WO2020142761A1

WO2020142761A1 - Handgrip structures for handguns

Info

Publication number: WO2020142761A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/012328
Authority: WO
Inventors: Greg Mooney
Original assignee: Greg Mooney
Priority date: 2019-01-04
Filing date: 2020-01-06
Publication date: 2020-07-09

Abstract

This specification describes handgrip structures for modular handguns and methods for assembling modular handguns. The handgrip structures can be attached to handgun frame assemblies to form modular handguns.

Description

HANDGRIP STRUCTURES FOR HANDGUNS

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/788,483, filed January 4, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter of this application relates to handgrip structures for handguns. More specifically, the subject matter relates to handgrip structures for modular handguns and methods for assembling modular handguns.

BACKGROUND

Conventional handguns typically have an integral frame structure incorporating a receiver for the barrel, hammer, and reciprocating slide mechanisms having a handgrip structure that is integral with the frame. The Model 1911 handgun, for example, is a semi-automatic, magazine fed handgun. The 1911 handgun has been widely copied and is popular with civilian shooters in competitive events. Compact variants of the 1911 handgun are popular concealed carry weapons.

Some types of competitive target shooting feature rapid-fire handgun target shooting activities. For these activities, some handguns are designed for having an increased round capacity. The increased capacity may result in the handgrips that are large and bulky. The bulkiness of the handgrips may also result in an undesirable“feel” as the handgun is fired, e.g., by causing increased recoil forces.

SUMMARY

This specification describes handgrip structures for modular handguns and methods for assembling modular handguns. The handgrip structures can be attached to handgun frame assemblies to form modular handguns. In some examples, a handgrip structure for a modular handgun includes a trigger guard portion and left and right handgrip walls integrally formed with each other and the trigger guard portion. The left and right handgrip walls define a vertical magazine receptacle passage between the left and right handgrip walls. Each of the left and right handgrip walls includes an interior-facing surface facing the vertical magazine receptacle passage and each interior-facing surface includes a pair of substantially parallel elongate surface rails raised from the interior-facing surface towards the vertical magazine receptacle passage.

In some examples, a method for assembling a modular handgun includes obtaining a frame lacking a grip, sliding a handgrip structure onto the frame such that surface rails of the handgrip structure mate with receiving channels of the frame, and securing the handgrip structure to the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 A is an isometric view of an example handgrip structure;

Figure 1 B is a top view of the handgrip structure;

Figure 1 C is a side view of the handgrip structure;

Figure 1 D is a rear view of the handgrip structure;

Figure 2A is an isometric view of a frame for a modular handgun.

Figure 2B is a side view of the frame;

Figure 2C is a top view of the frame;

Figure 3A is a side view of an optional exterior grip panel for the handgrip structure;

Figure 3B is a bottom view of the exterior grip panel;

Figure 4 is a flow diagram of an example method for assembling a modular handgun;

Figures 5A - 5B illustrate a method for retrofitting a handgun having a metal grip with a polymer grip;

Figure 6 is a flow diagram of an example method for retrofitting a handgun having a metal grip with a polymer grip; and

Figures 7A - 7B illustrate an example handgrip structure and frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This specification describes handgrip structures for modular handguns and methods for assembling modular handguns. The handgrip structures can be attached to handgun frame assemblies to form modular handguns. For example, a polymer handgrip can be attached to a metal frame to assemble a handgun, e.g., a single-action, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, recoil-operated handgun similar in size and “feel” to a standard Model 1911 handgun. The resulting handgun can have a superior recoil response to firing than some conventional handguns. The modularity of the handgrip structures described in this document can allow existing handgun frames to be retrofitted with the handgrip assembly.

Figure 1 A is an isometric view of an example handgrip structure 100. Figure 1 B is a top view of the handgrip structure 100. Figure 1 C is a side view of the handgrip structure 100. Figure 1 D is a rear view of the handgrip structure 100. The dimensions indicated in the figures are provided for purposes of illustration and, in general, the handgun structure 100 can have different dimensions as appropriate for attaching to different handgun frames.

The handgrip structure 100 includes a trigger guard portion 102 and left and right handgrip walls 104 and 106. The left and right handgrip walls 104 and 106 are integrally formed with each other. Typically, the left and right handgrip walls are also integrally formed with the trigger guard portion 102. For example, the handgrip assembly 100 can be formed from a polymer, e.g., by a polymer molding or printing process.

The left and right handgrip walls 104 and 106 define a vertical magazine receptacle passage 108 between the left and right handgrip walls 104 and 106. Each of the left and right handgrip walls 104 and 106 includes an interior-facing surface (e.g., 110) facing the vertical magazine receptacle passage 108. Each interior-facing surface 110 comprises a pair of substantially parallel elongate surface rails (e.g., 112 and 114) raised from the interior-facing surface 110 towards the vertical magazine receptacle passage 108. In some examples, each interior-facing surface 110 is substantially flat outside of the surface rails 112 and 114.

The surface rails 112 and 114 are sized and shaped to mate with corresponding channels on a handgun frame, e.g., the handgun frame described further below with reference to Figures 2A-C. When the surface rails 112 and 114 mate with the corresponding channels, the surface rails 112 and 114 aid in maintaining the integrity of the modular handgun in response to firing. The surface rails 112 and 114 can be, e.g., integrally formed with the left and right handgrip walls 104 and 106.

In some examples, the trigger guard portion 102 includes a substantially planar upper surface 116 in a horizontal plane. The left and right handgrip walls 104 and 106 extend in an angled direction away from the horizontal plane at an obtuse angle. For example, the left and right handgrip walls 104 and 106 can be angled such that, when the handgrip structure 100 is attached to a frame, the handgrip walls 104 and 106 extend away from the frame at a standard handgun angle for, e.g., a standard Model 1911 handgun.

In some examples, the surface rails 112 and 114 also extend in the angled direction away from the horizontal plane along the interior-facing surface 110. The surface rails 112 and 114 can be substantially parallel about the angled direction. In this manner, the surface rails 112 and 114 can extend down a larger portion of the length of the left and right handgrip walls 104 and 106. This, in turn, can increase the ability of the surface rails 112 and 114, when mated with corresponding channels in a frame, to maintain the integrity of the modular handgun in response to firing. In some examples, each of the surface rails 112 and 114 includes a top portion that is substantially parallel with the horizontal plane (e.g., as shown in Figure 1 C).

The surface rails 112 and 114 can be sized and shaped to mate to a particular handgun frame. For example, the surface rails 112 and 114 can be spaced apart by a distance matching a distance between a pair of receiving channels on a frame of a standard Model 1911 handgun. The surface rails 112 and 114 can have a thickness (across the face the interior- facing surface 110) matching a thickness of the pair of receiving channels on that frame too. Then, the handgun structure 100 can be attached to frame such that the surface fails 112 and 114 fit snugly within the corresponding channels.

In some examples, each of the left and right handgrip walls 104 and 106 includes a receiving hole (e.g., 118) between the surface rails 112 and 114 for receiving a screw. To assembly a modular handgun, the handgrip structure 100 can be slid onto the frame such that the surface rails 112 and 114 mate with corresponding channels of the frame, and then screws (or other appropriate connectors) can be driven through the holes into matching bushings on the frame.

Figure 2A is an isometric view of a frame 200 for a modular handgun. Figure 2B is a side view of the frame 200. Figure 2C is a top view of the frame 200. The frame 200 includes left and right sides (e.g., 202). Each side 202 includes a pair of receiving channels 204 and 206 defined within the side 202.

The receiving channels 204 and 206 are substantially parallel in an angled direction. The receiving channels 204 and 206 can each have a top portion that is substantially parallel to a planar top surface of the frame 200. To assemble a modular handgun, the handgrip structure is 100 is slid onto the frame 200 such that the surface rails 112 and 114 mate with the receiving channels 204 and 206.

Figure 3A is a side view of an optional exterior grip panel 300 for the handgrip structure 100. Figure 3B is a bottom view of the exterior grip panel 300. Exterior grip panels can be secured to left and right exterior surfaces of the left and right handgrip walls 104 and 106. In some examples, the left and right exterior grip panels each have a width such that a total width of the handgrip structure 100 matches a width of a standard Model 1911 handgun. The exterior grip panels can be formed of, e.g., textured foam material, and can be secured to the handgrip structure 100 after formation of the handgrip structure 100, e.g., using screws that attach the handgrip structure 100 to the frame 200. Figure 4 is a flow diagram of an example method 400 for assembling a modular handgun. The method 400 includes obtaining a handgun frame lacking a grip, e.g., the frame 200 of Figures 2A-C (402). For example, a standard Model 1911 handgun frame can be obtained. If needed, the handgrip can be removed from a handgun having an existing handgrip.

The method 400 includes sliding a handgrip structure (e.g., the handgrip structure 100 of Figures 1A-D) onto the frame 200 such that surface rails (e.g., surface rails 112 and 114) of the handgrip structure mate with receiving channels (e.g., receiving channels 204 and 206) of the frame (404). The method 400 includes securing the handgrip structure the frame (406). For example, screws can be threaded through holes in the handgrip structure and secured to bushings of the frame.

The method 400 includes adding further components to the modular handgun (408). Typically, the method 400 includes adding a trigger, a slide, a hammer, and other components as appropriate to complete a firing mechanism and an autoloading mechanism for loading from a magazine. In some examples, the method 400 includes adding exterior grip panels to exterior surfaces of the handgrip structure.

The resulting modular handgun maintains many of the positive attributes of the standard Model 1911 handgun and may shoot flatter and softer than many conventional handguns based on the standard Model 1911 design.

Figures 5A - 5B illustrate a method for retrofitting a handgun having a metal grip with a polymer grip. For example, an appropriate variant of the Model 1911 handgun may be retrofitted. The handgun may have an integral frame structure. Retrofitting the handgun with a polymer grip can be useful, e.g., for causing the handgun to shoot flatter and softer while avoiding the cost of purchasing a newly manufactured gun.

Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a handgun that has been divided into a frame structure 200 and a grip structure 500. Figure 5B shows a side of the divided handgun. A gunsmith can divide the handgun along a line separating the frame structure 200 and the grip structure 500, e.g., using an a saw or other appropriate cutting tool. As a result of dividing the handgun, the frame 200 includes receiving channels, e.g., as described above with reference to Figures 2A - 2B, that allow for coupling with a polymer handgrip structure, e.g., the handgrip structure 100 of Figures 1A - 1 B. The grip structure 500 can be discarded or saved for another use.

Figure 6 is a flow diagram of an example method 600 for retrofitting a handgun having a metal grip with a polymer grip. The method 600 includes dividing, e.g., by sawing along a guide line as illustrated in Figures 5A and 6A, the handgun, leaving a handgun frame (602). The method 600 includes securing a polymer handgrip structure to the frame (604), for example, by sliding the handgrip structure onto the frame such that surface rails mate with receiving channels and threading screws through holes in the handgrip structure and into bushings of the frame. The method 600 includes adding further components to the modular handgun to complete the gun (606).

By retrofitting a handgun in this manner, the handgun may shoot flatter and softer. When the handgun shoots flatter and softer, the shooter may improve shooting skills and generally have an improved shooting experience with the handgun.

Figures 7A - 7B illustrate an example handgrip structure 700 and frame 750. Figure 7A is a downward-facing view and Figure 7B is an upward-facing view.

The frame 750 includes a triangular-shaped wedge 752 protruding from an underside of the frame 750. The wedge 752 protrudes from a forward section of the frame 750. For example, the wedge 752 can be located underneath a barrel chamber and between receiving channels of the frame 750 and a distal end of the frame 750 along the barrel chamber.

The handgrip structure 700 includes a corresponding triangular shaped notch 702 for receiving the wedge 752 of the frame 750 during assembly. The handgrip structure 700 defines the notch 702 in an upper portion of the handgrip structure 700. For example, the notch 702 can be located in an upper portion of a trigger guard.

The handgrip structure 700 includes a nub 704 protruding from a top side of the handgrip structure 700. The nub 704 is shaped to fit within a matching cutout 754 on the frame 750. The nub 704 and the cutout 754 can be, e.g., oval shaped and longer in a left-right direction across the gun.

The notch 702 and the wedge 752, when mated together after assembly, can be useful in absorbing recoil from the gun firing. Similarly, the nub 704, when secured within the cutout 754, can be useful in absorbing recoil from the gun firing.

