US4313273A — Firearms and laser beam aim assisting methods and…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 152 words

In a method of operating a firearm having a firing device selectively actuable by a manually cockable hammer and a finger trigger for actuating said hammer and for releasing said cocked hammer for actuation of said firing device, with the aid of an aiming device activable via a switch to provide when activated an aiming mark on a target, the improvement comprising the steps of: providing a switch with switch control means; coupling said trigger to said switch control means for deactivating said aiming device in a rest position of said trigger; manually cocking said hammer and decoupling said trigger from said switch control means for starting activation of said aiming device through said manual cocking of said hammer to provide said aiming mark; and releasing said cocked hammer with said finger trigger for actuation of said firing device only after activation of said aiming device and provision of said aiming mark.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 152 words

In a method of operating a firearm having a firing device selectively actuable by a manually cockable hammer and a finger trigger for actuating said hammer and for releasing said cocked hammer for actuation of said firing device, with the aid of an aiming device activable via a switch to provide when activated an aiming mark on a target, the improvement comprising the steps of: providing a switch with switch control means; coupling said trigger to said switch control means for deactivating said aiming device in a rest position of said trigger; manually cocking said hammer and decoupling said trigger from said switch control means for starting activation of said aiming device through said manual cocking of said hammer to provide said aiming mark; and releasing said cocked hammer with said finger trigger for actuation of said firing device only after activation of said aiming device and provision of said aiming mark.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 26 words

A method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of: activating said aiming device through manual actuation of said trigger to provide said aiming mark.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 29 words

A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said trigger is moved with said hammer during cocking of said hammer for decoupling said trigger from said switch control means.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 136 words

In a method of operating a firearm having a firing device selectively actuable by a hammer and a finger trigger for actuating said hammer, with the aid of an aiming device activable via a switch to provide when activated an aiming mark on a target, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: providing a switch with switch control means; coupling said trigger to said switch control means for deactivating said aiming device in a rest position of said trigger; manually moving said finger trigger relative to said hammer; starting activation of said aiming device with said moving finger trigger by decoupling said moving trigger from said switch control means to provide said aiming mark; and actuating said hammer with said finger trigger only after activation of said aiming device and provision of said aiming mark.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 136 words

In a method of operating a firearm having a firing device selectively actuable by a hammer and a finger trigger for actuating said hammer, with the aid of an aiming device activable via a switch to provide when activated an aiming mark on a target, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: providing a switch with switch control means; coupling said trigger to said switch control means for deactivating said aiming device in a rest position of said trigger; manually moving said finger trigger relative to said hammer; starting activation of said aiming device with said moving finger trigger by decoupling said moving trigger from said switch control means to provide said aiming mark; and actuating said hammer with said finger trigger only after activation of said aiming device and provision of said aiming mark.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 47 words

A method as claimed in claim 4, including the steps of: cocking said hammer; retaining said cocked hammer in a cocked position; and releasing said hammer from said cocked position with said finger trigger only after activation of said aiming device and provision of said aiming mark.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 66 words

A method as claimed in claim 4, including the step of: providing a releasable safety stop for said finger trigger for selectively preventing actuation of said hammer with said finger trigger; providing play between said finger trigger and safety stop; manually actuating said finger trigger toward said safety stop; and starting activation of said aiming device with said finger trigger in the course of said play.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 54 words

A method as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein: said aiming device is provided as a laser beam emitting device mounted on said firearm; and said aiming mark is provided by said laser beam emitting device as a light spot on the target upon activation of said aiming device.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 117 words

In a method of aiming a firearm having a firing mechanism actuated by a manually actuable trigger, with the aid of an aiming device activable via a switch to provide when activated an aiming mark on a target, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: providing said trigger with play between initial manual actuation of said trigger and actuation of said firing mechanism by said trigger; providing a switch with switch control means; coupling said trigger to said switch control means for deactivating said aiming device in a rest position of said trigger; and activating said aiming device with said trigger by decoupling said trigger from said switch control means in the course of said play.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 117 words

In a method of aiming a firearm having a firing mechanism actuated by a manually actuable trigger, with the aid of an aiming device activable via a switch to provide when activated an aiming mark on a target, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: providing said trigger with play between initial manual actuation of said trigger and actuation of said firing mechanism by said trigger; providing a switch with switch control means; coupling said trigger to said switch control means for deactivating said aiming device in a rest position of said trigger; and activating said aiming device with said trigger by decoupling said trigger from said switch control means in the course of said play.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 61 words

A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein: said aiming device is provided as a laser beam emitting device mounted on said firearm; and said laser beam emitting device is energized with said trigger by decoupling said trigger from said switch control means in the course of said play to provide said aiming mark as a light spot on the target.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 87 words

