WO2005047801A2

WO2005047801A2 - Multi-accessory incorporation firearm grip

Info

Publication number: WO2005047801A2
Application number: PCT/IL2004/001051
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yehezkel Henkin
Original assignee: Acsa - Advanced Combat Systems Accessories Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-11-17
Filing date: 2004-11-16
Publication date: 2005-05-26
Also published as: IL158910A0; WO2005047801A3

Abstract

A multifunction supplementary grip for attachment to a firearm provides a supplementary grip, and a means for removably attaching to the firearm a variety of accessories.

Description

MULTI-ACCESSORY INCORPORATION FIREARM GRIP

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to firearm grips and more specifically to a multi-accessory incorporation firearm grip

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A wide variety of firearms, including handguns, shotguns, carbines, sub-machineguns, rifles, and others, have been in use for many years. Various accessories are used along with many firearms, including accessories for sighting (e.g. flashlight, telescope, laser tracker, still camera, video camera, sensors, etc.) and accessories for stability (e.g. grips, pods, stands, etc.) amongst many other types of accessories (e.g. launchers). In many ways the firearm itself has become a platform for the accessories, which may cost significantly more than the firearm itself. Many patents relate to these various accessories and related mounting systems. Referring now to US 6,487,807 entitled Tripod Gun Handle, there is described a tripod gun handle for providing a combination pistol grip and pivotal tripod. The tripod gun handle includes a mounting assembly formed for removably coupling to of a gun. A handle portion has a first end coupled to the mounting assembly. A plurality of legs are hingeably coupled to a second end of the handle portion opposite the mounting assembly whereby each of the legs may be moved into a deployed position wherein each of the legs is formed for abutting a support surface for supporting the gun. The legs are positionable into a storage position for facilitating transportation of the gun. A leg locking assembly is coupled to the second end of the handle portion. The leg locking assembly is for selectively locking the legs in the deployed position and in the storage position defined by the legs being positioned within the handle portion. Referring now to US 6,640,480 entitled Gun Cleaning Kit, there is described a gun barrel cleaning system adapted for storage in the pistol -grip of a firearm. The gun barrel cleaning system generally comprises a carrier unit that is removably mounted within the cavity of the pistol grip by a flanged mounting bracket, and a plurality of gun barrel cleaning tools stored in the carrier unit. The carrier unit comprises a bottom plate and a plurality of upstanding walls which collectively define a cavity in which the tools are stored, and an open top end. A pair of diametrically opposed slotted openings are formed through opposing walls, and the mounting bracket flanges include wedges formed thereon which are adapted to engage respective ones of the slotted openings. The mounting bracket is attached to the pistol grip by a bolt, thereby interconnecting the carrier unit to the pistol grip. Referring now to US 6,609,321 entitled Forearm Handguard For A Rifle, there is described a forearm handgrip for a rifle, comprising a pair of essentially identical semi-oval mating half-grip pieces adapted to mate together to form the grip. The half-grip pieces have an exterior shaped in a generally semi-oval lateral section having curved sides and adapted to fit a shooter' hand, and are formed of injection-molded high density polymer. At least the bottom, and preferably both, half-grip piece have an accessory mounting rail recessed in the area at the center of the piece such that the posts and guide channel of the rail are inside what would be the extended arc of the sides of the half grip piece. A cover plate is adapted for engagement with each rail to cover the rail when the rail is not in use, the cover plate being shaped to replicate the extended arc of the sides of the half grip up to a flat longitudinally extending rib running along the center of the cover plate. Ventilation holes may be located in a row in the accessory rail and in the cover plate. Referring now to US 6,606,813 entitled Weapon Accessory Mounting Apparatus, there is described apparatus for mounting optical sights or other weapon accessories which locates the weapon accessories (e.g. optical sights, laser range finders, night scopes, etc.) at a reduced distance relative to the position of the barrel of a weapon. Referring now to US 6,571,503 entitled Firearm Mounted Illumination Device, there is described a firearm mounted illumination device whereby the device is mounted underneath the barrel of a firearm. The particular mounting point is the trigger guard of the weapon, eliminating the need to modify the weapon or to have an already existing mounting rail system. The activation switch is a compression switch located underneath the trigger guard of the fire arm so as to allow a user to activate the device without altering his or her grip on the weapon and without extensive additional training in the use of the device in conjunction with the weapon. The device also provides a dual switching mechanism, so as to allow for continuous activation of the device, and a low power indication feature. Referring now to US 6,556,245 entitled Game Hunting Video Camera, there is described a video camera that can be mounted to a firearm or bow for recording game hunting. The camera has a quick release mount system that allows the video camera to slide on to and off of the weapon with ease. The camera has a liquid crystal display so the hunter can monitor what the camera is recording. A liquid crystal display housing member contains the liquid crystal display and acts as a lens cover when the camera is not recording. Moreover, when the liquid crystal display housing member is moved, from covering the lens, the camera start recording automatically. The video camera also has seals that protect the camera's components from weather and other conditions likely to be encountered while game hunting. Referring now to US 6,536,152 entitled Storage Compartment Forming Insert For A Firearm Grip, there is described a storage compartment forming insert which fits within the hollow compartment of a firearm grip assembly to create a storage compartment. The insert generally includes a base and a resilient member extending therefrom. The base defines an outer dimension that provides an interference fit within the hollow compartment. By maintaining the base under tension at the interference fit, the storage compartment is effectively impervious to water. To insert or remove objects within the storage compartment, one need only pull the base. The resilient members stretch and the open end of the grip becomes accessible. Referring now to US 6,508,027 entitled Accessory Mounts For Firearms, there is described an accessory mount for a firearm, that may be quickly, easily and firmly secured to a firearm, and quickly and easily removed from the firearm. In combination with a firearm including a receiver, a barrel longitudinally extending from the receiver, and a lug secured to the firearm above the barrel, the accessory mount includes a longitudinal mount body positioned along the barrel with the mount body's rear end supported by the receiver, a lever pivotally secured to the mount body's front end about a first transverse axis, the lever pivotally secured to the lug about a second transverse axis spaced along the lever from the first transverse axis, and a longitudinally adjustable member carried by the mount body for urging the lever to pivot about the second transverse axis to rearwardly urge the mount's rear end against the receiver. Referring now to US 6,499,245 entitled Modular Sleeve Yoke, there is described a Swan universal receiver sleeve attached to the top of a firearm upper receiver and extended forward above the firearm barrel to a position just short of the firearm front sight. The underside of the rear portion of the sleeve is fixedly attached to the receiver top. The underside of the forward portion of the sleeve has an upper handguard piece attached thereto. A bottom handguard piece is fitted about the bottom of the gun barrel and is attached to the upper handguard piece. The handguard pieces are not physically connected in any way to the gun barrel. The sleeve is self supported by the connection of the rear portion underside to the receiver top. A special yoke is inserted about the barrel nut of the firearm to which the modular sleeve is attached. The special yoke reinforces the modular sleeve while keeping the firearm barrel free floating. Referring now to US 6,385,894 entitled Aiming Device, there is described a firearm aiming device and includes a camera mounted on a handgun for relaying images to a monitor earned on the torso of the user. Referring now to US 6,374,528 entitled Stock And Put For Accommodating Mounting On A Plurality Of Different Firearms, there is described an adaptor kit for mounting a stock on a firearm receiver having any one of a plurality of different configurations. The kit includes one or both of a rear stock and a fore-stock and a set of front and/or rear adaptors that enable the rear and/or fore-stock to be interchangeably mounted on the differently configured firearm receivers so that the mounted stock and receiver meets predetermined design parameters including finger pull, shoulder pull and drop parameters. Referring now to US 6,055,760 entitled Forend For Minimizing Recoil From A Gun, there is described a forend assembly with a pistol grip assembly which contains a pistol grip and a slide assembly attached to the pistol grip. One portion of the slide assembly is secured to the rear of the forend assembly; and another portion of the slide assembly is resiliently attached to the first portion so that its movement is somewhat restricted. The entire slide assembly is disposed within a slot located on the underside of the forend. Referring now to US 5,956,879 entitled Apparatus For Aiming A Handgun, there is described a guard including a handle and having a tang received in a mounting device mounted on a handgun, providing a user with dual-handled control over the handgun. Referring now to US 5,857,279 entitled Ergonomically Deformable Grip For Special Use In Firearms, there is described an ergonomically deformable grip for special use in firearms. The grip is made of elastomeric material so as to obtain a basic contour at the front of the grip through a series of projections formed from the elastic material. The projections can be similar to thin ribs separated among themselves by narrow empty spaces, over which the fingers of the user's hands, by pressure, support themselves. Such projections can also define the basic profile at the back of the grip, as well as its sides. The height, dimensions and shapes of these projections can be varied. In addition, these projections can be individual without forming elongated ribs. Referring now to US 5,622,000 entitled Laser Sighting System For Firearm Fore Handgrip Assembly, there is described a laser sighting system mounted entirely in a fore handgrip assembly of a firearm also having a pistol handgrip rearward of the fore handgrip assembly, the fore handgrip assembly including a frame removably secured relative to a barrel of the firearm and a hollow grip element extending from the frame transverse to the barrel axis, the laser sighting system including a battery inside the hollow grip element, a laser diode on the frame forward of the grip element connected by electrical circuitry to the battery and a switch on the grip element for selectively energizing the laser diode. Referring now to US 5,179,235 entitled Pistol Sighting Device, there is described a laser sighting device for a pistol which includes a universally mounted laser diode at the forward end of the pistol's trigger guard, wherein positioning of the laser beam is accomplished via adjustment screws from within the trigger guard. An energizing cable in the pistol structure is connected to a power supply located within the pistol's handgrip, and an externally operable activating switch is provided at the rear of the handgrip which is easily actuated by the user's hand immediately before the trigger is operated. Referring now to US 5,142,806 entitled Universal Receiver Sleeve, there is described a sleeve added to the upper receiver of a firearm for incorporating firearm ancillary equipment. The sleeve has an upper enhancement interface portion and a lower firearm interface portion. The upper enhancement interface portion has standard, universal dimensions regardless of the firearm. The lower firearm interface portion is specific to the particular firearm the sleeve is integrated to. Referring now to US 5,048,215 entitled Front Grip For A Firearm, there is described an optional removable front grip usable with any firearm having a barrel shroud formed with a row of regularly spaced openings on its underside. Such openings are routinely provided to ventilate the barrel. The invention front grip is hollow and is provided with a set of lugs which engage any three adjacent barrel shroud ventilation openings to thereby accommodate shooters having different arm lengths. One of the lugs is a locking lug which is operated easily by a screwdriver inserted through the hollow grip. A principal disadvantage with conventional mountings for accessories is that many of these do not easily allow for the attachment of a different or additional accessory, and so each accessory must be removed in order to make room for other accessories. This procedure may be problematic because the user may require the potential for simultaneous use of accessories, or have a need for both without incorporations means for both. A further disadvantage with the attachment of accessories by conventional means is that attachment or removal is lengthy or difficult or requires special tools. Furthermore, the presence of two units would normally require the presence of a separate power sources for each, thereby not merely increasing he cost, but also the weight. There is a thus a need in the art for apparatus, which provides for simultaneous use of a plurality of accessories with a firearm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to provide a supplementary grip for attachment to a firearm, so as to facilitate attachment or insertion of a plurality of accessories to the supplementary grip for extending the functionality of the firearm. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a supplementary firearm grip for attachment to a firearm, which includes a body, means for selectably connecting the body to a firearm and two or more accessory carrying portions formed integrally with the body. According to an embodiment of the present invention, each accessory carrying portion consists of one or more accessory mounting members for removably attaching accessories thereto, and one or more accessory incorporation compartments for removably disposing accessories therein. In accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention, the accessories include three or more of the group which includes the following: a visible aiming laser element, infrared aiming laser element, visible illuminator element, infrared illuminator element, one or more light emitting diodes, electromagnetic sensing device, imaging device, imaging device and transmitter, location indicator, identification transponder, thermal sensor, motion detector, heat detector, bipod and a hardened steel tip for breaking windows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and its features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the ensuing description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm grip, attachable to a firearm, having multi-accessory incorporation facilities and an external attachment member; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the firearm grip shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side view of a firearm grip attached to a rifle with a bipod retracted; FIG. 4 is a side view of a firearm grip attached to a rifle with the bipod deployed; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the firearm grip shown in FIG. 2 with a bipod retracted; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the firearm grip shown in FIG. 2 with a sensor, trigger actuator and power source; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the firearm grip shown in FIG. 2 with a sensor, trigger actuator, power source and a bipod retracted; FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the firearm grip shown in FIG. 2 with multiple accessories; Fig. 9 is a side view of a firearm grip in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, inco orating a plurality of built-in accessories; and Fig. 10 is a block diagram depiction of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a firearm grip for attachment to a firearm, to facilitate the attachment of a multiplicity of accessories. Such accessories are either externally attachable or incorporated into compartments within the grip. Furthermore, each attachment site and each compartment provides for modular incorporation of a plurality of devices. More specifically, the plurality of devices is modular in form to facilitate attachment, detachment or exchange to or into the grip. Referring now to FIG. 1, there is seen a firearm grip, referenced generally 10, attachable to a firearm (not shown), having multi-accessory incorporation facilities and an external attachment member, as described below. Grip 10 includes a body 40, at least a portion of which is formed as a handle member, adapted to be comfortably held in the user's hand to help support the firearm. As shown, the handle has a specific ergonomic structure with grooves for three fingers, but may be formed differently. It can replace the standard grip provided with the firearm, or serve as an additional foregrip. An actuation trigger referenced 5 is used to actuate powered accessories within the attachment member generally referenced 42. More activation switches may be added if there are additional powered accessories. Two holes referenced 44 and 46 are to accommodate two pins meant to reliably hold any accessories stored within. The attachment member 42 contains a handle cover referenced 8 to protect the incorporation facilities within from dirt and water, yet afford easy access to allow removal of the modular accessories within; a firearm attachment rail referenced 48 for attaching to the firearm with a lock nut referenced 4 to allow for a secure lock onto the firearm. Other attachment means are possible. Below the handle cover 8 is an accessory attachment rail referenced 50 for attaching accessories. Other attachment means are possible. On each side wall referenced 52 of the attachment member 42 is place for additional accessory attachment means or photovoltaic cells to recharge power sources within the attachment member 42 or the handle member 40. Referring now to FIG. 2, which is a cross-sectional side view of the firearm grip 10 shown in FIG. 1, empty storage compartments are shown. Within the handle member 40 is shown handle compartment referenced 54 for storing tools or a survival kit or a telephone or a GPS or a radar transponder or a flare launcher or other accessories. A bipod may either fit within the compartment, or the perimeter of handle member 40 may be divided into two walls, each of which becomes a bipod leg, and an additional accessory may be stored simultaneously within handle member 40. Within attachment member 42 are shown: an upper rear compartment referenced 56 which may hold items like an location indicator or "friend or foe" transponder or other chips, a power supply unit, or other accessories; two upper middle compartments referenced 58 and 60 for sensors such as a regular or thermal camera for surveillance or aiming, along with a transmitter, antenna, and power source, or other accessories; an upper forward compartment referenced 62 which may be left open for a sensor, or may be utilized for a lens or crosshairs for aiming camera or flashlight or other accessories. It may also be fitted with a waterproof cap to protect accessories in other compartments. Also within attachment member 42 is shown a lower forward compartment referenced 64 in the area between the accessory attachment rail 50 and the upper forward compartment 62 which may hold accessories such as a visible or invisible laser marker or a motion or heat detector or Light Emitting Diodes for lighting or a hardened steel tip to break windows Each of the abovementioned accessories can be used in different compartments. The firearm grip 10 can be constructed to have a greater or smaller number of compartments, of different sizes and shapes and constructions, and divided up in various ways Referring now to FIG. 3, firearm grip 10 of the present invention is seen to be attached to the forward rail system of a firearm 66, depicted herein as a full length, via attachment rail 48. Other attachment systems are possible, and the firearm grip 10 may be attached to a wide range of firearms, including handguns. The front of the attachment member 42 may extend past the barrel to allow the use of a window-breaking module. The grip 10 serves to hold and stabilize the firearm with any accessories neatly within. Referring now to FIG. 4, which is a side view of a firearm grip 10 attached to a rifle with the bipod deployed, the bipod generally referenced 68 may be single or multi-stage, with one or more legs. Referring now to FIG. 5, which is a cross-sectional side view of the firearm grip 10 shown in FIG. 2 with a bipod retracted, the bipod mechanism referenced 49 is releasably held in place by any suitable mechanism. The entire mechanism- can-be removed by removing- pins 24 and 25. The firearm attachment rail 48 is composed of the lock spring referenced 3 and lock spring referenced 2 controlled by lock nut 4. Referring now to FIG. 6 which is a cross-sectional side view of the firearm grip 10 shown in FIG. 2 with a sensor, trigger actuator and power source; the sensor referenced 9 attaches to the connector referenced 7, and the power supply referenced 10. A transmitter and antenna can be added and attached to the same power supply, or a different one, and the power supply can be charged using a photovoltaic cell on the external wall. The actuating trigger 5 can be used while holding the grip 10 in the normal position to turn the power on and off and so conserve power. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the position of sensor 9 can be changed so as to cover different angles, while the firearm barrel remains stable. Mechanical or other control members near the actuating trigger 5 can be used to position sensor to allow the sensor 9 to sense in different directions. Referring now to FIG. 7 which is a cross-sectional side view of the firearm grip 10 shown in FIG. 2 with a sensor 9, trigger actuator 5 and power source 101 and a bipod 68 retracted; this shows how two very important accessories would be incorporated. Referring now to FIG. 8 which is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the firearm grip 10 shown in FIG. 2 with multiple accessories; this is a general configuration of accessories which can give an idea of how one might incorporate more than one accessory at the same time. A basic unit may be purchased, and then individual upgrade modules purchased without having to repurchase full system. By utilizing different accessories in combination, entire systems can be developed. One example is a personal warning system made by combining a heat sensor referenced 70 connected to a battery or other suitable power source, referenced 72, which activates a thermal camera referenced 74 and a beeper referenced 76 which warns the user of danger by beeping, and sends a distress signal to backup personnel who can locate the user using the location indicator, referenced 78. A flashlight, laser-aided device, or other accessory as known in the art, referenced 80, is attached to the accessory rail 50. Referring no to Fig. 9, there is seen a side view of a firearm grip, referenced generally 110. Grip 110 is attachable to a firearm, in a similar manner as grip 10, shown and described with reference to Figs. 1-8 above, but is different therefrom with regard to a plurality of built-in accessories. It is seen that grip 110 includes a handle member 40 formed to be comfortably held in a user's hand to help support the firearm to which it is attached (not shown). An actuation trigger 5 is used to actuate powered accessories within the attachment member 42. Preferably a pair of holes referenced 44 and 46 are to accommodate a corresponding pair of pins for reliably holding any accessories stored within. A bipod 68 is seen in a deployed position. A stored accessory release handle, referenced 69, can be depressed so as to deploy bipod 68, or permit storage thereof. Attachment member 42 contains a handle cover 8 to protect the incorporation facilities within from dirt and water; a firearm attachment rail 48 for attaching to the firearm with a lock nut 4 to allow for a secure lock onto the firearm. In the present embodiment, it is seen that a front section 98 of the attachment member 42 is provided with a plurality of windows, illustrated herein as being of different sizes. The larger uppermost window referenced 100 covers a visible range flashlight (not shown), and may be removed, for example, by unscrewing a knurled ring referenced 102 for access to the flashlight bulb and batteries (not shown). A plurality of typically smaller, central positioned windows 104 may cover accessories such as a visible aiming laser (not shown), IR aiming laser (not shown) and IR illuminator (not shown). The lower window 106 may cover accessories such as a camera and transmitter (not shown). At a lower rear portion of the front section of attachment member 42 is the mode selector switch referenced 108 for selectably powering different accessories. Below the attachment member 42 may be found an accessory attachment rail (not seen) for attaching additional accessories. Referring now to Fig. 10, it is seen that the present invention thus provides a firearm grip, referenced generally 10, 110, for accessorizing a firearm, referenced generally 66. While many different types of accessories may be attached to a firearm by use of the firearm grip of the present invention, a plurality of optional accessories, as depicted in Fig. 10, includes those presented in the following, non-exhaustive list: a visible aiming laser element 120; an infrared aiming laser element 122; a visible illuminator element 124; an infrared illuminator element 126; an electromagnetic sensing device 128; an imaging device 130; an imaging device and transmitter 132; a location indicator 134; a identification transponder 136; a thermal sensor 138; a motion detector 140; a heat detector 142; one or more light emitting diodes 144; a bipod 146; and a hardened steel tip for breaking windows 148. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by the drawings and description hereinabove presented. Rather, the invention is defined solely by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A supplementary firearm grip for attachment to a firearm, which includes: a) a body; b) a connector for selectably connecting said body to a firearm; and c) at least two accessory carrying portions formed integrally with said body.

2. A supplementary firearm grip according to claim 1, wherein each said accessory carrying portion is at least one of the group which consists of: a) at least one accessory mounting member for removably attaching accessories thereto; and b) at least two accessory incorporation compartments for removably disposing accessories therein.

3. A supplementary firearm grip for attachment to a firearm, which includes: a) a body; b) a connector for selectably connecting said body to a firearm; and c) at least three accessory carrying portions formed integrally with said body

4. A supplementary firearm grip for attachment to a firearm according to claim 3, also including at least three accessories, contained in respective ones of said at least three accessory carrying portions, wherein said at least three accessories are selected from the group which consists of: a) a visible aiming laser element; b) an infrared aiming laser element; c) a visible illuminator element d) an infrared illuminator element; e) an electromagnetic sensing device; f) an imaging device; g) an imaging device and transmitter; h) a location indicator; i) a identification transponder; j) a thermal sensor; k) a motion detector; 1) a heat detector; m) at least one light emitting diode; n) a bipod; and o) a hardened steel tip for breaking windows.

5. The invention as shown and described hereinabove, in conjunction with any of the drawings.