U.S. patent application number 12/584073 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-03 for trigger shrouding apparatus for firearms.
Invention is credited to Martin W. Brenner.
Application Number | 20110047849 12/584073 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43622733 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110047849 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brenner; Martin W. |
March 3, 2011 |
Trigger shrouding apparatus for firearms
Abstract
A trigger shrouding apparatus for a firearm comprises a firearm
component and a trigger shrouding structure attached to the firearm
component. The firearm component is configured for being detachably
attached to one of a grip mounting portion of a receiver body of a
firearm and a magazine well mounting portion of the receiver body.
The trigger shrouding structure includes a trigger shrouding side
wall that extends longitudinally away from the firearm component.
The trigger shrouding side wall is outwardly protruding with
respect to a longitudinal reference axis extending through the
firearm operating structure such that a finger receiving space is
defined by an inwardly facing side of the trigger shrouding side
wall.
Inventors: |
Brenner; Martin W.; (Austin,
TX) |
Family ID: |
43622733 |
Appl. No.: |
12/584073 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/70.07 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/54 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/70.07 |
International
Class: |
F41A 17/54 20060101
F41A017/54 |
Claims
1. A trigger shrouding apparatus for a firearm, comprising: a
firearm component configured for being detachably attached to one
of a grip mounting portion of a receiver body of a firearm and a
magazine well mounting portion of the receiver body; and a trigger
shrouding structure attached to the firearm component, wherein the
trigger shrouding structure includes a trigger shrouding side wall
that extends longitudinally away from the firearm component and
wherein the trigger shrouding side wall is outwardly protruding
with respect to a longitudinal reference axis extending through the
firearm operating structure such that a finger receiving space is
defined by an inwardly facing side of the trigger shrouding'side
wall.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the trigger shrouding side wall
terminates at a trigger access opening of the trigger .shrouding
structure.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the trigger access opening
faces in a direction toward the firearm component.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the trigger shrouding side wall
is essentially immovable with respect to firearm component.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the trigger shrouding structure
is a one-piece structure.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the trigger shrouding structure
is a one-piece structure.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the trigger shrouding side wall
is detachably attached to firearm component.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the trigger shrouding side wall
is essentially immovable with respect firearm component.
9. A trigger shrouding apparatus for a firearm, comprising: a hand
gripping structure having a receiver mounting portion configured
for being mounted on a mating portion of a receiver body of a
firearm; and a trigger shrouding structure attached to the hand
gripping structure, wherein the trigger shrouding structure
includes two opposing side walls that each extend forward of the
hand gripping structure with respect to an orientation of the hand
gripping structure when the hand gripping structure is mounted on
the mating portion of the receiver body and wherein a first one of
said side walls includes a protruding portion thereof that
protrudes outwardly away from a second one of said side walls such
that a finger receiving space is defined by an inwardly facing side
of the trigger shrouding side wall.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the protruding portion
intersects a first trigger access opening of the trigger shrouding
structure adjacent the hand gripping structure such that a trigger
actuating finger of a hand can extend into engagement with the
trigger through the trigger access opening while other fingers of a
hand comprising the trigger actuating finger are wrapped around the
hand gripping structure
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the trigger access opening
faces in a direction toward the hand gripping structure.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the trigger shrouding
structure and the hand gripping structure jointly define a
one-piece structure.
13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the trigger shrouding
structure, is a one-piece structure.
14. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first one of said side
walls is detachably attached to the hand gripping structure.
15. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the trigger shrouding
structure and the hand gripping structure jointly define a
one-piece structure.
