bolt <NUM> may be accessible from a rear exterior side of pistol grip <NUM> via a hole formed in pistol grip <NUM> to permit tightening and loosening of bolt <NUM> from the exterior of pistol grip <NUM>. Once pistol grip <NUM> is installed on lower receiver <NUM>, ram <NUM> may be disposed between ears <NUM> of lower receiver <NUM> and extendable to the back side of trigger <NUM>. Accordingly, the installation of handgrip <NUM> and hence device <NUM> on firearm <NUM> may be relatively easy and may not interfere with the original design or internal components of firearm <NUM>.

<FIG> is a tridimensional view illustrating pistol grip <NUM> and lower receiver <NUM> with part of pistol grip <NUM> removed to show components of device <NUM> housed in an interior of pistol grip <NUM>. Pistol grip <NUM> may have an other shell for interfacing with a hand of the shooter. In some embodiments, pistol grip <NUM> may be made from a polymeric (e.g., plastic) material. For example, pistol grip <NUM> may be made by overmolding a polymeric material over components of device <NUM> by injection molding. In some embodiments, pistol grip <NUM> may have a clamshell construction where two lateral halves of pistol grip <NUM> may be formed by injection molding and assembled (e.g., bonded, glued, fastened) together to define a housing for components of device <NUM>. Components of device <NUM> such as actuator <NUM>, controller <NUM>, valve <NUM>, reservoir <NUM>, power supply <NUM> and body <NUM> may be disposed inside of pistol grip <NUM>. In various embodiments, components of device <NUM> disposed inside of handgrip <NUM> may have metallic (e.g., aluminum alloy, steel) or polymeric respective housings. Adaptor block <NUM> and body <NUM> may be made of metallic (e.g., aluminum alloy, steel) or polymeric materials. Indicator <NUM> may be operatively coupled to controller <NUM> via lead <NUM> providing a wired connection therebetween.

Device <NUM> may also include bottom cover <NUM> that may be removably or hingedly attached to pistol grip <NUM>. Cover <NUM> may provide access to components that are disposed inside of pistol grip <NUM>. In some configurations of device <NUM>, cover <NUM> may provide access to replace battery <NUM> and door <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may not be required.

Replacement trigger guard <NUM> may be integrally formed with pistol grip <NUM> or may be provided as a separate component from pistol grip <NUM>. A front end of trigger guard <NUM> may be attached to lower receiver <NUM> using a roll pin. A kit including device <NUM> may include pistol grip <NUM> housing components of device <NUM>, and trigger guard <NUM>. Such kit may also include adaptor block <NUM>.

<FIG> is a tridimensional cross-sectional view of a rear end of trigger guard <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. The rear end of trigger guard <NUM> may be attached to lower ears <NUM> of lower receiver <NUM> using one or more roll pins or set screws <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rear end of trigger guard <NUM> may be slotted to provide passage <NUM> through which ram <NUM> may extend toward the back side of trigger <NUM>. In such embodiments, the rear end of trigger guard <NUM> may be attached to ears <NUM> using respective set screws <NUM> that are threaded into trigger guard <NUM> and engaged with respective ears <NUM>. For example, set screws <NUM> may be threaded into (e.g., blind) threaded holes formed in trigger guard <NUM>. The length of set screws <NUM> may be selected to extend to the bottom of the respective blind holes formed in trigger guard <NUM> and also be substantially flush with or recessed within laterally outer sides of ears <NUM>.

<FIG> is a tridimensional view of another exemplary trigger guard <NUM> that may be suitable for use with device <NUM>. Trigger guard <NUM> may also have a slotted rear end to define passage <NUM> for ram <NUM>.

