Patent Publication Number: US-11385018-B2

Title: Pistol grip assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to the general field of a handle for a firearm. More particularly, this invention relates to a pistol grip handle for a firearm having interchangeable inserts. 
     Description of Related Art 
     The firearm industry continued to develop products to suite consumer preferences. More recently, products are being developed to provide better accuracy, to accommodate both aesthetic and style trends in the market, and to provide a better overall utility for the user. Customization of firearm products, including military style rifles, has become exceedingly popular, as users are looking to add a “personal touch” to their firearm. For example, a user can have the exterior surface of his/her rifle components (upper receiver, lower receiver, pistol grip, handguard, stock, and barrel) painted, coated, or texturized. 
     Pistol grip handles are typically produced at a standard size, but recently, manufacturers have provided different shapes and sized to fit a user&#39;s preferred grip. In currently manufactured pistol grips, once purchased the size and shape of the pistol grip cannot be changed. Rather, another pistol grip, meeting the user&#39;s new needs or preferences, must be purchased. A need exists, therefore, for a pistol grip capable of both cosmetic, aesthetic, and structural customizability. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Once aspect of the disclosed pistol grip assembly is to provide a means by which a user can interchange components to meet cosmetic, aesthetic, and structural needs. More particularly, the pistol grip can include a handle having a cut-out and a frame member configured to fit into the cut-out. One or more accessory pieces can be attached to the left and right side of the frame member. The accessory pieces are completely customizable. More specifically, the width, shape, size, color, texture, composition, and coating of each accessory can be modified to meet the user&#39;s needs and desires. The term “pistol grip” as used herein is commonly used in the industry to mean the handle disposed on a firearm near the trigger and is most often held by the shooter&#39;s firing/trigger hand; the term is not limited to “pistol” style firearms. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate various exemplary implementations and are part of the specification. The illustrated implementations are proffered for purpose of example, not for purpose of limitation. 
         FIG. 1  depicts an exploded view of the pistol grip assembly, as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 2 a    depicts a left-side view of the handle, as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 2 b    depicts a front perspective view of the right side of the handle, as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 2 c    depicts a rear perspective view of the right side of the handle, as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 3 a    depicts a left-side view of the frame, as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 3 b    depicts a rear perspective view of the left side of the frame, as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 3 c    depicts a rear perspective view of the right side of the frame, as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 4  depicts an assembled pistol grip assembly, as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a front view of the handle having a frame disposed therein, as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a cross-sectional side view of  FIG. 5 , as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a close-up left side view of the top portion of the handle, as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 8  depicts another close-up left side view of the top portion of the handle, as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a close-up right side view of the top portion of the handle, as shown and described herein. 
         FIG. 10  depicts another close-up right side view of the top portion of the handle, as shown and described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The pistol grip assembly, also referred to herein as “pistol grip,” will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an exploded rear view of the pistol grip assembly  100 . The pistol grip assembly  100  can include a handle  102 , a frame  122 , and one or more accessories (two accessories are shown, a left accessory  132  and a right accessory  134 ). A cut-out  104  in the handle  102  can be configured to house the frame  122  and, in most embodiments, at least a portion of each accessory  132 ,  134 . One or more connectors/fasteners can be used to secure the frame  122  in the hand  102  and the accessories  132 ,  134  to the frame  122 . For example, one or more screws can be disposed through the palm rest  106  of the handle and connected to the frame  122  when disposed therein. 
     The pistol grip assembly can be configured to attach to a firearm and provide a gripping surface for the shooter (or “user”) of that firearm to grip the firearm. In most embodiments, the pistol grip assembly  100  is attached to the lower receiver of a rifle at or near the trigger and provides a right-hand grip for a right-handed shooter and a left-hand grip for a left-handed shooter. The improvements to a pistol grip presented herein are made to provide, at least in part, an overall improvement to the firearm on which the disclosed pistol grip assembly is attached during use of the firearm. 
