Abstract:
An adjustable grip extender for a firearm, comprising: a) an elevating mechanism, including a moveable portion on top and a fixed portion on bottom with respect to the adjustable grip, wherein both portions are pivotally connected in such a way that said moveable portion can be moved angularly with respect to said fixed portion, wherein the bottom surface of said adjustable grip extender is attached to the handle of the firearm in a position that allows a user&#39;s trigger finger to rest on said moveable portion for positioning the distal portion of said finger directly in front of the trigger of said firearm and substantially perpendicular to said trigger; and b) an adjustable mechanism for setting the elevating degree of said moveable portion in a fixed position, by changing the relative angular position between said moveable portion and said fixed portion.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of firearms. More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable grip for enabling the user to improve target accuracy and consistency while shooting with a firearm. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Many types of grips have been devised for attachment to firearms or pistols to enable a user to better hold and aim the firearm, or to reduce recoil or otherwise improve the comfort when the firearm is held and fired with consistent accuracy. The use of elastomers in the grip assembly provides for a better “feel” in the user&#39;s hand and may provide a certain amount of bulk or sizing to otherwise standard factory produced grips. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,148 discloses a target grip for a firearm which comprises insertable and removable trigger finger support inserts for a side panel of the grip for enabling the distal portion of a user&#39;s trigger finger to contact a trigger perpendicular to the trigger for more shooting accuracy and consistency. Various size trigger finger target grip extender inserts may be inserted into the firearm grip and removed until the proper size insert is found. The target grip extender insert is secured by a friction fit or by a clip on the end of the insert. However, in order to fit the gripping of the firearm for different users, several grip extender inserts are required with each side panel to vary the placement of the distal end of a user&#39;s trigger finger and to enable the trigger finger to be placed in front of the trigger approximately perpendicular to the side of the trigger of the firearm. 
         [0004]    Other attempts to provide an enhanced grip for a fire firearm were suggested, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,446 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,237. However, none of them provide a placement of a trigger finger with consistency on the weapon trigger or any adjustment for positioning a trigger finger of a user. 
         [0005]    None of the above patents disclose the structural features of the present invention, which is intended to improve (or replace) the standard side panels of a firearm to improve proper placement of the trigger finger on the trigger. 
         [0006]    To address this problem and to provide more accurate results while using a firearm, an enhanced grip with personal configuration and fitting is required. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a single grip extender capable of providing various size contoured adjustments to the frame of a firearm, enabling the user to improve target accuracy and consistency. 
         [0008]    It is another object of this invention to provide a left or right side panel on the frame of a firearm, having an adjustable extension to allow the trigger finger to be placed on the trigger allowing only the distal portion of a user&#39;s trigger finger to contact the trigger. 
         [0009]    It is a further object of this invention to provide an adjustable extension on a side panel of a firearm to enable the trigger finger to rest on the trigger from a direction substantially perpendicular to the trigger. 
         [0010]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide an adjustable extension having a different size contoured outward extension for allowing easily custom fitting of the user&#39;s finger length and particularly positioning the distal portion of the trigger finger of the user to be substantially perpendicular to the trigger at the same position on the trigger for each firing. 
         [0011]    Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The present invention relates to an adjustable grip extender for a firearm, comprising: a) an elevating mechanism, including a moveable portion on top and a fixed portion on bottom with respect to the adjustable grip, wherein both portions are pivotally connected in such a way that said moveable portion can be moved angularly with respect to said fixed portion, wherein the bottom surface of said adjustable grip extender is attached to the handle of the firearm in a position that allows a user&#39;s trigger finger to rest on said moveable portion for positioning the distal portion of said finger directly in front of the trigger of said firearm and substantially perpendicular to said trigger; and b) an adjustable mechanism for setting the elevating degree of said moveable portion in a fixed position, by changing the relative angular position between said moveable portion and said fixed portion. 
         [0013]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable mechanism includes a screw having a head section and a threaded section, wherein the head section of said screw is connected to said moveable portion through a corresponding opening at the moveable portion and the threaded section is screwed into a corresponding nut housing located at the fixed portion, thus the elevating degree is set by turning said screw in a right or left direction, such that only the turning of said screw will result in lowering or raising said moveable portion. 
         [0014]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the screw is attached to the elevating mechanism in such a way that the distal end of said screw (i.e., the threaded section) is screwed into the corresponding nut housing located on the fixed portion, while being threaded through a suitable opening on the moveable portion. 
         [0015]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the corresponding nut housing is axially connected to the fixed portion, thereby allowing the movement of said nut housing while lowering or raising the moveable portion when turning the screw left or right, for enhancing the movement of the moveable portion. 
         [0016]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the elevating mechanism is covered with an elastic material shaped in an ergonomic manner for providing comfortable and enhanced grip of the firearm by a user&#39;s hand, and accurate firing by allowing the user&#39;s trigger finger to return to same position after each firing. The elevating mechanism can be made from a rigid and/or semi rigid material(s). Furthermore, the shape of the elevating mechanism provides accurate firing by allowing the user&#39;s trigger finger to return to the same position after each firing. 
         [0017]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a standalone side panel, provided with said adjustable grip extender, and is adapted to replace a standard factory side panel of a firearm. Alternatively, the adjustable grip extender can be attached to an original or a standard factory side panel of a firearm using any suitable attaching means, such as adhesion techniques, securing screws or combination thereof. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a side panel of a firearm can be manufactured with said adjustable grip extender integrated thereon. 
         [0018]    According to an embodiment of the invention, a standalone side panel provided with said adjustable grip extender is adapted to replace the original handle, handle cover or side panel portion of the firearm. 
         [0019]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjustable grip extender is attached to an original or a standard factory side panel of a firearm using any suitable attaching means or arrangement. According to an embodiment of the invention, the attaching means are selected from the group consisting of: adhesion techniques, securing screws, clips, tension clips, or any combination thereof. 
         [0020]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the attaching arrangement is formed like an open shape that surrounds the firearm&#39;s handle and on which said adjustable grip extender is embedded, wherein said open shape having two ends that are facing each other, thus said attaching arrangement is formed in such a way that it warps or covers, at least partially, the side panels of said handle, and wherein said attaching arrangement is secured to said firearm, by fastening the ends of said attaching arrangement with a securing member that connects said ends. 
         [0021]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the securing member is a screw that passes through the trigger guard of the firearm and behind the trigger of said firearm, such that said screw avoids any interruption to the operation and movement of said trigger while shooting with said firearm. 
         [0022]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the attaching arrangement includes an insert adapted to be inserted into a relatively narrow slit that exists between the firearm&#39;s magazine and the magazine housing at the bottom of the firearm&#39;s handle while the magazine is inserted. 
         [0023]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the attaching arrangement is made one or more elements. 
         [0024]    The firearm is selected from the group consisting of handguns, revolvers, semiautomatic handguns, rifles, shotguns and any other firearm or similar weapons having a side panel suitable to attach said adjustable grip extender thereon. 
         [0025]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, the angular elevating mechanism further comprises an elevation limiting means for limiting the elevating of the moveable portion. 
         [0026]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer shape of the adjustable grip extender is configured in such a way that it improves proper placement of the trigger finger on the trigger. Furthermore, the outer shape of the grip provides a much better grip of the firearm by the user&#39;s hand, as the structural shape of said adjustable grip leaves almost no empty space between the user&#39;s hand and the side panel, and thereby it may completely eliminate the tendency to move the firearm right or left while a user pulls the trigger of said firearm. Moreover, the outer shape of said grip is configured in such a way that said grip allows the user to grab the side panel of the firearm with his entire palm and fingers, except the portion of the trigger finer that is placed on the trigger. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    In the drawings: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a side view of a firearm provided with an adjustable grip extender, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of an angular elevating mechanism of the adjustable grip extender, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2B  schematically illustrates the adjustable grip extender, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a firearm provided with the adjustable grip extender, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  schematically illustrates a top view of the firearm with different positions of the angular elevating mechanism of the adjustable grip extender, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of an angular elevating mechanism of the adjustable grip extender provided with elevating limiting means, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  schematically illustrates a top view of a moveable nut housing attached to fixed portion of the elevating mechanism for enhancing the adjustment of its moveable portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  schematically illustrates a perspective view of attaching the adjustable grip extender to the firearm using a tension clip, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 8A-8C  schematically illustrate an attaching arrangement that attaches the adjustable grip extender to the firearm, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 9A-9B  show an exemplary attaching arrangement that attaches the adjustable grip extender to the firearm, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 9C  show an inner view of a first element of the exemplary attaching arrangement of  FIGS. 9A and 9B , according to another embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 9D  show a perspective view of a second element of the exemplary attaching arrangement of  FIGS. 9A and 9B , according to another embodiment of the present invention 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0040]    Throughout this description the term “firearm” is used to indicate a weapon that launches one or more projectile(s) at high velocity through confined burning of a propellant. This term does not imply any particular shape, construction material(s) or geometry, and invention is applicable to all suitable firearms, such as gun, handgun, pistol, revolvers and the like. 
         [0041]    Reference will now be made to several embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever practicable, similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an adjustable grip extender  11  according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown attached to a handle  84  of a firearm  10 . The adjustable grip extender  11  is used for custom fitting of a user&#39;s trigger finger approximately perpendicular to a trigger  12  of firearm  10 . As shown in the figure, the handle  84  of firearm  10  is having a side panel (as indicated by numeral  13 ) upon which the adjustable grip extender  11  is attached. In this embodiment, the adjustable grip extender  11  is attached to the handle  84  of firearm  10  in such a way that the user&#39;s trigger finger will be approximately perpendicular to trigger  12 . In this context, the term “trigger finger” means the finger which is used to operate the trigger of a firearm. 
         [0043]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable grip extender  11  is having a top surface  15  which is moveable and a bottom surface which is attached to the side panel  13 . The adjustable grip extender  11  includes an angular elevating mechanism operated by a screw  14  or other suitable leveraging element. Turning screw  14  left or right rises or lowers, in an angular manner, the moveable top surface  15 . An angular elevating mechanism that can be used in conjunction with the invention is described in further details with respect to  FIG. 2A  herein below. 
         [0044]    The adjustable grip extender  11  illustrated in this figure is particularly convenient because it can be applied as an ad-on device to existing firearm without the need to carry out any alterations in the structure of the firearm as will be described in further details with respect to  FIGS. 7 ,  8 A- 8 C and  9 A- 9 D hereinafter. The adjustable grip extender  11  can be attached to the original or the standard factory side panel of a firearm. For example, the adjustable grip extender  11  can be attached to a standard factory side panel of the firearm by any suitable attaching means, such as adhesion techniques, securing screws, clips, etc. According to some embodiments of the invention, the adjustable grip extender  11  can be provided with an exchangeable side panel that is intended to replace the standard/original factory side panel of the firearm. Alternatively, a firearm can be manufactured with the adjustable grip extender  11  integrated thereon. 
         [0045]    The present invention may be used on handguns, revolvers, semiautomatic handguns, rifles, shotguns and any other firearm or similar weapons having a side panel suitable to contain the adjustable grip extender  11  thereon. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 2A , a perspective view of an angular elevating mechanism  110  of adjustable grip extender  11  is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The angular elevating mechanism  110  comprises a moveable portion  15  on top and a fixed portion  16  on bottom, wherein both portions  15  and  16  are pivotally connected in such a way that the moveable potion  15  moves in an angular manner with respect to the fixed portion  16 . The bottom surface of the adjustable grip extender  11 , where the fixed portion  16  is located, is directed to be attached or mounted on top of the side panel  13  of the firearm  10 . 
         [0047]    In this embodiment, the angular elevating mechanism  110  is configured in a wedge-like form. According to an embodiment of the present invention, both portion  15  and  16  have a wedge-like form wherein the thinnest side of both portions  15  and  16  are the ones that are pivotally connected. The elevating mechanism is made of one or more rigid and/or semi rigid materials, such as metal or plastic. 
         [0048]    The angular level of the moveable portion  15  is adjusted (i.e., changes its angular position with respect to the fixed portion  16 ) by turning the screw  14  in a right or left direction. Screw  14  is attached to the elevating mechanism  110  in such a way that the distal end of screw  14  is screwed into a corresponding nut housing  17  located on the fixed portion  16  (or on the bottom of the adjustable grip extender  11 ), and this while the head of screw  14  become connected to the moveable portion  15 . Thereby, any turning of screw  14  results in the lowering or the raising of the moveable portion  15  (i.e., the screw  14  is screwed or unscrewed within the housing  17 ). In this embodiment, the nut housing  17  is fixed to the fixed portion  16 . The nut housing  17  can be provided in such a way that it will be able to partially move as will be described with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0049]    As will be appreciated by a skilled person, the head section of screw  14  can be attached to the moveable portion  15  in several ways that will allow its left and right rotation, e.g., screw  14  can be threaded through an opening  18  in the moveable portion  15 , while the head of screw  14  will be grasped by the opening  18  of to the moveable portion  15 . The inner surface of moveable portion  15  may further comprise a slit adapted to accommodate the head section of screw  14 . Thus, sliding the head section of screw  14  into such slit will grasp screw  14  in such a manner that it will become attached to the moveable portion  15  while still being able to freely rotate left or right within such slit. Alternatively, the moveable portion  15  can be provided with a built-in screw. 
         [0050]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, the top surface of the adjustable grip extender  11  is shaped to fit a portion of the trigger finger in a comfort manner and for providing an enhanced gripping of the firearm.  FIG. 2B  schematically illustrates a cross sectional view A-A of the adjustable grip extender  11 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the adjustable grip extender  11  comprises the elements of the elevating mechanism  110  (as shown in  FIG. 2A  hereinabove) covered with an elastic material  18 . The elastic material  18  is shaped in an ergonomic manner in order to provide a comfortable and an enhanced grip of the firearm by a user&#39;s hand. Optionally, the top surface of the moveable portion  15  can be perforated (not shown) in order to better grip the elastic martial used for the covering of the elevating mechanism  110  (e.g., when the covering is done by a pouring process while using a type of a hardened foam). 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the side panel  13  of the firearm  10  is shown having the adjustable grip extender  11  for positioning a right hand trigger finger on the trigger  12 . The moveable portion  15  is shown extending outward and toward the trigger  12  to enable the distal portion of the user&#39;s trigger finger to arrive at a right angle to the side of the trigger  12  and in front of the trigger  12 . Screw  14  is used for adjusting the extending level of the moveable portion  15 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a top view of the firearm  10  is shown indicating various positions of the moveable portion  15  of the adjustable grip extender  11  (as indicated by numerals  151 ,  152  and  153 ). This arrangement allows custom fitting of a user&#39;s right hand trigger finger distal portion to arrive at approximately a right angle to the side of the trigger  12  and in front of the trigger  12 . In practice, the desired position or level of moveable portion  15  is set, by turning screw  14 , until the correct fit is found for the distal portion of the trigger finger of the user. Usually the correct fit set when the trigger finger is perpendicular to and in front of the trigger  12 . 
         [0053]    The adjustable grip extender  11  should fit different sizes of users&#39; hands and variety of lengths of users&#39; fingers. For example, the adjustable grip extender  11  can be configured in such a way that the thickness of the adjustable grip extender  11  in its thinness form (i.e., whenever the distance between the moveable portion  15  and the fixed portion  16  is minimal) can be about 0.5 cm, while the maximum thickness can be increased (by distancing the moveable portion  15  from the fixed portion  16  by turning screw  14 ) up to additional few millimeters. Of course, the adjustable grip extender  11  can be configured in other thickness and dimensions in order to fit a variety of sizes of user&#39;s hands and fingers. 
