Abstract:
A device for use with a pistol having a slide, said device configured to assist with racking the slide by providing a body configured to removably interface with the slide, said body providing improved means for maintaining a grip and providing improved leverage, thereby allowing the slide to be more easily moved in a rearward direction.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field 
     The present invention relates generally to firearms, and more specifically it relates to a device to assist an individual in moving (or “racking”) the slide of a semi-automatic pistol in order to place a single round of ammunition into the firing chamber of the pistol or to remove a single round of ammunition (whether fired or unfired) from the chamber. 
     Description of Prior Art 
     The present invention discloses a device to be used with a semi-automatic pistol. A semi-automatic pistol utilizes a magazine which holds multiple rounds of ammunition; once the pistol is loaded with a single round of ammunition being placed into the firing chamber, the trigger can be pulled and the ammunition is fired. The cartridge of the fired round is then automatically extracted and ejected from the firing chamber and the next round of ammunition is loaded from the magazine into the firing chamber, ready to be fired. This cycle continues until the magazine is empty of ammunition. 
     However, in order to begin this cycle the first round of ammunition must be moved into the firing chamber manually. This is accomplished by the manual movement of the slide of the pistol. The slide of a pistol is a spring-loaded mechanism located on the top of the pistol. It is designed, in part, to remove and eject any ammunition cartridge currently in the firing chamber (whether fired or unfired) and to bring a new ammunition round from the magazine into the firing chamber in anticipation of firing. This is done by a user manually drawing the slide in a rearward direction relative to the frame of the pistol. Once the slide has been moved rearward to a point of mechanical stop, i.e., is “racked”, any ammunition cartridge currently in the firing chamber is ejected and a single round of ammunition is moved into the firing chamber from the magazine. The slide is then moved forward relative to the frame of the pistol by the action of the spring mechanism, returning the slide to its original position, with the pistol being ready for firing. The pistol can continue to fire without re-racking the slide until all of the rounds in the magazine have been fired. The slide is also used to clear the firing chamber of ammunition cartridges, for example, where a round of ammunition fails to fire or becomes stuck, whether or not there are ammunition rounds still in the magazine. 
     The device of the present invention is intended to solve a problem faced by individuals who have difficulty racking the slide of a pistol. Depending on the type of pistol, the amount of force that is required to draw the slide rearward to a sufficient degree to chamber a round of ammunition or to eject an ammunition cartridge can be quite substantial. Together with the fact that the slide typically has few features available onto which a user may get a strong grip, racking a slide can be extremely difficult. Users who have small hands, older users who have lost strength in their grip, arthritis sufferers, disabled persons, and many others may not be able to grip and move the slide of many popular types of pistols without great difficulty. 
     There have been several attempts to solve the problem of difficulty in racking a slide. For example, a patent issued to Daniel Musgrave, U.S. Pat. No. 4,043,065 (“Pistol Charging Socket”), on Aug. 23, 1977, provides for a holster with a hole. The barrel of the pistol is placed into the holster and through the hole, and then the pistol is forced downward by the user. Since the diameter of the hole is smaller than the width of the slide, the slide is moved rearward relative to the rest of the pistol as the pistol moves downward into the holster. This device, though, requires the holster to be affixed to the user, and during the act of racking the slide the holster tends to move about and the barrel of the pistol may be directed towards the user&#39;s leg, raising safety concerns. Also, pistols with full length guide rods cannot be used with this device. A patent issued to Moshe Oz, U.S. Pat. No. 8,312,803 (“Semi Automatic Pistol Slide Pull”), on Nov. 20, 2012, provides for a small plate to be placed onto the rear of the slide. The plate has a pair of lateral flanges and a central aperture. The plate is placed over the rear sight of the pistol, which typically is attached to the slide, with the rear sight extending through the central aperture. To rack the slide the user pulls on one or both of the lateral flanges, drawing the slide rearward. However, as the slide is moved by the plate pushing against the rear sight, this may cause damage to the sight, or misalignment. It is also prone to slipping off the pistol. A patent application filed by Chris McAninch, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/433,837 (“Handgun Charging System”), on Mar. 29, 2012, provides a small body fitted over the front portion of the pistol&#39;s barrel and slide. Interior to the body are a pair of channels, one large enough to accommodate the front end of the slide and the other, forward channel large enough to accommodate the barrel but too small to accommodate the end of the slide. The forward surface of the body is then placed against an object, such as a table top or a wall, and the body (and pistol) is pushed against the object. The slide remains stationary within the large channel of the body while the rest of the pistol moves forward, thereby causing a rearward movement of the slide relative to the pistol, thus racking the slide. This device, though, must be used against an object, and cannot be moved by the user&#39;s free hand. 
