Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a combination weapon handgrip and weapon accessory controller. The apparatus disclosure herein is convertible between a single cable configuration for controlling a weapon mounted weapon accessory device and a dual cable configuration for controlling a weapon mounted weapon accessory device and a weapon mounted flashlight accessory device.

According to the present invention, a combination of a weapon handgrip and a weapon accessory controller for weapon includes an elongate grip base having a longitudinal axis and a first engagement surface, the first engagement surface extending axially and facing radially outward. A fastener is connected to a proximal end of the grip base, the fastener for removably attaching the handgrip apparatus to a fore-end portion of a weapon. An elongate grip sleeve has an axially extending bore and the grip base is detachably received within the axially extending bore and is coaxial with the grip base. The axially extending bore has a second engagement surface which extends axially and which faces radially inward, wherein the second engagement surface slidably engages the first engagement surface. The elongate grip sleeve has a radially outward facing surface defining a hand-grip surface. At least one keypad comprising a switch is disposed on the handgrip surface, the switch for controlling operation of one or more electrically-operated devices associated with the weapon. A connector is electrically coupled to the switch and is configured to electrically couple the switch to the one or more electrically-operated devices. The first engagement surface is configured to engage the second engagement surface when the elongate grip sleeve is oriented at a plurality of rotational positions with respect to the grip base. The first engagement surface and second engagement surface both have a cross-sectional shape which has an n-fold rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis, wherein n is an integer equal to <NUM>.

In another more limited aspect, the grip base forms a hollow enclosure which opens at a distal end of the grip base.

In another more limited aspect, the combination of a weapon handgrip and a weapon accessory controller further includes an end cap removably attached to the distal end of the grip base. In a further more limited aspect, the end cap comprises internal helical threads complementary with external helical threads on the distal end of the grip base. In yet another more limited aspect, the end cap engages a distal end of the grip sleeve to secure the grip sleeve in a fixed axial position with respect to the grip base. In yet another more limited aspect, an extended end cap is detachably attachable to the distal end of the grip base in place of the end cap to increase an axial extent of a gripping surface defined by the elongate grip sleeve and the grip base.

In another more limited aspect, the at least one keypad is detachable from the grip sleeve.

In another more limited aspect, the grip sleeve incudes an integral interface slidably receiving the at least one keypad.

In another more limited aspect, the at least one keypad comprises a first keypad and a second keypad, wherein the first and second keypads are interchangeably attachable to the grip sleeve.

In another more limited aspect, a kit of parts comprises the combination of a weapon handgrip and a weapon accessory controller and an electrically operated accessory device, wherein the electrically operated accessory device is configured to be actuatable or controllable by the keypad.

In another more limited aspect, the fastener is a weapon accessory rail clamp. In yet another more limited aspect, the fastener is adapted for removable attachment to a Picatinny rail interface.

The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

Referring to the drawing figures <FIG>, a control handgrip apparatus <NUM> is provided which may be mounted to an accessory rail interface assembly <NUM> of a weapon <NUM> (shown in phantom lines). The weapon may be a firearm such as a military or tactical rifle having a Picatinny rail interface. As used herein, the term Picatinny rail interface refers to a bracket used on some firearms in order to provide a standardized mounting platform. Typically, Picatinny rail interfaces have a beveled T-shaped cross-sectional shape and having a series of alternating transverse grooves <NUM> and flats <NUM>. Exemplary Picatinny rail interfaces include MIL-STD-<NUM> rails or STANAG <NUM> rails, which are well known by persons skilled in the art. Although the present embodiment is illustrated in connection with a bottom rail 112a of a quad-rail type Picatinny rail interface, it will be recognized that the present invention may be adapted for use with all manner of weapons, including without limitation rifles, handguns, machine guns, mortars, etc., and all manner of weapon accessory mount rail interfaces or mounting systems.

The terms "a" or "an," as used herein with respect to an element, are not intended to preclude the possibility of multiple instances of such element. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having" as used herein, are defined as "comprising" (i.e., open transition). Unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms "attached," "coupled," "operatively coupled," "joined," and the like are defined as indirectly or directly connected.

In certain embodiments, the handgrip <NUM> is configured for use as a conventional vertical handgrip, which extends generally perpendicular to the rail interface, although it will be recognized that some amount of variation from perpendicular (e.g., up to about <NUM> degrees) is also contemplated.

The handgrip <NUM> includes an upper end defining a rail clamp assembly <NUM> which includes a fixed or integral clamp member <NUM> and a movable clamp member <NUM> on opposite transverse sides of the rail 112a.

As best seen in <FIG>, a threaded fastener <NUM> passes through an opening <NUM> in the clamp member <NUM> and an aligned opening <NUM> in the rail clamp assembly <NUM>. The threaded fastener <NUM> engages an internally threaded nut insert <NUM> which is inset in the clamp member <NUM>. The threaded fastener <NUM> can be selectively tightened and loosened to engage and disengage, respectively, the rail member 112a and allows the hand grip unit <NUM> to be secured at a desired axial position along the rail 112a. A transverse recoil rib <NUM> rests within a selected one of the recoil grooves <NUM> on the accessory rail interface 112a. Although the nut <NUM> and threaded fastener <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> as being separated for ease of illustration, in optional embodiments, a protrusion (not shown) or other means may be provided on the end of the threaded fastener <NUM> for preventing complete removal of the threaded fastener <NUM> from the nut <NUM>.

An elongate grip base <NUM> extends downward, in the orientation shown, from the rail clamp assembly <NUM>. The grip base <NUM> defines an interior compartment for receiving one or more spare batteries <NUM>, e.g., a replacement battery for an accessory device such as the first accessory device and/or second accessory device. In certain embodiments, the one or more batteries <NUM> are selected from rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. Exemplary battery types include alkaline, lithium, lithium ion, lithium polymer, lithium manganese (IMR), CR123, CR123a, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and others.

The grip base <NUM> and rail clamp assembly <NUM> may be formed of any suitable material, including metal or metal alloy, polymer, or composite materials. The rail clamp assembly may be formed via molding (e.g., injection molding), machining, or additive manufacturing methods.

A grip sleeve <NUM> is slidably received over the grip base <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the grip sleeve <NUM> is formed of rubber, elastomeric polymer, or the like. The grip sleeve <NUM> may be shaped or contoured to accommodate a user's hand. The grip sleeve <NUM> may include grooves, ridges, knurls, or other handgrip features <NUM> to assist the user in gripping the handgrip <NUM>.

The lower end of the grip base <NUM> has external threads <NUM>. A first removable end cap <NUM> includes internal threads <NUM> which are complementary with the threads <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> has a flared, flanged, or enlarged diameter base <NUM>, e.g., to reduce slipping or prevent the user's hand from slipping when grasping the unit <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the first removable end cap <NUM> is interchangeable with a second removable extended end cap <NUM> which includes internal threads <NUM> which are complementary with the threads <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> has a flared, flanged, or enlarged diameter base <NUM>, e.g., to reduce slipping or prevent the user's hand from slipping when grasping the unit <NUM>, and an axially extended portion <NUM> to increase the axial length of the hand grip <NUM>. In this manner, the length of the grip <NUM> can be adjusted to accommodate different hand sizes.

The grip sleeve <NUM> includes an interface <NUM> for receiving an activation keypad. In certain embodiments, a plurality of interchangeable activation keypads is provided. In certain embodiments, a first interchangeable activation keypad <NUM> is provided for controlling two firearm or weapon accessory devices and a second interchangeable activation keypad <NUM>' is provided for controlling one firearm or weapon accessory device. Other configurations are also contemplated, such as other activation keypads for controlling other numbers of devices or other cable configurations and/or connector types for adapting the unit to activate different types of accessory devices.

The activation keypad <NUM> has sliding interface features which engage the interface <NUM>, e.g., a dovetail type interface, tongue and groove type interface, or the like. In certain embodiments, the keypad <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> having slide rails <NUM> on opposite sides thereof for engaging complementary grooves <NUM> in the interface <NUM>.

The keypad <NUM> includes a switch <NUM>, such as a mechanical contact switch. In certain embodiments, the switch <NUM> is a normally open, momentary contact switch, e.g., which is resiliently depressible to close the contacts for actuating an attached device. It will be recognized that other switch configurations are also contemplated.

The switch <NUM> is coupled to an accessory device interface <NUM> via a cable <NUM>. The interface <NUM> engages a complementary interface <NUM> on a first associated accessory device <NUM>. The switch <NUM> is also coupled to an accessory device interface <NUM> via a cable <NUM>. The interface <NUM> engages a complementary interface <NUM> on a second associated accessory device <NUM>. In preferred embodiments, the first accessory device <NUM> is a laser device, such as a laser pointer, aiming device, or target illumination device. In certain embodiments, the second accessory device <NUM> is a flashlight.

In certain embodiments, the interface <NUM> is configured to attach to a remote control port on the accessory device <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the interface <NUM> is configured to attach in place of an end cap switch assembly on a flashlight. In certain embodiments, the switch <NUM> may be used to actuate the first and second accessory devices. In certain embodiments, the switch <NUM> may be used to select functions or otherwise control operation of the first and second accessory devices, e.g., through button presses of various lengths of time, e.g., quick press, medium press, long press, etc., button press sequences, e.g., single press, double press, triple press, etc., or combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the switch <NUM> is used to control operation of an attached flashlight by accessing functions such as on/off, brightness levels, wavelengths, modes, strobe functions, SOS functions, etc., by controlling the number or presses and/or hold time of a button press or button press sequence.

The second activation keypad <NUM>' has sliding interface features which engage the interface <NUM>, e.g., a dovetail type interface, tongue and groove type interface, or the like. In certain embodiments, the keypad <NUM>' includes a housing <NUM>' having slide rails <NUM>' on opposite sides thereof for engaging the complementary grooves <NUM> in the interface <NUM>.

The keypad <NUM>' includes a switch <NUM>' which may be as described above by way of reference to the switch <NUM>. The switch <NUM>' is electrically coupled to a connector <NUM>' via a cable <NUM>'.

The switch <NUM>' is coupled to an accessory device interface <NUM>' via a cable <NUM>'. The interface <NUM>' engages a complementary interface <NUM>' on an associated accessory device <NUM>'.

In certain embodiments, the interface <NUM>' is configured to attach to a remote control port on the accessory device <NUM>'. In certain embodiments, the switch <NUM>' may be used to actuate the accessory device <NUM>'. In certain embodiments, the switch <NUM>' may be used to select functions or otherwise control operation of the accessory device <NUM>', e.g., through button presses of various lengths of time, e.g., quick press, medium press, long press, etc., button press sequences, e.g., single press, double press, triple press, etc., or combinations thereof.

The grip sleeve <NUM> has an axially extending interior bore or opening <NUM> which has a cross-sectional shape that is complementary with a cross sectional shape of the grip base <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the opening <NUM> and complementary cross-sectional shape of the grip base portion <NUM> is a geometric shape that has an n-fold rotational symmetry about the center, wherein n is <NUM> or more, e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more. In this manner, the grip sleeve <NUM> can receive the grip base <NUM> so as to position the keypad <NUM> at a desired rotational position on the unit <NUM>, e.g., to accommodate left and right handed users, as well as to accommodate personal preference with respect to keypad position, e.g. to adjust the keypad <NUM> to a position where a shooter's finger ergonomically lands in relation to the size of his or her hand.

In alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the opening <NUM> and grip base <NUM> has a <NUM>-fold rotational symmetry about the center axis, e.g., a keyed geometry, to provide a single rotationally-aligned orientation between the grip base <NUM> and the grip sleeve <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the opening <NUM> and grip base <NUM> is a regular convex polygon. In certain embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the opening <NUM> and grip base <NUM> is a regular concave polygon. In certain embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the opening <NUM> and grip base <NUM> is a star polygon. In certain embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the opening <NUM> and grip base <NUM> is a geometric shape having straight edges, curved edges, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the interior surface of the opening <NUM> has a plurality of axially extending ribs or splines angularly spaced apart which are aligned and complementary with a corresponding number of grooves or channels on the grip base <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the grip base <NUM> has a plurality of axially extending ribs or splines angularly spaced apart which are aligned and complementary with a corresponding number of grooves or channels formed on the interior surface of the opening <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A combination (<NUM>) of a weapon handgrip and a weapon accessory controller, comprising:
an elongate grip base (<NUM>) having a longitudinal axis and a first engagement surface, the first engagement surface extending axially and facing radially outward;
a fastener (<NUM>) connected to a proximal end of the grip base (<NUM>), said fastener (<NUM>) for removably attaching the handgrip apparatus to a fore-end portion of a weapon;
an elongate grip sleeve (<NUM>) having an axially extending bore, the grip base (<NUM>) detachably received within the axially extending bore (<NUM>) and coaxial with the grip base (<NUM>), the axially extending bore (<NUM>) having a second engagement surface, the second engagement surface extending axially and facing radially inward, the second engagement surface slidably engaging the first engagement surface;
the elongate grip sleeve (<NUM>) having a radially outward facing surface defining a handgrip surface;
at least one keypad (<NUM>, <NUM>') comprising a switch (<NUM>, <NUM>') disposed on the handgrip surface, the switch (<NUM>, <NUM>') for controlling operation of one or more electrically-operated devices associated with the weapon; and
a connector (<NUM>, <NUM>') electrically coupled to the switch (<NUM>, <NUM>') and configured to electrically couple the switch (<NUM>, <NUM>') to the one or more electrically-operated devices (<NUM>, <NUM>');
wherein the first engagement surface is configured to engage the second engagement surface when the elongate grip sleeve (<NUM>) is oriented at a plurality of rotational positions with respect to the grip base (<NUM>); and
wherein the first engagement surface and second engagement surface both have a cross-sectional shape which has an n-fold rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis, wherein n is an integer equal to <NUM>.