         [0054]    In some cases, it is required to limit the maximum opening of the moveable element  15 , in order to avoid a complete opening of the angular elevating mechanism  110 . Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a perspective view is shown of a second embodiment of the angular elevating mechanism  110  provided with an elevating limiting means. The elevating limiting means comprises a blocker  21  at one side of the distal end of the fixed portion  16  and a corresponding slit opening  23  located at same side of the distal end of the moveable portion  15 . The engagement of blocker  21  within the slit opening  23  results in an arrangement that can be used for limiting the elevating (i.e., the adjustment) of the moveable portion  15 , as the blocker  21  limits the angular movement of the moveable portion  15  (this is seen easily in  FIG. 5A ). Optionally, pulling out blocker  21  from the slit opening  23  will cause the moveable portion  15  to open, as shown with respect to  FIG. 5B  (e.g., for removal or disassembly of the angular elevating mechanism  110 , if required). 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an enhanced mechanism for connecting the nut housing  17  to the fixed portion  16  is shown, with respect to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the nut housing  17  is axially connected via axis  31  to the fixed portion  16 , thereby allowing its movement around axis  31 . This arrangement enhance the movement of the moveable portion  15  while screw  14  is being screwed or unscrewed while its threaded section is located within housing  17 . Such arrangement, allows the housing  17  to move forward or backward with respect to the raising or the lowering of the moveable portion  15  (i.e., with respect to direction of the angular movement of the moveable portion  15 ). 
         [0056]    According to some embodiments of the present invention, the adjustable grip extender  11  can be attached to the firearm  10  using an attaching means or arrangement such as a tension clip  32 , as shown with respect to  FIG. 7 . In this embodiment, the tension clip  32  is mounted on the handle  84  of the firearm  10  from its rear side (as indicated by numeral  33 ). In such embodiment, the adjustable grip extender  11  is provided with such tension clip attached to its bottom surface. The tension clip  32  is made of rigid material such a suitable polymer or metal. The tension clip  32  can be further secured to the firearm, by engaging or fastening both of its ends  34  and  35  around the handle  84  of the firearm (not shown). For example, this can be done by using a screw, Velcro, or other suitable fastening means. 
         [0057]    According to some embodiments of the present invention, the adjustable grip extender  11  can be attached to the firearm  10  using an attaching arrangement  81 , as shown with respect to  FIGS. 8A-8C . In this embodiment, the attaching arrangement  81  is made of a relatively thin layer of either a rigid or flexible material such a polymer or metal (e.g., a having thickness of about 1-2 millimeters) on which the adjustable grip extender  11  is embedded. The attaching arrangement  81  is having an open shape that surrounds the firearm&#39;s handle  84  and on which the adjustable grip extender  11  is embedded. The open shape having two ends that are facing each other (as indicated by numerals  82 A and  82 B), thus the attaching arrangement  81  is formed in such a way that it warps or covers, at least partially, the handle  84  of the firearm  10 . The attaching arrangement  81  is secured to the firearm  10 , by fastening the ends of the attaching arrangement  81  (as indicated by numerals  82 A and  82 B) with a securing member such as screw  83  that connects both ends  82 A and  82 B. In this embodiment, in order to connect the ends  82 A and  82 B, screw  83  passes through the trigger guard  85  of firearm  10  and behind the trigger  12 , such that it avoids any interruption to the operation and movement of the trigger  12  while shooting with the firearm  10 . The inner surface of the attaching arrangement  81  should match to the outer surface of the handle  84  in order to obtain an optimal attaching result. Although, the attaching arrangement  81  is made of a single element, other configuration of similar attaching arrangements can be provided but with more than one element, for example, as described herein after with respect to  FIGS. 9A-9D . 
         [0058]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable grip extender  11  can be attached to the firearm  10  using an attaching arrangement that includes two separate elements  91 A and  91 B, as shown with respect to  FIGS. 9A-9D . In this embodiment, the elements  91 A and  91 B of the attaching arrangement are made of a relatively thin layer of either a rigid or flexible material such a polymer or metal (e.g., a having thickness of about 1-2 millimeters). In this embodiment, the adjustable grip extender  11  is embedded on element  91 A. Element  91 A of the attaching arrangement is formed in such a way that it essentially warps or covers the entire one side of the handle  84  of firearm  10 . Element  91 B of the secure is formed in such a way that it warps or covers, at least partially, the other side of the handle  84  of firearm  10 . 
