Forced-Reset Trigger Patent Portfolio

This page provides the core patents and referenced prior art that define modern forced-reset trigger technology. These filings cover mechanisms that drive the trigger forward into reset using the movement of the bolt carrier, while preventing unintended automatic fire. Each patent below links to the original filing.

- All documents are publicly filed. This page is for reference only and is not legal advice. -

Current Patent Family

US 11,346,627 B1

Forced Reset Semiautomatic Trigger

Issued May 31, 2022 to Lawrence DeMonico. Describes a forced-reset trigger that uses a sliding blocking bar and carrier-driven forward force to reset the trigger between shots. Forms the basis of the Rare Breed FRT-15.

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US 10,514,223 B1

Firearm Trigger Mechanism

Issued 2019. Describes a trigger/hammer/locking bar system that prevents the hammer from releasing until the bolt is back in battery, and forces the trigger forward into reset quickly. This patent is widely cited as the commercial foundation of forced-reset trigger behavior.

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US 9,021,732 B2

Trigger Reset Assist Apparatus

Issued 2015. Describes a semiautomatic trigger system where the motion of the bolt carrier physically drives the trigger forward to a reset position, allowing rapid follow-up shots while still requiring a distinct pull for each round.

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US 12,031,784 B1

Continuation / FRT Improvements

Issued 2024. Extends protection around forced-reset trigger mechanics, including variations in how the trigger is driven forward and blocked from releasing prematurely. Represents ongoing protection strategy.

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US 12,036,336 B2

Continuation / Enhanced Reset Control

Issued 2024. Builds on prior FRT work by refining control of the reset timing and lockout behavior. This shows ongoing development and continued patent protection into the current generation.

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Evolution of FRT Technology

[1936  US2056975] ─┬─▶
                    │
[1938  US2139691] ─┘        (Early semiauto sear systems)
         │
         ▼
[2008  US7398723]  ──>  [2015  US9021732 - Johnson]
                            │
                            ▼
                [2016  US9518793 - Stakes (Tac-Con)]
                            │
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                [2017  US9816772 - Graves (Flex-Fire)]
                            │
                [2017  US9829263 - Bonner (Rapid Reset)]
                            │
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                [2018  US9939221 - Graves Follow-up]
                            │
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                [2019  US10514223 - Rounds (Wolf Tactical)]
                            │
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                [2022  US11346627 - DeMonico (Rare Breed)]
                            │
                            ▼
           [2023  US11724003]
           [2024  US12031784, US12036336]

Historical & Referenced Patents

The following patents are frequently cited in prosecution histories, cease & desist notices, and infringement arguments surrounding forced-reset trigger technology. These filings establish mechanical concepts — assisted reset, carrier-driven trigger return, timed lockup — long before current production FRTs. They are included here to document technical lineage and prior art.

US 9,518,793 B1

Trigger Mechanism (Tac-Con)

Issued 2016. Describes an assisted-reset trigger system using an internal reset lever to drive the trigger forward quickly after each shot. Frequently referenced in later forced-reset trigger disputes as early commercial proof of rapid-reset semiautomatic fire control.

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US 9,816,772 B2

Flex-Fire Trigger Assembly (Graves)

Issued 2017. Details a trigger/bolt carrier interaction marketed for extremely fast split times while remaining semiautomatic. Often cited in modern FRT discussions as a predecessor to forced-reset concepts.

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US 9,829,263 B2

Rapid Reset Trigger (Bonner)

Issued 2017. Describes temporarily redirecting spring force to shove the trigger forward into a fast reset. This concept — “drive the trigger forward and make the shooter pull again” — shows up repeatedly in modern forced-reset trigger arguments.

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US 9,939,221 B2

Trigger Reset Refinement (Graves)

Issued 2018. Further refines rapid reset behavior, including how the trigger is mechanically urged forward and controlled between shots. Frequently cited as background in later FRT patent applications and defenses.

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US 7,398,723 B2

Semi-Automatic Fire Control System

Issued 2008. Describes timing and lockwork intended to manage hammer release and reset behavior in a semiautomatic firearm. This patent shows that controlled, assisted reset concepts predate modern FRT products by more than a decade.

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US 2,056,975

Early Semi-Auto Sear System

Issued 1936. An early semiautomatic fire-control design addressing how the sear and hammer interact to control follow-up shots. Commonly cited as extremely old prior art to prove that rapid reset and controlled follow-through are not new inventions.

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US 2,139,691

Multi-Stage Fire Control / Selector

Issued 1938. Documents early multi-position fire control logic, including staged trigger/safety behavior. This is often referenced to show that multi-mode selector concepts existed long before any modern forced-reset trigger products.

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