FIREARM MULTITOOL
A multitool (10) for a firearm provides a frame adapted for storage within a handgrip cavity of a firearm and a plurality of tools (22, 24) rotatably mounted to the frame (12) to move from within the frame to extending from the frame as a result of being rotatably mounted, wherein the plurality of tools are adapted for use to rehabilitate the firearm under predetermined malfunction conditions.
The present invention generally relates to tools used to work on firearms, and in particular to such tools which can be carried within the firearm.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe proper operation of a military firearm is of critical importance in combat situations. Unfortunately, a variety of firearm malfunctions can occur that render the firearm useless until repairs can be performed, and these repairs typically include the use of proper tools.
In view of the above importance of performing necessary repairs on an inoperative firearm, it would be beneficial to have ready and useful access to a collection of tools suitable for correcting several different types of firearm malfunctions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne embodiment of the present invention provides a multitool for a firearm, comprising: a frame adapted for storage within a handgrip cavity of a firearm; and a plurality of tools rotatably mounted to the frame to move from within the frame to extending from the frame, wherein the plurality of tools are adapted for use to rehabilitate a firearm under predetermined malfunction conditions.
The plurality of tools may include a carbon scraper and a broken shell extractor. The frame may include a gun site adjustment feature. The frame may include a slot feature sized to engage sheet metal on a firearm magazine to facilitate bending of the sheet metal. The plurality of tools may be rotatably mounted to extend from the frame at a sufficient angle to significantly increase leverage which may be applied from the handle to each of the plurality of tools. One or more of the plurality of tools may be suitable for similar usage with a companion firearm such as a hand gun, while the frame is adapted for location within the grip of a rifle.
The multitool may further comprise a base member connected to the frame and located to extend from a handgrip cavity when the frame is stored therein and further adapted to enable removal of the frame from the cavity. The multitool may further comprise an elastic member located between the frame in the base member and adapted to extend outward under compression between the frame and the base member to engage sides of a handgrip cavity for retaining the frame therein. The frame may include a mechanism controllable through the base member and adapted to extend outwardly from the frame to engage sides of a handgrip cavity. The base may be adapted to rotate to facilitate removal of the frame from the cavity.
The present invention is illustratively shown and described in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Axial spacers 56, 58, 60 maintain the spacing between frame-halves 52, 54 while providing rotational axles for the various tools that are rotatably mounted thereto. A brush 64 is adapted for mounting on spacer 56. Also, a cartridge extractor 66 is adapted for rotational mounting on spacer 58, and both screwdriver 68 and scraper 70 are adapted for mounting on spacer 60. Also intended from location on spacer 60 is a separation spring 72 to facilitate independent rotation of both screwdriver 68 and scraper 70.
When frame-halves 52, 54 are secured together, a nut 74 is simultaneously retained in a separate complementary recess 76 in each of the frame-halves 52, 54. Nut 74 is used for the attachment of a base assembly 78 to frame-halves 52, 54. Base assembly 78 includes a retention screw 80, a base member 82, a base collar 84 and a flexible O-ring 86. When frame-halves 52, 54 are assembled, they provide a circumferential flange 88 which extends around the bottom of frame-halves 53, 54. Flange 88 includes a lip 90 against which O-ring 86 is located. Collar 84 is also located around flange 88 and contacts the bottom of O-ring 86. Base member 82 contacts base collar 84, and retention screw 80 passes through base member 82 to engage nut 74. The action of retention screw 80 forces collar 84 against O-ring 86, causing compressive lateral expansion thereof. This lateral expansion of O-ring 86 is sufficient to engage the sides of a firearm handgrip cavity and retain multitool 50 within the handgrip.
In the manner described above, the present invention may be used for servicing a firearm in several ways that can rehabilitate a serious malfunction. Thus, the present invention can play a critical role in maintaining the usefulness of a firearm, and the ability to store multitool within a standard handgrip for a firearm makes the multitool readily and always available for use with the firearm. In the case of companion firearms, such as certain rifle and handgun combinations, a single multitool may be constructed to service both weapons.
