WO2021205335A1

WO2021205335A1 - Mproved handle for pistols

Info

Publication number: WO2021205335A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/052842
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mauro PANZANARO
Original assignee: Tec.R.A.S. - Tecnologia Per La Ricerca Ambiente E Scuola
Priority date: 2020-04-06
Filing date: 2021-04-06
Publication date: 2021-10-14
Also published as: IT202000007222A1

Abstract

A handle (100) configured to be used in a short firearm in replacement of a handle of said firearm, wherein said handle (100) comprises a left gripping element (100a), a right gripping element (100b), specular to each other with respect to a plane of symmetry (S) of the handle, wherein the left gripping element (100a) has a left protrusion (200a) at a portion of the top and wherein the element right gripping element (100b) has a right protrusion (200b) at one of its top portion, and wherein the top portion of the left gripping element (100) and of the right gripping element (100b) have a thickness respectively in correspondence of the left protrusion (200a) and of the right protrusion (200b) greater than a thickness of a bottom portion respectively of the left gripping element (100a) and of the right gripping element (100b).

Description

IMPROVED HANDLE FOR PISTOLS

The present invention refers to an improved handle for a pistol to facilitate a two-handed grip of the pistol itself, to be applied to a pistol as a replacement for the original handle or as a first installation handle.

The present invention also relates to a handle to be applied by overlapping, as an accessory, on a handle of a pistol to facilitate a two-handed grip of an improved type.

In the following description and in the attached Figures, reference will mainly be made to a short pistol of the automatic type, although it is intended that the invention can equally be used in other types of short pistols, for example a revolver.

Short firearms, more precisely short pistols, were originally created to be held with one hand, the strong hand, which usually corresponds to the right hand for right-handed people and the left hand for left- handed people.

The handle of a pistol can be integrated into the barrel, and therefore not removable, or it can include two gripping elements, also called "grips", each of which is applied, if desired in a removable way, to a respective side of a barrel of the pistol. In this case, the pistol comprises a right grip and a left grip each applied to a respective side of the barrel of the pistol.

The right grip and the left grip are specular or substantially specular with respect to a central plane of symmetry of the pistol, to allow the use of the same pistol by both a right shooter and a left shooter. Over time, the handle of this type of pistol has been modified to optimize the grip effect.

Currently, to obtain greater shooting accuracy, it is very common among shooters to reinforce the grip of the short pistol using a two-handed grip. So, in general, a pistol during shooting can be held with one hand or with two hands.

In case of two-handed shooting, a classic approach illustrated from above by way of example in the attached Figure 2, provides that the strong hand normally holds the weapon as when shooting with one hand and, in a subsequent phase, the weak hand collaborates in the grip of the weapon, on the opposite side to that of the strong hand, partially holding the weapon and the strong hand.

The weak hand makes a hold in a more advanced position than the strong hand.

In this case the strong hand exerts a force parallel to the firing trajectory, facing the same direction as the shot exploded out of the barrel of the pistol, while the weak hand exerts a force parallel to the firing trajectory with the opposite direction, i.e. facing towards the shooter.

This is determined by the fact that, in this grip configuration, the weak hand helps to control the positioning of the weapon during the aiming phase, before shooting, partially counteracting the action of the strong hand. In this grip configuration, the weak hand does not participate effectively in contrasting the recoil force produced following the explosion of the shot. As is known, the recoil of a firearm is a force acting along the direction of the shot, with the direction facing the shooter.

In the aforementioned grip configuration, the recoil and the force exerted by the weak hand both act in the same direction.

The two-hand grip configuration that can be obtained with the use of a traditional short pistol presents further critical issues.

The positioning of the hands determines an asymmetrical arrangement of the upper limbs, with respect to a plane of symmetry S illustrated in the attached Figure 2, causing a consequent excessive muscle tension. In case of prolonged grip, greater fatigue is caused by the shooter who, therefore, is subject to the effects of muscle fatigue.

As a further consequence, muscle tension increases the time it takes to acquire the correct position for the shot, thus hindering the possibility of obtaining an accurate and quick shot or precise shots in quick succession.

Despite the use of both hands, the accuracy of the shot remains under the control of the strong hand alone. The latter, having to perform also the control of the trigger to command the shot, is used only in part to counteract the recoil force of the weapon thus reducing the ability to control the aim for a subsequent shot.

In general, the traditional short-type pistols only allow an asymmetrical grip described above. In fact, even trying to wrap the handle with the weak hand in a symmetrical way with the strong hand, the grip would be ineffective as the portion of the handle on which the weak hand must grip is already occupied by three fingers, precisely middle finger, ring finger and little finger of the strong hand, already tightened around the handle.

The positioning of the fingers of the strong hand tightened around the handle occupies a large part of the lateral surface of the handle, forcing the weak hand to grip by leaning on the three aforementioned fingers of the strong hand.

In practice, in the two-handed grip of a short pistol provided with a traditional grip, only the lower part of the palm of the weak hand is able to establish direct contact with the grip of the weapon while the upper part of the palm of the weak hand is spaced approximately 1 cm or more from the lateral surface of the weapon handle due to the presence of the fingers of the strong hand wrapped around the handle. This two-handed grip configuration means that the grip of the weapon by the weak hand is partial and occurs at the butt or the bottom of the weapon handle. At the portion of the weapon gripped by the weak hand, a fulcrum or pivot point is determined with respect to the recoil force which therefore determines a large arm with respect to the direction along which the recoil force acts, causing a rotation of the weapon upward, resulting in a loss of aim. A traditional short pistol grip, even if performed with two hands, therefore does not allow to increase the accuracy of the shot or to overcome the disadvantages described above.