A method as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 or 9, wherein: said firearm is provided with a stock having an end portion extending over a cross-section of said stock, and with a butt end portion extending over said cross-section and being manually detachable from said stock; said butt end portion is loaded with a replenishable power source for activating said aiming device; and said aiming device is energized from said power source when said butt end portion is attached to said stock.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 148 words

In a firearm, the improvement comprising in combination: a firing device; means including a trigger and a manually cockable and selectively releasable hammer for actuating said firing device; activable means for providing when activated an aiming mark on a target; a switch for activating said activable means; control means for said switch coupled to said trigger for inhibiting activation of said activable means in a rest position of said trigger; means coupled to said switch control means and to said hammer for starting activation of said aiming mark providing means through manual cocking of said hammer to provide said aiming mark, including means for decoupling said switch control means from said trigger in response to cocking of said hammer; and means including said trigger for releasing said cocked hammer into actuation of said firing device only after activation of said aiming device and provision of said aiming mark.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 148 words

In a firearm, the improvement comprising in combination: a firing device; means including a trigger and a manually cockable and selectively releasable hammer for actuating said firing device; activable means for providing when activated an aiming mark on a target; a switch for activating said activable means; control means for said switch coupled to said trigger for inhibiting activation of said activable means in a rest position of said trigger; means coupled to said switch control means and to said hammer for starting activation of said aiming mark providing means through manual cocking of said hammer to provide said aiming mark, including means for decoupling said switch control means from said trigger in response to cocking of said hammer; and means including said trigger for releasing said cocked hammer into actuation of said firing device only after activation of said aiming device and provision of said aiming mark.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 21 words

A firearm as claimed in claim 11, wherein: said activation starting means are coupled to said hammer via said finger trigger.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 23 words

A firearm as claimed in claim 11 or 12, including: means for providing a lost-motion connection between said finger trigger and said hammer.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 48 words

A firearm as claimed in claim 11, wherein: said hammer includes means for moving said finger trigger during cocking of said hammer; said activation starting means include means coupled to said trigger for starting activation of said aiming device through said moving trigger to provide said aiming mark.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 76 words

A firearm as claimed 11, 12 or 14, including: means in said activation starting means for starting activation of said aiming device through manual actuation of said trigger to provide said aiming mark; and means for actuating said hammer from a rest position with said finger trigger; means for providing play between said finger trigger and said hammer; and means coupled to said finger trigger for activating said aiming device in the course of said play.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 36 words

A firearm as claimed in claim 11, 12 or 14, wherein: said aiming device includes a laser beam emitting device mounted on said firearm for providing said aiming mark as a light spot on the target.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 133 words

Apparatus for assisting the aiming of a firearm having a firing mechanism actuated by a manually actuable trigger, comprising in combination: activable means for providing when activated an aiming mark on a target; means at said trigger for providing said trigger with play between initial manual actuation of said trigger and actuation of said firing mechanism by said trigger; and means connected to said activable means and coupled to said trigger for activating said aiming mark providing means, including a switch for activating said activable means, control means for said switch coupled to said trigger for inhibiting activation of said activable means in a rest position of said trigger, and means for decoupling said switch control means from said trigger to activate said aiming mark providing means in the course of said play.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 133 words

Apparatus for assisting the aiming of a firearm having a firing mechanism actuated by a manually actuable trigger, comprising in combination: activable means for providing when activated an aiming mark on a target; means at said trigger for providing said trigger with play between initial manual actuation of said trigger and actuation of said firing mechanism by said trigger; and means connected to said activable means and coupled to said trigger for activating said aiming mark providing means, including a switch for activating said activable means, control means for said switch coupled to said trigger for inhibiting activation of said activable means in a rest position of said trigger, and means for decoupling said switch control means from said trigger to activate said aiming mark providing means in the course of said play.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 66 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein: said firing mechanism includes a hammer having an actuating member located at a distance from said trigger for engagement and actuation by said trigger, and means for pivoting said trigger for travel through said distance into engagement with said actuating member; and said activating means includes means for activating said aiming mark providing means upon initiation of said travel.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 95 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein: said firing mechanism includes a manually cockable hammer having an extension for engaging and moving said trigger during cocking of said hammer; said trigger has a portion for releasably retaining said extension of said hammer upon completed movement of said trigger by said extension and cocking of said hammer, preparatory to manual actuation of said trigger and release of said cocked hammer; and said activating means include means for activating said aiming mark providing means upon movement of said trigger by said extension during cocking of said hammer.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 140 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein: said firing mechanism includes a manually cockable hammer having an actuating member located at a distance from said trigger for engagement and actuation by said trigger and an extension for engaging and moving said trigger during cocking of said hammer, and means for pivoting said trigger for travel through said distance into engagement with said actuating member and for movement of said trigger during cocking of said hammer; said trigger has a portion for releasably retaining said extension of said hammer upon completed movement of said trigger by said extension and cocking of said hammer, preparatory to manual actuation of said trigger and release of said cocked hammer; and said activating means include means for activating said aiming mark providing means upon initiation of said travel and upon said movement of said trigger.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 50 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein: said firing mechanism has a selectively actuable safety device for stopping said trigger in the course of said play; and said activating means include means for activating said aiming mark providing means prior to said stopping of said trigger by said safety device.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 74 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein: said aiming mark providing means include an energizable laser device mounted on said firearm for emitting when energized a laser beam to provide said aiming mark in the form of a light spot on said target; and said activating means include a switching device electrically connected to said laser device and mechanically coupled to said trigger for energizing said laser device in the course of said play.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 95 words