<FIG> is a tridimensional view of an exemplary assembly of components of device <NUM> that may be housed in pistol grip <NUM>. Body <NUM> may serve as a base structure of device <NUM> to which various components of device <NUM> may be attached or in which components may be housed. Some components of device <NUM> such as actuator <NUM> and sensor <NUM> may be housed in body <NUM>. Body <NUM> may have receptacle <NUM> for receiving and engaging with part of adaptor block <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) when pistol grip <NUM> is attached to lower receiver <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exemplary user interface <NUM> of device <NUM>. Part(s) of user interface <NUM> may be disposed on pistol grip <NUM>. For example, part(s) user interface <NUM> may be disposed in a lower end region (e.g., a bottom side) of pistol grip <NUM>. Component(s) of user interface <NUM> may be disposed on cover <NUM> or may be disposed on panel <NUM> that may be disposed under cover <NUM> and concealed by cover <NUM> when desired. For example, user interface <NUM> may be made accessible to the shooter when cover <NUM> is opened or removed from pistol grip <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembly of <FIG> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. <FIG> shows an exemplary internal configuration of various components of device <NUM>. Trigger guard <NUM>, controller <NUM> and indicator <NUM> are not shown in <FIG>. Actuator <NUM> is shown in a state where ram <NUM> is retracted and piston <NUM> is also shown in a retracted position where the volume of chamber <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) has been reduced so that part of the hydraulic fluid has been transferred to reservoir <NUM>. In the position of ram <NUM> shown in <FIG>, trigger <NUM> may be freely moved to the firearm-discharge position to permit the ordinary utilization of firearm <NUM>. In the embodiment of actuator <NUM> shown in <FIG>, a side of piston <NUM> opposite of chamber <NUM> may be vented to the atmosphere.

In an alternate configuration of device <NUM>, actuator <NUM> could instead be a double acting hydraulic cylinder that would not require reservoir <NUM>. This would be a closed hydraulic system with a hydraulic fluid line going from a first port on one side of the piston to a second port on the opposite side of the piston. In this way, movement of the piston would cause the hydraulic fluid to flow from one side of the piston to the other. Valve <NUM> may be operatively disposed along this hydraulic fluid line to permit the selective locking of the actuator in a position where ram <NUM> is extending to the back side of trigger <NUM>. In such embodiment, a relatively light spring may be disposed inside of the actuator and urge the piston toward the position where ram <NUM> is extending to the back side of trigger <NUM> to cause the actuator to automatically return to this position when valve <NUM> is open and the force F (shown in <FIG>) is removed from trigger <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial side elevation view of an exemplary firearm <NUM> including device <NUM> of <FIG> showing an exemplary location of visual indicator <NUM>. Indicator <NUM> may be connected to controller <NUM> via lead <NUM> which may, for example, be <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>) long to permit the placement of indicator <NUM> at a suitable location on firearm <NUM> where the shooter may see and recognize the colour indicated by indicator <NUM> without having to look directly at indicator <NUM> (e.g., using peripheral vision) and being overly distracted. Accordingly, the shooter may stay focused on the target by aiming using a scope or iron sights of firearm <NUM>. Indicator <NUM> may also be positioned in such a way that only the shooter may see it and/or not give off significant ambient light that may be distracting to others. This may be done by putting optional tube <NUM> around indicator <NUM> and being open toward the shooter to restrict the line of sight to indicator <NUM> to only the shooter and eliminating any ambient/extra light reflecting off other surfaces. In other words, indicator <NUM> may be disposed inside of tube <NUM> which may be open toward the shooter's eye. In some embodiments, indicator <NUM> may be movably attachable to Picatinny rail <NUM> via bracket <NUM> attached to tube <NUM> and/or indicator <NUM>. Bracket <NUM> may be slideable along Picatinny rail <NUM> to permit positional adjustment of indicator <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic side elevation view of another exemplary device <NUM> for facilitating the synchronized discharge of firearms <NUM>. Device <NUM> may include some or all of the components of device <NUM> described above. Like elements are identified using like reference numerals. In contrast with device <NUM>, device <NUM> shows an alternate placement of some components within pistol grip <NUM>. For example, the respective positions of battery <NUM> and reservoir <NUM> may be switched. Controller <NUM> may also be disposed between reservoir and battery <NUM> as shown in an edgewise orientation in <FIG>. Components of user interface <NUM> may also be disposed on panel <NUM> that may be protected and concealed by cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of another exemplary device <NUM> for facilitating the synchronized discharge of firearms <NUM>. Device <NUM> may include some of the components of device <NUM> described above. Like elements are identified using like reference numerals. In contrast with device <NUM>, device <NUM> shows sync button <NUM> being disconnected from reservoir piston <NUM>. Instead of being movable by the actuation of sync button <NUM>, reservoir piston <NUM> may be urged downwardly by spring <NUM> in reference to <FIG>. Accordingly, ram <NUM> may be returned to the back side of trigger <NUM> by opening valve <NUM> and letting spring <NUM> act on reservoir piston <NUM> to drive the hydraulic fluid out of reservoir <NUM> and into chamber <NUM>. In this embodiment, valve <NUM> may be in a normally-closed position when device <NUM> is in the OFF state so that ram <NUM> may be kept in the retracted position when device <NUM> is OFF to permit ordinary (i.e., unsynchronized) use of firearm <NUM>.