There is the need in the field to solve the problems described and to obtain an improved handle for a short pistol that promotes an optimal and effective two-handed grip of the weapon.

Currently, there are numerous accessories available on the market for grips configured to increase the efficiency of gripping the grip of a pistol with a single strong hand. These accessories are anatomical and are configured to be applied along the handle of a pistol to facilitate the grip of the same by the strong hand only.

However, such accessories do not allow to solve the drawbacks described above since they cause an asymmetry in the two-handed grip of the pistol.

US10101115B1 describes an accessory to improve the two-handed grip of a pistol.

This accessory has an asymmetrical development, comprising a protrusion which extends from one side only with respect to a plane of symmetry of the pistol itself.

It should be noted that in the normal practice of two-handed shooting, the use of grip systems that provide for the use of a protrusion that extends asymmetrically from one side of the grip, even if made with an anatomical profile, has proved inconvenient, because, as previously highlighted, a similar protrusion positioned along the external face of the handle and especially in the area already occupied by the three fingers of the strong hand does not allow to increase the grip of the weak hand. Furthermore, this protrusion could further reduce the effectiveness of the two-hand grip if it contributes to increasing the distance of the palm of the weak hand with respect to a portion of the top of the handle. Furthermore, the modification of the existing handles by making a greater protrusion of the lateral surfaces in the bottom and central areas of the handle does not allow to solve the drawbacks described above since it causes a considerable bulk along the grip portion of the handle such as to worsen even the grip by the strong hand itself.

Furthermore, such an asymmetrical accessory requires an appropriate shaping of the handle only for left- handed or right-handed shooters, thus limiting the usability of a pistol provided with the same.

There is therefore a need for a handle that allows the above problems to be solved in the two-handed grip of a pistol.

The purpose of the present invention is to allow the two-handed grip of a firearm such as a short pistol in a simple, efficient and easy way.

A further purpose of the invention is to allow a symmetrical two-handed grip of the firearm.

Another object of the invention is to allow a symmetrical position of the upper limbs during the two- handed grip and the subsequent shot as well as an optimal cooperation between the weak hand and the strong hand in controlling the weapon to obtain a more precise and rapid shot. The proposed invention solves these aspects by completely modifying the setting of the grip and the functions of the two hands during the shot.

The specific object of the invention is a handle configured to be used in a short firearm to replace the grips installed in the firearm or as a first installation handle, wherein the handle includes: a left gripping element, a right gripping element, wherein the left gripping element and the right gripping element are specular to each other with respect to a plane of symmetry of the handle and define respective gripping portions of the handle configured to be connected to respective sides of an opposite pistol barrel with respect to the plane of symmetry, wherein the left gripping element has a left protrusion at one of its top portion and wherein the right gripping element has a right protrusion at a top portion of its, the top portion of the left gripping element and of the right gripping element each having a thickness respectively at the left and right protrusion greater than a thickness of a respective bottom portion of the left gripping element and of the right gripping element, wherein the left protrusion comprises a top supporting surface parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of symmetry and wherein the right protrusion comprises a top supporting surface parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of symmetry. According to another aspect of the invention, the left gripping element and the right gripping element may have an elongated development between the top portion and the bottom portion.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the left gripping element can have a flat abutment surface parallel to the plane of symmetry and the right gripping element can have a respective abutment surface that is flat and parallel with respect to the plane of symmetry, the abutment surface and the respective abutment surface being faced to each other when the handle is connected to the pistol.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the left gripping element can be shaped so as to have a top supporting surface, a rear connecting surface, a side connecting surface and a bottom supporting surface, wherein the top supporting surface is delimited at the top portion, wherein the bottom supporting surface is delimited at the bottom portion of the left gripping element, wherein the lateral connecting surface connects the support surface of top to the bottom supporting surface and is inclined with respect to them, wherein the rear connecting surface faces a rear portion of the left gripping element, wherein the rear portion in use faces a shooter who holds the handle.

According to another aspect of the invention, the top support surface, the rear connecting surface and the lateral connecting surface of the left gripping element can delimit the left protrusion.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the right gripping element can be shaped so as to have a top supporting surface, a rear connecting surface, a lateral connecting surface and a bottom support surface, wherein the top supporting surface is delimited at the top portion, wherein the bottom supporting surface is delimited at the bottom portion of the right gripping element, where the lateral connecting surface connects the top supporting surface to the bottom supporting surface and is inclined with respect to them, wherein the rear connecting surface faces a rear portion of the right gripping element, wherein the rear portion in use faces a shooter holding the handle.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the top support surface, the rear connecting surface and the lateral connecting surface of the right gripping element can delimit the right protrusion. According to another aspect of the invention, the lateral connecting surface of the left gripping element and the lateral connecting surface of the right gripping element are convergent with respect to the plane of symmetry starting from the top portion towards the bottom portion of the handle.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the rear connecting surface of the left gripping element and the rear connecting surface of the right gripping element can be concave with a concavity facing a rear portion of the handle, the connecting surface of the left gripping element and the rear connecting surface of the right gripping element, each defining a connecting angle with the top supporting surface of the left gripping element and the top supporting surface of the right gripping element respectively between 80° and 130°.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the left protrusion and the right protrusion can protrude respectively from the bottom supporting surface of the left gripping element and from the respective bottom supporting surface of the right gripping element by a distance equal to or greater than 6mm.

According to another aspect of the invention, the top supporting surface and the rear connecting surface of the left gripping element are separated by a rear edge, wherein the rear edge is a sharp edge, and wherein the top supporting surface and the rear connecting surface of the right gripping element are separated by a rear edge, where the rear edge is a sharp edge.

