WO2024124161A1 - Firearm discharge warning apparatus and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A firearm discharge warning apparatus have a housing portion adapted to removably couple to a trigger guard of a fire. The apparatus can include, a light indicator, a high-precision distance sensor, and a speaker. The sensor can be communicatively coupled to a controller that can obtain data from the sensor to determine when a pre-determine distance is measured by the sensor and to alert a user. The pre-determine distance can be a distance where a firearms trigger is 50% engaged and can result in the controller to trigger an emission of sound for a speaker.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

FIREARM DISCHARGE WARNING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF

SPECIFICATION

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application: 63/386,533 filed December 8, 2022 to the above named inventor, the disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to a firearm discharge warning apparatus. More particularly, the invention of the present disclosure relates to a sensing apparatus configured for attachment in an adjacent position to a firearm trigger to activate an audible alarm when the trigger is moved a predetermined distance from the apparatus prior to firearm discharge. BACKGROUND

[0003] Due to the dangerous nature of firearms, users and manufacturers are often seeking solutions to improve safe use and prevent inadvertent discharge. One such solution is what is commonly called a trigger safety. The trigger safety is generally a mechanism configured to lock the trigger and prevent operation. Although useful, the trigger safety is generally easily manipulated and in some cases, may not be utilized. In addition to a trigger safety, some individuals will utilize a trigger lock. Although useful, a trigger lock is generally only applicable when the firearm is being stored and not in actual use.

[0004] It would be advantageous to have an improved apparatus that is configured to alert a user when a firearm trigger is partially manipulated. Furthermore, it would also be advantageous to have an apparatus that can be removable and provided in an assembly for universal use on multiple types and styles of firearms. Still further, it would be advantageous to have an apparatus that can be rechargeable. The apparatus of the present disclosure can fulfill an unmet need by providing an audible alarm prior to firearm discharge in an effort to prevent accidental operation and discharge.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one aspect, a firearm discharge warning apparatus of the present disclosure can include a power source, a switch, a light element, a speaker, a distance sensor, and at least one controller to control operation and function of these components. The apparatus can be configured to emit a noise, vibration, or other alert to a firearm operator as the trigger is initially depressed, which may prevent accidental shootings. The apparatus alerts a user via an audible tone intended to remind the user that they are in the process of pulling the trigger to discharge the firearm or that the trigger is being depressed accidentally. The apparatus is configured for attachment to a trigger guard by clamping on to the guard in an adjacent position.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure is related to a firearm discharge warning apparatus comprising a housing member. The housing member can have a back wall, a first sidewall and a second sidewall positioned opposite each other, a first front wall and a second front wall separated by a cavity formed between the first and second front walls. The front walls can be opposite a back wall that extends between the first and second sidewalls. A top wall and a bottom wall opposite the top wall. The cavity is configured for receipt of a portion of a trigger guard of the firearm. The cavity can be formed by a first interior cavity wall and a second interior cavity wall having a space between the interior cavity walls. An interior back wall can be formed that can interface with the side wall of a trigger guard. The housing can include a power source positioned within the housing that can be communicatively coupled to a power switch with the switch being positioned on an exterior surface of the housing for access by a user. At least one sensor can be configured to measure the distance between the sensor surface and the portion of the trigger of the firearm or a user's finger and can be generally located within the housing and have a sensor portion positioned on an exterior portion of the housing. A controller can be communicatively coupled to the power source and sensor. A light element can be communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to illuminate upon the at least one sensor measuring a pre-determined distance. Additionally or in place of the light element, an audio element can be communicatively coupled to the controller and can be configured to emit an audible noise upon the at least one sensor measuring a pre-determined distance.

[0007] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Fig. l is a front view illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a back view illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0010] Fig. 3 is a right side view illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0011] Fig. 4 is a left side view illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 5 is a bottom view illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. [0013] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 7A is a side view of a firearm utilizing an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure with the trigger in an undepressed position.

[0015] Fig. 7B is a side view of a firearm utilizing an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure with the trigger in an slightly depressed position.

[0016] Fig. 8 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as "examples," are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0019] Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit, or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

[0020] Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

[0021] References in the specification to "one embodiment" indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0022] The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

[0023] As used herein, the term "and/or" refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. [0024] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0025] As used herein, the terms "include," "for example," "such as," and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

[0027] Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

[0028] As used herein, the terms "front," "back," "rear," "upper," "lower," "right," and "left" in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with "front," "back," and "rear" being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

[0029] As used herein, the term "coupled" means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being in communicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically, through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network, optical fiber, or other medium and methods.

