U.S. patent application number 14/983270 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-05 for rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mike Dewitt. Invention is credited to Mike Dewitt.
Application Number | 20170284757 14/983270 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59087752 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170284757 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Dewitt; Mike |
October 5, 2017 |
RAPID FIRE ATTACHMENT FOR SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARMS
Abstract
A rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms is presented
that includes an insert that is rigidly attached to a firearm
adjacent the trigger and a housing that covers the insert. The
housing and insert include a plurality of rails and grooves that
engage one another and allow for sliding forward-to-back movement
of the housing with respect to the insert and the other portions of
the firearm. The housing also includes a trigger finger support
that selectively covers and uncovers the trigger of the firearm.
The rapid fire attachment allows for rapid firing of the firearm by
allowing the housing to reciprocate between a rearward position
that covers the trigger and a forward position that uncovers the
trigger. When the trigger is uncovered the shooter's finger engages
the trigger thereby firing the firearm whereas when the trigger is
covered the trigger is allowed to reset thereby allowing the
firearm to be fired again in rapid succession.
Inventors: |
Dewitt; Mike; (Gladbrook,
IA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dewitt; Mike |
Gladbrook |
IA |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
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Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20170184364 A1 |
June 29, 2017 |
|
|
Family ID: |
59087752 |
Appl. No.: |
14/983270 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62101483 |
Jan 9, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/10 20130101;
F41A 19/46 20130101; F41A 19/10 20130101; F41A 19/11 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 19/15 20060101
F41A019/15; F41C 23/16 20060101 F41C023/16 |
Claims
1. A rapid fire attachment for a semiautomatic firearm, comprising:
an insert; a housing positioned around the insert; one of the
insert or the housing having a plurality of grooves therein; the
other of the insert or the housing having a plurality of rails
therein; wherein the rails of one of the insert or the housing are
slidably received within the grooves of the other of the insert or
the housing such that the housing is configured to slide forward to
back over the insert; wherein the rapid fire attachment facilitates
rapid firing of the semiautomatic firearm when the housing slides
forward to back over the insert.
2. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1, wherein the housing is
formed of a pair of halves that connect together along a seam
line.
3. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1, wherein the housing is
formed of a pair of halves that connect together along a seam line,
wherein one of the halves includes a step and the other of the
halves includes a flange, wherein when the halves are assembled the
step of one half receives the flange of the other half.
4. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1 further comprising at least
one biasing member positioned within the housing and configured to
provide a biasing force.
5. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1 further comprising at least
one biasing member positioned between the housing and the
insert.
6. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1 wherein the housing and the
insert form a pistol grip without an attached butt stock.
7. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1 further comprising a switch
member, wherein when the switch member is engaged the position of
the housing with respect to the insert is locked thereby disabling
the rapid fire ability of the rapid fire attachment, wherein when
the switch member is disengaged housing is allowed to slide with
respect to the insert thereby enabling the rapid fire ability of
the rapid fire attachment.
8. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1 further comprising a
trigger finger support connected to the housing, the trigger finger
support positioned adjacent to a trigger of the semiautomatic
firearm.
9. A method of firing a semiautomatic firearm, the steps
comprising: providing a semiautomatic firearm having a trigger;
connecting a rapid fire pistol grip to the semiautomatic firearm,
the rapid fire pistol grip having a housing that fits over an
insert, the housing configured to cycle by sliding forward to back
over the insert between a forward most position and a rearward most
position; applying a forward bias on the firearm; applying a
rearward bias on the housing; activating the trigger a first time
by moving a user's trigger finger into an engagement position with
the trigger; causing the housing to move forward with respect to
the firearm in response to kickback from firing the first round;
resetting the trigger when the housing moves forward with respect
to the firearm; causing the housing to move rearward after the
housing has reached the forward most position; automatically
activating the trigger when the housing moves rearward on
subsequent cycles until the user moves their trigger finger from
the engagement position to a disengaged position.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein one of the insert or the housing
includes a plurality of grooves therein; wherein the other of the
insert or the housing includes a plurality of rails therein;
wherein the rails of one of the insert or the housing are slidably
received within the grooves of the other of the insert or the
housing
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the housing is formed of a pair
of halves that connect together along a seam line.
12. The method of claim 9, further comprising at least one biasing
member positioned within the housing and configured to provide a
biasing force.
13. The method of claim 9, further comprising at least one biasing
member positioned between the housing and the insert.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the housing and the insert form
a pistol grip without an attached butt stock.
15. The method of claim 9, further comprising a switch member,
wherein when the switch member is engaged the position of the
housing with respect to the insert is locked thereby disabling the
rapid fire ability of the rapid fire attachment, wherein when the
switch member is disengaged housing is allowed to slide with
respect to the insert thereby enabling the rapid fire ability of
the rapid fire attachment.
16. The method of claim 9, further comprising a trigger finger
support connected to the housing, the trigger finger support
positioned adjacent to a trigger of the semiautomatic firearm.
17. A rapid fire attachment for a semiautomatic firearm,
comprising: an insert; a housing positioned around the insert; the
insert having a plurality of grooves therein; the housing having a
plurality of rails therein; wherein the rails housing are slidably
received within the grooves of the insert such that the housing is
configured to slide forward to back over the insert; wherein the
rapid fire attachment facilitates rapid firing of the semiautomatic
firearm when the housing slides forward to back over the insert.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates firearms. More specifically, and
without limitation, this invention relates to a rapid fire
attachment for semiautomatic firearms.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are countless forms or styles of firearms. One common
form of firearms are known as an auto loading firearms which can be
either fully automatic or semiautomatic. Auto loading firearms
include a spring loaded action that automatically loads a round
into the breach of the barrel, and automatically unloads the spent
casing after being fired.
[0003] When the trigger is pulled on a fully automatic firearm, the
firearm fires the first round, unloads the first round, loads the
second round, fires the second round, unloads the second round,
loads the third round . . . and so on in a continuous cycle until
either the ammunition runs out or the trigger is released. The
speed of firing in a fully automatic firearm is limited only by the
cycle speed of the action of the firearm.
[0004] Semiautomatic firearms operate in a similar fashion to fully
automatic firearms with the difference being that only a single
round is fired with each trigger pull. That is, when the trigger is
pulled the first round is fired, the casing is unloaded, and the
second round is loaded. The second round is not fired until the
trigger is fully released and pulled for a second time.
[0005] To rapidly fire a semiautomatic firearm, the trigger must be
pulled in rapid succession. Due to the fact that the actions of
many semiautomatic firearms cycle substantially faster than it is
humanly possible to repeatedly pull the trigger, the speed of
firing the semiautomatic firearm is limited by the shooter's
ability to pull the trigger.
[0006] Various devices have been developed to improve the speed of
firing semiautomatic firearms. Many of these devices are owned and
patented by Slide Fire Solutions.RTM. having a mailing address of
PO Box 143, Moran, Tex. 76464. These patents include: [0007] U.S.
Pat. No. 6,101,918 Method & Apparatus for Accelerating the
Cycle Firing Rate of a Semi-Automatic Firearm [0008] U.S. Pat. No.
8,127,658 Method of Shooting a Semi-Automatic Firearm [0009] U.S.
Pat. No. 8,176,835 Sliding Stock for Firearm [0010] U.S. Pat. No.
8,356,542 Slide-On Slide Stock for Firearm [0011] U.S. Pat. No.
8,371,208 Method for Shooting a Semi-Automatic Firearm [0012] U.S.
Pat. No. 8,448,562 Interface for Reciprocating Firearm Stock [0013]
U.S. Pat. No. 8,459,171 Gun Mount for Semi-Automatic Firearm [0014]
U.S. Pat. No. 8,474,169 Handle for a Semi-Automatic Firearm [0015]
U.S. Pat. No. 8,607,687 Slide Stock for Firearm With Contoured
Finger Rest [0016] US 2012/0240442 Slide Stock for Firearm With
Retractable Lock Pin [0017] US 2012/0311907 Reciprocating Gun Stock
With Shrouded Lock Switch
[0018] Generally speaking, the Slide Fire system includes a gun
stock and pistol grip that are formed as a single monolithic and
solid unit or assembly. This stock and pistol grip assembly is then
connected to a sliding bearing element that is connected to the
breach of the action of the firearm. The stock and pistol grip
assembly slides forward and back with respect to the other portions
of the firearm; or vice versa, the other portions of the firearm
slide forward and back with respect to the stock and pistol grip
assembly.
[0019] While the Slide Fire system operates to rapidly fire the
firearm, it does suffer from deficiencies. Namely, the Slide Fire
system is formed of a stock and pistol grip assembly that are
formed of a single piece. Therefore, this system is not useful for
firearms that lack a butt stock. As such, handguns and various
carbines cannot be used with the system. In addition, the Slide
Fire system is large, heavy and unnecessarily cumbersome due to its
design. In addition, the Slide Fire system is not ambidextrous. In
addition, the Slide Fire system is tremendously expensive and
therefore out of reach for many potential users.
[0020] Thus, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a
rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that improves upon
the state of the art.
[0021] Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire
attachment for semiautomatic firearms that works with most
semiautomatic firearms.
