US20070017138A1

US20070017138A1 - Weapon grip assist

Info

Publication number: US20070017138A1
Application number: US11/195,295
Authority: US
Inventors: Kevin Young
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-04-25
Filing date: 2005-08-02
Publication date: 2007-01-25
Also published as: WO2007046861A3; WO2007046861A2

Abstract

A receiving brace is provided adapted to receive at least a portion of a weapon, having an upper side, a lower side, a forward end, a rear end, a first side and a second side. The receiving brace is at least partially open at its upper side for receiving a portion of the weapon. The receiving brace is adapted to receive a portion of the hand of a user grasping the weapon within the receiving brace at its rear end. At least one retaining element is provided adjacent the rear end of the receiving brace, the retaining element adapted to extend from the first side to the second side of the receiving brace, and adapted to assist in securing the hand of a user gripping the weapon within the receiving brace.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/674,533, filed Apr. 25, 2005, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally, to the fields of articles for retaining a weapon proximate to a user's hand, and to protective hand shields for a weapon's user.

BACKGROUND

As used herein, the terms “firearm” or “weapon” are used interchangeably and include, but are not limited to, hand-held weapons such as pistols, rifles and handguns, including automatic pistols, revolvers, machine guns, and stun guns. Holsters or holders for handheld weapons are well known in the art. Once a weapon is drawn by a user from a holster or holder, it is retained only by the user's hand. Maintaining that firearm in the user's hand is therefore dependent on a user's continued grip. If the user loses their grip on the weapon, the weapon can be dropped or otherwise lost. This may happen for any number of reasons. For example, if the user such as a police officer or military personnel is in pursuit of a target and is jarred by a fall or impact, the user can lose their firearm. The user may be particularly prone to losing their grip on a hand weapon if the impact is to the hand and/or fingers grasping the weapon. In addition, during a firefight or other tense situation, a user's hand may become moist such as from sweat. Any of these situations compromising grip on a weapon can obviously result in a dangerous situation, with the user left unarmed at a critical instant.
In addition, normally, a user's hand is vulnerable when holding a firearm. The user's hand can be injured, such as during a firefight. This, too, will result in dropping the user's weapon at a critical time.
There is, therefore, a need for an article that assists in preserving a user's grip on a weapon.
There is further the need for a hand shield that protects a user's hand while the user is using a weapon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the identified needs. The present invention reduces the risk of this occurring by providing a receiving and retaining device that includes a receiving brace for receiving a portion of a weapon, and retaining elements to retain a portion of a user's hand gripping the weapon within a portion of the receiving brace. The receiving brace may also acts as a hand and finger shield when the user is gripping a firearm within the receiving brace. Various embodiments of the device are described and depicted below.
In general, the present invention is directed to an article for retaining a portion of a user's hand adjacent a weapon to prevent dropping the weapon, and also for shielding at least a part of the user's hand. A receiving brace is provided adapted to receive at least a portion of a weapon, having an upper side, a lower side, a forward end, a rear end, a first side and a second side. The receiving brace is at least partially open at its upper side for receiving a portion of the weapon. The receiving brace is adapted to receive a portion of the hand of a user grasping the weapon within the receiving brace at its rear end. At least one retaining element is provided adjacent the rear end of the receiving brace, the retaining element adapted to extend from the first side to the second side of the receiving brace, and adapted to assist in securing the hand of a user gripping the weapon within the receiving brace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the first side of a first embodiment of a weapon grip assist of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the first side of the weapon grip assist of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, with the retaining elements positioned as about a user's hand.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the first side of the weapon grip assist of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, with a user's hand secured within the weapon grip assist.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the first second side of another embodiment of the weapon grip assist of the present invention, with a user's hand secured within the weapon grip assist.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the second side of the weapon grip assist of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, with a user's hand secured within the weapon grip assist.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view from the second side of another embodiment of a weapon grip assist of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the first side of another embodiment of a weapon grip assist of the present invention, showing a revolver in the weapon grip assist.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view from the first side of another embodiment of a weapon grip assist of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view from the second side of another embodiment of a weapon grip assist of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along lines in FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view from the second side of another embodiment of a weapon grip assist of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the weapon grip assist of the present invention inserted into a holster.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view from the first side of another embodiment of the weapon grip assist of the present invention inserted, with a clip attached to the side.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the following detailed description for convenience only and is not considered limiting. Several embodiments of a weapon grip assist of the present invention are disclosed here and in the Figures. For clarity, within this document all reference to the top and bottom of the weapon grip assist will correspond to the weapon grip assist as oriented in FIGS. 1-4. Likewise, all reference to the front or forward portion of the weapon grip assist will correspond to the rightmost part of said weapon grip assist as viewed in FIGS. 1-4, and all reference to the rear portion of said weapon grip assist will correspond to the leftmost part of said grip assist as viewed in FIGS. 1-4. The words “upper” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “forward” and “rear” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Additionally, the terms “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically noted.
FIGS. 1-3 show one embodiment of the present weapon grip assist 10. A receiving brace 12 is provided for receiving at least a portion of a weapon and at least a portion of a user's hand. The terms “receiving brace” or “brace” as used herein are directed to a generally U-shaped body, having at least one open end portion (designated as the second end 20 herein) adapted to receive in combination at least a portion of a weapon and at least a portion of the hand of a user holding the weapon. The term “receiving brace” as used herein encompasses other shaped bodies adapted to receive in combination at least a portion of a weapon and at least a portion of the hand of a user holding the weapon, such as, for example, a generally V-shaped body, or other arrangements.
The receiving brace 12 has an upper weapon receiving area 14 defined between a first side 22 and a second side 24 that are connected by a lower portion 16. The receiving brace 12 has a first end 18 which in use will face away from a user, and a second end 20 that is open to receive a user's hand. The second end 20 further provides a cover for at least a portion of a user's hand when the user's hand is gripping a weapon 68 within the receiving brace 12. The receiving brace 12 is adapted to receive a weapon 68, as shown in for example FIGS. 3-5, and as will be described in further detail below. The receiving brace 12 is preferably sized to receive in combination portions of the weapon 68 in combination with a portion of a user's hand 26 gripping the weapon. At least a part of the upper weapon receiving area 14 of the receiving brace 12 is open, allowing the weapon 68 to be placed in or removed from the receiving brace through the upper weapon receiving area 14 and the second end 20.
As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the receiving brace 12 is sized such that a user's hand 26 can slip at least part way into the receiving brace 12, to one side or the other of the weapon 68 (depending on whether the user is right or left handed), to grasp the weapon grip 70 and to allow the user's trigger finger to extend to a position within the trigger guard 78. Therefore, the present invention provides a protective shield for at least the front part of the hand, particularly the fingers, as shown in FIG. 3. The receiving brace 12 may be sized so that a portion of the receiving brace 12 covers at least a portion of the user's wrist 80 when the user's hand 26 is grasping the weapon 68. This can provide additional support during discharge of the weapon, increasing accuracy.
The receiving brace 12 may be formed from any acceptable material, and is preferably formed from a semi-rigid or flexible material such as canvas, leather, KEVLAR, rubber, NEOPRENE, latex, silicone, a composite material, graphite and hybrid fabrics, plastic, or other acceptable materials known in the art, or combinations thereof. The opposing sides 22, 24 may be formed from different materials, so that one side is formed from a more flexible material such as NEOPRENE, while the other side is formed from a harder material, such as hard plastic. The first end 18 or front of the receiving brace 12 may preferably be formed of a high impact resistant material.
The receiving brace 12 may alternately be formed from injection molded plastic material having high impact resistance, and constructed such that the sides 22, 24 of the receiving brace 12 can flex to assist in inserting and holding the weapon 68 within the receiving brace 12. In addition, sides 22, 24 of the receiving brace 12 may be formed for allowing the receiving brace 12 and weapon 68 to be inserted as a unit into a holster 106, as shown in FIG. 12, and as discussed in greater detail below.
The weapon grip assist 10 includes at least one retaining element 28, as shown in FIGS. 1-6. The retaining element 28 is adapted to secure a user's hand 26 within the receiving brace 12 with a grip on the weapon 68.
The retaining element 28 may be formed as having a first end 30 and a second end 32. The first end 30 can extend from either the first side 22 of the receiving brace 12 or the second side 24 of the receiving brace 12. In the FIGS. 1-6, the first end 30 is shown extending from the first side 22 of the receiving brace 12, however, it is appreciated that the retaining element 28 can be formed extending from either 22, 24 side of the receiving brace 12.
In the illustrative example, the second end 32 of the retaining element 28 is adapted to removably engage either a portion 44 of the retaining element 28, or a portion of the receiving brace 12. Where the retaining element 28 is adapted to removably engage a portion 44 of the retaining element 28, the retaining element 28 and the portion 44 of the retaining element 28 can be formed having fasteners that removably engage, such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, magnets of opposite polarity, a buckle, or other arrangements that allow the retaining element 28 to removably engage the portion 44 of the retaining element 28. As shown in the FIGS. 1-3, the retaining element 28 may be formed as a strap that loops around the user's wrist 80 and secures the user's hand 26 with the receiving brace 12 to prevent the weapon 68 from being dropped. The retaining element 28 may loop around a user's wrist, and attach to a portion 44 of the retaining element 28, thereby securing a portion of a user's hand 26 grasping the weapon 68 within the receiving brace 12.
In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4-5, the second end 32 of the retaining element 28 is adapted to engage a side 22, 24 of the receiving brace 12. The second end 32 of the retaining element 28 and a side 22, 24 of the receiving brace 12 may have elements that removably engage, such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, magnets of opposite polarity, a buckle, or other arrangements that allow the retaining element 28 to removably engage a side 22,24 of the receiving brace.
A second retaining element 36 having a first end 38 and a second end 40 may be provided as an additional means for securing a user's hand 26 within the receiving brace 12. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1-6, a second retaining element 36 may extend from the side of the receiving brace opposite the retaining element 28, such as the second side 24 of the receiving brace 12, with a second end 40 that may be removably attached to the first side 22 of the receiving brace 12 with fastener 42, whereby fastener 42 removably attaches to, for example, fastener 34 b, as described above. Thus, the first 28 and second 36 retaining elements may be strapped across a user's hand in a “criss-cross” or overlapping manner, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, providing an added level of security and safety against dropping a weapon. A plurality of retaining elements may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention, creating a web of straps securing a user's hand to the receiving brace. The second retaining element 36 may also be formed to removably engage a portion of the retaining element 28, as shown in FIGS. 2-3.
As can be appreciated, when a user slips their hand into the receiving brace 12 and grasps the weapon 68, the retaining element 28, 36 secures a portion of the user's hand within the receiving brace 12. Thus, if the user is chasing a perpetrator or otherwise in motion, or the user's hand is impacted, or the user is in a firefight, even where the user loses their grip on the weapon 68, the retaining element 28, 36 will hold the receiving brace 12 and weapon 68 in position proximate to the user's hand.
At least one weapon retaining strap 52 is preferably provided, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 9, 11. The weapon retaining strap 52 is formed having a first end 54 and a second end 56. The weapon retaining strap 52 extends from the first side 22 to the second side 24 of the receiving brace 12 over the upper weapon receiving area 14, preferably positioned near the barrel 82 of the weapon 68. The first 54 or second end 56 may be formed to be removably fastened to either the first side 22 or second side 24 of the receiving brace. The weapon retaining strap 52 is adapted to keep the barrel 82 from slipping out of the receiving brace 12. Alternately, the weapon retaining strap 52 can be formed as a single piece with the receiving brace 12, such that the barrel 82 of a weapon 68 is slid under the weapon retaining strap 52 when the weapon is inserted into the receiving brace 12.
In an alternate embodiment, the retaining element 28 may not be permanently attached to either the first side 22 of the receiving brace 12 or the second side 22 of the receiving brace 12. Rather, the retaining element 28 can be formed as a separately removable piece, having a fastener 34 a, 34 b at either end 30,32 for removably engaging the receiving brace 12, and securing a user's hand 26 within the receiving brace 12.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 8, an elastic member 46 is provided extending adjacent the second end 20 of the receiving brace 12. The elastic member 46 may be formed as an elastic collar 48, defining an opening 49 for receiving a user's hand 26. The opening 49 can be sized to be smaller than the user's hand, and approximately the side of a user's wrist 80 (which is normally smaller than the width of the user's hand). A user slips their hand into the opening 49, expanding the elastic collar 48. Once the user's hand is within the receiving brace and past the elastic collar 48, the elastic collar 48 attempts to return to its reduced size, thereby gripping the user's wrist, and securing the user's hand within the receiving brace.
The receiving brace and retaining element can be formed so as not to interfere with the sight plane or the movement of the slide and hammer 75 of an automatic weapon 68, or the ejection of a magazine or clip 74 from the grip 70. The retaining elements 28, 36 may extend adjacent the second side 20 of the receiving brace at different lengths, as shown in FIGS. 1-6. For example, the first retaining element 28 extending from the first side 22 may be sized to loop around over the user's wrist 80 and attach to a portion 44 of the first retaining element 28. The second retaining element 36 on the opposite side 24 can be shorter and sized to be drawn over the base of a user's thumb and attach to an outer part of the first retaining element 28 having a fastener 34 b. Preferably, but not necessarily, the attachments are made by opposing hook and loop plastic fasteners, or VELCRO®, and it is appreciated that any manner of fasteners that attach and detach may be employed.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 9-10, the retaining element is formed as a retaining clamp 60. The clamp 60 is sized to extend across the back of a user's hand adjacent the wrist. The clamp has side walls 76 a, 76 b that extend along opposite sides of the clamp 60. The side walls 76 a, 76 b have flanges 62 extending from the side walls 76 a, 76 b. In this embodiment, the receiving brace 12 is formed having openings 64 for receiving the side walls 76 a, 76 b. Openings 66 are provided, formed to engage the flanges 62. The openings 66 can be formed along the sides of the receiving brace 12, or may be formed within pockets 67 formed on the receiving brace and sized for receiving at least a portion of the side walls 76 a, 76 b. When the side walls 76 a, 76 b are inserted into the openings 64, the flanges 62 engage the openings 66. The side walls 76 a, 76 b can be size to accommodate hands of different sizes, so that the side walls can be slid further into the openings for a tighter fit. In addition, the clamp 60 can be contoured to the shape of a user's hand and portion of the user's wrist. This embodiment may be preferred if the receiving brace is injection molded plastic, so that the clamp snaps into place. The clamp can be carried separately than the receiving brace and snapped into place during use, or can be formed to be loosely held within the openings of the receiving brace, and locked into place when a user inserts their hand.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 11, a clamp 94 is formed, that is preferably contoured or form-fitted to the rear portion of a user's hand 26, and may also be form-fitted to the upper portion of a user's wrist 80. The clamp 94 may be formed from, by way of example, a fabric, molded plastic, or another durable material. The clamp 94 has extensions 96 on opposite sides of the clamp 94 that extend substantially vertically, as shown in FIG. 11. Each extension 96 has projections 62 that extend from the sides of the extensions 96, as shown in FIG. 11. The receiving brace 100 is formed with pockets 67 that have openings 66 or grooves for engaging the projections 62. According to this embodiment, a user will extend their hand into the receiving brace 100 to grip the weapon 68. The clamp 94 is positioned over the rear of the user's hand. The extensions 96 are aligned with and inserted into the pockets 67. The user may tap or press the top of the clamp 94 so that the extensions 96 are pushed down into the pockets 67, whereby the openings 66 or grooves will engage the projections 62, locking the clamp 94 and receiving brace 100 together, and holding the user's hand 26 within the receiving brace 100.
It is further contemplated that in connection with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-11, the clamp 94 may be moveable, such as by a hinge 122, which may be a hinge, a living hinge, a piece of elastic, or a piece of flexible fabric. The clamp 96, may be move from a position above the upper weapon receiving area 14, to a position clamping a portion of the user's hand 26 within the receiving brace 100 when the user is gripping the weapon 68, as shown in FIG. 11. In this manner, the clamp 96 may assist in holding the weapon 68 within receiving brace 100 when the receiving brace 100 is used as a holster, or when it is otherwise necessary for the user to remove their hand 26 from the receiving brace 100. When the user grips the weapon 68, the clamp 96 may be rotated to the position shown in FIG. 11, and tapped to “lock” the extensions 96 into pockets 67, and firmly secure a portion of the user's hand within the receiving brace 100.
It is further contemplated that in connection with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-11, the clamps 60, 94 may be permanently connected to one side of the receiving brace 12, 100, such as by a piece of elastic, a piece of fabric, or a hinge. According to that arrangement, only one side wall 76 a, 76 b or extension 96 would need to be used on the side of the clamps 60, 94 opposite the side being permanently attached to the receiving brace 12, 100.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 14, a glove 140 is provided. The glove 140 may have one or more partial fingers of the glove 140 (i.e., be “fingerless”), allowing better tactile feel for a user wearing the glove 140. At least one or a plurality of straps 88 may be provided. According to this embodiment, a user may wear the glove 140 even when the user is not gripping the weapon within the receiving brace 150. As shown in FIG. 14, the straps 88 are provided with end portions 152 having one of either hook or loop fasteners 142, and the receiving brace 150 is provided with a fastening portion 148, which may be a portion or patch or strip that is the other of either hooks or loops fasteners 142. The fastening portion 148 may be formed or positioned anywhere on the glove providing access to the straps 88. Any type of fasteners such as straps, buttons, zippers, etc., may be used as the fasteners. The glove 140 may also be provided with a retention strap 146 for securing the hand 26 within the glove 150. The strap 88 may be secured out of the way, such as removably fastened to the glove 140 with fasteners 142 such as hook and loop fasteners 142, snaps, or otherwise, when not in use.
The glove 140 may have areas for attaching the fasteners 142 to the glove 140 itself. When the user wants to secure their hand 26 within the receiving brace 150, the user inserts their hand 26 in the receiving brace 150 and grips the weapon 68. The user then fastens the straps 88 to the receiving brace 150.
In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the receiving brace 150 is provided with at least one strap 88′ or flap, having a fastener 142 adjacent the end portions 152 of the straps 88′. The glove 140 is formed with at least a portion or strip 148 adapted to engage the fasteners 142, such as by a hook and loop arrangement previously discussed. The fastening portion 148 may be formed or positioned anywhere on the glove providing access to the straps 88′. In this arrangement, the user may wear the glove 140, and when they wish to securely grip the weapon 68 within the receiving brace, will secure the receiving brace 150 to the glove 140 with the fasteners 142 of the straps 88′ or flaps engaging the portion or strip 148 of the glove 140. It is also contemplated that the entire glove 140 or entire brace 150 may be formed as the fastening portion 148.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 16, a wrist strap 86 may be provided to be worn by a user on the user's wrist 80, having at least one strap 88 extending from the wrist strap 86. The wrist strap 86 may be formed as a removable band, or from an elastic or flexible material, so that it fits as a bracelet about the user's wrist 80. The strap 88 has a second end 92 that may be removably fastened by fasteners 142 adjacent an end portion 152 of the straps 88, to a fastening portion 148 of the receiving brace 150, such as with hook and loop fasteners or other means as previously described. At least one or a plurality of straps 88 may be provided. According to this embodiment, a user may wear the wrist strap 86 even when the user is not gripping the weapon within the receiving brace.
When the user is not gripping a weapon 68 within the receiving brace 150, the straps 88 may be secured out of the way, such as removably fastened to the wrist strap 86 with hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or otherwise attaching to themselves, or a portion of the wrist strap 86. When the user wants to secure their hand within the receiving brace 12, the user inserts their hand in the receiving brace 150 and grips the weapon 68. The user then unfastens the straps 88 from the wrist strap 86, and fastens the straps 88 to the receiving brace 150.
Alternately, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, straps 88′ or flaps may be formed on the receiving brace 150, rather than on the wrist strap 86. A user would wear the wrist strap 86, and when they wish to engage a weapon 68 and have their hand 26 secured within the receiving brace 150, the user would fasten the straps 88′ to the wrist strap 86, using the fasteners 142. In this embodiment, wrist strap 86 may be formed at least partially as the fastening portion 148.
The outer dimension of the receiving brace 12 can be formed to fit inside a holster 106, as shown in FIG. 12. In that arrangement, the weapon 68 is placed within the receiving brace, and the receiving brace 12, 100 is placed within the holster 106. When a user wishes to utilize the receiving brace 12, 100, the user will grip the weapon 68 with the user's hand 26 at least partially within the receiving brace 12. The user will then secure the user's hand 26 within the receiving brace using either the retaining elements 28,36, the clamps 60, 94, or the straps 88, 88′. The user can remove the receiving brace 12, 100 from the holster 106.
Alternatively, the outside contour of one wall of the receiving brace could be shaped to fit alongside the hip or torso, and a fastener clip 50, as shown in FIG. 13, or a belt loop with a snap, or other fastening means, could be mounted on a side wall of the receiving brace, essentially making the receiving brace itself the holster. When the receiving brace is not intended to be inserted into a holster, it can be made thicker to serve as a club or a more robust shield. Thus, one side of the receiving brace 12 can be formed from a substantially rigid material. This rigid material can act either as a shield, or a weapon in hand-to-hand combat.
The receiving brace and retaining elements can be configured for specific models of weapon, particularly if the receiving brace is injection-molded plastic using a particular mold for a particular model pistol. For example, a receiving brace 100 can even be made for a revolver 98, as shown in FIG. 7. The revolver receiving brace 100 will preferably encompass the grip 102, trigger guard 104, and bottom of the revolver gun frame 106, and have an opening 108 at the upper portion 110 of the receiving brace 100 through which the barrel 112, cylinder 114, top of the frame 116 and hammer 118 extend. A retaining strap 120 may be used across the base of the barrel 112 to keep the revolver 98 from being pulled through the opening 108. The receiving brace 100 is then sized to allow the user's shooting hand 26 to enter the back of the receiving brace 100 and hold the grip 102 of the revolver 98. The retaining element 28, as described before, loops under and around the wrist 80, and then the second retaining element 36 comes over the base of the thumb to attach on or next to a portion of the first strap.
Those familiar with the art will appreciate that the present invention outlined herein could be modified to accommodate many different kinds of hand-held weapons, such as machine guns, rifles, shotguns, stun guns, etc.
Having thus described in detail several embodiments of the retainer and shield of the present invention, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A weapon grip assist, comprising:

a receiving brace having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the receiving brace adapted to receive at least a portion of a weapon, the receiving brace further adapted to receive at least a portion of a hand of a user gripping the weapon adjacent the first end of the receiving brace when the at least a portion of the weapon is within the receiving brace;

at least one retaining element adjacent the first end of the receiving brace, the at least one retaining element adapted to secure at least a portion of the hand of the user gripping the weapon within at least a portion of the receiving brace.

2. The weapon grip assist of claim 1, wherein the receiving brace has a first side and a second side, wherein the at least one retaining element has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end extends from one of the first side and the second side of the receiving brace, and the second end is adapted to removably engage the other of the first side and the second side of the receiving brace to secure at least a portion of the hand of a user gripping the weapon within at least a portion of the receiving brace.

3. The weapon grip assist of claim 2, wherein the second end of the at least one retaining element removably engages the other of the first side and the second side of the receiving brace by hook and loop fasteners.

4. The weapon grip assist of claim 2, wherein the second end of the at least one retaining element removably engages the other of the first side and the second side of the receiving brace by at least one snap.

5. The weapon grip assist of claim 1, wherein the receiving brace has a first side and a second side, wherein the at least one retaining element has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end of the at least one retaining element having extending from one of the first side and the second side of the receiving brace, the second end of the at least one retaining element adapted to removably engage a portion of the at least one retaining element to secure at least a portion of the hand of a user gripping the weapon within at least a portion of the receiving brace.

6. The weapon grip assist of claim 5, wherein the second end of the at least one retaining element removably engages the portion of the at least one retaining element of the receiving brace by hook and loop fasteners.

7. The weapon grip assist of claim 5, wherein the second end of the at least one retaining element removably engages the portion of the at least one retaining element of the receiving brace by at least one snap.

8. The weapon grip assist of claim 1, wherein the at least one retaining element comprises an elastic member.

9. The weapon grip assist of claim 8, wherein the elastic member comprises an elastic collar extending adjacent the second end of the receiving brace.

10. The weapon grip assist of claim 2, wherein the at least one retaining element extends from the first side of the receiving brace, further comprising a second retaining element adjacent the second end of the receiving brace extending from the second side of the receiving brace, the second retaining element adapted to assist the at least one retaining element in securing the hand of the user gripping the weapon within at least a portion of the receiving brace.

11. The weapon grip assist of claim 10, wherein the second retaining element has an attachment portion for securing the second retaining element to the at least one retaining element.

12. The weapon grip assist of claim 10, wherein the second retaining element has an attachment portion for securing the second retaining element to the first side of the receiving brace.

13. The weapon grip assist of claim 1, wherein one of the first side and the second side have a fastener clip extending therefrom.

14. The weapon grip assist of claim 1, further comprising a weapon retaining strap extending from the first side to the second side of the receiving brace.

15. The weapon grip assist of claim 1, wherein one of the first side and the second side of the receiving brace comprises a flexible material, and wherein the other of the first side and the second side comprises a substantially rigid material.

16. A weapon grip assist comprising:

a retaining element connected to the receiving brace comprising a clamp including at least one side wall, wherein the receiving brace has at least one opening for removably engaging the side wall.

17. The weapon grip assist of claim 16, wherein the at least one side wall has at least one flange formed thereon, wherein the opening has at least one groove for removably engaging the flange.

18. The weapon grip assist of claim 16, wherein the clamp is connected to the receiving brace via a hinge, wherein the clamp is moveable in relation to the receiving brace.

19. A weapon grip assist and holster arrangement, comprising:

a holster;

a receiving brace having a portion sized to removably fit within the holster having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the receiving brace adapted to receive at least a portion of a weapon, the receiving brace further adapted to receive at least a portion of a hand of a user gripping the weapon adjacent the first end of the receiving brace when the at least a portion of the weapon is within the receiving brace;

20. A weapon grip assist comprising:

a glove;

at least one strap;

the strap including at least one fastener for removably connecting the glove and the receiving brace.

21. A weapon grip assist comprising:

an elastic band adapted to fit around a user's wrist;

at least one strap;

the strap including at least one fastener for removably connecting the elastic band and the receiving brace.