U.S. patent application number 09/752589 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-09 for device for storing and transporting firearm disassembly tools within hand grip.
Invention is credited to Glendening, James Bruce, Rauch, R. Walter.
Application Number | 20010011433 09/752589 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22636333 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010011433 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rauch, R. Walter ; et
al. |
August 9, 2001 |
Device for storing and transporting firearm disassembly tools
within hand grip
Abstract
A device to provide storage and transportation of a flat pin
ejector removal tool (28) and a round pin removal tool (30) within
a frame cavity (12) of a firearm. Consisting of a tool body (10)
shaped to fit within the frame cavity, and having the tools affixed
to it. The tool body has a plunger journal hole (14) containing a
spring (22) that underlies a plunger (24). These are held captive
by a retention clip (26) pressed into a retention clip recess (16).
This arrangement allows the plunger to be manually urged to its
proximal position during insertion of the device into the frame
cavity. The spring then urges the plunger to its distal position.
Thus, the plunger projects out of the tool body to sufficiently
communicate with a lanyard hole (13), retaining the device within
the frame cavity. Manually urging the plunger to its proximal
position facilitates removal.
Inventors: |
Rauch, R. Walter; (Lafayette
Hill, PA) ; Glendening, James Bruce; (Wallingford,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
R. Walter Rauch
2018 Spring Mill Road
Lafayette Hill
PA
19444
US
|
Family ID: |
22636333 |
Appl. No.: |
09/752589 |
Filed: |
January 2, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09752589 |
Jan 2, 2001 |
|
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|
60174488 |
Jan 4, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/71.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/10 20130101;
F41C 23/16 20130101; F41C 23/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/71.01 |
International
Class: |
F41C 023/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device for storing and transporting tools within a firearm,
comprising: a tool body of predetermined shape that substantially
fills a predetermined portion of a frame cavity, at least one tool
of predetermined dimensions affixed to said tool body to project at
about a right angle from the top surface of said tool body, means
allowing said tool body to be secured within and removed from said
frame cavity by a human.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said tool body is made of solvent
resistant material.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one said tool is a round
pin removal tool or predetermined dimensions.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein said means comprises a plunger of
predetermined size held captive within a plunger journal of
predetermined size by a retention clip and is urged to the distal
position within said plunger journal by a compression spring and
urged to the proximal position within said plunger journal by a
human.
5. The device of claim 4 wherein said plunger includes an outward
facing projection of predetermined size that engages a lanyard hole
of said frame cavity when said plunger is at about the distal
position during installation into said frame cavity and disengages
from said lanyard hole when plunger is at about the proximal
position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
application Ser. No. 60/174,488 filed Jan. 04, 2000.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention relates to firearms, specifically to a device
including disassembly tools which can be stored within the frame of
a firearm.
[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0005] A Glock firearm consists of three major assemblies of
component parts. The major assemblies are; the frame assembly, the
slide assembly, and the magazine assembly. Each of these major
assemblies can be separated from one another without the use of
tools. Periodically, each major assembly must be further
disassembled into its component parts. Specifically, each major
assembly must be further disassembled for cleaning to remove debris
and/or deposits caused by discharge of the firearm, or to inspect
and/or replace worn component parts.
[0006] Heretofor, the major assemblies have been disassembled into
their component parts with at least two distinct types of
conventional tools (a {fraction (3/32)}" round pin punch and small
flat pin) which are stored as individual entities away from the
firearm. This makes disassembly of the major assemblies difficult
when away from a conventional tool storage area or device, as it is
necessary to make burdensome provision for the storage and
transportation of two additional tools on one's person.
Conventional tools do not lend themselves to safe, or convenient
storage and transport on one's person by the nature of the pin-like
tools. Also, their relatively small size makes them difficult to
locate in the field when kept loosely on one's pocket.
[0007] The disadvantages presented by conventional tools
demonstrated a need to create a disassembly tool that could be
safely and easily stored within the firearm itself. Thus
eliminating the burdens of storing, transporting, and locating the
correct tools when performing maintenance or repairs while in the
field.
[0008] A device similar to the one embodied in the application was
created by Rauch and Glendening, the inventors named in this
application, while testing different methods to retain the device
within the frame assembly as originally envisioned. The device was
retained within the frame assembly by the use of rubber o-rings
placed around the device in a manner which created an interference
fit between the device and the inner walls of the frame cavity.
