U.S. patent application number 15/145080 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-01 for firearm accessory adapter and related methods of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Chambermax L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Brian D. Gale, David A. Sohm.
Application Number | 20160349005 15/145080 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51653478 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160349005 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gale; Brian D. ; et
al. |
December 1, 2016 |
FIREARM ACCESSORY ADAPTER AND RELATED METHODS OF USE
Abstract
A slide cover plate adapter and related methods of use for
adding functionality to a semi-automatic handgun. The slide cover
plate adapter replaces a factory slide cover plate located at a
rear wall of a slide assembly in conventional semi-automatic
handguns. The slide cover plate adapter includes a channel
engagement portion and an accessory engagement portion that are
spaced apart and coupled with a bridging member. The channel
engagement portion operably couples to the slide assembly while the
accessory engagement portion provides a convenient attachment point
for any of a variety of handgun accessories.
Inventors: |
Gale; Brian D.; (Blaine,
MN) ; Sohm; David A.; (Grantsburg, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chambermax L.L.C. |
Blaine |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51653478 |
Appl. No.: |
15/145080 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
29559936 |
Apr 1, 2016 |
|
|
|
15145080 |
|
|
|
|
14243495 |
Apr 2, 2014 |
9328991 |
|
|
29559936 |
|
|
|
|
14243495 |
Apr 2, 2014 |
9328991 |
|
|
14243495 |
|
|
|
|
61808051 |
Apr 3, 2013 |
|
|
|
61808051 |
Apr 3, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 3/72 20130101; Y10T
29/49826 20150115; F41C 27/00 20130101; F41G 1/10 20130101; Y10T
29/49963 20150115; F41G 11/003 20130101; F41C 3/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41C 27/00 20060101
F41C027/00; F41G 11/00 20060101 F41G011/00; F41C 3/00 20060101
F41C003/00; F41A 3/72 20060101 F41A003/72; F41G 1/10 20060101
F41G001/10 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A handgun gripping accessory, comprising: an accessory body
defining a backspan and a pair of grip sides such that the backspan
and the grip sides define a grip cavity, the backspan including a
mating cavity wherein the mating cavity engageably receives a
protruding member on a pistol slide body such that the grip cavity
resides proximate the rear wall and a pair of sides of the pistol
slide body.
22. The handgun gripping accessory of claim 21, wherein the mating
cavity is defined in a lower grip surface of the backspan.
23. The handgun gripping accessory of claim 21, wherein each of the
grip sides includes a plurality of gripping ribs.
24. The handgun gripping accessory of claim 23, wherein a width
dimension of each successive gripping rib increases between a
forward grip surface on each grip side to the backspan, wherein the
plurality of gripping ribs define a wedge profile for each of the
grip sides.
25. The handgun gripping accessory of claim 21, wherein the
accessory body includes an accessory aperture in the backspan, the
accessory aperture aligning with a projecting aperture on the
protruding member to define a continuous locking aperture for
receiving an insertion member to positively lock the accessory body
to the protruding member.
26. A handgun comprising the handgun gripping accessory of claim
21.
27. A handgun accessory, comprising: an accessory body defining a
backspan, the backspan including a mating cavity wherein the mating
cavity engageably receives a protruding member such that the
backspan resides proximate a rear wall of a pistol slide body.
28. The handgun accessory of claim 27, wherein the accessory body
further comprises a pair of grip sides, wherein the backspan and
the grip sides define a grip cavity that engages the rear wall and
a pair of sides of the pistol slide body.
29. The handgun accessory of claim 28, wherein each of the grip
sides includes a plurality of gripping ribs, each gripping grip
having a width dimension and wherein the width dimension of each
successive gripping rib increases between a forward grip surface on
each grip side to the backspan, wherein the plurality of gripping
ribs define a wedge profile for each of the grip sides.
30. The handgun accessory of claim 27, wherein the accessory body
comprises an upper surface and a rear surface, the upper surface
including a rear sight defining a sight aperture, wherein the sight
aperture is located farther from a front sight on the pistol slide
body than the rear wall of the pistol slide body is located with
respect to the front sight.
31. The handgun accessory of claim 27, wherein the accessory body
includes at least one rail surface attached to the backspan, each
rail surface including a plurality of rail members with consecutive
rail members being separated by a groove, each rail surface
including an interior mounting wall that resides flush against the
pistol slide body.