When ram <NUM> is extended to the back side of trigger <NUM> and ram <NUM> is unlocked by the opening of valve <NUM> when force F equals to or exceeds the PPWV, the rearward movement of trigger <NUM> toward its firearm-discharge position may urge ram <NUM> to retract. The movement of actuator piston <NUM> by the retraction of ram <NUM> may cause the hydraulic fluid to flow out of chamber <NUM> and into reservoir <NUM> via open valve <NUM>. Such flow of hydraulic fluid may cause the compression of spring <NUM> and the expansion of reservoir <NUM> to receive the hydraulic fluid therein.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an exemplary method <NUM> for facilitating a synchronized discharge of two or more firearms <NUM>. Method <NUM> may be performed using devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> described herein or using other devices. It is understood that aspects of method <NUM> may be combined with aspects of other methods described herein. In various embodiments, method <NUM> may include:.

<FIG> is a flowchart of another exemplary method <NUM> for facilitating a synchronized discharge of two or more firearms <NUM>. Method <NUM> may be performed using devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> described herein or using other devices. Aspects of method <NUM> may be combined with aspects of method <NUM> or other methods described herein.

Aspects of method <NUM> are described in relation to components of device <NUM>. At block <NUM>, power button <NUM> may be pressed (e.g., for <NUM> seconds) to power on device <NUM> as shown in decision block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, sync button <NUM> may be pressed and held to cause ram <NUM> to extend to the back side of trigger <NUM> and also to cause device <NUM> to be paired with one or more other devices <NUM> that are within communication range. The pairing status of device <NUM> may be indicated by indicator <NUM> (e.g., LED). For example, an unpaired status may be indicated by causing indicator <NUM> to emit alternating flashes of red and blue light as shown at block <NUM>. If, at decision block <NUM>, device <NUM> is determined to be successfully paired with one or more other devices <NUM>, the successful pairing of device <NUM> may be indicated by indicator <NUM> providing a solid (i.e., non flashing) purple indication as shown at block <NUM>.

Once device <NUM> is successfully paired with one or more other devices <NUM>, sync button <NUM> may be pressed at block <NUM> to enable synchronization of the paired firearms <NUM>. The enabled synchronization function of device <NUM> may be indicated by indicator <NUM> providing a solid green indication as shown at block <NUM>. Enabling the synchronization function may energize the solenoid of valve <NUM> (see block <NUM>) and cause the closing of valve <NUM> when ram <NUM> is extended to contact or be proximate to the back side of trigger <NUM>. The closing of valve <NUM> may consequently cause ram <NUM> to be locked in the extended position and thereby prevent actuation of trigger <NUM> to the firearm-discharge position.

Block <NUM> shows the shooter of the instance device <NUM> applying force F equal to or exceeding the PPWV on trigger <NUM>. If, at decision block <NUM>, the shooters of the paired devices <NUM> are all applying the PPWV on their respective triggers <NUM>, the solenoid of the instant device <NUM> and of other paired devices <NUM> may be de-energized substantially simultaneously (see block <NUM>) to open valves <NUM> of the paired devices <NUM> and thereby unlock rams <NUM> to permit the rearward movement of triggers <NUM> to their respective firearm-discharge positions. The application of the PPWV by all the shooters of the paired devices <NUM> will then cause substantially synchronized discharge of the paired firearms <NUM>. If, on the other hand, the shooters of all paired devices <NUM> are not all applying the PPWV on their respective triggers <NUM>, device <NUM> may wait for the remaining other shooter(s) to apply the PPWV. This waiting stage of device <NUM> may be indicated by indicator <NUM> providing a solid red indication as shown at block <NUM>. At this stage, paired devices <NUM> may be monitoring the force F applied to their respective triggers <NUM> via their respective sensors <NUM>.

After the synchronized discharge of the paired firearms <NUM> at block <NUM>, depressing sync button <NUM> again at decision block <NUM> may cause ram <NUM> to return to the extended position proximate or against the back side of trigger <NUM> and direct the process to block <NUM> of method <NUM>.

If, at block <NUM>, power button <NUM> is pressed after the synchronized discharge of the paired firearms <NUM>, device <NUM> may be turned OFF. Alternatively, if device <NUM> is kept ON and the paired devices <NUM> are still paired (see block <NUM>), valve <NUM> of the instant device <NUM> may remain open by keeping the solenoid de-energized. This state may then be indicated to the shooter by causing indicator <NUM> to emit alternating flashes of red and blue light as shown at block <NUM> until sync button <NUM> is depressed again at block <NUM>.

In various embodiments, methods <NUM> and <NUM> may include preventing the discharge of first firearm 10A when the force F applied to trigger <NUM> of first firearm <NUM> is lower than the PPWV used by device <NUM> of first firearm 10A. Methods <NUM> and <NUM> may include preventing an actuation of trigger <NUM> of second firearm 10B to prevent the discharge of second firearm 10B. The forces F applied to triggers <NUM> of first and second firearms 10A, 10B may be monitored by the respective controllers <NUM> via the respective sensors <NUM>. Once the forces F applied to triggers <NUM> of first and second firearms 10A, 10B (and optionally additional paired firearms <NUM>) meet or exceed their respective PPWV, this state of the respective devices <NUM> may be communicated with each other so that the discharge of first and second firearms 10A, 10B may be permitted substantially simultaneously by the substantially simultaneous opening of respective valves <NUM> for example.

It is understood that other criteria may be evaluated by controller <NUM> to facilitated synchronized discharge of firearms <NUM>. For example, another possible predetermined condition that could also be input or programed into controller <NUM> could be the number of paired devices <NUM> that are required to meet the PPWV before enabling firing of all the paired firearms <NUM> substantially simultaneously. For example, if four devices <NUM> were paired together, it could be programed that only some (e.g., two or three) of the paired devices <NUM> need to meet the PPWV criterion to enable synchronized discharge of those firearms <NUM> meeting the PPWV criterion.

In various embodiments, methods <NUM> and <NUM> may include receiving, at first firearm 10A, a shooter input indicative of a message to be transmitted to a shooter of second firearm 10B. The input may be received via message button <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). As explained above, upon receipt of such input, a signal may be transmitted from first firearm 10A to second firearm 10B via respective controllers <NUM>. When the signal is received at second firearm 10B, an indication indicative of the message may be provided to the shooter of second firearm 10B. The state of second firearm 10B may be indicated to the shooter of second firearm 10B using indicator <NUM> for example. The message to the shooter of second firearm 10B may be provided using the same or other indicator <NUM>. In embodiments where the same indicator <NUM> is used to indicate the message, the function of indicator <NUM> may be (e.g., temporarily) overridden to indicate the message.

<FIG> is a flowchart of another exemplary method <NUM> for facilitating a synchronized discharge of two or more firearms <NUM>. Method <NUM> may be performed using devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> described herein or using other devices. Aspects of method <NUM> may be combined with aspects of methods <NUM>, <NUM> or other methods described herein. Alternatively, method <NUM> may be performed independently from methods <NUM> and <NUM>. Method <NUM> may appeal to shooting range enthusiasts by incorporating a sense of competition between shooters and promoting a more rapid shooting procedure. In reference to <FIG>, when a group of three or more shooters are using respective devices <NUM> for synchronized discharge of their respective firearms <NUM>, the last shooter to be ready to shoot and apply the PPWV on their trigger <NUM> (i.e., the slowest shooter) may be prevented from discharging their firearm <NUM> when all other shooters in the group are substantially simultaneously permitted to discharge their firearms <NUM>.

As controllers <NUM> of respective devices <NUM> receive signals from other controllers <NUM> confirming the application of the PPWV by other shooters in the group, one of the controllers <NUM> may, based on the timing of the signals received or based on a time stamp associated with or part of the signal(s), determine that it's shooter was the last one to apply the PPWV. Accordingly, when all shooters in the group have applied the PPWV, all shooters except for the last shooter to apply the PPWV may be permitted to discharge their firearm <NUM>. In relation to system <NUM> shown in <FIG>, this may be achieved by opening valve <NUM> on all firearms <NUM> that are permitted to be discharged, and keeping valve <NUM> closed on the firearm <NUM> that is prevented from being discharged. Any number of shooters and firearms <NUM> may be in the group. One or more of the last shooters to apply the PPWV may be prevented from discharging their firearm(s) <NUM>.

Settings associated with this function, such as activating this function and specifying the number of last (i.e., slowest) shooters to be prevented from discharging their firearms <NUM>, may be preprogrammed into controller <NUM> or may be communicated to controller <NUM> via an application (app) loaded on another (e.g., portable/mobile) electronic device that is in communication with controller(s) <NUM> for example.

In reference to <FIG>, method <NUM> may comprise:.

In some embodiments, the plurality of firearms <NUM> may include four or more firearms <NUM>.

In some embodiments, method <NUM> may comprise monitoring forces applied to respective triggers <NUM> of each firearm <NUM> in the plurality of firearms <NUM>. Each firearm <NUM> in the plurality of firearms <NUM> may be ready to be discharged when a force applied to trigger <NUM> of each firearm <NUM> is equal to or exceeds the PPWV greater than or equal to a TPWV of the respective firearm <NUM>.

<FIG> is a table listing exemplary states of device <NUM> with associated user actions and states of indicator <NUM>. As explained above, indicator <NUM> (e.g., LED capable of selectively emitting light of different colors) may provide a visual indication to the shooter of the current state of device <NUM>. When device <NUM> is OFF, indicator <NUM> may also be OFF. When device <NUM> is turned ON by pressing power button <NUM>, indicator <NUM> may provide a solid (i.e., non flashing) purple indication. When sync button <NUM> is depressed, indicator <NUM> may emit alternating flashes of red and blue light during the synchronizing function. When the synchronization function is complete and devices <NUM> of two or more firearms <NUM> are paired, indicator <NUM> may provide a solid green indication. When shooter(s) of other firearms has/have reached their respective PPWVs and are waiting for the current shooter to reach his/her PPWV, indicator <NUM> of the current device <NUM> may provide a solid yellow indication. On the other hand, when the current shooter has reaches his/her PPWV and is waiting for one or more other shooters to reach their respective PPWVs, indicator <NUM> of the current device <NUM> may provide a solid red indication. Immediately after the synchronized discharge of firearms <NUM>, indicator <NUM> may provide a solid purple indication. The light colors indicated in <FIG> are provided as non-limiting examples only and it is understood that other color schemes may be suitable.

Claim 1:
A firearm synchronized discharge device (<NUM>) for facilitating a synchronized discharge of two or more firearms (<NUM>, 10A, 10B), the device (<NUM>) comprising:
- an actuator (<NUM>) for engaging with a movable trigger (<NUM>) of a first firearm (<NUM>; 10A; 10B), the actuator (<NUM>) configurable between a first configuration that prevents movement of the trigger (<NUM>) toward a firearm-discharge position of the trigger (<NUM>), and a second configuration that permits movement of the trigger (<NUM>) toward the firearm-discharge position of the trigger (<NUM>);
- a sensor (<NUM>) configured to generate a signal indicative of a force applied to the trigger (<NUM>) by a shooter; and
- a controller (<NUM>) operatively coupled to the sensor (<NUM>) and to the actuator (<NUM>), the controller (<NUM>) configured to:
- receive data indicative of one or more states of one or more respective other firearms (<NUM>, 10A, 10B); and
- when the force meets a criterion and the one or more states indicate that the one or more other firearms (<NUM>, 10A, 10B) are ready for discharge, cause the actuator (<NUM>) to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration to permit movement of the trigger (<NUM>) toward the firearm-discharge position of the trigger (<NUM>).