U.S. patent application number 14/905841 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-02 for an accessory for a firearm.
The applicant listed for this patent is ROBERT Craing HAWKINS. Invention is credited to Robert Craig Hawkins.
Application Number | 20160153743 14/905841 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52346510 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160153743 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hawkins; Robert Craig |
June 2, 2016 |
An Accessory For A Firearm
Abstract
The invention relates to an accessory for a firearm, such as a
rifle, which has a stock having a fore end. The accessory includes
a fore grip and a mounting assembly attached to an end of the fore
grip. The mounting assembly includes a base having two protrusions
extending outwards from the base to define a cradle there between
for the fore end of the stock. The protrusions include apertures
complementary to a band of a bridging member. The fore grip make it
easier to carry the firearm and may include compartments for
storage of accessories such as a bipod and the like.
Inventors: |
Hawkins; Robert Craig;
(Hamilton, NZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HAWKINS; ROBERT Craing |
Hamilon |
|
NZ |
|
|
Family ID: |
52346510 |
Appl. No.: |
14/905841 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
July 16, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NZ2014/000147 |
371 Date: |
January 18, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/71.01 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/12 20130101;
F41C 23/16 20130101; F41A 23/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/16 20060101
F41C023/16; F41A 23/10 20060101 F41A023/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 17, 2013 |
NZ |
613334 |
Mar 31, 2014 |
NZ |
623184 |
Claims
1. An accessory for a firearm having a stock, wherein the stock
includes a fore end, the accessory including: a fore grip; and a
mounting assembly attached to an end of the fore grip, the mounting
assembly including a base having two protrusions, wherein the
protrusions extend outwards from the base to define a cradle there
between for the fore end of the stock, and wherein the protrusions
include apertures complementary to a band of a bridging member.
2. An accessory as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fore grip has an
upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end of the fore grip
includes the mounting assembly.
3. An accessory as claimed in claim 2 wherein the lower end of the
fore grip includes telescopically extendable legs.
4. An accessory as claimed in either claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the
fore grip is formed from two halves, wherein each half is linked to
the other at the upper end via a hinge.
5. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the
base includes an additional two protrusions extending outwards from
the base.
6. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the
mounting assembly also includes a bridging member spanning the two
protrusions of the base, wherein the bridging member includes a
band.
7. An accessory as claimed in claim 6 wherein the band includes a
latching and/or locking mechanism.
8. An accessory as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the
bridging member is a cable tie having a head and a band.
9. An accessory as claimed in claim 8 wherein the apertures of the
protrusions are complementary to the band of the cable tie.
10. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein
the protrusions include an upper end, wherein the apertures pass
through the upper end.
11. A method of attaching an accessory for a firearm, the firearm
having a stock wherein the stock includes a fore end, and wherein
the accessory includes a fore grip; and a mounting assembly
attached to an end of the fore grip, the mounting assembly
including a base having two protrusions, wherein the protrusions
extend outwards from the base to define a cradle there between for
the fore end of the stock, and wherein the protrusions include
apertures complementary to a band of a bridging member, wherein the
band also includes a latching and/or locking mechanism, the method
including the steps of: a) placing the fore end of the stock into
the cradle of the mounting assembly; b) passing the bridging member
over the barrel of the firearm; and c) securing the bridging member
to the base by passing the band of the bridging member through the
latching and/or locking mechanism, thereby clamping the fore grip
to the fore end of the stock.
17. An accessory for a firearm substantially as herein described in
the best modes section of the specification and with reference to
the accompanying figures.
18. A method of attaching an accessory for a firearm substantially
as herein described in the best modes section of the specification
and with reference to the accompanying figures.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an accessory for a firearm.
The invention has particular application to the attachment of
accessories to the fore end of the stock of a firearm such as a
rifle.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Shooting and hunting are popular pastimes in many countries
including New Zealand, Australia and United States, among others.
Consequently, the manufacture and retail of firearms and related
accessories is commercially significant.
[0003] For broader appeal, it is common to offer users of certain
types of firearms, such as rifles, the ability to customise their
weapon as much as possible to cater to their particular
preferences.
[0004] It will be appreciated that most, if not all, rifles have a
stock. The stock is the part of the rifle to which the barrel and
firing mechanism is attached and which, in use, the user will hold
the weapon when firing.
[0005] The stock of a firearm will typically have a butt, which is
held against the shoulder when firing as well as what is referred
to as a semi-grip, proximate the trigger of the mechanism. The
trigger hand of the user will hold the weapon by the semi-grip when
aiming the firearm.
[0006] The stock will also have a fore end ahead of the firing
mechanism and extending under and in some cases surrounding, at
least partially, the barrel of the firearm. When aiming the weapon,
the user's other hand will hold the fore end of the firearm,
ensuring its stability when it is fired.
[0007] In conventional firearms, the fore end of the gun stock is
usually substantially parallel to the barrel of the rifle.
Consequently, the user of the weapon will usually grip the rifle
with one hand on the fore end of the stock.
[0008] One common way of customising a firearm is by offering
alternative ways for a user to hold a weapon, by adding a fore grip
to the fore end of the weapon such that the grip at is
substantially perpendicular to the barrel. However, this is largely
limited to semi-automatic military style weapons. Hunting and
target rifles are much more conventional, despite the advantages of
a fore grip.
[0009] The use of a fore grip depending downwards from the fore end
of the gun stock allows the users to more comfortably carry and
support the rifle when walking and firing the weapon, from both a
prone and standing position.
[0010] Several systems exist to allow the attachment of the fore
grip to a stock of a firearm. One such example of a system is
disclosed in United States Patent Application Publication No.
2013/0000174 ('174). This document describes a bi-pod fore grip
have a mounting base constructed to engage a mounting rail of a
firearm. However, this requires the use of screws to attach the
fore grip, or to attach the mounting rail to which the fore grip is
to be used, to the rifle.
[0011] Many rifle owners are gun collectors, who do not wish to
permanently modify their weapons by drilling holes into the fore
end of the gun stock in order to accept the use of screws to fasten
the mounting rail or a fore grip to their rifle. Thus, prior art
systems such as that described in '174 are relatively invasive ways
in which to modify a firearm.
[0012] Furthermore, if the position of the fore grip on the stock
has to be changed, for example to allow another person to use the
firearm, this can be difficult to achieve without tools,
particularly when in bush country.
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to address the
foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful
choice.
[0014] All references, including any patents or patent applications
cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference.
No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The
discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and
the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and
pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood
that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to
herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of
these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the
art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
[0015] Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or
variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be
understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or
step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion
of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements,
integers or steps.
[0016] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way
of example only.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided an accessory for a firearm having a stock, wherein the
stock includes a fore end,
[0018] the accessory including:
[0019] a fore grip; and
[0020] a mounting assembly attached to an end of the fore grip,
[0021] characterised in that
[0022] the mounting assembly includes a base, the base having two
protrusions extending outwards from the base to define a cradle
there between for the fore end of the stock, the mounting assembly
also including a bridge spanning the two protrusions of the
base.
[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided an accessory for a firearm having a stock, wherein the
stock includes a fore end,
[0024] the accessory including:
[0025] a fore grip; and
[0026] a mounting assembly attached to an end of the fore grip,
[0027] characterised in that
[0028] the mounting assembly includes a base having two
protrusions, wherein the protrusions extend outwards from the base
to define a cradle there between for the fore end of the stock,
wherein the protrusions include apertures complementary to a band
of a bridging member.
[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an accessory for a firearm substantially as described
above, wherein the mounting assembly also including a bridging
member spanning the two protrusions of the base.
[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of attaching an accessory for a firearm, the
firearm having a stock wherein the stock includes a fore end, and
wherein the accessory includes a fore grip; and a mounting assembly
attached to an end of the fore grip, the mounting assembly
including the base, the base having two protrusions extending
upwards from the base to define a cradle there between for the fore
end of the stock, the mounting assembly also including a bridging
member spanning the two protrusions of the base, the method
including the steps of: [0031] a) placing the fore end of the stock
into the cradle of the mounting assembly; [0032] b) passing the
bridging member over the barrel of the firearm; and [0033] c)
securing the bridging member to the base, thereby clamping the fore
grip to the fore end of the stock.
[0034] The present invention provides a non-invasive way of
securing an accessory, such as a fore grip, to the fore end of a
gun stock of a firearm. This allows the user to modify the weapon
according to their personal preference.
[0035] The invention is to be used with a firearm, such as a rifle.