         [0059]    Both elements  91 A and  91 B are configured to be connected together around the handle  84  of the firearm  10  by fastening or engaging means such as one or more screws, and/or other suitable type of connectors. For example, elements  91 A and  91 B are secured to the firearm  10 , by connecting them together in one end (at about the trigger area) with a securing member such as screw  94  in a similar manner to the screw  83  of attaching arrangement  81  (i.e., screw  94  passes through the trigger guard  85  of firearm  10  and behind the trigger  12 , in order to avoid any interruption with the operation and movement of the trigger  12  while shooting with the firearm  10 ).  FIG. 9D  shows an insertion hole  95  in element  91 B through which screw  94  is inserted in order to secure elements  91 A and  91 B together around the handle  84 . In this configuration, element  91 A includes an optional screw support member that can be used to facilitate or enhance the tightening of screw  94  while connecting elements  91 A and  91 B. 
         [0060]    On the other end (e.g., in this configuration it refers to the end that is located on one of the sides of the handle  84  at about the rear side of the firearm  10 ) element  91 A and  91 B are connected by corresponding portions at each one of them that are adapted to be engaged as indicated by numerals  96  and  98 . In this embodiment, portion  98  is configured in a conical shape (as can be easily seen in  FIG. 9D ) that fits a corresponding opening (i.e., portion  96  as can be easily seen in  FIG. 9C ) in element  91 A (the engagement of both portions  96  and  98  is shown in  FIG. 9A ). The conical arrangement provides an enhanced connection that eliminates the need to use a screw or any other additional fastening means. The inner surface of each element  91 A and  91 B (see  FIGS. 9C and 9D ) should match the outer surface of the corresponding side of the handle  84  in order to obtain an optimal attaching result. 
         [0061]    According to an embodiment of the invention, in order to enhance the attachment of the attaching arrangement to the firearm, element  91 A may further include an insert  93 C ( FIG. 9C ) that is adapted to be inserted into a relatively narrow slit (usually less than 1 millimeter) that exists between the firearm&#39;s magazine (as indicated by numeral  93 B) and the magazine housing at the bottom of the handle  84  while the magazine  93 B is inserted (as indicated by numeral  93 A in  FIG. 9B ). 
         [0062]    According to some embodiments, the attaching arrangement such as  81  or as defined by the elements  91 A and  91 B may further include ergonomic openings such as indicated by numeral  99  (in  FIGS. 9B and 9D ) adapted to fit portion of the hand or fingers of the user while gripping the firearm. Such openings are used to ergonomically enhance the holding of the firearm by the user&#39;s hand. 
         [0063]    Optionally, the aforementioned attaching arrangements may include an extended member that extends beneath the trigger guard  85  of firearm  10 , e.g., as indicated by numeral  92  in  FIGS. 9A and 9D . The extended member can be used to reinforce the securement of the attaching arrangement. 
         [0064]    It is important to mention that in order to shoot a firearm accurately, it is important that the pad near the tip of the trigger finger come straight back, without moving (i.e., “shaking”) the firearm left or right. The adjustable grip of the present invention helps the user to use the firearm in a correct manner, as it may completely reduce the user tendency to pull shots to the right or left. 
         [0065]    The structural features of the suggested adjustable grip extender of the present invention is intended to replace the common side panels of a firearm (or attached or mounted thereto) to improve proper placement of the trigger finger on the trigger. Furthermore, it provides a much better grip of the firearm. Due to its structure the adjustable grip of the present invention may completely eliminate the tendency to move the firearm (usually right or left) while a user pulls the trigger, as the structural shape of the adjustable grip leaves almost no empty space between the user&#39;s hand and the side panel. This provides a much accurate result. While using a firearm, an enhanced grip with personal configuration and fitting, enables the user to improve target accuracy and consistency. The adjustable grip allows the user to grab the side panel of the firearm with all of his palm (and fingers except, of course, the portion of the trigger finger that is placed on the trigger). 
         [0066]    While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried into practice with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims.