FINGER STOP WITH INTEGRATED SLING SWIVEL

Abstract

A finger stop with a swivel attachment for attachment to the rail of a weapon. The finger stop is comprised, generally, of a cylinder, apparatus for attaching to a weapon rail, and a detachable sling swivel portion. Apparatus for securing the finger stop to a rail system include several types for securing to a number of different rail systems such as, e.g., Picatinny, KeyMod, and MLoc. The sling swivel mechanism is comprised generally of a swivel-able, or rotate-able, handle or extension, a protruding connecting portion for securing the sling swivel within the cylinder, and a securing portion that secures the handle in a rotate-able fashion, thereby securing the sling swivel mechanism to the finger stop. This finger stop design allows a user to minimize rail space and clutter on the weapon. This design, by reducing clutter and protuberances on the rail, helps a user increase the smoothness and flow of unslinging and general handling of the weapon.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the general art of firearms and more specifically to finger stops technology for integrating sling swivels onto firearms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When a rifle is to be used, the type of sling swivel on the rifle can be critical. When a rifle is carried, it is typically carried with a sling, on one's back, or at the alert position for comfort and efficiency. The sling typically extends from the butt end of the stock to somewhere along a rail system that surrounds the barrel. Often, the front end of the sling is attached to the rail by some piece of apparatus. In a number of typical cases, the apparatus is comprised of two or more parts, a part that attaches to the rail of the rifle, usually along the barrel portion, and another, separate part that attaches to the sling. Often, portions of these parts protrude.

Such arrangements can easily result in a multitude of parts attached or hanging from the rail. When multiple items are attached to a weapon's rail, the risk that the weapon might become entangles on other objects such as clothing or other gear when the weapon is unslung or otherwise moved into a position of use. Such tangles when freeing or shouldering the weapon increase the likelihood of a negligent discharge as a user will often, when a weapon is entangled, pull at or jostle the weapon to free it. Also, if a user is fatigued or otherwise experiences physical difficulty, or if a given sling system is difficult to figure out or use, this can also increase the risk of a negligent discharge, or simply slow down the employment of the weapon. In time critical situations, such as hostage rescue, coming under sudden attack, or simply spotting fast-moving game when hunting, fractions of a second in reaction time can be crucial. Any factor that can either slightly delay or slightly speed reaction under such conditions becomes very important. Accordingly, minimizing the rail space that is used, and the clutter and protrusions of parts from a weapon, can affect a shooter's ability to effectively and quickly engage a target.

Further, stability of part location at the end of sling is important. The more a part's location that a shooter's hand may engage with, the more consistency the shooter can obtain when firing. This consistency can take on heightened importance in shooting situations of low visibility such as darkness, or smoke or fog, in which a shooter may be operating a weapon proportionately more by feel and instinct than by sight.

Currently some products allow a hand rest or finger rest but do not integrate a sling swivel attachment point into the finger rest. This results in the addition of another apparatus to attach the sling, therefore cluttering the weapons rail system, which as discussed, can be a critical disadvantage.

What is needed is a system and method that addresses these issues, providing an apparatus with allows speed and flexibility in bringing a weapon to a firing position, while minimizing protrusions or parts that can interfere with or slow down operation, in a new and novel way.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a finger stop with a swivel attachment or “thenar” stop for attachment to the rail of a weapon. The finger stop is comprised, generally, of a cylinder, an adapter and a detachable sling swivel portion.

The cylinder is generally round and hollow, having an aperture, or pair of connected apertures of differing diameters, centered axially that pierces both the proximal end and distal end of the cylinder, relative to a rail.

A distal inner cylinder wall at the distal end of the cylinder (relative to the rail) defines an aperture large enough to allow the cylinder to accommodate the sling swivel mechanism.

The sling swivel mechanism is comprised generally of a swivel-able, or rotate-able, handle or extension (“handle”), a protruding connecting portion for securing the sling swivel within the cylinder, and a securing portion that secures the handle in a rotate-able fashion, thereby securing the sling swivel mechanism to the finger stop.

Though the securing portion of the sling swivel can be of any known suitable securing rotate-able means and configuration of apparatus within the art, the securing portion in this embodiment is comprised of a connecting portion provided with a rotate-able, yet remove-able securing mechanism which in one embodiment is a spring actuated mechanism, and in a specific embodiment is further comprised of at least one, and preferably three, spring-actuated balls.

Also provided is a lip or set of raised sling swivel adapter lips that protrude outwardly from the distal inner cylinder wall to accommodate the one or more spring actuated ball mechanism. The protruding sling swivel adapter lip extends from the distal inner cylinder wall at the distal end of the central cylinder into the central cylinder to a width suitable for securing the sling swivel mechanism. Past the adapter lip and within the central cylinder, a distal inner groove is typically provided for helping secure the connecting portion.

The connecting portion is pushed into the cylinder, which has a slightly larger diameter capable of accommodating the connecting portion, until the shoulder of the sling swivel mechanism is in contact with the proximal end of the finger stop.

The spring actuated ball mechanism may also be further comprised of a button capable of retracting or partially retracting the at least one spring actuated ball to assist the spring actuated ball mechanism to fit easier within the central cylinder.

When the spring actuated ball mechanism moves past the sling swivel lip, the spring actuated ball mechanism, applying an upward pressure, is released, pushing the spring actuated ball firmly outward into the distal inner groove. The distal inner groove is of a suitable depth for accommodating the spring actuated ball mechanism and can extend around the circumference of the distal inner cylinder wall, allowing the spring actuated ball mechanism, and by extension the sling swivel, to freely rotate about the central cylinder, while remaining secured within it. The spring actuated ball mechanism is forced against the distal inner cylinder wall, effectively locking the connecting portion and sling swivel mechanism within the cylinder.

Though the spring actuated ball mechanism is secured against the distal inner cylinder wall, the spring actuated ball mechanism can be freely rotated about the distal inner cylinder wall. Thereby secured, the sling swivel is attached to the cylinder and the sling swivel is allowed to rotate about the cylinder, so rotate within the finger stop.

The outer surface of the central cylinder can have, etched, machined or otherwise place upon it, grooves, cross hatching, or other or another suitable pattern. The purpose of the pattern is to provide a point of friction on the user's hand to both improve grip, and to signal the user's hand, through muscle memory, when it has reached a proper point at which to rest the hand. In one embodiment, the pattern can be comprised of a pair of grooves spaced apart and running circularly around the central cylinder.

The proximal end of the cylinder can be connected either directly to the rail or as, for example, in an embodiment with a picatinny rail, connected to an adapter. The distal end, respectively, can be connected to the swivel portion.

The components of the Finger stop can be constructed of any combination of suitable materials as known in the art, and can further be of any suitable size for completing their respective tasks.

The distal inner cylinder wall is defined by a hollow opening provided at the center of the central cylinder, extending from the distal end longitudinally through the center cylinder and ending at or before reaching the proximal end. This distal inner cylinder wall of the cylinder can be any suitable diameter for achieving its purpose of accommodation, and the length of the distal inner cylinder wall is typically a distance suitable for accommodating the sling swivel.

When the sling swivel mechanism is secured in a rotate-able way, a sling or other desirable hardware can be attached to the rotate-able handle at the end of the sling swivel mechanism. Since the handle is rotate-able, the sling or other hardware, by extension, also is. A user has the ability to install or remove the sling swivel mechanism from the cylinder. The spring actuated ball mechanism is held under tension by respective springs. When a user wants to remove the sling swivel mechanism from the cylinder, the user can simply do so. The construction and action of the spring actuated ball system can be, as with other aspects of the spring actuated ball mechanism, any suitable type known in the art.

In one embodiment, the user can depress the button of the spring actuated ball mechanism, releasing the sling swivel from the central cylinder and pull it free. The spring actuated ball mechanism is able to retract across the protruding sling swivel adapter lip. Whatever embodiment of mechanism is used, the spring actuated ball mechanism can pass across the sling swivel adapter lip, separating the connecting portion from the cylinder.

The sling swivel is a sling swivel as is known and understood within the art for securing objects in a rotate-able fashion. Though in one embodiment, a lip and spring actuated ball arrangement is used to secure the sling swivel, the sling swivel mechanism can be connected to the central cylinder by any suitable apparatus known in the art for coaxially securing items in a releasable way making such a remove-able connection.

In another embodiment, the finger stop is attached to a picatinny type rail system. When a sling or other apparatus is attached to the handle, the handle, along with the sling swivel, is able to swivel, providing fluidity of movement and extra speed for the user.

At the proximal end of the central cylinder in relation to the rail, the adapter is provided for securing the finger stop to the rail and securing the central cylinder. The adapter and cylinder can be constructed as a single-piece unit or the adapter may be a separate component attached by known means in the art such as welding, soldering, riveting, screwing, an adhesive or the like.

A Notch or gap is provided at the end of the adapter facing the rail. The notch or gap extends all the way through the adapter and the dimensions are and configuration are so as to accommodate the profile of the rail. The gap is defined by a pair of lipped walls L-shaped in profile, that extend downward and then inward in relation to the cylinder.

The adapter mounts by a slip fit over the two opposing 90 degree angles of the T-shaped protrusions of the rail. The adapter and by extension, the finger stop can be placed on the rail in a secure manner, and moved up and down the rail. The user can then decide where on the rail to place the finger stop. Securing apparatus, which can be of a suitable type known in the art such as a cap screw, are provided to secure the finger stop to the rail.

The finger stop is mounted to the rail of a weapon simply by securing the finger stop onto the rail using the notch in the adapter. When a user chooses a location upon the rail to mount the finger stop, the finger stop can be easily secured onto the weapon.

This finger stop design allows a user to minimize rail space and clutter on the weapon. This design, by reducing clutter and protuberances on the rail, helps a user increase the smoothness and flow of unslinging and general handling of the weapon. The reduced chance of the weapon becoming entangled in the user's clothing or equipment decreases the changes of a slowed reaction or an unwanted discharge. The finger stop provides a repeatable rest that when used while shooting, provides stability that enhances a user's ability to hit a target that they are firing at with consistency. The finger stop arrangement also reduces hand fatigue white a user is holding the weapon in the firing position. The stability and consistency of the finger stop also helps increase muscle memory by allowing a user to effectively point the weapon at a target that they want to engage and fire instinctively.

After the finger stop is slid onto a picatinny rail, it can then be secured by means in the art such as at least one screw, inserted into the distal inner cylinder wall. Once a user designates a preferred position on the rail for the finger stop, the user can insert a bridge between a pair of picatinny rectangular rail ridges that are along the rail.

Once the bridge is placed between the rail ridges and the finger stop is positioned on the rail so that the center is above the bridge, the cap screw can be inserted into the cylinder through the distal inner cylinder wall. Past the distal inner cylinder wall, there is typically provided a proximal inner cylinder wall, in communication with the distal inner cylinder wall but of reduced diameter. The cap screw is inserted into the inner proximal cylinder wall, the diameter of which is typically reduced to snugly accommodate the cap screw. The proximal inner cylinder wall is typically threaded for the screw to be threaded within it and thereby secured.

The screw can be tightened such that it extends through the proximal inner cylinder wall, all the way to the bridge. When the screw is tightened against the bridge, the downward pressure of the screw and upward pressure exerted by the lipped adapter against the rail act together to secure the finger stop to the rail at the chosen location.

In a further embodiment of the finger stop for use with a KeyMod™ type rail system, a user selects a location along the rail to place finger stop, and a corresponding keyhole aperture along the rail is thereby selected. A screw, in this embodiment a cap screw is (similarly to the picatinny embodiment) inserted axially via a distal cylinder aperture into the distal inner wall into an adjoining wall area, that area having a diameter capable of snugly holding the screw. In this embodiment, this proximal area is comprised of a KeyMod proximal inner wall and KeyMod recessed wall, and the cap screw is inserted and through these, and is typically threaded through the KeyMod proximal inner wall.

A threaded nut is also provided. The threaded nut can be a locking nut, and at least a portion of the nut has a width greater than the slot portion of the respective keyhole apertures and less than the wider circular portion.

The threaded nut is typically threaded onto the end of the cap screw protruding at the proximal end the cylinder. The nut 65 is inserted through the circular portion of the keyhole aperture, and then the assembly is slid downward into the slot portion. Thus secured, the cap screw is tightened from the distal end, compressing the metal of the rail in between the finger stop and the nut, and effectively locking the assembly to the rail.

A provided recessed KeyMod wall portion if necessary, may contain any portion of the nut 65, depending upon the design of the respective cap screw and nut, that is around the screw or otherwise protruding from the keyhole aperture Further, in an embodiment, the KeyMod aperture wall is approximately bell-shaped but can be of any appropriate shape or design.

In a further embodiment of the finger stop for use with an MLoc™ type rail system, an MLoc rail system, similarly to a KeyMod rail system, provides a set of apertures along a rail and the location of an item along the rail can be selected by choice of an aperture for placement, but the MLoc apertures are typically rectangular, or rounded rectangular shaped, rather than keyhole shaped.

An MLoc proximal inner wall, which can be threaded or otherwise manufactured to accommodate the screw, is connected to the distal inner cylinder wall and (similar to other embodiments) together define an axial circular opening through the cylinder. A cap screw can be placed through the cylinder via the distal inner cylinder wall and MLoc proximal inner wall. A nut is provided with a vertical width greater than the MLoc aperture.

As with the KeyMod embodiments, the nut, screw and finger stop, are typically assembled prior to inserting into the rail. The user selects an MLoc aperture and inserts the end with the nut (which is typically T-shaped) into the desired MLoc aperture.

The cap screw can then be tightened from the distal end of the cylinder, via the distal inner cylinder wall, with a suitable tool such as a hex key. The tightening of the screw and nut, as in the KeyMod embodiment, sandwich the finger stop, rail and nut and compress the rail as the nut comes into contact with the rail on the rear side relative to the finger stop. When the tightening is completed, the nut is prevented from turning, typically locked into a position from which it cannot rotate past a 12 o'clock position. Thereby, the finger stop is secured in place to the rail at that location.

An MLoc protruding mechanism is defined by protruding MLoc securing walls located at the proximal end of the cylinder. The MLoc securing walls are of a suitable size and configuration for securing the cylinder to an MLoc type rail, which in this embodiment is a circular or half-moon shaped configuration. The user can fit the MLoc securing walls to fit into a horizontal MLoc aperture in the rail. The shape of the securing walls lock the finger stop into horizontal position, within the aperture preventing twisting or turning of the finger stop.

In another embodiment of the finger stop, a proximal cylinder attachment is provided at the proximal end of the central cylinder. The diameter of the proximal cylindrical attachment is typically less than that of the central cylinder. It is, as the case with the cylinder, hollow and in axial communication with the distal inner cylinder wall of the cylinder, such that a screw can be threaded through the pair, securing the cylinder to a rail. This attachment can be added to provide a finger stop to an existing sling swivel adapter pocket, which is sometimes offered as an embedded item within existing rail systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in use, depicting use with a picatinny rail system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a primary portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the of the invention detached.

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the arrangement depicted in FIG. 3 showing the portion of the invention attached.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 depicting the motion of attaching the invention to a weapon.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the arrangement depleted of FIG. 5 showing the invention attached to the weapon.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1 that is depicted in FIG. 2, displaying the portion from a different angle and including a portion of securing means.

FIG. 7A is a side cutaway view of the portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1 that is depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7B is front view of the portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1 that is depicted in FIG. 2, viewed from the proximal end.

FIG. 7C is a side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, depicting the securing apparatus and motion.

FIG. 7D is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 depicting the arrangement of the invention secured to a weapon rail system.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention for use with a KeyMod™ type rail system.

FIG. 8A is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 from the proximal end.

FIG. 8B is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 8C is a side view of a sample KeyMod™ type rail system for use with the embodiment of FIG. 8-8B.

FIG. 8D is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 8, depicting securing means in place.

FIG. 8E is a perspective part-cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 8, depicting the arrangement of the invention secured to a KeyMod™ type weapon rail system.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention for use with a MLoc™ type rail system.

FIG. 9A is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 9B is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 9, viewed from the proximal end.

FIG. 9C is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 9, depicting the arrangement of the invention secured to an MLoc™ type rail system, with securing means in place, in further detail.

FIG. 9D is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 9, depicting the arrangement of the invention secured to an MLoc™ type rail system.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention depicting with an additional attached cylindrical portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The following descriptions are made referring to the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to like features throughout this description. Not all numbers appearing in one figure are necessarily present in another.

Turning first to FIG. 1, a finger stop with a swivel attachment 2 (“finger stop”) sometimes referred to as a “thenar” stop, attached to a rail 40 is shown. The finger stop 2 is comprised, generally, of a cylinder 10, an adapter 20 and a detachable sling swivel portion 30.

Turning to FIG. 2, a closer look at the cylinder portion 10 is provided. The cylinder 10 is generally round and hollow, having an aperture, or pair of connected apertures of differing diameters, centered axially that pierces both the proximal end 12a and distal end 12b of the cylinder 10, relative to the rail 40.

Turning to FIGS. 1-3 and particularly to FIG. 2, a distal inner cylinder wall 11 at the distal end 12b of the cylinder 10 (relative to the rail 40) defines an aperture large enough to allow the cylinder 10 to accommodate the sling swivel mechanism 30. Looking particularly to FIGS. 1 and 3, the sling swivel mechanism 30 is comprised generally of a swivel-able, or rotate-able, handle or extension (“handle”) 34, a protruding connecting portion 36 for securing the sling swivel 30 within the cylinder 10, and a securing portion 32 that secures the handle 34 in a rotate-able fashion, thereby securing the sling swivel mechanism 30 to the finger stop 2. Though the securing portion 32 of the sling swivel 30 can be any known suitable securing rotate-able means and configuration of apparatus within the art, the securing portion 32 in this embodiment is comprised of a connecting portion 34 provided with a rotate-able, yet remove-able securing mechanism which in this embodiment is a spring actuated mechanism 38, and in this embodiment is further comprised of at least one, and preferably three, spring-actuated balls (only one shown due to the angle of view). The spring-actuated ball mechanism 38 is as known and understood within the art for providing a remove-able and rotate-able means for securing one circular item within another of slightly larger diameter.

Also provided is a lip or set of raised sling swivel adapter lip(s) 18 (in this embodiment a “lip”) that protrudes outwardly from the distal inner cylinder wall 11 to accommodate the one or more spring actuated ball mechanism 38. The protruding sling swivel adapter lip 18 extends from the distal inner cylinder wall 11 at the distal end 12b of the central cylinder 10 into the central cylinder 10 to a width suitable for securing the sling swivel mechanism 30. The sling swivel adapter lip 18 is preferably about 0.05″-0.2″ in width and in this embodiment is about 0.1 inches in width (An additional advantage of this design is that the expansion of the distal inner cylinder wall 11 past the sling swivel adapter lip 18 results in the use of less material for the central cylinder 10, reducing weight). Past the adapter lip and within the central cylinder 10, a distal inner groove is typically provided for helping secure the connecting portion 36.

The connecting portion 36 is pushed into the cylinder 10, which has a slightly larger diameter capable of accommodating the connecting portion, until the shoulder of the sling swivel mechanism 30 is in contact with the proximal end of the finger stop. The spring actuated ball mechanism 38 may also be further comprised of a button capable of retracting or partially retracting the at least one spring actuated ball to assist the spring actuated ball mechanism 38 to fit easier within the central cylinder 10.

When the spring actuated ball mechanism 38 moves past the sling swivel lip 18, the spring actuated ball mechanism 38, applying an upward pressure, is released, pushing the spring actuated ball 38 firmly outward into the distal inner groove 19. The distal inner groove 19 is of a suitable depth for accommodating the spring actuated ball mechanism 38 and can extend around the circumference of the distal inner cylinder wall 11, allowing the spring actuated ball mechanism 38, and by extension the sling swivel 30, to freely rotate about the central cylinder 10, while remaining secured within it. The spring actuated ball mechanism 38 is forced against the distal inner cylinder wall 11, effectively locking the connecting portion 36 and sling swivel mechanism 30 within the cylinder 10.

Though the spring actuated ball mechanism 38 is secured against the distal inner cylinder wall 11, the spring actuated ball mechanism 38 can be freely rotated about the distal inner cylinder wall 11. Thereby secured, the sling swivel 30 is attached to the cylinder 10 and the sling swivel 30 is allowed to rotate about the cylinder 10, so rotate within the finger stop 2.

The outer surface of the central cylinder 10 can have, etched, machined or otherwise place upon it, grooves, cross hatching, or other or another suitable pattern. The purpose of the pattern is to provide a point of friction on the user's hand to both improve grip, and to signal the user's hand, through muscle memory, when it has reached a proper point at which to rest the hand. In this embodiment, the pattern is comprised of a pair of grooves 14, 14′, spaced apart and running circularly around the central cylinder 10. Using the pair of grooves, 14, 14′, a user can quickly locate a location to place their fingers between the grooves 14, 14′.

Turning to FIGS. 1-2 and moving between them as necessary to emphasize differing aspects of the invention, the proximal end 12a of the cylinder 10 is connected either directly to the rail 40 or as in this embodiment which depicts a picatinny rail, connected to an adapter 20. The distal end 12b, respectively, is connected to the swivel portion 30.

The components of the Finger stop can be constructed of any combination of suitable materials as known in the art, including, but not limited to a resin or resins, plastic, a ceramic or metal. In this embodiment, the central cylinder 10, adapter 20 and sling swivel 30 end are each constructed of aircraft grade aluminum (6061T-6 aluminum) which is anodized by a Type III Hard coat. The components can further be of any suitable size for completing their respective tasks, and the size may change depending upon factors such as the particular weapon and type of purpose or mission the finger stop 10 will be used for. In this embodiment, the central cylinder 10 is about 0.75 inches in diameter by 1.0 inches in length

Turning specifically to FIG. 2, beginning at the distal end 12b, the distal inner cylinder wall 11 is defined by a hollow opening provided at the center of the central cylinder 10, extending from the distal end 12b longitudinally through the center cylinder 10 and ending at or before reaching the proximal end 12a. This distal inner cylinder wall 11 of the cylinder 10 can be any suitable diameter for achieving its purpose of accommodation, though herein is about 0.375″-0.380. In this embodiment, this diameter is about 0.377″. The length of the distal inner cylinder wall 11 is typically a distance suitable for accommodating the sling swivel 30. In this embodiment, the distal inner cylinder wall 11 extends into the central cylinder 10 to about 0.375″ from the proximal end 12a.

Turning to FIG. 3, when the sling swivel mechanism 30 is secured in a rotate-able way, a sling or other desirable hardware (not shown) can be attached to the rotate-able handle 34 at the end of the sling swivel mechanism 30. Since the handle 34 is rotate-able, the sling or other hardware, by extension, also is. The two-way arrow therein depicts the ability of a user to install or remove the sling swivel mechanism 30 from the cylinder 10. The spring actuated ball mechanism 38 is held under tension by respective springs (not shown). When a user wants to remove the sling swivel mechanism 30 from the cylinder 10, the user can simply do so. The construction and action of the spring actuated ball system 33 can be, as with other aspects of the spring actuated ball mechanism, any suitable type known in the art.

For example, in one embodiment, the user can depress the button of the spring actuated ball mechanism 38, releasing the sling swivel 30 from the central cylinder 10 and pull it free. The spring actuated ball mechanism 38 is able to retract across the protruding sling swivel adapter lip 18. Whatever embodiment of mechanism is used, the spring actuated ball mechanism 38 can pass across the sling swivel adapter lip 18, separating the connecting portion 36 from the cylinder 10.

The sling swivel 30 is a sling swivel as is known and understood within the art for securing objects in a rotate-able fashion. Though in this embodiment, as demonstrated, a lip and spring actuated ball arrangement is used to secure the sling swivel 30, the sling swivel mechanism 30 can be connected to the central cylinder 10 by any suitable apparatus known in the art for coaxially securing items in a releasable way making such a remove-able connection.

Turning to FIG. 4, the sling swivel 30 secured within the central cylinder 10, thereby secured to the finger stop and by extension, the rail 40 itself, is shown. In this embodiment, the finger stop 2 is attached to a picatinny type rail system. Because the parts are releasable, rather than fixedly secured, the sling swivel 30, as stated, can rotate within the central cylinder 10, providing mobility to the sling swivel. When a sling or other apparatus is attached to the handle 34, the handle 34, along with the sling swivel 30, is able to swivel, providing fluidity of movement and extra speed for the user.

A Picatinny rail system, as in this embodiment, is as it is commonly known and understood within the art. A Picatinny rail system, like the upcoming KeyMod and MLoc rail systems, is a universal interface system for attaching firearm accessory components.

Generally, a Picatinny rail system is a rail system consisting of a rail 40, roughly T-shaped in cross section, protruding at a 90 degree angle on either side as the rail 40 proceeds along the side of a weapon. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3-4, and 5-6 but most specifically in FIG. 7C, the rail 40 is typically comprised of evenly spaced rectangular pockets, or rail ridges, represented herein as 28, 28′, 28″ along the rail 40.

Moving again between FIGS. 1 and 2, at the proximal end of the central cylinder 10 in relation to the rail 40, the adapter 20 is provided for securing the finger stop 2 to the rail 40 and securing the central cylinder 10. The adapter 20 and cylinder 10 can be constructed as a single-piece unit or the adapter 20 may be a separate component attached by known means in the art such as welding, soldering, riveting, screwing, an adhesive or the like.

A Notch or gap 24 is provided at the end of the adapter 20 facing the rail 40. The notch or gap 24 extends all the way through the adapter 20 and the dimensions are and configuration are so as to accommodate the profile of the rail 40. The gap is defined by a pair of lipped walls 25, 25′, L-shaped in profile, that extend downward and then inward in relation to the cylinder 10.

The adapter 20 mounts by a slip fit over the two opposing 90 degree angles of the T-shaped protrusions of the rail 40. The adapter 20 and by extension, the finger stop 2 can be placed on the rail 40 in a secure manner, and moved up and down the rail 40. The user can then decide where on the rail 42 to place the finger stop 2. Securing apparatus 23, which can be of a suitable type known in the art, are provided to secure the finger stop 2 to the rail. In this embodiment, the securing apparatus 23 consists of a cap screw.

Turning to FIGS. 5, the mounting of the finger stop 2 to a weapon is depicted. In this embodiment, the finger stop 2 is mounted to the rail 40 of the weapon 42 simply by securing the finger stop onto the rail 42 using the notch 24 in the adapter 20. This motion is depicted by arrow ‘A’. When a user chooses a location upon the rail 40 to mount the finger stop 2, the finger stop 2 can be easily secured onto the weapon 42, the user only needing a hex key or, depending upon the type of screw used, other suitable tool, and a few seconds to mount the finger stop 2.

Turning to FIG. 6, the finger stop 2 mounted and secured upon the weapon 42 is shown. While a user can use the finger stop 2 in any way that suits, a suggestive illustration demonstrates the finger stop 2 in use. A user can use the finger stop 2 by placing the thenar portion (web of thumb) of the non-trigger hand against the finger stop 2 while applying forward pressure against the sling (Not shown) that is mounted in the sling swivel 30. This position provides both forward and rearward pressure effectively locking the weapon to the user's shoulder freeing the user's firing hand to manipulate the weapon, radio systems, or other items, or to seamlessly transition to the user's sidearm without losing the user's original sight picture.

This finger stop design allows a user to minimize rail space and clutter on the weapon 42. This design, by reducing clutter and protuberances on the rail 40, helps a user increase the smoothness and flow of unslinging and general handling of the weapon 42. The reduced chance of the weapon becoming entangled in the user's clothing or equipment decreases the changes of a slowed reaction or an unwanted discharge. The finger stop 2 provides a repeatable rest that when used while shooting, provides stability that enhances a user's ability to hit a target that they are firing at with consistency. The finger stop 10 arrangement also reduces hand fatigue while a user is holding the weapon 42 in the firing position. The stability and consistency of the finger stop 10 also helps increase muscle memory by allowing a user to effectively point the weapon 42 at a target that they want to engage and fire instinctively. Overall this results in faster, repeatable target acquisition times while helping free the user's trigger hand to accomplish other tasks without breaking the sight picture.

Turning to FIGS. 7-7D, the embodiment of the finger stop 2 for use with a picatinny type rail system is depicted in further detail. Turning to FIGS. 7-7B, the pair of lipped walls 25, 25′ of the adapter 20 that, between them, define the notch 24, is depicted from several angles to better display the apparatus. Turning to FIG. 7-7A, after the finger stop 2 is slid onto the picatinny rail 40, it earn then be secured by means in the art such as, as is the case in this embodiment, at least one screw 23. As shown in the figures and depicted by arrow ‘B’, the screw 23 can be inserted into the distal inner cylinder wall 11. The screw can be of any suitable type that can be secured easily and in this embodiment, is typically a cap screw.

Turning to FIG. 7C, a rectangular picatinny bridge 26 is provided. Once a user designates a preferred position on the rail 40 for the finger stop 2, the user can insert the bridge 26 between a pair of picatinny rectangular rail ridges, represented here as 28, 28′ 28″, that are along the rail 40. The bridge 26, in this and any other embodiments herein, is typically rectangular and of slightly less width than the space between any given pair of the rectangular rail ridges 28, 28′, 28″ in order to fit between. The bridge 26 can be made of any suitable material such as, e.g., a metal or plastic, and is fabricated in any suitable size or configuration so as to suitably fit between the rail ridges 28, 28′, 28″.

Typically, the rail ridges 28, 28′, 28″ and corresponding space(s) between them, also of this and other embodiments herein, are rectangular, but it is to be understood that other configurations are possible for the rail ridges 28, 28′ 28″, bridge 26, or both. For example, some newer picatinny rails are provided with additional spaces cut perpendicular to the horizontal spaces between the rail ridges 28, 28′ to reduce the overall weight of the rail, which can affect the configuration of these related components.

The bridge 26 serves at least two purposes:

• • to bridge any open pockets between rail ridges 28, 28′, 28″ to provide a surface to secure the cap screw 23 against, and
  • to protect the rail 40, often made of aluminum or other light metal, from marring due to pressure exerted by the cap screw 23 on top of the rail 40.

Once the bridge 26 is placed between the rail ridges 28, 28′, 28″ and the finger stop 2 is positioned on the rail 40 so that the center is above the bridge 26, the cap screw 23 is inserted into the cylinder 10 through the distal inner cylinder wall 11. Past the distal inner cylinder wall 11, there is typically provided a proximal inner cylinder wall 13, in communication with the distal inner cylinder wall but of reduced diameter. The cap screw is inserted info the inner proximal cylinder wall 13, the diameter of which is typically reduced to snugly accommodate the cap screw 23. The proximal inner cylinder wall 13 is typically threaded for the screw 23 to be threaded within it and thereby secured.

The screw 23 is tightened such that it extends through the proximal inner cylinder wall 13, all the way to the bridge 26. When the screw 23 is tightened against the bridge 26, the downward pressure of the screw and upward pressure exerted by the lipped adapter 20 against the rail 40 act together to secure the finger stop 2 to the rail 40 at the chosen location. These securing actions are depicted with arrows B, B′ and B″.

Turning to FIG. 7D, the secured arrangement, with the screw 23 tightened and exerting a force that pulls the finger stop 2 against the bottom of the rail 40, effectively securing the finger stop 2 to the rail 40, is shown. The central opening comprising the proximal inner cylinder wall 11 can be any suitable diameter for the purpose, but in this embodiment is about 0.186″. The cap screw 23 can be any suitable type screw and in this particular embodiment, is a #10 screw with a hexagonal head.

Turning to FIGS. 8-8E, a further embodiment of the finger stop 2 for use with a KeyMod™ type rail system is depicted.

Turning specifically to FIG. 8C, the rail 40 in this embodiment is a KeyMod type rail, which is shown. The rail 40 of this embodiment has, unlike the rectangular protrusions of the Picatinny system, a number of linear keyhole-shaped apertures, represented here as 54, 54′, 54″. Each of the keyhole-shaped apertures 54, 54′, 54″ are comprised of a generally keyhole-shaped larger circular portion and an accompanying narrower slot portion.

Turning to FIGS. 8B-8C, after, as in the previous embodiment, a user selects a location along the rail 40 to place finger stop, the corresponding keyhole aperture 54, 54′ along the rail 40 is thereby selected. A screw, in this embodiment a cap screw 63, and preferably an 8×32 cap screw, which is compatible with a threaded nut is, similarly to the picatinny embodiment, inserted axially via a distal cylinder 10 aperture into the distal inner wall 13 into an adjoining wall area, that area having a diameter capable of snugly holding the cap screw 23. in this embodiment, this proximal area is comprised of a KeyMod proximal inner wall 52 and KeyMod recessed wall 50, and the cap screw 63 is inserted and through these, and is typically threaded through the KeyMod proximal inner wall.

Unlike the picatinny embodiment, the finger stop 2 is not secured to the rail 40 by the shape of the rail itself, but via another means. Turning to FIGS. 8C-8D, a threaded nut 65 is provided. The threaded nut can be a locking nut, and at least a portion of the nut has a width greater than the slot portion of the respective keyhole apertures 54, 54′, 54″ and less than the wider circular portion.

The threaded nut 65 is typically threaded onto the end of the cap screw 63 protruding at the proximal end the cylinder 10. The nut 65, screw 63 and finger stop 2, are typically assembled prior to inserting into rail 40. The nut 65 is inserted through the circular portion of the keyhole aperture 54, 54′, 54″, then the assembly Is slid downward into the slot portion. Thus secured, the cap screw 63 is tightened from the distal end, compressing the metal of the rail 40 in between the finger stop 2 and the nut 65. This sandwiches the nut 65 and rail 40, effectively locking the assembly to the rail 40.

Turning briefly to FIG. 8A as well as 8C, the provided recessed KeyMod wall 50 portion if necessary, contain any portion of the nut 65, depending upon the design of the respective cap screw and nut, that is around the screw 63 or otherwise protruding from the keyhole aperture 54, 54′, 54″. Further, in this embodiment, the KeyMod aperture wall 50 is approximately bell-shaped but can be of any appropriate shape or design.

Returning to FIG. 8D and particularly 8E, the assembly of the secured finger stop 2 in place on a KeyMod rail 40 is shown.

Turning to FIGS. 9-9D, a further embodiment of the finger stop 2 for use with a MLoc™ type rail system is depicted. An MLoc rail system, similarly to a KeyMod rail system, provides a set of apertures, represented herein as 64, 64′, 64″, along a rail 40 and the location of an item along the rail 40 can be selected by choice of an aperture 64, 64′, 64″ for placement. Unlike the KeyMod system, the MLoc apertures 64, 64′, 64″ are rectangular, or rounded rectangular shaped, rather than keyhole shaped.

Turning to FIGS. 9A and 9C, in this embodiment, an MLoc proximal inner wall 62, which can be threaded or otherwise manufactured to accommodate the screw 63, is connected to the distal inner cylinder wall 11 and similar to other embodiments, together define an axial circular opening through the cylinder 10. Similarly to other embodiments herein, a cap screw 63 can be placed through the cylinder 10 via the distal inner cylinder wall 11 and MLoc proximal inner wall. A nut 65 is provided with a vertical width greater than the MLoc aperture 64, 64′, 64″.

Because the nut 65 cannot be inserted into a wider end and slid in, as with the keyhole apertures, the nut 65 is typically secured differently. As with the KeyMod embodiments, the nut 65, screw 63 and finger stop 2, are typically assembled prior to inserting into the rail 40. The user selects an MLoc aperture 64, 64′, 64″ and inserts the end with the nut 65 (which is typically T-shaped) into the desired MLoc aperture 64, 64′, 64″.

Turning specifically to FIG. 9C, the cap screw 65 can then be tightened from the distal end of the cylinder 10, via the distal inner cylinder wall 11, with a suitable tool such as a hex key. The tightening of the screw 63 and nut 65, as in the KeyMod embodiment, sandwich the finger stop 2, rail 40 and nut 65 and compress the rail 40 as the nut 65 comes into contact with the rail 40 on the rear side relative to the finger stop 2. When the tightening is completed, the nut 65 is prevented from turning, typically locked into a position from which it cannot rotate past a 12 o'clock position. Thereby, the finger stop 2 is secured in place to the rail 40 at that location.

FIG. 9C shows this tightened arrangement, and any appropriate order of steps that leads to the arrangement in which the screw 63 and nut 65 secure the finger stop 2 to the rail 40 can be used. Turning to FIG. 9D, the arrangement of the finger stop 2 secured to the MLoc rail 40 is shown.

Turning to FIGS. 9 and 9B, an MLoc protruding mechanism 60 is defined by protruding MLoc securing walls 61, 61′ located at the proximal end of the cylinder 10. The MLoc securing walls 61, 61′ are of a suitable size and configuration for securing the cylinder 10 to an MLoc type rail, which in this embodiment is a circular or half-moon shaped configuration. The user can fit the MLoc securing walls 61, 61′ to fit into a horizontal MLoc aperture 64, 64′, 64″. in the rail 40. The shape of the securing walls 61, 61′ lock the finger stop 2 into horizontal position, within the aperture 64, 64′, 64″, preventing twisting or turning of the finger stop 2.

Turning to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the finger stop 2 is shown. A proximal cylinder attachment 70 is provided at the proximal end of the central cylinder 10. The diameter of the proximal cylindrical attachment 70 is typically less than that of the central cylinder 10. It is, as the case with the cylinder 10, hollow and in axial communication with the distal inner cylinder wall 11 of the cylinder 10, such that a screw 23, 63, can be threaded through the pair, securing the cylinder 10 to a rail. This attachment can be added to provide a finger stop 2 to an existing sling swivel adapter pocket, which is sometimes offered as an embedded item within existing rail systems.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, the expression of these individual embodiments is for illustrative purposes and should not be seen as a limitation upon the scope of the invention. It is to be further understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts described and shown.

Claims

1. A Finger Stop comprised of:

a central cylinder,

apparatus for attaching the finger stop to the rail of a weapon, and

a detachable sling swivel portion,

wherein the central cylinder is further comprised of an aperture, or pair of connected apertures of differing diameters, partly or fully defined by an inner cylinder wall, that proceeds from the distal end through the proximal end of the cylinder relative to the rail,

a securing portion,

a connecting portion protruding from the securing portion,

a swivel-able or rotate-able handle or extension attached to the securing portion,

wherein at least a portion of the inner cylinder wall at the distal end comprises a distal inner cylinder wall, and the diameter of the distal inner cylinder wall is the same or slightly larger than the diameter of the connecting portion to accommodate the connecting portion.

2. A Finger Stop according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is further comprised of a spring actuated mechanism capable of rotate-ably and remove-ably securing the connector portion within the cylinder, and

wherein the cylinder is further comprised of at least one raised lip within the cylinder and protruding outwardly from the distal inner cylinder wall, which is capable of accommodating the spring actuated mechanism, and

wherein the at least one raised lip is a width suitable for securing the sling swivel mechanism.

3. A Finger Stop according to claim 2, wherein the at least one raised lip is about 0.05″-0.2″ in width.

4. A Finger Stop according to claim 2, wherein the spring actuated mechanism is further comprised of at least one spring-actuated ball and a button capable of retracting or partially retracting the at least one spring actuated ball.

5. A Finger Stop according to claim 4, wherein the cylinder is further comprised of

a distal inner groove within the cylinder, capable of helping secure the connecting portion within the cylinder,

wherein the distal inner groove is located past the adapter lip relative to the distal opening of the cylinder, and

wherein the distal inner groove is of a suitable depth to accommodate the spring actuated ball and extends around the circumference of the distal inner cylinder wall.

8. A Finger Stop according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the central cylinder is further comprised of an etched or machined pattern, including a set of grooves, cross hatching, or other pattern.

7. A Finger Stop according to claim 6, wherein the pattern is comprised of at least a pair of grooves,

wherein the at least a pair of grooves are parallel and run circularly around the central cylinder.

8. A Finger Stop according to claim 1, wherein the Finger Stop is constructed of a resin or resins, plastic, a ceramic or metal, or any combination thereof.

9. A Finger Stop according to claim 1, wherein the Finger Stop is at least partially constructed of aircraft grade aluminum.

10. A Finger Stop according to claim 1, wherein the central cylinder 10 is about 0.75″ in diameter and about 1.0″ in length.

11. A Finger Stop according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the distal inner cylinder wall is about 0.375″ to about 0.380,

and the distal inner cylinder wall extends into the central cylinder to about 0.375″ from the proximal end of the central cylinder.

12. A Finger Stop according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus for attaching the finger stop to the rail of a weapon is comprised of an adapter for securing the finger stop to a picatinny rail,

at least one screw capable of securing the Finger Stop to the picatinny rail and

a picatinny bridge capable of being fitted between, within, or among at least one picatinny rail ridge(s) and of being compressed against the picatinny bridge by the at least one screw,

wherein the adapter is located at the proximal end of the central cylinder in relation to the rail,

further comprising a pair of lipped walls that are each generally L-shaped in profile, and extend downward and inward in relation to the central cylinder,

wherein the pair of lipped walls define a notch or gap between them, and

wherein the notch or gap is of a size and configuration capable of being fitted onto the profile of the picatinny rail.

13. A Finger Stop according to claim 12, wherein the picatinny bridge is comprised of a metal or plastic.

14. A Finger Stop according to claim 12, wherein the aperture, or pair of connected apertures of differing diameters, is comprised of a distal inner cylinder wall and a proximal inner cylinder wall in communication with the distal inner cylinder wall,

wherein the proximal inner cylinder wall is threaded to be capable of receiving the screw, and wherein the diameter of the proximal cylinder wall is such as to snugly accommodate the at least one screw.

15. A Finger Stop according to claim 14, wherein the diameter of the proximal inner cylinder wall is about 0.186″, and the at least one screw is a #10 cap screw with a hexagonal head.

18. A Finger Stop according to claim 1, wherein the rail is a KeyMod™ type rail, and

wherein the apparatus for attaching the finger stop to the rail of a weapon is comprised of at least one screw and at least one threaded nut capable of being fitted to the at least one screw,

wherein at least a portion of the threated nut has a width greater than that of a slot portion of a respective keyhole aperture and less than that of a wider circular portion of the keyhole aperture, and

wherein the aperture, or pair of connected apertures of differing diameters, is comprised of a distal inner cylinder wall and a Key Mod proximal inner wall in communication with the distal inner cylinder wall, and

wherein the Key Mod proximal inner wall is threaded to be capable of receiving the screw, and wherein the diameter of the proximal cylinder wall is such as to snugly accommodate the at least one screw.

17. A Finger Stop according to claim 16, further comprised of a recessed KeyMod aperture wall portion located at the proximal end of the central cylinder.

18. A Finger Stop according to claim 1, wherein the rail is an MLoc™ type rail, and

wherein the apparatus for attaching the finger stop to the rail of a weapon, is comprised of at least one screw and at least one threaded nut capable of being fitted to the at least one screw,

wherein at least a portion of the throated nut has a vertical width greater than that of a respective MLoc aperture,

wherein the aperture, or pair of connected apertures of differing diameters, is comprised of a distal inner cylinder wall and an MLoc proximal inner wall in communication with the distal inner cylinder wall, and

wherein the MLoc proximal inner wall is threaded to be capable of receiving the screw, and

wherein the diameter of the proximal cylinder wall is such as to snugly accommodate the at least one screw.

19. A Finger Stop according to claim 18, further comprised of a protruding MLoc mechanism, which is comprised of defined at least a pair of MLoc securing walls located at the proximal end of the central cylinder,

wherein the at least a pair of MLoc securing walls protrude from the central cylinder, and wherein the at least a pair of MLoc securing walls are in a generally circular or half-moon shaped configuration.

20. A Finger Stop according to claim 1, further comprised of a proximal cylinder attachment located at the proximal end of the central cylinder,

wherein the proximal cylinder attachment is hollow and in axial communication with the distal inner cylinder wall, and is capable of being joined to a sling swivel adapter pocket.