Patent Publication Number: US-11047642-B2

Title: Trigger and grip armor systems

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/920,072, filed on Mar. 13, 2018, and titled “Trigger and Grip Armor Systems”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/470,528, filed Mar. 13, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to accessories for firearms. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to trigger armor systems. Further, the present disclosure relates to grip armor systems. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments disclosed herein will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. While various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings depict only typical embodiments, which will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a first side view of an embodiment of a trigger armor system. 
         FIG. 2  is a second side view of the trigger armor system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the trigger armor system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the trigger armor system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the trigger armor system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of the trigger armor system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the trigger armor system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the trigger armor system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a detailed front perspective view of the trigger armor system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a detailed rear perspective view of the trigger armor system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a grip armor system. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a combination of the trigger armor system of  FIG. 1  and the grip armor system of  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The various embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to trigger armor systems and grip armor systems. In some embodiments, the trigger armor system includes an integral finger rest, grip, and knuckle guard. In certain embodiments, the grip armor system includes an integral angle grip and well grip. Trigger and grip armor systems including an integral trigger armor system and grip armor system are also provided. 
     It will be appreciated that various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. Many of these features may be used alone and/or in combination with one another. 
     Embodiments may be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated. 
     The phrase “coupled to” refers to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may be coupled to each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. For example, two components may be coupled to each other through an intermediate component. 
     The terms “forward” and “rearward” refer to opposite ends of a firearm. As used herein, the forward portion of a firearm accessory is the portion nearest a barrel and/or a muzzle of the firearm when the firearm accessory is coupled to the firearm, while the rearward portion of the firearm accessory is a portion at the opposite end. For example, the rearward portion of a firearm accessory is defined as the portion closest to the stock of the firearm when the firearm accessory is coupled to the firearm. The forward end is the end opposite the rearward end. 
     The term “longitudinal axis” refers to an axis extending between a forward end and a rearward end of a firearm. For example, the longitudinal axis of a rifle is an axis extending between a forward end of the barrel of the rifle and a rearward end of the stock of the rifle. 
     Accessories can be attached or coupled to a firearm such as a rifle. For example, grips, trigger guards, and/or finger rests may be coupled to a rifle. Generally, such accessories can be coupled individually to a rifle or the accessories can be combined in pairs (e.g., a grip and trigger guard combination, or a trigger guard and finger rest combination). Such pairs can be coupled in combination to a rifle. For example, the trigger armor systems and the grip armor systems provided herein can be coupled to a military specification AR-15 or M16 rifle. In some embodiments, the trigger armor systems and the grip armor systems provided herein can replace a stock grip (e.g., a standard grip that is supplied with the rifle). 
       FIG. 1  is a first side view of a trigger armor system  110  (also referred to as a trigger guard and finger rest combination) coupled to at least a portion of a rifle  5 .  FIGS. 2-10  depict additional views of the trigger armor system  110  coupled to the rifle  5 . Specifically,  FIG. 2  is a second side view,  FIG. 3  is a front view,  FIG. 4  is a top view,  FIG. 5  is a bottom view, and  FIG. 6  is a rear view.  FIG. 7  is a front perspective view,  FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view,  FIG. 9  is a detailed front perspective view, and  FIG. 10  is a detailed rear perspective view of the trigger armor system  110 . 
     The trigger armor system  110  can include a finger rest  115 , a trigger guard  120 , a grip  125 , and/or a knuckle guard  130 . In some embodiments, the trigger armor system  110  can be a single accessory or attachment. For example, each of the finger rest  115 , the trigger guard  120 , the grip  125 , and the knuckle guard  130  may be integral with each other. Stated another way, each of the finger rest  115 , the trigger guard  120 , the grip  125 , and the knuckle guard  130  may be formed as a single unit. 
     In some embodiments, the trigger armor system  110  may be coupleable, or removeably coupleable, to a firearm, such as the rifle  5 . The trigger armor system  110  may be coupleable to the rifle  5  via a snap-fit mechanism, a fastener (e.g., a screw), or any other suitable coupling device. In some embodiments, the trigger armor system  110  can be coupled or secured to a lower zone of a rifle via a bolt (e.g., a single bolt). The bolt may be disposed through a hollow core  126  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ) of the grip  125 . The trigger armor system  110  may be configured such that a user may couple and/or uncouple the trigger armor system  110  from a suitable firearm. In certain embodiments, the trigger armor system  110  may be configured to replace a standard or stock grip that is supplied with the rifle  5 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , the finger rest  115  can be disposed adjacent or toward a forward portion of the trigger armor system  110 . During use of the rifle  5 , one or more of a user&#39;s fingers may rest against at least a portion of an external surface  116  of the finger rest  115 . Disposition of the one or more fingers on the finger rest  115  may assist the user in stabilizing and/or controlling the rifle  5 , for example, during use of the rifle  5 . 
     The trigger guard  120  can extend rearward from at least a portion of the finger rest  115  and can extend around at least a portion of a perimeter of a trigger  7  of the rifle  5 . Stated another way, the trigger guard  120  may form at least a portion of a loop around the trigger  7 . In certain embodiments, the trigger guard  120  may be configured to inhibit or prevent accidental discharge of the rifle  5 . For example, the trigger guard  120  may limit or prevent contact between the trigger  7  and another surface (e.g., the ground). 
     The grip  125  may form a rearward portion of the trigger armor system  110 . In various embodiments, the grip  125  may be configured to be grasped by at least a portion of a user&#39;s hand. The grip  125 , when coupled to the rifle  5 , may extend away from the rifle  5  (e.g., downward from the rifle  5 ). Furthermore, as shown, in some embodiments, the grip  125  may extend rearward and away from the rifle  5 , when coupled to the rifle  5  (e.g., at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the rifle  5 ). The trigger guard  120  can extend between the finger rest  115  and the grip  125 . As shown, the trigger guard  120  can extend between a lower portion of the finger rest  115  and an upper portion of the grip  125 . As used herein, directional terms, such as “downward,” “upper,” “lower,” etc., are used with respect to the orientation shown in  FIGS. 1-12 . However, such terms are used for the sake of convenience and are not intended to be limiting. For example, it will be understood that an upper portion could be referred to as a first portion, and a lower portion could be referred to as a second portion, etc. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-10 , the knuckle guard  130  can extend away (e.g., downward) from the finger rest  115  along a forward portion of the trigger armor system  110  to a curved portion  131 . For example, as shown, a forward portion of the knuckle guard  130  may extend rearward and away from the rifle  5 , when coupled to the rifle  5  (e.g., at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the rifle  5 ). At the curved portion  131 , the knuckle guard  130  can extend rearward toward a lower portion of the grip  125 . The knuckle guard  130  may be configured to protect at least a portion of the user&#39;s fingers (e.g., the knuckles) during use of the rifle  5 . Furthermore, an aperture  122  may be disposed through a central portion of the trigger armor system  110 . For example, the aperture  122  may be disposed between a portion of each of the trigger guard  120 , the grip  125 , and the knuckle guard  130 . When the user grasps the trigger armor system  110 , at least a portion of one or more of the user&#39;s fingers may extend through the aperture  122 . 
     As illustrated, the trigger armor system  110  is a single or unitary component. In other words, the trigger armor system  110  includes the finger rest  115 , the trigger guard  120 , and the grip  125 , wherein the finger rest  115 , the trigger guard  120 , and the grip  125  are integral with each other. Such a configuration can enhance the stability and/or the visual aesthetics of the trigger armor system  110 . In some embodiments, the knuckle guard  130  may enhance the stability and/or the visual aesthetics of the trigger armor system  110  in comparison to a trigger armor system lacking a knuckle guard. The unitary or integral configuration of the trigger armor system  110  can also prevent damage to at least a portion of the rifle  5 , for example, if the rifle  5  is dropped. Furthermore, in contrast to individual or separate finger rests, trigger guards, and/or grips, a unitary or integral trigger armor system  110 , as provided herein, can ease or simplify the coupling of the trigger armor system  110  to the rifle  5 . Stated another way, the trigger armor system  110  may be easier to couple to the rifle  5  than a discrete finger rest, a discrete trigger guard, and/or a discrete grip. 
     The trigger armor system  110  may be formed from a polymer, a polymer fiber, a metal, or any other suitable material. For example, the finger rest  115 , the trigger guard  120 , the grip  125 , and the knuckle guard  130  may be formed from a single piece of material. In some embodiments, a length of the trigger armor system  110  may be between about 9 inches and about 3 inches, between about 8 inches and about 4 inches, between about 7 inches and about 5 inches, about 6 inches, or any other suitable length. In certain embodiments, a height of the trigger armor system  110  may be between about 8 inches and about 2 inches, between about 7 inches and about 3 inches, between about 6 inches and about 4 inches, about 5 inches, or any other suitable height. 
     The edges or ends of the trigger armor system  110 , and/or its components (e.g., the finger rest  115 , the trigger guard  120 , the grip  125 , and the knuckle guard  130 ), may be rounded and/or smooth (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 7-10 ). For example, the configuration of the trigger armor system  110  may be ergonomic such that the trigger armor system  110  is configured to be comfortably, easily, and/or safely grasped by a user. 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of a grip armor system  150  (also referred to as an angle grip and well grip combination) coupled to at least a portion of the rifle  5 . As shown, the grip armor system  150  can include an angled forward grip or angle grip  155  and/or a well grip  160 . The grip armor system  150  can be a single accessory or attachment. For example, each of the angle grip  155  and the well grip  160  may be integral with each other. Stated another way, each of the angle grip  155  and the well grip  160  may be formed as a single unit. 
     In some embodiments, the grip armor system  150  may be coupleable, or removeably coupleable, to a firearm, such as the rifle  5 . The grip armor system  150  may be coupleable to the rifle  5  via a snap-fit mechanism, a fastener (e.g., a screw), or any other suitable coupling device. The grip armor system  150  may be configured such that a user may couple and/or uncouple the grip armor system  150  from a suitable firearm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the angle grip  155  can be disposed adjacent or toward a forward portion of the grip armor system  150 . During use of the rifle  5 , at least a portion of a user&#39;s forward hand (or “off” hand) may grasp at least a portion of an external surface  156  of the angle grip  155 . Disposition of at least a portion of a user&#39;s forward hand on the angle grip  155  may assist the user in stabilizing, controlling, and/or maneuvering the rifle  5 , for example, during use of the rifle  5 . 
     A forward end  157  of the angle grip  155  can extend downward and rearward from a portion of a lower zone of the rifle  5  toward the well grip  160  (e.g., at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the rifle  5 ). As illustrated, the angle grip  155  meets a forward portion  161  of the well grip  160  at a midpoint of the forward portion  161 . The well grip  160  can include an aperture  162  disposed through a central portion of the well grip  160 . In some embodiments, the well grip  160  may be grasped by disposing at least a portion of a user&#39;s hand through the aperture  162  and by wrapping at least a portion of the user&#39;s fingers around a rearward portion  163  of the well grip  160 . Stated another way, the aperture  162  may be configured to receive at least a portion of the user&#39;s hand. 
     A lower portion  164  of the well grip  160  may extend between the forward portion  161  and the rearward portion  163  (e.g., at a position below the aperture  162 ). A lower end  169  of the lower portion  164  may be substantially linear or flat as shown. For example, the lower end  169  may be substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the rifle  5 . In some other embodiments, the lower end  169  may be curved or otherwise shaped. During use, at least a portion of the user&#39;s hand may be disposed adjacent an external surface  165  of the well grip  160 . Furthermore, a rearward end  168  of the well grip  160  at the rearward portion  163  may extend rearward and upward (e.g., along an arc) from the lower portion  164  toward a back end portion  167  of the well grip  160 . The well grip  160  can be configured to prevent at least a portion of the user&#39;s hand from contacting or interfering with a magazine or a magazine well of the rifle  5 . 
     As illustrated, the grip armor system  150  is a single or unitary component. In other words, the grip armor system  150  includes the angle grip  155  and the well grip  160 , wherein the angle grip  155  and the well grip  160  are integral with each other. Such a configuration can enhance the stability and/or the visual aesthetics of the grip armor system  150 . The unitary or integral configuration of the grip armor system  150  can also prevent damage to at least a portion of the rifle  5 , for example, if the rifle  5  is dropped. In contrast to individual or separate angle grips and/or well grips, a unitary or integral grip armor system  150  as provided herein can ease or simplify the coupling of the grip armor system  150  to the rifle  5 . Stated another way, the grip armor system  150  may be easier to couple to the rifle  5  than a discrete angle grip and/or a discrete well grip. Furthermore, a unitary or integral grip armor system  150  as provided herein can be smaller or take up less space than an individual or separate angle grip and well grip. For example, the grip armor system  150  may be coupleable to a Picatinny rail and the grip armor system  150  may save space on the Picatinny rail in comparison to individual or separate angle and well grips. In various embodiments, the grip armor system  150  may be coupleable, or removeably coupleable, to a standard Picatinny rail. 
     The grip armor system  150  may be formed from a polymer, a polymer fiber, a metal, or another suitable material. For example, the angle grip  155  and the well grip  160  may be formed from a single piece of material. In some embodiments, a length of the grip armor system  150  may be between about 9 inches and about 3 inches, between about 8 inches and about 4 inches, between about 7 inches and about 5 inches, about 6 inches, or any other suitable length. In certain embodiments, a height of the grip armor system  150  may be between about 8 inches and about 2 inches, between about 7 inches and about 3 inches, between about 6 inches and about 4 inches, about 5 inches, or any other suitable height. 
     As stated above regarding the trigger armor system  110 , the edges or ends of the grip armor system  150 , and/or its components (e.g., the angle grip  155  and the well grip  160 ), may be rounded and/or smooth. For example, the configuration of the grip armor system  150  may be ergonomic such that the grip armor system  150  is configured to be comfortably, easily, and/or safely grasped by a user. 
       FIG. 12  depicts the trigger armor system  110  and the grip armor system  150 . As illustrated, the trigger armor system  110  may be configured to be disposed adjacent the grip armor system  150 , or vice versa. The back end portion  167  of the grip armor system  150  may be shaped or otherwise configured to be disposed adjacent a front end portion  117  of the trigger armor system  110 . As shown, the back end portion  167  may be disposed substantially flush with the front end portion  117  when the trigger armor system  110  and the grip armor system  150  are coupled to a rifle. For example, a user may simultaneously couple both the trigger armor system  110  and the grip armor system  150  to a rifle (not shown). 
     In some embodiments, a trigger armor system (analogous to the trigger armor system  110 ) may be integral with a grip armor system (analogous to the grip armor system  150 ). Stated another way, the trigger armor system  110  and the grip armor system  150  may be a single component. For example, the trigger armor system  110  and the grip armor system  150  may be formed from a single piece of material. 
     Methods are also contemplated in connection with the devices disclosed above. Disclosure recited in connection with any device herein may be analogously applied to any method. In other words, any of the processes, steps, or functions described in connection with the devices above may be analogously incorporated into methods within the scope of this disclosure. An exemplary method relating to the devices discussed above may comprise a method of coupling a trigger armor system and/or a grip armor system to a rifle. 
     References to approximations are made throughout this specification, such as by use of the term “substantially.” For each such reference, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without approximation. For example, where qualifiers such as “about” and “substantially” are used, these terms include within their scope the qualified words in the absence of their qualifiers. For example, where the term “substantially parallel” is recited with respect to a feature, it is understood that in further embodiments, the feature can have a precisely parallel configuration. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. 
     The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expressly incorporated into the present written disclosure, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims. Moreover, additional embodiments capable of derivation from the independent and dependent claims that follow are also expressly incorporated into the present written description. 
     Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the invention to its fullest extent. The claims and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and exemplary, and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, with the aid of the present disclosure, that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure herein. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the order of the steps or actions of the methods disclosed herein may be changed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order or use of specific steps or actions may be modified. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claims and their equivalents.