Abstract:
A firearm handgun grip portion invention that includes the handgun grip portion of a handgun frame with a forward grip portion and a rear grip portion with the rear grip portion having connecting means for removably connecting a plurality of removable and replaceable grip portions to the rear grip portion of the handgun frame. The removable and replaceable grip portions are connected to and removed from the handgun grip portion of a handgun frame through a sliding motion with a projecting rib portion on the handgun grip portion sliding into and out of slots located in the removable and replaceable grip portions. Portions of the removable and replaceable grip portions are retained in a well to prevent them from spreading under pressure. The removable and replaceable grip portions have different configurations including grip portions with different sizes and different shapes, including the shape of another type of handgun such as the well known Model 1911 pistol.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   People naturally have different sizes add shaped hands. However, pistols and revolvers are normally manufactured and are sold with only one size, shape and style of a handgun grip portion. Consequently, there is a substantial probability that the handgun that an individual purchases will not have a grip that properly fits that person&#39;s hand. An improper size, shape and style of handgun grip portion can make the handgun uncomfortable to shoot, make it difficult to shoot accurately and can even make it unsafe to handle or to draw from a holster. In addition, individuals have their own preferences when it comes to the construction of a handgun grip. Some individuals will want a comparatively soft grip portion that has some give to it and yet other individuals will prefer a more rigid grip. In a similar manner, individuals have their own preferences when it comes to the type of external surface of a handgun grip. Some individuals will want a comparatively smooth grip portion and yet other individuals will prefer a grip that has checkering or the like on the grip surface that provides friction between the hand and the grip. Other advanced pistol shooters may have a preference for a particular style or configuration of the pistol grip portion, such as a preference for a Model 1911 type grip portion. These present problems are greatly compounded, in those instances when pistols or revolvers are purchased for use for multiple users such as for police departments or other law enforcement agencies where it is to expected that there will be multiple users for a pistol or revolver during its service life. 
   There have been various attempts to alleviate some of these problems. For instance, various manufacturers produce replacement grips for some of the pistols and revolvers. These generally require the removal of the original grip and the replacement of the original grip with the new grip which can be difficult and time consuming. Even then with such replacement grips, there is a substantial probability that a replacement handgun grip will not properly fit that person&#39;s hand size and shape. Consequently, a series of trial purchases most likely will be required which is at best inconvenient. There are no prior art systems that allow a user of a handgun to readily modify the grip portion to suit his or her hand size and shape. The same is also true to a lesser degree in connection with the style of the hand grip. 
   These problems have been overcome with this handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion invention. This invention with the replaceable handgun grip portion makes it possible to provide a proper handgun grip portion for people that have different sizes and shaped hands even though pistols and revolvers are manufactured and are sold with only one size, shape and style of a handgun grip portion. With this invention, the user of the handgun can select the size, shape and style of handgun grip portion to make the handgun comfortable to shoot, make it shoot accurately and make it safe to handle or to draw from a holster. With this invention, an individual shooter can select the construction of a handgun grip for a comparatively soft grip portion that has some give or a more rigid grip. The shooter can also select the type of surface of a handgun grip portion. With this invention, it is even possible to allow the shooter to take a non-Model 1911 pistol and to convert it so that it has a Model 1911 style grip portion. This invention allows purchasers of pistols or revolvers for use by multiple users such as for police departments or other law enforcement agencies to have the capability of allowing the handgun grip portions to be configured to meet the needs and preferences of the individual law enforcement officer. This invention has a unique structure for connecting the grip portion to the handgun frame that readily allows the grip portion to be slipped off of the handgun frame and yet be securely fastened to the handgun frame so that it does not come lose under repeated heavy recoil of a large caliber handgun. In addition, this invention has a unique structure for connecting the grip portion to the handgun frame that prevents the grip portion from expanding outward due to heavy hand pressure on the grip portion from the shooter&#39;s hand. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to handguns and more particularly to handgun grips and grip portions. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that provides a handgun with increased versatility. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that provides a handgun with the ability to have the grip portion modified to suit different requirements. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that allows a handgun to be used with satisfaction by multiple users. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that provides a handgun with increased performance capabilities. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that can increase the accuracy of the handgun by allowing he shooter to select the replaceable grip portion that permits the shooter to readily line up the sights of the handgun with the target. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that can reduce the felt recoil of the handgun. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that can increase the safety of the firearm. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that can reduce the possibility of the handgun grip slipping in the hand of the user. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that allows the individual shooter to modify the handgun grip to suit his or her individual needs. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that allows the individual shooter to modify the handgun grip to suit his or her individual preferences. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that is rigidly secured to the grip portion of the handgun. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that that is easy to change. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that is easily changed by the user of the handgun. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that is uniquely secured to the grip portion of the handgun. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that is uniquely secured to the grip portion of the handgun through the use of a rib projecting from the grip of the frame of the handgun. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that is uniquely secured to the grip portion of the handgun through the use of a well located in the grip portion of the frame of the handgun. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that is uniquely secured to the grip portion of the handgun and is virtually impossible to become dislodged from the grip portion of the handgun. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that is particularly suited for use by organizations that have multiple users for the handgun 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that is particularly suited for use by law enforcement agencies. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion where the handgun grip is made from metal. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion where the grip and the frame are made from metal. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion where the grip and the frame are made in one piece from metal. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion where the grip portion and the frame are made in one piece from metal that results in a longer lifetime for the frame than a polymer frame. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion where the handgun grip and the frame are made in one piece from metal to increase the reliability of the handgun. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion where the handgun grip and the frame are made in one piece from metal to prevent undesirable flexing of the frame of the handgun. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a handgun grip with a removable and replaceable grip portion that is particularly suited for use with pistols. 
   These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following described handgun grip portion invention that includes the handgun grip portion of a metal handgun frame with a forward grip portion and a rear grip portion with the rear grip portion having unique connecting means for removably connecting a removable and replaceable rear grip portion to the rear grip portion of the handgun frame and a plurality of removable rear grip portions. The connecting means includes a projecting rib portion. A well, with the respective undercut sides and an upper end that is also undercut is located adjacent to the rib portion and prevents the outer edges of the grip portions from being pushed outward when a shooter is gripping the grip portions and the associated grip with great force. The removable and replaceable grip portions are connected to and removed from the handgun grip portion of a handgun frame through a sliding motion with the projecting rib portion on the handgun grip portion sliding into and out of slots located in the removable and replaceable grip portions. The removable and replaceable grip portions have different configurations and can include removable and replaceable grip portions with different sizes and different shapes, including the shape of another type of handgun such as the well known Model 1911 pistol. The different configurations of the removable and replaceable grip portions can also include removable and replaceable grip portions made from different materials and having different exterior surfaces. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be hereinafter more completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of the removable grip portion invention incorporated into an entire pistol frame; 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged sectional view of the removable grip portion set forth in  FIG. 1  taken in the direction of the line  2 - 2  thereof; 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of an additional removable and replaceable grip portion for the handgun grip portion illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an elevational view of the removable grip portion set forth in  FIG. 3  taken from the left of the grip portion set forth in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged sectional view of the removable grip portion set forth in  FIG. 3  taken in the direction of the line  5 - 5  thereof; 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged rear perspective view of a pistol incorporating the connecting structure of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the connecting structure illustrated in  FIG. 6  taken in the direction of the line  7 - 7  thereof. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring first to  FIG. 1  the handgun grip with a replaceable grip portion invention is illustrated and is designated general by the number  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1  the handgun grip with a replaceable grip portion invention  10  comprises a downward extending grip  12  that is part of a pistol frame  14  and this grip  12  has a forward grip portion  16  and a rearward grip portion  18 . The rearward grip portion  18  of the pistol grip  12  has connecting means  20  for removably connecting a replaceable grip portion  22  to the rearward grip portion  18 . This connecting means includes a downward extending projecting rib portion  24  that extends outward from the adjacent surface  25  of the rearward grip portion  18 . This downward extending projecting rib portion  24  is sized, shaped and located to fit into a corresponding groove  26  located in the inner surface  28  of the removable and replaceable grip portion  22 . As illustrated, the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  is connected to the rearward grip portion  18  of the downward extending grip  12  by manually pushing upward as illustrated by the arrow and the letter U with the rib portion  24  located in the groove  26  in the inner surface  28  of the removable and replaceable grip portion  22 . Once the grip portion  22  is pushed completely upward so that the grip portion is in its fully seated position as indicated by the dashed lines, the grip portion  22  is secured in place to the rearward grip portion  18  of the downward extending grip  12  by a pin  30  that is pushed through a hole  32  in the lower portion of the grip portion  22  and into a hole  34  in the lower portion of the rib portion  24  of the rearward grip portion  18 . 
   It will be noted that the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  has an enlarged portion  36  at its lower end portion which is preferred by many experienced shooters. This enlarged portion  36  is also apparent in the sectional view in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  shows the sectional view of the grip portion  22  in  FIG. 1  taken in the direction of the line  2 - 2 . It will be noted that this section is taken at a distance X from the bottom  38  of the removable and replaceable grip portion  22 . As indicated in  FIG. 2 , there is a comparatively large distance Y from the bottom of the groove  26  to the adjacent outer surface  42  of the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  at the location where the section  2 - 2  is taken. 
     FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate an alternative removable and replaceable grip portion for the previously described removable and replaceable grip portion  22  that is designated generally by the number  44 . This removable and replaceable grip portion  44  has a groove  46  located in its inner surface  48  that is substantially identical to the groove  26  located in the inner surface  28  of the removable and replaceable grip portion  22 . Consequently, this removable and replaceable grip portion  44  accepts and fits on the projecting rib portion  24  on the rearward grip portion  18 . However, the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  has a different size than the removable and replaceable grip portion  22 . In this connection,  FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  taken the same distance X up from the bottom  50  of the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  as the removable and replaceable grip portion  22 . It is readily apparent that this cross sectional view is substantially different from the cross sectional view for the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  set forth in  FIG. 2 . Specifically, the distance Y 1  from the bottom of the groove  46  and the adjacent outer surface  54  of the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  is substantially less than the corresponding distance Y for the cross section of the removable and replaceable grip portion  22 . The removable and replaceable grip portion  44  also has a hole  52  in its lower portion that is identical to the previously described hole  32  in the removable and replaceable grip portion  22 . 
   By comparing the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  set forth in  FIGS. 3 and 4  with the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  set forth in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it can be readily seen that there are other differences between the structure of the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  and the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  other than just the size of the respective grip portions  44  and  22  at a particular location. In this connection, not only is the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  larger than the removable and replaceable grip portion  44 , but it also has a different shape since the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  has a pronounced inward curve designated by the arrow and number  56  and an outward bulge designated by the arrow and the number  57  in  FIG. 1  whereas as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  has no such inward curve  56  and the bulge  57 . Consequently, the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  has a different shape than the removable and replaceable grip portion  44 . It will also be noted that the exterior  58  of the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  has checkering  60  whereas the exterior  62  of the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  has a substantially smooth surface. 
   As best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  has an overall rear grip portion exterior shape that is designated by the number  66  that is substantially identical to the rear grip portion shape of the classic Government Model 1911 pistol. This Model 1911 rear grip portion shape is preferred by many serious pistol shooters and with this handgun grip with a replaceable grip portion invention  10  with the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  with this Model 1911 overall rear grip portion exterior shape  66 , it is possible to provide the shooter with this desired grip shape. It will of course be understood that if there is another handgun overall rear grip portion exterior shape that becomes desirable to handgun shooters this shape can easily be added to or made part of the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  or the removable and replaceable grip portion  44 . 
   As illustrated by the broken away portions  68  and  70  in the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  and the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  in the respective  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  or the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  are made from different synthetic materials that are represented by the numbers  72  and  74 . The synthetic material  74  is softer and has more give to it than the synthetic material  72  and this provides the shooter with a choice of grip portion hardness. Some individuals will want a comparatively soft grip portion that has some give to it and yet other individuals will prefer a more rigid grip portion. 
     FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate important novel features of the connecting means  20  including the rib portion  24  and adjacent structure. As illustrated, the rib portion  24  has two oppositely located inward sloping walls  76  and  78  that slope inwardly at an angle Z with the flat outer surface  80  of the rib portion  24  that is between about 75 degrees to about 85 degrees or in the preferred embodiment ZP about 80 degrees from the flat outer surface  80  of the rib portion  24 . These inwardly sloping walls  76  and  78  are important since they hold or secure the grooves or channels  26  and  46  of the respective removable and replaceable grip portions  22  and  44  to the rib portion  24  and hence secure the grip portions  22  and  44  to the rib portion  24  of the rearward grip portion  18  and comprise holding means for holding the grooves in the plurality of removable and replaceable rear grip portions to the downward extending projecting rib portion. 
     FIGS. 6 and 7  also illustrate another important novel feature that is the shallow depressed well  82  that is located on each side of and immediately adjacent to the rib portion  24 . This well  82  is cut or formed in the surface of the rearward grip portion  18 . This well  82  has a substantially flat bottom surface  84 . This well  82  has respective undercut sides  86  and  88  that are located oppositely from respective undercut sides  90  and  92  and an upper end  94  that is also undercut. The angle of these undercuts are substantially identical and is at an angle W that is between about 75 degrees to about 85 degrees with the flat bottom surface  84  of the well  82  or in the preferred embodiment WP about 80 degrees from the flat bottom surface  84  of the well  82 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 through 5 , the grip portions  22  and  44  have substantially identical respective projecting inner portions  96  and  98  and  100  and  102  that are sized, shaped and located to slide into the well  82 . In order to assist this sliding, it will be noted in  FIGS. 6 and 7  that the well  82  tapers outwardly toward the bottom of the rib portion  24 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , it will be noted that the outer edges of the respective identical projecting inner portions  96  and  98  and  100  and  102  of the grip portions  22  and  44  have respective sloping outer edge portions  104  and  106  and  108  and  110  that slope at substantially the same angle as the corresponding angle W of the respective undercut sides  86  and  88  and  90  and  92  and an upper end  94  so that they slip into these undercuts. This configuration of the well  82 , with the respective undercut sides  86  and  88  that are located oppositely from respective undercut sides  90  and  92  and an upper end  94  that is also undercut and the associated sloping outer edge portions  104  and  106  and  108  and  110  of the respective identical projecting inner portions  96  and  98  and  100  and  102  are important since they prevent the outer edges of the grip portions  22  and  44  from being pushed outward when a shooter is gripping the grip portions  22  and  44  and the associated grip  12  with great force. In view of the description of the well  82  and the associated sloping outer edge portions  104  and  106  and  108  and  110  of the respective identical projecting inner portions  96  and  98  and  100  and  102 , they comprise means for resisting lateral movement of portions of the removable and replaceable rear grip portion  22  or  44  when the removable and replaceable rear grip portion  22  or  44  is in use due to pressure from the hand of the user. 
   The handgun grip with a replaceable grip portion invention  10  is used in the following manner. Normally, the handgun grip with a replaceable grip portion invention  10  will be supplied with a series of removable and replaceable grip portions such as the previously described removable and replaceable grip portion  22  and the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  so that the prospective shooter has a wide choice of the type of removable and replaceable grip portion that can be selected and used. Depending upon the circumstances, the handgun grip with a replaceable grip portion invention  10  may be supplied to the prospective shooter as part of a frame  14  of a completely assembled handgun or the handgun grip with a replaceable grip portion invention  10  may be supplied as part of only the frame  14 . In both of these cases the frame  14  may or may not have the associated removable and replaceable grip portion such as the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  or the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  connected to the grip  12  of the frame  14 . 
   For the purposes of this description, it will be assumed that the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  or  44  is not connected to the grip  12  of the frame  14 . In this situation, in order to use the frame  14 , it will be necessary for the prospective shooter to attach a removable and replaceable grip portion such as a removable and replaceable grip portion  22  or  44  to the grip  12  of the frame  14 . This is easily accomplished by the shooter holding the frame  14  in one hand with the rib portion  24  extending away from the hand and then grasping the removable and replaceable grip portion such as the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  or  44  with the other hand so that the groove  26  or  46  is facing toward the rib portion  24 . Then, by making appropriate hand movements the shooter slides the rib portion  24  into the groove  26  or  46  in the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  or  44 . Then, the shooter slides the pin  30  into the hole  32  in the lower portion of the grip portion  22  or the equivalent hole  52  in the lower portion of the grip portion  44  and into the hole  34  in the lower portion of the rib portion  24  of the rearward grip portion  18 . The handgun grip with a replaceable grip portion  10  is then ready for use and is connected to the rest of the handgun in a conventional manner. This process is basically reversed when it is desired to replace the removable and replaceable grip portion with a different removable and replaceable grip portion. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the frame  14  of the handgun grip with a replaceable grip portion invention  10  is made from a suitable metal such as carbon or stainless steel, aluminum or titanium by die casting or by investment casting in a manner known to those skilled in the art. As indicated previously, the well  82  is cut or formed in the surface of the rearward grip portion  18  and this is accomplished in a conventional manner. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the removable and replaceable grip portions such as the removable and replaceable grip portion  22  and the removable and replaceable grip portion  44  of the handgun grip with a replaceable grip portion invention  10  are made from a suitable synthetic material such as polymers, urethane or a metal that is manufactured by injection molding or by machining from solid stock or by die casting in a manner known to those skilled in the art. 
   It will be noted that the handgun grip with a replaceable grip portion invention  10  has been described with reference to forward and rearward and upward and lower or downward and like terms and that such terms are meant to describe the handgun grip with a replaceable grip portion invention  10  as the invention and an associated handgun (not shown) would normally be oriented in position for being fired with the muzzle of the barrel pointing forward and with the grip portion being at the other end or rearward and pointing in a downward direction. 
   Although the invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood that variations or modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.