Cane Adapter for Firearm with Integral Holster

Abstract

The disclosed device is a barrel and chamber blocking shaft or rod that acts as an extension of a pistol. The extension provides the additional function of forming a cane, the pistol becoming the handle of the cane, which the user can use as a walking aid. When used in accordance with design claimed herein, the cane allows for ease of use in that no hip holster is required and the rod or shaft can be removed with the use of only one hand.

Description

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of firearms accessories and safety, particularly to an adapter that allows a user to convert a firearm into a cane, thereby prohibiting a pistol from discharging ammunition while the adapter is installed.

BACKGROUND

Firearms are an important aspect of personal protection from criminals and the violence criminals use in affecting their criminal behavior. This is especially true for persons who are elderly and/or physically challenged in the lower extremities. For persons requiring the use of a cane to assist in walking, it can be difficult to carry a pistol in a holster since the weight and location of a pistol so holstered interferes with the person's limited mobility. Moreover, a person requiring the use of a cane to walk lacks the ability to use both hands to simultaneously un-holster, load and/or cock the pistol before discharge. Finally, there is a need for a safety mechanism that will ensure a person requiring the use of a cane to walk that the pistol is incapable of discharging while the cane is in use aiding walking. What is needed is a system that will simultaneously provide an elderly person or physically challenged person of the legs to carry a pistol safely, conveniently, discretely for personal protection from the acts of criminals.

SUMMARY

The invention disclosed and claimed herein is metal or hard plastic rod specifically designed to fit into and through the barrel and terminating in the chamber of the pistol thereby preventing accidental discharge. The device acts like a cane while inserted into the barrel and chamber of the pistol because it simultaneously acts as an extension of a firearm and a cane to assist walking. The rod constituting the extension thereby forming a cane is easily removed by simply pulling the rod out of the pistol's barrel. Thus, the user is relieved from the inconvenience of un-holstering the pistol since the pistol is already in the firing hand of the user. Once removed from the barrel, the rod is easily discarded, the pistol cocked or loaded depending on whether the pistol is a revolver or semi-automatic, and the pistol is available for self-defense.

The device is comprised of a shaft with two diameters. The upper section, or insertion section, slides into the barrel of the firearm and seats in the chamber, acting as a chamber or breach plug. The upper section is further designed to specifically pass safely through the barrel without damaging the bore or rifling and substantially fills an empty chamber thereby precluding the chamber from accepting a bullet or cartridge. By filling the chamber the device maintains the firearm in a safe position. This safe position is impossible to defeat because if the pistol camber or breach is loaded with bullet or cartridge the rod will not seat in the chamber, thereby immediately notifying the user that the pistol is in firing position.

Rendering the firearm safe is accomplished by preventing a round from being loaded in the case of the firearm being a semi-automatic, or preventing the cylinder from rotating, if the firearm is a revolver.

The preferred diameter of the upper section that seats in the chamber is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel so as not to cause damage but fit snuggly in the chamber. The snug fit allows friction to hold the rod in place so as not to fall out accidentally. Optionally, included within the upper section is a circumferential channel into which an o-ring is installed. The o-ring acts to create additional friction fit, or interference fit, with the inner surface of the barrel.

The length of the upper section is slightly less than that of the combined length of barrel and chamber, thus allowing the barrel of the firearm to support the load of the user rather than the load being applied to the firing pin or hammer. The result is a gap between the tip of the upper section and the firing pin or hammer, or any other mechanism associated with the internals of the firearm such as springs or the bolt.

Moving down the device, between the upper section and the lower section is a load bearing face. The load bearing face is the surface against which the muzzle rests. The load applied by the user to the handle of the firearm, which is acting as the handle of the cane formed thereby, is transferred through the frame of the firearm, to the barrel, and ultimately the muzzle. Each of these firearm parts is robust, and thus the application of the user's weight is unable to cause damage.

In the primary embodiment, the lower section, or supporting section, is a larger diameter than the upper section. But in alternative embodiments the diameters are equal, or the lower section has a lesser diameter. In such alternative embodiments, the load-bearing face takes the form of a ring or band that surrounds the device, bearing against the muzzle of the firearm.

In some embodiments, the device includes an integral holster portion. The tip of a holster is affixed to the lower section such that the body of the holster will extend away from the lower section creating the holster cavity around the insertion section. The result is that when the firearm is mated with the device, the barrel of the firearm will rest in the holster.

Alternately, the holster is co-molded with the lower section and/or upper section. Such a method of manufacturing prevents the creation of weak points that would result from affixing separate pieces of material together.

Optionally, the holster portion will have various dimensions depending upon the style, make, or model of firearm.

Different firearms may require uppers sections of different lengths or diameters. Thus, the upper section is optionally removable from the lower section. In such an embodiment the user may have multiple upper sections, each for use with different firearms. The upper section then includes a male threaded extension that interfaces with a female threaded pocket.

The male threaded extension is preferably constructed from a material that is softer than the fire arm components. For example, bronze, or a bronze/magnesium alloy.

In embodiments with a removable upper section, the holster may be integral to the removable upper section. This allows the holster to be customized along with the different lengths and diameters required for a particular firearm barrel and muzzle.

Alternatively, the holster portion can be integral to the lower section.

Finally, the holster may be a separate piece that is removable and interchangeable independently of the upper section.

The upper section is preferably constructed from a light material, such as 6061 aluminum.

At the base of the lower section is a cane tip. The cane tip acts to transfer the load from the lower section to the ground. The cane tip is made of a flexible or semi-flexible material, such as a rubber, plastic, or other suitable polymer. Preferably, the cane tip is made of a material softer than the lower section. Such preferred materials include plastic and rubber.

An optional feature incorporated into the cane tip is a stepping surface. The stepping surface allows the user to place a foot on the cane tip, holding the device down and thereby allowing the user to pull the firearm away from the upper section, thus readying the firearm for use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of a first embodiment with the device installed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of a second embodiment with the device installed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a second embodiment with the device installed on the firearm with the holster portion dashed out.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the first embodiment with the device removed from the firearm.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the second embodiment of the device removed from the firearm.

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of the upper section of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a firearm.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a firearm with the device installed.

FIG. 9 illustrates a view of a cane tip with optional stepping surface.

FIG. 10 illustrates a view of the first embodiment of the device in use.

FIG. 11 illustrates a view of a second embodiment of the device in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Referring to FIG. 1, a view of a first embodiment with the device installed in the firearm is shown.

The cane adapter for firearm 1 is shown inserted into a firearm 30. The supporting section 16 is shown with cane tip 18. The upper end of supporting section 16 connects to the insertion section 12 (inside the barrel) and the insertion section 12 has a smaller diameter, thus forming the load-bearing face 14 (not shown) that rests against the muzzle 34 of the barrel 32.

The grip 38 of the firearm 30 is where the user applies a load.

As shown in FIG. 1, the length of the supporting section 16 is multiple times the length of the firearm 30. For example, in FIG. 1 the supporting section 16 is approximately 150% of the length of the firearm 30, or 1.5 times its length.

The preferred length of the supporting section 16 will depend on the height of the user and the length of the firearm 30. Taller users, and shorter firearms 30, will require longer supporting sections. As with a traditional cane, the length must be accustomed to the height of the user for proper fit.

Referring to FIG. 2, a view of a second embodiment with the device installed in the firearm is shown.

The second embodiment of the device includes a holster portion 11. The holster portion 11 extends outward from the supporting section 16 toward the grip 38 of the firearm 30. The holster portion 11 increases the stability to the firearm 30 with respect to the insertion portion 12.

Optionally, the holster portion 11 may extend past a trigger 31 of a firearm 30 to protect a user from accidentally squeezing the trigger 31.

Referring to FIG. 3, a view of the second embodiment of the device is shown with the holster portion dashed out.

The firearm 30 is shown fully engaged with the insertion portion 12. With the muzzle 34 against the load-bearing face 14, the barrel 32 is secured within an internal cavity 13 of the holster portion 11.

Referring to FIG. 4, a view of the first embodiment with the device removed from the firearm is shown. The insertion section 12 is shown separated from the supporting section 16 by a load-bearing face 14.

Within the insertion section 12 is the optional groove 20 and o-ring 22.

Firearm 30 is also shown, with barrel 32, muzzle 34, cylinder 40, and grip 38.

Referring to FIG. 5, a view of the second embodiment removed from the firearm is shown. The holster portion 11 is shown connected to the support section 16 at the load-bearing face 14. And the insertion section 12 extends outward from the load-bearing face 14 through an internal cavity 13 of the holster portion 11.

Referring to FIG. 6, a close-up view of the upper section of the first embodiment is shown. The load-bearing face 14 is more easily seen in this figure. As discussed above, the load-bearing face 14 need not be formed by an increase in diameter, but in alternative embodiments is a ring or ledge against which the muzzle may rest.

The cane adapter for firearm 1 is shown with a circular cross-section. But other cross-sections are equally useful, such as square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, and so forth. Moreover, the cross section may be ornamented according to the personal taste of the user.

The cross-section may be solid or hollow.

Groove 20 with inserted o-ring 22 is also shown.

Referring to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of a firearm is shown. The barrel 32 and chamber 36 are shown, which the cane adapter for firearm 1 will fill when inserted into the firearm 30.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of a firearm with the device installed is shown. The insertion section 12 fills the barrel 32, and substantially fills the chamber 36. As a result of the insertion section 12 the firearm 30 is safe, with no round loaded into the chamber 36, and the user unable to load a round until the cane adapter for firearm 1 is removed.

Note that the insertion section 12 does not rest against the rear wall of the chamber 36. The rear wall of the chamber, and the associated firing mechanism, are not intended to be weight bearing.

Rather, a gap 37 is maintained beyond the end of the insertion section 12.

The cylinder 40 cannot rotate a new round into place with the cane adapter for firearm 1 blocking rotating.

Referring to FIG. 9, a view of a cane tip with optional stepping surface is shown.

The end of supporting section 16 is terminated using a cane tip 18 that contacts the ground during use. The cane tip 18 optionally includes a stepping surface 26. The stepping surface 26 provides a stable location for a user to place his foot, holding down the cane adapter for firearm 1, allowing the firearm 30 to be pulled up and away from the device.

Referring to FIG. 10, a view of the first embodiment of the device in use is shown.

The user's hand is wrapped around the grip 38 of the firearm, applying a load to stabilize the user and aid in walking.

Referring to FIG. 11, a view of the second embodiment of the device in use is shown.

The user's hand is wrapped around the grip 38 of the firearm, applying a load to stabilize the user and aid in walking. The holster portion 11 extends outward from the load-bearing face 14 toward the user's hand. Optionally, the holster portion 11 may be long enough to block the user's hand from contacting the trigger 31.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

Claims

1. A device to render a firearm safe, while allowing the firearm to serve as a handle for a walking cane for a user, the firearm including a barrel, a muzzle, and a chamber, the firearm having a length, the device comprising: a slideably removeable insertion section; the slidably removeable insertion section adapted to slide within the barrel and the chamber of the firearm;the slidably removeable insertion section sized to block both the barrel and the chamber of the firearm;a supporting section; the supporting section adapted to extend beyond the firearm by a supporting length equal to or greater than the length of the firearm;the slidably removeable insertion section and the supporting section joined at a load-bearing face; the load-bearing face adapted to rest against the muzzle of the firearm;a holster portion, the holster portion having an opening and a tip; the tip connected to the load-bearing face and the opening extending toward the slidably removable insertion section;the holster portion adapted to partially surround the firearm, thereby stabilizing the firearm;a cane tip; the cane tip affixed to the supporting section opposite the load-bearing face;a groove placed along the slidably removeable insertion section; andan o-ring within the groove;whereby friction of the o-ring against the barrel prevents the device from sliding out of the firearm during use; andwherein the slidably removable insertion section is entirely removable through the muzzle.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cane tip further comprises a stepping surface; the stepping surface being a substantially flat surface adapted to allow the user to place a foot on the stepping surface to hold the device in place while the firearm is removed.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a groove placed along the slidably removeable insertion section; andan o-ring within the groove;whereby friction of the o-ring against the barrel prevents the device from sliding out of the firearm during use.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the slidably removable insertion section and the supporting section are joined at a threaded connection, allowing the slidably removeably insertion section and the supporting section to be detached from each other.

5. A device to allow a user to use a firearm as a handle for a cane, the device comprising: a support body that removably affixes to the firearm by sliding through a muzzle into a firearm barrel; the support body extending a length of the firearm, thereby creating the cane;the support body including a support section and an insertion section;an integral holster, the integral holster extending outward from the support section, partially surrounding the insertion section;the insertion section of the support body blocking at least a portion of a chamber of the firearm, thereby preventing the firearm from being discharged;wherein the insertion section is removed only and fully through the muzzle.

6. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a groove placed around the insertion section; andan o-ring within the groove;whereby friction created by the o-ring against the firearm barrel prevents the device from inadvertently sliding out of the firearm during use.

7. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a cane tip;the cane tip at a lower end of the support body;the cane tip of a material softer than a material of the support body.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the cane tip further comprises a stepping surface; the stepping surface being a substantially flat surface adapted to allow the user to place a foot on the stepping surface to hold the device in place while the firearm is removed.

9. The device of claim 5, wherein the insertion section and the support body are joined at a threaded connection, allowing the insertion section and support body to be detached from each other.

10. A device to adapt a firearm for use as a walking cane, the device comprising: an elongate body, the elongate body including a support section,an insertion section,the support section being larger in diameter than the insertion section creating a load-bearing face on the support section adjacent to the insertion section, andwhereby the insertion section is slidably removably inserted into a barrel of the firearm; andan integral holster, the integral holster affixed to the load-bearing face and encompassing the insertion section so that when the elongate body is joined to the firearm, the barrel of the firearm rests within the integral holster.

11. The device of claim 10, further comprising: a groove located on the insertion section; andan o-ring within the groove;whereby friction between the o-ring and the barrel prevents the device from sliding out during use.

12. The device of claim 10, further comprising: a cane tip;the cane tip located on an opposite end of the elongate body from the insertion section;the cane tip of a semi-flexible material.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the cane tip further comprises: a lip, the lip adapted to allow a user to step on and secure the elongate body while the firearm is separated from the insertion section.