[0030] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

[0031] Referring now to Figs. 1-9 of a firearm discharge warning apparatus of the present disclosure and generally referred herein as the apparatus. The apparatus 1 is generally an apparatus configured for clamping on a trigger guard 14 of a firearm 10 for sensing, measuring, and detecting a distance of movement of a trigger 12 during use of the firearm. In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor can be configured to determine if a user or object is placed within the trigger guard 14 area between the sensor and the trigger 12. The apparatus 1 can be generally comprised of a plurality of electronic components including, but not limited to, a power source 450, a power switch 400, a light element 300, a speaker 600, a sensor 500, and at least one controller 900 to control operation and function of these components. The controller can include a processing means, memory, and other elements communicatively coupled to the controller.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 1, the apparatus 1 can include a sensor 500 configured to measuring and detecting the distance of movement of the trigger during use of the firearm. The sensor

500 can be communicatively coupled to a speaker or audio/visual component 600 and configured to transmit a signal to the speaker 600 so the speaker generates an audible tone when movement of the trigger reaches a predetermined distance prior to discharge of the firearm. The sensor 500 may be a high precision distance sensor. The predetermined distance can be adjustable and selected by the user. Accordingly, the apparatus 1 can provide an audible alert signal before discharge as a pull of the trigger is approximately at a 50% of an 100% engaged position. In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus can be configured to be customized to provide varying alerts based upon the user's desired engaged position. This allows the user to pause and think before completing the trigger pull resulting in discharge. Similarly, it can provide a user notification if a trigger is being accidentally or unknowingly depressed/engaged.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor 500 can additionally be communicatively coupled to a light element 300 and configured to transmit a signal to the light element 300 so the light element 300 lights up when movement of the trigger reaches a predetermined distance prior to discharge. The light element and audio visual can be configured to provide signals in tandem with each other. A user can customize the sensor to allow for one or more type of signals to be alerted when the sensor measures a pre-determined distance.

Additionally, the sensor can be configured to account for a user's finger width or alternatively be in plane with a portion of a trigger 12 that is not covered by a user's finger. The distance sensor can measure the distance between the sensor and a user's finger or alternatively the distance between the sensor and a portion of the trigger. The distance sensor 500 can additional function as a security measure and operate as a distance break to alert a user when someone has placed their finger in the path between the sensor 500 and the trigger 12. [0034] The apparatus 1 can include a body or housing portion 100 having a back wall 103, two sidewalls 104, 105 opposite each other, two front walls 101, 102 opposite the back wall 103, a top wall 106 and a bottom wall 107 opposite the top wall. The back wall 103 generally flat and having the two sidewalls 104, 105 extending upwardly from the backwall 103. The top and bottom walls 106, 107 generally flat and each having an opening. The two front walls 101, 102 generally flat and coupled to the two sidewalls 104, 105 and to the top and bottom wall

106, 107 to define a cavity 200 along the openings located at the top and bottom walls 106,

107. The cavity 200 having a first cavity wall 201 and a second cavity wall 202 configured for receipt of a portion of a trigger guard 14 of the firearm 10. The cavity 200 generally configured for clamping onto the portion of the trigger guard of the firearm.

[0035] As shown in Figs. 5-6, an interior back wall 203 can be formed that can interface with the side wall of a trigger guard 14. The first cavity wall 201 and/or clamping member 110 can have a first curvature configured to approximate the interior radius of a trigger guard 14. The second cavity wall 202 can have a second curvature configured to approximate the exterior radius or shape of a trigger guard 14. In some exemplary embodiments, the first curvature and second curvature can be opposite curvatures from one another. The cavity 200 and configuration of the apparatus can allow for the apparatus to be easily placed onto a trigger guard of a firearm.

[0036] The at least one of the first or second cavity walls 201, 202 can include one or more clamping members 110, 120 generally made of a resilient material selected to grip and prevent movement of the apparatus after installation onto the portion of the trigger guard 14. The clamping members 110, 120 can be comprised of any suitable material, including but not limited a polymer material to allow for a compression fit between the surface of each of the clamping members 110, 120 with each surface of the portion of the trigger guard 14. When the apparatus 1 is clamped onto the portion of the trigger guard with the sensor 500 facing the trigger of the firearm, the sensor will then measure and detect the distance of movement of the trigger during use of the firearm. In some exemplary embodiments, the surface of the clamping members can have a textured surface 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the clamping members 110, 120 can be removably couplable to the respective cavity walls to allow for various application. The clamping members 110, 120 can be interchangeable to allow for a user to utilize shapes adapted specifically for the curvature or shape of the respective trigger guard. [0037] The apparatus 1 structure may comprise the sensor 500 located at sidewall 105, the power switch 400 located at sidewall 104, the light element 300 located at front wall 102, the speaker 600 located at bottom wall 107. In some exemplary embodiment, the switch 400 can also be used to control different modes of the apparatus. The modes can include but are not limited to ON/OFF, AUDIO only, Light signal only, and audiovisual ("AV") mode, wherein the AV mode provides both and audio and visual indicator to a user. In other exemplary embodiments, the light element can be configured to be an on/off switch to control whether the visual signal mode is activated. In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus can include any suitable power source. The power source can be a battery. The battery can be removable and/or rechargeable. A charging port 700 can be positioned on the surface of the housing 100 to allow for easy recharging of the apparatus 1 in between uses. The charging port can additionally be used to communicate with the controller to adjust settings or alternatively a transceiver can wireless communicate with a computer means, such as a phone to adjust the settings of the apparatus.