     The foregoing illustrates that there is a need for a device to assist a user with the movement of a pistol slide that overcomes the shortfalls of the prior art. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device that can assist a user with the movement of a pistol slide by providing a body that can increase the gripping ability of the user. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that can assist a user with the movement of a pistol slide by providing a body that can increase the user&#39;s leverage when moving the slide. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that can assist a user with the movement of a pistol slide by providing a body that can be held in a user&#39;s hand while the pistol is held in the user&#39;s other hand. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that can assist a user with the movement of a pistol slide by providing a body that can be placed onto the slide of a pistol without placing stress on the front or rear sights of the pistol. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that can assist a user with the movement of a pistol slide by providing a body that allows ammunition cartridges to be ejected from the firing chamber during the racking of the slide. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that can assist a user with the movement of a pistol slide by providing a body that is light weight. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that can assist a user with the movement of a pistol slide by providing a body that can be inexpensively manufactured. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that can assist a user with the movement of a pistol slide by providing a body that can be easily and quickly operated by the user in a safe, controlled manner. 
     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of this application. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a device that is used to assist a user with racking the slide of a pistol. In one embodiment the device provides a rigid elongate body that is placed onto the top of the slide and engages with the front end of the slide. The body is configured to be easy to grip by the user&#39;s free hand while the user holds the pistol with the other hand. Because the device is substantially as long as the slide, it provides additional leverage to movement by the user, multiplying the force effect of the user&#39;s efforts. 
     The upper and side portions of the body of the device are configured to allow the user to easily grip the device. The width of the body is such that a human hand easily encircles the top and sides. Alternate configurations include the use of a hand stop on the top surface of the body to give an additional surface for the user&#39;s hand to press against, and to prevent slippage of the hand along the body. Other configurations involve one or more grooves formed into the side(s) of the body into which the user&#39;s fingers can be placed, allowing for a stronger grip. The underside of the body is configured to allow for a secure interface between the body and the slide while preventing damage to the front and rear sights of the pistol, and to allow for access to the pistol&#39;s ejection port so that any ammunition cartridge in the firing chamber can be expelled while the slide is being racked. 
     The device is used by the user placing the body onto the top of the slide and exerting a downward pressure on the body against the slide, and then moving the body rearward relative to the pistol. As the body moves rearward, it presses against the front of the slide and causes the slide to move with the body relative to the pistol, resulting in the slide being racked. Because the body is easier to grip than the slide, the user has an easier time moving the slide than without use of the device. Once the slide is racked, the device is removed from the pistol and the pistol is ready to be fired. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention are described below. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan bottom view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective bottom view of the embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 1 , also showing the second side wall. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective top view of the embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 1 , also showing the first side wall. 
         FIG. 4A  is a plan side view of the embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4B  is a plan front view of the embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4C  is a plan rear view of the embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a plan side view of a pistol having a slide, suitable for use with the device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a plan top view of the pistol shown in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a plan side view of the embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 1  and a plan side view of the pistol shown in  FIG. 5A , with arrows indicating how the device is initially positioned above the pistol and then moved downward toward the pistol. 
         FIG. 6B  is a plan side view of the embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 1  and a plan side view of the pistol shown in  FIG. 5A , showing the device positioned onto the pistol. 
         FIG. 6C  is a plan side view of the embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 1  and a plan side view of the pistol shown in  FIG. 5A , showing the device positioned onto the pistol, with an arrow indicating how the device is moved rearward relative to the pistol frame, moving the slide and exposing the barrel. 
         FIG. 6D  is a plan top view of the embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 1  and a plan top view of the pistol shown in  FIG. 5A , showing the device positioned onto the pistol, having been moved rearward relative to the pistol frame; the device is shown in ghost line to reveal the portions of the device formed into its bottom surface and the top of the pistol. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the present invention is a device  1  for assisting with the movement of the slide  110  of a pistol  100 . The pistol  100  must be configured to have, in addition to the slide  110 , a frame  150 , a hand grip  160  integrated with the frame  150 , a barrel  170  mounted on the frame  150 , a front sight  120  mounted on the slide  110 , a rear sight  130  mounted on the slide  110 , an ejection port  140  integrated with the slide  110 , and an extractor  180 . See  FIGS. 5A and 5B . These elements are well known in the art and require no further description. The pistol  100  also has a line of fire, being the path of a round fired from the pistol  100  as it exits the barrel  170 . The line of fire is located substantially along the longitudinal axis of the barrel  170  of the pistol  100 , at least for the initial path of the round. The slide  110  is moveable relative to the frame  150 , in forward and rearward directions. The device  1  is configured to assist the user with the movement of the slide  110  in a rearward direction, providing leverage in order to assist with overcoming the resistance inherent in slide mechanisms. 
