U.S. patent application number 14/255785 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-22 for ergonomic firearm forward grip.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jason Combs. Invention is credited to Jason Combs.
Application Number | 20150300775 14/255785 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54321756 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150300775 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Combs; Jason |
October 22, 2015 |
Ergonomic Firearm Forward Grip
Abstract
An ergonomic forward grip for firearms that provides
ambidextrous usage and comfort and has a low profile. It is
comprised of three parts that fit together with two nuts and two
screws that can attach to a Picatinny rail and hold either of two
different battery types in its compartment.
Inventors: |
Combs; Jason; (Glen Rock,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Combs; Jason |
Glen Rock |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54321756 |
Appl. No.: |
14/255785 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 35/06 20130101;
F41C 23/16 20130101; F41C 23/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/16 20060101
F41C023/16; F41C 23/22 20060101 F41C023/22 |
Claims
1. A firearm accessory device in combination with a firearm having
a Picatinny rail, the device comprising: a. a grip handle to place
your hand on that has part of a complete area to attach to a rail;
and b. a key that completes an area to attach to a rail when
coupled with the handle; and c. a cover that when coupled with the
handle serves to close a storage compartment built into the
handle.
2. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the handle has a
finger swell in the front and palm swells, one on either side of
the handle.
3. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the handle and key
have settings for fasteners and holes that allow the fasteners to
pass through the handle to attach the key to the handle.
4. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the handle has an
area that receives the key and guides the key into an affixed
position to properly grasp the rail.
5. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the handle has a
patch of raised texture along either side.
6. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the handle has a
built-in storage compartment, the storage compartment comprising:
a. an area that can fit two types of batteries; and b. a protrusion
that is part of a locking mechanism to keep the cover securely in
place.
7. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the key has an area
that allows it to couple with the handle and grasp the rail.
8. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the key has a
countersunk logo, the logo comprising: a. two stars; and b. text
that reads "MADE IN USA".
9. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the cover has a
hole that, in combination with the protrusion on the handle, forms
the locking mechanism that keeps the cover in place.
10. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the cover slides
into a slot in the storage compartment area on the handle.
11. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the cover has an
area to apply pressure which aids in the removal of the cover from
the handle.
12. A locking mechanism for a container and its cover, the locking
mechanism comprising: a. a slot around the edge of the compartment
rim; b. a protruding built-in ball-lock with a ramped side to aid
in removal of cover; c. a rim around the cover to slide into the
slot in the compartment; and, d. a hole to fit the ramped
ball-lock, on the cover.
13. A storage compartment that can hold two types of batteries, the
compartment comprising: a. an area that can contain two AA
batteries; and, b. two depressions on either side of the
compartment that stops at a certain distance down the compartment
and can hold one CR123 battery.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to firearms, and more
specifically to firearm forward grips and how their design affects
the performance of the firearm.
[0002] In situations where it would be applicable to be shooting a
firearm, a tool, referred to as a forward grip, is sometimes
attached to the front area of the rifle between the action and the
muzzle of the barrel. These forward grips provide a number of
advantages and improvements when using a rifle. Among them is
having your front hand positioned more consistently. This allows
you to maintain a sight picture more quickly and easily and provide
stability and control against recoil. Also, the forward grip, in
general, provides a more comfortable area to grasp the rifle and
hold it more firmly against your shoulder when moving around
without having your hand slide down the length of the rifle. The
grips can serve as a handhold when pulling back the charging handle
or bolt. Forward grips allow the user to move quickly, freely, and
strategically in CQB (Close Quarter Battle) situations.
[0003] There are many variations of the forward grip. They each
have different characteristics that make them individual. However,
most forward grips fail to provide an ergonomic interface. The
majority of grips are cylindrical in shape. This design is basic in
nature and provides little comfort during use. Also, most of the
forward grips that exist extend past the user's hand, vertically,
when being grasped. This length can cause the grip to get caught in
any gear a shooter might be wearing and deter the shooter from
raising their gun fast enough.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is a forward grip that provides an
area with which to grasp the front of the rifle and aid in
stability and control. The forward grip is designed to be ergonomic
in the sense that its grasping area is comfortable to hold. This is
due to a swell in the mid-section of the left and right sides of
the grip as well as a swell at the front of the grip between the
index and middle finger-holds. Having a symmetrical swell on both
sides of the grip allow the grip to be ambidextrous and fit
comfortably in the palm of a right or left-handed individual. The
frontal swell provides a solid area for fingers to squeeze and not
slip during use.
[0005] Included in the forward grip is an area that can attach to a
1913 Picatinny rail. The rail attachment area is split into two
pieces that come together via two screws that tighten the side key
to the main body of the grip and take hold of the Picatinny rail so
that the grip stays in place and cannot be moved.
[0006] The profile of the grip is such that the back follows the
contours of the inside of the palm of the hand where the thumb
connects so that the hand can lay comfortably along the grip. The
front follows the contours of the fingers providing clear areas to
place each finger so that maximum comfort can be achieved. The grip
is shorter than most grips to allow for a compact feel and to
prevent snagging on the user's clothing or gear.
[0007] The grip includes a battery compartment and separate cover
built into the bottom of the grip for convenience. The compartment
can hold one CR123 battery and up to two AA batteries.
[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 SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grip depicting the best
mode of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an alternate perspective view of the grip of FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the grip of FIG. 1. p FIG. 4
is an alternate exploded view of the grip of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the grip of FIG. 1, in its best
mode.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the grip of FIG. 5, taken
along line A-A.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the grip of FIG. 1, in an open
position.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the grip of FIG. 7, taken
along line B-B.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the battery hatch cover of
the grip of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a plan view from the side of the battery hatch
cover of FIG. 9.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the grip of FIG. 1, in its best
mode.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the grip of FIG. 11, taken
along line C-C.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the grip with the battery hatch
cover in an open position.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the grip of FIG. 13, taken
along line D-D.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the grip without the side locking
key.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the grip of FIG. 15, taken
along line E-E.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment
of the grip is herein described. It should be noted that the
articles "a", "an", and "the", as used in this specification,
include plural references unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the grip 1 is formed of
three parts, the handle 2, the locking key 3, and the battery
compartment hatch 4. The handle 2 and the key 3 attach to each
other via two screws 5 and two nuts 6. This allows the grip 1 to
clamp around a Picatinny rail and attach to a firearm. Also
depicted is the grip texture pattern 7.
[0027] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the components of the grip in greater
detail. The handle 2 features two countersunk holes 11 where the
two nuts 6 fit. The handle features a finger swell 26 that sits
between an index finger and a middle finger and a swell 27 on
either side of the handle to allow the fingers to grip the handle
more easily. The handle also has an area marked out for a
customized logo template 9. Embedded into the design is the company
logo 18. There is a flat area 28 and 29 that is defined as the area
that clamps to a standard Picatinny rail. Within that area are two
tube like dugouts 15 that serve as beds for the two screws 5 that
attach the key 3 to the handle 2. The key 3 has a long rounded
protrusion 8 that acts as a male key part and guides the key 3 into
the female indentation 17 on the handle 2. The key 3 has two
countersunk holes 10 in the side for the two screws 5 to rest
within it. The key 3 has two stars and the words "MADE IN USA" 19
embedded into the side of it. The handle has a protruding flat
shelf area 16 that supports the key 3 when it is attached to the
handle. Also depicted is the grip texture 7 on the handle 2 that
gives the part more friction in the user's hand. The battery
compartment hatch cover 4 has a wrap-around overhang 14 that acts
as the male part that slides into the handle 2 and keeps the cover
in place. There are also two overhangs on either side of the cover
13 that act as a stopping point for the cover 4 when it is being
pushed into the handle 2. The cover also features a hole 12 that
receives a protruded ramped ramped ball-lock 24 (shown in FIG. 14)
and is part of the mechanism that keeps the cover securely
locked.
[0028] FIGS. 5-8 show the grip 1 in use. FIG. 6 shows the grip
closed which is the grip's optimal functioning position. The screw
5 goes through the key 3 and then attaches to the handle 2 through
nut 6. FIG. 8 depicts the grip in the state it would be in if one
loosened it to begin the attachment process or to remove it from
the firearm. Screw 5 is undone and removed from nut 6 and the key 3
is pulled away from and removed from the handle 2.
[0029] FIGS. 9 and 10 show the battery compartment hatch cover 4 in
more detail. Including the aforementioned features, 14, 13, and 12,
the hatch cover 4 also features a thumb push 21 which is an area
used to push the cover off of the handle 2 and expose the interior
of the battery compartment 22 (FIG. 12). The thumb push 21 has on
it striations 20 that provide aid in pushing the cover 4 off the
handle 2.
[0030] FIGS. 11-14 depict the AA battery compartment 22, the CR123
battery compartment 23, and the battery compartment hatch cover 4
engaging with the handle's ramped ball-lock 24 in an opened (FIG.
14) and closed state (FIG. 12). The cover 4 slides into the groove
25 and then goes over the ramped ball-lock 24. The ramped ball-lock
rests within the hole 12 on the cover 4. To open the hatch the
user's thumb pushes on the thumb push 21 and forces the cover over
the ramped ball-lock 24 until the cover slides out of the groove 25
and becomes separated from the handle 2.
[0031] FIGS. 15 and 16 show alternate views of the battery
compartments within the handle 2. The AA battery compartment 22 is
slightly thinner in width than the CR123battery compartment 23
which allows for a clear division between compartments due to the
fact that compartment 23 is restrained to CR123 battery dimensions
which are not the same as AA battery dimensions. Compartment 23
will hold one CR123 battery while compartment 22 will hold two AA
batteries.
[0032] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and
variations can be made and still the result will come within the
scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific
embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.
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