IL324255A - Removable back strap and weapon lanyard - Google Patents

Description

REMOVABLE BACKSTRAP AND LANYARD ASSEMBLY FOR A FIREARM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention pertains generally to firearms and, in particular aspects, to a removable backstrap and a lanyard assembly for a firearm. To increase comfort and ease of grip of a firearm, firearm manufacturers have designed and implemented various mechanisms. There remains, however, a desire for new and improved safety mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A firearm comprises a frame including a rear surface that may define a backstrap pin recess and a hook lever recess. A frame rail assembly may be attached to said rear surface of said frame. The frame rail assembly may include a first frame rail and a second frame rail extending from said rear surface of said frame. A first rail groove may be defined between said rear surface and said first rail and a second rail groove may be defined between said rear surface and said second rail. A lanyard hook lever recess may be defined through said frame between said first frame rail and said second frame rail. The firearm may also include a backstrap assembly comprising a backstrap body including a backstrap rear surface, a backstrap front surface, and a backstrap top surface. A backstrap recess may be defined through said backstrap front surface and the backstrap front surface may define a top perimeter and opposing side perimeters of said backstrap recess. A backstrap pin may extend from said backstrap top surface. A first backstrap rail and a second backstrap rail may extend from said backstrap front surface into said backstrap recess. A backstrap lock may extend from the backstrap front surface into said backstrap recess. The backstrap lock may comprise a biased locking element such as a spring-biased block or a hook lever. In some embodiments, the backstrap assembly may also include a backstrap pin support extending from said backstrap top surface, and the backstrap pin support may be support the backstrap pin. In some embodiments, the backstrap pin may be cylindrical. The backstrap pin is preferably sized to remove all pins of the firearm. The backstrap lock of the backstrap assembly may fit within said hook lever recess to couple said backstrap assembly to the rear surface of said frame. The first backstrap rail may be positioned within said first rail groove when said backstrap assembly is coupled to the rear surface of said frame. The second backstrap rail may be positioned within said second rail groove when said backstrap assembly is coupled to the rear surface of said frame. The backstrap pin may be positioned within said backstrap pin recess of said frame when backstrap assembly is couple to the rear surface of said frame. In some embodiments, the backstrap lock may include a hook lever top surface and a hook lever bottom surface. The first backstrap rail and said second backstrap rail may extend into said backstrap recess at a position below said hook lever bottom surface. In certain aspects, the backstrap hook lever may extend from the top perimeter of said backstrap recess.

In some embodiments, the backstrap rear surface may be curved. Additionally, a backstrap opening may be defined through said backstrap rear surface. In some embodiments, the backstrap front surface is in contact with said frame rear surface when said backstrap assembly is coupled to said frame. In some embodiments, the first rail may extend from one of the side perimeters of said backstrap recess, and the second rail may extend from the opposing side perimeter of said backstrap recess. In certain aspects, a first receiving groove may be defined below said first rail and a second receiving groove may be defined below said second rail. In some embodiments, at least one backstrap stop surface may be positioned on said frame. The at least one backstrap stop surface may be in contact with said backstrap top surface when said backstrap assembly is coupled to said frame. Additionally, the at least one backstrap stop surface may be adjacent to said backstrap pin recess. A lanyard hook lever recess may also be defined through the rear surface of the frame of the firearm. A lanyard receiving slot may be defined between said first frame rail and said second frame rail of the frame. A lanyard assembly may include a lanyard base, a lanyard lock (e.g., hook) extending from a side of said lanyard base, and a lanyard loop extending from an opposite side of said lanyard base as said lanyard hook. The lanyard loop may define a lanyard loop opening that extends through said lanyard loop. In some embodiments, the lanyard loop is semi-circular. The lanyard assembly may be positioned within the backstrap recess defined by said backstrap assembly when said lanyard assembly and said backstrap assembly are attached to said rear surface of said frame. The lanyard hook may include a front surface that includes a latch portion, a rear surface, and a curved top surface positioned between said front surface and said rear surface. The front surface of the lanyard hook may be substantially parallel to said rear surface of the lanyard hook. In some embodiments, the front surface of the lanyard hook may be elastic so that said front surface of said lanyard hook is configured to flex with respect to said rear surface. In some embodiments, the lanyard assembly may be fit within said lanyard receiving slot and said latch portion of said lanyard hook may be fit within said lanyard hook lever recess when said lanyard assembly is connected to said frame. A lanyard hook slot may be defined between said front surface of said lanyard hook and said rear surface of said lanyard hook. In some 30 instances, the latch portion of said lanyard hook may have