Bolt release trigger safety mechanism for firearms

• US 4,730,406 A
• Filed: 12/10/1984
• Issued: 03/15/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: New Colt Holding Corp. (Colt Defense Holding LLC)
• Original Assignee: Ultra Light Arms, Inc.
• Inventors: Forbes, Melvin D., Malone, William F. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kyle, Deborah L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Carone, Michael J.
• Application Number:
  US06/680,328
• Time in Patent Office: 1,191 Days
• Field of Search: 42/70 R, 42/70 C, 42/70 D, 42/70 E
• US Class Current: 42/70.01
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 17/32 the other element being the breech-block or bolt

Abstract

This invention is an integrated three-position or three-stage safety mechanism for firearms that allows the release of a locked breech bolt mechanism while a Safety Lever is in the "Safe" (Position No. 1) or no fire position, when the trigger and/or the sear mechanism is locked. While in Position No. 1, the safety mechanism allows the firearms'"'"' handler or user the ability to depress the Safety Level (Position No. 2) to release, lift, rotate, open, and/or remove the bolt assembly as desired. The design of the Safety mechanism prohibits the operator from inadvertently moving the Safety Lever to the OFF or "Fire" position (Position No. 3), while depressing the Safety Lever (Position No. 2) to release the bolt assembly. This allows removal of the "live" or empty cartridges while the Safety Lever is locked and blocked in the "Safe" or OFF position, thus significantly enhancing the safety of this operation.

This invention is an adaptable enhancement to firearms that use the older or recent two-stage top or side safety trigger blockage or sear blockage safety devices, thus enhancing the safety and handling features on a wide variety of firearms. The adaptation of this invention as an enhanced safety replacement device is a simple task for a qualified gunsmith or one skilled in the art of firearm repairs.

Claims

1. A safety mechanism for a rifle having a bolt, a sear, a slidable firing pin, and a trigger housing, said mechanism comprising:

a safety lever;

a bolt arm lock;

a safety arm;

said safety lever being moveably mounted onto said trigger housing;

said safety arm being engaged and moveable with said safety lever;

said bolt arm lock being engaged and moveable with said safety lever;

said safety lever being moveable to a first position causing said bolt arm lock to engage the bolt for preventing the bolt from being rotated, and while said safety arm engages the sear for preventing the firing pin from sliding;

said safety lever being moveable to a second position from said first position, said motion to said second position effecting a corresponding movement of said bolt arm lock for releasing said bolt arm lock from the bolt to thereby permit said bolt to be operated or removed while said sliding of said fire pin remains prevented by said safety arm; and

said safety lever being moveable to a third position from said first position causing said bolt arm lock to disengage the bolt for allowing the bolt to rotate, and while said safety arm disengages the sear for allowing the firing pin to slide forward.