[0038] Figs. 8A-B illustrate a firearm 10 with an apparatus 1 of the present disclosure removably coupled to the trigger guard 14. The sensor can be located on the interior of the trigger guard and can have a first set point or measurement, which can be a measurement between the sensor and the trigger in unengaged position. The apparatus can then have a second set point for a pre-determined distance, wherein the second set point or distance is equivalent to the trigger being depressed at 50%. Once the sensor reaches this distance a signal can be initiated by the controller to the speaker and or light element. As shown in Fig. 9, the apparatus may further comprise a transceiver 950 configured to be communicatively coupled to a computing apparatus, wherein the computing apparatus 1000 can provide a notification to a user. The computing apparatus may be a cellular phone.

[0039] Additional set points can be stored on the controller or configured and can be utilized to trigger a response to a user. For instance, a set point can be used to provide a first alert when an object is placed between the sensor and the trigger. A second alert can then be initiated when the distance between that object and/or the trigger increases. As the distance grows additional alerts can be initiated as the trigger gets closer to being 100% engaged. The additional alerts can include increased volume, numerous audio alerts, and other notifications. [0040] The apparatus may further comprise a vibrational emitter configured to initiate a vibrational signal upon the at least one sensor measuring a pre-determined distance, wherein the vibration emitter is positioned within the housing. It is to be understood that the shape and dimensions of the apparatus may vary without prejudice of its functionality. The apparatus may have its own power source, such as a rechargeable battery.

[0041] While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A firearm discharge warning apparatus, comprising: a housing member comprising: a back wall, a first sidewall and a second sidewall positioned opposite each other, a first front wall and a second front wall separated by a cavity formed between the first and second front walls, wherein the cavity is formed between a first interior cavity wall, a second interior cavity wall, and back cavity wall; wherein the front walls are opposite a back wall that extends between the first and second sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall opposite the top wall, wherein the cavity is configured for receipt of a portion of a trigger guard of the firearm; a power source positioned within the housing; a power switch communicatively coupled to the power source and positioned on an exterior surface of the housing; at least one sensor configured to measure the distance between the sensor surface and the portion of the trigger of the firearm; a controller communicatively coupled to the power source and sensor; a light element communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the light element is configured to illuminate upon the at least one sensor measuring a predetermined distance; and an audio element communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the audio element is configured to emit an audible noise upon the at least one sensor measuring a pre-determined distance.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cavity includes a first cavity wall and a second cavity wall, wherein at least one of the first or second cavity walls includes a clamping member, wherein the clamping member is configured to exert a compressive force between the portion of the trigger guard and the clamping member to secure the housing to the portion of the trigger guard.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is provided with a second clamping surface configured to further secure the apparatus upon the portion of the trigger guard.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a transceiver configured to be communicatively coupled to a computing apparatus, wherein the computing apparatus can provide a notification to a user.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the computing apparatus is a cellular phone.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus further comprises a vibrational emitter configured to initiate a vibrational signal upon the at least one sensor measuring a predetermined distance, wherein the vibration emitter is positioned within the housing.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured for clamping on the portion of the trigger guard for sensing, measuring, and detecting a distance of movement of the trigger during use of the firearm.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the audio element is configured to emit the audible noise when movement of the trigger reaches the predetermined distance prior to a discharge.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the predetermined distance before the discharge is when the pull of the trigger is approximately at a 50% of an 100% engaged position.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the surface of the clamping member is textured and configured to grip the surface of a trigger guard.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first cavity wall has a first curvature configured to approximate the interior radius of a trigger guard.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second cavity wall has a second curvature configured to approximate the exterior radius or shape of a trigger guard.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the sensor is a high precision distance sensor.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the pre-determined distance where a firearms trigger is 50% engaged.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein both the first cavity wall and the second cavity wall include a clamping member.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the clamping member is removably couplable to the respective cavity wall.