U.S. patent application number 11/195295 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for weapon grip assist.
Invention is credited to Kevin D. Young.
Application Number | 20070017138 11/195295 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37677761 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070017138 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young; Kevin D. |
January 25, 2007 |
Weapon grip assist
Abstract
A receiving brace is provided adapted to receive at least a
portion of a weapon, having an upper side, a lower side, a forward
end, a rear end, a first side and a second side. The receiving
brace is at least partially open at its upper side for receiving a
portion of the weapon. The receiving brace is adapted to receive a
portion of the hand of a user grasping the weapon within the
receiving brace at its rear end. At least one retaining element is
provided adjacent the rear end of the receiving brace, the
retaining element adapted to extend from the first side to the
second side of the receiving brace, and adapted to assist in
securing the hand of a user gripping the weapon within the
receiving brace.
Inventors: |
Young; Kevin D.; (Clementon,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Family ID: |
37677761 |
Appl. No.: |
11/195295 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60674533 |
Apr 25, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/71.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/071.01 |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/00 20060101
F41C023/00 |
Claims
1. A weapon grip assist, comprising: a receiving brace having a
first end and a second end opposite the first end, the receiving
brace adapted to receive at least a portion of a weapon, the
receiving brace further adapted to receive at least a portion of a
hand of a user gripping the weapon adjacent the first end of the
receiving brace when the at least a portion of the weapon is within
the receiving brace; at least one retaining element adjacent the
first end of the receiving brace, the at least one retaining
element adapted to secure at least a portion of the hand of the
user gripping the weapon within at least a portion of the receiving
brace.
2. The weapon grip assist of claim 1, wherein the receiving brace
has a first side and a second side, wherein the at least one
retaining element has a first end and a second end opposite the
first end, wherein the first end extends from one of the first side
and the second side of the receiving brace, and the second end is
adapted to removably engage the other of the first side and the
second side of the receiving brace to secure at least a portion of
the hand of a user gripping the weapon within at least a portion of
the receiving brace.
3. The weapon grip assist of claim 2, wherein the second end of the
at least one retaining element removably engages the other of the
first side and the second side of the receiving brace by hook and
loop fasteners.
4. The weapon grip assist of claim 2, wherein the second end of the
at least one retaining element removably engages the other of the
first side and the second side of the receiving brace by at least
one snap.
5. The weapon grip assist of claim 1, wherein the receiving brace
has a first side and a second side, wherein the at least one
retaining element has a first end and a second end opposite the
first end, the first end of the at least one retaining element
having extending from one of the first side and the second side of
the receiving brace, the second end of the at least one retaining
element adapted to removably engage a portion of the at least one
retaining element to secure at least a portion of the hand of a
user gripping the weapon within at least a portion of the receiving
brace.
6. The weapon grip assist of claim 5, wherein the second end of the
at least one retaining element removably engages the portion of the
at least one retaining element of the receiving brace by hook and
loop fasteners.
7. The weapon grip assist of claim 5, wherein the second end of the
at least one retaining element removably engages the portion of the
at least one retaining element of the receiving brace by at least
one snap.
8. The weapon grip assist of claim 1, wherein the at least one
retaining element comprises an elastic member.
9. The weapon grip assist of claim 8, wherein the elastic member
comprises an elastic collar extending adjacent the second end of
the receiving brace.
10. The weapon grip assist of claim 2, wherein the at least one
retaining element extends from the first side of the receiving
brace, further comprising a second retaining element adjacent the
second end of the receiving brace extending from the second side of
the receiving brace, the second retaining element adapted to assist
the at least one retaining element in securing the hand of the user
gripping the weapon within at least a portion of the receiving
brace.
11. The weapon grip assist of claim 10, wherein the second
retaining element has an attachment portion for securing the second
retaining element to the at least one retaining element.
12. The weapon grip assist of claim 10, wherein the second
retaining element has an attachment portion for securing the second
retaining element to the first side of the receiving brace.
13. The weapon grip assist of claim 1, wherein one of the first
side and the second side have a fastener clip extending
therefrom.
14. The weapon grip assist of claim 1, further comprising a weapon
retaining strap extending from the first side to the second side of
the receiving brace.
15. The weapon grip assist of claim 1, wherein one of the first
side and the second side of the receiving brace comprises a
flexible material, and wherein the other of the first side and the
second side comprises a substantially rigid material.
