Patent Grant
11898819
All patents, patent applications and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art as known to those skilled therein as of the date of the invention described and claimed herein.
This patent disclosure contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves any and all copyright rights.
This invention is directed to a handgun device and uses thereof.
Few events are more terrifying to a senior citizen or disabled person than a criminal home invasion. This is because the elderly and disabled are among our most vulnerable citizens. Unfortunately, many seniors and disabled individuals do not have the finger dexterity, muscle strength or vision skills to control and use a handgun well, much less a large and heavy shotgun or rifle. Also, attempting to control and aim both a handgun and a laser from one contact area is not ideal. The present disclosure addresses this, as well as many other, unmet needs.
Aspects of the invention are drawn to a handgun device. In embodiments, the handgun device comprises a Finger Rest Area and a Rail situated forward of the Finger Rest Area. In embodiments, the handgun device comprises a Finger Rest Area and one or more accessories situated forward of the Finger Rest Area. In embodiments, the handgun device can comprise one or more accessories situated forward of the Finger Rest Area and also a Rail.
In embodiments, the handgun device is attached to a gun. For example, the handgun device can be attached to the gun by one or more attachment mechanisms, friction, or both. Non-limiting examples of the attachment mechanisms comprise a screw, a pin, a spring-loaded clip, a clip, or a combination thereof.
In embodiments, the handgun device is attached to some portion of the gun, such as the barrel of the gun, a stock attached to the gun, the metal portion under the barrel of the gun, or a combination thereof. In embodiments, the handgun device is attached to the rail of a gun. In embodiments, the handgun device is attached to the trigger guard of a gun.
In embodiments, the handgun device is manufactured as part of the gun.
In embodiments, the Finger Reset Area is situated forward of the trigger guard.
Embodiments of the handgun device can further comprise one or more Finger Stops. The finger stops can comprise one or more protrusions, such as a physical barrier or lip.
In embodiments, the one or more finger stops are located at the end of the Finger Rest Area, at the muzzle end of the Receiving Tube (i.e., opposite of the user end), or both.
Embodiments of the handgun device can further comprise a Receiving Tube. For example, the Receiving Tube can comprise a lumen having one end closer to the user's chest (i.e., user end) and an opposite end further from the user's chest (i.e., muzzle end). In embodiments, the receiving tube is situated around the gun barrel. In embodiments, the Receiving Tube is situated above the Finger Rest Area. In embodiments, the Finger Rest Area is situated forward of the trigger guard of the handgun.
In embodiments, the top side of the Receiving Tube can comprise a Front Sight Cut Out.
In embodiments, the handgun device can comprise one or more ventilation holes. For example, wherein the one or more ventilation holes can be in communication with the lumen of the Receiving Tube. The ventilation holes can be circular, square, or rectangular.
In embodiments, the interior surface of the Receiving Tube comprises one or more ventilation channels. For example, the ventilation channels can comprise one or more linear ventilation channels, one or more circular ventilation channels, or both.
In embodiments, the Finger Rest Area is textured. For example, a textured finger rest area can help the user position his or her fingers close to a laser aiming light.
In embodiments, the handgun device further comprises a Rear Air Intake channel. For example, the Rear Air Intake channel can be in communication with the lumen of the Receiving Tube.
In embodiments, the Rear Air Intake channel can be located near the Finger Rest Area.
Embodiments of the handgun device can further comprise one or more Accessories attached to the Rail. Non-limiting examples of such Accessories can be electronics, such as camera, laser, flashlight, or voice recorder.
In embodiments, the Rail is situated forward of the finger rest area.
In embodiments, the Rail is configured to receive one or more Accessories for attachment thereto. Non-limiting examples of such Accessories comprises a light, laser, voice recorder, camera, or any combination thereof.
In embodiments, the handgun device is configured to be reversibly attached to a handgun.
In embodiments, the handgun device is integral with a handgun.
In embodiments, the Receiving Tube of the handgun device comprises a cylindrical barrel.
Further, aspects of the invention are drawn to a handgun comprising the handgun device described herein. For example, the handgun comprises the device of
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing description.
