US US10514223

A technical analysis of U.S. Patent 10,514,223 reveals a novel firearm trigger mechanism designed to be retrofitted into existing semi-automatic firearm platforms. The patent details a system that utilizes the force of the firearm's cycling action to mechanically reset the trigger, a design that has been the subject of significant legal and commercial attention.

Title: Firearm trigger mechanism

Assignee: The patent was originally assigned to Wolf Tactical LLC. Records indicate a subsequent assignment to ABC IP, LLC, with Rare Breed Triggers, LLC holding exclusive licensing rights.

Inventor: Jeffrey Cooper Rounds

Filing Date: September 27, 2018

Issue Date: December 24, 2019

Abstract:
The patent describes a trigger mechanism for a firearm that features a reciprocating bolt carrier. The mechanism comprises a hammer, a trigger member, and a locking bar. When the firearm is cycled, the movement of the hammer forces the trigger member back into its set position. A locking bar then mechanically blocks the trigger, preventing it from being moved until the bolt carrier is in a "substantially in-battery position." This design is intended to increase the potential rate of fire for semi-automatic firearms.

Overview of Independent Claims:

This patent has two independent claims which form the core of the invention:

Claim 1: This claim outlines a trigger mechanism for a firearm with a receiver, a fire control mechanism pocket, and a reciprocating bolt carrier. The key components are:

• A hammer that pivots between a set and a released position.
• A trigger member with a sear that also pivots between set and released positions. A surface on the trigger member is contacted by the hammer as the bolt carrier cycles, forcing the trigger to reset.
• A locking bar that is spring-biased to mechanically block the trigger from being pulled. This bar is moved out of the way by the bolt carrier only when the bolt is nearly or fully in battery, at which point the trigger can be pulled again.

Claim 4: This claim describes a self-contained, "drop-in" module that houses the trigger mechanism. The components are similar to those in Claim 1, but are all contained within a single housing with openings for the hammer and trigger assembly pins. This modular design allows for easy installation into a firearm's existing fire control pocket. The functionality remains the same: the cycling of the bolt carrier forces the hammer to reset the trigger, and a locking bar within the housing prevents firing until the bolt carrier is in the correct position.

As of early 2026, there is no public record of this patent being a subject of litigation before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC). However, the technology has been central to infringement lawsuits in various U.S. District Courts. For example, in January 2026, Rare Breed Triggers Inc. and ABC IP Inc. filed a complaint in the District of Wyoming, accusing Peak Tactical LLC of infringing on US Patent No. 10,514,223, among others.