Unfortunately, that embodiment did not exhibit the quality of
secure retention within the frame cavity that the current
embodiment exhibits.
SUMMARY INCLUDING OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0009] The present invention is a device for use with firearms. It
is specifically intended for use as a device for safe, convenient,
and reliable manner of storing and transporting tool(s) within the
structure of a conventional firearm including a cavity which
includes a lanyard hole or similar feature with which the device
can engage for retention, including those manufactured by Glock,
comprising: a tool body of predetermined shape that substantially
fills a predetermined portion of a frame cavity, one or more tools
of predetermined dimensions affixed to said tool body to project at
about a right angle from the top surface of said tool body, and a
means allowing said tool body to be secured within and removed from
said frame cavity an infinite number of times, as deemed necessary
by the user.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0010] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of our invention
are to provide a device that obviates the disadvantages of
conventional tools. Specifically, a device which can be stored
safely within the frame cavity, retained securely within the frame
cavity under field conditions, eliminate the need for two
individual tools, be transported without creating a logistical
burden, located for use quickly, and accessed conveniently.
[0011] Other objects and advantages are to curtail harmful
accumulations of foreign matter, e.g., soil, sand, and dust, within
the frame cavity which can effect the proper functioning of the
firearm, to enhance the ease of magazine assembly insertion, and
improve the aesthetic appearance of the frame cavity.
[0012] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a right rear perspective view of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded right rear perspective view of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective sectional view of the invention,
taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a right side elevation view of the invention as it
relates to the firearm frame assembly at about the beginning of the
insertion of the invention into the frame cavity when the plunger
is at its distal position within the plunger journal hole.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a similar view, but at about midway of insertion
of the invention into frame cavity when the plunger is at its
proximal position within the plunger journal hole.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a similar view, but at full insertion of the
invention into the frame cavity, when the plunger has returned to
its distal position within the plunger journal hole, and engaged
the lanyard hole.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0021] 10 tool body
[0022] 12 frame cavity
[0023] 13 lanyard hole
[0024] 14 plunger journal hole
[0025] 16 retention clip recess
[0026] 18 flat pin receptacle hole
[0027] 20 round pin receptacle hole
[0028] 22 spring
[0029] 24 plunger
[0030] 26 retention clip
[0031] 28 flat pin ejector removal tool
[0032] 30 round pin removal tool
PREFERRED EBMODIMENT
Description
[0033] FIG. 1 is a right rear perspective view of the invention
according to its preferred embodiment. This figure consists of all
visible features including tool body 10, plunger 24, retention clip
26, flat pin ejector removal tool 28, and round pin removal tool
30.
[0034] FIG. 2 is an exploded right rear perspective view of all
features of the invention including tool body 10, plunger journal
hole 14, retention clip recess 16, flat pin receptacle hole 18,
round pin receptacle hole 20, spring 22, plunger 24, retention clip
26, flat pin ejector removal tool 28, and round pin removal tool
30.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the invention showing
the relationship of tool body 10, plunger journal hole 14, spring
22, flat pin receptacle hole 18, round pin receptacle hole 20, flat
pin ejector removal tool 28, and round pin removal tool 30.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a sectional right rear perspective view of the
invention showing the relationship of the following elements, when
assembled: tool body 10, plunger journal hole 14, retention clip
recess 16, spring 22, plunger 24, retention clip 26, and round pin
removal tool 30.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the invention showing
the relationship of tool body 10, plunger journal hole 14,
retention clip recess 16, flat pin receptacle hole 18, round pin
receptacle hole 20, plunger 24, retention clip 26, flat pin ejector
removal tool 28, and round pin removal tool 30.
[0038] FIG. 6, 7, and 8 are right side elevation views of the
invention as is relates to a firearm frame assembly at critical
moments during insertion into frame cavity 12. FIG. 6 is at the
moment just prior to tool body 10 contacting frame cavity 12 while
plunger 24 is at its distal position within plunger journal hole
14. FIG. 7 shows the proximal position of plunger 24 within plunger
journal hole 14, as the invention travels further into frame cavity
12. FIG. 8 shows the return of plunger 24 to its distal position
within plunger journal hole 14 as it engages lanyard hole 13.