32. The handgun accessory of claim 31, wherein the rail members and
grooves cooperatively define a Picatinny rail mount or a Weaver
rail mount.
33. The handgun accessory of claim 31, wherein the interior
mounting wall resides against a side surface of the pistol slide
body or a top surface of the slide body.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 29/559,936 filed Ap. 1, 2016, which in turn is a continuation
of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/243,495 filed Apr. 2, 2014, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/808,051
filed Apr. 3, 2013, each of which is hereby fully incorporated
herein by reference. This application is further a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 14/243,495 filed Apr. 2, 2014, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/808,051
filed Apr. 3, 2013, each of which is hereby fully incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is related to a handgun adapter and
related methods of using the adapter to increase durability,
functionality and safety. More specifically, the present invention
is directed to an adapter that is positioned into a rear portion of
an upper receiver assembly of a semi-automatic handgun and that
includes a protruding member which is engageable to a variety of
accessories having a mating cavity configured for attachment to the
protruding member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Modifying firearms to optimize performance or to simply
improve aesthetics is a popular pastime of gun owners. For example,
the use of Weaver and Picatinny rails on long guns and handguns
provides the ability to add an almost unlimited number and type of
accessories. For example, picatinny rails on long guns such as the
AR-15 and other AR-style rifles allow for the addition of tactical
accessories such as lasers, flashlights and strobe lights, optical
accessories such as scopes, reflex sights, red-dot sights and night
vision as well as other items such as, for example, slings, bipods
and many other options. While similar rails can be positioned above
and below a handgun barrel, the space on a handgun is substantially
reduced as compared to long guns.
[0004] One accessory that has been found to be beneficial with
semi-automatic handguns is assisting devices used in cycling the
slide assembly. Conventional semi-automatic handguns made by
manufacturers such as Glock.RTM., Smith & Wesson.RTM.,
Springfield Armory USA.RTM., Taurus.RTM., Sig Sauer.RTM.,
Kimber.RTM. and the like generally make use of a slide assembly to
load, cycle and fire individual rounds. When loading an initial
round into a chamber, a user must generally pull or "slide" the
slide assembly to a rearward position, whereby a topmost round is
directed upward from a magazine and into the chamber. The force
required to direct the slide assembly to the rearward position can
be more than a user expects and in some cases, create difficulty
for smaller or older individuals to operate. Manufacturers have
addressed this by creating ribs, channels and/or similar features
on the sides of the slide assembly to provide a gripping area by
which the user can more easily retain and apply force to the slide
assembly. However, these gripping areas are often times
insufficient for certain users.
[0005] In order to accommodate certain users, a variety of add-on
accessories have been developed to further assist in operation of
the slide. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,191,301 to Hatfield and
U.S. Pat. No. 8,312,803 to Oz teach devices to assist in operating
the slide assembly. However, these devices suffer from durability
and functionality issues such as, for example, rendering
conventional holsters inoperative, creating safety risks by
providing surfaces for hanging up on or otherwise catching on
clothing or equipment and the potential for separation from the
slide assembly in the event of the handgun being dropped or
otherwise impacted. In addition, some of these devices are not
easily repairable or removable in the field without rendering the
handgun inoperable, which can lead to life-threatening situations
in a combat or emergency situation.
[0006] As such, it would be advantageous to further improve upon
existing handgun slides and accessories such that the disadvantages
of the prior art are overcome. In addition, it would be
advantageous to provide additional functionality to the
conventional handgun by allowing for the secure attachment of
accessories. Finally, it would be advantageous to increase an
accessory capacity of the conventional handgun.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to an accessory adapter
for attachment to a handgun slide assembly. The accessory adapter
can replace an existing factory slide cover plate located at a rear
end of the slide assembly in conventional semi-automatic handguns.
The adapter can comprise a body portion geometrically sized and
shaped to be slidably engageable into a cover plate channel at the
rear end of the slide assembly of a specified manufacturer's
handgun. The adapter can have a pair of protruding flange features
creating an H-shaped member coupling to the handgun slide assembly
on one side, and engaging an accessory mating cavity on the other
side. The protruding flanges can be mated to a center bridging
section, thereby creating the H-shape and are generally parallel to
the geometrically shaped adapter portion of the slide. The H-shape
can define a protruding member having cavity spaces that are
adapted for receipt of a mating cavity in an accessory device.