Few events are more terrifying to a senior citizen or disabled person than a criminal home invasion. This is because the elderly and disabled are among our most vulnerable citizens.
Although this vulnerability may be lessened by owning a handgun, such as for home defense purposes, some seniors and disabled individuals do not have the finger dexterity, muscle strength or vision skills to control and use a handgun well, much less a large and heavy shotgun or rifle.
Although controlling a handgun can be made easier by attaching a laser aiming device or other accessory, such as a flashlight, current handgun-laser combinations still leave many problems unsolved. For example, a laser is of limited value if an elderly person's hand trembles and the laser aiming dot moves excessively. Further, the handgun accessories can be difficult to control if the user's fingers are far removed from the control switches of the accessories.
Currently, handgun-laser combinations are controlled by grasping one location, the shooting “grip” of the handgun. Several examples of grips, which are generally perpendicular to the barrel axis and rearward of the trigger, are shown by Ruger in U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,562, in FIGS. 3 and 27.
Attempting to control and aim both the handgun and the laser solely from the shooting grip of the handgun can be difficult, especially for those with frailties, such as weakened hand strength, poor finger dexterity, or diminished eyesight. Examples of such individuals include senior citizens and disabled citizens. It would be easier for these individuals if one hand controlled the shooting action of the handgun (such as pulling the trigger) while the other hand controlled the accessory, such as the laser aiming accessory. As described in the examples and embodiments herein, the present invention accomplishes this and many other goals.
Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate manner.
The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.”
Wherever any of the phrases “for example,” “such as,” “including” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “an example,” “exemplary” and the like are understood to be nonlimiting.
The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited.
The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises”, “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, etc. Thus, for example, “a process involving steps a, b, and c” means that the process includes at least steps a, b and c. Wherever the terms “a” or “an” are used, “one or more” is understood, unless such interpretation is nonsensical in context.
As used herein the term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).
For purposes of the present disclosure, it is noted that spatially relative terms, such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “forward,” “behind,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over or rotated, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Aspects of the invention are drawn to a device for attachment to a handgun, such as the barrel of a handgun. The device can be referred to as a “handgun device” or “handgun attachment”. In embodiments, the handgun device can be attached to the rail of the gun, or can be attached to the triggergaurd of the gun. The device is separate and distinct from the shooting grip. For example, whereas the shooting grip is generally perpendicular to the barrel axis and rearward of the trigger, the device for attachment to a handgun described herein can be generally parallel to the barrel axis and immediately forward of the trigger guard.
Features of the handgun device described herein comprise: (i) a Finger-Rest Area configured to position the fingers of the non-shooting hand near a rail or accessory; (ii) a Rail, that can be configured to attach or receive an accesspry, and (iii) optionally, at least one Finger Stop that can be configured to prevent unwanted finger movement. Exemplary accessories for such attachment include, but are not limited to, a laser aiming device, flashlight, camera, or combination thereof. In embodiments, the rail is configured to reversibly receive and hold or attach an accessory thereto. In alternate embodiments, the accessory can be provided in place of the rail. In certain embodiments, the finger rest area is located immediately forward of the trigger guard following attachment to the handgun. The Rail is forward of the Finger-Rest.
Referring to the
As shown in
Alternative methods of providing air flow around the gun barrel are generally understood by those skilled in the art. Indeed, there are countless suitable configurations to permit the flow of air to cool a gun barrel. See, for example, US20180195832A1, for a series of openings around a barrel to ventilate the barrel.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to the figures, the skilled artisan will recognize that how the handgun device herein is attached to a gun is generally dependent on the type of gun to be used. For example, the type of guns to which the handgun device can attach to can be a semi-automatic weapon, a pistol, a revolver, a handgun having a substantially exposed barrel and lacking a forward grip, and the like.
As shown in the figures, the handgun device is separate and distinct from the shooting grip. Whereas the shooting grip is generally perpendicular to the barrel axis and rearward of the trigger, the handgun device can be generally parallel to the barrel axis. The device can be further disposed immediately forward of the trigger guard.
In another embodiment a laser or flashlight may take the place of a rail and other miniature electronics may also be added, such as a camera.
In embodiments, the Finger Rest Area is rearward of the rail where an accessory, such as a light or laser, can be mounted. In such embodiments, the Finger Rest Area handgun device is situated in close proximity to the buttons or switches, for example, that control the accessory (such as turning the laser on or off, or controlling the light, such as flashing or steady).
In embodiments, the handgun device can be manufactured to receive, or manufactured with, one or more accessories. For example, the accessory can be a laser, flashlight, voice recorder, or camera. In embodiments, the accessory is controlled by an “accessory controlling device”, comprising a button, switch, or dial, that can be attached to or manufactured on the handgun device. For example, an embodiment can comprise a laser aiming device for attachment to a handgun that is separate and distinct from the shooting grip.
Referring to the
In
As shown in the figures, the handgun device can be incorporated into a handgun's original manufacture (i.e., incorporated into the original manufacturing process for a handgun). Referring to
Similarly,
In other embodiments, the features of the handgun device can be manufactured to be attached as a handgun accessory to a manufactured handgun. Referring to
The skilled artisan will recognize that there are a number of ways to attach the handgun device to a manufactured handgun. This can depend on the handgun's design. For example, in one embodiment, the invention is placed under the barrel of the gun. For example, in another embodiment, the invention is placed around the barrel or forward portion of the handgun. In embodiments, the device can extend beyond the end of the barrel itself. For example, the device can extend beyond the barrel by one ore more inches, or any fractions thereof. In other embodiments, the device does not extend beyond the barrel. In other embodiments, the device encapsulates the muzzle as well.
Those skilled in the art of attaching accessories to handguns will readily observe that there are numerous ways to make this attachment, including slipping a one piece version of the invention snugly over the barrel of a gun. In embodiments, the handgun device is frictionally attached to a handgun when slid over the barrel. In embodiments, the device is attached under the barrel of the gun, such as attached by one or more attachment mechanisms. In embodiments, an attachment mechanism, such as one or more screws, pins or clips, can be used to secure the invention in place to the handgun, such as to the barrel of the handgun.
In another embodiment, the device can surround the barrel of the handgun with a two piece version of the device, such as clamshell style. In clamshell style embodiments, the handgun device can be secured by an attachment mechanism, such as one or more screws or clips. Referring to
In embodiments, the handgun device can be formed, using either singularly or using any combination of hardwoods, metals, polymers, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, ceramics, and composite materials.
For example, the handgun device can be manufactured by injection molding, machining, stamping, deep forming, thermal vacuum molding, casting, drawing, forging, over molding, rotational molding, reaction injection molding, printing on a three-dimensional (3D) printer, etc.
Embodiments described herein are particularly suited for use by the those who suffer from frailties, for example weakened hand strength, poor finger dexterity, or weakened eyesight, such as those senior citizens and disabled citizens suffer from.
For example, the handgun device described herein makes it easier to control and/or use an accessory, such as a light, laser or camera. For example, the device herein can make it easier to control the laser aiming dot, or assist with flashlight use.
The handgun device described herein further places the user's fingers of the non-shooting hand right next to (immediately adjacent to) the controls (i.e., buttons, switches, or dials) of the accessories. This makes using the controls, such as ON-OFF or STEADY-FLASHING switches or buttons, easier to reach and operate, especially during the terrifying moments of a home invasion.
Furthermore, my invention provides excellent laser dot aiming control, for example even while shooting “from the hip,” while simultaneously giving the user a clear field of vision of the surrounding environment. Experience indicates that the elderly and disabled are more comfortable and proficient with a handgun when they can control the gun and accessories while still maintaining a clear view of the surrounding environment. Indeed, comfort and proficiency boosts confidence, the importance of which cannot be overstated if an elderly or disabled person is forced to defend herself or himself during a home invasion.
To operate the embodiments of the device, the dominant shooting hand grabs the grip of the handgun in the ordinary fashion with the index finger on the trigger. The fingers of the non-shooting hand can then rest on the Finger-Rest Area of the handgun device with either the index finger or thumb temporarily engaging the controls of the accessory, such as the switches on the laser, flashlight, camera, or other electronics. After engaging said switches the index finger or thumb of the non-shooting hand may then return to the Finger-Rest Area. See, for example,
Then, while the shooting hand grasps the gun's grip and the index finger is on the trigger, the non-shooting hand can manipulate the handgun device up, down, left or right, for example, to point the laser light. For example, manipulation of the position of the device can bring the laser aiming dot to the target. This may be accomplished with such ease that the handgun can be fired from the hip, thereby achieving great accuracy while still affording the user a comfortable view of the surrounding environment.
Examples are provided below to facilitate a more complete understanding of the invention. The following examples illustrate the exemplary modes of making and practicing the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to specific embodiments disclosed in these Examples, which are for purposes of illustration only, since alternative methods can be utilized to obtain similar results.
Aspects of this invention are drawn to a pistol that is easy for senior citizens and those with disabilities, such as muscle weakness or vision problems, to use for Home Defense. Not a “carry” firearm, but rather, to be kept in the home, such as in the bedroom.
Thumb Rest and Finger Rest are forward of Trigger Guard and below gun barrel. Thumb Rest can be a protrusion the thumb rests upon, or integrated into the Finger Rest area. Finger Rests are serrated or crosshatched to prevent slippage, and the bottom edge of Finger Rest can be angled. Laser and/or Laser-Light Combination is forward of Thumb Rest and Finger Rest and below Barrel. Laser or Laser-Light Combination has controls represented by solid black shapes thereon.
Key Elements comprise:
Parts List of Embodiments described herein:
Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific substances and procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention, and are covered by the following claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 62/947,429, filed on Dec. 12, 2019; U.S. provisional patent application 62/933,050, filed on Nov. 8, 2019, and U.S. provisional patent application 62/903,859, filed on Sep. 22, 2019, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2020/050704 | 9/14/2020 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2021/055277 | 3/25/2021 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2056975 | Michal, Jr. | Oct 1936 | A |
| 5107612 | Bechtel | Apr 1992 | A |
| 5355609 | Schenke | Oct 1994 | A |
| 5622000 | Marlowe | Apr 1997 | A |
| 5735070 | Vasquez | Apr 1998 | A |
| 6385892 | Vendetti | May 2002 | B1 |
| 6655069 | Kim | Dec 2003 | B2 |
| 6671991 | Danielson | Jan 2004 | B1 |
| 6785997 | Oz | Sep 2004 | B2 |
| 6851214 | Oz | Feb 2005 | B2 |
| 7264369 | Howe | Sep 2007 | B1 |
| D585517 | Faifer | Jan 2009 | S |
| 7559167 | Moody | Jul 2009 | B1 |
| 7578090 | Romaszka | Aug 2009 | B1 |
| 7784390 | Lowell | Aug 2010 | B1 |
| 7900390 | Moody | Mar 2011 | B2 |
| D642651 | Faifer | Aug 2011 | S |
| D643497 | Fitzpatrick | Aug 2011 | S |
| 7987627 | Woodmansee, III | Aug 2011 | B2 |
| 8109032 | Faifer | Feb 2012 | B2 |
| 8117782 | Gross | Feb 2012 | B2 |
| D665043 | Fitzpatrick | Aug 2012 | S |
| D670785 | Fitzpatrick | Nov 2012 | S |
| D672838 | Mayberry | Dec 2012 | S |
| 8393108 | Wilson | Mar 2013 | B1 |
| 8438769 | Ghannam | May 2013 | B1 |
| 8510979 | Mortimer | Aug 2013 | B1 |
| 8522467 | Christensen | Sep 2013 | B1 |
| 8528246 | Telles | Sep 2013 | B2 |
| D691236 | Fitzpatrick | Oct 2013 | S |
| 8683733 | Gross | Apr 2014 | B2 |
| 8857096 | McClintock | Oct 2014 | B2 |
| 8959820 | Larson, Jr. | Feb 2015 | B2 |
| 9062933 | Allen | Jun 2015 | B1 |
| 9170073 | Mangold | Oct 2015 | B2 |
| 9182194 | Moore | Nov 2015 | B2 |
| 9194652 | Esserman | Nov 2015 | B2 |
| D745623 | Flores | Dec 2015 | S |
| D745624 | Flores | Dec 2015 | S |
| D745629 | Barfoot | Dec 2015 | S |
| 9273930 | Jiminez | Mar 2016 | B2 |
| D755334 | Kielsmeier | May 2016 | S |
| 9341439 | Michal | May 2016 | B2 |
| 9341440 | Moore | May 2016 | B2 |
| 9464864 | Merlino | Oct 2016 | B2 |
| 9546848 | Burger, Sr. | Jan 2017 | B1 |
| 9581412 | Cheng | Feb 2017 | B2 |
| 9696111 | Saadon | Jul 2017 | B2 |
| 9696118 | Keeney | Jul 2017 | B2 |
| D803971 | Saadon | Nov 2017 | S |
| 9835411 | Larson, Jr. | Dec 2017 | B2 |
| 9841254 | Moore | Dec 2017 | B2 |
| 9857146 | Shelton | Jan 2018 | B1 |
| 9891020 | Jen | Feb 2018 | B2 |
| 10082363 | Burgess | Sep 2018 | B2 |
| 10184753 | Krebs | Jan 2019 | B2 |
| 10190840 | Renteria | Jan 2019 | B1 |
| 10222171 | Chavez | Mar 2019 | B2 |
| 10254085 | Willmann | Apr 2019 | B2 |
| 10267594 | Saadon | Apr 2019 | B2 |
| 10393473 | Maggiore | Aug 2019 | B2 |
| D860375 | Chavez | Sep 2019 | S |
| 10480897 | Keeney | Nov 2019 | B2 |
| D877279 | Bofill | Mar 2020 | S |
| 10612761 | Worman | Apr 2020 | B1 |
| 10655937 | Anderson | May 2020 | B2 |
| 10670251 | Hawk | Jun 2020 | B1 |
| 10788286 | Molina | Sep 2020 | B2 |
| 10845157 | Chavez | Nov 2020 | B2 |
| D906562 | Hawk | Dec 2020 | S |
| 10955217 | Saadon | Mar 2021 | B2 |
| D915541 | Chavez | Apr 2021 | S |
| 11009315 | Huang | May 2021 | B1 |
| 11047638 | Xu | Jun 2021 | B1 |
| 11118859 | Hawk | Sep 2021 | B1 |
| 11274901 | Burgess | Mar 2022 | B2 |
| D969953 | Fogg | Nov 2022 | S |
| D969954 | Fogg | Nov 2022 | S |
| 20060053673 | Murello | Mar 2006 | A1 |
| 20090122527 | Galli | May 2009 | A1 |
| 20090307954 | Wang | Dec 2009 | A1 |
| 20110107643 | Fitzpatrick | May 2011 | A1 |
| 20130205636 | Shull | Aug 2013 | A1 |
| 20170016695 | Willits | Jan 2017 | A1 |
| 20170023330 | Merlino | Jan 2017 | A1 |
| 20170082399 | Moore | Mar 2017 | A1 |
| 20190242674 | Berean | Aug 2019 | A1 |
| 20190390935 | Purkiss | Dec 2019 | A1 |
| 20200173755 | Gonzales | Jun 2020 | A1 |
| 20200200508 | Teetzel | Jun 2020 | A1 |
| 20200408489 | Hovsepian | Dec 2020 | A1 |
| 20210003370 | Martindale | Jan 2021 | A1 |
| 20210116214 | Mock | Apr 2021 | A1 |
| 20210222998 | Theisinger | Jul 2021 | A1 |
| 20210302121 | Saadon | Sep 2021 | A1 |
| 20210381800 | Holmes | Dec 2021 | A1 |
| 20220325979 | Tasyagan | Oct 2022 | A1 |
| 20230047874 | Sakiewicz | Feb 2023 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220364822 A1 | Nov 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62947429 | Dec 2019 | US | |
| 62933050 | Nov 2019 | US | |
| 62903859 | Sep 2019 | US |