The invention also relates to a handle configured as an accessory to be hooked around a top portion of a grip portion of a pistol, wherein the handle comprises a left gripping element and a right gripping element mutually connected by means of a central connecting portion, wherein the left gripping element comprises a left protrusion and the right gripping element comprises a right protrusion, the left gripping element and the left protrusion being specular respectively to the right and to the right protrusion with respect to a plane of symmetry.

According to another aspect of the invention, the left gripping element can comprise a top bearing surface, a rear connecting surface and a lateral connecting surface, wherein the side connecting surface is configured to connect the top supporting surface with the gripping portion of the pistol along a left side with respect to the plane of symmetry, and wherein the right gripping element comprises a top bearing surface, a rear connecting surface and a lateral connecting surface, wherein the lateral connecting surface is configured to connect the top supporting surface with the gripping portion of the pistol along a right side with respect to the plane of symmetry, opposite to the left side. According to a further aspect of the invention, the handle can have a "U" or substantially "U" conformation in plan.

The advantages offered by the handle according to the invention are evident.

The handle according to the invention is configured to be mounted along the barrel of a short firearm, a pistol, as a replacement for the handle already installed on the weapon itself in order to allow an effective two-handed grip and a symmetrical arrangement of the upper limbs in two-handed shooting.

According to this embodiment, the handle includes two gripping elements or grips each configured for the replacement of a respective one of the originally installed grips.

The handle according to the invention comprises a pair of protrusions, each located at a respective top portion of the handle, wherein the protrusions are configured to reduce the distance between the upper portion of the palm of the weak hand and the handle.

In particular, the handle according to the invention is configured in such a way that when the weak hand grasps the handle, the lower portion of the palm of the weak hand rests on the three fingers of the strong hand and the upper portion of the palm of the weak hand rests against one of the protrusions (left protrusion if the weak hand is the left hand, right protrusion if the weak hand is the right hand).

It should be noted that the handle according to the invention in addition to promoting an optimal grip of the firearm even by the weak hand, allows an effective grip even by the strong hand alone, both by a right shooter and by a left shooter.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the handle is an accessory configured to be coupled and connected to a pistol handle, if this handle is not removable from the barrel of the pistol.

Both embodiments of the handle according to the invention guarantee the action of gripping and controlling the weapon during the two-handed grip even by the weak hand.

The adoption of the handle according to the invention allows to obtain a firm support of the weapon even by the weak hand during the two-handed grip, able to contain, control and balance the thrust caused by the recoil of the weapon during the shot.

It is understood that the handle according to the invention can be used for various models of short pistols and designed to be adapted to their specific dimensions, allowing in any case an optimal two-handed grip and effective action by not only the strong hand but even the weak hand in the control of the weapon. The present invention will now be described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the Figures of the attached drawings, wherein: Figure 1A shows a side view of a pistol comprising a handle according to the invention;

Figure IB shows a partial perspective view of a pistol including the handle in Figure 1A;

Figures 1C and ID show top views of a detail of the handle according to the invention;

Figures IE and IF show side views of a pistol comprising a handle according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a top view of the classic position that a shooter assumes during the two-handed shooting with a traditional type pistol;

Figure 3 shows a top view of a two-handed grip of a pistol comprising a handle according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a rear view of a two-handed gripping phase of a pistol comprising a handle according to the invention, wherein the weak hand enters to carry out the two-handed grip;

Figure 5 shows a rear view of a two-handed gripping phase of a pistol comprising a handle according to the invention, wherein the strong hand closes on the weak hand to complete the two-handed grip; Figure 6 shows a side view of a two-handed grip of a pistol comprising a handle according to the proposed invention;

Figure 7 shows a front view of the position assumed by the strong hand during a two-handed grip of a pistol comprising a handle according to the invention, the weak hand is omitted;

Figure 8 shows a rear view of the grip of a handle according to the invention, through the weak hand which is guaranteed even without the use of the thumb;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a short weapon including a version of the handle according to the invention that allows its use in the presence of a magazine release button;

Figure 10 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of a traditional grip or grip (Figure 10a) and of a grip or grip portion according to the invention (Figure 10b);

Figure 11 shows a rear view of a traditional pistol grip (Figure 11a) and a pistol grip according to the invention (Figure lib);

Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of a handle according to the invention configured to be applied to a pistol grip, in particular a rear perspective view (Figure 12a) and a top view (Figure 12b).

A first embodiment of a handle according to the invention, configured to be applied to a pistol in place of the handle originally supplied with the pistol itself, is shown in the attached Figures 1A-1F, 3-9, 10b and lib and indicated altogether with the reference number 100.

As is known, a pistol comprises a barrel which extends along a shooting direction A, a direction along which an initial portion of the trajectory of a projectile exiting the barrel develops.

The pistol then comprises a trigger, for selectively commanding a shot, which has a midpoint through which an actuation direction B extends, parallel to the shooting direction A.

The handle 100 comprises a left gripping element 100a, configured to be connected in abutment against a left side of the barrel G of a pistol, as a replacement for a left grip originally installed on the pistol, and right gripping element 100b, configured for be connected in abutment against a right side of the barrel G of a pistol, as a replacement for a left gripping originally installed on the pistol itself.

The left gripping element 100a and the right gripping element 100b define respective gripping portions for the handle 100. The left gripping element 100a and the right gripping element 100b are specular to each other with respect to a plane of symmetry S of the handle 100 (see Figure lib).

The plane of symmetry S corresponds to a plane of central symmetry of the pistol, when the handle 100 is mounted on this pistol, replacing a handle originally installed on the pistol.

It is understood that the handle 100 according to the invention can also be used as a handle for first installation on board a pistol, that is to say that a pistol can provide as original equipment a handle 100 according to the invention.

The characteristics of the left gripping element 100a will be described below, although it is understood that the same considerations apply in relation to the right gripping element 100b.

The left gripping element 100a has a top portion and a bottom portion.

The left gripping element 100a develops along a longitudinal direction C which crosses the top portion and the bottom portion of the left gripping element 100a (see Figure IF).

More precisely, the left gripping element 100a has an elongated conformation delimited between a top portion and a bottom portion, a front portion and a rear portion.

With front portion it is meant a portion that faces the shooting direction A, with the same direction as a bullet exiting the barrel, while with rear portion it is meant a portion facing a shooter who holds the handle 100.

The left gripping element 100a has a left protrusion 200a at the top portion of the left gripping element 100a itself, wherein the left protrusion 200a is configured to promote an optimal two-handed grip of the handle 100 by a shooter with either a strong hand or a weak hand.

The left protrusion 200a and the right protrusion 200b both protrude outside the handle 100, from their respective sides, in opposite positions.

When the handle 100 is connected to a pistol, the left protrusion 200a and the right protrusion 200b are aligned with the pistol trigger. In other words, the left protrusion 200a and the right protrusion 200b are traversed by the driving direction B (see Figures 1A and IB).

As will be better described below, the left protrusion 200a is configured to promote an optimal and effective grip by the weak hand, without interfering with the grip by the strong hand.

The left gripping element 100a has a variable thickness along the longitudinal direction C.

In particular, the left gripping element 100a, at the left protrusion 200a, that is to say at its top portion, has a greater thickness than that of its bottom portion.

In this regard, the left gripping element 100a has an abutment surface 170a (see for example Figure lib) configured to abut against a left side of the pistol barrel G, when the left gripping element 100a is connected to the barrel G himself.

The connection between the left gripping element 100a to the pistol barrel G occurs in a manner available to the person skilled in the art which, therefore, will not be further described. The abutment surface 170a is flat or substantially flat.

The abutment surface 170a is parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of symmetry S.

The left gripping element 100a is shaped in such a way as to have a top supporting surface SI, a rear connecting surface S2, a lateral connecting surface S3 and a bottom supporting surface S4 (see, for example, Figure IB).

In particular, the top supporting surface SI, the rear connecting surface S2 and the lateral connecting surface S3 delimit the left protrusion 200a.

The rear connecting surface S2 extends along a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction C.

The lateral connecting surface S3, on the other hand, develops along a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal direction C.

In other words, the rear connecting surface S2 and the lateral connecting surface S3 extend transversely to each other and delimit the bottom portion and the rear portion of the left protrusion 200a.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the left protrusion 200a has a length dimension along the shooting direction A, equal to 40 mm, a height dimension along a direction perpendicular to the shooting direction A and lying on a parallel plane to the plane of symmetry S equal to 35mm.

It is understood that the left protrusion 200a may have different length and width values compared to those described above, depending on the specific conformations of the pistol to which the handle 100 according to the invention is to be installed.

The top supporting surface SI is delimited at the top portion of the left gripping element 100a while the bottom supporting surface S4 is delimited at a bottom portion of the left gripping element 100a. According to a version of the invention, the top supporting surface SI is flat and develops parallel or substantially parallel to the symmetry plane S.

According to a version of the invention, the bottom supporting surface S4 is parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of symmetry S.

The top supporting surface SI has a greater distance from the abutment surface 170a than a separation distance between the bottom abutment surface S4 and the abutment surface 170a itself.

According to a preferred version of the invention, the top supporting surface SI is distant from the abutment surface 170a with a distance greater than that of the bottom supporting surface S4 from the abutment surface 170a.

In other words, the top bearing surface SI is separated from the bottom bearing surface S4 by a separation distance E, preferably equal to or about 6mm, wherein the separation distance E is orthogonal to the plane of symmetry S (see, for example, Figure lib).

The lateral connecting surface S3 mutually connects the top bearing surface SI with the bottom bearing surface S4. The lateral connecting surface S3 is inclined with respect to the plane of symmetry S.

In other words, the lateral connecting surface S3 is inclined with respect to the top bearing surface SI and to the bottom bearing surface S4.

More in detail, the lateral connecting surface S3 has a convergent trend along the longitudinal direction C, that is to say that the lateral connecting surface S3 converges towards the plane of symmetry S, with a direction from the top portion towards the bottom portion of the left gripping element 100a.

The rear connecting surface S2 faces a rear portion of the left gripping element 100a and joins the top bearing surface SI and the lateral connecting surface S3 with a rear edge of the left gripping element 100a, i.e. with an edge which, in use, with the handle 100 connected to a pistol, faces a shooter who grips the handle 100 itself.

The rear connecting surface S2 is concave, with the concavity facing the outside of the gripping element 100a, i.e. with the opposite direction to that of the abutment surface 170a.

The S2 surface is configured to house the palm of the strong hand that holds the handle 100.

According to a preferred version of the invention illustrated in the attached Figures 1C and ID, the rear connecting surface S2 defines an angle 190a between 80° and 130°, even more preferably equal to 120°, with respect to the top supporting surface SI.

The top supporting surface SI and the lateral connecting surface S3 may have seats, not shown in the attached Figures, configured to define one or more housings to house respective adhesive grips, or surface treatments to increase adherence.

Furthermore, the top supporting surface SI and the lateral connecting surface S3 may have cavities or recesses, not shown in the attached Figures, configured to house any accessory controls present along the pistol barrel G (for example a magazine release button, hold open, secure ect).

The left protuberance 200a develops at the top supporting surface SI, joining towards the bottom portion of the left gripping element 100a through the lateral connecting surface S3 and towards the rear portion of the left gripping element 100a through the rear connecting surface S2.

In the following description, to indicate the conformation of the left protuberance 200a, reference will be made to the individual edges that delimit the top supporting surface SI, the bottom supporting surface S4, the lateral connecting surface S3 and the rear connecting surface S2.

The top supporting surface SI is delimited between a top edge 101a, a front edge 102a, a bottom edge 103a and a rear edge 104a.

According to a preferred version of the invention, the top supporting surface SI has a connecting edge 105a, which mutually connects the top edge 101a and the rear edge 104a, defining an oriented connection section inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction C (see Figures 1A and IB).

The top edge 101a delimits the left gripping element 100a at the top portion. It should be noted that in the case wherein the pistol to which the handle 100 is to be applied is an automatic pistol provided with a carriage sliding along a direction parallel to the shooting direction A, the top edge 101a is positioned in proximity or in close proximity to the lower edge of this carriage. This positioning of the top edge 101a allows to delimit a top supporting surface SI of the left protuberance 200a in an optimal position for the weak hand, which in this case is the left hand, to promote the control and contrast of the recoil force F during a two-handed grip of a pistol equipped with the handle 100 according to the invention.

In the attached Figure IF the direction of the recoil force is illustrated by an arrow F.

The bottom edge 103a, on the other hand, divides the top supporting surface SI from the lateral connecting surface S3.

The rear edge 104a divides the top supporting surface SI from the rear connecting surface S2. Preferably, the rear edge 104a of the top supporting surface SI is a sharp or non-bevelled edge, optionally provided with a transverse notch or groove designed to increase the adherence of a hand against it.

The lateral connecting surface S3 is delimited at its top, by the bottom edge 103a of the top supporting surface SI, frontally by a respective front edge 106a, at its bottom, by a respective bottom edge 107a and posteriorly, from a respective rear edge 108a.

The bottom edge 103a is configured to join the top supporting surface SI smoothly and continuously with the lateral connecting surface S3.

The respective bottom edge 107a separates the lateral connecting surface S3 from the bottom supporting surface S4.

In particular, the respective bottom edge 107a is configured to join the lateral connecting surface S3 smoothly and continuously with the bottom resting surface S4.

The bottom edge 103a and the respective bottom edge 107a, therefore, are bevelled or are not sharp edges.

The respective rear edge 108a separates the lateral connecting surface S3 from the rear connecting surface S2.

The respective rear edge 108a of the lateral connecting surface S3 is a sharp or non-bevelled edge, optionally equipped with a transversal notch or groove designed to increase the grip of a hand against it. In particular, the rear edge 104a and the respective rear edge 108a are configured to sink into the palm of the hand when a shooter tightens the pistol through the handle 100 to prevent the palm of the hand from sliding relative to the handle 100 itself.

Preferably, the rear edge 104a extends along a transverse direction D, which lies on a plane parallel to the plane of symmetry S and is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction C as well as the direction of pull A. According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached Figure IE, the transverse direction D forms with the shooting direction A an inclination angle 191a comprised between 50° and 70°.

More preferably, the inclination angle 191a is equal to a value of 58°.

It is understood that further versions of the invention are possible, wherein the inclination of the rear edge 104a has different values for the inclination angle 191a as a function of the geometry of the barrel G of the pistol and the inclination of the latter with respect to the direction shooting A.

As mentioned, the rear edge 104a and the respective rear edge 108a are sharp to promote the adherence and the grip of the left protuberance 200a with respect to the palm of a shooter's hand.

The bottom supporting surface S4 is delimited at one of its top by the bottom edge 107a of the lateral connecting surface S3, at the front by a front edge 109a, at its bottom by a respective bottom edge 110 and at the rear by a rear edge 111a.

The rear connecting surface S4 is delimited at one of its top by a top edge 113a, frontally by the rear edge 104a of the top supporting surface 101a, at one of its bottom portion by a bottom edge 114a and at the rear from a rear edge 112a.

The rear edge 112a defines, at the rear, the top portion of the left gripping element 100a

The bottom edge 114a of the rear connecting surface S2 separates this rear connecting surface S2 from the bottom supporting surface S4.

If the handle 100 is used to replace a handle previously installed along the barrel G of a pistol, the bottom supporting surface S4 is shaped so as to reproduce or substantially reproduce the shape of a respective bottom portion of the left grip replaced by the left gripping element 100a.

In other words, the bottom supporting surface S4 is similar to a bottom portion of a left grip which is replaced by the left gripping element 100a. This, since the handle 100 differs from the traditional type handles of a pistol in relation to the presence of a left protuberance 200a and a right protuberance 200b which promote an effective, firm and stable grip of the handle 100 itself in the two-handed grip.

The top supporting surface SI, the lateral connecting surface S3 and the rear connecting surface S2 are modified with respect to the top portion of a grip replaced by the left gripping element 100a.

As mentioned, the conformation of the right gripping element 100b is the mirror image of that described above in relation to the left gripping element 100a.

The right gripping element 100b, in fact, has a top supporting surface SI, a rear connecting surface S2, a lateral connecting surface S3 and a bottom supporting surface S4 shaped like the corresponding surfaces of the gripping element left 100a and delimited between respective edges in the manner described in relation to the left gripping element 100a, to which reference should be made.