A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein: said firearm has a stock including an end portion extending over a cross-section of said stock; said firearm includes means for receiving a replenishable power source for activating said aiming mark providing means, including a hollow butt end portion extending over said cross-section and being manually detachable from said stock; and said activating means include means coupled to said trigger for energizing said aiming mark providing means from said power source in the course of said play when said butt end portion is attached to said stock.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 138 words

In a method of aiming a firearm with the aid of an aiming device controlled by a switch to provide an aiming mark on a target, said firearm having a manually actuable trigger assembly and means engageable by said assembly for controlling said switch, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: effecting an engagement between said trigger assembly and said engageable means in a rest position of the trigger assembly; controlling said switch in response to said engagement to suspend operation of said aiming device in said rest position; effecting a disengagement between said trigger assembly and said engageable means upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly from said rest position; and controlling said switch in response to said disengagement to provide said aiming mark upon said manual actuation of the trigger assembly from said rest position.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 138 words

In a method of aiming a firearm with the aid of an aiming device controlled by a switch to provide an aiming mark on a target, said firearm having a manually actuable trigger assembly and means engageable by said assembly for controlling said switch, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: effecting an engagement between said trigger assembly and said engageable means in a rest position of the trigger assembly; controlling said switch in response to said engagement to suspend operation of said aiming device in said rest position; effecting a disengagement between said trigger assembly and said engageable means upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly from said rest position; and controlling said switch in response to said disengagement to provide said aiming mark upon said manual actuation of the trigger assembly from said rest position.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 59 words

A method as claimed in claim 24, including the steps of: providing said engageable means with a bias tending to close said switch; maintaining said engageable means against said bias during said engagement between the trigger assembly and said engageable means; and closing the switch with said bias upon said disengagement between the trigger assembly and said engageable means.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 43 words

A method as claimed in claim 24, including the steps of: providing said engageable means with a lever extending from said trigger assembly to said switch; and employing said lever to maintain said switch open in said rest position of the trigger assembly.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 113 words

In a method of aiming a firearm with the aid of an aiming device activated upon closure of a switch to provide an aiming mark on a target, said firearm having a manually actuable trigger assembly, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: providing means for actuating said switch; providing said trigger assembly with an element engageable with said actuating means; engaging said actuating means with said trigger assembly element to maintain said switch open in a quiescent condition of the firearm; disengaging said trigger assembly element from said actuating means upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly; and closing said switch with said disengaged actuating means to provide said aiming mark.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 113 words

In a method of aiming a firearm with the aid of an aiming device activated upon closure of a switch to provide an aiming mark on a target, said firearm having a manually actuable trigger assembly, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: providing means for actuating said switch; providing said trigger assembly with an element engageable with said actuating means; engaging said actuating means with said trigger assembly element to maintain said switch open in a quiescent condition of the firearm; disengaging said trigger assembly element from said actuating means upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly; and closing said switch with said disengaged actuating means to provide said aiming mark.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 45 words

A method as claimed in claim 27, including the steps of: providing said means for actuating said switch with a lever extending from said trigger assembly to said switch; and employing said lever to maintain said switch open in a quiescent condition of the firearm.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method as claimed in claim 28, including the step of: pivoting said lever for angular movement between said trigger assembly and said switch.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 49 words

A method as claimed in claim 28 or 29, including the steps of: providing said trigger assembly with a cam surface at said element engageable with said lever; and engaging with said trigger assembly said lever via said cam surface to maintain said switch open in said quiescent condition.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 39 words

A method as claimed in claim 30, including the steps of: lifting said cam surface off said lever upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly; and closing said switch with said lever upon said lifting of the cam surface.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 105 words

In a method of aiming a firearm with the aid of an aiming device activated upon closure of a switch to provide an aiming mark on a target, said firearm having a manually actuable trigger assembly, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: providing said switch as a normally closed switch; providing said trigger assembly with an element extending to said switch for maintaining said normally closed switch in an open condition in a quiescent condition of the firearm; and employing said element to release said switch to its normally closed condition to provide said aiming mark upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 105 words