       FIG. 2 a    depicts a left-side view of the handle,  FIG. 2 b    depicts a front perspective view of the fight side of the handle, and  FIG. 2 c    depicts a rear perspective view of the right side of the handle. The handle  102  can include one or more finger rests  108  (three are shown) on or about the front side of the handle  102  and a palm rest  106  about the back side of the handle  102 . In common use, the user can grip the handle by placing each of his third (or “middle”), fourth (or “ring”), and fifth (or “pinky”) fingers in a corresponding finger rest  108 . The handle is sized such that, as the user takes a firm grip of the handle  102 , his palm engages the palm rest  106  about the back side of the handle  102 . As shown, the handle  102  can include one or more through-holes  112   a - b ,  114   a - b  so that one or more connectors/fasteners (i.e., bolt, screw, etc.) can be disposed through the wall of the handle  102  and secure the frame  122  and/or accessories  132 ,  134  to the handle  102 . 
     A cut-out  104  can be made about the middle of the handle  102  and extend from about the top portion of the handle to about the bottom portion of the handle  102 , as shown in the figures. The handle cut-out  104  can also extend from about the front side of the handle  102  to about the back side of the handle  102 . The handle cut-out  104  can extend completely through the handle  102  from the left side to the right side, leaving a channel or void. The handle cut-out  104  can generally be any shape or size, however, a preferred embodiment can include the cut-out  104  having a length and width compatible with the frame  122 , as discussed below. 
       FIG. 3 a    depicts a left-side view of the frame  122 ,  FIG. 3 b    depicts a rear perspective view of the left side of the frame  122 , and  FIG. 3 c    depicts a rear perspective view of the right side of the frame  122 . The exterior surface of the frame  122  can have a shape and size compatible with the handle cut-out  104  so that the frame  104  can be disposed and secured within the cut-out  104 , and as shown, can include a threaded receiver for a bolt or screw. As shown, the frame  122  can have an exterior shape matching the shape of the handle cut-out  104  so that the frame  122  can slide into and/or fit comfortably within the handle cut-out  104 . 
     The frame  122  can include one or more handle anchors  124  (two are shown). The handle anchors  124  are configured to secure the frame within the cut-out  104  of the handle  102 . The frame  122  can include an exterior wall about its top side, bottom side, front side, and back side. The exterior wall gives the frame  122  its shape. As shown herein, the shape of the frame  122  is generally configured and designed to correspond with the internal surface of the handle cut-out  104 . The frame  122  can also include one or more internal support walls. The internal support walls can provide structural support for the frame  122  and can provide positioning for the accessory anchors  126 . The accessory anchors  126  can be configured to receive connectors/fasteners (i.e., bolts, screws, etc.) for securing the accessories to the frame. In one or more embodiments, the handle anchors  124  and accessory anchors  126  can include threaded holes configures to receive a bolt or screw. 
     In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the handle cut-out  104  can include a shallow cut-out on each of the left and right sides of the handle  102 . In such an embodiment, the frame  122  can be extended through a smaller void or hole that extends from the left cut-out to the right cut-out, linking the two sides. As such, the accessory may or may not reflect the general outline shape of the frame, and in some cases, can differ in shape entirely. 
     In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the frame can be absent from the pistol grip assembly. In such embodiment, the left and right accessories may connect to one another in the middle of the cut-out. The accessories can then be secured within the handle by one or more suitable attachment means. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a left side view of an assembled pistol grip assembly  100 , showing the left accessory seated in the handle cut-out  104 .  FIG. 5  depicts a front view of the handle  102  having the frame  122  disposed therein.  FIG. 6  depicts a cross-sectional side view of  FIG. 5 . The pistol grip assembly  100  can be assembled by connecting the left and/or right accessories  132 ,  134  to the frame  122  by generally acceptable connection means. Similarly, the frame  122  can be secured to the handle  102  by generally acceptable connection means, including most notably, by one or more fasteners. As shown, a screw and corresponding threaded holes can be used as a fastener. Other fasteners and other attachment means can include magnets, bolts, glue, welding, or other suitable means. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the pistol grip assembly  100  can be manipulated and configured to fit the needs and/or wants of the user. Accordingly, the accessories  132 ,  134  are interchangeable and easily removable. The accessories  132 ,  134  can be shaped and sized to mirror one another, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the left accessory  132  can have a different shape and/or size than the right accessory  134 . 
     Referring to all Figures, a primary purpose of the disclosed pistol grip assembly  100  is to meet a user&#39;s preferences without requiring the user to obtain a completely new pistol grip. To accomplish this, the bodies of the left and right accessories  132 ,  134  can come in many varieties. A standard sized accessory  132 ,  134  is shown, but the accessory  132 ,  134  can be produced in one or several modified embodiments. “Modified,” as used herein can include, for example, a variety or variation in shape, size, design, height, width, thickness, length, protrusion, etc. Most modifications take place at the manufacturing stage of production because the accessories are typically made of solid material not capable of modification thereafter. 
     To use the pistol grip assembly, a user should first select the left and/or right accessories he prefers. The user can then place the frame  122  into the cut-out  104  of the handle  102 . The frame  122  can then be secured into place placing one or more screws through each of the rear through-holes  114   a - b  of the handle  102  and threading into the corresponding handle anchors  124 . One or more screws can also be placed through each of the front through-holes  112   a - b  and into corresponding threaded handle anchors (See  FIG. 6 ) about the front side of the frame  122 . 
     The user can then place the left accessory  132  into the left side of the cut-out  104  of the handle  102  and place one or more screws through the through-holes provided in the accessory and into the threaded accessory anchor(s)  126  of the frame  122 . Similarly, the user can place the right accessory  134  into the right side of the cut-out  104  of the handle  102  and place one or more screws through the through-holes provided in the accessory and into the threaded accessory anchor(s)  126  of the frame  122 . 
     To exchange one or both accessories  132 ,  134  from the assembled pistol grip assembly  100 , the user need only loosen and/or remove the fastener(s) holding the existing accessory in place, remove the accessory, position the new accessory within the cut-out  104 , and attach the new accessory to the frame via the fastener(s). 
     In a first example, a user may have larger hands than normal, such that when he grips a standard sized pistol grip, his fingers overlap on the front side of the handle. This improper grip is both uncomfortable and can cause unstable and inaccurate shooting of the rifle. In the disclosed pistol grip assembly, the user can select left and right accessories that have a larger width so that the outer diameter of the assembled pistol grip assembly is larger and suitable for his larger hands. 
     In a second example, a user may be missing a finger on his firing hand. For example, the right-handed user may be missing his middle/third finger on his right hand. The lack of his middle finger may cause the user to hold the rifle insecurely, which could result in unstable and inaccurate shooting of the rifle. To alleviate the imbalance, the user can select a left accessory that is manipulated to have a missing finger replacement nodule. The finger replacement nodule can provide a surface for the user&#39;s fourth finger and second finger to abut. The finger replacement nodule now secures and balances the user&#39;s shooting hand to provide more accurate shooting. 
     In a third example, the user may wish to have a thumb nodule extending from the outer surface of an accessory. In this example, a right-handed shooter could elect a left accessory having a protrusion or nodule extending from the outside surface of the left accessory. The thumb rest nodule can have a variety of embodiments and is most commonly found at a position known to a person of skill in the art that is suitable for a thumb position. 
     In a fourth example, the user may wish to decrease the overall weight of the firearm. To accomplish this, the user can remove the left and right accessories from the pistol grip assembly. To reduce weight further, the user can remove the frame from the pistol grip assembly, thereby using only the handle connected to the lower receiver of the firearm. 
     In a fifth example, the user may wish to have one or two holes, loops, groves, or finger covers through which to place his fingers while griping the pistol grip assembly. In each situation, the user can select such an embodiment for the left and/or right assemblies. As mentioned, the assembly pieces can be customizable, and the left accessory can differ from the right accessory. In this way, the user can mold or shape the overall configuration of the pistol grip assembly to fit his needs and wishes. Such modifications can be made to provide comfort, ease of use, custom fitting, and color scheme and design to meet a user&#39;s desires, all while maintaining an operational gripping means. 
     Most pistol grip handles generally provide space (or length) so that the user&#39;s third fourth, and fifth fingers can comfortably wrap around and “hold” onto the handle. The handle depicted herein includes three finger rests  108  shown to be curved indentions in the front side of the handle  102 . In some alternative embodiments, the front of the handle  102  can instead include a flat or textured surface with no obvious indentions to serve as finger rests. Notwithstanding the presence of the finger rests  108 , the user&#39;s first finger (or “thumb”) and second finger (or “pointer finger” or “trigger finger”) are left without support and typically engage the outer surface of the upper portion  103  of the handle  102  when the user is holding and/or using the rifle. A need exists for an accessory configured to engage and provide security and support to the user&#39;s thumb and trigger fingers so that the user can more securely and more safely use the firearm. Two such accessories are disclosed below, and provide attachment options to accommodate a right-hand and/or left-hand shooter. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a close-up left side view of the top of the handle with an optional thumb rest and  FIG. 8  depicts an assembled close-up left side view of the top of the handle. As shown, the disclosed handle and handle assembly can include a removable thumb rest accessory configured to attached to the top portion of the handle  102 . This top portion  103  of the handle  102  is typically flat about a vertical plain and includes an internal slot  139  for attachment to a lower receiver of a firearm. The thumb rest accessory  142  can include a hole through which a connector  143   a  (most commonly a screw) can be disposed for connecting the thumb rest accessory  142  to a first side of this top portion of the handle  102 . 
     The thumb rest accessory can come in variety of shapes and sizes. Similar to the accessories  132 ,  134  described above, the thumb rest accessory  142  can be configured or designed to accommodate the user&#39;s preferences and needs. As shown, the thumb rest accessory  142  can include a protrusion that includes graduated slope extending outward from the handle  102  such that a user&#39;s thumb can be disposed on the protrusion. In some embodiments, the protrusion can extend outward more than is shown, and in other embodiments the protrusion can extend outward less than is shown. 
     In a first alternative embodiment, the thumb rest accessory  142  can include a loop created by a strap or a hole in the thumb rest accessory  142  such that a user&#39;s thumb is completely encompassed by the thumb rest accessory  142 . In a second alternative embodiment, the thumb rest  142  can include a notch, divot, and/or groove to engage the user&#39;s thumb. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a close-up right side view of the top of the handle with an optional trigger finger rest accessory and  FIG. 10  depicts an assembled close-up right side view of the top of the handle. As shown, the disclosed handle and handle assembly can include a removable trigger finger rest  146 . The trigger finger rest  146  can also be removably attached to the top portion  103  of the handle  102  on the side of the user&#39;s trigger finger. The trigger finger rest  146  can include a hole or other attachment means through which a fastener  143   b  (most commonly a screw) can be disposed for connecting the trigger finger rest  146  to a second side of this top portion  103  of the handle  102 . The user can engage the trigger finger rest  142  with his trigger finger. 
     Similar to the other accessories  132 ,  134 ,  142  described above, the trigger finger rest  146  can be configured or designed to accommodate the user&#39;s preferences and needs. As shown, the trigger finger rest  146  can include a textured surface having an indention extending along a horizontal plain and meant to align with the user&#39;s trigger finger while the user grips the handle  102 . The trigger finger rest  146  can extends or protrude past the front of the handle  102  to any preferred distance, it is common for users not actively firing the rifle to rest their trigger finger alongside the lower receiver at a position above and away from the trigger so that the rifle is not inadvertently fired. This trigger finger rest  146  can be modified in shape and size to accommodate the trigger finger while in this position. The trigger rest can also be adapted to fit the size and shape of an individual&#39;s finger, providing several customizable options to fit the needs and preferences of firearm customers. The removable trigger finger rest  146  and thumb rest  142  can be disposed on either the left or right side of the handle, thereby accommodating a right- and/or left-handed shooter. 
     Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific details, it is not intended that such details be regarded as limitations on the scope of the invention, except to the extent that they are included in the accompanying claims. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous alternative arrangements that, while not shown or described herein, embody the principles of the invention and thus are within its spirit and scope.