RAPID FIRE ATTACHMENT FOR SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARMS

Abstract

A rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms is presented that includes an insert that is rigidly attached to a firearm adjacent the trigger and a housing that covers the insert. The housing and insert include a plurality of rails and grooves that engage one another and allow for sliding forward-to-back movement of the housing with respect to the insert and the other portions of the firearm. The housing also includes a trigger finger support that selectively covers and uncovers the trigger of the firearm. The rapid fire attachment allows for rapid firing of the firearm by allowing the housing to reciprocate between a rearward position that covers the trigger and a forward position that uncovers the trigger. When the trigger is uncovered the shooter's finger engages the trigger thereby firing the firearm whereas when the trigger is covered the trigger is allowed to reset thereby allowing the firearm to be fired again in rapid succession.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates firearms. More specifically, and without limitation, this invention relates to a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are countless forms or styles of firearms. One common form of firearms are known as an auto loading firearms which can be either fully automatic or semiautomatic. Auto loading firearms include a spring loaded action that automatically loads a round into the breach of the barrel, and automatically unloads the spent casing after being fired.

When the trigger is pulled on a fully automatic firearm, the firearm fires the first round, unloads the first round, loads the second round, fires the second round, unloads the second round, loads the third round . . . and so on in a continuous cycle until either the ammunition runs out or the trigger is released. The speed of firing in a fully automatic firearm is limited only by the cycle speed of the action of the firearm.

Semiautomatic firearms operate in a similar fashion to fully automatic firearms with the difference being that only a single round is fired with each trigger pull. That is, when the trigger is pulled the first round is fired, the casing is unloaded, and the second round is loaded. The second round is not fired until the trigger is fully released and pulled for a second time.

To rapidly fire a semiautomatic firearm, the trigger must be pulled in rapid succession. Due to the fact that the actions of many semiautomatic firearms cycle substantially faster than it is humanly possible to repeatedly pull the trigger, the speed of firing the semiautomatic firearm is limited by the shooter's ability to pull the trigger.

Various devices have been developed to improve the speed of firing semiautomatic firearms. Many of these devices are owned and patented by Slide Fire Solutions® having a mailing address of PO Box 143, Moran, Tex. 76464. These patents include:

• • U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,918 Method & Apparatus for Accelerating the Cycle Firing Rate of a Semi-Automatic Firearm
  • U.S. Pat. No. 8,127,658 Method of Shooting a Semi-Automatic Firearm
  • U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,835 Sliding Stock for Firearm
  • U.S. Pat. No. 8,356,542 Slide-On Slide Stock for Firearm
  • U.S. Pat. No. 8,371,208 Method for Shooting a Semi-Automatic Firearm
  • U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,562 Interface for Reciprocating Firearm Stock
  • U.S. Pat. No. 8,459,171 Gun Mount for Semi-Automatic Firearm
  • U.S. Pat. No. 8,474,169 Handle for a Semi-Automatic Firearm
  • U.S. Pat. No. 8,607,687 Slide Stock for Firearm With Contoured Finger Rest
  • US 2012/0240442 Slide Stock for Firearm With Retractable Lock Pin
  • US 2012/0311907 Reciprocating Gun Stock With Shrouded Lock Switch

Generally speaking, the Slide Fire system includes a gun stock and pistol grip that are formed as a single monolithic and solid unit or assembly. This stock and pistol grip assembly is then connected to a sliding bearing element that is connected to the breach of the action of the firearm. The stock and pistol grip assembly slides forward and back with respect to the other portions of the firearm; or vice versa, the other portions of the firearm slide forward and back with respect to the stock and pistol grip assembly.

While the Slide Fire system operates to rapidly fire the firearm, it does suffer from deficiencies. Namely, the Slide Fire system is formed of a stock and pistol grip assembly that are formed of a single piece. Therefore, this system is not useful for firearms that lack a butt stock. As such, handguns and various carbines cannot be used with the system. In addition, the Slide Fire system is large, heavy and unnecessarily cumbersome due to its design. In addition, the Slide Fire system is not ambidextrous. In addition, the Slide Fire system is tremendously expensive and therefore out of reach for many potential users.

Thus, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that improves upon the state of the art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that works with most semiautomatic firearms.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is easy to install.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is small in size.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is safe to use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is easy to control.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that provides superior performance.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that has a rugged and durable design.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that has a long useful life.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms is inexpensive to manufacture.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is comfortable to use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that can be used on rifles and pistols.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that has a minimum number of parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is easy to assemble and disassemble.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that has an intuitive design.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that provides improved forward and back sliding.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that can be used in countless applications.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms that is fun to use.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide one unit that both right and left handed shooters can use.

These and other objects, features, or advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification and claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms is presented that includes an insert that is rigidly attached to a firearm adjacent the trigger and a housing that covers the insert. The housing and insert include a plurality of rails and grooves that engage one another and allow for sliding forward-to-back movement of the housing with respect to the insert and the other portions of the firearm. The housing also includes a trigger finger support that selectively covers and uncovers the trigger of the firearm. The rapid fire attachment allows for rapid firing of the firearm by allowing the housing to reciprocate between a rearward position that covers the trigger and a forward position that uncovers the trigger. When the trigger is uncovered the shooter's finger engages the trigger thereby firing the firearm whereas when the trigger is covered the trigger is allowed to reset thereby allowing the firearm to be fired again in rapid succession.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a semiautomatic firearm having a lower assembly, an upper assembly, a barrel, a muzzle, a flash hider, a foregrip with a vertical foregrip, a magazine well with a magazine therein, a butt stock and a pistol grip;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a rapid fire pistol grip, the view showing various lines depicting the angle of reciprocation, the view also showing a switch that locks and unlocks the device;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a rapid fire pistol grip, the view showing the insert positioned within the housing, the view also showing trigger finger supports on both halves of the housing;

FIG. 4 is a bottom elevation view of a rapid fire pistol grip, the view showing the insert positioned within the housing, the view also showing trigger finger supports on both halves of the housing;

FIG. 5 is a top elevation view of a rapid fire pistol grip, the view showing the insert positioned within the housing, the view also showing trigger finger supports on both halves of the housing;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a rapid fire pistol grip, the view showing the insert positioned within the housing with the top half of the housing removed, the view showing a pair of grooves in the insert, and the view showing a pair of fastener recesses in the insert;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a rapid fire pistol grip, the view showing the insert positioned within the housing with the housing halves separated, the view showing a pair of grooves in the insert, the view showing rails in the inside surface of the housing, the view showing a spring positioned between the housing and the insert on the forward side, rearward side or both sides of the housing and insert;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a rapid fire pistol grip, the view showing the insert removed from within the housing halves which are separated, the view showing a pair of grooves in the insert, the view showing rails in the inside surface of the housing halves;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rapid fire pistol grip, the view showing the insert removed from within the housing halves which are separated, the view showing a pair of grooves in the insert, the view showing rails in the inside surface of the housing halves; the view showing a flange on one half of the housing and a step on the other half of the housing wherein the flange and step engage one another thereby assisting with alignment and assembly of the two housing halves;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rapid fire pistol grip, the view showing the insert removed from within the housing halves which are separated, the view showing a pair of grooves in the insert, the view showing rails in the inside surface of the housing halves; the view showing a flange on one half of the housing and a step on the other half of the housing wherein the flange and step engage one another thereby assisting with alignment and assembly of the two housing halves;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rapid fire pistol grip, the view showing the insert positioned within one of the housing halves which are separated, the view showing a pair of grooves in the insert, the view showing rails in the inside surface of the housing halves; the view showing a flange on one half of the housing and a step on the other half of the housing wherein the flange and step engage one another thereby assisting with alignment and assembly of the two housing halves;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a rapid fire pistol grip, the view showing the insert positioned within one of the housing halves, the view showing a pair of grooves in the insert, the view showing rails in the inside surface of the housing halves; the view showing a flange on one half of the housing and a step on the other half of the housing wherein the flange and step engage one another thereby assisting with alignment and assembly of the two housing halves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that mechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, front, back, end, sides, and the like, are referenced according to the views presented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change without departing from the scope of the invention.

While the figures show the invention used in association with a firearm generally known as an AR 15, M 16 and/or M 4 style rifle, the invention is not so limited. Instead, use of this style rifle is only for purposes of a clear and simple example. It is to be understood, that the system presented herein is useful with any semiautomatic firearm, be it a rifle or pistol.

With reference to the figures, a semiautomatic firearm 10 is presented. In this particular example, an AR 15 style semiautomatic rifle is presented. However, this is only by way of example and any other semiautomatic firearm can be used.

Firearm 10 can be broken down into two main components, a lower assembly 12 and an upper assembly 14. Upper assembly 14 includes barrel 16 that terminates at muzzle 18 having a flash-hider 20 connected thereto. Rearward of the muzzle 18, the barrel is surrounded by a hand guard 22 and also, in this example, a vertical foregrip 24 that extends downward therefrom. Upper assembly 14 houses the reciprocating bolt 26 that engages the breach 28, or rearward end of barrel 16. Upper assembly 14 also includes a dust cover 30 which selectively covers bolt 26 while allowing the ejection of spent casings during firing. Upper assembly 14 also includes a forward assist 32 that may be used to urge the bolt 26 forward.

The rearward end of upper assembly 14 connects along a seam line 34 with lower assembly 12. Lower assembly 12 includes a magazine well 36 that removably receives magazine(s) 38 that feed rounds of ammunition into firearm 10. A butt stock 40 is connected to the rearward end of lower assembly 12 and extends rearward therefrom. A conventional pistol grip 42 is connected to the lower rearward end of lower assembly 12 and extends at an angle rearward and downward therefrom. Pistol grip 42 connects to lower assembly 12 adjacent trigger 44 and trigger housing 46.

Conventional pistol grip 42 is rigidly connected to firearm 10 by way of inserting a fastener 48, such as a screw, bolt or the like, into the hollow interior 50 of conventional pistol grip 42 that rigidly attaches to lower assembly 12 in a rigid and non-moveable manner.

The exterior surface 52 of conventional pistol grip 42 is generally rounded and smooth and terminates rearward of trigger 44 so as to provide unfettered access to trigger 44. Other than fastener 48, conventional pistol grip 42 is formed of a single monolith piece.

Firearm 10 is converted from a standard semiautomatic firearm to a rapid firing semiautomatic firearm by replacing conventional pistol grip 42 with rapid firing pistol grip 80.

Rapid fire grip 80 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, rapid fire grip 80 is formed of a plurality of pieces and includes an insert 82 that is encased or held by housing 84. Housing 84 and insert 82 are matingly engaged with one another with an arrangement of rails 86 and grooves 88 that slidably engage with one another so as to provide forward-to-back sliding movement between the insert 82 and the housing 84.

More specifically, insert 82 extends vertically from an upper end 90 to a lower end 92 and horizontally from a forward side 94 to a rearward side 96 and width wise between a pair of opposing sidewalls 98. Opposing sidewalls 98 extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another. The lower portion 102 of insert 82 is used for gripping and has generally smooth or rounded edges or corners at forward side 94 and rearward side 96 that smoothly connect opposing sidewalls 98 to one another.

The upper portion 102 of insert 82 is used to connect to lower assembly 12 of firearm 10. Like lower portion 100, the sidewalls 98 of upper portion 102 are generally flat and extend in generally parallel spaced relation to one another. When viewed from the side, the upper portion 102 is generally square or rectangular in shape. The forward edge 94 and upper edge 90 of upper portion 102 are generally flat or square whereas the rearward edge 96 is generally rounded.

Upper portion 102 and lower portion 100 are connected to one another in angular alignment. That is, while the upper portion 102, which is generally square or rectangular in shape, is positioned in approximate parallel-extending alignment with the length of barrel 16 and/or the overall length of firearm 10; the lower portion 100 is positioned in angular alignment to the length of barrel 16 and/or the overall length of firearm 10. That is, the lower portion 100 extends rearward as it extends downward at an angle to upper portion 102 and the length of barrel 16 and/or the overall length of firearm 10. The rearward angular alignment provides comfort and ease of use to a user.

The upper end 90 and forward side 94 of upper portion 102 includes a recess 104 therein that is sized and shaped to receive a portion of lower assembly 12 of firearm 10 therein. In the arrangement shown, recess 104 is generally rectangular or square in shape. Recess 104 includes a through hole 106 (not shown) that extends downward and rearward from upper portion 102 and connects to a passageway 108 that extends through the lower portion 100. Passageway 108 and through hole 106 work in concert with one another to receive fastener 110, such as a screw, bolt or the like, that is used to connect rapid fire grip 80 to firearm 10.

More specifically, in the arrangement shown, to attach the rapid fire grip 80 to firearm 10, rearward portion of trigger housing 46 is inserted into the recess 104 and fastener 110 is inserted into passageway 108. As passageway 108 is wider than through hole 106, the threaded shaft of fastener 110 extends though the through hole 106 and into the lower assembly 12. As fastener 110 is tightened, the head of fastener 110 engages and tightens against the upper end of passageway 108/lower end of upper portion 100 thereby tightening rapid fire grip 80 to firearm 10 in a rigid or fixed manner.

In the arrangement shown, each sidewall 98 includes a pair of grooves 88 therein. Grooves 88 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In one arrangement, as is shown, grooves 88 extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another and extend from the forward side 94 to the rearward side 96 of insert 82. A lower groove 88 is positioned a distance above the lower end 92 of lower portion 100 on each sidewall 98, and an upper groove 88 is positioned a distance below the upper end 90 of lower portion 100 on each sidewall 98. In the arrangement shown, the grooves 88 on each sidewall 98 are positioned in approximate alignment with one another, that is, the grooves 88 on each sidewall 98 are essentially mirror images of one another. In another arrangement, the grooves 88 on opposing sides of insert 82 are offset from one another a distance while still extending in parallel spaced alignment to one another. In another arrangement, there may be a differing number of grooves on opposing sides of insert 82 such as one on a first side and two on a second side, or three on a first side and four on a second side, or the like.

Insert 82 also includes a plurality of fastener recesses 112. Fastener recesses 112 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and provide clearance for fasteners that connect housing 84 together as is describe further herein. In the arrangement shown, fastener recesses 112, when viewed from the side, are positioned in the forward side 94 and rearward side 96 of lower portion 100 of insert 82 and are generally rectangular or semi-circular in shape and extend through insert from one sidewall 98 to the other sidewall 98. In the arrangement shown, a pair of fastener recesses are positioned in the rearward side 96 of insert 82. The lower fastener recess 112 in the rearward side 96 is positioned a distance above the lower groove 88, and the upper fastener recess 112 in the rearward side 96 is positioned a distance above the upper groove 88. The fastener recess 112 positioned in the forward side 94 is positioned between the upper groove 88 and lower groove 88.

Insert 82 fits within housing 84. Housing 84 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design to fit around insert 82 while allowing forward to back sliding of housing 84 around insert 82. In one arrangement, as is shown, housing 84 is separated in two halves 130, that are essentially mirror images of one another and connect together along a seam line 132 in a clamshell-like fashion.

Like insert 82, halves 130 extend vertically from an upper end 134 to a lower end 136 and horizontally from a forward side 138 to a rearward side 140 and width wise between a pair of opposing sidewalls 142. Opposing sidewalls 142 extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another when the halves 130 are connected together along seam line 132. The lower portion 144 of halves 130 is used for gripping and covers the lower portion 100 of insert 82. The lower portion 144 of halves 130 has generally smooth or rounded edges at forward side 138 and rearward side 140 that smoothly connect seam line 132 to sidewalls 142.

The upper portion 146 of halves 130 is used to cover the upper portion 102 of insert 82 as well as cover a portion of lower assembly 12 of firearm 10. Like lower portion 144, the sidewalls 142 of upper portion 146 are generally flat and extend in generally parallel spaced relation to one another. When viewed from the side, the upper portion 146 is generally square or rectangular in shape. The upper edge 134 of upper portion 146 terminates in a generally flat or square edge whereas the forward edge 138 and rearward edge 140 are generally rounded and extend inwardly toward one another a distance. The forward edge 138 of upper portion 146 extends outward and past the forward edge 138 of lower portion 144.

Upper portion 146 and lower portion 144 are connected to one another in angular alignment. That is, while the upper portion 146, which is generally square or rectangular in shape when viewed from the side, is positioned in approximate alignment with the length of barrel 16 and/or the overall length of firearm 10; the lower portion 144 is positioned in angular alignment to the length of barrel 16 and/or the overall length of firearm 10. That is, the lower portion 144 extends rearward and downward at an angle to upper portion 144 and the length of barrel 16 and/or the overall length of firearm 10.

To facilitate connection of the two opposing halves 130, one half 130 includes a step 148 that extends along the seam line 132 in the lower portion 144 and the opposing half 130 includes a flange 150. When the halves 130 are connected together, the step 148 of one half 130 matingly receives the flange 150 of the other half 130 thereby facilitating easy alignment and a secure connection between the two halves 130.

Similarly, to facilitate connection of the two opposing halves 130, one half 130 includes a plurality of through holes 152 that extend through the half 130 from the exterior surface to the interior surface in the lower portion 144 and the opposing half 130 includes a plurality of receivers 154. In one arrangement, as is shown, receivers 154 are formed of a mass of material that extends from the inward surface of sidewall 142 and forward edge 138 or rearward edge 140 toward opposing half 130. Receivers 154 include an opening approximately at their middle that receive the threaded shaft of a fastener 156 (not shown), such as a screw, bolt or the like. When the halves 130 are connected together, the through holes 152 of one half 130 align with openings in the receivers 154 in the other half 130. In this position, a fastener 156 is inserted through the through hole 152 in one half 130 and into the opening of the receiver 154 in the other half 130 thereby holding the opposing halves 130 together. In an alternative arrangement, any other form of connection is hereby contemplated for use such as a screw and sheath arrangement, a screw and nut arrangement, or the like.

In the arrangement shown, the interior surface of each sidewall 142 includes a pair of rails 86 therein. Rails 86 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In one arrangement, as is shown, rails 86 extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another and extend from the forward side 138 to the rearward side 140 of halves 130 of housing 84. A lower rail 86 is positioned a distance above the lower end 136 of lower portion 144 on each sidewall 142, and an upper rail 86 is positioned a distance below the upper end 134 of lower portion 144 on each sidewall 142. In the arrangement shown, the rails 86 on each sidewall 142 are positioned in approximate alignment with one another, that is, the rails 86 on each sidewall 142 are essentially mirror images of one another. In an alternative arrangement, the rails 86 on each sidewall 142 are offset or not mirror images of one another. When halves 130 are assembled around insert 82, the rails 86 are matingly and slidingly received within the grooves 88 of insert 82.

The forward portion of upper portion 146 of halves 130 is known as the trigger finger support 158. The trigger finger support 158 extends forward from the forward edge 94 of insert 82 a distance, even when insert 82 is positioned in its forward-most position within housing 84. The inward edges 160 of trigger finger support 158 extend in generally flat and straight parallel spaced alignment to one another and terminate a distance away from one another thereby leaving a space 162 for trigger 44 there between when rapid fire grip 80 is installed on firearm 10. The inward edges 160 of trigger finger support 158 extend inward a distance from the exterior surface of housing 84 which provides clearance for trigger housing 46 of firearm 10 so that the housing 84 can slide forward and back in reciprocating motion without engaging trigger housing 46.

Assembly:

To install rapid fire grip 80 on firearm 10, insert 82 is connected to firearm 10 by inserting the lower, rearward end of lower assembly 12 of firearm 10 into the recess 104 in the upper portion 102 of insert 82. Next, fastener 110 is inserted through passageway 108 and through hole 106 and is tightened thereby rigidly affixing insert 82 to firearm 10 adjacent trigger 44 and trigger housing 46.

Next, housing 84 is assembled around insert 82. This is accomplished by installing halves 130 on opposing sides of insert 82. In doing so, care is taken to ensure that the rails 86 are matingly and slidingly received within the grooves 88, the through holes 152 align with the receivers 156, the fastener recesses 112 receive the receivers 154, and flange 150 of one seam line 132 is received within the step 148 of the opposing seam line 132. Once in this proper alignment, fasteners 156 are inserted into through holes 152 of one half 130 and tightened into the receiver 154 of the other half 130.

Alternatively, the rapid fire grip 80 can be installed onto firearm 10 as a single piece, assembled unit. To do so, the assembled rapid fire grip 80 is connected to firearm 10 by inserting the lower, rearward end of lower assembly 12 of firearm 10 into the recess 104 in the upper portion 102 of insert 82. Next, fastener 110 is inserted through passageway 108 and through hole 106 and is tightened thereby rigidly affixing insert 82 to firearm 10 adjacent trigger 44 and trigger housing 46.

In this position, because the forward-to-back width of the insert 82 is narrower than the forward-to-back space formed between the two halves 130 of housing 84, housing 84 slides a distance forward-to-back with respect to insert 82. As the housing 84 slides forward-to-back on insert, the trigger finger support 158 selectively covers and uncovers trigger 44 within trigger housing 46.

In Operation:

To fire the firearm 10 using the rapid fire grip 80 once installed, the shooter loads the firearm 10. Next, the shooter places one hand, the trigger finger hand on the rapid fire grip 80 and the other hand on the foregrip 24 or handguard 22 and applies a slight forward force on the foregrip 24 or handguard 22.

Next, the shooter pulls the trigger 44 using their trigger finger, this causes the firearm 10 to fire the initial round. The kickback from the explosion of the first round causes the firearm 10 to move rearward against the forward force applied by the shooter on the foregrip 24 or handguard 22. Because the shooter is also grasping the housing 84 of rapid fire grip 80, this causes the housing 84 to move forward with respect to the insert 82 which is rigidly attached to firearm 10 as the firearm 10 simultaneously and automatically unloads the spent casing of the first round. As the housing 84 moves forward with respect to the insert 82 and the firearm 10, the trigger finger support 158 moves forward thereby covering trigger 44 and releasing the pressure from the shooter's trigger finger on trigger 44. This allows the trigger 44 to reset, or, said another way, this simulates the shooter releasing the trigger 44.

Once the kickback from firing the first round has moved the housing 84 all the way forward with respect to insert 82, the forward pulling force applied by the shooter again takes over and begins to move the housing 84 rearward with respect to the insert 82 as the firearm simultaneously and automatically loads the second round. As the housing 84 moves rearward with respect to the insert 82, the trigger 44 again begins to emerge between the inward edges 160 of the trigger finger support 158.

Because the shooter has maintained the position of their trigger finger on the trigger finger support 158, as the firearm 10, insert 82 and trigger 44 move forward with respect to the housing 84, the trigger 44 again begins to be engaged by the shooter's trigger finger. This engagement continues until the shooter's trigger finger again effectively, but essentially passively, pulls the trigger 44 thereby causing the firearm 10 to fire the second round, which begins the herein-described process again.

This process reciprocates over and over again until either the firearm 10 runs out of ammunition or the shooter releases their trigger finger from the trigger finger support 158 so that it no longer engages the trigger 44. In use, the rapid fire grip 80 allows a shooter to shoot the firearm in a faster and more enjoyable manner than merely pulling the trigger 44 in a repeated manner as is conventionally done.

Additional Features—Switch Member:

In one arrangement, rapid fire grip 80 includes a switch member 170 that extends from housing 84 and selectively engages insert 82, or alternatively extends from insert 82 and selectively engages housing 84. In one arrangement, switch member 170 includes a button connected to an arm with a latch thereon that is slidable between an engaged position, wherein the latch engages the insert 82 or housing 84, and a disengaged position wherein the latch does not engage the insert 82 or housing 84. When switch member 170 is engaged, this locks the position of the housing 84 with respect to the insert 82 thereby disabling the ability to use the rapid fire grip 80 for rapid firing. When switch member 170 is disengaged, this allows the housing 84 to reciprocate with respect to the insert thereby enabling rapid firing. In the arrangement shown, as one example the switch member 170 is shown in the rearward side 140/96 of housing 84/insert 82, or alternatively in the lower side 136/92 of housing 84/insert 82.

Additional Features—Biasing Member:

In one arrangement, to improve functioning of the rapid fire grip 80, a biasing member 172, or multiple biasing members 172 are connected to rapid fire grip 80. In one arrangement, biasing member 172 is a spring, resilient member, compressible member or the like that is positioned between housing 84 and insert 82. Biasing member 172 can be placed between either the forward edges 94/138 of these components, between the rearward edges 96/140 of these components, or both between the forward edges 94/138 and between the rearward edges 96/140 of these components. Biasing member 172 helps to maintain and return the housing 84 to a rearward position with respect to the insert 82 thereby allowing for quicker cycling of firearm 10.

Additional Features—Shape and Angle of Grooves and Rails:

In one arrangement, when viewed from the side, the shape of grooves 88 and rails 86 are generally square or rectangular with flat surfaces and squared corners. This shape helps to minimize the friction between the grooves 88 and rails 86. In addition, to minimize friction, a lubricant, such as grease, oil or the like is placed on the surfaces of grooves 88 and rails 86 to reduce friction.

In addition, the friction and ease of operation can be affected by the angle of the grooves 88 and rails 86 with respect to the length of firearm 10 and/barrel 16.

In one arrangement, as is shown by the line 174, grooves 88 and rails 86 extend in approximately parallel alignment with the length of firearm 10 and/or barrel 16. In this arrangement, housing 84 reciprocates in approximate level or parallel alignment back-and-forth alignment with respect to the length of firearm 10 and barrel 16.

In an alternative arrangement, as is shown by the line 176, grooves 88 and rails 86 extend in a slight angular alignment with the length of firearm 10 and/or barrel 16, with the angle being upward with respect to the length of firearm 10 and/or barrel 16 as the grooves 88 and rails 86 extend forward. This angle has been tested between zero and twenty degrees, and more specifically between zero and ten degrees, with the range of two and a half degrees and seven degrees showing promise and more specifically with the angle of approximately five degrees showing promise. In this arrangement, as housing 84 moves rearward housing 84 also moves slightly downward with respect to the length of firearm 10 and barrel 16 and inversely as housing 84 moves forward housing 84 also moves slightly upward with respect to the length of firearm 10 and barrel 16.

In yet another alternative arrangement, as is shown by the line 178, grooves 88 and rails 86 extend in at a slight angular alignment with the length of firearm 10 and/or barrel 16, with the angle being downward with respect to the length of firearm 10 and/or barrel 16 as the grooves 88 and rails 86 extend forward. This angle has been tested between zero and twenty degrees, and more specifically between zero and ten degrees, with the range of two and a half degrees and seven degrees showing promise and more specifically with the angle of approximately five degrees showing promise. In this arrangement, as housing 84 moves rearward housing 84 also moves slightly upward with respect to the length of firearm 10 and barrel 16 and inversely as housing 84 moves forward housing 84 also moves slightly downward with respect to the length of firearm 10 and barrel 16. Use of this downward angle has been tested to function better than an upward angle in testing.

As an example of operating the rapid fire grip 80, the user connects the rapid fire grip 80 to the firearm 10. Next the user applies a forward bias on the firearm 10 while applying a rearward bias on the housing 84. Next, the user activates the trigger 44 by moving their trigger finger into an engagement position with the trigger. This causes the first round to fire. In response to the first round firing, the firearm 10 moves rearward with respect to the housing 40, and conversely the housing 84 moves forward with respect to the firearm 10. As the housing 84 moves forward with respect to the firearm 10 the trigger 44 resets. Once the housing 84 has reached a fully forward position, the bias applied to the housing 84 and firearm 10 causes the housing 84 to again move rearward with respect to the firearm 10. As the housing 84 moves rearward with respect to the firearm 10 and the user's trigger finger is maintained in an engagement position, the user's trigger finger automatically engages the trigger 44 causing the firearm 10 to fire again. This process is repeated until the user releases their trigger finger from an engaged position to a disengaged position.

From the above discussion and the accompanying drawings it will be appreciated that the rapid fire attachment for semiautomatic firearms presented: improves upon the state of the art; works with most semiautomatic firearms; is easy to install; is small in size; is safe to use; is easy to control; provides superior performance; has a rugged and durable design; has a long useful life; is inexpensive to manufacture; is comfortable to use; can be used on rifles and pistols; has an ambidextrous design; has a minimum number of parts; easy to assemble and disassemble; that has an intuitive design; provides improved forward and back sliding; provides improved trigger finger control; can be used in countless applications; and is fun to use; among countless other improvements and advantages.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby. It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application.

Claims

1. A rapid fire attachment for a semiautomatic firearm, comprising:

an insert;

a housing positioned around the insert;

one of the insert or the housing having a plurality of grooves therein;

the other of the insert or the housing having a plurality of rails therein;

wherein the rails of one of the insert or the housing are slidably received within the grooves of the other of the insert or the housing such that the housing is configured to slide forward to back over the insert;

wherein the rapid fire attachment facilitates rapid firing of the semiautomatic firearm when the housing slides forward to back over the insert.

2. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed of a pair of halves that connect together along a seam line.

3. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed of a pair of halves that connect together along a seam line, wherein one of the halves includes a step and the other of the halves includes a flange, wherein when the halves are assembled the step of one half receives the flange of the other half.

4. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1 further comprising at least one biasing member positioned within the housing and configured to provide a biasing force.

5. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1 further comprising at least one biasing member positioned between the housing and the insert.

6. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1 wherein the housing and the insert form a pistol grip without an attached butt stock.

7. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1 further comprising a switch member, wherein when the switch member is engaged the position of the housing with respect to the insert is locked thereby disabling the rapid fire ability of the rapid fire attachment, wherein when the switch member is disengaged housing is allowed to slide with respect to the insert thereby enabling the rapid fire ability of the rapid fire attachment.

8. The rapid fire attachment of claim 1 further comprising a trigger finger support connected to the housing, the trigger finger support positioned adjacent to a trigger of the semiautomatic firearm.

9. A method of firing a semiautomatic firearm, the steps comprising:

providing a semiautomatic firearm having a trigger;

connecting a rapid fire pistol grip to the semiautomatic firearm, the rapid fire pistol grip having a housing that fits over an insert, the housing configured to cycle by sliding forward to back over the insert between a forward most position and a rearward most position;

applying a forward bias on the firearm;

applying a rearward bias on the housing;

activating the trigger a first time by moving a user's trigger finger into an engagement position with the trigger;

causing the housing to move forward with respect to the firearm in response to kickback from firing the first round;

resetting the trigger when the housing moves forward with respect to the firearm;

causing the housing to move rearward after the housing has reached the forward most position;

automatically activating the trigger when the housing moves rearward on subsequent cycles until the user moves their trigger finger from the engagement position to a disengaged position.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein one of the insert or the housing includes a plurality of grooves therein; wherein the other of the insert or the housing includes a plurality of rails therein; wherein the rails of one of the insert or the housing are slidably received within the grooves of the other of the insert or the housing

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the housing is formed of a pair of halves that connect together along a seam line.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising at least one biasing member positioned within the housing and configured to provide a biasing force.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising at least one biasing member positioned between the housing and the insert.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the housing and the insert form a pistol grip without an attached butt stock.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising a switch member, wherein when the switch member is engaged the position of the housing with respect to the insert is locked thereby disabling the rapid fire ability of the rapid fire attachment, wherein when the switch member is disengaged housing is allowed to slide with respect to the insert thereby enabling the rapid fire ability of the rapid fire attachment.

16. The method of claim 9, further comprising a trigger finger support connected to the housing, the trigger finger support positioned adjacent to a trigger of the semiautomatic firearm.

17. A rapid fire attachment for a semiautomatic firearm, comprising:

an insert;

a housing positioned around the insert;

the insert having a plurality of grooves therein;

the housing having a plurality of rails therein;

wherein the rails housing are slidably received within the grooves of the insert such that the housing is configured to slide forward to back over the insert;

wherein the rapid fire attachment facilitates rapid firing of the semiautomatic firearm when the housing slides forward to back over the insert.