In a method of aiming a firearm with the aid of an aiming device activated upon closure of a switch to provide an aiming mark on a target, said firearm having a manually actuable trigger assembly, the improvement comprising in combination the steps of: providing said switch as a normally closed switch; providing said trigger assembly with an element extending to said switch for maintaining said normally closed switch in an open condition in a quiescent condition of the firearm; and employing said element to release said switch to its normally closed condition to provide said aiming mark upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 141 words

In apparatus for assisting the aiming of a firearm having a manually actuable trigger assembly, the improvement comprising in combination: a switch; an aiming device controlled by said switch for providing an aiming mark on a target; means engageable by said trigger assembly for controlling said switch; means for effecting an engagement between said trigger assembly and said engageable means in a rest position of the trigger assembly; means for controlling said switch in response to said engagement to suspend operation of said aiming device in said rest position; means for effecting a disengagement between said trigger assembly and said engageable means upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly from said rest position; and means for controlling said switch in response to said disengagement to provide said aiming mark upon said manual actuation of the trigger assembly from said rest position.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 141 words

In apparatus for assisting the aiming of a firearm having a manually actuable trigger assembly, the improvement comprising in combination: a switch; an aiming device controlled by said switch for providing an aiming mark on a target; means engageable by said trigger assembly for controlling said switch; means for effecting an engagement between said trigger assembly and said engageable means in a rest position of the trigger assembly; means for controlling said switch in response to said engagement to suspend operation of said aiming device in said rest position; means for effecting a disengagement between said trigger assembly and said engageable means upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly from said rest position; and means for controlling said switch in response to said disengagement to provide said aiming mark upon said manual actuation of the trigger assembly from said rest position.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 57 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 33, including: means for imposing on said engageable means a bias for closing the switch upon said disengagement between the trigger assembly and said engageable means; and means coupled to said engageable means for maintaining said engageable means against said bias during said engagement between the trigger assembly and said engageable means.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 34 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 33, wherein: said engageable means include a lever extending from said trigger assembly to said switch and maintaining said switch open in said rest position of the trigger assembly.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 105 words

In apparatus for assisting the aiming of a firearm having a manually actuable trigger assembly, the improvement comprising in combination: a switch; an aiming device activated upon closure of said switch for providing an aiming mark on a target; means for actuating said switch; means including an element at said trigger assembly engageable with said actuating means for maintaining said switch open in a quiescent condition of the firearm; means for mounting said trigger assembly element for disengagement from said actuating means upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly; and means for closing said switch with said disengaged actuating means to provide said aiming mark.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 105 words

In apparatus for assisting the aiming of a firearm having a manually actuable trigger assembly, the improvement comprising in combination: a switch; an aiming device activated upon closure of said switch for providing an aiming mark on a target; means for actuating said switch; means including an element at said trigger assembly engageable with said actuating means for maintaining said switch open in a quiescent condition of the firearm; means for mounting said trigger assembly element for disengagement from said actuating means upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly; and means for closing said switch with said disengaged actuating means to provide said aiming mark.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 36 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein: said means for actuating said switch include a lever extending from said trigger assembly to said switch for maintaining said switch open in a quiescent condition of the firearm.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 27 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein: said switch actuating means include means for pivoting said lever for angular movement between said trigger assembly and said switch.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 30 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 37 or 38, wherein: said trigger assembly element has a cam surface engageable with said lever for maintaining said switch open in said quiescent condition.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 39 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 39, including: means for lifting said cam surface off said lever upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly; and means for closing said switch with said lever upon said lifting of the cam surface.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 90 words

In apparatus for assisting the aiming of a firearm having a manually actuable trigger assembly, the improvement comprising in combination: a normally closed switch; an aiming device activated upon closure of said switch to provide an aiming mark on a target; and means at said trigger assembly extending to said switch for maintaining said normally closed switch in an open condition in a quiescent condition of the firearm and for releasing said switch to its normally closed condition to provide said aiming mark upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 90 words

In apparatus for assisting the aiming of a firearm having a manually actuable trigger assembly, the improvement comprising in combination: a normally closed switch; an aiming device activated upon closure of said switch to provide an aiming mark on a target; and means at said trigger assembly extending to said switch for maintaining said normally closed switch in an open condition in a quiescent condition of the firearm and for releasing said switch to its normally closed condition to provide said aiming mark upon manual actuation of the trigger assembly.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1985-02-01	1985-08-03	1986-02-02	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1989-02-01	1989-08-03	1990-02-02	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1993-02-01	1993-08-03	1994-02-02	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Firearms and laser beam aim assisting methods and apparatus

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