Universal remote trigger actuator

Abstract

A remote trigger actuator, including a driver, a shaft coupled to the driver, the shaft including a central axis, a proximal end, and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a cam coupled to the shaft proximate the distal end, the cam including a first end and a second end opposite the first end. Wherein rotation of the shaft about the axis causes the second end of the cam to engage a trigger of the firearm thereby discharging the firearm. The trigger actuator is configured to be mounted to the firearm.

1 . A remote trigger actuator, comprising:
 a driver;   a shaft coupled to the driver, the shaft including a central axis, a proximal end, and a distal end opposite the proximal end; and   a cam coupled to the shaft proximate the distal end, the cam including a first end and a second end opposite the first end;   wherein rotation of the shaft about the axis causes the second end of the cam to engage a trigger of the firearm thereby discharging the firearm; and   wherein the trigger actuator is configured to be mounted to the firearm.   
     
     
         2 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 1 , wherein the driver is configured to rotate the shaft from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position is angularly shifted approximately 90° from the second position about the axis. 
     
     
         3 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 2 , further comprising a controller including a switch, wherein the shaft rotates from the first position to the second position when the switch is engaged. 
     
     
         4 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 3 , wherein the shaft rotates from the second position to the first position when the switch is dis-engaged. 
     
     
         5 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 1 , further comprising a housing surrounding the driver, wherein the housing is coupled to a trigger guard of the firearm. 
     
     
         6 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 5 , further comprising a locking clamp, wherein the level clamp is configured to secure the housing to the trigger guard. 
     
     
         7 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 5 , further comprising a bracing member coupled to the housing, wherein the bracing member engages the firearm. 
     
     
         8 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 7 , wherein the bracing member is mounted within the trigger guard. 
     
     
         9 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 5 , wherein the housing is coupled to the trigger guard of the firearm with a locking nut. 
     
     
         10 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 1 , wherein the cam further comprises a first lateral side, and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, and a trigger engagement surface disposed at the second end extending between the first and second lateral sides. 
     
     
         11 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 10 , wherein the trigger engagement surface is curved. 
     
     
         12 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 1 , wherein the cam is eccentric about the central axis. 
     
     
         13 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 1 , wherein the driver is a servo motor. 
     
     
         14 . A remote trigger actuator for a firearm, comprising:
 a housing mountable to the firearm;   a driver slidingly disposed within the housing;   a shaft coupled to the driver, the shaft including a central axis, a proximal end disposed within the housing, and a distal end extending from the housing; and   a cam coupled to the shaft proximate the distal end, the cam including a first end and a second end opposite the first end;   wherein rotation of the shaft about the axis causes the second end of the cam to engage a trigger of the firearm thereby discharging the firearm.   
     
     
         15 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 14 , wherein the driver may be moved relative to the housing in order to facilitate engagement between the cam and the trigger. 
     
     
         16 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 14 , wherein the housing is mountable the firearm by engaging a trigger guard of the firearm between an upper engagement member and a lower engagement member, wherein the upper engagement member and the lower engagement member are coupled to the housing. 
     
     
         17 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 16 , wherein the lower engagement member is coupled to the housing with a slotted connection, and wherein the housing and the upper engagement member may be moved relative to the lower engagement member. 
     
     
         18 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 17 , wherein engagement of the trigger guard between the upper and lower engagement members is facilitated by a locking clamp. 
     
     
         19 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 17 , wherein engagement of the trigger guard between the upper and lower engagement members is facilitated by a locking nut. 
     
     
         20 . The remote trigger actuator of  claim 14 , further comprising a controller including a switch, wherein the shaft rotates about the axis when the switch is engaged. 
     
     
         21 . A method of discharging a firearm, comprising:
 mounting a remote trigger actuator to a trigger guard of the firearm, the remote trigger actuator further comprising:
 a driver; 
 a shaft coupled to the driver, the shaft including a central axis, a proximal end, and a distal end opposite the proximal end; and 
 a cam coupled to the shaft proximate the distal end, the cam including a first end and a second end opposite the first end; 
   engaging a trigger of the firearm with the second end of the cam; and   rotating the shaft about the axis to discharge the firearm.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein engaging a trigger of the firearm with the second end of the cam further comprises:
 depressing a trigger of the firearm;   rotating the shaft from a first position to a second position;   sliding the trigger actuator along the trigger guard until the cam engages with the depressed trigger; and   rotating the shaft back to the first position, wherein the first position is angularly shifted approximately 90° from the second position.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein rotating the shaft about the axis to discharge the firearm comprises rotating the shaft from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein rotating the shaft about the axis to discharge the firearm further comprises actuating a switch on a controller which is electrically coupled to the driver.