[0022] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid
fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is easy to
install.
[0023] Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire
attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is small in size.
[0024] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid
fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is safe to use.
[0025] Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire
attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is easy to control.
[0026] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid
fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that provides superior
performance.
[0027] Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire
attachment for semiautomatic firearms that has a rugged and durable
design.
[0028] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid
fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that has a long useful
life.
[0029] Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire
attachment for semiautomatic firearms is inexpensive to
manufacture.
[0030] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid
fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is comfortable to
use.
[0031] Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire
attachment for semiautomatic firearms that can be used on rifles
and pistols.
[0032] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid
fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that has a minimum
number of parts.
[0033] Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire
attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is easy to assemble and
disassemble.
[0034] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid
fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that has an intuitive
design.
[0035] Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire
attachment for semiautomatic firearms that provides improved
forward and back sliding.
[0036] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid
fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that can be used in
countless applications.
[0037] Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire
attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is fun to use.
[0038] Yet another object of the invention is to provide one unit
that both right and left handed shooters can use.
[0039] These and other objects, features, or advantages of the
invention will become apparent from the specification and
claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0040] A rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms is
presented that includes an insert that is rigidly attached to a
firearm adjacent the trigger and a housing that covers the insert.
The housing and insert include a plurality of rails and grooves
that engage one another and allow for sliding forward-to-back
movement of the housing with respect to the insert and the other
portions of the firearm. The housing also includes a trigger finger
support that selectively covers and uncovers the trigger of the
firearm. The rapid fire attachment allows for rapid firing of the
firearm by allowing the housing to reciprocate between a rearward
position that covers the trigger and a forward position that
uncovers the trigger. When the trigger is uncovered the shooter's
finger engages the trigger thereby firing the firearm whereas when
the trigger is covered the trigger is allowed to reset thereby
allowing the firearm to be fired again in rapid succession.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a semiautomatic firearm
having a lower assembly, an upper assembly, a barrel, a muzzle, a
flash hider, a foregrip with a vertical foregrip, a magazine well
with a magazine therein, a butt stock and a pistol grip;
[0042] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a rapid fire pistol grip,
the view showing various lines depicting the angle of
reciprocation, the view also showing a switch that locks and
unlocks the device;
[0043] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a rapid fire pistol
grip, the view showing the insert positioned within the housing,
the view also showing trigger finger supports on both halves of the
housing;
[0044] FIG. 4 is a bottom elevation view of a rapid fire pistol
grip, the view showing the insert positioned within the housing,
the view also showing trigger finger supports on both halves of the
housing;
[0045] FIG. 5 is a top elevation view of a rapid fire pistol grip,
the view showing the insert positioned within the housing, the view
also showing trigger finger supports on both halves of the
housing;
[0046] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a rapid fire pistol grip,
the view showing the insert positioned within the housing with the
top half of the housing removed, the view showing a pair of grooves
in the insert, and the view showing a pair of fastener recesses in
the insert;
[0047] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a rapid fire pistol grip,
the view showing the insert positioned within the housing with the
housing halves separated, the view showing a pair of grooves in the
insert, the view showing rails in the inside surface of the
housing, the view showing a spring positioned between the housing
and the insert on the forward side, rearward side or both sides of
the housing and insert;
[0048] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a rapid fire pistol grip,
the view showing the insert removed from within the housing halves
which are separated, the view showing a pair of grooves in the
insert, the view showing rails in the inside surface of the housing
halves;
[0049] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rapid fire pistol grip,
the view showing the insert removed from within the housing halves
which are separated, the view showing a pair of grooves in the
insert, the view showing rails in the inside surface of the housing
halves; the view showing a flange on one half of the housing and a
step on the other half of the housing wherein the flange and step
engage one another thereby assisting with alignment and assembly of
the two housing halves;
[0050] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rapid fire pistol grip,
the view showing the insert removed from within the housing halves
which are separated, the view showing a pair of grooves in the
insert, the view showing rails in the inside surface of the housing
halves; the view showing a flange on one half of the housing and a
step on the other half of the housing wherein the flange and step
engage one another thereby assisting with alignment and assembly of
the two housing halves;
[0051] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rapid fire pistol grip,
the view showing the insert positioned within one of the housing
halves which are separated, the view showing a pair of grooves in
the insert, the view showing rails in the inside surface of the
housing halves; the view showing a flange on one half of the
housing and a step on the other half of the housing wherein the
flange and step engage one another thereby assisting with alignment
and assembly of the two housing halves;
[0052] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a rapid fire pistol grip,
the view showing the insert positioned within one of the housing
halves, the view showing a pair of grooves in the insert, the view
showing rails in the inside surface of the housing halves; the view
showing a flange on one half of the housing and a step on the other
half of the housing wherein the flange and step engage one another
thereby assisting with alignment and assembly of the two housing
halves.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized and that mechanical, procedural, and other changes
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to
be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is
defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
[0054] As used herein, the terminology such as vertical,
horizontal, top, bottom, front, back, end, sides, and the like, are
referenced according to the views presented. It should be
understood, however, that the terms are used only for purposes of
description, and are not intended to be used as limitations.
Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination of objects
may change without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0055] While the figures show the invention used in association
with a firearm generally known as an AR 15, M 16 and/or M 4 style
rifle, the invention is not so limited. Instead, use of this style
rifle is only for purposes of a clear and simple example. It is to
be understood, that the system presented herein is useful with any
semiautomatic firearm, be it a rifle or pistol.
[0056] With reference to the figures, a semiautomatic firearm 10 is
presented. In this particular example, an AR 15 style semiautomatic
rifle is presented. However, this is only by way of example and any
other semiautomatic firearm can be used.
[0057] Firearm 10 can be broken down into two main components, a
lower assembly 12 and an upper assembly 14. Upper assembly 14
includes barrel 16 that terminates at muzzle 18 having a
flash-hider 20 connected thereto. Rearward of the muzzle 18, the
barrel is surrounded by a hand guard 22 and also, in this example,
a vertical foregrip 24 that extends downward therefrom. Upper
assembly 14 houses the reciprocating bolt 26 that engages the
breach 28, or rearward end of barrel 16. Upper assembly 14 also
includes a dust cover 30 which selectively covers bolt 26 while
allowing the ejection of spent casings during firing. Upper
assembly 14 also includes a forward assist 32 that may be used to
urge the bolt 26 forward.
[0058] The rearward end of upper assembly 14 connects along a seam
line 34 with lower assembly 12. Lower assembly 12 includes a
magazine well 36 that removably receives magazine(s) 38 that feed
rounds of ammunition into firearm 10. A butt stock 40 is connected
to the rearward end of lower assembly 12 and extends rearward
therefrom. A conventional pistol grip 42 is connected to the lower
rearward end of lower assembly 12 and extends at an angle rearward
and downward therefrom. Pistol grip 42 connects to lower assembly
12 adjacent trigger 44 and trigger housing 46.
[0059] Conventional pistol grip 42 is rigidly connected to firearm
10 by way of inserting a fastener 48, such as a screw, bolt or the
like, into the hollow interior 50 of conventional pistol grip 42
that rigidly attaches to lower assembly 12 in a rigid and
non-moveable manner.
[0060] The exterior surface 52 of conventional pistol grip 42 is
generally rounded and smooth and terminates rearward of trigger 44
so as to provide unfettered access to trigger 44. Other than
fastener 48, conventional pistol grip 42 is formed of a single
monolith piece.
[0061] Firearm 10 is converted from a standard semiautomatic
firearm to a rapid firing semiautomatic firearm by replacing
conventional pistol grip 42 with rapid firing pistol grip 80.
[0062] Rapid fire grip 80 is formed of any suitable size, shape and
design. In the arrangement shown, rapid fire grip 80 is formed of a
plurality of pieces and includes an insert 82 that is encased or
held by housing 84. Housing 84 and insert 82 are matingly engaged
with one another with an arrangement of rails 86 and grooves 88
that slidably engage with one another so as to provide
forward-to-back sliding movement between the insert 82 and the
housing 84.
[0063] More specifically, insert 82 extends vertically from an
upper end 90 to a lower end 92 and horizontally from a forward side
94 to a rearward side 96 and width wise between a pair of opposing
sidewalls 98. Opposing sidewalls 98 extend in approximate parallel
spaced relation to one another. The lower portion 102 of insert 82
is used for gripping and has generally smooth or rounded edges or
corners at forward side 94 and rearward side 96 that smoothly
connect opposing sidewalls 98 to one another.
[0064] The upper portion 102 of insert 82 is used to connect to
lower assembly 12 of firearm 10. Like lower portion 100, the
sidewalls 98 of upper portion 102 are generally flat and extend in
generally parallel spaced relation to one another. When viewed from
the side, the upper portion 102 is generally square or rectangular
in shape. The forward edge 94 and upper edge 90 of upper portion
102 are generally flat or square whereas the rearward edge 96 is
generally rounded.