[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, an accessory can be
attached to a handgun by utilizing a mating cavity on the accessory
to attach to a protruding member on an accessory adapter that is
engaged to a rear portion of a slide assembly. The accessory can be
coupled to an attachment portion of the accessory adapter by
sliding the mating cavity of the accessory over the protruding
member of the adapter. Secure engagement of the protruding member
and the mating cavity can be accomplished through the use of
friction or interference fits for accessory retention, a retention
pin, securing screw, snap feature, embedded magnets, or a
combination thereof.
[0009] In another aspect, the present invention can be directed to
a method for adding functionality to a semi-automatic handgun. The
method can comprise replacing a stock or factory slide cover plate
with a slide cover plate adapter having a coupling mechanism. The
method can further comprise attaching an accessory device to the
coupling mechanism such that the accessory device is secured to the
handgun. The method can further comprise removing the accessory
device from attachment to the slide cover plate adapter followed by
attachment of a second accessory device to the same slide cover
plate adapter.
[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, a two-piece
accessory system can be used to add additional functionality to a
semi-automatic handgun. For example, a two-piece accessory can
comprise an accessory adapter and a gripping accessory. Generally,
the accessory adapter can assume the form of a slide cover plate
adapter and can replace an existing, factory or stock slide cover
plate of the "stock" handgun slide assembly such that the accessory
adapter is functionally integral to the handgun slide assembly.
With the accessory adapter becoming a functional part of the
handgun slide assembly, the gripping accessory can be coupled to
the accessory adapter, thereby providing additional gripping
functionality to the handgun without concern that the gripping
accessory can become dislodged or without requiring permanent
modification or gunsmithing of the handgun.
[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a gripping
accessory for charging a semi-automatic handgun is disclosed. The
gripping accessory can comprise a two-piece accessory, which when
attached to a handgun slide assembly essentially becomes a part of
the handgun slide assembly so as to remove risks associated with
the accessory being removed or made loose by dropping or otherwise
impacting the handgun. The two-piece accessory can comprise a slide
cover plate adapter and a gripping device. In one representative
embodiment, the two-piece accessory of the present invention uses
differing materials for the slide cover plate adapter and the
gripping accessory. Using differing materials provides a distinct
advantage as application appropriate materials can be selected for
the slide cover plate adapter and the gripping accessory to
optimize characteristics such as weight, balance, texture/feel, and
durability; materials can be mixed and matched for best
performance, such as, for example, softer durometer plastics and
coinjected molding approaches. In the event that the operator does
not like the characteristics of a gripping geometry or material
utilized in the gripping accessory, the user can swap the gripping
accessory for a more preferred version utilizing a different
geometry or material without changing the slide cover plate
adapter. In addition, if the gripping accessory is made from a
polymeric material such as, for example, a desired plastic and the
gripping accessory breaks or fails due to the firearm being dropped
or impacted, this breakage does not impede the basic functionality
of the firearm. The slide cover plate adapter is generally made
from polymer, composite or metals such as, steel or aluminum, and
can comprise the same materials utilized for the factory or stock
cover plates. The construction of the slide cover plate adapter
allows for it to be a highly survivable part.
[0012] In another representative embodiment, a two-piece accessory
of the present invention allows for operation of the handgun with a
gripping accessory removed from the attachment to a slide cover
plate adapter. If a situation arose in which the gripping accessory
breaks, becomes excessively dirty or otherwise makes operation of a
handgun slide assembly difficult, a semi-automatic handgun will
still function safely and effectively without the gripping
accessory installed. In addition, should the need ever arise in
either a combat or emergency situation, the gripping accessory can
be quickly removed from the slide cover plate adapter while
retaining full functionality and safety of the handgun. This can be
highly desirable for military and law enforcement or situations
where high reliability is needed in the firearm.
[0013] In another representative embodiment, a two-piece handgun
accessory of the present invention overcomes the significant safety
risks of current slide accessories associated with holsters or
clothing by incorporating a lower profile wedge geometry into a
gripping accessory that couples to a slide cover plate adapter such
that the gripping accessory does not protrude excessively off the
side of the pistol, if at all. The lower profile wedge geometry of
the gripping accessory can have an increased gripping surface by
using or incorporating various textures, ribs or otherwise altered
materials. The lower profile wedge geometry of the gripping
accessory can be holster compliant so as to not "print" clothing,
i.e., it does not protrude from the side of the pistol or holster
in such a way as to lift clothing, or otherwise reveal the presence
of a concealed pistol. This can be highly beneficial in situations
where it is not desired for a user to advertise the presence of a
handgun such as, for example, in undercover or plain clothes law
enforcement situations, in security and personal protection details
or by concealed carry permit holders.
[0014] In another representative embodiment, a two-piece accessory
of the present invention offers a manufacturing advantage as the
slide cover plate adapter can be designed and manufactured to
operate and replace manufacturer or model specific slide cover
plate designs, while utilizing a common gripping accessory and
attachment mechanism across multiple handgun manufacturers and
models.
[0015] In another representative embodiment, a two-piece accessory
including a slide cover plate adapter and an accessory device is
quickly and easily removable from the handgun slide assembly for
field stripping and cleaning.
[0016] In another representative embodiment, a two-piece accessory
provides a greater platform of operational safety for any shooter
by securely coupling a gripping accessory having a positive hand
and finger location wedge geometry to a slide cover plate adapter
for loading, unloading, reloading, and remediating a handgun jam
with the pistol. The gripping accessory further provides a directed
and specific location of weapons operation that keeps the hand,
fingers, and associated parts away from moving parts of the handgun
slide assembly
[0017] In another representative embodiment, a two-piece accessory
provides a slide cover plate adapter upon which an accessory device
can be securely coupled. For example, the slide cover plate adapter
can allow for the attachment of accessory devices including a
holster retention snap or article, a piece of cord, an extended
sight radius piece or similar accessories can be operably attached
to the slide end cap geometry. For competitive shooters or handgun
hunters, the slide cover plate adapter can serve as a mounting
platform for an extended sight radius or longer sight platform. An
extended sight radius accessory can couple to the slide cover plate
adapter, which serves to increase the sight radius of the handgun
by extending a rear sight position in a rearward direction and
further away from a front sight of the handgun. By maximizing a
distance between front and rear sights, the available sight radius
is increased, which can increase handgun accuracy.
[0018] In another representative embodiment, a two-piece accessory
provides customization for critical operations such as, for
example, those performed by law enforcement, military, security,
protective detail, or plain clothes undercover operator. With the
two piece accessory design, a slide cover plate adapter can be
securely incorporated into a cover channel on a slide body while an
accessory device having application specific colors and textures
can be replaceably attached to the slide cover plate adapter based
upon the specific needs and desires of the user.
[0019] In another representative embodiment, a two-piece accessory
including a slide cover plate adapter and an accessory device can
be constructed from the same or similar materials utilized by
handgun manufacturers so as to be aesthetically pleasing and give
the impression of being an integral part of the firearm. In
addition, an accessory device configured as a gripping accessory
can have a lower profile wedge geometry so as to have less visual
impact to overall aesthetics and to appear as if a stock or factory
component integral to a handgun.
[0020] In another representative embodiment, a two-piece handgun
accessory provides for tactical operational advantages that enhance
the use, operations, and remediation of the handgun using tactical
gloves, in cold or wet weather, and in maritime or waterborne
operations by improving grip on the handgun. In addition, a variety
of shapes, additions, or configurations to the weapons system which
can be custom designed and fitted to the handgun desired by the
user and based upon necessity or tactical operations performed by
the user.
[0021] In another representative embodiment, an improved slide
cover plate adapter can be incorporated into a handgun slide
assembly to replace a stock slide cover plate. The improved slide
cover plate adapter can incorporate a coupling mechanism, such as,
for example, a projecting member, a dovetail or threaded hole for
attaching to a gripping accessory. Based on the needs and wants of
the user, an accessory device having a mounting member such as, for
example, a mounting cavity, can be fabricated from any of a variety
of suitable materials and configurations that are replaceable and
interchangeable with the improved slide cover plate adapter without
necessitating removal or replacement of the improved slide cover
plate adapter from the handgun slide assembly. In addition, the
coupling mechanism can provide a platform for attaching a variety
of alternative accessory devices such as, for example, a holster
retention snap or article, a piece of cord, an extended sight
radius piece or similar accessories with the benefit of the
improved slide cover plate adapter being functionally integral to
the handgun slide assembly. In this way, the improved slide cover
plate adapter can be utilized to incorporate additional
functionality into the handgun that may not have been possible
based on the design and geometry of a handgun chassis or the
handgun slide assembly in its original, stock configuration.