Figures 7A - 7B also illustrate a pair of custom bushings 706 and 708 which can be used to fasten the frame 750 to the handgrip structure 700 with screws. Each of the custom bushings 706 and 708 can include a head (or flange) inside of the bushing. Figures 7A - 7B also illustrate a mainspring housing 710 that can be manufactured by molding.

It will be understood that various details of the subject matter described herein may be changed without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation, as the subject matter described herein is defined by the claims as set forth hereinafter.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A handgrip structure for a modular handgun, the handgrip structure comprising:

a trigger guard portion; and

left and right handgrip walls integrally formed with each other and the trigger guard portion;

wherein the left and right handgrip walls define a vertical magazine receptacle passage between the left and right handgrip walls; and

wherein each of the left and right handgrip walls comprises an interior-facing surface facing the vertical magazine receptacle passage and each interior-facing surface comprises a pair of substantially parallel elongate surface rails raised from the interior facing surface towards the vertical magazine receptacle passage.

2. The handgrip structure of claim 1 , wherein the trigger guard portion comprises a substantially planar upper surface in a horizontal plane, and wherein the left and right handgrip walls extend in an angled direction away from the horizontal plane at an obtuse angle.

3. The handgrip structure of claim 2, wherein, for each of the left and right handgrip walls, the pair of substantially parallel elongate surface rails extend in the angled direction away from the horizontal plane along the interior-facing surface.

4. The handgrip structure of claim 3, wherein, for each of the left and right handgrip walls, the pair of substantially parallel elongate surface rails comprises, for each elongate surface rail, a top portion that is substantially parallel with the horizontal plane.

5. The handgrip structure of claim 3, wherein, for each of the left and right handgrip walls, the pair of substantially parallel elongate surface rails are substantially parallel about the angled direction.

6. The handgrip structure of claim 1 , wherein, for each of the left and right handgrip walls, the pair of substantially parallel elongate surface rails are spaced apart by a distance matching a distance between a pair of receiving channels on a frame of a standard Model 1911 handgun.

7. The handgrip structure of claim 6, wherein, for each of the left and right handgrip walls, the pair of substantially parallel elongate surface rails has a thickness matching a thickness of the pair of receiving channels on the frame of the standard Model 1911 handgun.

8. The handgrip structure of claim 1 , wherein the left and right handgrip walls and the trigger guard portion are integrally formed of a polymer.

9. The handgrip structure of claim 1 , wherein each of the left and right handgrip walls includes a receiving hole between the pair of substantially parallel elongate surface rails for receiving a screw.

10. The handgrip structure of claim 1 , wherein, for each of the left and right handgrip walls, the interior-facing surface is substantially flat outside of the pair of substantially parallel elongate surface rails.

11. The handgrip structure of claim 1 , comprises left and right exterior grip panels secured to left and right exterior surfaces of the left and right handgrip walls.

12. The handgrip structure of claim 11 , wherein the left and right exterior grip panels each have a width such that that a total width of the handgrip structure matches a width of a standard Model 1911 handgun.

13. A method for assembling a modular handgun, the method comprising:

obtaining a frame lacking a grip;

sliding a handgrip structure onto the frame such that surface rails of the handgrip structure mate with receiving channels of the frame; and

securing the handgrip structure to the frame.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the handgrip structure comprises:

a trigger guard portion; and

left and right handgrip walls integrally formed with each other and the trigger guard portion.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the left and right handgrip walls define a vertical magazine receptacle passage between the left and right handgrip walls.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the left and right handgrip walls comprises an interior-facing surface facing the vertical magazine receptacle passage and each interior-facing surface comprises a pair of substantially parallel elongate surface rails raised from the interior-facing surface towards the vertical magazine receptacle passage.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein obtaining a frame lacking a grip comprises obtaining a handgun and removing the grip from the handgun to obtain the frame.

18. The method of claim 13, comprising adding a firing mechanism to the modular handgun.

19. The method of claim 13, comprising adding an autoloading mechanism to the modular handgun.

20. The method of claim 13, comprising attaching exterior grip panels to exterior surfaces of the handgrip structure.