[0065] Upper portion 102 and lower portion 100 are connected to one
another in angular alignment. That is, while the upper portion 102,
which is generally square or rectangular in shape, is positioned in
approximate parallel-extending alignment with the length of barrel
16 and/or the overall length of firearm 10; the lower portion 100
is positioned in angular alignment to the length of barrel 16
and/or the overall length of firearm 10. That is, the lower portion
100 extends rearward as it extends downward at an angle to upper
portion 102 and the length of barrel 16 and/or the overall length
of firearm 10. The rearward angular alignment provides comfort and
ease of use to a user.
[0066] The upper end 90 and forward side 94 of upper portion 102
includes a recess 104 therein that is sized and shaped to receive a
portion of lower assembly 12 of firearm 10 therein. In the
arrangement shown, recess 104 is generally rectangular or square in
shape. Recess 104 includes a through hole 106 (not shown) that
extends downward and rearward from upper portion 102 and connects
to a passageway 108 that extends through the lower portion 100.
Passageway 108 and through hole 106 work in concert with one
another to receive fastener 110, such as a screw, bolt or the like,
that is used to connect rapid fire grip 80 to firearm 10.
[0067] More specifically, in the arrangement shown, to attach the
rapid fire grip 80 to firearm 10, rearward portion of trigger
housing 46 is inserted into the recess 104 and fastener 110 is
inserted into passageway 108. As passageway 108 is wider than
through hole 106, the threaded shaft of fastener 110 extends though
the through hole 106 and into the lower assembly 12. As fastener
110 is tightened, the head of fastener 110 engages and tightens
against the upper end of passageway 108/lower end of upper portion
100 thereby tightening rapid fire grip 80 to firearm 10 in a rigid
or fixed manner.
[0068] In the arrangement shown, each sidewall 98 includes a pair
of grooves 88 therein. Grooves 88 are formed of any suitable size,
shape and design. In one arrangement, as is shown, grooves 88
extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another and
extend from the forward side 94 to the rearward side 96 of insert
82. A lower groove 88 is positioned a distance above the lower end
92 of lower portion 100 on each sidewall 98, and an upper groove 88
is positioned a distance below the upper end 90 of lower portion
100 on each sidewall 98. In the arrangement shown, the grooves 88
on each sidewall 98 are positioned in approximate alignment with
one another, that is, the grooves 88 on each sidewall 98 are
essentially mirror images of one another. In another arrangement,
the grooves 88 on opposing sides of insert 82 are offset from one
another a distance while still extending in parallel spaced
alignment to one another. In another arrangement, there may be a
differing number of grooves on opposing sides of insert 82 such as
one on a first side and two on a second side, or three on a first
side and four on a second side, or the like.
[0069] Insert 82 also includes a plurality of fastener recesses
112. Fastener recesses 112 are formed of any suitable size, shape
and design and provide clearance for fasteners that connect housing
84 together as is describe further herein. In the arrangement
shown, fastener recesses 112, when viewed from the side, are
positioned in the forward side 94 and rearward side 96 of lower
portion 100 of insert 82 and are generally rectangular or
semi-circular in shape and extend through insert from one sidewall
98 to the other sidewall 98. In the arrangement shown, a pair of
fastener recesses are positioned in the rearward side 96 of insert
82. The lower fastener recess 112 in the rearward side 96 is
positioned a distance above the lower groove 88, and the upper
fastener recess 112 in the rearward side 96 is positioned a
distance above the upper groove 88. The fastener recess 112
positioned in the forward side 94 is positioned between the upper
groove 88 and lower groove 88.
[0070] Insert 82 fits within housing 84. Housing 84 is formed of
any suitable size, shape and design to fit around insert 82 while
allowing forward to back sliding of housing 84 around insert 82. In
one arrangement, as is shown, housing 84 is separated in two halves
130, that are essentially mirror images of one another and connect
together along a seam line 132 in a clamshell-like fashion.
[0071] Like insert 82, halves 130 extend vertically from an upper
end 134 to a lower end 136 and horizontally from a forward side 138
to a rearward side 140 and width wise between a pair of opposing
sidewalls 142. Opposing sidewalls 142 extend in approximate
parallel spaced relation to one another when the halves 130 are
connected together along seam line 132. The lower portion 144 of
halves 130 is used for gripping and covers the lower portion 100 of
insert 82. The lower portion 144 of halves 130 has generally smooth
or rounded edges at forward side 138 and rearward side 140 that
smoothly connect seam line 132 to sidewalls 142.
[0072] The upper portion 146 of halves 130 is used to cover the
upper portion 102 of insert 82 as well as cover a portion of lower
assembly 12 of firearm 10. Like lower portion 144, the sidewalls
142 of upper portion 146 are generally flat and extend in generally
parallel spaced relation to one another. When viewed from the side,
the upper portion 146 is generally square or rectangular in shape.