16. A firearm, comprising: a receiver body assembly including a
receiver body, a magazine well structure and a trigger, wherein the
receiver body has a front portion and rear portion, wherein the
trigger extends from a lower edge portion of the receiver body
between the front and rear portions of the receiver body, and
wherein the magazine well structure is attached to the receiver
body at a location between the trigger and the front portion of the
receiver body; a hand gripping structure attached to the receiver
body at a location between the trigger and the rear portion of the
receiver body such that a trigger accessing space is defined
between the hand gripping structure and the magazine well
structure; and a trigger shrouding structure attached to at least
one of the hand gripping structure and the receiver assembly,
wherein the trigger shrouding structure includes a first side wall
that extends over the trigger accessing space on a first side of
the receiver body, wherein the first side wall includes a
protruding portion that protrudes outwardly away from the trigger
accessing space such that a finger receiving space is defined by an
inwardly facing side of the trigger shrouding side wall, and
wherein the first side wall defines a trigger access opening of the
trigger shrouding structure adjacent the hand gripping structure
such that a trigger actuating finger of a hand can extend into
engagement with the trigger through the trigger access opening
while other fingers of a hand comprising the trigger actuating
finger are wrapped around the hand gripping structure.
17. The firearm of claim 16 wherein the first side wall is
essentially immovable with respect to the hand gripping
structure.
18. The firearm of claim 16 wherein: the receiver assembly further
includes a trigger guard connected directly between the hand
gripping structure and at least one of the magazine well structure
and the receiver body; the trigger shrouding structure is attached
to at least' east one of the magazine well structure and the
trigger guard.
19. The firearm of claim 18 wherein the trigger shrouding structure
is at least one of a one-piece structure.
20. The firearm of claim 18 wherein the trigger access opening
faces in a direction toward the rear portion of the receiver body.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The disclosures made herein relate generally to firearms
and, more particularly, to structures and apparatuses mountable on
a firearm and configured for limiting the potential for unintended
actuation of a trigger of the firearm by an object other than a
finger of a person carrying the firearm.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In many situations, it is necessary and/or desirable to
carry a firearm with the safety in the fire position. For example,
in certain law enforcement and military situations, there is the
need and/or desire to perform certain duties with the safety of a
firearm in the "fire" position as opposed to the "safe" position.
The reason for this is that the time and attention it takes to move
the safety from the safe position to the fire position, albeit
typically fractions of a second, can sometimes be critical.
[0003] Even in the hands of the exceptionally well-trained
professional, adverse situations can arise when carrying a firearm
with the safety in the fire position. For example, it is common for
a firearm such as an assault rifle to be held by a shooter across
the shooter's chest. As such, objects carried by the shooter on or
near the chest of the shooter can accidentally engage and actuate
the trigger of the firearm thereby causing the firearm to be
unintentionally fired. Similarly, in outdoor situations, an object
such as a tree branch or the like can accidentally engage and
actuate the trigger of the firearm thereby causing the firearm to
be unintentionally fired.
[0004] Therefore, an apparatus mountable on a firearm and
configured for limiting the potential for unintended actuation of a
trigger of the firearm by an object other than a finger of a person
carrying the firearm would be advantageous, desirable and
useful.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses
configured for limiting the potential for unintended actuation of a
trigger of a firearm by an object other than a finger of a person
carrying the firearm. More specifically, embodiments of the present
invention are trigger shrouding apparatuses that shroud (i.e.,
protect) a trigger of a firearm from foreign objects while allowing
immediate access to the trigger by a finger of a person carrying
the firearm. Advantageously, a trigger shrouding apparatus
configured in accordance with the present invention includes no
moving parts and is mounted on or integral with a component of the
firearm (e.g., a pistol grip, butt stock grip, magazine well,
trigger guard, etc).
[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a trigger
shrouding apparatus for a firearm comprises a firearm component and
a trigger shrouding structure attached to the firearm component.
The firearm component is configured for being detachably attached
to a grip mounting portion of a receiver body of a firearm or
magazine well mounting portion of the receiver body. The trigger
shrouding structure includes a trigger shrouding side wall that
extends longitudinally away from the firearm component. The trigger
shrouding side wall is outwardly protruding with respect to a
longitudinal reference axis extending through the firearm operating
structure such that an inwardly facing side of the trigger
shrouding side wall defines a finger receiving space.
