U.S. patent application number 14/556620 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-02 for firearm-mounted rescue tool.
The applicant listed for this patent is Andrew BeGole, Tracey Copeland. Invention is credited to Andrew BeGole, Tracey Copeland.
Application Number | 20160153742 14/556620 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56078973 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160153742 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Copeland; Tracey ; et
al. |
June 2, 2016 |
Firearm-Mounted Rescue Tool
Abstract
A rescue tool for removably mounting onto a firearm. The rescue
tool includes a shaft having one end formed for mounting onto a
firearm. An insertion body is formed on a second end of said shaft
of the tool. The insertion body is ideally formed in a shape that
will aid emergency first-responders, law enforcement personnel
and/or military personnel in entering buildings through entryways
such as, for example, secured doors and windows. The insertion body
of the rescue tool may be integrally formed onto the end of the
tool or alternatively removably mounted onto the rescue tool. A
user-actuated mechanism may be utilized to provide the user with
the ability to adjust the length of the rescue tool, thus providing
for ease in carrying the tool while simultaneously providing a
longer lever arm when needed for added leverage in breaching
buildings.
Inventors: |
Copeland; Tracey; (Garland,
TX) ; BeGole; Andrew; (Pleasant Ridge, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Copeland; Tracey
BeGole; Andrew |
Garland
Pleasant Ridge |
TX
MI |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56078973 |
Appl. No.: |
14/556620 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 27/04 20130101;
F41C 23/00 20130101; F41C 23/20 20130101; F41C 27/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/00 20060101
F41C023/00; F41C 27/16 20060101 F41C027/16 |
Claims
1. A tool for mounting onto a firearm, said tool comprising: (a) a
shaft having a first end and a second end; said first end formed
for mounting onto a firearm; and (b) a first prying implement
formed on said second end; wherein said first prying implement
extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular from said
shaft.
2. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 1, wherein said
second end has threads formed thereon for removable mounting onto a
firearm having a correspondingly threaded aperture.
3. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 2, wherein said
shaft is hollow and substantially cylindrical in shape.
4. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 3, wherein said
prying implement is substantially wedge-shaped, said prying element
terminating on one end at a point.
5. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 4, wherein said
prying implement is formed on an insertion body formed on said
second end, said insertion body further including an end of which
at least a portion is substantially flat.
6. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 5, wherein at
least one surface of said insertion body is semi-circular in
shape.
7. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 5, wherein a
plurality of grooves are formed on at least one surface of said
insertion body.
8. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 1, said prying
element having a downwardly facing blade.
9. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 1, said prying
element having two or more forked prongs.
10. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 1, further
comprising a second prying element extending in the same general
direction as the first prying element.
11. A tool for mounting onto a firearm, said tool comprising: (a) a
shaft having a first end and a second end; said first end formed
for mounting onto a firearm; (b) an insertion body removably
mounted on said second end; and (c) a prying implement formed on
said insertion body; wherein said first prying implement extends in
a direction that is generally perpendicular from said shaft.
12. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 11, wherein said
insertion body is removably attached to said shaft via a
user-actuated mechanism allowing for the length of said tool to be
adjusted by a user.
13. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 12, wherein a
plurality of holes are formed in said shaft to receive a fastener
of said user-actuated mechanism.
14. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 13, wherein said
shaft is hollow and substantially cylindrical in shape.
15. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 14, wherein said
shaft is hollow and substantially cylindrical in shape.
16. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 15, wherein said
prying implement is substantially wedge-shaped, said prying element
terminating on one end at a point.
17. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 16, wherein said
prying implement is formed on an insertion body formed on said
second end, said insertion body further including an end of which
at least a portion is substantially flat.
18. The tool for mounting onto a firearm of claim 17, wherein a
plurality of grooves are formed on at least one surface of said
insertion body.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates generally to firearms and more
particularly, to a rescue tool that may be removably mounted onto a
firearm.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] A wide variety of tools are commonly used by law enforcement
personnel, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and military
personnel to gain access to structures having secured entryways
(for example, a locked door) that prevent easy entry. Such
rescue/entry/breaching tools typically include one or more
implements having structures intended for use in prying, cutting,
puncturing and/or striking. For example, a "Halligan" bar is a
well-known multi-purpose tool that can be utilized to gain entry
through a locked door or other entry obstruction. A Halligan bar
typically consists of an elongated shaft having a claw or fork on
one end of the shaft, and a wedge and pick on the other end of the
shaft. Either the fork or the wedge of a Halligan bar may be used
to open a locked door by forcing them between the door and the
doorframe, and prying the two structures apart. Other
rescue/entry/breaching tools may include such features as forked
prongs, blades, pikes, multi-pronged pry-bars and other
wedge-shaped implements.
[0005] Military personnel and law enforcement personnel such as
those deployed in S.W.A.T. teams, are often required to carry heavy
loads during operations. Such loads may include communications
equipment, body armor, extra magazines and ammunition, firearms and
other weapons, medical supplies, optics, lighting equipment, food
and water, and entry/breaching tools. As the weight of loads
carried by law enforcement and military personnel increases,
tactical effectiveness tends to correspondingly decrease. Thus,
there are many advantages in taking steps to effectively reduce the
overall weight of such loads. Accordingly, there is strong-felt
need in the prior art to reduce the overall loads carried by law
enforcement personal and military personnel required to carry both
a firearm and one or more rescue/entry/breaching tools. At least
one object of the invention disclosed herein is to meet such
need.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The novel features believed characteristic of the inventions
are set forth in the appended claims. The inventions themselves,
however, as well as preferred modes of use, further advantages
thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following
detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled AR-15 type
firearm found in the prior art, and exploded views of an AR-15 type
firearm lower receiver assembly and buttstock assembly found in the
prior art;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of multiple embodiments of the
firearm-mounted rescue tool of the present invention, and further
showing the manner in which such embodiments of the tool may
receive and/or be removably connected to prior art AR-15 type
firearms components;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the firearm-mounted rescue tool of the present invention removably
connected to a lower receiver of an AR-15 type firearm, said
embodiment of the tool having an armorer's tool formed into the
body of said tool;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the firearm-mounted rescue tool of the present invention removably
connected to a lower receiver of an AR-15 type firearm, said
embodiment of the tool having a blade and pick formed into the body
of said tool;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the firearm-mounted rescue tool of the present invention removably
connected to a lower receiver of an AR-15 type firearm, said
embodiment of the tool having wedged fork formed into the body of
said tool;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a further perspective view of the alternate
embodiment of the firearm-mounted rescue tool as shown in FIG.
5;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the firearm-mounted rescue tool of the present invention removably
connected to a lower receiver of an AR-15 type firearm, said
embodiment of the tool having a two pronged prying element formed
into the body of said tool;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the firearm-mounted rescue tool of the present invention removably
connected to a lower receiver of an AR-15 type firearm, said tool
configured to allow a user to adjust the length of said tool;
and
[0015] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the alternate embodiment of
the firearm-mounted rescue tool of the present invention as shown
in FIG. 8.
[0016] Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same
reference numerals designate the same or similar parts. All figures
are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the
invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect to
number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form
the preferred embodiment will either be explained or will be within
the skill of persons of ordinary skill in the art after the
following teachings of the present invention have been read and
understood.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Several embodiments of Applicant's invention(s) will now be
described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted,
like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout
all figures. The invention(s) illustratively disclosed herein
suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element that is not
specifically disclosed herein.
[0018] Systems and devices for utilizing a firearm-mounted rescue
tool are disclosed herein. It should be noted that while the
exemplary embodiments of rescue tools and other components
discussed herein are taught in association with their application
in the context of firearms, the systems and devices taught herein
could also be equally utilized in connection with other types of
non-firearm mechanical devices that would benefit from the
incorporation of the types of implements discussed herein.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an M-16/M4/AR-15
type firearm (100) as known in the prior art. Such firearm
typically include, amongst other components, a lower receiver
(101), an upper receiver (102), a barrel (104) and a buttstock
assembly (106). The upper receiver and lower receiver are removably
connected to one another through the use of multiple pins (107)
configured to be received by correspondingly sized apertures (109)
formed onto the receiver assemblies. A hand guard (108) may be
formed around the barrel to protect a user's hands from heat
generated during operation of the firearm.
[0020] Still referring to FIG. 1 and in particular, exploded views
of the lower receiver assembly (101) and buttstock assembly (106)
of an M-16/M4/AR-15 type firearm. The lower receiver assembly
includes a threaded aperture (110) formed on a rearward portion of
the receiver, which is sized for receiving (and threaded for
securing) a generally cylindrical receiver extension (also known in
the art as a "buffer tube") upon which an adjustable buttstock may
be mounted. A buffer and buffer spring are sized for insertion into
a cavity formed into the hollow receiver extension. A "castle nut"
and receiver end plate aid in securing and aligning the receiver
extension to/with the lower receiver. An adjustable buttstock (114)
may be removably mounted onto the receiver extension (112), the
length of said buttstock being adjustable by a user through use of
a lever (122) attached to a spring-mounted bolt (124) configured to
pass through holes formed into the receiver extension and
buttstock.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 2, perspective views of multiple
embodiments of the firearm-mounted rescue tool. With particular
reference to one illustrative embodiment of the rescue tool (202),
the tool includes a hollow shaft (204) having a generally
cylindrical shape. One end of the shaft has threads (206) formed on
an outer surface for engaging a threaded aperture (110) found on a
rearward end of a lower receiver (101). An insertion body (208) is
formed on a second more rearward end of the tool. The insertion
body (208) may be integrally formed to the shaft (204) or in
alternate embodiments as discussed below, may be removably attached
and user-adjustable to provide for various lengths of the tool as
desired by a user.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, alternate embodiments of the rescue tool
may include insertion bodies having various types of shapes and
configured to perform various types of functions, while all falling
within the scope of the present invention. With specific reference
to the embodiment shown at 202, the insertion body (208) is formed
to include a prying implement extending downward from the body (and
shaft) in a generally perpendicular direction with respect to said
body and shaft. The prying implement (210) is generally wedge
shaped for insertion into, among other structures, the space
between a door and a doorframe. Teeth (212) are formed on a surface
of the prying implement, allowing for increased engagement with the
surfaces upon which it is used (doors, windows, etc.).
[0023] It is contemplated that the insertion body may also include
other surfaces having shapes and textures that may or may not be
useful for the aiding in the entry of buildings, but which may have
other advantageous uses. For example, an armorer's tool (214) is
formed on the underside of the insertion body in one embodiment of
the tool (202). The armorer's tool is semi-circular in shape and
includes wedged notches for use in assembling and disassembling the
barrel of an AR-15 type firearm. It is contemplated that the
insertion body may be sized and shaped to include other types of
structures that may aid rescue personnel, law enforcement personnel
and military personnel in the performance of their respective
duties and in repairing or maintaining their weapons.
[0024] A further alternate embodiment of the rescue tool (216)
includes an insertion body having a prying implement (217) formed
to include forked prongs. The forked prongs (217) are useful not
only in prying open various structures, but also in removing nails,
screws and other fasteners that may be wedged between the prongs
and pried loose. Other embodiments of the rescue tool (226) may
include prying implements having prongs of various dimensions,
depending upon the function for which they are intended. An even
further alternate embodiment of the rescue tool (218) includes an
insertion body having a prying implement (219) formed to include an
axe like blade and pike (220). Both the blade and the pike may be
utilized to break or otherwise puncture structural surfaces of
entryways. An even further alternate embodiment of the rescue tool
(228) may include an insertion body having a plurality of prying
implements (229), each prying implement extending downward in a
generally perpendicular orientation with respect to the insertion
body and shaft. Ridges formed on the prying implements may be
included to provide for increased grip on structural surfaces. It
should be noted that while the embodiments discussed herein feature
prying implements extending from the insertion body and shaft in a
generally downward direction, it is contemplated that other
alternate embodiments of the rescue tool may include prying
implements or gripping implements having other orientations with
respect to the insertion body and shaft, and may extend at various
angles from the insertion body and shaft other than perpendicular,
depending on the particular function of the implement.
[0025] An even further embodiment of the rescue tool (222) includes
an insertion body that, as discussed in more detail below with
reference to FIG. 9, is removably attached to the shaft of the tool
and is configured for user-adjustment (adjustment of length). A
wedge-shaped prying implement extends downward from the insertion
body and shaft in a generally perpendicular direction. The prying
implement terminates at a sharpened point, allowing for insertion
into tight spaces. Ridges or "teeth" are formed onto a forward
surface of the prying implement, allowing for a better grip on
structural surfaces. As discussed in further detail below, a
user-actuated lever (224) is connected to the insertion body,
allowing the user to adjust the length of the rescue tool. Using
the lever, a user may move a spring-loaded bolt disposed within a
hole in the insertion body, into one or more holes formed into the
shaft.
[0026] A collapsible, user-adjustable rescue tool provides rescue,
emergency medical, law enforcement and military personnel an
advantage not seen in prior art rescue, breaching and entry tools.
Namely, the tool may be carried in a shortened mode when in transit
or otherwise not in use, but may be lengthened at the user's
discretion if needed when entering a building. Allowing the user to
lengthen the rescue tool provides the user with a longer lever arm,
which in turn provides for increased prying effectiveness (due to
increased torque). Law enforcement and military personnel may also
adjust the length of the rescue tool for the purpose of using the
tool as a defensive or offensive weapon if circumstances of use so
warrant. Another advantage of the rescue tool being configured for
removable mounting is that the tool may be interchangeably used
with a firearm buttstock. More specifically, a user may mount
either a buttstock or a rescue tool on his or her pistol, depending
on the circumstance facing the user at that particular moment.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, perspective
views of the alternate embodiments of the rescue tool as shown in
FIG. 2, said rescue tools being removably mounted to the rearward
end of an AR-15 type pistol (100). The rescue tool having an outer
shaft end that is threaded, is configured for mounting onto the
correspondingly threaded aperture formed on the rearward end of a
lower receiver of an AR-15 type pistol. A standard castle nut and
receiver end plate may be used to secure and align the rescue tool
to/with the lower receiver. Although not an essential feature of
the present invention taught herein, it should be noted that the
embodiments of the rescue tool include an insertion body having at
least one outer surface having a substantially flat portion,
preferably rearward facing, that is free from sharpened edges or
points. The rearward facing substantially flat portion of the
rescue tool may be used as a pounding implement. Additionally, the
rearward facing substantially flat portion of the insertion body
may be used to stabilize the pistol when aiming and/or firing said
pistol.
[0028] It should be noted that the rescue tool may be constructed
out of any number of materials. Non-limiting examples of the types
of materials that may be utilized to construct the rescue tool
include steel and other metals and metal alloys, and polymers.
Those of skill in the art will appreciate that a number of factors
should ideally be considered when choosing the type(s) of materials
used to construct the rescue tool. Such considerations may include
various material properties such as weight, specific modulus,
strength, elasticity, hardness, melting point and electrical
conductivity. In various embodiments of the rescue tool, the shaft
of the tool may be constructed of a different material than the
material(s) chosen to construct the insertion body. If formed
separately during construction of the rescue tool, the insertion
body that is to be integrally attached to the shaft of said tool,
may be welded or otherwise permanently or semi-permanently
connected to the shaft. With respect to the embodiment (222) shown
in FIG. 8, the insertion body is removably connected to the distal
end of the shaft of the tool as discussed further below.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 9, an exploded view of the alternate
embodiment (222) of the firearm-mounted rescue tool of the present
invention as shown in FIG. 8. The rescue tool (222) includes a
substantially cylindrical shaft (904) having one end with threaded
grooves (906) formed thereon for engaging a correspondingly
threaded aperture formed on a firearm lower receiver. It should be
noted that while the embodiments of the rescue tool taught herein
include rescue tools having substantially cylindrical shafts, it is
contemplated that alternate embodiments of rescue tools may have
shafts or other support structures, having various other types of
shapes which may or may not be cylindrical or hollow, depending on
whether it is necessary to accommodate a buffer, spring or any
other type of firearm component, and further depending on the type
of firearm to which it will be mounted. Likewise, although
embodiments of the rescue tool discussed herein include a threaded
end for mounting onto an AR-15 type pistol, alternate embodiments
of the rescue tool may connect, attach to, mount to, or otherwise
fasten to a portion of a firearm or other device by any known or
heretofore unknown means.
[0030] Still referring to FIG. 9, extending downward from the
insertion body in a generally perpendicular orientation, the prying
element (923) is generally wedge shaped and terminates at a
substantially sharpened point useful for insertion into tight
spaces such as doors and windows. Grooves (926) formed on a forward
facing surface of the prying implement aid in the tool's
effectiveness in prying. The insertion tool includes a
spring-loaded, lever-actuated mechanism that permits a user to
adjust the length of the rescue tool, effectively providing for a
telescoping/collapsing rescue tool. Formed on the underside of the
insertion tool is a protrusion upon which a lever is mounted via a
bolt (924) and nut/pin (927). A spring (925) is used to bias the
bolt (924), which passes through holes formed in the insertion tool
and shaft of the tool, said holes formed in predetermined
positions, allowing for the insertion body to be locked at certain
lengths along the rescue tool shaft at the discretion of the user.
It is contemplated that other mechanisms for permitting adjustment
of the rescue tool length to be implemented in alternate
embodiments of the rescue tool. By way of example, other alternate
embodiments of the rescue tool may utilize an adjustable clamp
formed around the insertion body, allowing a user to tighten or
loosen the clamp, thereby increasing or decreasing the ease by
which the insertion body may slide along the shaft of the rescue
tool.
[0031] It should be noted that the description of the present
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the
invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The
preferred embodiment appearing in the drawings was chosen and
described in order to best explain the principles of the invention,
the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill
in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art that numerous variations will be possible to the disclosed
embodiments without going outside the scope of the invention as
disclosed in the claims. Moreover, it should be noted that uses of
the phrase "the present invention" within this disclosure are not
intended to limit or otherwise restrict the scope of the
invention(s) disclosed and claimed by the inventor, but said phrase
is merely intended to refer to certain examples of embodiments of
the invention(s).
* * * * *