The upper edge 134 of upper portion 146 terminates in a generally
flat or square edge whereas the forward edge 138 and rearward edge
140 are generally rounded and extend inwardly toward one another a
distance. The forward edge 138 of upper portion 146 extends outward
and past the forward edge 138 of lower portion 144.
[0073] Upper portion 146 and lower portion 144 are connected to one
another in angular alignment. That is, while the upper portion 146,
which is generally square or rectangular in shape when viewed from
the side, is positioned in approximate alignment with the length of
barrel 16 and/or the overall length of firearm 10; the lower
portion 144 is positioned in angular alignment to the length of
barrel 16 and/or the overall length of firearm 10. That is, the
lower portion 144 extends rearward and downward at an angle to
upper portion 144 and the length of barrel 16 and/or the overall
length of firearm 10.
[0074] To facilitate connection of the two opposing halves 130, one
half 130 includes a step 148 that extends along the seam line 132
in the lower portion 144 and the opposing half 130 includes a
flange 150. When the halves 130 are connected together, the step
148 of one half 130 matingly receives the flange 150 of the other
half 130 thereby facilitating easy alignment and a secure
connection between the two halves 130.
[0075] Similarly, to facilitate connection of the two opposing
halves 130, one half 130 includes a plurality of through holes 152
that extend through the half 130 from the exterior surface to the
interior surface in the lower portion 144 and the opposing half 130
includes a plurality of receivers 154. In one arrangement, as is
shown, receivers 154 are formed of a mass of material that extends
from the inward surface of sidewall 142 and forward edge 138 or
rearward edge 140 toward opposing half 130. Receivers 154 include
an opening approximately at their middle that receive the threaded
shaft of a fastener 156 (not shown), such as a screw, bolt or the
like. When the halves 130 are connected together, the through holes
152 of one half 130 align with openings in the receivers 154 in the
other half 130. In this position, a fastener 156 is inserted
through the through hole 152 in one half 130 and into the opening
of the receiver 154 in the other half 130 thereby holding the
opposing halves 130 together. In an alternative arrangement, any
other form of connection is hereby contemplated for use such as a
screw and sheath arrangement, a screw and nut arrangement, or the
like.
[0076] In the arrangement shown, the interior surface of each
sidewall 142 includes a pair of rails 86 therein. Rails 86 are
formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In one arrangement,
as is shown, rails 86 extend in approximate parallel spaced
relation to one another and extend from the forward side 138 to the
rearward side 140 of halves 130 of housing 84. A lower rail 86 is
positioned a distance above the lower end 136 of lower portion 144
on each sidewall 142, and an upper rail 86 is positioned a distance
below the upper end 134 of lower portion 144 on each sidewall 142.
In the arrangement shown, the rails 86 on each sidewall 142 are
positioned in approximate alignment with one another, that is, the
rails 86 on each sidewall 142 are essentially mirror images of one
another. In an alternative arrangement, the rails 86 on each
sidewall 142 are offset or not mirror images of one another. When
halves 130 are assembled around insert 82, the rails 86 are
matingly and slidingly received within the grooves 88 of insert
82.
[0077] The forward portion of upper portion 146 of halves 130 is
known as the trigger finger support 158. The trigger finger support
158 extends forward from the forward edge 94 of insert 82 a
distance, even when insert 82 is positioned in its forward-most
position within housing 84. The inward edges 160 of trigger finger
support 158 extend in generally flat and straight parallel spaced
alignment to one another and terminate a distance away from one
another thereby leaving a space 162 for trigger 44 there between
when rapid fire grip 80 is installed on firearm 10. The inward
edges 160 of trigger finger support 158 extend inward a distance
from the exterior surface of housing 84 which provides clearance
for trigger housing 46 of firearm 10 so that the housing 84 can
slide forward and back in reciprocating motion without engaging
trigger housing 46.
[0078] Assembly:
[0079] To install rapid fire grip 80 on firearm 10, insert 82 is
connected to firearm 10 by inserting the lower, rearward end of
lower assembly 12 of firearm 10 into the recess 104 in the upper
portion 102 of insert 82. Next, fastener 110 is inserted through
passageway 108 and through hole 106 and is tightened thereby
rigidly affixing insert 82 to firearm 10 adjacent trigger 44 and
trigger housing 46.
[0080] Next, housing 84 is assembled around insert 82. This is
accomplished by installing halves 130 on opposing sides of insert
82. In doing so, care is taken to ensure that the rails 86 are
matingly and slidingly received within the grooves 88, the through
holes 152 align with the receivers 156, the fastener recesses 112
receive the receivers 154, and flange 150 of one seam line 132 is
received within the step 148 of the opposing seam line 132. Once in
this proper alignment, fasteners 156 are inserted into through
holes 152 of one half 130 and tightened into the receiver 154 of
the other half 130.