a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the front surface. In some embodiments, the lanyard hook lever recess may be located between said first frame rail and said second frame rail. The lanyard loop may extend below the rear surface of said frame when said lanyard assembly is attached to said frame. The first frame rail and said second frame rail may limit side-to-side movement of said lanyard assembly when said lanyard assembly is attached to said rear surface of said frame. The lanyard base may include a top surface, a front surface, and rounded side surfaces. In some embodiments, the lanyard base may have a width that is greater than a width of said lanyard hook. The lanyard base may interact with said first frame rail and said second frame rail to limit upward movement of said lanyard assembly when said lanyard assembly is attached to said rear surface of said frame. In some embodiments, the front surface of said lanyard base is flat. Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with the frame and the slide removed. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with the frame and the slide removed. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a backstrap assembly of the firearm of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the backstrap assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the frame of the firearm of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the backstrap assembly of FIG. 4 assembled on the frame of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a lanyard assembly of the firearm of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the lanyard assembly of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a partial rear perspective view of the lanyard assembly of FIG. 8 assembled to the frame of FIG. 6. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the backstrap assembly of FIG. 4 and the lanyard assembly of FIG. 8 assembled on the frame of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTSFor the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity. Directional terms, such as forward, rearward, top, bottom, etc., are used in this description with reference to the specific embodiment shown and used for purposes of clarity. It should be recognized that these terms are not meant to be limiting. For the purposes of this description, the term “forward” refers to the direction moving toward the front end of the barrel, where a bullet exits upon being fired. The term “rearward” refers to a direction moving toward the grip end of the firearm. A side view of a firearm 20 is shown in FIG. 1. Firearm 20 includes a frame 30 that defines a magazine well 35 for receiving a magazine 40. A slide 50 is positioned atop the frame so that the slide 50 may move along the length of the frame 30. A barrel 60 is supported within the slide 50. The firearm 20 also includes a trigger assembly 110 that is housed within the frame 30. In some embodiments, the trigger assembly 110 may include a trigger 113 and a trigger safety 114 that is protected by a trigger guard 116. FIGS. 2 and 3 show a right side view and a left side view, respectively, of the firearm with the frame 30 and the slide 50 hidden to more clearly show the inner components of the firearm 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the trigger assembly 110 includes a trigger bar 120 that extends rearwardly from the trigger 113 and interacts with a sear assembly 130. The sear assembly 1interacts with the firing pin 160 to allow release of the firing pin when the trigger 113 is pulled so that the firing pin may contact a loaded cartridge to fire the firearm 20. A safety disassembly system 175 includes a safety disassembly lever 185 that is also capable of interaction with the sear assembly 130. The safety disassembly system 175 prevents accidental firing of the firearm 20 during disassembly of the firearm 20. In some embodiments, the safety disassembly lever 185 may also prevent disassembly of the firearm 20 when a magazine 40 is inserted into the magazine well. The safety disassembly lever 185 may also prevent insertion of a magazine 40 into the magazine well 35 when the safety disassembly system 175 is in a position to allow disassembly of the firearm 20. A trigger housing 200 may be fit within the frame 30 and may provide support for the trigger assembly 110 and may also provide additional support for the frame 30. In addition to supporting the trigger assembly, the trigger housing 200 may also support the safety disassembly system 175. In some embodiments, the trigger housing 200 may define opposed openings through which a portion of the safety disassembly system 175 may be inserted. The trigger housing 200 may also provide support for a slide stop assembly 240. The slide stop assembly 240 may include a slide stop lever and a slide stop pin. The slide stop assembly 240 allows the slide 50 to be held in a rearward position. A recoil spring assembly 260 is positioned below the barrel 60. The recoil spring assembly 260 assists to return the slide 50 to a forward position after the firearm 20 is fired. A magazine catch assembly 310 is found within the frame 30 and adjacent to the magazine well 35 and the magazine 40 when the magazine 40 is loaded into the magazine well. The magazine catch assembly 310 holds the magazine 40 within the magazine well 35, and operation of the magazine catch assembly allows the magazine 40 to be released from the magazine well 35. In some embodiments, the magazine catch assembly 310 is designed to be ambidextrous so it may be operated by a right-handed or a left-handed user from either side of the firearm 20. Further, in some embodiments, the magazine catch assembly 310 may operate to prevent release of the magazine 40 from the magazine well 35 when the trigger 113 is pulled. The firearm 