Abstract:
A racking device is provided that can assist an individual with racking a pistol, using only one hand. The device includes a slide channel that narrows in a direction toward an intersection with a barrel channel. The narrowing enables the slide channel to receive any of a wide variety of pistols and to restrain the slide portion, or slide, thereof from moving past the intersection. The barrel channel is wide enough to accommodate the pistol barrel but not the slide. A pistol can be positioned in the slide channel and forced into the device so that the pistol barrel moves into the barrel channel while the slide is restrained by the slide channel, thereby racking the pistol with a single hand. A belt clip and a surface mount are also provided for mounting the device and stabilizing the device during use.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a device for racking a semi-automatic pistol. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Racking devices are used to assist an operator in racking a semi-automatic pistol. U.S. Pat. No. 3,804,306 to Azurin describes a pistol holster that cocks a pistol as it withdrawn from a holster. U.S. Pat. No. 4,043,065 to Musgrave describes a pistol charging socket that can be made integral with a holster or pouch. These racking devices, however, are not universally useful for a wide range of pistols, cannot easily be used by either left-handed and right-handed operators, and each device requires a withdrawing action to pull the pistol out of the holster or out of the socket. A need exists for a racking device that overcomes these limitations and that can be used to very quickly rack a pistol with a single hand and using a simple motion. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a racking device is provided for racking a rackable pistol, such as a semi-automatic pistol. The racking device can be used with a single hand to rack a pistol, and can be used, without modification, by left-handed or right-handed pistol operators. The racking device has an open channel that enables racking a pistol by using a very simple forward motion of the pistol, and does not require withdrawing the pistol from a holster or socket. 
     The racking device can comprise a frame defining a slide channel and a barrel channel that intersect with one another at an intersection. The slide channel can have a length and a width, comprise an entry end, an exit end, and opposing channel edges, and be configured to accommodate the slide of a rackable pistol. The exit end intersects with the barrel channel and the slide channel width decreases in a direction from the entry end toward the intersection along at least a portion of the length of the slide channel. The opposing channel edges are separated by a decreasing separation distance, in a direction toward the intersection, along at least a portion of the length of the slide channel. The barrel channel can have a length, comprise a barrel channel wall and opposing channel edges, and be configured to accommodate the barrel of the pistol. The opposing channel edges of the barrel channel can be separated substantially equidistantly along the length of the barrel channel. The frame can be mounted on or to a belt clip, a surface mounting bracket, or the like. 
     According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for racking a pistol having a slide portion, also known as a “slide,” and a barrel. The method comprises first positioning the slide of a pistol in the slide channel of the racking device described herein. One or more sides of the slide can be made to contact the slide channel. The method then comprises pushing the barrel of the pistol into the barrel channel. The slide channel prevents movement of the slide into the barrel channel as the pistol barrel extends into the barrel channel. As a result, the pistol is racked and the method can be carried out using just one hand. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention can be even more fully understood with the reference to the accompanying drawings which are intended to illustrate, not limit, the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a top, front, perspective view of a pistol racking device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, mounted on a surface mounting bracket. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the racking device shown in  FIG. 1 , but mounted on a belt clip. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the racking device on the belt clip, shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the racking device on the belt clip, shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a right, side view of the racking device on the belt clip, shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a left, side view of the racking device on the belt clip, shown in  FIGS. 2-5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a right, top, perspective view of the racking device on the belt clip, shown in  FIGS. 2-6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a back view of the racking device on the belt clip, shown in  FIGS. 2-7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a back view of the racking device on the surface mounting bracket, shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a side view showing a first step for racking a pistol using a racking device mounted on a surface mounting bracket according to a method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view showing a second step for racking a pistol according to the method shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a side view showing a first step for racking a pistol using a racking device mounted on a belt clip, according to another method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view showing a second step for racking a pistol according to the method shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a racking device for racking the slide of a pistol is provided. The racking device can comprise a frame, for example, a solid block, defining or otherwise having formed therein a slide channel and a barrel channel that intersect with one another. The slide channel has a length and a width and comprises an entry end, an exit end, and opposing channel edges. The channel edges can form angled edges at a surface of the frame, for example, at the intersection with a planar surface of a solid block. The slide channel is configured to accommodate the slide of a rackable pistol and the exit end can intersect directly with the barrel channel. The intersection can comprise a transition, for example, an angled surface, a curved surface, a beveled surface, a groove, a surface irregularity, a combination thereof, or the like. The slide channel can have a width that decreases in a direction from the entry end toward the intersection, at least along a portion of the length of the slide channel. The entire length of the slide channel can be defined by a width that continuously decreases along the entire length of the slide channel. Going in a direction toward the intersection, the opposing channel edges of the slide channel can be separated by a decreasing separation distance along the entire length of the slide channel, or along just a portion of the length of the slide channel. 