Reference shall now be made through out the remainder of the
specification to the firearm being a rifle. However, this is not
meant to be limiting and the invention may also be used with a
shotgun, carbine or an assault rifle.
[0036] The invention is to be used to attach a fore grip to a
rifle. It should be understood that the stock is the part of the
rifle to which the barrel and firing mechanism is attached.
[0037] The stock will be understood to include a butt, which is
held against the shoulder when in use, as well as a fore end, which
is ahead of the firing mechanism and substantially under at least a
portion of the barrel. In some firearms, the fore end may wrap
around and enclose a substantial part of the gun barrel, if not all
of the barrel.
[0038] The invention includes a fore grip.
[0039] The fore grip may take a variety of forms according to the
requirements of the user and the way in which the fore grip is
manufactured.
[0040] The fore grip may be a solid piece of material such as wood,
plastics material, or metal. However, this is not meant to be
limiting, and other materials such as carbon fibre or the like may
also be used.
[0041] For example, the fore grip may be a simple cylindrical peg,
dimensioned to approximate the span of a person's hand. In other
embodiments, the fore grip may be configured to closely approximate
the user's hand, including contours corresponding to the fingers
and palm of the hand. In yet another embodiment, the fore grip may
be a frame-like structure, which has the advantage of saving weight
and material costs. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that
the fore grip may ultimately take a variety of configurations
depending on the preferences of the user and/or manufacturer.
[0042] However, it is not beyond the scope of the present invention
that the fore grip includes additional modifications to suit the
particular requirements of the user, and to allow further
customisation of the rifle.
[0043] For example, the inventor envisages that in one embodiment,
the fore grip may include a cavity into which telescopic extension
legs are fitted. These may be extended as required, for example to
support the rifle when holding it in a firing position for an
extended period of time.
[0044] In another embodiment, the fore grip may be formed from two
halves, each half linked to each other at an upper end via a hinge.
When mounted to the rifle, the two halves may be hinged apart.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that this effectively
forms a bi-pod for the rifle, useful when firing the rifle from a
prone position. In some embodiments, the two halves of the fore
grip may also include extension legs or the like in a manner
similar to that described above.
[0045] In yet another embodiment, the fore grip may include a
closable compartment into which further accessories may be placed.
Examples of such accessories include additional ammunition,
matches, rifle cleaning equipment, compasses and so on. The fore
grip may also be adapted with a video camera for recordal purposes
or a laser, which would assist in aiming. These examples are not
meant to be limiting and persons skilled in the art will appreciate
a wide range of accessories may be carried within the cavity.
[0046] The fore grip has an upper end, which in use is proximate
the fore end of the stock of the rifle with which the invention is
to be used, and a lower end.
[0047] The upper end of the fore grip includes the mounting
assembly.
[0048] A mounting assembly should be understood to mean a
construction which is configured to engage with the fore end of a
gun stock.
[0049] In preferred embodiments, the fore grip and the mounting
assembly is a one-piece component and therefore, the mounting
assembly may be formed from the same material of the fore grip. As
noted above, the material may be wood, plastics material, or metal.
However, this is not meant to be limiting, and other materials such
as carbon fibre or the like may also be used.
[0050] However, in some embodiments, the mounting assembly may be
configured to be screwed or otherwise secured to the upper end of
the fore grip, and thus the invention is a two-piece assembly as
opposed to a unitary structure of a fore grip and mounting
assembly. However, this is not meant to be limiting, and it is
possible that the fore grip and mounting assembly may be three or
more components depending on the production technique used for
manufacturing the present invention or the firearm with which the
invention is to be used.
[0051] The mounting assembly includes a base. The base has an upper
surface which includes two protrusions extending upwards. It should
be appreciated that the two protrusions define a cradle between
them.
[0052] The dimensions of the base may vary depending on the
materials used for its construction and the type of fire arm with
which the invention is to be used. For example, the length of the
base (parallel to the barrel), may be up to 100 millimetres, while
its width may be up to 50 millimetres. However, this is not meant
to be limiting.
[0053] In use, the fore end of the rifle is located within the
cradle of the mounting assembly. The height to which the
protrusions extend away from the base may vary according to the
requirements of the user. However, it will be appreciated that the
cradle will wrap around at least the lower portion of the fore end
of the stock of the rifle. This provides a snug fit for the
rifle.