[0022] The above summary of the various representative embodiments
of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated
embodiment or every implementation of the invention. Rather, the
embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the
art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0023] Various embodiments of the invention are now described by
way of example to further the understanding of the present
disclosure, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a semi-automatic handgun of
the prior art.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a side view of the semi-automatic handgun of FIG.
1.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a slide body used in the
semi-automatic handgun of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slide cover plate adapter
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the slide cover plate
adapter of FIG. 4.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a top view of the slide cover plate adapter of
FIG. 4.
[0030] FIG. 7 is an end view of the slide cover plate adapter of
FIG. 4.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a side view of the slide cover plate adapter of
FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 9 is an exploded, perspective view of the slide cover
plate adapter of FIG. 4 being positioned for attachment to the
slide body of FIG. 3.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an adapted semi-automatic
handgun according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a portion of the adapted
semi-automatic handgun of FIG. 10.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a gripping accessory
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the gripping accessory of
FIG. 12.
[0037] FIG. 14 is an end view of the gripping accessory of FIG.
12.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a side view of the gripping accessory of FIG.
12.
[0039] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the gripping accessory of FIG.
12.
[0040] FIG. 17 is an end view of the gripping accessory of FIG.
12.
[0041] FIG. 18 is an exploded, perspective view illustrating
coupling of the slide cover plate adapter of FIG. 4 with the
gripping accessory of FIG. 12.
[0042] FIG. 19 is an exploded, perspective view illustrating
coupling of the slide cover plate adapter of FIG. 4 with the
gripping accessory of FIG. 12.
[0043] FIG. 20 is a bottom view illustrating coupling of the slide
cover plate adapter of FIG. 4 with the gripping accessory of FIG.
12.
[0044] FIG. 21 is an end view illustrating coupling of the slide
cover plate adapter of FIG. 4 with the gripping accessory of FIG.
12.
[0045] FIG. 22 is a section view illustrating coupling of the slide
cover plate adapter of FIG. 4 with the gripping accessory of FIG.
12 taken at line 22-22 of FIG. 21.
[0046] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the adapted semi-automatic
handgun of FIG. 10 including the gripping accessory of FIG. 12.
[0047] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a rear sight accessory
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 25 is a side view of the rear sight accessory of FIG.
24.
[0049] FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the rear sight accessory of FIG.
24.
[0050] FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating coupling of the
slide cover plate adapter of FIG. 4 with the rear sight accessory
of FIG. 24.
[0051] FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating coupling of the
slide cover plate adapter of FIG. 4 with the rear sight accessory
of FIG. 24.
[0052] FIG. 29 is a side view illustrating coupling of the slide
cover plate adapter of FIG. 4 with the rear sight accessory of FIG.
24.
[0053] FIG. 30 is a bottom view illustrating coupling of the slide
cover plate adapter of FIG. 4 with the rear sight accessory of FIG.
24.
[0054] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the adapted semi-automatic
handgun of FIG. 10 including the rear sight accessory of FIG.
24.
[0055] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a mounting rail accessory
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 33 is a side view of the mounting rail accessory of
FIG. 32.
[0057] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the mounting rail accessory
of FIG. 32.
[0058] FIG. 35 is an end view of the mounting rail accessory of
FIG. 32.
[0059] FIG. 36 is a bottom view of the mounting rail accessory of
FIG. 32.
[0060] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the adapted semi-automatic
handgun of FIG. 10 including the mounting rail accessory of FIG.
32.
[0061] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a mounting rail accessory
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the adapted semi-automatic
handgun of FIG. 10 including the mounting rail accessory of FIG.
38.
[0063] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0064] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional
semi-automatic handgun 50 of the prior art generally comprises a
frame 52 and a slide assembly 54. Frame 52 can comprise a grip 56
and a trigger 58. Slide assembly 54 generally comprises a slide
body 60, a front sight 62, a rear sight 64, a plurality of gripping
ribs 66 and a slide cover plate 68. Generally, the slide body 60
mounts in a rail portion (not shown) of the frame 52 such that the
slide assembly 54 can slide back and forth relative to the frame 52
for loading shells from a magazine within the grip 56. Slide
assembly 54 can be manually directed in a rear direction using the
gripping ribs 66 or the slide assembly 54 can be driven rearward in
response to forces experienced when a shell is fired from handgun
50. As seen in FIG. 3, slide cover plate 68 is dimensioned and
fabricated to slide into and fit within a cover channel 70 defined
at a rear wall 72 of the slide body 60. Slide cover plate 68
retains and provides an operational surface for the firing pin and
extractor plunger assembly (not illustrated) during operation of
the semi-automatic handgun 50.
[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, an embodiment of a slide cover
plate adapter 100 of the present invention can comprise an adapter
body 102 having a channel engagement portion 104 and an accessory
engagement portion 106. Generally, end cap engagement portion 104
is defined by an engagement wall 108 having an engagement profile
110, a slide cover operational surface 112, an exterior facing
surface 114 an a wall thickness 116. Slide cover operational
surface 112 includes a recessed portion 117 for receiving and
engaging the firing pin assembly (not illustrated). Generally, the
engagement wall 108 including the engagement profile 110 and wall
thickness 116 are selected to be substantially identical in shape
and dimensions (length, width, thickness) to that of slide cover
plate 68 such that the engagement wall 108 can be slidably advanced
into the slide channel 70 with the same fit and finish as slide
cover plate 68. It will be understood that end cap engagement
portion 104 will have differing engagement wall profiles and wall
thicknesses for differing manufacturers and models and that the
present invention is not limited to specific manufacturers or
models but that similar principles extend across a range of handgun
manufacturers and models.
[0066] Extending from the exterior facing surface 114 is a bridging
member 120. Bridging member 120 interconnects the end cap
engagement portion 104 and accessory engagement portion 106.
Generally bridging member 120 includes a bridging wall 122 having a
pair of opposed bridging surfaces 122a, 122b. In some embodiments,
the opposed bridging surfaces 122a, 122b can reside in
substantially parallel planes to one another, while in other
alternative embodiments, the opposed bridging surfaces 122a, 122b
can be arranged so as to not reside in parallel planes. In
addition, bridging surfaces 122a, 112b can each include an angled
or tapered surface 123a, 123b. In some embodiments as shown in FIG.
8, bridging member 120 can comprise a bridging aperture 124 that
extends continuously between the opposed bridging surfaces 122a,
122b and through the bridging wall 122.
[0067] Attached to the bridging member 120 is the accessory
engagement portion 106. Generally, accessory engagement portion 106
comprises a flange wall 130 having a flange profile 132, a flange
interior surface 134, a flange exterior surface 136 and a flange
wall thickness 138. Cooperatively, the flange interior surface 134,
the bridging wall 122 and the exterior facing surface 114 define a
pair of receiving areas 140a, 140b between the channel engagement
portion 104 and the accessory engagement portion 106.
[0068] Slide cover plate adapter 100 is a unitary body formed with
materials appropriate for successful firerarm operation. Generally,
slide cover plate adapter 100 can comprise materials such as, for
example, polymeric and composition material as well as metals such
as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and the like that are
durable. Slide cover plate adapter 100 can have material finishes
such as, for example, being anodized, nickel-plated or brushed so
as to match the finish of semi-automatic handgun 50 and so as to
have the fit and finish of an original manufacturer's part. In some
embodiments, the surface of slide cover plate adapter 100 can be
applied special finishes such as, for example, high visibility
finishes, camouflage finishes or similar finishes based on the
desires of a user.
[0069] To install the slide cover plate adapter 100, the user
simply removes the slide cover plate 68 from the cover channel 70
by sliding the slide cover plate 68 in a downward direction
relative to the slide body 60. Next, the user orients the slide
cover plate adapter 100 as shown in FIG. 9 such that it is
positioned below the slide body 60 with the end cap engagement
portion 104, and more specifically, the slide cover operational
surface 112 directed to be proximate the rear wall 72. The user
then directs the engagement wall 108 upwards and into the cover
channel 70 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Due to the engagement wall
108 being fabricated to have the same profile and dimensions as the
slide cover plate 68, the end cap engagement portion 104 attaches
to and is retained within the cover channel 70 with the same fit
and finish as the slide cover plate 68 so as to define an adapted
semi-automatic handgun 80.
[0070] With the slide cover plate adapter 100 operably coupled to
the slide body 60, a mounting platform for quickly and securely
mounting various accessories to provide additional functionality
and features to semi-automatic handgun 50 is provided. As will be
described below, the accessories can comprise a variety of
alternatively such as, for example, gripping accessories and sight
accessories. In addition, slide cover plate adapter 100 can be
utilized to provide an additional mounting platform on
semi-automatic handgun 50 that allows for accessories designed to
operate with conventional rail systems such as, for example,
Picatinny and Weaver rail mount systems.
[0071] A representative embodiment of a gripping accessory 150
designed for use with slide cover plate adapter 100 is illustrated
within FIGS. 12-17. Generally, gripping accessory 150 comprises a
grip body 152 having a backspan 154 and a pair of grip sides 156a,
156b. Backspan 154 generally defines an upper grip surface 158, a
lower grip surface 160, a rear grip wall 162 and an interior grip
wall 164. The interior grip wall 164 and grip sides 156a, 156b
cooperatively define a grip cavity 166. Grip cavity 166 is defined
so as to essentially match a profile of the slide body 60. An
accessory cavity 168 is defined within the lower grip surface 160
and generally includes a flange cavity 170 and a bridge cavity 172.
Accessory cavity 168 is dimensioned and formed such that flange
cavity 170 accommodates insertion of the flange wall 130 and bridge
cavity 172 accommodates insertion of the bridging member 120. Grip
sides 156a, 156b can have interior grip surfaces 174a, 174b and
exterior grip surfaces 176a, 176b and define a pair of forward grip
surfaces 178a, 178b. The exterior grip surfaces 176a, 176b can
include alternating gripping ribs 180. In some embodiments, the
gripping ribs 180 can be formed to provide a wedge profile 182 to
the grip body 152, wherein a width dimension 184 of each successive
gripping rib 180 increases from the forward grip surfaces 178a,
178b to the backspan 154. An accessory aperture 186 can extend
between the exterior grip surfaces 176a, 176b so as to intersect
the bridge cavity 172.
[0072] Gripping accessory 150 is operably coupled to adapted
semi-automatic handgun 80, and more specifically, to slide cover
plate adapter 100, by positioning the gripping accessory 150 above
or to the side of accessory engagement portion 106 as illustrated
in FIGS. 18 and 19. Generally, the grip body 152 is advanced such
that the flange cavity 170 slides over the flange wall 130 and the
bridge cavity 172 slides over the bridging member 120. When the
flange wall 130 and bridging member 120 are fully seated within the
accessory cavity 168, the accessory aperture 186 is aligned with
the bridging aperture 124 to define a continuous locking aperture
188 extending between the exterior grip surfaces 176a, 176b and
being defined within the grip body 152 and the adapter body 102. An
insertion member can be inserted through the continuous locking
aperture 188 to positively lock the gripping accessory to the slide
cover plate adapter 100. In some embodiments, the insertion member
can simply be a pin 192 that is held in place with a friction fit
or alternatively, either of the grip sides 156a, 156b can have an
internal thread within their portion of the accessory aperture 186
such that a threaded fastener 194 can inserted and rotatably locked
within the continuous locking aperture 188. With the gripping
accessory 150 coupled to the slide cover plate adapter 100 as
described, slide body 60 fits snugly within the grip cavity 166 as
shown in FIG. 23. The wedge profile 182 can simplify racking of the
slide assembly 54 relative to the frame 52 by providing an enhanced
gripping area for holding and racking the slide assembly 54.
[0073] A representative embodiment of a rear sight accessory 200
design for use with slide cover plate adapter 100 is illustrated
within FIGS. 24-26. Generally, rear sight accessory 200 can
comprise a sight body 202 having an upper surface 204, a pair of
side surfaces 206a, 206b, a front sight surface 208 and a rear
sight surface 210. Projecting upward from the upper surface 204
proximate the rear sight surface 210 is a rear sight 212 including
an alignment cavity or aperture 214. An accessory cavity 216 can be
defined on a bottom side 218 of the sight body 202, proximate the
front sight surface 208. Accessory cavity 216 is essentially
identical to accessory cavity 168 and includes a flange cavity 220
and a bridge cavity 222. Though not illustrated on sight body 202,
it will be understood that side surfaces 206a, 206b could include
accessory apertures similar to accessory aperture 186 and that
could function to positively lock the rear sight accessory 200 to
the slide cover plate adapter 100 with pin 192 or threaded fastener
194 as previously described with respect to the gripping accessory
150.
[0074] Rear sight accessory 200 is operably coupled to adapted
semi-automatic handgun 80, and more specifically, to slide cover
plate adapter 100, in a similar manner as previously described with
respect to griping accessory 150. Generally, the rear sight
accessory 200 is positioned such that the flange cavity 220 slides
over the flange wall 130 and the bridge cavity 222 slides over the
bridging member 120 as shown in FIGS. 27-30. When the flange wall
130 and bridging member 120 are fully seated within the accessory
cavity 216, the front sight surface 208 is essentially flush
against rear wall 72 of slide body 60 as seen in FIG. 31. By
attaching the rear sight accessory 200 to the adapted
semi-automatic handgun 80 and moving the rear sight 212 farther
from the front sight 62, the sight radius is increased which can
promote accuracy when aiming and firing adapted semi-automatic
handgun 80.
[0075] A representative embodiment of a mounting rail accessory 300
design for use with slide cover plate adapter 100 is illustrated
within FIGS. 32-36. Generally, mounting rail accessory 300 can
comprise a rail body 302 having an exterior rear wall 304, an
interior rear wall 305 and at least one rail surface 306 having an
interior mounting wall 307. Rail surface 306 generally defines a
series of rail members 308 spaced apart by grooves 310. Rail
members 308 and grooves 310 can be configured and arranged to
conform to conventional rail standards such as, for example,
Picatinny and Weaver Rail mounting standards. An accessory cavity
312 can be defined on a bottom side 313 of the rail body 302
proximate the rear wall 304. Accessory cavity 312 is essentially
identical to previously described adapter cavities 168, 216 and
includes a flange cavity 314 and a bridge cavity 316. Rail body 302
can include an accessory aperture 318 extending between opposed
sides of the rail body 302.
[0076] Mounting rail accessory 300 is operably coupled to adapted
semi-automatic handgun 80, and more specifically, to slide cover
plate adapter 100, in a similar manner as previously described with
respect to griping accessory 150 and rear sight accessory 200.
Generally, the mounting rail accessory 300 is positioned such that
the flange cavity 314 slides over the flange wall 130 and the
bridge cavity 316 slides over the bridging member 120. When the
flange wall 130 and bridging member 120 are fully seated within the
accessory cavity 312, the interior rear wall 305 is essentially
flush against rear wall 72 of slide body 60 and the interior
mounting wall 307 is flush against the slide body 60 as seen in
FIG. 37. To further secure the mounting rail accessory 300, the
user can insert pin 192 or threaded fastener 194 through the
accessory aperture 318 and bridging aperture 124 as previously
described with respect to gripping accessory 150 to lock the
mounting rail accessory 300 to the slide cover plate adapter 100.
By attaching the mounting rail accessory 300 to the adapted
semi-automatic handgun 80, the at least one rail surface 306, and
more specifically, the rail members 308 and grooves 310, configured
in either a Picatinny or Weaver arrangement, provide a means for
mounting any of a variety of conventional accessories including
sights, scopes, lasers, guards, and any other suitable accessory
that is configured for attachment to similar rails. In this way,
additional functionality and customization is offered to a user of
adapted semi-automatic handgun 80. As seen in FIGS. 38 and 39,
mounting rail accessory 300 can be arranged to have a top mounted
rail surface 306. Though not illustrated, it will be understood
that mounting rail accessory 300 could have more than one rail
surface 306 and in certain embodiments could have up to three rail
surfaces including both sides and a top mounted rail surface. In
addition, rail surface 306 could have a variety of lengths, and
consequently, more or less rail members 308 and grooves 310.
[0077] As described throughout the previous specification, slide
cover plate adapter 100 provides a convenient and secure mounting
point for a wide variety for firearm accessories. It is to be
understood that the design of the slide cover plate adapter 100 is
amenable to various modifications and alternative forms so as to
accommodate varying firearm manufacturers and models. The intention
is not to limit the present invention to the particular embodiments
described and illustrated but instead to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the present disclosure.
* * * * *