     The barrel channel has a length and comprises a barrel channel wall and opposing channel edges. The barrel channel is configured to accommodate the barrel of a rackable pistol. The barrel channel can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, for example, an arch-shaped cross-section. The opposing channel edges can be separated substantially equidistantly along the entire length of the barrel channel, or along just a portion of the length of the barrel channel. 
     The barrel channel can have a maximum width. The maximum width can be equal to the distance separating the opposing channel edges of the barrel channel. In some cases, the maximum width can be greater than the distance separating the opposing channel edges of the barrel channel. 
     The slide channel can be configured such that, at any cross section taken perpendicularly along the length of the slide channel, the slide channel has a maximum width that is equal to the distance separating the opposing channel edges of the slide channel. 
     The frame can comprise a solid block and the slide channel and barrel channel can be formed in a surface of the solid block. The surface can be planar, curved, patterned, surface-featured, rounded, spherical, or the like. The frame can comprise a solid block of a metal material, for example, aluminum, brass, iron, steel, an alloy, or the like. The block can be made of a polymeric material, for example, a polytetrafluoroethylenic material, a resin material, a filled polymeric material, a thermoplastic material, a combination thereof, or the like. 
     The frame can define a planar surface, and the slide channel and the barrel channel can be formed in the planar surface such that each channel extends to a respective maximum depth that is perpendicular to the planar surface. 
     The width of the slide channel can continuously decrease from the entry end to the intersection. The width of the slide channel can continuously decrease at a constant rate from the entry end to the intersection. The barrel channel can have an appropriate width for accommodating one or more different pistols. The barrel channel can have a maximum width of about 0.5 inch, of about 0.625 inch, of about 0.750 inch, for example. The barrel channel can have a depth of about 0.375 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.625 inch, 0.75 inch, 0.825 inch, 1.0 inch, or the like. The barrel channel can have a groove formed therein that is configured to accommodate a pistol sight as a pistol slide is moved into the slide channel. 
     Instead of a solid block, the frame can comprise a hollow member that has been shaped to define a slide channel and a barrel channel. 
     A mounting clip can be provided that is configured to be attached to a waist belt, and the frame can be configured to be mounted to the mounting clip. A surface mounting bracket can be provided that is configured to be attached to a surface, and the frame can be mounted to the surface mounting bracket. 
     The barrel channel can have a substantially arched-shaped cross-section along the length thereof, for example, the barrel channel can have two opposing, planar, parallel, sidewalls. 
     According to various embodiments of the present invention, the racking device can be mounted in, on, or at, a pistol clearing station. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the racking device can be mounted in, on, or at, a ballistics sampling station. 
     According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for racking a pistol having a slide and a barrel. The method comprises first positioning the slide of a pistol in the slide channel of the racking device described herein. One or more sides of the slide can be made to contact the slide channel. The method then comprises pushing the barrel of the pistol into the barrel channel. The slide channel prevents movement of the slide into the barrel channel as the pistol barrel extends into the barrel channel. As a result, the pistol is racked and the method can be carried out using just one hand. 