[0054] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
protrusions arise from two opposing sides of the base and may be
thought of as a pair of arms.
[0055] In a particularly preferred embodiment, each side of the
base is provided with two protrusions or arms. Rather than a single
large arm for maximum contact with the fore end of the stock of the
rifle, the two pairs of arms provide the benefits of increased
contact but with minimal additional manufacturing material.
[0056] The configuration of the cradle may be substantially
complementary to the fore end of a specific make and model rifle.
Thus, manufacturers may make the present invention in a number of
configurations, each configuration particular to a make and model.
However, the present invention may also be manufactured in
relatively generic sizes, and therefore is not limited to a
particularly make and model of rifle.
[0057] The mounting assembly includes a bridging member, which
shall now be referred to as a bridge for the remainder of the
specification.
[0058] The bridge should be understood to mean a construction
which, in use, spans the cradle of the mounting assembly, thereby
enclosing the fore end and barrel of the rifle when it is situated
within the cradle of the mounting assembly.
[0059] The mounting assembly may also include more than one bridge,
depending on the materials used for manufacturing the bridge as
well as the configuration of the mounting assembly.
[0060] The bridge will take a variety of forms depending on the
configuration of the invention.
[0061] For example, in some embodiments of the present invention
the bridge is a relatively rigid component of stainless steel,
which is configured to be substantially complementary to the
profile of the upper surface of the firearm with which the
invention is to be used.
[0062] In this embodiment, the bridge includes apertures through
which fasteners may pass and into complementary recesses in the
upper surfaces of the base or protrusions. In this instance, it
will be appreciated that the bridge and cradle effectively act as a
clamp. The barrel is clamped against the base using the bridge.
[0063] However, the use of a rigid bridge is not meant to be
limiting, and it is the inventor's preference to use a more
flexible material to form the bridge, as this provide greater
versatility when using the invention in allowing its placement
along the fore end of the rifle. For example, the person using the
fire arm may have short arms and thus prefer the fore grip to be
positioned relatively close to the firing mechanism.
[0064] The bridge (or bridges, as the case may be) may be secured
to the base in a number of ways, including fastening mechanisms
such as nuts and bolts. For example, the fastening members may be
wing nuts, which do not require the use of tools and therefore are
easy to use when in bush country. However, this is not meant to be
limiting.
[0065] For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the bridge
may be a two-part assembly which includes a band, and a latching
and/or locking mechanism. This is advantageous as it allows the
position of the band, and therefore the bridge, to be adjusted
relative to the size of the firearm with which the invention is to
be used.
[0066] The latching mechanism may be an over-centre latch but this
is not meant to be limiting and persons skilled in the art will
appreciate suitable types of mechanisms which allow the bridge to
be effectively adjustable.
[0067] For example, the locking mechanism may be a clamp tightened
through the use of a screw or bolt in a manner similar to a hose
clip or the like. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be
configured to engage with the band. For example, the band may
include pins or the like along a portion of its length, the pins
engaging with apertures on another portion of the band when the
band overlaps.
[0068] The bridge may alternatively be a structure similar to a
cable tie, which may be known in some jurisdictions as zip- or
hose-ties. Examples of suitable cable ties include those
manufactured by Dynamix.TM. although it will be understood that
this is not meant to be limiting.
[0069] A cable tie is particularly useful as a bridge for the
present invention as they can be easily and cheaply sourced and, if
provided as a separate component, may be readily cut to separate
the fore grip from the firearm when it is no longer required.
[0070] A cable tie should be understood to include an elongate band
with a head at one end. The band has a serrated surface. The head
has an aperture passing there through, and a pawl which is
configured to engage and lock with the serrated surface of the band
when it is passed through the head.
[0071] The inventor prefers cable ties of 6 to 9 mm width and 200
mm in length. However, this is not meant to be limiting and other
widths and lengths may be used depending on the ultimate
configuration of the invention and the firearm with which it is to
be used.
[0072] In some embodiments, the cable tie may be integrated with
the fore grip as a unitary one-piece structure. In this embodiment,
the cable tie may be provided with releasable locking mechanisms so
that the invention may be moved from one firearm to another as
required without damaging the cable tie.
[0073] Alternatively, the cable tie may be supplied as a separate
component which is attached to the fore grip as and when
required.
