Gun trigger actuator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gun trigger actuator which converts a manual trigger to an optionally mechanical trigger in lever action rifles, such as the Winchester Model 94 lever action rifle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fulcrum which is pivotably mounted on a pivot pin to the trigger guard portion of the rifle lever just below and forwardly of the tip of the trigger. The fulcrum pivots on the trigger guard from a passive off position to an active firing position and can optionally be employed to mechanically fire the gun by exerting force on the trigger, thereby actuating the trigger, when the lever is rotated to a closed position. The present invention may also includes a trigger shim which is installed in the receiver in front of the trigger to eliminate slack in the trigger and properly fix the trigger in position in relation to the fulcrum. The present invention may also include an enlarged finger opening in the lever in order to accept a user's wrist or arm. This allows the gun to be employed by a person with limited or no use of their fingers or hands.

1 . A gun trigger actuator for a lever action rifle having a trigger having a trigger bottom end, a lever having a trigger guard and a finger portion, and a receiver, comprising a fulcrum which can rotate between a trigger engaging position and a passive position.  
   
   
       2 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 1 , where said fulcrum has a front end, a back end, a top face, a bottom face, a left side, and at least one aperture toward said front end.  
   
   
       3 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one pivot pin.  
   
   
       4 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising at least one pivot pin, where said at least one pivot pin is received by said aperture, extends at least partially through the trigger guard portion of the lever, and rotatably secures said fulcrum to the trigger guard portion.  
   
   
       5 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 4 , where said at least one aperture further comprises a first aperture and a second aperture, said first aperture located on said fulcrum left side, said second aperture located on said fulcrum right side, and where said at least one pivot pin extends completely through said lever and is received by said first aperture and said second aperture.  
   
   
       6 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 1 , where said fulcrum is shaped to allow rotation of said fulcrum on said trigger guard.  
   
   
       7 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a trigger shim, where said trigger shim is installed in the rifle receiver immediately adjacent and forward of the trigger.  
   
   
       8 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 2 , where said fulcrum has a longitudinal slot in said top face, said longitudinal slot extending towards said front end and said back end.  
   
   
       9 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 8 , where said longitudinal slot is sized to allow the trigger bottom end to easily travel through said longitudinal slot when rearward pressure is applied to said trigger.  
   
   
       10 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 1 , where the trigger bottom end is spaced above said fulcrum and travels over said fulcrum when rearward pressure is applied to said trigger.  
   
   
       11 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 2 , where said fulcrum has at least one tab extending outwardly at an angle towards said fulcrum back end.  
   
   
       12 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 7 , where said trigger shim minimizes unnecessary forward movement of the trigger and holds the trigger in a rearward position.  
   
   
       13 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising a pivot pin, where said fulcrum has a front end, a back end, a top face, a bottom face, a left side, and at least one aperture toward said front end, and where said fulcrum is mounted on the trigger guard below the trigger bottom end in a passive position, said front end rotatably secured by said pivot pin forward of the trigger bottom end, and said back end extending rearwardly along and above said trigger guard.  
   
   
       14 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 13  where when said fulcrum is in said passive position, the rifle may be fired by manually applying rearward pressure to the trigger.  
   
   
       15 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 13 , where said fulcrum rotates on said pivot pin to an active position where said fulcrum back end extends upward at an angle forward of said trigger bottom end.  
   
   
       16 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 15  where when said fulcrum is in said active position and the lever is in a closed position, said bottom face is in contact with said trigger and said fulcrum exerts rearward pressure on said trigger.  
   
   
       17 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 16 , where when said fulcrum is in said active position, said rearward pressure on the trigger exerted by said fulcrum causes the rifle to fire.  
   
   
       18 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 17 , where when said fulcrum is in said active position, the rifle may be fired by closing the lever.  
   
   
       19 . In a gun trigger actuator for a lever action rifle having a trigger having a trigger bottom end, a lever having a trigger guard and a finger portion, and a receiver, the improvement which comprises: a fulcrum which can rotate between a trigger engaging position and a passive position.  
   
   
       20 . The gun trigger actuator as recited in  claim 19 , further comprising a trigger shim, where said trigger shim is installed in the rifle receiver immediately adjacent and forward of the trigger.