Passive safety mechanism

Abstract

A passive safety mechanism which blocks the firing element until the trigger is deliberately pulled. A link which connects the trigger to the blocking piece serves a dual function by also connecting the trigger to the triggerbar and providing a pivot for the triggerbar. If the link is removed the triggerbar is disconnected from the trigger and the trigger is disconnected from the gun. The blocking piece also serves multiple functions by aligning the triggerbar and positioning the trigger return spring. If the blocking piece is removed the trigger return spring is disengaged.

I claim:  
     
         1 . In a firearm, a passive safety mechanism comprising blocking means to block a firing element and connecting means which connect said blocking means to a trigger, characterized in that one of the means performs an additional function distinct from that of a triggerbar.  
     
     
         2 . The passive safety mechanism of    claim 1    wherein said connecting means connects said trigger to a triggerbar.  
     
     
         3 . The passive safety mechanism of    claim 1    wherein said blocking means provides alignment to a triggerbar.  
     
     
         4 . The passive safety mechanism of    claim 1    wherein said blocking means positions a trigger return spring.  
     
     
         5 . The passive safety mechanism of    claim 3    wherein said blocking means positions a trigger return spring.  
     
     
         6 . The passive safety mechanism of    claim 1    wherein normal operation of said firearm is precluded when said blocking means is removed.  
     
     
         7 . The passive safety mechanism of    claim 1    wherein normal operation of said firearm is precluded when said connecting means is removed.  
     
     
         8 . In a firearm having a trigger and a triggerbar, a passive safety mechanism comprising connecting means, distinct from said triggerbar, which connect said trigger to means for blocking a firing element.  
     
     
         9 . The passive safety mechanism of    claim 8    wherein said connecting means connects said trigger to said triggerbar.  
     
     
         10 . The passive safety mechanism of    claim 8    wherein said connecting means is a slidable link.  
     
     
         11 . The passive safety mechanism of    claim 9    wherein said connecting means is a slidable link.  
     
     
         12 . The passive safety mechanism of    claim 9    wherein said connecting means provides pivot means for said triggerbar.  
     
     
         13 . In a handgun having a frame, a passive safety mechanism comprising means to block a firing element, the blocking means located in a frame recess accessible from the rear of said frame.  
     
     
         14 . The passive safety of    claim 13    wherein the blocking means acts directly upon a sear catch of said firing element.  
     
     
         15 . The passive safety of    claim 13    wherein the blocking means is substantially the same transverse width as said recess.  
     
     
         16 . The passive safety of    claim 13    wherein a detachable backstrap provides alignment to the blocking means.  
     
     
         17 . The passive safety of    claim 13    wherein a positive stop means limits the maximum downward position of the blocking means.  
     
     
         18 . The passive safety of    claim 17    wherein said positive stop means is a mandrel for a torsion spring.  
     
     
         19 . In a handgun having a longitudinally slidable trigger, a trigger mechanism comprising a trigger return spring, said trigger return spring being a torsion spring.  
     
     
         20 . The trigger mechanism of    claim 19    wherein said trigger return spring acts upon a triggerbar.