It should be noted that the right gripping element 100b has a respective abutment surface 170b configured to abut against a right side of the barrel G of a pistol to which the right gripping element 100b is intended to be connected. - IB -

The connection between the right gripping element 100b to the barrel G of the pistol occurs in a manner within the reach of the person skilled in the art which, therefore, will not be further described.

The top supporting surface SI of the right gripping element 100b is spaced from the respective abutment surface 170b with a greater distance than that which separates the bottom resting surface S4 from the respective abutment surface 170b, similarly to what is described in in relation to the left gripping element 100a to which reference is made.

In other words, the right gripping element 100b has a thickness at the top supporting surface SI greater than the thickness at the bottom supporting surface S4.

The top supporting surface SI defines a right protrusion 200b configured to fulfil the same purposes described in relation to the left protrusion 200a of the left gripping element 100a to which reference is made.

The handle 100 according to the invention, with reference to the above, allows a handle of the pistol to which it is installed such as to ensure a symmetry of the upper limbs of the shooter with respect to the plane of symmetry S during the two-handed grip (see Figure 3).

The two-handed grip that can be obtained through the handle 100 allows the weak hand to support the pistol effectively and without great effort, while the strong hand strengthens the grip and mainly performs the control of the trigger to command the shot.

The symmetrical position of the upper limbs with respect to the plane of symmetry S allows both hands, the strong and the weak, to perform a firm and effective grip in the absence of any contrast in the direction of the force applied by the strong hand and the weak hand as it happens, on the other hand, during the two-handed grip of a traditional handle.

The handle 100, thanks to the presence of the left protrusion 200a and the right protrusion 200b, allows to obtain the aforementioned symmetrical grip position wherein the weak hand and the strong hand both contribute to the grip, each engaging the weapon with only the necessary force to tighten the handle 100 with the respective fingers against the respective palms of the two hands. Therefore, both hands of the shooter apply the necessary force to control the recoil F, both being able to act with a control force oriented along the same direction, increasing the control of the grip and therefore of the shooting accuracy.

In addition, this symmetrical grip allows to reduce muscle tension between the two arms, reducing the shooter's fatigue especially in the case of prolonged use.

The handle 100 according to the invention, when installed on board a pistol to replace the original handle, therefore makes the positioning and execution of a two-handed shot more effective.

As mentioned, the recoil is an impulsive force generated as a result of a shot that acts along the shooting direction A, with the opposite direction to that of the release of the bullet from the weapon. The recoil is balanced by the shooter through the grip of the handle 100 with a force that acts along the direction of actuation B with the opposite direction to that of the recoil.

Actuation direction B is misaligned with respect to the shooting direction A.

During the explosion of a shot, the misalignment and the different direction along which the recoil and the grip force act determine not only a translation of the weapon but also a rotation of the same generally upwards.

The geometry and position of the left protrusion 200a and the right protrusion 200b along the handle 100 allow the weak hand to effectively contain the movement due to translation and above all the upward rotation of the weapon, allowing rapid realignment of the target.

The left protrusion 200a and, similarly, the right protrusion 200b, allow to move a point along which the weak hand is gripped, the gripping point O, at the top portion of the handle 100 and, in particular, of the left gripping element 100a in case the weak hand is the left hand.

In this way, the misalignment between the gripping point O of the weak hand along the handle 100 and the direction of actuation B is reduced, thus allowing to reduce the moment normally generated by the recoil and, therefore, the rotation and lifting towards the top of the pistol.

The left protrusion 200a allows you to move the gripping point O, which in a traditional handle is located at a bottom portion of the handle (see point O' in Figure IF), at the top portion handle 100 itself and, therefore, approaching the direction of actuation B.

The gripping point O is spaced from the shooting direction A of a smaller arm than that present in a traditional handle which, as mentioned, provides a gripping point O' of the weak hand at the bottom portion of the handle and, therefore, at a greater distance from the direction of actuation B.

By reducing the separation distance between the shooting direction A and the gripping point O, the arm with which the recoil force acts with respect to the gripping point O itself is reduced, thus reducing the moment determined by the recoil on the shooter's hands.

The shooter, to maintain the alignment of the pistol during repeated and consecutive shots, must therefore exercise less control force.

The position of the gripping point O is a function of the conformation of the left protrusion 200a and, similarly, of the right protrusion 200b.

The top supporting surface 100a is traversed by the actuation direction B, ensuring the correct positioning of the gripping point O at the actuation direction B itself.

Below is a brief description of the gripping phases of a pistol comprising a handle 100 according to the invention.

To achieve a two-handed grip, the shooter proceeds as follows: initially the strong hand holds the pistol, wrapping the three middle, ring and little fingers around the handle 100. Subsequently, the weak hand tightens on the handle 100 engaging with the upper part of the palm of the hand the protrusion 200a. Finally, the grip is completed by wrapping the strong hand already gripped along the handle 100 with all fingers, thumb excluded.

In this way, the weak hand grips the handle 100 using the contrast between the palm of the hand and four fingers (index, middle, ring and little fingers) while the thumb does not participate in the grip. In these conditions, both hands, namely the strong hand and the weak hand, actively collaborate in controlling the weapon.

An alternative embodiment of the handle according to the invention is illustrated in the attached Figure 12 and wholly indicated with 1000.

For the description of the handle 1000, the same reference numbers will be used to indicate the same components described for the previous embodiment, increased by 1000 units.

The handle 1000 differs from the previous embodiment as regards its installation on board a pistol and the consequent conformation and connection of the left gripping element 1000a and the right gripping element 1000b.

The handle 1000 is intended to be used if the pistol includes a handle constrained to the barrel.

The handle 1000 is configured as a clip accessory or consists of an elastic sleeve that can be applied to the pistol handle.

The handle 1000 is designed to be applied at the top portion of the pistol handle and locked in position there by means of special stops, not shown in the attached figures.

The handle 1000 includes a left gripping element 1000a and a right gripping element 1000b mutually connected via a central connection portion 1000c.

With reference to the top view shown in the attached Figure 12b, the handle 1000 has a "U" or substantially "U" section.

Similarly to what is described in relation to the previous embodiment, the left gripping element 1000a right gripping element 1000b, are specular to each other relative to the symmetry plane S.

The left gripping element 1000a and the right gripping element 1000b are configured to clamp against only the top portion of the handle of a pistol, wrapping it.

In this regard, it should be noted that the left gripping element 1000a and the right gripping element 1000b each have a respective portion of free arched or hooked end with the concavity facing the centre or towards the plane of symmetry S.

The respective free hooked end portion of the left gripping element 1000a and of the gripping element 1000b is opposite to the central connection portion 1000c.

The central portion of the connection 1000c is elastically deformable to allow the left gripping element 1000a and the right gripping element 1000b to be selectively removed from each other, during the connection or removal of the handle 1000 relative to the pistol. The left gripping element 1000a and the right gripping element 1000b each have a reduced extension along the transverse direction C when compared with that of the left gripping element 100a and the right gripping element 100b respectively described for the previous embodiment.

More in detail, the left gripping element 1000a and the right gripping element 1000b are each configured respectively to delimit the left protrusion 1200a and a right protrusion 1200b.

The conformation of the left protrusion 1200a and of the right protrusion 1200b is the same as that described in relation to the handle 100.

The left handle element 1000a has a top supporting surface S1001, a rear connecting surface S1002 and a lateral connecting surface S1003.

In particular, the lateral connecting surface S1003 of the handle 1000 is configured in such a way as to act as a connecting element between the top supporting surface S1001 and the left side of the pistol handle to which the handle 1000 is applied.

Similar considerations apply regarding the conformation of the right gripping element 1000b which, as mentioned, mirrors the left gripping element 1000a with respect to the symmetry plane S.

In practice, the left gripping element 1000a and the right gripping element 1000b differ from the previous embodiment in that each of them is devoid of the bottom supporting surface S4. As mentioned, in fact, the handle 1000 is configured as an accessory to be applied overlapping a pistol grip and more precisely at a portion of the top of this handle.

With reference to the above, it is clear that the handle 100, 1000 according to the invention is able to achieve the intended purposes.

The handle 100, 1000 in fact allows a symmetrical two-handed grip, that is to say a grip wherein the shooter's upper limbs are positioned symmetrically substantially symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry S.

In addition, the handle 100, 1000 allows a firm and effective two-handed grip of the pistol, in such a way to allow both hands to exert a control force with the opposite direction to the one with which the recoil force is directed.

The handle 100, 1000 according to the invention allows to reduce the time required to realign the rear sight and the front sight to the target by increasing the rate of shooting, in the case of two-handed gripping compared to the time required for two-handed gripping traditional handle.

Furthermore, the handle 100, 1000 according to the invention guarantees a two-handed grip capable of ensuring greater control of the trigger by reducing the effect of any "strain", the main source of error during a shot with short pistols.

The left protrusion 200a, 1200a and the right protrusion 200b, 1200b each allow to significantly reduce the distance between the upper part of the palm of the weak hand, respectively left or right, and the upper surface of the handle 100, 1000 so that when the weak hand grasps the grip 100, 1000 rests with the lower part of the palm over the three fingers of the strong hand, respectively right or left, and with the upper part of the palm over the left protrusion 200a, 1200a or right 200b, 1200b.

To obtain the described result the left protrusion 200a, 1200a and the right protrusion 200b, 1200b are each made horizontally aligned with the trigger of the pistol wherein the handle 100, 1000 is used so that the upper end of the handle 100, 1000 is very close to the lower edge of the slide in the case of semi automatic pistols or of the drum in the case of revolvers, while the lower edge 107a of the lateral connecting surface S3 must smoothly join the bottom supporting surface S4 in the case of the handle 100 or with the bottom portion of the pistol handle in the case of the 1000 handle.

This configuration of the left protrusion 200a, 1200a and the right protrusion 200b, 1200b defines the maximum possible space for the fingers of the strong hand in order not to limit their gripping action around the handle 100, 1000.

As mentioned, the left protrusion 200a, 1200a and the right protrusion 200b, 1200b each have respective sharp edges, such as to sink into the palm of the hand while gripping the handle 100, 1000 to prevent the hand from sliding along the handle 100, 1000. The handle 100, 1000 according to the invention can be made of rigid materials, such as metals, wood and polymers or with a predominantly flexible behaviour.

In addition, the handle 100, 1000 can be made by means of a milling, molding and 3D printing process. The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that there may be other embodiments that pertain to the same inventive core, as defined by the scope of the claims set out below.

Claims

1. Handle (100) configured to be used in a short firearm to replace grips installed in said firearm or as a first installation handle, wherein said handle (100) comprises: a left gripping element (100a), a right gripping element (100b), wherein said left gripping element (100a) and said right gripping element (100b) are specular to each other with respect to a plane of symmetry (S) of said handle (100) and define respective gripping portions of said handle (100) configured to be connected to respective sides of a barrel of said pistol opposite to said plane of symmetry (S), wherein said left gripping element (100a) has a left protrusion (200a) at a top portion of its and wherein said right gripping element (100b) has a right protrusion (200b) at a top portion of its, said top portion of said left gripping element (100) and said right gripping element (100b) each having a thickness respectively at said left protrusion (200a) and said right protrusion (200b) greater than a thickness of a respective bottom portion of said left gripping element (100a) and of said right gripping element (100b), wherein said left protrusion (200a) comprises a top supporting surface (SI) parallel or substantially parallel to said plane of symmetry (S) and wherein said right protrusion (200b) comprises a top supporting surface (SI) parallel or substantially parallel to said plane of symmetry (S).

