U.S. patent application number 12/266473 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-28 for integrated pressure switch pocket for a vertical fore grip.
This patent application is currently assigned to TANGO DOWN, INC.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey M. Cahill.
Application Number | 20090133309 12/266473 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38235489 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090133309 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cahill; Jeffrey M. |
May 28, 2009 |
INTEGRATED PRESSURE SWITCH POCKET FOR A VERTICAL FORE GRIP
Abstract
A vertical fore grip for a firearm with an integrated pressure
switch pocket. The vertical fore grip includes a body with internal
storage cavity, a mount adapted to secure a firearm, a pocket for a
pressure switch on the perimeter of the body, and a cap to secure a
pressure switch and waterproof the internal storage cavity. The
mount has a groove for a firearm rail, at least one locking bar,
and a spring for engaging the locking bar to a firearm rail.
Inventors: |
Cahill; Jeffrey M.;
(Anaheim, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
PO BOX 7068
PASADENA
CA
91109-7068
US
|
Assignee: |
TANGO DOWN, INC.
|
Family ID: |
38235489 |
Appl. No.: |
12/266473 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11751618 |
May 21, 2007 |
7464495 |
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12266473 |
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11394845 |
Mar 31, 2006 |
7243454 |
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11751618 |
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60667578 |
Apr 1, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/12 20130101;
F41C 23/16 20130101; F41C 23/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/72 |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/16 20060101
F41C023/16 |
Claims
1. A fore grip for attachment to a firearm, the fore grip
comprising: a body having an external surface, a first end, and a
second end opposite the first end; a mount located at the first end
of the body and adapted to secure the body to such firearm; and an
elongated recessed pocket exposed through the external surface of
the body, the pocket having a first end toward the first end of the
body and a second end toward the second end of the body, wherein
the recessed pocket comprises a dovetail to engage a part slid
through the second end of the recessed pocket.
2. The fore grip of claim 1, wherein the second end of the pocket
is open at the second end of the body to receive such part slid
into the pocket.
3. The fore grip of claim 2, further comprising a removable cap
attached to the second end of the body.
4. The fore grip of claim 3, wherein the body comprises an internal
cavity having an opening it the second end of the body, and wherein
the removable cap closes the opening.
5. The fore grip of claim 3, wherein the removable cap extends in
front of the open second end of the pocket to retain such part in
the pocket.
6. The fore grip of claim 1, further comprising the part slid into
the pocket.
7. The fore grip of claim 6, wherein the part comprises a pressure
switch.
8. The fore grip of claim 6, wherein the part comprises a filler
panel.
9. The fore grip of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises at least
one locking bar movable to engage such firearm.
10. A fore grip for attachment to a firearm, the fore grip
comprising: a body having an external surface, a first end, and a
second end; a mount located at the first end of the body and
adapted to secure the body to such firearm; a recessed pocket
exposed through the external surface of the body, having an end at
the second end of the body, wherein the recessed pocket is adapted
to receive a removable part into the recessed pocket; a removable
cap on the second end of the body extending in front of the end of
the pocket to block such part from exiting the pocket.
11. The fore grip of claim 10, further comprising the part inserted
into the recessed pocket.
12. The fore grip of claim 11, wherein the removable cap blocks the
part from exiting the pocket.
13. The fore grip of claim 11, wherein the part comprises a
pressure switch.
14. The fore grip of claim 11, wherein the part comprises a filler
panel.
15. The fore grip of claim 10, wherein the end of the pocket
comprises an open end, and wherein the pocket is adapted to receive
such part slid through the open end of the pocket.
16. The fore grip of claim 15, wherein the pocket comprises a
dovetail to engage such part slid through the open end of the
pocket.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/751,618, filed May 21, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S.
Pat. No. 7,243,454, filed Mar. 31, 2006, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/667,578, filed Apr. 1, 2005,
the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a grip, and more particularly, to
a vertical grip and/or a firearm with a vertical grip with an
integrated pressure switch pocket and storage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Modern firearms often require mounting and quickly shedding
mission-specific accessories that accelerate soldier performance at
a given combat task. One of those accessories that has proven
invaluable in improving operator control and performance during
sustained automatic fire is the vertical fore grip.