[0074] Preferably, the cable tie is made from a suitably durable
plastics material such as nylon or the like. In some embodiments,
the cable tie may be UV treated to ensure that it does not become
degraded through exposure to sunlight.
[0075] The use of latching and/or locking mechanisms for the bridge
allows the user to adjust the dimensions of the cradle to
correspond substantially with the cross-sectional area of the
portion of the fore end of the stock with which the invention is to
be used. For example, if the fore grip is to be positioned
relatively close to the firing mechanism of the rifle, the fore end
of the stock usually has a greater cross-sectional area than the
barrel end of the stock. An adjustable or two-part bridge assembly
allows the fore grip to be mounted to the rifle substantially
anywhere along the fore end of the stock.
[0076] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that many
firearms have free floating barrels and thus clamping contact with
the barrel, as in the embodiments described above, is undesirable,
as this can affect the harmonics of the barrel.
[0077] In this instance, a two-part base assembly is particularly
useful. It will be appreciated that these types of firearms do not
fully enclose the barrel within the fore end of the stock. Thus,
the fore end of the stock has an upper surface or ledge either side
of the barrel. This upper surface is often referred to as the
shoulder.
[0078] The base assembly includes an upper part and a lower part.
The upper part is designed to sit atop of the barrel and at least a
portion of the shoulder of the fore end of the stock. The clamping
force of the bridge is applied to the shoulder of the stock, rather
than the barrel. Thus, the harmonics of the barrel of the firearm
is not affected.
[0079] When installing the invention on a rifle, the user will
determine their preferred position for the fore grip along the fore
end of the rifle stock. The mounting assembly will then be offered
up to the fore end of the rifle stock, which will then be
positioned within the cradle of the mounting assembly.
[0080] The bridge will then be passed over the top of the firearm
and secured to the opposing side of the base. This effectively
clamps the mounting assembly, and therefore the fore grip, to the
rifle.
[0081] The invention offers a number of advantages, including:
[0082] offering the ability to customise the handling of the weapon
to the user's personal preference and body shape or size; [0083]
provides, for some users at least, an easier way of holding the
weapon; [0084] a non-invasive method of attaching a fore grip to
the fore end of a stock of a firearm; [0085] at the very least, the
invention offers the public a useful choice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0086] Further aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description which is given by way of
example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0087] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0088] FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0089] FIG. 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0090] FIG. 4 is a side view of a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0091] FIG. 5 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0092] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the
present invention.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0093] One embodiment of the invention (generally indicated by
arrow 1) is illustrated in a front view in FIG. 1 and in a side
view in FIG. 2.
[0094] The invention (1) includes a fore grip (2) descending from a
mounting assembly (3) which includes a base (4). The base has two
raised sides (4a and 4b in FIG. 1, only 4b visible in FIG. 2)
which, between them, define a cradle (5) for the fore end (6) of a
stock of a firearm (7).
[0095] The mounting assembly (4) for the fore grip (2) also
includes a bridge (8) formed from stainless steel or the like. The
bridge spans the cradle (5), effectively enclosing a portion of
it.
[0096] It will be recognised that the bridge (8), when secured with
fasteners, such as wing nuts (9) co-operating with threaded shafts
(9a) in the sides (4a, 4b) of the base (4), goes over the barrel
(10) of the firearm (7) in use, effectively clamping the fore grip
(2) in place. It will be seen that the bride is profiled to suit
the barrel of the firearm.
[0097] The fore grip (2) may include additional modifications. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fore grip is split into
two halves (2a and 2b in FIG. 1, only 2b visible in FIG. 2) linked
at the upper end by a hinge (11, not visible in FIG. 2). When the
two halves are hinged apart, the fore grip effectively becomes a
bi-pod, useful for when shooting from a prone position.
[0098] Each half (2a, 2b) of the fore grip (2) may include
extension legs (12) to allow the height of the bi-pod to be
increased if desired. The way in which the bridge (8) engages with
the firearm is an important part of the invention as it does away
the need to drill holes in the fore end of the stock itself in
order to attach the fore grip.
[0099] An alternative embodiment (13) is illustrated in FIG. 3.
Here it will be seen that this embodiment includes a base (14) is
formed from two parts (14a, 14b).
[0100] The first part (14a) is the lower part, from which a fore
grip (15) descends. The second part (14b) is the upper part, which
is substantially complementary to the upper surfaces (16) of the
fore end (16a) of the firearm (17) with which the invention (13) is
to be used.
[0101] Fasteners (18a, 18b) pass through both the lower (14a) and
upper parts (14b) of the base (14) and the bridge (19) of the
invention (13). This provides a more enclosed and restrictive
cradle for the firearm (17), although maybe more expensive to
manufacture due to the increased number of parts.
[0102] However, this configuration is particularly useful for
firearms having free floating barrels, the harmonics of which would
be affected by a clamping force being applied to the barrel.
Instead, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the clamping force is applied
to the upper surface (or shoulders) (16) of the fore end (16a) of
the firearm (17), rather than to the barrel (21) itself, as with
the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0103] The fore grip is shown as effectively solid components in
FIGS. 1 to 3, but this is simply one way of performing the
invention.
[0104] Turning now to FIG. 4, an embodiment (22) formed from
plastics material is depicted. It will be seen that the fore grip
(23) is simply an open frame work with a reinforcing strut (24).
This has the advantage of requiring less plastic material for
moulding the fore grip.
[0105] Yet another embodiment (25) is illustrated in FIG. 5. Like
the previous embodiments described, it includes a fore grip (26)
and a base (27) with two sides (27a, 27b) defining a cradle (28)
there between.
[0106] However, in this embodiment (25), the bridge (29)
encompasses much more of the base (27). This embodiment is designed
to be more flexible in its placement along the fore end of the gun
stock of the firearm (not shown).
[0107] The bridge (29) is a band of stainless steel, similar to
that found on hose clamps, rather than the inflexible and rigid
bridges of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3.
[0108] The band of the bridge (29) passes through a clamping
mechanism (30) secured to a side (27b) of the base (27). The
clamping mechanism is tightened via a screw (31), with the other
end of the bridge secured (31) to the opposite side (27a) of the
base (27).
[0109] The fore end of many firearms taper progressively away from
the firing mechanism. Therefore, the cross-section of the fore end
of the gun stock may become smaller as it progresses towards the
muzzle end of the firearm. The adjustable bridge (29) of FIG. 5
allows the user to position the fore grip (26) anywhere along the
fore end of the gun stock (not shown), according to his or her
personal preference, which may depend on their body size and
age.
[0110] A further embodiment of the invention (32) is illustrated in
FIG. 6, in which will be seen that the invention is a stylish
moulding of plastics material.
[0111] This particular embodiment shares many of the features of
the previous embodiments described.
[0112] It has a base (33) and protrusions in the form of curved
left (34) and right arms (35) which define a cradle (36) for the
firearm (not shown) with which it is to be used. The upper surface
(33a) of the base includes moulded ridges (33b) for frictional
resistance.
[0113] The arms (34, 35) include upper ends (34a, 35b) moulded with
apertures (34b, 35b). These apertures allow the use of a bridge, in
the form of cable ties (not shown in FIG. 6), in order to secure
the invention to the fire arm.
[0114] It will be appreciated that a conventional cable tie (not
shown) includes a head and a band, with the band having a serrated
surface. The head has an aperture passing there through, the
interior of which is provided with a flexible pawl to engage and
lock with the serrated surface of the band.
[0115] When used with the embodiment (32) of FIG. 6, the band (not
shown) of the cable tie (not shown) is passed through the apertures
(34b, 35b) of the arms (34, 35). The head (not shown) of the cable
tie bears against the underside (34c) of the aperture of the left
arm (34) (or the right (35) as the case may be), which is
dimensioned to only allow the band through.
[0116] The band (not shown) is then wrapped about the underside of
the arms (34, 35), which are recessed to form a channel (34d--not
visible on right arms 35), and then passed through the interior of
the head of the cable tie (not shown). This locks the invention
(32) to the fire arm (not shown). In some embodiments, the aperture
(35b) of one of the upper ends of the arms of the cradle (36) may
be provided with a pawl (not visible) to engage and lock with the
serrated surface of the band (not shown).
[0117] When the fore grip is no longer required, the cable tie can
simply be cut, or if provided, a release mechanism in the cable tie
operated to release the band.
[0118] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way
of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and
additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of
the appended claims thereof.
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