Modular Handgrip

Abstract

The present invention is a modular handgrip for rifles and other long guns. The handgrip features a base with a locking dovetail rail on a first side and a second opposite side configured to receive a rail. Back strap additions are provided capable of receiving the rail on the body, which are customizable to a user's preferences while fore straps are provided with rails in a similar manner. Also provided is a storage compartment inside the main body, accessible from a bottom of the grip. As such, an organization, such as an armory, can provide a number of customizable options for handgrips while only stocking a basic grip and a number of optional modules at lower unit and storage costs. Of particular note is a modular fore strap design with an integrated trigger guard.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATE APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application claims priority as a continuation-in-part application of prior filed U.S. application Ser. No. 11/381,340, filed May 2, 2006, and incorporates the same by reference in its entirety

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to handgrips for rifles and more particularly relates to a modular handgrip, which may be modified to the personal preferences of a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Handgrips for rifles are well known in the prior art and are found in many different styles, shapes and designs. Most are not protected by any particular intellectual property protection and most that are have design patents for their ornamental features. Those that have utility patents, or their foreign equivalents, focus on one feature of the handgrip that is novel, like hidden compartments or support tangs. With the variety of handgrips, it becomes very difficult for larger organizations, such as law enforcement and military units, to equip individualized grips, which increase performance efficiency, for large numbers of members. As a result, a standardized weapon is issued and any improvements must be, if allowed, purchased and fitted by the receiving member. What is needed, therefore, is a handgrip that is both standardized and simultaneously customizable in an efficient manner. To this end, the modular grip of the present invention fills the need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of handgrips, this invention provides an improved modular handgrip. As such, the present invention's general purpose is to provide a new and improved handgrip that will be customizable for a user with a lower production cost and more efficient modification process.

[0005] The basic modular handgrip comprises a base grip section that is generally oblong. On the shorter, opposite sides of the base grip body is a rail on the hind side and a rail-receiving trough on the fore side. Back straps of varying designs are provided, each with a rail-receiving trough for the base grip body's rail. These slide together and are joined with a detent system. Fore straps are also provided with a rail design that allows them to slide into the base grip body's rail-receiving trough and are secured in a similar manner. In an alternate embodiment, a storage compartment may be made in the base grip body's interior, accessible from the underside, which is held in a similar detent lock. After assembly, pieces may be secured with an adhesive or epoxy or some similar material or left in their locked state for later modification. Fore and back straps may be provided in any configuration imaginable to meet a user's preferences.

[0006] The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

[0007] Many objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

[0008] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0009] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the handgrip according to the present invention showing several module options.

[0011] FIGS. 2a-2g are side plan views of the handgrip according to the present invention when assembled with different modules.

[0012] FIG. 3a is a lower perspective view of the handgrip of FIG. 2c.

[0013] FIG. 3b is a rear perspective view of the handgrip of FIG. 2a.

[0014] FIG. 4 is the handgrip of FIG. 1 from a different perspective view.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the handgrip according to the present invention installed on a rifle's lower receiver.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the assembly of FIG. 5, showing different hind strap possibilities.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a handgrip according to the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the handgrip of FIG. 7, taken along line A-A.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a close-up view of the handgrip of FIG. 8, taken in circle B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the modular handgrip is herein described. It should be noted that the articles "a", "an" and "the", as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, the handgrip comprises a base grip body 2, with an attachment rail 4 and an attachment trough 7. Back straps 14a, 14b and 14c attach to body 2 by sliding unto rail 4 and are secured in place by interfacing with detent 5. Alternatively, a living hinge with a locking tab 20 (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) or roll pin may be used to alternately secure the back strap to grip body 2. Locking tab 20 has a tooth that interfaces with ridge 22 to secure the back straps vertically. Rail 4 and body 2 both feature tongue-in-groove manufacture (shown in FIG. 4) to hold either of back straps 14a, 14b, or 14c, in place, shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. Fore straps 12a, 12b slide into trough 7, locking in at least one annular groove along edges of said trough 7 (FIG. 4), and are secured when the grip body 2 is bolted to a lower receiver, shown in FIG. 5, through bore 9, shown in FIG. 3a. Two opposing annular grooves may be used and they may be joined into a single groove about the perimeter of the trough 7. Both straps may also be further secured with an adhesive for a permanent attachment. It is also to be understood that the interface structure disclosed above may be reversed (i.e. the back strap featuring the rail and the body featuring the groove).

[0022] Ideally, body 2 is also hollow with cavity 8, which accommodates storage closure 10. Closure 10 is also held with a detent or may be secured by another means, such as a locking tab feature on a living hinge, similar to as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Threaded interface between the closure 10 and body 2 could also be used.

[0023] As seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, the actual shapes of the fore and back straps are limitless, being customizable to the whim of the user. As such, the ornamental design of the straps should not be seen as either limiting of the claims or of the possible combinations that could be designed yet still fall within the scope of this invention

[0024] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made, including the fashioning of different shapes and styles of handgrip base bodies, fore straps and back straps and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. One particularly novel fore strap is labeled as 12a and includes a built in trigger guard. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.

Claims

1. A modular handgrip comprising: a. a main body having modifiable fore strap and back strap areas i. the back strap area further comprising a rail and a ridge distally located with respect to said rail; and ii. the fore strap area comprising a trough and structure being selected from the set of structures consisting of a pair of parallel annular grooves along opposing sides of the trough and a pair of tongues extending from opposing sides of the trough; and b. at least two auxiliary attachments, each one attachable to one modifiable area, the auxiliary attachments being each selected from one of two sets of available auxiliary attachments one set attachable to the fore strap area and the other attachable to the back strap area; i. each of the set of auxiliary attachments attachable to said back strap area comprising a matched trough capable of slidable, tongue-in-groove interface with the rail and a living hinge with a tooth that interfaces with the ridge so as to secure the back strap to the main body one auxiliary attachment; and ii. each of the set of auxiliary attachments attachable to the fore strap area comprising structure being mating structure for the selected for the fore strap area from the set of structures consisting of a pair of parallel grooves along opposing sides of the trough and a pair of tongues extending from opposing sides of the trough.

2. The modular handgrip of claim 1, the main grip body further comprising a storage compartment.

3. The modular handgrip of claim 2, the storage compartment having a closure insertable and securable within the main grip body.

4. A modular handgrip comprising: a. a main body having modifiable fore strap and back strap areas i. the back strap area further comprising a trough and a ridge distally located with respect to said rail; and ii. the fore strap area comprising a trough and structure being selected from the set of structures consisting of a pair of parallel annular grooves along opposing sides of the trough and a pair of tongues extending from opposing sides of the trough; and b. at least two auxiliary attachments, each one attachable to one modifiable area, the auxiliary attachments being each selected from one of two sets of available auxiliary attachments one set attachable to the fore strap area and the other attachable to the back strap area; i. each of the set of auxiliary attachments attachable to said back strap area comprising a matched rail capable of slidable, tongue-in-groove interface with the trough and a living hinge with a tooth that interfaces with the ridge so as to secure the back strap to the main body one auxiliary attachment; and ii. each of the set of auxiliary attachments attachable to the fore strap area comprising structure being mating structure for the selected for the fore strap area from the set of structures consisting of a pair of parallel grooves along opposing sides of the trough and a pair of tongues extending from opposing sides of the trough.

5. The modular handgrip of claim 4, the main grip body further comprising a storage compartment.

6. The modular handgrip of claim 5, the storage compartment having a closure insertable and securable within the main grip body.