2. Handle (100) according to claim 1, wherein said left gripping element (100a) and said right gripping element (100b) have an elongated extension between said top portion and said bottom portion.

3. Handle (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said left gripping element (100a) has an abutment surface (170a) flat and parallel to said symmetry plane (S) and said right gripping element (100b) has a respective abutment surface (170b) flat and parallel with respect to said symmetry plane (S), said abutment surface (170a) and said respective abutment surface (170b) being faced to each other when said handle (100) is connected to said pistol.

4. Handle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said left gripping element (100a) is shaped so as to have a top supporting surface (SI), a rear connecting surface (S2), a lateral connecting surface (S3) and a bottom supporting surface (S4), wherein said top supporting surface (SI) is delimited at said top portion of said left gripping element (100a), wherein said bottom supporting surface (S4) is delimited at said bottom portion of said left gripping element (100a), wherein said lateral connecting surface (S3) connects said top supporting surface (SI) to said bottom supporting surface (S4) and is inclined with respect to them, wherein said rear connecting surface (S2) faces a rear portion of said left gripping element (100a), wherein said rear portion in use faces a shooter holding said grip (100).

5. Handle (100) according to claim 4, wherein said top supporting surface (SI), said rear connecting surface (S2) and said lateral connecting surface (S3) of said left gripping element (100a) delimit said left protrusion (200a).

6. Handle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said right gripping element (100b) is shaped so as to have a top supporting surface (SI), a rear connecting surface (S2), a lateral connecting surface (S3) and a bottom supporting surface (S4), wherein said top supporting surface (SI) is delimited at said top portion of said right gripping element (100b), wherein said bottom supporting surface (S4) is delimited at said bottom portion of said right gripping element (100b), wherein said lateral connecting surface (S3) connects said top supporting surface (SI) to said bottom supporting surface (S4) and is inclined with respect to them, wherein said rear connecting surface (S2) faces a rear portion of said right gripping element (100b), wherein said rear portion in use faces a shooter holding said handle (100).

7. Handle (100) according to claim 6, wherein said top supporting surface (SI), said rear connecting surface (S2) and said lateral connecting surface (S3) of said right gripping element (100b) delimit said right protrusion (200b).

8. Handle (100) according to any one of claims 4-7, wherein said lateral connecting surface (S3) of said left gripping element (100a) and said lateral connecting surface (S3) of said right gripping element (100b) converge with respect to said plane of symmetry (S) starting from said top portion towards said bottom portion of said handle (100).

9. Handle (100) according to any one of claims 4-8, wherein said rear connecting surface (S2) of said left gripping element (100a) and said rear connecting surface (S2) of said right gripping element (100b) are concave with a concavity facing a rear portion of said handle (100), said rear connecting surface (S2) of said left gripping element (100a) and said rear connecting surface (S2) of said gripping element right (100b) each defining respectively with said top supporting surface (SI) of said left gripping element (100a) and said top supporting surface (SI) of said right gripping element (100b), a connecting angle (190a) between 80° and 130°.

10. Handle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said top supporting surface (SI) of said left protrusion (200a) extends relative to said bottom supporting surface (S4) of said left gripping element (100a) and wherein said top supporting surface (SI) of said right protrusion (200b) extends relative to said bottom supporting surface (S4) of said right gripping element (100b) by a distance equal to or greater to 6mm.

11. Handle according to any one of claims 4-9, wherein said top supporting surface (SI) and said rear connecting surface (S2) of said left gripping element (100a) are separated by a rear edge (104a), wherein said rear edge (104a) is a sharp edge, and wherein said top supporting surface (SI) and said rear connecting surface (S2) of said right gripping element (100b) are separated by an edge rear (104b), wherein said rear edge (104b) is a sharp edge.

12. Handle (1000) configured as an accessory to be hooked around a top portion of a grip portion of a pistol, wherein said handle (1000) comprises a left gripping element (1000a) and a right gripping element (1000b) mutually connected by means of a central connecting portion (1000c), wherein said left gripping element (1000a) comprises a left protrusion (1200a) and said right gripping element (1000b) comprises a right protrusion (1200b), said element left gripping element (1000a) and said left protrusion (1200a) being specular respectively to said right gripping element (1000b) and to said right protrusion (1200b) with respect to a plane of symmetry (S) of said handle (1000).

13. Handle (1000) according to claim 12, wherein said left gripping element (1000a) comprises a top bearing surface (S1001), a rear connecting surface (S1002) and a lateral connecting surface (S1003), wherein said lateral connecting surface (S1003) is configured to connect said top supporting surface (S1001) with said grip portion of said pistol along a left side with respect to said plane of symmetry (S), and wherein said right gripping element (1000b) comprises a top supporting surface (S1001), a rear connecting surface (S1002) and a side connecting surface (S1003), wherein said side connecting surface (S1003) is configured to connect said top supporting surface (S1001) with said gripping portion of said pistol along a right side with respect to said plane of symmetry (S), opposite to said left side.

14. Handle (1000) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said handle (1000) has a "U" or substantially "U" conformation in plan.