     Referring now to the drawing figures,  FIG. 1  is a top, front, perspective view of a pistol racking device  20  according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Racking device  20  is mounted on a surface mounting bracket  80  that, in-turn, can be mounted to a surface, for example, underneath a nightstand, underneath an end table, underneath a desk, on a wall, to a wheelchair, to a piece of furniture, or to a like surface or object. Racking device  20  comprises a frame  22 , exemplified as a solid block. Frame  22  can comprise a metal material, a plastic material, or the like. Frame  22  can comprise aluminum, for example, anodized aluminum. Frame  22  has formed therein a slide channel  24  and a barrel channel  26  that intersect with one another at an intersection  28 . 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the racking device shown in  FIG. 1 , but mounted on a belt clip  90  instead of a surface mounting bracket. As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , slide channel  24  has a length and a width and comprises an entry end  30 , an exit end  32 , and opposing channel edges  34  and  36 . Channel edges  34  and  36  form angled edges that begin at entry end  30  at an intersection of slide channel  24  with a surface  38  of frame  22 . In the example shown, surface  38  is a planar surface of frame  22 . Slide channel  24  is configured to accommodate the slide of a rackable pistol, and narrows to prevent the slide from entering barrel channel  26 . Exit end  32  intersects directly with barrel channel  26  at intersection  28 . Slide channel  24  has a width that decreases in a direction from entry end  30  toward intersection  28 . 
     In the example shown, the entire length of slide channel  24  is defined by a width that continuously decreases from entry end  30  to exit end  32 . Going in a direction toward the intersection, opposing channel edges  34  and  36  of slide channel  24  are separated by a decreasing separation distance along the entire length of slide channel  24 . At any cross-section taken perpendicularly along the length of the slide channel, the slide channel has a maximum width that is equal to the distance separating the opposing channel edges of the slide channel. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , each of opposing channel edges  34  and  36  of slide channel  24  intersects with a sidewall  60  of slide channel  24 . Sidewall  60  can be provided with a beveled edge  62  where sidewall  60  intersects with planar surface  38  of frame  22 . Opposite sidewall  60 , slide channel  24  does not have an opposing sidewall, but instead, is open such that slide channel  24  is an open channel, not a socket, tube, or surrounded passageway. 
     Slide channel  24  has a pistol sight groove  44  formed therein that is configured to accommodate a pistol sight as a pistol is moved into the racking device. Pistol sight groove  44  has a substantially arched-shaped cross-section along the length thereof, and two opposing, planar, parallel, sidewalls, although other shapes and cross-sections can be used. Pistol sight groove  44  has a tapered or beveled edge where it intersects with planar surface  38  of frame  22 . 
     Barrel channel  26  has a length and comprises a barrel channel wall and opposing channel edges  40  and  42  ( FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4 ). Barrel channel  26  is configured to accommodate the barrel of a rackable pistol. Barrel channel  26  is exemplified in the drawings as having an arch-shaped cross-section.  FIG. 3  is a top view of the racking device on the belt clip, shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the same racking device,  FIG. 5  is a right-side view of the same racking device,  FIG. 6  is a left-side view of the same racking device, and  FIG. 7  is a right, top, perspective view of the same racking device. As shown, particularly in  FIG. 4 , opposing channel edges  40  and  42  are separated substantially equidistantly by a distance  50 , along the entire length of the barrel channel. The maximum width of the barrel channel is equal to distance  50  separating opposing channel edges  40  and  42 . Barrel channel  26  has a continuation of pistol sight groove  44 , formed therein, that is configured to accommodate a pistol sight as a pistol is moved into the racking device. Pistol sight groove  44  also has a substantially arched-shaped cross-section along its length in the barrel channel, although a specific shape and length of the pistol sight grove  44  in the barrel channel is not necessary. A pistol sight is, however, typically restrained with the slide of the pistol, in the slide channel, thus preventing the pistol sight from ever entering the barrel channel. For ease of machining, pistol sight groove  44  can be formed along the entire length of the barrel channel. 