20 also includes a manual safety assembly 340 which is positioned near the rearward end of the firearm 20. The manual safety assembly 340 may be in contact with and secured to a portion of the trigger housing 200. The manual safety assembly 340 may be rotatable with respect to the trigger housing 200, so that when the manual safety assembly 340 is rotated into an engaged orientation, the manual safety assembly 340 prevents rotation of the sear assembly 130. This prevents the firearm 20 from firing because the sear assembly 130 is unable to rotate to release the firing pin 160. A backstrap assembly 360 is attachable to a rearward face of the frame 30. The backstrap assembly 360 provides a grip for a user firing the firearm 20. The backstrap assembly 360 may be designed to ergonomically fit within the hand of a user to increase comfort and make the firearm 20 more secure and easier to handle. In some embodiments, the backstrap assembly 3may be designed to be attached and detached from the frame 30 without the need for an additional tool. Additionally, in some embodiments, the backstrap assembly 360 may include a lanyard assembly 390 that allows a lanyard to be attached the firearm 20. An optical sight assembly 410 may be positioned on the top of the slide 50 of firearm 20. The slide 50 may include multiple mounting locations for the optical sight assembly 410 so that different varieties of optical sight assemblies 410 may be attached to the slide 50 as desired without the need for different mounting plates to be installed on the slide 50. A side perspective view of the backstrap assembly 360 is shown in FIG. 4. The backstrap assembly 360 includes backstrap body 362 having a rear surface 363. In the embodiment shown, the rear surface 363 of the backstrap body 362 is curved to fit comfortably in the hand of a user of the firearm 20 and to assist with the grip of a user of the firearm 20. In other embodiments, the rear surface 363 may be flat or may have any other suitable, desired shape. The backstrap body 362 may also include a backstrap top surface 364 and a backstrap pin support 366 that extends from the backstrap top surface 364. A backstrap pin 368 is supported by and extends from the backstrap pin support 366. In the embodiment shown, the backstrap pin 368 is cylindrical and has a circular cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the backstrap pin 368 may have a different suitable shape. For example, the backstrap pin 368 may be rectangular or hexagonal. In some embodiments, the backstrap pin 368 may be configured to act as a tool for disassembly and assembly of various parts of the firearm 20. In some embodiments of firearm 20, the backstrap pin 368 may be the only tool that is necessary to allow for disassembly and/or assembly of the firearm 20. A rear backstrap opening 370 may also be defined through the backstrap body 362. A front view of the backstrap assembly 360 is illustrated in FIG. 5. The backstrap body 362 includes a backstrap front surface 373. A backstrap recess 375 is defined in the backstrap body 362 through the backstrap front surface 373. The backstrap front surface 373 defines a backstrap recess top perimeter 374 and a pair of backstrap recess side perimeters 376. A rail 378 extends from the backstrap front surface 373 into the backstrap recess 375 at each of the side perimeters 376 defining the backstrap recess 375. A receiving groove 379 is defined below each of the rails 378.

In addition to the rails 378, a backstrap hook lever 380 extends from the backstrap front surface 373 at the top perimeter 374 into the backstrap recess 375. In the embodiment shown, the backstrap hook lever 380 is positioned at the top edge of the backstrap recess 375. The backstrap hook lever 380 includes a hook lever arm 381 that has at least some amount of elasticity that allows the backstrap hook lever 380 to be flexible and to allow movement of the backstrap hook lever 380 in the forward and rearward directions. The backstrap hook lever 3also includes a hook lever body 382 that extends from the hook lever arm 381 and that includes a hook lever top surface 383 and a hook lever bottom surface 384. The hook lever body 3extends from the hook lever arm 381 so that the hook lever body 382 may move with the hook lever arm 381. FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the frame 30 of the firearm 20 with the backstrap assembly 360 removed. The frame 30 includes a rear surface 430. In the embodiments shown, at least a portion of the rear surface 430 is substantially flat and planar. The rear surface 430 defines a backstrap pin recess 432 for receiving the backstrap pin 368 and the backstrap pin support. Backstrap stop surfaces 434 are positioned adjacent to and on each side of the backstrap pin recess 432. A hook lever recess 442 is defined through the frame rear surface 430 at a position below the backstrap pin recess 432. The backstrap hook lever recess 442 is configured to receive the backstrap hook lever 380 of the backstrap assembly 360 when the backstrap assembly 360 is attached to the frame 30. The rear surface 430 of the frame 30 also includes a frame rail assembly 450. The frame rail assembly 450 includes two spaced frame rails 452 that extend outward from the rear surface 430. A lanyard receiving slot 453 is defined between the two rails 452. A rail groove 454 is defined between the length of each of the frame rails 452 and the frame rear surface 430. A lanyard hook lever recess 456 is defined through the frame rear surface 430 in a portion of the space between the frame rails 452. A method of assembling and disassembling the backstrap assembly 360 to the frame 30 is described below. To assembly the backstrap assembly 360 to the frame 30, as shown in FIG. 7, the backstrap assembly 360 is positioned with respect to the