     In one embodiment, the body  200  of the device  1  is monolithic and is constructed of a substantially rigid material. See  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In the preferred embodiments, the body  200  is constructed of a high impact plastic material. It may be formed by an injection molding process. This results in a structurally sound, durable body  200  that is simple to manufacture. It also results in a body  200  that is light weight, making it easier for a user to manipulate. Other construction materials and processes are also contemplated, however. For example, the body  200  could be carved from a block of wood, or assembled from several separate parts, either made of wood, or plastic, or a metal, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing materials. 
     The body  200  of the device  1  has a top surface  210 , a bottom surface  220 , a first sidewall  230 , a second sidewall  240 , a front face  250 , and a rear face  260 . See  FIGS. 2, 3, 4B , and  4 C. 
     The top surface  210  of the body  200  should be substantially planar. In one embodiment the top surface  210  is bi-planar, with a forward portion being raised relative to a rear portion, such that the forward portion of the top surface  210  lies in a plane parallel to but above a plane in which the rear portion of the top surface  210  lies. See  FIG. 4A . 
     The first sidewall  230  of the body  200  should be substantially planar, as are the second sidewall  240 , the front face  250 , and the rear face  260  of the body  200 . In the preferred embodiments, the first sidewall  230  is oriented substantially perpendicular to the front  250  and rear faces  260  of the body  200 , and the second sidewall  240  is oriented substantially perpendicular to the front  250  and rear faces  260  of the body  200 . Both the first  230  and second sidewalls  240  are oriented substantially perpendicular to the top surface  210 . The second sidewall  240  is spaced apart from the first sidewall  230  and oriented substantially parallel to the first sidewall  230 . The front face  250  of the body  200  is oriented substantially parallel to the rear face  260 , and both the front  250  and rear faces  260  are oriented substantially perpendicular to the top surface  210  of the body  200 . See  FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C . Other embodiments of the device  1  contemplate different configurations of the surfaces, sidewalls, and faces, such as slightly flared sidewalls, forming a trapezoidal cross section, or rounded faces, or a convex curved top surface  210 , or other configurations, provided the device  1  remains able to be gripped by a human hand. 
     The bottom surface  220  of the body  200  acts as the interface with the pistol  100 . Formed into the bottom surface  220  are a slide channel  300 , a barrel channel  400 , a slide stop  500 , a front sight cutout  600 , a rear sight cutout  700 , and optionally, an ejection port cutout  800  and an extractor cutout  900 . See  FIG. 1 . 
     In the preferred embodiments the slide channel  300  is formed into the bottom surface  220  of the body  200  but is not in communication with the top surface  210  of the body  200 . In alternative embodiments the slide channel  300  may be in partial communication with the top surface  210 , but a substantial portion of the slide channel  300  must be not in communication with the top surface  210  in order to present an interface between the device  1  and the slide  110  of the pistol. The slide channel  300  has a first end  310 , a second end  320 , and a width, with the first end  310  of the slide channel  300  being in communication with the rear face  260  of the body  200 , and the width of the slide channel  300  being slightly greater than the width  113  of the slide  110 . See  FIG. 2 . 
     In the most preferred embodiments the slide channel  300  extends along the length of the body  200  and is oriented substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the body  200 . The slide channel  300  further has a length, a depth, an inner intermediate surface, and a pair of inner lateral surfaces, with the length of the slide channel  300  being greater than at least half of the length of the body  200 , the depth of the slide channel being sufficient to accommodate at least a portion of the slide  110 , the inner intermediate surface of the slide channel  300  being substantially planar and oriented substantially parallel to the top surface  210  of the body  200 , the pair of inner lateral surfaces of the slide channel  300  being spaced apart from each other and being oriented substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the inner intermediate surface of the slide channel  300 , and with the slide channel  300  being open opposite its inner intermediate surface and at its first end  310 . 
     In the preferred embodiments the barrel channel  400  is formed into the bottom surface  220  of the body  200  but is not in communication with the top surface  210  of the body  200 . In alternative embodiments the barrel channel  400  may be in partial communication with the top surface  210 . The barrel channel  400  is oriented collinearly with the slide channel  300  and has a first end  410 , a second end  420 , and a width. The first end  410  of the barrel channel  400  is in communication with the front face  250  of the body  200  and the width of the barrel channel  400  is slightly greater than the width  173  of the barrel  170  but less than the width of the slide channel  300 . The second end  420  of the barrel channel  400  is in communication with the second end  320  of the slide channel  300 . See  FIG. 2 . The barrel channel  400  is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the barrel  170  within it. 
     In the most preferred embodiments the barrel channel  400  extends along the length of the body  200  and is oriented substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the body  200 . The barrel channel  400  further has a length, a depth, an inner intermediate surface, and a pair of inner lateral surfaces, with the length of the barrel channel  400  being less than the length of the slide channel  300 , the depth of the barrel channel  400  being substantially the same as the depth of the slide channel  300 , the inner intermediate surface of the barrel channel  400  being substantially planar and oriented substantially parallel to the top surface  210  of the body  200 , the pair of inner lateral surfaces of the barrel channel  400  being spaced apart from each other and being oriented substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the inner intermediate surface of the barrel channel  400 , the inner intermediate surface of the barrel channel  400  being substantially coplanar with the inner intermediate surface of the slide channel  300 , and with the barrel channel  400  being open opposite its inner intermediate surface and at its first end  410 . 
     The slide stop  500  is formed at the junction of the second ends  320 ,  420  of the slide channel  300  and the barrel channel  400 . See  FIGS. 2 and 4C . In the preferred embodiments the slide stop  500  presents a surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body  200 , whereby the surface of the slide stop  500  provides a barrier against which the front portion  112  of the slide  110  is placed, preventing the slide  110  from entering into the barrel channel  170 . In alternate embodiments the slide stop  500  presents a surface which is at one or more angles to the longitudinal axis of the body  200 , with the degree of the angle(s) being such that the surface of the slide stop  500  continues to provide a barrier against which the front portion  112  of the slide  110  is placed. The slide stop  500  is the surface which is pushed against the slide  110  in order to move the slide  110  in a rearward direction. 
     The front sight cutout  600  has a length, a width, and a depth, with the length, width, and depth of the front sight cutout  600  being suitably configured to accommodate the front sight  120  of the pistol  100  within the front sight cutout  600 . In the preferred embodiments the length of the front sight cutout  600  is slightly greater than the length  121  of the front sight  120 , the width of the front sight cutout  600  is slightly greater than the width  123  of the front sight  120 , and the depth of the front sight cutout  600  is slightly greater than the height  127  of the front sight  120 . The front sight cutout  600  is formed within portions of the intermediate surface of the slide channel  300  and the intermediate surface of the barrel channel  400 , with the front sight cutout  600  being located proximate to the second ends  320 ,  420  of the slide channel  300  and the barrel channel  400 . The front sight cutout  600  extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the body  200 . The front sight cutout  600  serves the purpose of protecting the front sight  120  of the pistol  100  when the device  1  is being used, so that minimal pressure, if any, is exerted against the front sight  120  by the device  1 . 
     The rear sight cutout  700  has a length, a width, and a depth, with the length, width, and depth of the rear sight cutout  700  being suitably configured to accommodate the rear sight  130  of the pistol  100  within the rear sight cutout  700 . In the preferred embodiments the length of the rear sight cutout  700  is slightly greater than the length  131  of the rear sight  130 , the width of the rear sight cutout  700  is slightly greater than the width  133  of the rear sight  130 , and the depth of the rear sight cutout  700  is slightly greater than the height  137  of the rear sight. The rear sight cutout  700  is formed within a portion of the intermediate surface of the slide channel  300  and is located proximate to the first end  310  of the slide channel  300 . The rear sight cutout  700  extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body  200 . The rear sight cutout  700  serves the purpose of protecting the rear sight  130  of the pistol  100  when the device  1  is being used, so that minimal pressure, if any, is exerted against the rear sight  130  by the device  1 . 
     In configurations using an ejection port cutout  800 , the ejection port cutout  800  has a depth greater than the diameter of an ammunition cartridge that is capable of being fired by the pistol  100 . The ejection port cutout  800  extends into a portion of the intermediate surface of the slide channel  300  and extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the body  200 . This allows any ammunition cartridge (including spent cartridges, stuck cartridges, and live cartridges) currently chambered in the pistol  100  to be ejected from the pistol  100  when the slide  110  is racked using the device  1 . 
     In configurations using an extractor cutout  900 , the extractor cutout  900  has a length, a width, and a depth, with the length, width, and depth of the extractor cutout  900  being sufficient to allow the extractor  180  to move laterally within the extractor cutout  900 . The extractor cutout  900  extends into a portion of the intermediate surface of the slide channel  300  and extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the body  200 . This allows any ammunition cartridge currently chambered in the pistol  100  to be ejected from the pistol  100  when the slide  110  is racked using the device  1 . 
     In preferred embodiments, the device  1  further comprises a hand stop  212 . See  FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 6A . The hand stop  212  extends upward from the top surface  210  of the body  200 , presenting a surface against which the user may place a portion of the hand gripping the device  1 . In the most preferred embodiments the hand stop  212  is substantially planar. It is located at a point between the front face  250  and the rear face  260  of the body  200 , with the hand stop  212  located closer to the rear face  260  than to the front face  250 . The hand stop  212  is oriented substantially perpendicular to the top surface  210  of the body  200 , substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall  230  and to the second sidewall  240  of the body  200 , and substantially parallel to the front face  250  and the rear face  260  of the body  200 . In alternative embodiments the hand stop  212  may be angled somewhat. It may be substantially rectangular, or semi-circular, or any other suitable shape. The hand stop  212  serves the dual purpose of providing another surface for the use to push against when using the device  1 , as well as providing a barrier to prevent the user&#39;s hand from sliding off the body  200  of the device  1  during use. 
     In preferred embodiments, the device  1  further comprises a first finger groove  232 . See  FIGS. 3 and 4A . The first finger groove  232  is formed into the first sidewall  230  of the body  200 . The first finger groove  232  is configured to accommodate one or more fingers or thumb of a human hand when the hand grips the device  1 . Preferably, the first finger groove  232  has a length less than the length of the body  200 , a width less than the distance between the top surface  210  and bottom surface  220  of the body  200 , and a depth less than the thickness of the first sidewall  230 . The first finger groove  232  may be substantially rectangular, or it may have rounded sides, or any other suitable configuration. The device  1  may also have a second finger groove  242 . See  FIGS. 2 and 6A . The second finger groove  242  is formed into the second sidewall  240  of the body  200 . The second finger groove  242  is configured to accommodate one or more fingers or thumb of a human hand when the hand grips the device  1 . When two finger grooves  232 , 242  are used, the device  1  has an ambidextrous configuration, being equally grippable by the right or left hand. Preferably, the second finger groove  242  has a length less than the length of the body, a width less than the distance between the top surface  210  and bottom surface  220  of the body  200 , and a depth less than the thickness of the second sidewall  240 . The second finger groove  242  may be substantially rectangular, or it may have rounded sides, or any other suitable configuration. The second finger groove  242  may be configured and dimensioned substantially identical to the first finger groove  232 , or it may be configured and/or dimensioned differently. 
     In preferred embodiments, the device  1  further comprises a directional indicator  214 . See  FIG. 3 . The directional indicator  214  is formed into the top surface  210  of the body  200 . The directional indicator  214  indicates the direction of the line of fire of the pistol  100 , also known as the “down range” direction. In the most preferred embodiments the directional indicator  214  is in the shape of an arrow pointing in the direction of the line of fire of the pistol  100 . Other shapes or even text can be used as well. 
     During use of the device  1 , the user grips the hand grip  160  of the pistol  100  with one hand and holds the device  1  in the other hand. The user places the device  1  on top of the slide  110  such that at least a portion of the top surface  114  of the slide  110  extends into the slide channel  300  and is in direct contact with the intermediate surface of the slide channel  300 , at least a portion of the barrel  170  extends into the barrel channel  400 , at least a portion of the front sight  120  extends into the front sight cutout  600 , at least a portion of the rear sight  130  extends into the rear sight cutout  700 , at least a portion of the ejection port  140  is substantially aligned with the ejection port cutout  800 , and at least a portion of the extractor  180  is substantially aligned with the extractor cutout  900 . See  FIG. 6B . The user then applies downward pressure to the device  1  against the pistol  100  while moving the device  1  in a rearward direction relative to the frame  150  of the pistol  100 . This causes the slide stop  500  of the device  1  to come into contact with the front portion  112  of the slide  110 , forcing the slide  110  to move rearward relative to the frame  150 . See  FIGS. 6C and 6D . Once the slide  110  is moved sufficiently rearward to cause a round to be chambered, the user removes the device  1  from the pistol  100  and sets it aside. The pistol  100  is now ready for use. No portion of the device  1  obscures the line of fire of the pistol  100  during placement of the device  1  onto the pistol  100 , use of the device  1  with the pistol  100 , or removal of the device  1  from the pistol  100 . 
     What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some it its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.