     The racking device can be mounted on a belt clip, on a surface mounting bracket, directly to a surface, directly to a belt, to a pistol clearing station, to a ballistics testing station, or at or on a like location, surface, wearable article, or station.  FIG. 8  is a back view of the racking device on the belt clip, shown in  FIGS. 2-7 . As can be seen, two bolts  92  and  94  are used to secure frame  22  to belt clip  90 . Other fasteners can instead, or additionally, be used to secure the frame and/or racking device to a belt clip. 
       FIG. 9  shows another mounting option and is a back view of the device and bracket shown in  FIG. 1 . Frame  22  is shown secured to surface mounting bracket  80 , by two bolts  82  and  84 . Other fasteners can instead, or additionally, be used to secure the frame and/or racking device to a surface mounting bracket. Surface mounting bracket  80  is provided with two holes  86  and  88  through which screws, bolts, nails, or other fasteners can be used to secure the surface mounting bracket to a surface, for example, to a furniture surface, to a vest surface, to a surface of a wearable article, to a pistol station surface, or the like. 
     According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for racking a pistol having a slide and a barrel.  FIG. 10  is a side view showing a first step for racking a pistol  100  according to a method of the present invention, and  FIG. 11  is a side view showing the second step involved with the method. The method comprises first positioning a slide  102  of pistol  100  in the slide channel of a racking device  120  as described herein. Racking device  120  is shown attached to a surface mounting bracket  180 , which, in-turn, is mounted to an underside surface  150  of a nightstand  160 . One or more sides of slide  102  can be made to contact the slide channel of racking device  120 , for example, opposite side surfaces and a top surface of slide  102  can all contact the slide channel of racking device  120 . The method then comprises pushing pistol  100  further into racking device  120  such that pistol barrel  104  extends into the barrel channel of racking device  120 . The slide channel prevents movement of slide  102  into the barrel channel as pistol barrel  104  extends into the barrel channel. As a result, pistol  100  can be racked and the method can be carried out using just one hand. Once racked, the pistol can be pulled down, out of the slide channel and barrel channel, without a need to withdraw the pistol out of the racking device. As a result, a single, smooth, continuous motion can be used to position and push the pistol into the racking device and then pull the racked pistol out of the open channels. 
       FIG. 12  is a side view showing a first step for racking a pistol using a racking device mounted on a belt clip, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13  is a side view showing the second step of the method. As can be seen, a pistol  200  is placed in a racking device  220  in a manner that positions a slide  202  of pistol  200  in the slide channel of racking device  220 . Racking device  220  is shown attached to a belt clip  290  that, in-turn, is secured to a belt  210  on the waist of an operator. One or more sides of slide  202  can be made to contact the slide channel of racking device  220 , for example, opposite side surfaces and a top surface of slide  202  can all contact the slide channel of racking device  220 . 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  is a pistol sight groove  244  formed in the frame of racking device  220 , and which is designed to accommodate a pistol sight  260  protruding from pistol  200 . Pistol sight  260  can move into pistol sight groove  244 , to any degree, without obstructing movement of slide  202  or pistol barrel  204 . The method illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13  can also comprise pushing pistol barrel  204  of pistol  200  into the barrel channel of racking device  220  as shown in  FIG. 13 . The slide channel prevents movement of slide  202  into the barrel channel as pistol barrel  204  extends into the barrel channel. As a result, pistol  200  can be racked by a simple downward then outward motion. The method can be carried out using just one hand. The belt clip can be positioned on the right-hand side or on the left-hand side of the operator&#39;s waist without any need for modification of the belt clip or racking device. The racking can be carried out much faster than racking with a holster or socket that would require a withdrawing action. 
     The present invention includes the following numbered aspects, embodiments, and features, in any order and/or in any combination: 
     1. A racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect for racking a slide of a rackable pistol, the racking device comprising a frame defining a slide channel and a barrel channel that intersect with one another at an intersection, wherein: 
     the slide channel has a length and a width, comprises an entry end, an exit end, and opposing channel edges, and is configured to accommodate the slide of a rackable pistol, the exit end intersects with the barrel channel, the slide channel width decreases in a direction from the entry end toward the intersection along at least a portion of the length of the slide channel, and the opposing channel edges are separated by a decreasing separation distance, in a direction toward the intersection, along at least a portion of the length of the slide channel, and 
     the barrel channel has a length, comprises a barrel channel wall and opposing channel edges, and is configured to accommodate the barrel of a rackable pistol, the opposing channel edges being separated substantially equidistantly along the length of the barrel channel. 
     2. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the barrel channel has a maximum width, the opposing channel edges of the barrel channel are separated by a distance, and the distance is equal to the maximum width. 
     3. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the slide channel is configured such that, at any cross section taken perpendicularly through the slide channel, the slide channel has a maximum width, the opposing channel edges of the slide channel are separated by a distance, and the distance is equal to the maximum width. 
     4. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the frame comprises a solid block and the slide channel and barrel channel are formed in a surface of the solid block. 
     5. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the solid block comprises an aluminum material. 
     6. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the frame defines a planar surface, the slide channel and the barrel channel are formed in the planar surface, and each of the channels extends to a respective maximum depth that is perpendicular to the planar surface. 
     7. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the width of the slide channel continuously decreases from the entry end to the intersection. 
     8. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the width of the slide channel continuously decreases at a constant rate from the entry end to the intersection. 
     9. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the barrel channel has a maximum width of about 0.5 inch. 
     10. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the barrel channel has a maximum width of about 0.625 inch. 
     11. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the barrel channel has a maximum width of about 0.750 inch. 
     12. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the slide channel has a groove formed therein that is configured to accommodate a pistol sight as a pistol slide is moved into the slide channel. 
     13. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the frame comprises a hollow member. 
     14. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, further comprising a mounting clip that is configured to be attached to a waist belt, and wherein the frame is mounted to the mounting clip. 
     15. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, further comprising a surface mounting bracket that is configured to be attached to a surface, and wherein the frame is mounted to the surface mounting bracket. 
     16. The racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the barrel channel has a substantially arched-shaped cross-section along the length thereof, and two opposing, planar, parallel, sidewalls. 
     17. A system comprising a pistol clearing station and the racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the racking device is mounted in, on, or at, the pistol clearing station. 
     18. A system comprising a ballistics sampling station and the racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the racking device is mounted in, on, or at, the ballistics sampling station. 
     19. A method of racking a pistol having a slide and a barrel, the method comprising: 
     positioning the slide of the pistol in the slide channel of the racking device of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, such that sides of the slide of the pistol contact the slide channel; and 
     pushing the barrel of the pistol into the barrel channel while the slide channel prevents movement of the slide into the barrel channel, to rack the pistol. 
     20. The method of any preceding or following embodiment/feature/aspect, wherein the positioning and pushing are carried out with one hand. 
     The present invention can include any combination of these various features or embodiments above and/or below as set-forth in sentences and/or paragraphs. Any combination of disclosed features herein is considered part of the present invention and no limitation is intended with respect to combinable features. 
     The entire contents of all references cited in this disclosure are incorporated herein in their entireties, by reference. Further, when an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as either a range, preferred range, or a list of upper preferable values and lower preferable values, this is to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limit or preferred value and any lower range limit or preferred value, regardless of whether such ranges are separately disclosed. Where a range of numerical values is recited herein, unless otherwise stated, the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the range. It is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific values recited when defining a range. 
     Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the present specification and practice of the present invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the present specification and examples be considered as exemplary only with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims and equivalents thereof.