The present invention is illustratively described above in reference to the disclosed embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made to the disclosed embodiments by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A multitool for a firearm, comprising:
- a. a frame shaped for storage within a handgrip cavity of a firearm; and
- b. a plurality of tools rotatably mounted to the frame to move from within the frame to extending from the frame, wherein the plurality of tools are adapted for use to rehabilitate a firearm under predetermined malfunction conditions.
2. The multitool of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tools comprises one of a carbon scraper and a broken shell extractor.
3. The multitool of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a gun site adjustment feature.
4. The multitool of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a slot feature sized to engage sheet metal on a firearm magazine to facilitate bending of the sheet metal.
5. The multitool of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tools are rotatably mounted to extend from the frame at a sufficient angle to significantly increase leverage which may be applied from the to each of the plurality of tools.
6. The multitool of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of tools are suitable for similar usage with a companion firearm such as a hand gun, while the frame is adapted for location within the grip of a rifle.
7. The multitool of claim 1, further comprising a base member coupled to the frame and located to extend from a handgrip cavity when the frame is stored therein and further adapted to enable removal of the frame from the cavity.
8. The multitool of claim 7, further comprising an elastic member located between the frame and the base member and adapted to extend outward under compression between the frame and the base member to engage sides of a handgrip cavity for retaining the frame therein.
9. The multitool of claim 7, wherein the base member is adapted to extend outwardly from the frame to engage sides of a handgrip cavity.
10. The multitool of claim 7, wherein a portion of the base member is adapted to rotate to facilitate removal of the frame from the cavity.
11. A multitool for a firearm, comprising:
- a frame shaped for storage within a handgrip cavity of a firearm;
- a least one tool moveably mounted to the frame; and
- a base member rotatably coupled to the frame and at least partially disposed external of the handgrip cavity when the frame is stored within the handgrip cavity.
12. The multitool of claim 11, wherein the base member further comprises:
- a mechanism responsive to rotational movement of the base member and adapted to move the frame relative to an interior surface of the handgrip cavity.
13. The multitool of claim 12, wherein the mechanism comprises an elastic member at least partially disposed exterior of the frame and adapted to extend outward under compression to engage the interior surface of the handgrip cavity.
14. The multitool of claim 12, wherein the mechanism comprises a pair of extension members adapted for movable expansion relative to the interior surface of the handgrip cavity in response to rotational movement of the base member.
15. The multitool of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of tools moveably mounted to the frame.
16. The multitool of claim 15, wherein the plurality of tools comprise one of a screwdriver and a brush.
17. The multitool of claim 11, wherein the frame comprises a pair of frame halves separated by at least one axial spacer to which the at least one tool is movably mounted.
18. A multitool for a firearm, comprising:
- a frame shaped for storage within a cavity of a firearm handgrip;
- a least one tool moveably mounted to the frame; and
- a base member rotatably coupled to the frame and at least partially disposed external of the handgrip cavity when the frame is stored within the handgrip cavity; and
- a mechanism movably coupled to the frame and responsive to rotational movement of the base member and adapted to cause the frame to contact an interior surface of the handgrip cavity.
19. The multitool of claim 18, further comprising:
- an elastic member at least partially disposed within a lip of the frame and adapted to expand outward to frictionally engage the interior surface of a handgrip cavity when compressed between the frame and base member.
20. The multitool of claim 18, wherein the mechanism comprises a collar disposed intermediate the elastic member and the base member and adapted to transmit rotational movement of the base member into force on the elastic member.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 25, 2009
Publication Date: Nov 24, 2011
Inventors: Scott Samson (Spofford, NH), David Beaudet (Conway, MA)
Application Number: 13/130,671
International Classification: F41C 27/00 (20060101); F41C 23/22 (20060101);