16. A weapon grip assist comprising: a receiving brace having a
first end and a second end opposite the first end, the receiving
brace adapted to receive at least a portion of a weapon, the
receiving brace further adapted to receive at least a portion of a
hand of a user gripping the weapon adjacent the first end of the
receiving brace when the at least a portion of the weapon is within
the receiving brace; a retaining element connected to the receiving
brace comprising a clamp including at least one side wall, wherein
the receiving brace has at least one opening for removably engaging
the side wall.
17. The weapon grip assist of claim 16, wherein the at least one
side wall has at least one flange formed thereon, wherein the
opening has at least one groove for removably engaging the
flange.
18. The weapon grip assist of claim 16, wherein the clamp is
connected to the receiving brace via a hinge, wherein the clamp is
moveable in relation to the receiving brace.
19. A weapon grip assist and holster arrangement, comprising: a
holster; a receiving brace having a portion sized to removably fit
within the holster having a first end and a second end opposite the
first end, the receiving brace adapted to receive at least a
portion of a weapon, the receiving brace further adapted to receive
at least a portion of a hand of a user gripping the weapon adjacent
the first end of the receiving brace when the at least a portion of
the weapon is within the receiving brace; at least one retaining
element adjacent the first end of the receiving brace, the at least
one retaining element adapted to secure at least a portion of the
hand of the user gripping the weapon within at least a portion of
the receiving brace.
20. A weapon grip assist comprising: a glove; at least one strap; a
receiving brace having a first end and a second end opposite the
first end, the receiving brace adapted to receive at least a
portion of a weapon, the receiving brace further adapted to receive
at least a portion of a hand of a user gripping the weapon adjacent
the first end of the receiving brace when the at least a portion of
the weapon is within the receiving brace; the strap including at
least one fastener for removably connecting the glove and the
receiving brace.
21. A weapon grip assist comprising: an elastic band adapted to fit
around a user's wrist; at least one strap; a receiving brace having
a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the receiving
brace adapted to receive at least a portion of a weapon, the
receiving brace further adapted to receive at least a portion of a
hand of a user gripping the weapon adjacent the first end of the
receiving brace when the at least a portion of the weapon is within
the receiving brace; the strap including at least one fastener for
removably connecting the elastic band and the receiving brace.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/674,533, filed Apr. 25, 2005, which is
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally, to the fields of
articles for retaining a weapon proximate to a user's hand, and to
protective hand shields for a weapon's user.
BACKGROUND
[0003] As used herein, the terms "firearm" or "weapon" are used
interchangeably and include, but are not limited to, hand-held
weapons such as pistols, rifles and handguns, including automatic
pistols, revolvers, machine guns, and stun guns. Holsters or
holders for handheld weapons are well known in the art. Once a
weapon is drawn by a user from a holster or holder, it is retained
only by the user's hand. Maintaining that firearm in the user's
hand is therefore dependent on a user's continued grip. If the user
loses their grip on the weapon, the weapon can be dropped or
otherwise lost. This may happen for any number of reasons. For
example, if the user such as a police officer or military personnel
is in pursuit of a target and is jarred by a fall or impact, the
user can lose their firearm. The user may be particularly prone to
losing their grip on a hand weapon if the impact is to the hand
and/or fingers grasping the weapon. In addition, during a firefight
or other tense situation, a user's hand may become moist such as
from sweat. Any of these situations compromising grip on a weapon
can obviously result in a dangerous situation, with the user left
unarmed at a critical instant.
[0004] In addition, normally, a user's hand is vulnerable when
holding a firearm. The user's hand can be injured, such as during a
firefight. This, too, will result in dropping the user's weapon at
a critical time.
[0005] There is, therefore, a need for an article that assists in
preserving a user's grip on a weapon.
[0006] There is further the need for a hand shield that protects a
user's hand while the user is using a weapon.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention addresses the identified needs. The
present invention reduces the risk of this occurring by providing a
receiving and retaining device that includes a receiving brace for
receiving a portion of a weapon, and retaining elements to retain a
portion of a user's hand gripping the weapon within a portion of
the receiving brace. The receiving brace may also acts as a hand
and finger shield when the user is gripping a firearm within the
receiving brace. Various embodiments of the device are described
and depicted below.
[0008] In general, the present invention is directed to an article
for retaining a portion of a user's hand adjacent a weapon to
prevent dropping the weapon, and also for shielding at least a part
of the user's hand. A receiving brace is provided adapted to
receive at least a portion of a weapon, having an upper side, a
lower side, a forward end, a rear end, a first side and a second
side. The receiving brace is at least partially open at its upper
side for receiving a portion of the weapon. The receiving brace is
adapted to receive a portion of the hand of a user grasping the
weapon within the receiving brace at its rear end. At least one
retaining element is provided adjacent the rear end of the
receiving brace, the retaining element adapted to extend from the
first side to the second side of the receiving brace, and adapted
to assist in securing the hand of a user gripping the weapon within
the receiving brace.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the first side of a first
embodiment of a weapon grip assist of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the first side of the
weapon grip assist of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, with
the retaining elements positioned as about a user's hand.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the first side of the
weapon grip assist of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, with a
user's hand secured within the weapon grip assist.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the first second side of
another embodiment of the weapon grip assist of the present
invention, with a user's hand secured within the weapon grip
assist.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the second side of the
weapon grip assist of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, with a
user's hand secured within the weapon grip assist.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view from the second side of another
embodiment of a weapon grip assist of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the first side of another
embodiment of a weapon grip assist of the present invention,
showing a revolver in the weapon grip assist.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view from the first side of another
embodiment of a weapon grip assist of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view from the second side of another
embodiment of a weapon grip assist of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along lines in FIG.
9.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view from the second side of
another embodiment of a weapon grip assist of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the weapon grip assist of
the present invention inserted into a holster.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view from the first side of another
embodiment of the weapon grip assist of the present invention
inserted, with a clip attached to the side.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Certain terminology is used in the following detailed
description for convenience only and is not considered limiting.
Several embodiments of a weapon grip assist of the present
invention are disclosed here and in the Figures. For clarity,
within this document all reference to the top and bottom of the
weapon grip assist will correspond to the weapon grip assist as
oriented in FIGS. 1-4. Likewise, all reference to the front or
forward portion of the weapon grip assist will correspond to the
rightmost part of said weapon grip assist as viewed in FIGS. 1-4,
and all reference to the rear portion of said weapon grip assist
will correspond to the leftmost part of said grip assist as viewed
in FIGS. 1-4. The words "upper" and "lower" designate directions in
the drawings to which reference is made. The words "forward" and
"rear" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is
made. Additionally, the terms "a" and "one" are defined as
including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically
noted.
[0027] FIGS. 1-3 show one embodiment of the present weapon grip
assist 10. A receiving brace 12 is provided for receiving at least
a portion of a weapon and at least a portion of a user's hand. The
terms "receiving brace" or "brace" as used herein are directed to a
generally U-shaped body, having at least one open end portion
(designated as the second end 20 herein) adapted to receive in
combination at least a portion of a weapon and at least a portion
of the hand of a user holding the weapon. The term "receiving
brace" as used herein encompasses other shaped bodies adapted to
receive in combination at least a portion of a weapon and at least
a portion of the hand of a user holding the weapon, such as, for
example, a generally V-shaped body, or other arrangements.
[0028] The receiving brace 12 has an upper weapon receiving area 14
defined between a first side 22 and a second side 24 that are
connected by a lower portion 16. The receiving brace 12 has a first
end 18 which in use will face away from a user, and a second end 20
that is open to receive a user's hand. The second end 20 further
provides a cover for at least a portion of a user's hand when the
user's hand is gripping a weapon 68 within the receiving brace 12.
The receiving brace 12 is adapted to receive a weapon 68, as shown
in for example FIGS. 3-5, and as will be described in further
detail below. The receiving brace 12 is preferably sized to receive
in combination portions of the weapon 68 in combination with a
portion of a user's hand 26 gripping the weapon. At least a part of
the upper weapon receiving area 14 of the receiving brace 12 is
open, allowing the weapon 68 to be placed in or removed from the
receiving brace through the upper weapon receiving area 14 and the
second end 20.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the receiving brace 12 is sized such
that a user's hand 26 can slip at least part way into the receiving
brace 12, to one side or the other of the weapon 68 (depending on
whether the user is right or left handed), to grasp the weapon grip
70 and to allow the user's trigger finger to extend to a position
within the trigger guard 78. Therefore, the present invention
provides a protective shield for at least the front part of the
hand, particularly the fingers, as shown in FIG. 3. The receiving
brace 12 may be sized so that a portion of the receiving brace 12
covers at least a portion of the user's wrist 80 when the user's
hand 26 is grasping the weapon 68. This can provide additional
support during discharge of the weapon, increasing accuracy.
[0030] The receiving brace 12 may be formed from any acceptable
material, and is preferably formed from a semi-rigid or flexible
material such as canvas, leather, KEVLAR, rubber, NEOPRENE, latex,
silicone, a composite material, graphite and hybrid fabrics,
plastic, or other acceptable materials known in the art, or
combinations thereof. The opposing sides 22, 24 may be formed from
different materials, so that one side is formed from a more
flexible material such as NEOPRENE, while the other side is formed
from a harder material, such as hard plastic. The first end 18 or
front of the receiving brace 12 may preferably be formed of a high
impact resistant material.
[0031] The receiving brace 12 may alternately be formed from
injection molded plastic material having high impact resistance,
and constructed such that the sides 22, 24 of the receiving brace
12 can flex to assist in inserting and holding the weapon 68 within
the receiving brace 12. In addition, sides 22, 24 of the receiving
brace 12 may be formed for allowing the receiving brace 12 and
weapon 68 to be inserted as a unit into a holster 106, as shown in
FIG. 12, and as discussed in greater detail below.
[0032] The weapon grip assist 10 includes at least one retaining
element 28, as shown in FIGS. 1-6. The retaining element 28 is
adapted to secure a user's hand 26 within the receiving brace 12
with a grip on the weapon 68.
[0033] The retaining element 28 may be formed as having a first end
30 and a second end 32. The first end 30 can extend from either the
first side 22 of the receiving brace 12 or the second side 24 of
the receiving brace 12. In the FIGS. 1-6, the first end 30 is shown
extending from the first side 22 of the receiving brace 12,
however, it is appreciated that the retaining element 28 can be
formed extending from either 22, 24 side of the receiving brace
12.
[0034] In the illustrative example, the second end 32 of the
retaining element 28 is adapted to removably engage either a
portion 44 of the retaining element 28, or a portion of the
receiving brace 12. Where the retaining element 28 is adapted to
removably engage a portion 44 of the retaining element 28, the
retaining element 28 and the portion 44 of the retaining element 28
can be formed having fasteners that removably engage, such as hook
and loop fasteners, snaps, magnets of opposite polarity, a buckle,
or other arrangements that allow the retaining element 28 to
removably engage the portion 44 of the retaining element 28. As
shown in the FIGS. 1-3, the retaining element 28 may be formed as a
strap that loops around the user's wrist 80 and secures the user's
hand 26 with the receiving brace 12 to prevent the weapon 68 from
being dropped. The retaining element 28 may loop around a user's
wrist, and attach to a portion 44 of the retaining element 28,
thereby securing a portion of a user's hand 26 grasping the weapon
68 within the receiving brace 12.
[0035] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4-5, the second end 32
of the retaining element 28 is adapted to engage a side 22, 24 of
the receiving brace 12. The second end 32 of the retaining element
28 and a side 22, 24 of the receiving brace 12 may have elements
that removably engage, such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps,
magnets of opposite polarity, a buckle, or other arrangements that
allow the retaining element 28 to removably engage a side 22,24 of
the receiving brace.
[0036] A second retaining element 36 having a first end 38 and a
second end 40 may be provided as an additional means for securing a
user's hand 26 within the receiving brace 12. Thus, as shown in
FIG. 1-6, a second retaining element 36 may extend from the side of
the receiving brace opposite the retaining element 28, such as the
second side 24 of the receiving brace 12, with a second end 40 that
may be removably attached to the first side 22 of the receiving
brace 12 with fastener 42, whereby fastener 42 removably attaches
to, for example, fastener 34b, as described above. Thus, the first
28 and second 36 retaining elements may be strapped across a user's
hand in a "criss-cross" or overlapping manner, as shown in FIGS.
2-5, providing an added level of security and safety against
dropping a weapon. A plurality of retaining elements may be
provided without departing from the scope of the present invention,
creating a web of straps securing a user's hand to the receiving
brace. The second retaining element 36 may also be formed to
removably engage a portion of the retaining element 28, as shown in
FIGS. 2-3.
[0037] As can be appreciated, when a user slips their hand into the
receiving brace 12 and grasps the weapon 68, the retaining element
28, 36 secures a portion of the user's hand within the receiving
brace 12. Thus, if the user is chasing a perpetrator or otherwise
in motion, or the user's hand is impacted, or the user is in a
firefight, even where the user loses their grip on the weapon 68,
the retaining element 28, 36 will hold the receiving brace 12 and
weapon 68 in position proximate to the user's hand.
[0038] At least one weapon retaining strap 52 is preferably
provided, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 9, 11. The weapon retaining
strap 52 is formed having a first end 54 and a second end 56. The
weapon retaining strap 52 extends from the first side 22 to the
second side 24 of the receiving brace 12 over the upper weapon
receiving area 14, preferably positioned near the barrel 82 of the
weapon 68. The first 54 or second end 56 may be formed to be
removably fastened to either the first side 22 or second side 24 of
the receiving brace. The weapon retaining strap 52 is adapted to
keep the barrel 82 from slipping out of the receiving brace 12.
Alternately, the weapon retaining strap 52 can be formed as a
single piece with the receiving brace 12, such that the barrel 82
of a weapon 68 is slid under the weapon retaining strap 52 when the
weapon is inserted into the receiving brace 12.
[0039] In an alternate embodiment, the retaining element 28 may not
be permanently attached to either the first side 22 of the
receiving brace 12 or the second side 22 of the receiving brace 12.
Rather, the retaining element 28 can be formed as a separately
removable piece, having a fastener 34a, 34b at either end 30,32 for
removably engaging the receiving brace 12, and securing a user's
hand 26 within the receiving brace 12.
[0040] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, shown in
FIG. 8, an elastic member 46 is provided extending adjacent the
second end 20 of the receiving brace 12. The elastic member 46 may
be formed as an elastic collar 48, defining an opening 49 for
receiving a user's hand 26. The opening 49 can be sized to be
smaller than the user's hand, and approximately the side of a
user's wrist 80 (which is normally smaller than the width of the
user's hand). A user slips their hand into the opening 49,
expanding the elastic collar 48. Once the user's hand is within the
receiving brace and past the elastic collar 48, the elastic collar
48 attempts to return to its reduced size, thereby gripping the
user's wrist, and securing the user's hand within the receiving
brace.
[0041] The receiving brace and retaining element can be formed so
as not to interfere with the sight plane or the movement of the
slide and hammer 75 of an automatic weapon 68, or the ejection of a
magazine or clip 74 from the grip 70. The retaining elements 28, 36
may extend adjacent the second side 20 of the receiving brace at
different lengths, as shown in FIGS. 1-6. For example, the first
retaining element 28 extending from the first side 22 may be sized
to loop around over the user's wrist 80 and attach to a portion 44
of the first retaining element 28. The second retaining element 36
on the opposite side 24 can be shorter and sized to be drawn over
the base of a user's thumb and attach to an outer part of the first
retaining element 28 having a fastener 34b. Preferably, but not
necessarily, the attachments are made by opposing hook and loop
plastic fasteners, or VELCRO.RTM., and it is appreciated that any
manner of fasteners that attach and detach may be employed.
[0042] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as shown
in FIGS. 9-10, the retaining element is formed as a retaining clamp
60. The clamp 60 is sized to extend across the back of a user's
hand adjacent the wrist. The clamp has side walls 76a, 76b that
extend along opposite sides of the clamp 60. The side walls 76a,
76b have flanges 62 extending from the side walls 76a, 76b. In this
embodiment, the receiving brace 12 is formed having openings 64 for
receiving the side walls 76a, 76b. Openings 66 are provided, formed
to engage the flanges 62. The openings 66 can be formed along the
sides of the receiving brace 12, or may be formed within pockets 67
formed on the receiving brace and sized for receiving at least a
portion of the side walls 76a, 76b. When the side walls 76a, 76b
are inserted into the openings 64, the flanges 62 engage the
openings 66. The side walls 76a, 76b can be size to accommodate
hands of different sizes, so that the side walls can be slid
further into the openings for a tighter fit. In addition, the clamp
60 can be contoured to the shape of a user's hand and portion of
the user's wrist. This embodiment may be preferred if the receiving
brace is injection molded plastic, so that the clamp snaps into
place. The clamp can be carried separately than the receiving brace
and snapped into place during use, or can be formed to be loosely
held within the openings of the receiving brace, and locked into
place when a user inserts their hand.
[0043] In yet another embodiment of the present invention shown in
FIG. 11, a clamp 94 is formed, that is preferably contoured or
form-fitted to the rear portion of a user's hand 26, and may also
be form-fitted to the upper portion of a user's wrist 80. The clamp
94 may be formed from, by way of example, a fabric, molded plastic,
or another durable material. The clamp 94 has extensions 96 on
opposite sides of the clamp 94 that extend substantially
vertically, as shown in FIG. 11. Each extension 96 has projections
62 that extend from the sides of the extensions 96, as shown in
FIG. 11. The receiving brace 100 is formed with pockets 67 that
have openings 66 or grooves for engaging the projections 62.
According to this embodiment, a user will extend their hand into
the receiving brace 100 to grip the weapon 68. The clamp 94 is
positioned over the rear of the user's hand. The extensions 96 are
aligned with and inserted into the pockets 67. The user may tap or
press the top of the clamp 94 so that the extensions 96 are pushed
down into the pockets 67, whereby the openings 66 or grooves will
engage the projections 62, locking the clamp 94 and receiving brace
100 together, and holding the user's hand 26 within the receiving
brace 100.
[0044] It is further contemplated that in connection with the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-11, the clamp 94 may be moveable, such
as by a hinge 122, which may be a hinge, a living hinge, a piece of
elastic, or a piece of flexible fabric. The clamp 96, may be move
from a position above the upper weapon receiving area 14, to a
position clamping a portion of the user's hand 26 within the
receiving brace 100 when the user is gripping the weapon 68, as
shown in FIG. 11. In this manner, the clamp 96 may assist in
holding the weapon 68 within receiving brace 100 when the receiving
brace 100 is used as a holster, or when it is otherwise necessary
for the user to remove their hand 26 from the receiving brace 100.
When the user grips the weapon 68, the clamp 96 may be rotated to
the position shown in FIG. 11, and tapped to "lock" the extensions
96 into pockets 67, and firmly secure a portion of the user's hand
within the receiving brace 100.
[0045] It is further contemplated that in connection with the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-11, the clamps 60, 94 may be
permanently connected to one side of the receiving brace 12, 100,
such as by a piece of elastic, a piece of fabric, or a hinge.
According to that arrangement, only one side wall 76a, 76b or
extension 96 would need to be used on the side of the clamps 60, 94
opposite the side being permanently attached to the receiving brace
12, 100.
[0046] In yet another embodiment of the present invention shown in
FIG. 14, a glove 140 is provided. The glove 140 may have one or
more partial fingers of the glove 140 (i.e., be "fingerless"),
allowing better tactile feel for a user wearing the glove 140. At
least one or a plurality of straps 88 may be provided. According to
this embodiment, a user may wear the glove 140 even when the user
is not gripping the weapon within the receiving brace 150. As shown
in FIG. 14, the straps 88 are provided with end portions 152 having
one of either hook or loop fasteners 142, and the receiving brace
150 is provided with a fastening portion 148, which may be a
portion or patch or strip that is the other of either hooks or
loops fasteners 142. The fastening portion 148 may be formed or
positioned anywhere on the glove providing access to the straps 88.
Any type of fasteners such as straps, buttons, zippers, etc., may
be used as the fasteners. The glove 140 may also be provided with a
retention strap 146 for securing the hand 26 within the glove 150.
The strap 88 may be secured out of the way, such as removably
fastened to the glove 140 with fasteners 142 such as hook and loop
fasteners 142, snaps, or otherwise, when not in use.
[0047] The glove 140 may have areas for attaching the fasteners 142
to the glove 140 itself. When the user wants to secure their hand
26 within the receiving brace 150, the user inserts their hand 26
in the receiving brace 150 and grips the weapon 68. The user then
fastens the straps 88 to the receiving brace 150.
[0048] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the receiving
brace 150 is provided with at least one strap 88' or flap, having a
fastener 142 adjacent the end portions 152 of the straps 88'. The
glove 140 is formed with at least a portion or strip 148 adapted to
engage the fasteners 142, such as by a hook and loop arrangement
previously discussed. The fastening portion 148 may be formed or
positioned anywhere on the glove providing access to the straps
88'. In this arrangement, the user may wear the glove 140, and when
they wish to securely grip the weapon 68 within the receiving
brace, will secure the receiving brace 150 to the glove 140 with
the fasteners 142 of the straps 88' or flaps engaging the portion
or strip 148 of the glove 140. It is also contemplated that the
entire glove 140 or entire brace 150 may be formed as the fastening
portion 148.
[0049] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as shown
in FIG. 16, a wrist strap 86 may be provided to be worn by a user
on the user's wrist 80, having at least one strap 88 extending from
the wrist strap 86. The wrist strap 86 may be formed as a removable
band, or from an elastic or flexible material, so that it fits as a
bracelet about the user's wrist 80. The strap 88 has a second end
92 that may be removably fastened by fasteners 142 adjacent an end
portion 152 of the straps 88, to a fastening portion 148 of the
receiving brace 150, such as with hook and loop fasteners or other
means as previously described. At least one or a plurality of
straps 88 may be provided. According to this embodiment, a user may
wear the wrist strap 86 even when the user is not gripping the
weapon within the receiving brace.
[0050] When the user is not gripping a weapon 68 within the
receiving brace 150, the straps 88 may be secured out of the way,
such as removably fastened to the wrist strap 86 with hook and loop
fasteners, snaps, or otherwise attaching to themselves, or a
portion of the wrist strap 86. When the user wants to secure their
hand within the receiving brace 12, the user inserts their hand in
the receiving brace 150 and grips the weapon 68. The user then
unfastens the straps 88 from the wrist strap 86, and fastens the
straps 88 to the receiving brace 150.
[0051] Alternately, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, straps 88'
or flaps may be formed on the receiving brace 150, rather than on
the wrist strap 86. A user would wear the wrist strap 86, and when
they wish to engage a weapon 68 and have their hand 26 secured
within the receiving brace 150, the user would fasten the straps
88' to the wrist strap 86, using the fasteners 142. In this
embodiment, wrist strap 86 may be formed at least partially as the
fastening portion 148.
[0052] The outer dimension of the receiving brace 12 can be formed
to fit inside a holster 106, as shown in FIG. 12. In that
arrangement, the weapon 68 is placed within the receiving brace,
and the receiving brace 12, 100 is placed within the holster 106.
When a user wishes to utilize the receiving brace 12, 100, the user
will grip the weapon 68 with the user's hand 26 at least partially
within the receiving brace 12. The user will then secure the user's
hand 26 within the receiving brace using either the retaining
elements 28,36, the clamps 60, 94, or the straps 88, 88'. The user
can remove the receiving brace 12, 100 from the holster 106.
[0053] Alternatively, the outside contour of one wall of the
receiving brace could be shaped to fit alongside the hip or torso,
and a fastener clip 50, as shown in FIG. 13, or a belt loop with a
snap, or other fastening means, could be mounted on a side wall of
the receiving brace, essentially making the receiving brace itself
the holster. When the receiving brace is not intended to be
inserted into a holster, it can be made thicker to serve as a club
or a more robust shield. Thus, one side of the receiving brace 12
can be formed from a substantially rigid material. This rigid
material can act either as a shield, or a weapon in hand-to-hand
combat.
[0054] The receiving brace and retaining elements can be configured
for specific models of weapon, particularly if the receiving brace
is injection-molded plastic using a particular mold for a
particular model pistol. For example, a receiving brace 100 can
even be made for a revolver 98, as shown in FIG. 7. The revolver
receiving brace 100 will preferably encompass the grip 102, trigger
guard 104, and bottom of the revolver gun frame 106, and have an
opening 108 at the upper portion 110 of the receiving brace 100
through which the barrel 112, cylinder 114, top of the frame 116
and hammer 118 extend. A retaining strap 120 may be used across the
base of the barrel 112 to keep the revolver 98 from being pulled
through the opening 108. The receiving brace 100 is then sized to
allow the user's shooting hand 26 to enter the back of the
receiving brace 100 and hold the grip 102 of the revolver 98. The
retaining element 28, as described before, loops under and around
the wrist 80, and then the second retaining element 36 comes over
the base of the thumb to attach on or next to a portion of the
first strap.
[0055] Those familiar with the art will appreciate that the present
invention outlined herein could be modified to accommodate many
different kinds of hand-held weapons, such as machine guns, rifles,
shotguns, stun guns, etc.
[0056] Having thus described in detail several embodiments of the
retainer and shield of the present invention, it is to be
appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the
detailed description of the invention, could be made without
altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It
is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating
only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not
alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and
principles embodied therein. The present embodiment and optional
configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as
exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the
invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to
this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced
therein.
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