Elements shown include frame cavity 12, lanyard hole 13, tool body
10, plunger 24, flat pin ejector removal tool 28, and round pin
removal tool 30.
[0039] In accordance with the invention, a tool body 10 machined to
approximately 19 mm in height, of cylindrical shape, and with a
radius slightly smaller than a frame cavity 12 (best shown in FIG.
8), and is formed to be "solid", i.e. voidless and homogeneous.
Thereafter, a plunger journal hole 14 is drilled horizontally
through the back of tool body 10 to an appropriate depth, and a
subsequent, relatively shallow, but slightly larger retention clip
recess 16 is drilled following the same horizontal axis to an
appropriate depth. Thereafter, a spring 22 is placed into plunger
journal hole 14. Subsequently, a plunger 24 is placed over spring
22 within plunger journal hole 14, best shown in FIG. 4.
Thereafter, a retention clip 26, best shown in FIG. 2, is pressed
into retention clip recess 16, and retained by the interference fit
present, thus rendering spring 22 and plunger 24 captive within
plunger journal hole 14. Thereafter, a vertical flat pin receptacle
hole 18, best shown in FIG. 2 and 3, is drilled through the top of
tool body 10 to an appropriate depth in a spot where it will not
communicate with plunger journal hole 14. Subsequently, a flat pin
ejector removal tool 28 is pressed into flat pin receptacle hole
18, and is retained by the interference fit present. Thereafter, a
round pin receptacle hole 20, best shown in FIG. 2 and 3, is
drilled vertically through the top of tool body 10 to an
appropriate depth directly opposite to flat pin receptacle hole 18,
best shown in FIG. 2 and 3, in a spot where it will not communicate
with plunger journal hole 14. Subsequently, a round pin removal
tool 30 is pressed into round pin receptacle hole 20, and is
retained by the interference fit present. Thereafter, the front of
tool body 10, best shown in FIG. 2, is formed to create a shape
which is the negative of the approximate shape of frame cavity 12.
Thereafter, the bottom of tool body 10 is formed to approximate the
design lines of frame cavity 12. Alternatively, plunger journal
hole 14, retention clip recess 16, flat pin receptacle hole 18,
round pin receptacle hole 20, and all forming operations may be
performed as a single step through either casting, or thermoforming
processes.
[0040] The approximate dimensions, and materials of tool body 10 in
this embodiment are as follows: height of tool body 10: 19.0 mm,
width of tool body 10: 22.2 mm, thickness of tool body 10 at top:
11.1 mm, thickness of tool body 10 at bottom: 12.9 mm, radius of
tool body 10 at top: 11.1 mm, diameter of plunger journal hole 14:
6.3 mm, depth of plunger journal hole 14: 10.6 mm, diameter of
retention clip recess 16: 9.6 mm, depth of retention clip recess
16: 2.6 mm, diameter of both flat pin receptacle hole 18 and round
pin receptacle hole 20: 2.2 mm, depth of both flat pin receptacle
hole 18 and round pin receptacle hole 20: 12.8 mm, acetyl resin,
manufactured by Dupont, colored black.
[0041] Spring 22 preferably is constructed of 0.5 mm tempered music
wire formed to an outside diameter of approximately 4.7 mm, having
an at-rest height of 9.6 mm, having a compressed height of no
greater than 3.0 mm, and providing a compressed load of 5-9 lbs per
inch. It can be placed into plunger journal hole 14 by any
conventional manner, e.g., placement by hand.
[0042] Plunger 24 preferably is constructed of a ferrous or
non-ferrous metal that can be turned or cast. Its dimensional
requirements are dictated by the dimensions of plunger journal hole
14, as it must be small enough to allow full compression of spring
22, while at the same time able to fully engage a lanyard hole 13.
This embodiment of plunger 24 has a solid length of approximately
7.1 mm. It must also be sized so a portion of it can pass through
the attendant opening in retention clip 26. This diameter is
approximately 4.0 mm. It may be placed into plunger journal hole 14
by any conventional manner, e.g., placement by hand.
[0043] Retention clip 26 preferably is a commercially available
spring steel internal retaining clip, sized to accommodate the
internal diameter of retention clip recess 16: 9.6 mm, and allow
the passage of the minor diameter of plunger 24: 4.0 mm. It may be
placed into retention clip recess 16 by any conventional manner,
e.g., pressed in with suitable hand tool.