rear surface 430 of the frame 30 so that the backstrap pin 368 is longitudinally aligned with the backstrap pin recess 432 and so that the rails 378 of the backstrap assembly 360 are longitudinally aligned with the rail grooves 454 defined by the frame rail assembly 450 on the rear surface 430 of frame 30. The backstrap assembly 360 is then moved upward so that the backstrap pin 368 enters the backstrap pin recess 432 and so that the rails 378 are slid into the rail grooves 454 of the frame rail assembly 450. As the backstrap assembly 360 is moved upward with respect to the frame 30, the backstrap hook lever 380 aligns with the hook lever recess 442 in the rear surface 430 of the frame 30. The elasticity and bias of the backstrap hook lever 380 allows the hook lever body 382 to enter the hook lever recess 442 when the backstrap hook lever 380 is aligned with the hook lever recess 442. Once the backstrap hook lever 380 is positioned within the hook lever recess 442, the backstrap hook lever 380, along with other features of the backstrap assembly 360 may operate to prevent movement of the backstrap assembly 360 with respect to the frame 30. The backstrap top surface 364 is in contact with the backstrap stop surfaces 434 on the rear surface 430 of the frame 30, and the backstrap stop surfaces 434 prevent any further upward movement of the backstrap assembly 360. The backstrap hook lever 380 is positioned within the hook lever recess 442 so that the hook lever top surface 383 contacts a top surface of the hook lever recess 442 to prevent upward movement of the backstrap assembly 360 with respect to the frame 30. The hook lever bottom surface 384 contacts a bottom surface of the hook lever recess 442 to prevent downward movement of the backstrap assembly 360 with respect to the frame 30. In some embodiments, when the backstrap hook lever 380 positioned in the hook lever recess 442, a bottom edge of the backstrap assembly 360 is aligned with and flush to the bottom edge of the frame 30 of the firearm 20. Lateral movement of the backstrap assembly 360 is limited by interaction of the rails 3with the frame rails 452 of the frame rail assembly 450. When the rails 378 are positioned within a respective rail groove 454 of the frame rail assembly 450, the frame rails 452 prevent left and right movement of the backstrap assembly 360. For example, the left backstrap rail 3comes into contact with the left frame rail 452 upon movement of the backstrap assembly 360 to the right with respect to the frame 30. Similarly, the right backstrap rail 378 comes into contact with the right frame rail 452 upon movement of the backstrap assembly 360 to the left with respect to frame 30. Interaction between the backstrap rails 378 and the frame rails 452 may also assist to prevent forward and rearward movement of the backstrap assembly 360 with respect to the frame 30. Contact between the rear surface 430 of the frame 30 and the backstrap rails 378 prevents movement of the backstrap assembly 360 in the forward direction with respect to the frame 30. Likewise, contact between the frame rails 452 and the backstrap rails 378 prevents the backstrap assembly 360 from moving rearwardly with respect to the frame 30 when the backstrap rails 3are positioned within the rail grooves 454. Disassembly of the backstrap assembly 360 from the frame 30 of the firearm 20 may be accomplished without the use of additional tools. To disassemble the backstrap assembly 360, the backstrap hook lever 380 is pushed rearwardly so that the hook lever body 382 is removed from the hook lever recess 442. In some embodiments, the hook lever body 382 may be removed from the hook lever recess 442 by pushing rearwardly on the hook lever body 3through the magazine well 35 of the firearm 20 with a user’s finger. After removing backstrap hook lever 380 from the hook lever recess 442, the backstrap assembly 360 may be pulled downward to slide the backstrap rails 378 out of the rail grooves 454 of the frame rail assembly 450 and to remove the backstrap pin 368 from the backstrap pin recess 432. In some embodiments, the firearm 20 may include a lanyard assembly 390. The lanyard assembly 390 allows a lanyard or another similar attachment mechanism to be attached to the firearm 20. The lanyard may be used to secure the firearm 20 to the user and assist to prevent the firearm 20 from being lost or stolen. A front view of the lanyard assembly 390 is shown in FIG. 8, and a rear view of the lanyard assembly 390 is shown in FIG. 9. The lanyard assembly 390 includes a lanyard hook 392 and a lanyard base 400. A lanyard loop 408 is attached to and extends from the lanyard base 400. The lanyard hook 392 includes a flat rear surface 394 and a front surface 396 that are connected by a curved top surface 395, giving the lanyard hook 392 a U-shape. In the embodiment shown, the front surface 396 is arranged to be substantially parallel to the rear surface 394. The front surface 396 includes an angled surface that forms a part of a latch portion 397 of the front surface 396 of the lanyard hook 392. The angled surface is angled outward so that the thickness of the latch portion 397 is greater than the thickness the portion of the front surface 396 positioned above the angled surface. A lanyard hook slot 399 is defined between the front surface 396 of the lanyard hook 392 and the rear surface 394 of the lanyard hook 392. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the lanyard base 400 has a top surface 401 and rounded side surfaces 402 that extend outward with respect to the lanyard hook 392. A front surface 403 of the lanyard base 400 is flat, and the lanyard base 400 includes a bottom surface 404. A lanyard base recess 405 is defined through the front surface 403 of the lanyard base 400. The lanyard base 400 is connected to the lanyard hook 392 at the bottom of lanyard hook 392. The lanyard loop 408 is attached to the lanyard base 400 and extends from the bottom surface 404 of lanyard base 400. A lanyard loop opening 409 is defined through the lanyard loop 408. In the embodiment shown, the lanyard loop 408 is semi-circular in shape and the lanyard loop opening 409 is circular. However, in other embodiments, the lanyard loop 408 may be any shape that may define a lanyard loop opening 409. For example, the lanyard loop 408 may be rectangular or square. FIG. 10 shows the lanyard assembly 390 attached to the rear surface 430 of the frame 30. As shown, the lanyard hook 392 of the lanyard assembly 390 fits within the lanyard receiving slot 453 defined between the two frame rails 452 that extend from the rear surface 430 of the frame 30. The lanyard assembly 390 may be slid within lanyard receiving slot 453 until the latch portion 397 of the lanyard hook 392 is fit within the lanyard hook lever recess 456 defined through the frame rear surface 430 (see FIG. 11). The elasticity of the lanyard hook 392 and/or portions thereof allows the latch portion 397 to enter the lanyard hook lever recess 456 without the need for additional tools. Once the lanyard assembly 390 is positioned within the lanyard receiving slot 453, there are several features of the lanyard assembly 390 that help to prevent unwanted movement of the lanyard assembly 390 with respect to the frame 30. As shown, the width of the lanyard receiving slot 453 is slightly larger the width of the lanyard hook 392. This permits the lanyard hook 392 to fit within the lanyard receiving slot 453, but also allows the frame rails 452 to generally prevent side to side movement of the lanyard assembly 390 when the lanyard hook 3is fit within the lanyard receiving slot 453. Additionally, the latch portion 397 of the lanyard hook 392 may help to prevent upward and/or downward movement of the lanyard assembly 390 with respect to the frame 30 by contacting a top perimeter surface of the lanyard hook lever recess 456 to prevent upward movement and/or contacting a bottom perimeter surface of the lanyard hook lever recess 456 to prevent downward movement of the lanyard assembly 390. The lanyard base 400 has a width that is greater than the width of the lanyard receiving slot 453 so that the lanyard assembly 390 may be inserted into the lanyard receiving slot 453 up to the lanyard base 400, but not any further than the lanyard base 400. The lanyard base 400 prevents further upward movement of the lanyard assembly 390 into the lanyard receiving slot 453 as the frame rails 452 contact the top surface 401 of the lanyard base 400. When the frame rails 452 are in contact with the lanyard base 400, the lanyard loop 408 that extends from the lanyard base 400 is positioned below a bottom surface of the frame 30 so that the lanyard loop 408 is accessible to serve as a connection point for a lanyard. FIG. 11 shows a cross sectional view of the frame 30 of firearm 20 with the backstrap assembly 360 and the lanyard assembly 390 attached to the frame 30. As shown, when the lanyard assembly 390 is fit into the lanyard receiving slot 453 between the frame rails 452, the latch portion 397 of the lanyard assembly may be inserted into the lanyard hook lever recess 4defined through the frame rear surface 430. The backstrap assembly 360 may also be attached to the frame rear surface 430 in the manner already described above. The lanyard assembly 390 fits within the backstrap recess 375 defined by the backstrap assembly 360 so that both the backstrap assembly 360 and the lanyard assembly 390 may be attached to the frame 30 at the same time. As shown, the lanyard loop 408 extends out of the backstrap recess 375 and below a bottom surface of the backstrap assembly 360 so that the lanyard loop 408 is accessible to a user of the firearm 20. Similar to assembly of the lanyard assembly 390 on the frame 30, disassembly of the lanyard assembly 390 may be performed without the use of a tool. To disassemble the lanyard assembly 390 from the frame 30, the latch portion 397 of the lanyard hook 392 is removed from the lanyard hook lever recess 456 defined through the rear frame surface 430. This may be accomplished by pushing the latch portion 397 rearward using a user’s finger inserted into the magazine well of the firearm. The lanyard assembly 390 may then be slid downward within the lanyard receiving slot 453 defined between the frame rails 452 to disconnect the lanyard assembly 390 from the frame 30. The following numbered clauses set out specific embodiments that may be useful in understanding the present invention: 1. A backstrap assembly comprising: a backstrap body including a backstrap rear surface, a backstrap front surface, and a backstrap top surface, wherein a backstrap recess is defined through said backstrap front surface and wherein the backstrap front surface defines a top perimeter and opposing side perimeters of said backstrap recess; a backstrap pin extending from said backstrap top surface; a first rail and a second rail extending from said backstrap front surface into said backstrap recess; and a backstrap lock extending from the backstrap front surface into said backstrap recess. 2. The backstrap assembly of clause 1, wherein said backstrap lock includes a hook lever top surface and a hook lever bottom surface. 3. The backstrap assembly of clause 2, wherein said first rail and said second rail extend into said backstrap recess at a position below said hook lever bottom surface. 4. The backstrap assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising: a backstrap pin support extending from said backstrap top surface; and wherein said backstrap pin is supported by said backstrap pin support. 5. The backstrap assembly of any preceding clause, wherein a backstrap opening is defined through said backstrap rear surface. 6. The backstrap assembly of any preceding clause, wherein said backstrap rear surface is curved. 7. The backstrap assembly of any preceding clause, wherein said backstrap pin is cylindrical. 8. The backstrap assembly of any preceding clause, wherein a first receiving groove is defined below said first rail and a second receiving groove is defined below said second rail. 9. The backstrap assembly of any preceding clause, wherein said backstrap lock extends from the top perimeter of said backstrap recess. 10. The backstrap assembly of any preceding clause, wherein said first rail extends from one of the side perimeters of said backstrap recess, and wherein said second rail extends from the opposing side perimeter of said backstrap recess. 11. A firearm comprising: a frame including a rear surface, wherein said rear surface defines a backstrap pin recess and a hook lever recess; a frame rail assembly attached to said rear surface of said frame, wherein said frame rail assembly includes a first frame rail and a second frame rail extending from said rear surface of said frame, wherein a first rail groove is defined between said rear surface and said first rail and wherein a second rail groove is defined between said rear surface and said second rail; a backstrap assembly comprising: a backstrap body including a backstrap rear surface, a backstrap front surface, and a backstrap top surface; a backstrap pin extending from said backstrap body; a first backstrap rail and a second backstrap rail on said backstrap front surface; and a backstrap lock extending from the backstrap front surface; and wherein said backstrap lock is configured to fit within said hook lever recess to couple said backstrap assembly to the rear surface of said frame. 12. The firearm of clause 11, wherein said first backstrap rail is positioned within said first rail groove when said backstrap assembly is coupled to the rear surface of said frame, and wherein said second backstrap rail is positioned within said second rail groove when said backstrap assembly is coupled to the rear surface of said frame. 13. The firearm of any one of clauses 11-12, wherein said backstrap pin is positioned within said backstrap pin recess of said frame when backstrap assembly is couple to the rear surface of said frame. 14. The firearm of any one of clauses 11-13, further comprising: a lanyard hook lever recess defined through said frame between said first frame rail and said second frame rail. 15. The firearm of any one of clauses 11-14, further comprising: at least one backstrap stop surface positioned on said frame; wherein said at least one backstrap stop surface is in contact with said backstrap top surface when said backstrap assembly is coupled to said frame. 16. The firearm of clause 15, wherein said at least one backstrap stop surface is adjacent to said backstrap pin recess. 17. The firearm of any one of clauses 11-16, wherein said backstrap front surface defines a backstrap recess. 18. The firearm of clause 17, wherein said backstrap lock extends from said backstrap front surface into said backstrap recess. 19. The firearm of clause 17, wherein first backstrap rail and said second backstrap rail extend from backstrap front surface into said backstrap recess.

. The firearm of any one of clauses 11-19, wherein said backstrap front surface is in contact with said frame rear surface when said backstrap assembly is coupled to said frame. 21. A firearm comprising: a frame including a rear surface, wherein said rear surface defines a lanyard hook lever recess; a frame rail assembly attached to said rear surface of said frame, wherein said frame rail assembly includes a first frame rail and a second frame rail extending from said rear surface of said frame, wherein a lanyard receiving slot is defined between said first frame rail and said second frame rail; a lanyard assembly comprising: a lanyard base; a lanyard hook extending from a side of said lanyard base, wherein said lanyard hook includes a front surface that includes a latch portion; a lanyard loop extending from an opposite side of said lanyard base as said lanyard hook; and wherein said lanyard assembly is fit within said lanyard receiving slot and said latch portion of said lanyard hook is fit within said lanyard hook lever recess when said lanyard assembly is connected to said frame. 22. The firearm of clause 21, wherein said lanyard hook lever recess is located between said first frame rail and said second frame rail. 23. The firearm of any one of clauses 21-22, wherein said lanyard loop extends below the rear surface of said frame when said lanyard assembly is attached to said frame. 24. The firearm of any one of clauses 21-23, wherein said lanyard base has a width that is greater than a width of said lanyard hook. 25. The firearm of clause 24, wherein said lanyard base includes a flat front surface and rounded side surfaces. 26. The firearm of clause 24, wherein said lanyard base is configured to interact with said first frame rail and said second frame rail to limit upward movement of said lanyard assembly when said lanyard assembly is attached to said rear surface of said frame. 27. The firearm of any one of clauses 21-26, wherein said lanyard hook includes a rear surface and a curved top surface positioned between said front surface and said rear surface. 28. The firearm of clause 27, wherein a lanyard hook slot is defined between said front surface of said lanyard hook and said rear surface of said lanyard hook. 29. The firearm of any one of clauses 21-28, wherein said latch portion of said lanyard hook has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the front surface. 30. The firearm of any one of clauses 21-29, wherein a lanyard loop opening is defined through said lanyard loop. 31. The firearm of any one of clauses 21-30, wherein said first frame rail and said second frame rail limit side-to-side movement of said lanyard assembly when said lanyard assembly is attached to said rear surface of said frame. 32. The firearm of any one of clauses 21-31, further comprising: a backstrap assembly attachable to said rear surface of said frame. 33. The firearm of clause 32, wherein said lanyard assembly is positioned within a backstrap recess defined by said backstrap assembly when said lanyard assembly and said backstrap assembly are attached to said rear surface of said frame. 34. A lanyard assembly attachable to a frame of a firearm, the lanyard assembly comprising: a lanyard base including a top surface, a front surface, and rounded side surfaces; a lanyard hook extending from said top surface of side of said lanyard base, wherein said lanyard hook includes a front surface that includes a latch portion, a rear surface, and a curved top surface positioned between said front surface and said rear surface, wherein said front surface is substantially parallel to said rear surface; and a lanyard loop extending from a bottom surface of said lanyard base, wherein said lanyard loop defines a lanyard loop opening that extends through said lanyard loop. 35. The lanyard assembly of clause 34, wherein a lanyard hook slot is defined between said front surface of said lanyard hook and said rear surface of said lanyard hook. 36. The lanyard assembly of any one of clauses 34-35, wherein said lanyard loop is semi- circular. 37. The lanyard assembly of any one of clauses 34-36, wherein said front surface of said lanyard hook is elastic so that said front surface of said lanyard hook is configured to flex with respect to said rear surface. 38. The lanyard assembly of any one of clauses 34-37, wherein said latch portion of said front surface of said lanyard hook has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of a remainder of said front surface. 39. The lanyard assembly of any one of clauses 34-38, wherein said lanyard base has a width that is greater than a width of said lanyard hook. 40. The lanyard assembly of any one of clauses 34-39, wherein said front surface of said lanyard base is flat. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.

Claims (40)

1. CLAIMS1. A backstrap assembly comprising: a backstrap body including a backstrap rear surface, a backstrap front surface, and a backstrap top surface, wherein a backstrap recess is defined through said backstrap front surface and wherein the backstrap front surface defines a top perimeter and opposing side perimeters of said backstrap recess; a backstrap pin extending from said backstrap top surface; a first rail and a second rail extending from said backstrap front surface into said backstrap recess; and a backstrap lock extending from the backstrap front surface into said backstrap recess.
2. 2. The backstrap assembly of claim 1, wherein said backstrap lock includes a hook lever top surface and a hook lever bottom surface.
3. 3. The backstrap assembly of claim 2, wherein said first rail and said second rail extend into said backstrap recess at a position below said hook lever bottom surface.
4. 4. The backstrap assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a backstrap pin support extending from said backstrap top surface; and wherein said backstrap pin is supported by said backstrap pin support.
5. 5. The backstrap assembly of claim 1, wherein a backstrap opening is defined through said backstrap rear surface.
6. 6. The backstrap assembly of claim 1, wherein said backstrap rear surface is curved.
7. 7. The backstrap assembly of claim 1, wherein said backstrap pin is cylindrical.
8. 8. The backstrap assembly of claim 1, wherein a first receiving groove is defined below said first rail and a second receiving groove is defined below said second rail.
9. 9. The backstrap assembly of claim 1, wherein said backstrap lock extends from the top perimeter of said backstrap recess.
10. 10. The backstrap assembly of claim 1, wherein said first rail extends from one of the side perimeters of said backstrap recess, and wherein said second rail extends from the opposing side perimeter of said backstrap recess.
11. 11. A firearm comprising: a frame including a rear surface, wherein said rear surface defines a backstrap pin recess and a hook lever recess; a frame rail assembly attached to said rear surface of said frame, wherein said frame rail assembly includes a first frame rail and a second frame rail extending from said rear surface of said frame, wherein a first rail groove is defined between said rear surface and said first rail and wherein a second rail groove is defined between said rear surface and said second rail; a backstrap assembly comprising: a backstrap body including a backstrap rear surface, a backstrap front surface, and a backstrap top surface; a backstrap pin extending from said backstrap body; a first backstrap rail and a second backstrap rail on said backstrap front surface; and a backstrap lock extending from the backstrap front surface; and wherein said backstrap lock is configured to fit within said hook lever recess to couple said backstrap assembly to the rear surface of said frame.
12. 12. The firearm of claim 11, wherein said first backstrap rail is positioned within said first rail groove when said backstrap assembly is coupled to the rear surface of said frame, and wherein said second backstrap rail is positioned within said second rail groove when said backstrap assembly is coupled to the rear surface of said frame.
13. 13. The firearm of claim 11, wherein said backstrap pin is positioned within said backstrap pin recess of said frame when backstrap assembly is couple to the rear surface of said frame.