[0004] The current fore grip design is a glass-filled polypropylene
component that can be uncomfortable to most hands. Many operators
feel that the grip diameter is too small and requires considerable
grasp pressure to prevent slippage. The material itself is waxy to
the touch, and becomes even slicker when wet or sweaty. It also
prevents proper adhesion of glues for pressure switches, resulting
in less-than-satisfactory switch mounting methods. This grip has no
form of hand retention other than small grooves at the grip end
which easily pack with dirt or mud, eliminating any benefit.
[0005] Another weakness of existing grips is the mounting system. A
small cylindrical soft plastic projection is the sole method of
retaining the grip to the rail system. Any major impact to the grip
shears the projection, allowing the firearm to slide out of control
in an operator's band. Field expedient fixes have been to drill out
the sheared plastic part and replace it with a steel pin. This is
time consuming and a stop-gap improvement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one embodiment, the invention is a vertical fore grip for
attachment to a firearm. The grip includes a body having an
internal storage cavity with an external opening, a mount adapted
to secure a firearm, the mount located at one end of the body, a
pocket adapted to receive a pressure switch on the perimeter of the
body, and a removable cap, adapted to cover the external opening.
In another embodiment, the mount includes a rail groove, at least
one locking bar dimensioned to interface with cross cuts in a
firearm rail, a spring engaging the body and the locking bar, and
at least one slot having an upper portion and a lower portion, the
slot dimensioned to accept a locking bar substantially in the upper
portion while engaged or substantially in the lower portion in a
released condition, the slot protruding through the housing of the
grip and running through the rail groove substantially
perpendicular to the rail groove.
[0007] In one embodiment, the invention is firearm that includes a
vertical fore grip. The fore grip includes a body having an
internal storage cavity with an external opening, a mount adapted
to secure a firearm, the mount located at one end of the body, a
pocket adapted to receive a pressure switch on the perimeter of the
body, and a removable cap adapted to cover the external
opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm with a vertical grip and
pressure switch according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of a vertical fore grip mounted on a
Mil-Std-1913 rail according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 3A is a side view of the vertical fore grip with the
pressure switch cavity filler panel installed according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 3B is a side view of the vertical fore grip with the
pressure switch cavity filler panel removed, the cap unscrewed, and
tools sliding into the internal storage cavity according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 3C is a side view of the vertical fore grip with a
pressure switch installed according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 3D is an end view of the vertical fore grip showing the
dovetail pressure switch pocket according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an overhead view of the vertical fore grip
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 5A is an exploded view of the vertical fore grip
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 5B is cross-sectional view of a locking bar according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the vertical fore
grip with tools stored in the internal storage cavity according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 7A is an end view of the vertical fore grip with the
locking bars in the resting position according to one embodiment of
the invention;
[0019] FIG. 7B is an end view of the vertical fore grip with the
locking bars in the retracted position according to one embodiment
of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional end view of the vertical fore
grip and firearm rail with the locking bars in the retracted,
non-locked, position according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional end view of the vertical fore
grip and firearm rail with the locking bars in the resting, locked,
position according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 8A is a side view of the vertical fore grip and firearm
rail with the locking bars in the retracted, non-locked, position,
and the portion above the locking bar slots removed according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 8B is a side view of the vertical fore grip and firearm
rail with the locking bars in the resting, locked, position and the
portion above the locking bar slots removed according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional side view of the vertical fore
grip and firearm rail with the locking bars in the retracted,
non-locked, position according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional side view of the vertical fore
grip and firearm rail with the locking bars in the resting, locked,
position according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 9A is an exploded view of the vertical fore grip and
"L" shaped locking bars according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the vertical fore grip and
"L" shaped locking bars according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0028] FIG. 9C is an assembled perspective view of a "U" shaped
locking bar assembly according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0029] FIG. 9D is an assembled overhead view of a "U" shaped
locking bar assembly according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0030] FIG. 9E is an exploded view of a "U" shaped locking bar
assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a front view of the vertical fore grip with a
snapping cap according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, embodiments of the invention
are directed to a vertical fore grip for a firearm having an
internal storage cavity and a pressure switch pocket.
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a vertical fore grip 10 with pressure switch 11
installed on a firearm according to one embodiment of the
invention. The pressure switch 11 is held in place by cap 12.
Vertical fore grips 10 are often called upon to mount pressure
switches for lasers and tactical lights. FIG. 2 shows a vertical
grip 10 with locking bars 14 engaged in a Mil-Std-1913 rail on a
firearm according to one embodiment of the invention. As discussed
in detail below, in an embodiment, the vertical fore grip 10
includes a body 15, the upper portion of which is the mount, the
body 15 having a cap 12 attached thereto, which removably covers an
internal cavity of the body 15, and a pressure switch pocket 18,
and removable cavity filler panel 13, as shown in FIGS. 3A,B.
[0034] In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the body 15 has a removable
pressure switch cavity filler panel 13 installed. The body 15 is
generally cylindrical in shape in one embodiment. This allows the
operator to rotate his firearm around barriers without a shift in
grip. In an embodiment, the body 15 also has smooth shape devoid of
sharp edges allow the hand to firmly grasp the vertical fore grip
10 without fatigue. In another embodiment, soft-radius ridges 17
provide maximum retention under full-auto fire. Further, the end
cap 12 is easy to manipulate with gloved fingers, in many different
weather conditions. Locking bars 14, which are part of the mount,
are shown in the resting position. It is possible to use one or
more locking bars 14. As shown, dual locking bars 14 provide an
interface to a firearm rail that permits simple connection or
disconnection without requiring the use of any tools. Once locked,
no significant fore-aft movement can take place, even under
significant force.
[0035] FIG. 3B and FIG. 5A show embodiments of the invention with
the filler panel 13 removed from the body 15, thereby exposing a
pressure switch pocket 18 through the external surface of the body.
There is also a wire harness groove 19, located adjacent to the
pressure switch pocket 18. In an embodiment, as seen in FIG. 3D the
pressure switch pocket 18 is dove tailed, having dove tail 18a, and
extends down to pocket end 18b at the bottom of the body. This
allows a shoulder or rim 12a of the cap 12 to lock in a part such
as pressure switch 11, as shown in FIG. 3C. In an embodiment, the
part, for example, filler panel 13, has grooves that correspond to
the dove tailed pocket 18, allowing the part to slide into the
pocket through end 18b and assist in holding the filler panel 13 in
the pocket 18. In an embodiment the pocket 18 is sized for a
SureFire.TM. switch such as the switch on light model M951 KIT02,
National/NATO Stock No.: 6240-01-532-4184. If a dove tail is not
present in the pocket, or if a wider switch than the standard Sure
Fire.TM. switch is used, such as the Insight Technology, Inc.
ITI.TM. PEQ 5 Switch, then adhesive tape, Velcro.TM., or similar
fastener may be used to secure the body of the switch to the
vertical fore grip. For example, rubber bands or alternate elastic
materials such inner-tube materials, may hold the switch to the
grip. In these alternative mounting situations, the cap may still
be used to lock the bottom of the switch in to prevent the switch
from sliding down the grip. In one embodiment, the cap 12 is
threaded and contains an O-ring 20 to allow a tight seal between
the cap 12 and the body 15, thereby facilitating a waterproof
storage cavity. FIG. 3B additionally shows tools that may be stored
inside the internal storage cavity. FIG. 3C shows the vertical fore
grip 10 according to an embodiment, with an installed pressure
switch 11. The pressure switch 11 is held in place by the cap 12,
and the wire harness 21 lies in groove 19.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, an
overhead view of the vertical fore grip 10 shows a spring 23, a
recess 15a in the top to accept the spring 23, and two posts 15b
that also assist in orienting the spring 23 and holding it in the
recess 15a. According to another embodiment, the recesses 15c in
the fore grip 10 for the locking bars 14 are also shown. These
optional recesses 15c allow easier access to the locking bars 14,
particularly with gloved fingers.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment, the mount
includes the rail groove 22, at least one locking bar 14, the
spring 23, and at least one slot 27. In one embodiment, the locking
bars 14 are rectangular in shape with sloped ends, the ends having
horizontal ridges to allow a better gripping surface. In one
embodiment, each locking bar 14 further comprises at least one
notch 14a along its bottom surface, dimensioned to accept the
spring 23. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the locking
bars may be made of injection molded resin and are slightly wedge
shaped 14b in cross section to compensate for wear. In an
embodiment, the spring 23 has an "H" shape and is made of heat
treated corrosion-proof stainless steel. In a further embodiment,
the spring may have an "I" shape similar to a leaf spring, engaging
the locking bar at one point. In yet another embodiment, the spring
may be an antler spring which is a bent wire with a similar profile
to a staple where the ends of the wire curl toward the center of
the wire after a stapler has attached it to paper, with a different
wire for each notch 14a of the locking bar. The spring design is
not limited to the embodiments above.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vertical fore grip
10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The internal cavity
24 can accept tools and is waterproof if used with cap 12 and the
O-ring 20.
[0039] FIG. 7A is a front view of the vertical fore grip 10
according to an embodiment of the invention. A locking bar 14, is
shown in the resting position without an installed firearm rail in
the rail slot 22. FIG. 7B shows the locking bar 14 in a retracted
position without an installed firearm rail, according to an
embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7C is a front cross-sectional
view showing a locking bar 14 in a retracted position and a firearm
rail 25 in the rail slot 22 according to an embodiment. FIG. 7D is
a front cross-sectional view illustrating a locking bar in a locked
position with the firearm rail 25 in the rail slot 22 according to
one embodiment of the invention.
[0040] FIGS. 8A and 8C are side views of the vertical fore grip 10
and an installed firearm rail 25 with the locking bars 14 in a
depressed, non-locked, position according to one embodiment. The
locking bars 14 are at the bottom of the slot 27 and thus have not
engaged the cross cuts 26 on the firearm rail 25. FIGS. 8B and 8D
show the locking bars 14 within the cross cuts 26 of the firearm
rail 25, thereby locking the vertical fore grip 10 to the firearm
rail 25 according to one embodiment. The locking bars 14 are near
the top of the slots 27 when they have engaged the firearm rail 25.
Note that only one locking bar 14 is necessary, but two, three, or
more may also be used.
[0041] FIGS. 9A and 9B show one embodiment of the invention using
L-shaped locking bars 114a,b. The L-shaped locking bars 114a,b
engage with one another after being inserted through slots 127, to
form a rectangular structure with a solid engaging bar 116. As seen
in FIG. 9B, the assembled L-shaped locking bars 116 allow for one
handed operation when installing the vertical fore grip 100 to a
firearm rail. The assembled vertical fore grip 100 may also have a
threaded cap 112, and a pressure switch filler panel 113. In one
embodiment, one of the locking bars may also be in the shape of a
"U" 117a as shown in FIGS. 9C-E. When a "U" shaped locking bar 117a
is used, after inserting the "U" shaped locking bar 117a through
the slots in the grip, a single, locking cross bar 117b is attached
to 117a to form a completed assembly 118.
[0042] FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of the invention with a snap-on
end cap 212 with tether 213, at the bottom of the vertical fore
grip 200. In another embodiment, any of the caps described above
may have a tether where one end of the tether may be attached to
body, in the internal cavity, and the other end to the removable
cap, thus allowing the tether to be stored inside the internal
cavity when the cap is installed.
[0043] In one embodiment, vertical fore grip has internal storage
for spare firearm bolt assemblies, extra batteries, medical
supplies or any other mission specific items. The threaded end cap
has a large diameter O-ring to make the cavity waterproof. The cap
is optionally leashed to the body to prevent its loss.
[0044] Materials useful for the fore grip of the present invention
include plastics, polymers and metals. In one embodiment, nylon
resins are used for the fore grip body and heat-treated stainless
steel is used for the spring, and rubber for the O-ring. However,
different metals may be used for the spring and different rubber or
polymer compounds may be used for the O-ring. In another
embodiment, the nylon resin used for the fore grip body is
available from Entec Co. as 2033 STHL and the nylon resin used for
the locking bars and filler panel is also from Entec Co. as 2043
STHL, which has more glass fibers.
[0045] The preceding description has been presented with reference
to various embodiments of the invention. Persons skilled in the art
and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate
that alterations and changes in the described structures and
methods of operation can be practiced without meaningfully
departing from the principle, spirit and scope of this
invention.
* * * * *