Patents responsible for a specific model revolver.

[Horseapple]

Does anyone have knowledge of how previous patented designs and innovations can be legally incorporated into a new or updated revolver. Also, do revolvers have/need specific patents applied to them?

 

[steelslaver]

I am pretty sure S&W original design and mechanisms have all had the patent run out on them long ago. Well, before model numbers came into being. Even the ball detent style lock used on some of the newer models is an old idea. Possibly some of the newer gun's shroud type might have specific patents, but once again multi piece barrels are old technology

Many Taurus revolvers are almost an exact copies of S&W models

 

[Doc44]

S&W did patent the names of some of its models, namely, the .357 Magnum, 44 Magnum, 41 Magnum, .357 Combat Magnum and the .22 Escort are examples.

Bill

 

[murphydog]

If you'd like to do an interesting research project, look at any S & W revolvers whose barrels were stamped with patent numbers or dates and figure out what they covered. Since the last ones were from over 100 years ago I doubt they are still exclusive to the factory.

 

[kwill1911]

Bill, I don't think you can patent a name, can you? Trademark and/or copyright would be better and more appropriate.

Until fairly recently, patents lasted 17 years (20 years currently). As to the original question, an active patent is a legal monopoly so can only be used by a non-patent holder through an agreement with the patent holder, usually through a royalty structure.

 

[Doc44]

Kevin...You are correct. Those names were trade marked.

Bill

 

[Protocall_Design]

I did a patent search before filing a patent for my new revolver action. During the search, I found that the current actions of most modern manufacturers and all the aftermarket ones is based on a patent from 1909. No significant improvements have been made since then.

Any previous designs that the patent has run out on are now in the public domain, meaning anyone can use them for free. You can still copy anything you want for your personal use, including patents that are currently in force, but may not sell them to anyone.

 

[steelslaver]

Plus, as those who know the Rollin White story and the more modern Bill Gates story, even if you have a patent it is up to YOU to enforce it. The government is not going to do anything until you get to court and get a judgement for damages.

Rollin White had the patent for the bore through cylinder as used on modern cartridge revolvers, he pretty much died broke trying to defend his patent. S&W was one off the few who paid him anything.