[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, a trigger
shrouding apparatus for a firearm comprises a hand gripping
structure (e.g., a pistol grip, butt stock grip, magazine well,
trigger guard, etc) and a trigger shrouding structure attached to
the hand gripping structure. The hand gripping structure has a
receiver mounting portion configured for being mounted on a mating
portion of a receiver body of a firearm. The trigger shrouding
structure includes two opposing side walls that each extend forward
of the hand gripping structure with respect to an orientation of
the hand gripping structure when the hand gripping structure is
mounted on the mating portion of the receiver body. A first one of
the side walls includes a protruding portion that protrudes
outwardly away from a second one of the side walls such that a
finger receiving space is defined by an inwardly facing side of the
first one of the side walls.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, a firearm
comprises a receiver body assembly, a hand gripping structure and a
trigger shrouding structure. The receiver body assembly includes a
receiver body, a magazine well structure and a trigger. The
receiver body has a front portion and rear portions. The trigger
extends from a lower edge portion of the receiver body between the
front and rear portions of the receiver body. The magazine well
structure is attached to the receiver body at a location between
the trigger and the front portion of the receiver body. The hand
gripping structure is attached to the receiver body at a location
between the trigger and the rear portion of the receiver body such
that a trigger accessing space is defined between the hand gripping
structure and the magazine well structure. The trigger shrouding
structure is attached to the hand gripping structure and/or the
receiver assembly. The trigger shrouding structure includes a first
side wall that extends over the trigger accessing space on a first
side of the receiver body. The first side wall includes a
protruding portion that protrudes outwardly away from the trigger
accessing space such that a finger receiving space is defined by an
inwardly facing side of the first side wall. The first side wall
intersects a trigger access opening of the trigger shrouding
structure adjacent the hand gripping structure such that a trigger
actuating finger of a hand can extend into engagement with the
trigger through the trigger access opening while other fingers of a
hand comprising the trigger actuating finger are wrapped around the
hand gripping structure.
[0009] These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or
distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent
upon further review of the following specification, associated
drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a
pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus configured in
accordance with the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in
FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a partial fragmentary view showing a firearm
having the pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus of
FIG. 1 in combination therewith.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a
magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus configured in
accordance with the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an end view of the magazine well integrated
trigger shrouding apparatus shown in FIG. 5.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a partial fragmentary view showing a firearm
having the magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus of
FIG. 5 in combination therewith.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a
pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus with a
selectively detachable trigger shrouding structure.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a
single-sided trigger shrouding apparatus that is configured for
being detachably attached to a firearm exclusively through
engagement with a trigger guard of the firearm.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a
trigger shrouding apparatus having an integral trigger guard.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a
dual-sided trigger shrouding apparatus that is configured for being
detachably attached to a firearm exclusively through engagement
with a trigger guard of the firearm.
[0021] FIG. 12 is an end view of the dual-sided trigger shrouding
apparatus shown in FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a pistol grip integrated trigger
shrouding apparatus 100 is shown. The pistol grip integrated
trigger shrouding apparatus 100 includes a pistol grip 102 and a
trigger shrouding structure 104 attached to the pistol grip 102.
The pistol grip 102 is one example of a hand gripping structure of
a firearm to which a trigger shrouding apparatus configured in
accordance with the present invention can be attached. Furthermore,
the pistol grip 102 (i.e., rear hand gripping structure) is one
example of a firearm component to which a trigger shrouding
structure configured in accordance with the present invention can
be attached. Thus, the pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding
apparatus 100 is one example of a firearm component integrated
trigger shrouding apparatus configured in accordance with the
present invention.
[0023] The pistol grip 102 includes a receiver mounting portion 106
configured for being mounted on a mating portion of a receiver body
of a firearm. A skilled person will appreciate approaches by which
a hand gripping structure can be attached to a mating portion of a
receiver body of an associated firearm. Accordingly, it will be
understood from the disclosures herein that trigger shrouding
apparatuses configured in accordance with present invention are not
limited to any particular approach for being mounted on a grip
mounting portion of a firearm.
[0024] The trigger shrouding structure 104 includes two opposing
side walls (i.e., a first side wall 108 and a second side wall 110)
that each extend forward of the pistol grip 102 with respect to an
orientation of the pistol grip 102 when the pistol grip 102 is
mounted on the mating portion of the receiver body. A trigger
receiving space 111 is defined between the two opposing side walls
108, 110. In this manner, when the trigger shrouding apparatus 100
is mounted on a mating firearm, a trigger of the firearm is
positioned within the trigger receiving space 111.
[0025] The first side wall 108 includes a protruding portion 112
that protrudes outwardly away from the second side wall 110 such
that a finger receiving space 114 is defined by an inwardly facing
side 116 of the first side wall 108. The second side wall 110
includes a protruding portion 118 that protrudes outwardly away
from the first side wall 108 such that a finger receiving space 120
is defined by an inwardly facing side 122 of the second side wall
110. The protruding portion 118 of the second side wall 110
terminates at (i.e., intersects with) a trigger access opening 124
of the trigger shrouding structure 104. The trigger access opening
serves as an entrance into the protruding portion 118 of the second
side wall 110. Preferably, a location of the trigger access opening
124 is positioned such that the entrance into the trigger access
opening 124 faces in a direction toward the pistol grip 102. As
shown, the trigger access opening 124 is jointly defined between
the protruding portion and non-protruding portion (i.e., generally
flat portion) of the second side wall 110. In other embodiments,
the trigger access opening 124 can be defined solely within the
protruding portion 118 of the second side wall 110.
[0026] The trigger access opening 124 is adjacent the pistol grip
102 such that a trigger actuating finger can extend into engagement
with a trigger positioned within the trigger receiving space 111
through the trigger access opening 124 of the protruding portion
118 of the second side wall 110 while other fingers of a hand
comprising the trigger actuating finger are wrapped around the
pistol grip. The finger receiving space 114 (i.e., swelled portion)
of the first side wall 108 provides space for being occupied by a
portion of the trigger actuating finger that extends beyond the
trigger. In this manner, the pistol grip integrated trigger
shrouding apparatus 100 limits the potential for unintended
actuation of the trigger of the firearm by an object other than the
trigger actuating finger of the person carrying the firearm.
[0027] Depending on specific needs and requirements, the trigger
shrouding structure 104 and the pistol grip 102 can jointly define
a one-piece structure. For example, the trigger shrouding structure
104 and the pistol grip 102 can be machined from a single piece of
material, molded as a single piece of material or the like.
Similarly, the trigger shrouding structure 104 is preferably a
one-piece structure such that the trigger shrouding structure 104
is essentially immovable with respect to the pistol grip 102.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 4, the pistol grip integrated trigger
shrouding apparatus 100 is shown mounted on a firearm 150. The
firearm 150 includes a receiver body 152, a magazine well structure
154, a trigger 156 and a trigger guard 158. The receiver body 152,
the magazine well structure 154, the trigger 156, and the trigger
guard 158 jointly define a receiver body assembly. The receiver
body 152 has a front portion 160 and rear portion 162. The trigger
156 extends from a lower edge portion 164 of the receiver body 152
between the front and rear portions 160, 162 of the receiver body
152. The magazine well structure 154 is integral with the receiver
body 152 at a location between the trigger 156 and the front
portion 160 of the receiver body 152. The pistol grip 102 of the
trigger shrouding apparatus 100 is attached to the receiver body
152 at a location between the trigger 156 and the rear portion 162
of the receiver body 152 (i.e., pistol grip mounting portion of the
receiver body 152) such that a trigger accessing space is defined
between the pistol grip 102 and the magazine well structure 154.
The trigger 156 is located within the trigger accessing space. The
two opposing side walls 108, 110 of the trigger shrouding structure
104 extends over the trigger accessing space on opposing sides of
the receiver body 152. The protruding portion of each one of the
side walls 108, 110 protrude outwardly away from the trigger
accessing space 111. As disclosed above in reference to FIGS. 1-3,
access to the trigger 156 is provided through the trigger access
opening 124.
[0029] A skilled person will be familiar with various types and
configurations of firearms configured in a manner compatible with a
pistol grip integrated trigger shrouding apparatus in accordance
with the present invention. Examples of such firearms are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,019 to Schuetz, U.S. Pat. No. 7,444,775 to
Schuetz, U.S. Pat. No. 3,198,066 to Stoner, U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,224
to Morris, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,534 to Lambie, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a magazine well integrated
trigger shrouding apparatus 200 is shown. The magazine well
integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 200 includes a magazine well
202 and a trigger shrouding structure 204 attached to the magazine
well 202. The magazine well 202 is one example of a firearm
component to which a trigger shrouding structure configured in
accordance with the present invention can be attached. Thus, the
magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 200 is one
example of a firearm component integrated trigger shrouding
apparatus configured in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] The magazine well 202 includes receiver mounting portions
206, 207 configured for being engaged with (i.e., mounted on)
mating portions of a receiver body of a firearm. A skilled person
will appreciate approaches by which a magazine well can be engaged
with mating portions of a receiver body of an associated firearm.
Accordingly, it will be understood from the disclosures herein that
trigger shrouding apparatuses configured in accordance with present
invention are not limited to any particular approach for being
mounted on magazine well mounting portion of a firearm.
[0032] The trigger shrouding structure 204 includes two opposing
side walls (i.e., a first side wall 208 and a second side wall 210)
that each extend rearward of the magazine well 202 with respect to
an orientation of the magazine well 202 when the magazine well 202
is mounted on the mating portion of the receiver body. A trigger
receiving space 211 is defined between the two opposing side walls
208, 210. In this manner, when the trigger shrouding apparatus 200
is mounted on a mating firearm, a trigger of the firearm is
positioned within the trigger receiving space 211.
[0033] The first side wall 208 includes a protruding portion 212
that protrudes outwardly away from the second side wall 210 such
that a finger receiving space 214 is defined by an inwardly facing
side 216 (FIG. 5) of the first side wall 208. The second side wall
210 includes a protruding portion 218 that protrudes outwardly away
from the first side wall 208 such that a finger receiving space 220
is defined by an inwardly facing side 222 of the second side wall
210. The protruding portion 218 of the second side wall 210
terminates at (i.e., intersects with) a trigger access opening 224
of the trigger shrouding structure 204. The trigger access opening
224 serves as an entrance into the protruding portion 218 of the
second side wall 210. As shown, the trigger access opening 224 is
defined by a rear edge portion of the second side wall 210.
[0034] The trigger access opening 224 is configured such, when the
magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 200 is mounted
on an associated firearm, the trigger access opening 224 is
adjacent a rear portion of a receiver body of the firearm. In this
manner, a trigger actuating finger can extend into engagement with
a trigger positioned within the trigger receiving space through the
trigger access opening 224 of the protruding portion 218 of the
second side wall 210 while other fingers of a hand comprising the
trigger actuating finger are wrapped around a rear hand gripping
structure of the firearm. The finger receiving space 214 (i.e.,
swelled portion) of the first side wall 208 provides space for
being occupied by a portion of the trigger actuating finger that
extends beyond the trigger. In this manner, the magazine well
integrated trigger shrouding apparatus 200 limits the potential for
unintended actuation of the trigger of the firearm by an object
other than the trigger actuating finger of the person carrying the
firearm.
[0035] Depending on specific needs and requirements, the trigger
shrouding structure 204 and the magazine well 202 can jointly
define a one-piece structure. For example, the trigger shrouding
structure 204 and the magazine well 202 can be machined from a
single piece of material, molded as a single piece of material or
the like. Similarly, the trigger shrouding structure 204 is
preferably a one-piece structure such that the trigger shrouding
structure 20 is essentially immovable with respect to the magazine
well 202.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 7, the magazine well integrated
trigger shrouding apparatus 200 is shown mounted on a firearm 250.
The firearm 250 includes a receiver body 252, a trigger 256 and a
trigger guard 258. The receiver body 252, the trigger 256 and the
trigger guard 258 jointly define a receiver body assembly. The
receiver body 252 has a front portion 260 and rear portion 262. The
trigger 256 extends from a lower edge portion 264 of the receiver
body 252 between the front and rear portions 260, 262 of the
receiver body 252. The receiver body 252 includes magazine well
mounting portions 265 (e.g., mounting pins or the like). The
magazine well 202 of the magazine well integrated trigger shrouding
apparatus 200 is secured to the lower edge portion 264 of the
receiver body 252 by the magazine well mounting portions 265 at a
location between the front portion 260 of the receiver body 252 and
the trigger 256. A trigger accessing space is defined between the
magazine well 202 and the rear portion 262 of the receiver body
252. The trigger 256 is located within the trigger accessing space.
The two opposing side walls 208, 210 of the trigger shrouding
structure 204 extends over the trigger accessing space on opposing
sides of the receiver body 252 and terminates at or near a rear
hand gripping structure 267 (e.g., butt stick, pistol grip of the
like) of the firearm 250. The protruding portions 212, 218 of the
side walls 208, 210 protrude outwardly away from the trigger
accessing space. As disclosed above in reference to FIGS. 5 and 6,
access to the trigger 256 is provided through the trigger access
opening 224.
[0037] A skilled person will be familiar with various types and
configurations of firearms configured in a manner compatible with a
magazine well integrated trigger shrouding apparatus in accordance
with the present invention. Examples of such firearms are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,131,228 to Hochstrate et al. and U.S. Pat. No.
6,895,708 to Kim et al., both of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
[0038] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a pistol grip integrated
trigger shrouding apparatus 300 having a pistol grip 302 and a
trigger shrouding structure 304 detachably attached to the pistol
grip 302. The trigger shrouding structure 304 includes a single
side wall 308 having a plurality of interlock features 307 that
engage mating interlock features 309 of the pistol grip 302 for
detachably attaching the trigger shrouding structure 304 to the
pistol grip 302. The trigger shrouding structure 304 also includes
a trigger guard engaging member 313 (e.g., a trigger guard clip)
configured for being detachably attached to a trigger guard of a
firearm. Accordingly, the trigger shrouding structure 304 is
secured to a firearm through the pistol grip 302 and through a
trigger guard of the firearm.
[0039] The pistol grip 302 can be configured in substantially the
same manner as that discussed above in reference to FIGS. 1-4. The
trigger shrouding structure 304 includes a protruding portion 312
that can be configured substantially the same as either protruding
portion of the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4
(i.e., protruding portion 112 or protruding portion 118). As shown,
the protruding portion 312 of the trigger shrouding structure 304
is configured in a similar manner to the protruding portion 112 of
the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 shown in. FIGS. 1-4.
[0040] Detachability of a side wall not having a trigger access
opening is beneficial in that it allows the side wall to be removed
so that the trigger can be readily actuated from either side of the
firearm.
[0041] This is beneficial if a firearm for a person having opposite
dexterity (e.g., left handed as opposed to right handed) of a
primary user of a firearm has a need to use the firearm. For
example, with respect to the pistol grip integrated trigger
shrouding apparatus 300, the sidewall 310 can be detached from an
attached firearm by applying sufficient force on the side wall 310
in a direction away from the trigger until the plurality of
interlock features 307 disengage from the mating interlock features
309 of the pistol grip 302 and the trigger guard engaging member
313 disengages from the trigger guard. In one embodiment, such
force can be applied to a release tab 315 of the side wall 310.
[0042] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a single-sided trigger
shrouding apparatus 400 that is configured for being detachably
attached to a firearm exclusively through engagement with a trigger
guard of the firearm. The trigger shrouding apparatus 400 includes
a trigger shrouding structure 404 and a trigger guard engaging
member 413 (e.g., a trigger guard clip) attached to the trigger
shrouding structure 404. Preferably, but not necessarily, the
trigger guard engaging member 413 is attached to a lower edge
portion 417 of the trigger shrouding structure 404. The trigger
guard engaging member 413 is configured for being detachably
attached to a trigger guard of a firearm such that the trigger
guard shrouding apparatus 400 can be secured to a firearm through
only the trigger guard of the firearm. The trigger shrouding
structure 404 includes a protruding portion 412 that can be
configured substantially the same as either protruding portion of
the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 (i.e.,
protruding portion 112 or protruding portion 118). As shown, the
protruding portion 412 of the trigger shrouding structure 404 is
configured in a similar manner to the protruding portion 112 of the
trigger shrouding apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4.
[0043] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a trigger shrouding apparatus
500 having trigger shrouding structure 504 and a trigger guard 505
integrally attached to the trigger shrouding structure 504.
[0044] Preferably, but not necessarily, the trigger guard 505 is
attached to a lower edge portion 517 of the trigger shrouding
structure 504. The trigger guard can be configured in the same
configured as a known prior art for trigger guard. The trigger
shrouding structure 504 includes a protruding portion 512 that can
be configured substantially the same as either protruding portion
of the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 (i.e.,
protruding portion 112 or protruding portion 118).
[0045] As shown, the protruding portion 512 of the trigger
shrouding structure 404 is configured in a similar manner to the
protruding portion 112 of the trigger shrouding apparatus 100 shown
in FIGS. 1-4.
[0046] FIGS. 11 and 12 show an embodiment of a dual-sided trigger
shrouding apparatus 600 that is configured for being detachably
attached to a firearm exclusively through engagement with a trigger
guard of the firearm. The trigger shrouding apparatus 600 includes
a trigger shrouding structure 604 and a trigger guard engaging
member 613 (e.g., a trigger guard clip) attached to the trigger
shrouding structure 604. The trigger shrouding structure 604
includes two opposing side walls (i.e., a first side wall 608 and a
second side wall 610) and a bottom wall 617 extending between the
side walls 608, 610. A trigger receiving space 611 is defined
between the two opposing side walls 608, 610. In this manner, when
the trigger shrouding apparatus 600 is mounted on a mating firearm,
a trigger of the firearm is positioned within the trigger receiving
space 611. The trigger guard engaging member 613 is attached to the
bottom wall 617. The trigger guard engaging member 613 is
configured for being detachably attached to a trigger guard of a
firearm such that the trigger guard shrouding apparatus 600 can be
secured to a firearm through only the trigger guard of the
firearm.
[0047] The first side wall 608 includes a protruding portion 612
that protrudes outwardly away from the second side wall 610 such
that a finger receiving space 614 is defined by an inwardly facing
side 616 of the first side wall. The second side wall 610 includes
a protruding portion 618 that protrudes outwardly away from the
first side wall 108 such that a finger receiving space 620 is
defined by an inwardly facing side 622 of the second side wall 610.
The protruding portion 618 of the second side wall 610 terminates
at (i.e., intersects with) a trigger access opening 624 of the
trigger shrouding structure 604. The trigger access opening serves
as an entrance into the protruding portion 618 of the second side
wall 610. Preferably, a location of the trigger access opening 624
is positioned such that the entrance into the trigger access
opening 624 faces in a direction toward a rear portion of a firearm
on which the trigger shrouding apparatus 600 is mounted. As shown,
the trigger access opening 624 is jointly defined between the
protruding portion and non-protruding portion (i.e., generally flat
portion) of the second side wall 610. In other embodiments, the
trigger access opening 624 can be defined solely within the
protruding portion 618 of the second side wall 610.
[0048] A skilled person will appreciate that various structural
and/or functional aspects of one disclosed embodiment can be
integrated and/or exchanged with another one of the embodiments.
Examples of such structural and/or functional aspects include, but
are not limited to, a protruding portion of a trigger shrouding
side wall terminating at a trigger access opening, a trigger access
opening facing in a direction toward a rear portion (e.g., rear
hand gripping structure) of a firearm on which a trigger shrouding
apparatus is mounted, a trigger shrouding side wall being
essentially immovable with respect to a remaining portion of the
trigger shrouding structure, a trigger shrouding Structure being
one-piece structure, and a side wall of a trigger shrouding
structure being detachably attached to firearm component.
Accordingly, it is disclosed herein that embodiments of the present
invention as disclosed herein may incorporate features of another
disclosed embodiment.
[0049] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been
made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in
which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in
which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments,
and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient
detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments
of the present invention. It is to be understood that other
suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical,
chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from
the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid
unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known
to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is,
therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set
forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *