Abstract:
The invention includes a secondary grip for a rifle or for another shoulder firearm, such as a muzzleloader. This secondary grip is permanently or temporarily attached or affixed to the firearm to improve stability or control when aiming the firearm. Some embodiments disclose a stacked back secondary grip that attaches in vertical alignment with the barrel. Alternate embodiments disclose a secondary grip at a 90 degree angle.

Description:
PRIORITY APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/458,070, filed Nov. 17, 2010, titled “HAND GRIP FOR FOREARM STOCK OF RIFLES, MUZZLELOADERS, AND CROSSBOWS” having Douglas Sweet named as the inventor and which is incorporated herein by references as, if set forth in full below. 
         [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figures contain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The invention relates to a firearm. More specifically, it pertains to a secondary grip for a rifle or for another shoulder firearm, such as a muzzleloader. This secondary grip is permanently or temporarily attached or affixed to the firearm to improve stability or control when aiming the firearm. 
         [0004]    The accuracy of firing a conventional firearm depends upon the ability of a user holding the firearm to maintain his or, her hand and/or wrist in a steady position while aiming. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The exemplary embodiments, objects, uses, advantages, and novel features are more clearly understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying figures wherein: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates a rifle with an attached secondary grip attached at a 90-degree angle in accordance with some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1   a  illustrates an exploded perspective side view of the secondary grip of  FIG. 1  showing details of a slide-and-lock mechanism according to some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective side view of secondary grip affixed beneath the barrel of a rifle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2   a  illustrates an exploded perspective side view of the secondary grip of  FIG. 2  showing details of an alternate attachment to the barrel of the rifle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective side view of a stacked back secondary grip according to some of the embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective side view of a secondary vertical grip according to some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective side view illustrating three positioning points of a rifle that includes the secondary grip according to some of the embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any configuration or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily construed as preferred or advantageous over other configurations or designs. This invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings and two included prototypes that depict some of the exemplary embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). 
         [0014]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , two exemplary secondary grips  300  and  400  are shown from a perspective side view. Each of these secondary grips  300  and  400  are adaptable for a first or thumbs up hand position. According to  FIG. 3 , the secondary. grip  300  can have a flat top ledge  310  that provides an upper lip that may be helpful in positioning one&#39;s grip of secondary grip  300 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the secondary grip may include a sloped or slightly indented top ledge  410  to provide what might feel like a seamless grip. Secondary grip  300  comprises a stacked-back design indicated by a degree of angle x relative to the axes shown on  FIG. 3 . Secondary grip  300  includes three ledges  321 ,  323 , and  324  separating two internal cavities  322  and  324  for finger or digit placement. The first ledge  321  is farther forward than the second  323  and third  324  ledges. Furthermore, secondary grip  300  includes a bottom portion  325  that allows for an-optional, additional surface for a user to place his or her pinky finger, thus allowing&#39;for one&#39;s hand to squeeze the grip  300  by pressing one&#39;s pinky (not shown) into the grip  300  in opposition to one&#39;s palm (not shown); or by allowing pinky finger and bottom of hand furthest from thumb to rest on ground, shooting table, or barrel mount, as not to transfer shock to said object beneath firearm and secondary grip. 
         [0015]    Secondary grip  400  of  FIG. 4  includes a body portion at angle y that is complimentary to a 90-degree angle. All three ledges  422 ,  424 ,  426  separating internal cavities  421 ,  423 , and  425  are nearly vertically aligned in. relation to one another. Accordingly, the configuration of these nearly, vertically aligned ledges  422 ,  424 ,  426  and cavities  421 ,  423 ,  425  may provide an improved grip for a user having smaller hands (not shown). Both secondary grips  300  and  400  may comprise a smooth surface, a riveted, textured or rough surface or combinations thereof. The grips may be made out of natural materials (e.g., wood, metals, etc.), man-made materials (e.g., plastic components) and combinations thereof. 
         [0016]      FIGS. 1 ,  1   a ,  2  and  2   a  illustrate two different secondary grips  110  and  210  that depict two different mounting options as well as two different angles for mounting the secondary grips  110  and  210 . Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a secondary grip  110  is from a perspective side view mounted on a firearm  100 . Firearm  100  represents a rifle.  FIG. 1  displays the grip  110  mounted at a 90-degree angle. 
         [0017]    Firearm  100  includes a barrel  150  and a barrel gunstock forearm  140 . The shroud  140  is for protection from any heat transferred from the barrel  150 , as well as for hand placement to stabilize and control the firearm. 
         [0018]    Rifle  100  includes secondary grip  110  positioned along the barrel shroud  140  from a point where the barrel  140  meets the shroud  150  and where the barrel  140  reaches the trigger  160 . The reference line  130  shows the surface range where the secondary grip  110  may be mounted. 
         [0019]    The secondary grip  110  in  FIG. 1   a  mounts by a slide-and-lock mechanism  120  that includes a groove  122  along the barrel shroud  140  that mates with a slide portion  124  of the secondary grip  110  and includes a lock mechanism  126  to securely position the mated hardware. 
         [0020]    In considering the manner of orientation depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  1   a ,  2  and  2   a , the invention grip has two different mounting options as well as two different possible mounted angles.  FIG. 1  displays the grip  110  mounted at a 90-degree angle.  FIG. 2  illustrates a secondary grip  210  positioned directly underneath the barrel shroud  220 .  FIG. 2   a  depicts an alternate means for attaching secondary grip  210  than the slide and lock embodiment shown in  FIG. 1   a . According to  FIG. 2   a , the barrel shroud  220  has apertures  224  to secure screws  222  from which to affix the secondary grip  210 . The barrel shroud  220  includes apertures  224  to secure the screws  222 . These apertures along a surface of the barrel shroud  220  are in the approximate range indicated by reference line  230 . Still further, the top surface area of the secondary grip  210  may also have an epoxy or glue (not shown) that is used in conjunction with the screws  222  and apertures  224 . Either of the mounting options shown in.  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2  may be selected by a user. The choices provide for greater range of options for the individual and his or her preferences. 
         [0021]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a user is positioning a firearm with a secondary grip  510  according to some of the embodiments. As shown, there are three points of contact that include a forward hand  570  on the secondary grip  510 , a rear hand shown on a trigger portion  560 , and a complimentary should  550 , thus aiding the user to better secure and stabilize the firearm in use. By placing the secondary grip  510  on the ground for single arm operation all three points of contact are maintained and thus still able to keep increased stability. 
         [0022]    According to some of the embodiments, the grips described herein may be manufactured from man-made materials, natural materials and combinations thereof. For example, the grips may include rubber, wood, and synthetic material. Still further, the grips may be solid, hollowed, or semi-hollowed components. The grips provide an additional position to secure the firearm. Having a forward secondary grip may provide improved stabilization, control, and/or increased, accuracy. A forward secondary grip might also aid in aiming the firearm and maintain improved rear arm stability. The method of attaching or affixing the secondary grip may include, but is not limited to, gluing, apertures and screws, molding technologies, using a slide and locking mechanism, combinations thereof, as well as other equivalent means. The different means of attachment enable the location of the secondary grip at a custom placement that is best suited for each individual user taking into account that user&#39;s arm length, grips, and other considerations. An adjustable secondary grip location could allow for several different hand placements both rotationally and longitudinally. The placement of the secondary grip can be directly underneath the barrel of the firearm or alternatively tilted at an angle relative to the barrel shroud of the firearm. 
         [0023]    While the description of the invention is particular to material, shape, and method of affixing to a firearm, it should be. understood that this detailed description is by way of example only, and the protection granted is to be limited only within the spirit of the invention. For example, the secondary grip is applicable to both right-handed and left-handed users. Alternatively, if a user only has one arm or if the user opts to use one arm and the secondary grip, then the secondary grip may be mounted or rested on the earth or in barrel mounts for aiming.