[0081] Alternatively, the rapid fire grip 80 can be installed onto
firearm 10 as a single piece, assembled unit. To do so, the
assembled rapid fire grip 80 is connected to firearm 10 by
inserting the lower, rearward end of lower assembly 12 of firearm
10 into the recess 104 in the upper portion 102 of insert 82. Next,
fastener 110 is inserted through passageway 108 and through hole
106 and is tightened thereby rigidly affixing insert 82 to firearm
10 adjacent trigger 44 and trigger housing 46.
[0082] In this position, because the forward-to-back width of the
insert 82 is narrower than the forward-to-back space formed between
the two halves 130 of housing 84, housing 84 slides a distance
forward-to-back with respect to insert 82. As the housing 84 slides
forward-to-back on insert, the trigger finger support 158
selectively covers and uncovers trigger 44 within trigger housing
46.
[0083] In Operation:
[0084] To fire the firearm 10 using the rapid fire grip 80 once
installed, the shooter loads the firearm 10. Next, the shooter
places one hand, the trigger finger hand on the rapid fire grip 80
and the other hand on the foregrip 24 or handguard 22 and applies a
slight forward force on the foregrip 24 or handguard 22.
[0085] Next, the shooter pulls the trigger 44 using their trigger
finger, this causes the firearm 10 to fire the initial round. The
kickback from the explosion of the first round causes the firearm
10 to move rearward against the forward force applied by the
shooter on the foregrip 24 or handguard 22. Because the shooter is
also grasping the housing 84 of rapid fire grip 80, this causes the
housing 84 to move forward with respect to the insert 82 which is
rigidly attached to firearm 10 as the firearm 10 simultaneously and
automatically unloads the spent casing of the first round. As the
housing 84 moves forward with respect to the insert 82 and the
firearm 10, the trigger finger support 158 moves forward thereby
covering trigger 44 and releasing the pressure from the shooter's
trigger finger on trigger 44. This allows the trigger 44 to reset,
or, said another way, this simulates the shooter releasing the
trigger 44.
[0086] Once the kickback from firing the first round has moved the
housing 84 all the way forward with respect to insert 82, the
forward pulling force applied by the shooter again takes over and
begins to move the housing 84 rearward with respect to the insert
82 as the firearm simultaneously and automatically loads the second
round. As the housing 84 moves rearward with respect to the insert
82, the trigger 44 again begins to emerge between the inward edges
160 of the trigger finger support 158.
[0087] Because the shooter has maintained the position of their
trigger finger on the trigger finger support 158, as the firearm
10, insert 82 and trigger 44 move forward with respect to the
housing 84, the trigger 44 again begins to be engaged by the
shooter's trigger finger. This engagement continues until the
shooter's trigger finger again effectively, but essentially
passively, pulls the trigger 44 thereby causing the firearm 10 to
fire the second round, which begins the herein-described process
again.
[0088] This process reciprocates over and over again until either
the firearm 10 runs out of ammunition or the shooter releases their
trigger finger from the trigger finger support 158 so that it no
longer engages the trigger 44. In use, the rapid fire grip 80
allows a shooter to shoot the firearm in a faster and more
enjoyable manner than merely pulling the trigger 44 in a repeated
manner as is conventionally done.
[0089] Additional Features--Switch Member:
[0090] In one arrangement, rapid fire grip 80 includes a switch
member 170 that extends from housing 84 and selectively engages
insert 82, or alternatively extends from insert 82 and selectively
engages housing 84. In one arrangement, switch member 170 includes
a button connected to an arm with a latch thereon that is slidable
between an engaged position, wherein the latch engages the insert
82 or housing 84, and a disengaged position wherein the latch does
not engage the insert 82 or housing 84. When switch member 170 is
engaged, this locks the position of the housing 84 with respect to
the insert 82 thereby disabling the ability to use the rapid fire
grip 80 for rapid firing. When switch member 170 is disengaged,
this allows the housing 84 to reciprocate with respect to the
insert thereby enabling rapid firing. In the arrangement shown, as
one example the switch member 170 is shown in the rearward side
140/96 of housing 84/insert 82, or alternatively in the lower side
136/92 of housing 84/insert 82.
[0091] Additional Features--Biasing Member:
[0092] In one arrangement, to improve functioning of the rapid fire
grip 80, a biasing member 172, or multiple biasing members 172 are
connected to rapid fire grip 80. In one arrangement, biasing member
172 is a spring, resilient member, compressible member or the like
that is positioned between housing 84 and insert 82. Biasing member
172 can be placed between either the forward edges 94/138 of these
components, between the rearward edges 96/140 of these components,
or both between the forward edges 94/138 and between the rearward
edges 96/140 of these components. Biasing member 172 helps to
maintain and return the housing 84 to a rearward position with
respect to the insert 82 thereby allowing for quicker cycling of
firearm 10.
[0093] Additional Features--Shape and Angle of Grooves and
Rails:
[0094] In one arrangement, when viewed from the side, the shape of
grooves 88 and rails 86 are generally square or rectangular with
flat surfaces and squared corners. This shape helps to minimize the
friction between the grooves 88 and rails 86. In addition, to
minimize friction, a lubricant, such as grease, oil or the like is
placed on the surfaces of grooves 88 and rails 86 to reduce
friction.
[0095] In addition, the friction and ease of operation can be
affected by the angle of the grooves 88 and rails 86 with respect
to the length of firearm 10 and/barrel 16.
[0096] In one arrangement, as is shown by the line 174, grooves 88
and rails 86 extend in approximately parallel alignment with the
length of firearm 10 and/or barrel 16. In this arrangement, housing
84 reciprocates in approximate level or parallel alignment
back-and-forth alignment with respect to the length of firearm 10
and barrel 16.
[0097] In an alternative arrangement, as is shown by the line 176,
grooves 88 and rails 86 extend in a slight angular alignment with
the length of firearm 10 and/or barrel 16, with the angle being
upward with respect to the length of firearm 10 and/or barrel 16 as
the grooves 88 and rails 86 extend forward. This angle has been
tested between zero and twenty degrees, and more specifically
between zero and ten degrees, with the range of two and a half
degrees and seven degrees showing promise and more specifically
with the angle of approximately five degrees showing promise. In
this arrangement, as housing 84 moves rearward housing 84 also
moves slightly downward with respect to the length of firearm 10
and barrel 16 and inversely as housing 84 moves forward housing 84
also moves slightly upward with respect to the length of firearm 10
and barrel 16.
[0098] In yet another alternative arrangement, as is shown by the
line 178, grooves 88 and rails 86 extend in at a slight angular
alignment with the length of firearm 10 and/or barrel 16, with the
angle being downward with respect to the length of firearm 10
and/or barrel 16 as the grooves 88 and rails 86 extend forward.
This angle has been tested between zero and twenty degrees, and
more specifically between zero and ten degrees, with the range of
two and a half degrees and seven degrees showing promise and more
specifically with the angle of approximately five degrees showing
promise. In this arrangement, as housing 84 moves rearward housing
84 also moves slightly upward with respect to the length of firearm
10 and barrel 16 and inversely as housing 84 moves forward housing
84 also moves slightly downward with respect to the length of
firearm 10 and barrel 16. Use of this downward angle has been
tested to function better than an upward angle in testing.
[0099] As an example of operating the rapid fire grip 80, the user
connects the rapid fire grip 80 to the firearm 10. Next the user
applies a forward bias on the firearm 10 while applying a rearward
bias on the housing 84. Next, the user activates the trigger 44 by
moving their trigger finger into an engagement position with the
trigger. This causes the first round to fire. In response to the
first round firing, the firearm 10 moves rearward with respect to
the housing 40, and conversely the housing 84 moves forward with
respect to the firearm 10. As the housing 84 moves forward with
respect to the firearm 10 the trigger 44 resets. Once the housing
84 has reached a fully forward position, the bias applied to the
housing 84 and firearm 10 causes the housing 84 to again move
rearward with respect to the firearm 10. As the housing 84 moves
rearward with respect to the firearm 10 and the user's trigger
finger is maintained in an engagement position, the user's trigger
finger automatically engages the trigger 44 causing the firearm 10
to fire again. This process is repeated until the user releases
their trigger finger from an engaged position to a disengaged
position.
[0100] From the above discussion and the accompanying drawings it
will be appreciated that the rapid fire attachment for
semiautomatic firearms presented: improves upon the state of the
art; works with most semiautomatic firearms; is easy to install; is
small in size; is safe to use; is easy to control; provides
superior performance; has a rugged and durable design; has a long
useful life; is inexpensive to manufacture; is comfortable to use;
can be used on rifles and pistols; has an ambidextrous design; has
a minimum number of parts; easy to assemble and disassemble; that
has an intuitive design; provides improved forward and back
sliding; provides improved trigger finger control; can be used in
countless applications; and is fun to use; among countless other
improvements and advantages.
[0101] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
other various modifications could be made to the device without
parting from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such
modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and
are intended to be covered thereby. It should be understood that
the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative
purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light
thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to
be included within the spirit and purview of this application.
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