14. 14. The firearm of claim 11, further comprising: a lanyard hook lever recess defined through said frame between said first frame rail and said second frame rail.
15. 15. The firearm of claim 11, further comprising: at least one backstrap stop surface positioned on said frame; wherein said at least one backstrap stop surface is in contact with said backstrap top surface when said backstrap assembly is coupled to said frame.
16. 16. The firearm of claim 15, wherein said at least one backstrap stop surface is adjacent to said backstrap pin recess.
17. 17. The firearm of claim 11, wherein said backstrap front surface defines a backstrap recess.
18. 18. The firearm of claim 17, wherein said backstrap lock extends from said backstrap front surface into said backstrap recess.
19. 19. The firearm of claim 17, wherein first backstrap rail and said second backstrap rail extend from backstrap front surface into said backstrap recess.
20. 20. The firearm of claim 11, wherein said backstrap front surface is in contact with said frame rear surface when said backstrap assembly is coupled to said frame.
21. 21. A firearm comprising: a frame including a rear surface, wherein said rear surface defines a lanyard hook lever recess; a frame rail assembly attached to said rear surface of said frame, wherein said frame rail assembly includes a first frame rail and a second frame rail extending from said rear surface of said frame, wherein a lanyard receiving slot is defined between said first frame rail and said second frame rail; a lanyard assembly comprising: a lanyard base; a lanyard hook extending from a side of said lanyard base, wherein said lanyard hook includes a front surface that includes a latch portion; a lanyard loop extending from an opposite side of said lanyard base as said lanyard hook; and wherein said lanyard assembly is fit within said lanyard receiving slot and said latch portion of said lanyard hook is fit within said lanyard hook lever recess when said lanyard assembly is connected to said frame.
22. 22. The firearm of claim 21, wherein said lanyard hook lever recess is located between said first frame rail and said second frame rail.
23. 23. The firearm of claim 21, wherein said lanyard loop extends below the rear surface of said frame when said lanyard assembly is attached to said frame.
24. 24. The firearm of claim 21, wherein said lanyard base has a width that is greater than a width of said lanyard hook.
25. 25. The firearm of claim 24, wherein said lanyard base includes a flat front surface and rounded side surfaces.
26. 26. The firearm of claim 24, wherein said lanyard base is configured to interact with said first frame rail and said second frame rail to limit upward movement of said lanyard assembly when said lanyard assembly is attached to said rear surface of said frame.
27. 27. The firearm of claim 21, wherein said lanyard hook includes a rear surface and a curved top surface positioned between said front surface and said rear surface.
28. 28. The firearm of claim 27, wherein a lanyard hook slot is defined between said front surface of said lanyard hook and said rear surface of said lanyard hook.
29. 29. The firearm of claim 21, wherein said latch portion of said lanyard hook has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the front surface.
30. 30. The firearm of claim 21, wherein a lanyard loop opening is defined through said lanyard loop.
31. 31. The firearm of claim 21, wherein said first frame rail and said second frame rail limit side-to-side movement of said lanyard assembly when said lanyard assembly is attached to said rear surface of said frame.
32. 32. The firearm of claim 21, further comprising: a backstrap assembly attachable to said rear surface of said frame.
33. 33. The firearm of claim 32, wherein said lanyard assembly is positioned within a backstrap recess defined by said backstrap assembly when said lanyard assembly and said backstrap assembly are attached to said rear surface of said frame.
34. 34. A lanyard assembly attachable to a frame of a firearm, the lanyard assembly comprising: a lanyard base including a top surface, a front surface, and rounded side surfaces; a lanyard hook extending from said top surface of side of said lanyard base, wherein said lanyard hook includes a front surface that includes a latch portion, a rear surface, and a curved top surface positioned between said front surface and said rear surface, wherein said front surface is substantially parallel to said rear surface; and a lanyard loop extending from a bottom surface of said lanyard base, wherein said lanyard loop defines a lanyard loop opening that extends through said lanyard loop.
35. 35. The lanyard assembly of claim 34, wherein a lanyard hook slot is defined between said front surface of said lanyard hook and said rear surface of said lanyard hook.
36. 36. The lanyard assembly of claim 34, wherein said lanyard loop is semi-circular.
37. 37. The lanyard assembly of claim 34, wherein said front surface of said lanyard hook is elastic so that said front surface of said lanyard hook is configured to flex with respect to said rear surface.
38. 38. The lanyard assembly of claim 34, wherein said latch portion of said front surface of said lanyard hook has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of a remainder of said front surface.
39. 39. The lanyard assembly of claim 34, wherein said lanyard base has a width that is greater than a width of said lanyard hook.
40. 40. The lanyard assembly of claim 34, wherein said front surface of said lanyard base is flat. For the Applicant WOLFF , BREGMAN AND GOLLER By: