US20150354909A1

US20150354909A1 - Firearm Slide Attachment

Info

Publication number: US20150354909A1
Application number: US14/731,547
Authority: US
Inventors: Phillip Matthew Tarantino; Michael Andrew Shiffler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-05
Filing date: 2015-06-05
Publication date: 2015-12-10

Abstract

A firearm slide attachment that is used to rack the slide of a firearm. The firearm slide attachment includes an attachment body, a plurality of interface protrusions, a first grip, and a second grip. The attachment body includes a bridge, a first wing, and a second wing that together delineate a slide channel, for fitting the attachment body around the slide. The plurality of interface protrusions is positioned within the slide channel and connected to the first wing and the second wing; the plurality of interface protrusions engaging grooves in the slide, allowing the attachment body to rack the slide when force is applied to the attachment body. The first grip is connected to the first wing, while the second grip is connected to the second wing, both opposite the slide channel, wherein the first grip and the second grip provide protrusions for applying force to rack the slide.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/008,201 filed on Jun. 5, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to firearm attachments. More specifically, the present invention is a firearm slide attachment that is intended to allow a user to more easily rack the slide of a firearm to which the present invention is attached.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Human history is riddled with examples of armed conflict where two or more factions have attempted to subjugate, conquer, eliminate, or free another faction. This armed conflict is known colloquially as war, and can occur for an extremely wide variety of reasons. The propensity of humankind to solve disputes through war has led to ever advancing development of defense technologies which are designed to allow their users to survive encounters with hostile combatants. There are many important milestones and technological breakthroughs within the field of defense technology, however, one of the most important developments in the last several centuries has been the invention of the firearm. Firearms have revolutionized the way defenses are approached, as they allow for a user to neutralize threats at long range when compared to more ancient defense technologies such as spears and bow and arrows. Additionally, firearms tend to be more efficient in the neutralization of the threat, whereas a spear or arrow may leave the threat partially operational while a bullet from a firearm will likely outright eliminate or incapacitate the threat.
Most modern firearms are carried and operated by individuals and are consequently known as small arms. Other heavier firearms which are operated by crews or mounted on vehicles are known as heavy weapons, crew-served weapons, or infantry support weapons. The most important defining characteristic of a small arm in comparison to other firearms is the fact that a small arm can be carried and fully operated by a single individual; thereby providing personal threat neutralization capabilities to that user. As a result of the fact that small arms can be carried and operated by a single individual, they are also extremely popular amongst private citizens for the purposes of hunting, recreation, and self-defense. Pistols are a very common type of small arm among private citizens, as they are ideal for self-defense.
Safe operation of a pistol is a skill that can be learned by nearly any person, thus further increasing the popularity of pistols for self-defense purposes. Unfortunately, there is at least one physical barrier which can prevent some people from successfully operating a pistol. This barrier is the slide of the pistol. In operation, nearly all firearms require that the user chamber a round by racking the slide when a loaded magazine is initially placed into the pistol. The action of racking the slide requires the user to grip the sides of the slide and either push or pull the slide backwards, thereby working the action of the firearm and causing a round to be chambered and the firing pin to be cocked. The action of racking the slide can require a great deal of force, particularly with certain models of firearms. Some people who would like to own a particular firearm may lack the hand strength to successfully and reliably rack the slide when they operate the firearm. This can be dangerous for the user, as improper handling of the firearm could result in accidental discharge. Furthermore, failure to rack the slide successfully in a dangerous situation could result in injury to the user as they may be unable to defend themselves properly. It is clear that there is a need for an apparatus which can increase the ease with which a user can rack the slide of a firearm, particularly pistols.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to introduce a firearm slide attachment that is intended solely for use in racking the slide of a firearm. It is an object of the present invention to be attachable to the slide of a firearm without the use of any tools, thus making it quick and easy to use in almost any situation. It is an object of the present invention to make use of the gripping grooves found on almost all pistol slides to interlock the present invention with the slide such that force applied to the present invention is translated to the slide without slippage. The present invention provides vastly improved gripping structures which give the user a mechanical advantage when racking the slide, thus making it possible for a user with less hand strength to easily rack the slide of a firearm which they otherwise would have difficulty with. Thus, the present invention provides great advantage for owners of firearms who wish to more easily rack the slides of said firearms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a left side sectional view showing the first distribution pattern; and

FIG. 8B is a right side sectional view showing the second distribution pattern, wherein the first distribution pattern and the second distribution pattern are symmetrical.

FIG. 9A is a left side sectional view showing the first distribution pattern; and

FIG. 9B is a right side sectional view showing the second distribution pattern, wherein the first distribution pattern and the second distribution pattern are asymmetrical.

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the present invention, wherein a gripping pad is positioned within the slide channel.

FIG. 11 is a right side view of the present invention and a firearm to which the present invention is configured to be attached;

FIG. 12 is a right side view thereof, wherein the present invention is attached to the slide of the firearm via the grooves in the slide; and

FIG. 13 is a right side view thereof, depicting the racking motion which the present invention is intended to facilitate.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a firearm slide attachment that can easily be attached to or detached from the slide of a firearm. The present invention does not require the use of any tools when it is attached to the firearm, and its preferred embodiment is designed specifically for use with pistols. The primary purpose of the present invention is to interface with the rear portion of the slide and provide a user with a much better structure to grip and rack the slide to chamber a round. The present invention is intended only to be used to rack the slide, and should be removed prior to firing the weapon, as the rapid recoil motion of the slide could dislodge the present invention if it were left in place. Furthermore, the present invention is intended to be compatible with several different types of pistols manufactured by several different companies. This enhances the utility of the present invention by allowing it to be used with several different guns instead of with only one.
In reference to FIG. 1, the present invention comprises an attachment body 1, a plurality of interface protrusions 2, a first grip 3, and a second grip 4. The attachment body 1 is the central component of the present invention and supports the plurality of interface protrusions 2, the first grip 3, and the second grip 4. The attachment body 1 slips overtop of the slide of the firearm, as depicted by FIG. 11-12, while the plurality of interface protrusions 2 engage the grooves in the slide, such that when the present invention is pulled backwards, the slide of the firearm is pulled backwards as well, as shown in FIG. 13. The first grip 3 and the second grip 4 provide an increased surface area that can be gripped by the user as compared to the slide standalone, thus allowing the user to more conveniently rack the slide.
In further reference to FIG. 1, the attachment body 1 comprises a bridge 11, a first wing 14, a second wing 15, and a sight aperture 16. The bridge 11 comprises a proximal surface 12 and a distal surface 13; the proximal surface 12 and the distal surface 13 being positioned opposite each other about the bridge 11, as depicted by FIG. 6-7. The proximal surface 12 is positioned adjacent to the surface of the firearm when the present invention is attached to the slide. Both the first wing 14 and the second wing 15 are adjacently connected to the proximal surface 12, wherein the first wing 14 and the second wing 15 are positioned opposite each other across the bridge 11, as depicted by FIG. 2-3. Together the bridge 11, the first wing 14, and the second wing 15 delineate a slide channel 17, which allows the present invention to be fitted over top of the slide.
The positioning of the first wing 14 and the second wing 15 about the bridge 11 provides the attachment body 1 with a general U-shape, wherein the first wing 14 and the second wing 15 engage opposite sides of the slide. The exact angle at which the first wing 14 and the second wing 15 intersect the bridge 11 may vary depending on the specific firearm for which the present invention is intended, as the slides of different firearms come in many shapes and sizes. Depending on the material used to construct the attachment body 1, it is also possible for the attachment body 1 to be flexible, wherein the exact shape and size of the attachment body 1, and in turn the slide channel 17, is variable in order to accommodate firearms of similar shape yet different size.
The present invention is intended to be placed over the rear of the slide and it is well known that rear sights are present at the rear of the slide on pistols, thus, the sight aperture 16 is provided by the attachment body 1. In reference to FIG. 6-7, the sight aperture 16 traverses through the bridge 11 from the proximal surface 12 to the distal surface 13, providing a void in the bridge 11. The sight aperture 16 facilitates the mounting of the attachment body 1 on the slide of the firearm by allowing the attachment body 1 to fit around the sight of the firearm, such that that the sight protrudes upwards through the attachment body 1, as shown in FIG. 12-13. As such, the sight aperture 16 ensures that the present invention can be placed in the optimal position at the rear of the slide and used to rack the slide without interference from the sight.
The sight aperture 16 is appropriately sized and spaced depending on the firearm with which the present invention is to be used. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sight aperture 16 is a rectangular slot that traverses across the bridge 11 from the first wing 14 to the second sing. This configuration of the sight aperture 16 provides a rear slot in the bridge 11 that is adaptable to multiple firearms as the sight aperture 16 can be fitted around sights with varying widths. In other embodiments of the present invention, the sight aperture 16 may be positioned about the front of the bridge 11 or at a distance between the front and back of the bridge 11.
The primary purpose of the plurality of protrusions is to ensure that the present invention does not slip along the slide when the present invention is pulled by the user into order to rack the slide. Effectively, it is important that the present invention is fixed relative to the slide of the firearm. The plurality of protrusions is critical to fixing the attachment body 1 relative to the slide, as the plurality of interface protrusions 2 interlocks with the grooves commonly found at the rear of slides. As such, the plurality of interface protrusions 2 is adjacently connected to both the first wing 14 and the second wing 15, wherein the plurality of interface protrusions 2 is positioned within the slide channel 17, as shown in FIGS. 2-3 and FIG. 7.
Each of the plurality of interface protrusions 2 protrudes out into the slide channel 17 by some distance, and into a groove of the slide when the present invention is attached to the firearm. Thus, the present invention is physically restricted from moving along the length of the slide due to the interlocking between the plurality of interface protrusions 2 and the grooves on the slide. However, the use of the plurality of protrusions allows the present invention to be readily detached from the firearm once the slide has been racked. This allows the user to quickly transition from the racking motion to a firing motion if desired. For safe operation of the firearm, the present invention should be removed before firing as the present invention could be dislodged and become a projectile due to the rapid motion of the slide.
In reference to FIG. 7, the plurality of interface protrusions 2 is arranged into a first distribution pattern 21 and a second distribution pattern 22 in order to conform to the grooves on both sides of the slide. The first distribution pattern 21 is imposed on the first wing 14, dictating the position of each of the plurality of interface protrusions 2 about the first wing 14, wherein each of the plurality of interface protrusions 2 on the first wing 14 is aligned with a groove on a first side of the slide. Similarly, the second distribution pattern 22 is imposed on the second wing 15, dictating the position of each of the plurality of interface protrusions 2 about the second wing 15, wherein each of the plurality of interface protrusions 2 on the second wing 15 is aligned with a groove on a second side of the slide.
The first distribution pattern 21 and the second distribution pattern 22 can be symmetrical or asymmetrical depending on the slide. For example, if the first side and the second side of the slide are identical (i.e. the grooves on each side are equally spaced and are of equal height, width, and depth), then the first distribution pattern 21 and the second distribution pattern 22 are symmetrical, as depicted by FIGS. 8A and 8B. If the first side and the second side of the slide are not identical (i.e. the grooves on each side are not equally spaced or are not of equal height, width, and depth), then the first distribution pattern 21 and the second distribution pattern 22 are asymmetrical, as depicted by FIGS. 9A and 9B. By engineering the first distribution pattern 21 and the second distribution pattern 22 properly, the present invention can also be designed to be utilized with several different firearm models having commonly spaced/sized grooves along the slide.
While the attachment body 1 and the plurality of interface protrusions 2 provide a means for the present invention to engage the slide, the first grip 3 and the second grip 4 provide the means for exerting a force on the attachment body 1 to rack the slide. In reference to FIG. 2-3, the first grip 3 is adjacently connected to the first wing 14 opposite the slide channel 17, while the second grip 4 is adjacently connected to the second wing 15 opposite the slide channel 17. In this way, both the first grip 3 and the second grip 4 provide a protrusion extending away from the attachment body 1 with which the user may engage in order to pull the attachment body 1 backwards, and in turn the slide. The exact shape and size of the first grip 3 and the second grip 4 may vary in different embodiments of the present invention, however, the first grip 3 and the second grip 4 should be designed with ergonomics in mind.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first grip 3 and the first wing 14 delineate a first grip cavity 5. In reference to FIG. 4, the first grip cavity 5 is formed by an edge of the first wing 14, a pair of straight edges of the first grip 3, and a curved edge of the first grip 3. The curved edge of the first grip 3 is positioned opposite the edge of the first wing 14 along the pair of straight edge, and adjacent to the sight aperture 16. The curved edge, in conjunction with the first grip cavity 5, allows the user to more readily engage and pull on the first grip 3, wherein the curved edge helps the first grip 3 better conform to the user's finger. Furthermore, the first grip cavity 5 reduces material costs of the present invention in addition to improved gripping mechanics.
Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the first grip 3 comprises a first tapered section 31 and a first curved section 32. In reference to FIG. 6, the first curved section 32 is positioned adjacent to the sight aperture 16, while the first tapered section 31 is positioned adjacent to the first curved section 32 opposite the sight aperture 16, wherein the first tapered section 31 tapers away from the first curved section 32. Together, the first tapered section 31 and the first wing 14 delineate the first grip cavity 5, while the first curved section 32 provides a contoured surface that extends and curves away from the attachment body 1. Furthermore, the first curved section 32 is rounded to better conform to the user's finger in addition to reducing material costs.
Similar to the first grip 3, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second grip 4 and the second wing 15 delineate a second grip cavity 6. In reference to FIG. 5, the second grip cavity 6 is formed by an edge of the second wing 15, a pair of straight edges of the second grip 4, and a curved edge of the second grip 4. The curved edge of the second grip 4 is positioned opposite the edge of the second wing 15 along the pair of straight edge, and adjacent to the sight aperture 16. The curved edge, in conjunction with the second grip cavity 6, allows the user to more readily engage and pull on the second grip 4, wherein the curved edge helps the second grip 4 better conform to the user's finger. Furthermore, the second grip cavity 6 reduces material costs of the present invention in addition to improved gripping mechanics.
Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the second grip 4 comprises a second tapered section 41 and a second curved section 42. In reference to FIG. 6, the second curved section 42 is positioned adjacent to the sight aperture 16, while the second tapered section 41 is positioned adjacent to the second curved section 42 opposite the sight aperture 16, wherein the second tapered section 41 tapers away from the second curved section 42. Together, the second tapered section 41 and the second wing 15 delineate the second grip cavity 6, while the second curved section 42 provides a contoured surface that extends and curves away from the attachment body 1. Furthermore, the second curved section 42 is rounded to better conform to the user's finger in addition to reducing material costs.
The first grip 3 and the second grip 4 are rigid members, as both must be able to sustain sufficient force in order to rack the slide. However, in some embodiments of the present invention it is possible for a pliable material to be applied to the first grip 3 and the second grip 4 in order to provide a cushioned surface for the user to grip. The pliable material allows the user to more comfortably grip the present invention, while maintaining the rigidity of the first grip 3 and the second grip 4. Additionally, the pliable material may be used to provide the first grip 3 and the second grip 4 with a higher coefficient of friction, thus decreasing the chance of slippage between the user's fingers and the first grip 3 and the second grip 4.
The present invention may also further comprise a gripping pad 7 in some embodiments. The gripping pad 7 is made from a material that is flexible, compressible, and has high coefficient of friction. In reference to FIG. 10, the gripping pad 7 is adjacently connected to the attachment body 1, wherein the gripping pad 7 is positioned within the slide channel 17 and is contoured about the plurality of interface protrusions 2. The gripping pad 7 is intended to help increase the friction between the present invention and the slide, thereby decreasing chance of slippage between the present invention and the slide. The exact shape, thickness, and material composition of the gripping pad 7 may vary between different embodiments.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A firearm slide attachment comprises:

an attachment body;

a plurality of interface protrusions;

a first grip;

a second grip;

the attachment body comprises a bridge, a first wing, and a second wing;

the bridge comprises a proximal surface and a distal surface;

the proximal surface and the distal surface being positioned opposite each other about the bridge;

the first wing and the second wing being adjacently connected to the proximal surface;

the first wing and the second wing being positioned opposite each other across the bridge;

the bridge, the first wing, and the second wing delineating a slide channel;

the first grip being adjacently connected to the first wing opposite the slide channel;

the second grip being adjacently connected to the second wing opposite the slide channel;

the plurality of interface protrusions being adjacently connected to both the first wing and the second wing; and

the plurality of interface protrusions being positioned within the slide channel.

2. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the attachment body further comprises a sight aperture; and

the sight aperture traversing through the bridge from the proximal surface to the distal surface.

3. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

the sight aperture traversing across the bridge from the first wing to the second wing.

4. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the plurality of interface protrusions being arranged into a first distribution pattern and a second distribution pattern;

the first distribution pattern being imposed on the first wing; and

the second distribution pattern being imposed on the second wing.

5. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first distribution pattern and the second distribution pattern are symmetrical.

6. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first distribution pattern and the second distribution pattern are asymmetrical.

7. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the first grip and the first wing delineating a first grip cavity.

8. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the first grip body comprises a first tapered section and a first curved section;

the first curved section being positioned adjacent to the first tapered section; and

the first tapered section tapering away from the first curved section.

9. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 8 comprises:

the first tapered section and the first wing delineating a first grip cavity.

10. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the second grip and the second wing delineating a second grip cavity.

11. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the second grip body comprises a second tapered section and a second curved section;

the second curved section being positioned adjacent to the second tapered section; and

the second tapered section tapering away from the second curved section.

12. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 11 comprises:

the second tapered section and the second wing delineating a second grip cavity.

13. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment body is flexible.

14. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a gripping pad;

the gripping pad being adjacently connected to the attachment body; and

the gripping pad being positioned within the slide channel.

15. A firearm slide attachment comprises:

an attachment body;

a plurality of interface protrusions;

a first grip;

a second grip;

the attachment body comprises a bridge, a first wing, a second wing, and a sight aperture;

the bridge comprises a proximal surface and a distal surface;

the sight aperture traversing through the bridge from the proximal surface to the distal surface;

the bridge, the first wing, and the second wing delineating a slide channel;

the plurality of interface protrusions being adjacently connected to both the first wing and the second wing;

the plurality of interface protrusions being positioned within the slide channel;

the first distribution pattern being imposed on the first wing;

the second distribution pattern being imposed on the second wing;

the first curved section being positioned adjacent to the first tapered section;

the first tapered section tapering away from the first curved section;

the first tapered section and the first wing delineating a first grip cavity;

the second curved section being positioned adjacent to the second tapered section;

the second tapered section tapering away from the second curved section; and

16. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 15 comprises:

17. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first distribution pattern and the second distribution pattern are symmetrical.

18. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first distribution pattern and the second distribution pattern are asymmetrical.

19. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 15, wherein the attachment body is flexible.

20. The firearm slide attachment as claimed in claim 15 comprises:

a gripping pad;

the gripping pad being adjacently connected to the attachment body; and

the gripping pad being positioned within the slide channel.