[0044] Flat pin ejector removal tool 28 preferably is constructed
of ferrous material. Its approximate dimensional requirements are
as follows: height: 25.5 mm, width: 2.2 mm, thickness: 1.3 mm. It
may be placed into flat pin receptacle hole 18 by any conventional
manner, e.g., pressed in with suitable hand tool.
[0045] Round pin removal tool 30 preferably is constructed of
ferrous material. Its approximate dimensional requirements are as
follows: height: 38.0 mm, diameter: 2.2 mm. It may be placed into
round pin receptacle hole 20 by any conventional manner, e.g.,
pressed in with suitable hand tool.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Operation
[0046] Operation and use of the invention is simple and
straightforward. When the invention is in use as a disassembly
tool, it remains independent from frame cavity 12, to be freely and
infinitely manipulated by the user in the manner of conventional
tools which it embodies. When it is to be held within frame cavity
12 for storage and/or transport, plunger 24, held in its outward
most position within tool body 10 by underlying spring 22 within
plunger journal hole 14, and held captive within plunger journal
hole 14 by retention clip 26, may be easily moved to its inward
most position within tool body 10 using manual pressure exerted by
the user. This compresses spring 22, creating positive outward
pressure on the plunger that is overcome by the user's manual
application of continued positive inward pressure equal to, or
greater than, that of spring 22. The invention may then be freely
inserted into frame cavity 12, oriented so that flat pin ejector
removal tool 28 and round pin removal tool 30 enter frame cavity 12
first, and the visible portion of plunger 24 oriented to the rear
of frame cavity 12, and in alignment with lanyard hole 13. Shortly
after the moment when plunger 24 communicates with frame cavity 12,
the user releases manually applied pressure. Tool body 10 is now in
a position within frame cavity 12 where spring 22 remains
compressed by plunger 24, which is now being held in its relative
position by the immovable nature of the rear wall of frame cavity
12. Plunger 24 remains in this position during further insertion
into frame cavity 12 until it passes lanyard hole 13. Subsequently,
inward pressure on plunger 24 and spring 22 is removed, allowing
the positive outward energy of spring 22 to be released, thus
returning the plunger to its outward most position, mating it with
lanyard hole 13. Plunger 24 serving as male, and lanyard hole 13
serving as female. The invention is now securely retained within
frame cavity 12 for storage and/or transport, until needed by the
user. Removal of the invention from frame cavity 12 is accomplished
by applying manual pressure upon plunger 24 and underlying spring
22 with any object having an outside diameter of less than 4.5 mm,
e.g., tip of a ballpoint pen, handcuff key, etc., in order to move
plunger 24 to an inward position within plunger journal hole 14
that permits disengagement from lanyard hole 13. The invention can
then be completely withdrawn from frame cavity 12 by the user, for
use as a disassembly tool.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0047] Accordingly, it can be seen that according to the invention,
a device is provided which can interconnect two individual tools,
and render them storable, transportable, and accessible within the
existing structure of a firearm, yet in a safe, unburdensome,
economical, easy to fabricate, and highly durable manner. As
stated, it will not interfere with the free usage of, or modify the
operation of said firearm while it is stored or transported within
frame cavity 12.
[0048] Although the description above contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Various other
embodiments and ramifications are possible within its scope. For
example, the device may substitute flat pin ejector removal tool 28
or round pin removal tool 30 with other items, e.g., screw driver,
nut driver, cutting blade, etc., or have additional items attached
to or incorporated in tool body 10 including, a firearm locking or
disabling device, a storage compartment for electrical cells which
energize accessories affixed to said firearm, e.g., laser aiming
device, flashlight, etc. The shape of tool body 10 can be altered
for use with other firearms which incorporate cavities similar to
frame cavity 12. Plunger journal hole 14, retention clip recess 16,
spring 22, plunger 24, and retention clip 26 can individually or
collectively be substituted or modified by a similar or dissimilar
means, e.g., mechanical, magnetic, etc., for allowing the remaining
assembled elements of the invention to be retained within and
removed from frame cavity 12.
[0049] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the
examples given.
* * * * *