FIREARM TRIGGER GUARD INSERT AND GRIP

Abstract

A firearm trigger guard insert and grip are disclosed. An example embodiment includes a firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly comprising: a trigger guard insert having an upper surface conforming to at least a portion of an area defined by a firearm trigger guard, the trigger guard insert including a void through which a trigger can be inserted, the trigger guard insert reducing an exposed portion of the trigger, thereby lowering an action line of the firearm; and a grip having a horizontal surface at or above a collinear position relative to the action line created by the installed firearm trigger guard insert.

Description

PRIORITY PATENT APPLICATION

This non-provisional patent application draws priority from U.S. Provisional Pat. Application Serial No. 63/319,305; filed Mar. 12, 2022. This present non-provisional patent application draws priority from the referenced patent application. The entire disclosure of the referenced patent application is considered part of the disclosure of the present application and is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates to firearms, trigger guards, and particularly although not exclusively, to a firearm trigger guard insert and grip.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the disclosure provided herein and to the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright 2021 - 2023, Fred FISCHIETTO; All Rights Reserved.

BACKGROUND

Several jurisdictions across the country restrict the manufacture, sale, or possession of semiautomatic firearms equipped with pistol grips. Some states merely list “pistol grip” as a prohibited feature without further defining the nature or structure of the prohibited pistol grip. In Title 11, section 5471(z), of the California Code of Regulations, the prohibited pistol grip is defined as a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, which means a grip that allows for a pistol style grasp in which the web of the trigger hand (between the thumb and index finger) can be placed beneath or below the top of the exposed portion of the trigger while firing. This definition includes pistol grips on standard and bullpup firearm designs. Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a pistol grip for a semiautomatic firearm that is not prohibited under most regulations.

SUMMARY

According to various example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter as described herein, there is disclosed, illustrated, and claimed a firearm trigger guard insert and grip. Example embodiments of the disclosed firearm trigger guard insert and grip include a removable trigger guard insert, which lowers the top of the exposed portion of the trigger; and a grip, which enables a pistol style grasp where the web of the trigger hand (between the thumb and index finger) can be placed at or above the top of the exposed portion of the trigger while firing the firearm. Example embodiments are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of the firearm trigger guard insert and grip installed in a firearm lower receiver;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of the installed firearm trigger guard insert and grip relative to a new action line of the firearm lower receiver;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of the firearm trigger guard insert and grip installed in a firearm;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative example embodiment showing an integrated firearm trigger guard with shortened insert along with a grip installed in a firearm lower receiver;

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative example embodiment of the grip;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the alternative example embodiment of the grip with the attachment mechanism for attaching the grip to a firearm lower receiver;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the alternative example embodiment of the grip with the attachment mechanism for attaching the grip to a firearm lower receiver, along with a shortened removably installed firearm trigger guard insert;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of the grip and a shortened firearm trigger guard insert removably installed in a firearm lower receiver, along with a rifle stock, AR-15 A2 pattern, attached to the firearm lower receiver;

FIG. 9 illustrates another alternative example embodiment showing an integrated firearm trigger guard with shortened insert along with a grip installed in a firearm lower receiver; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram representing a sequence of operations performed in a method according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter can be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter as described herein, there is disclosed, illustrated, and claimed a firearm trigger guard insert and grip. Example embodiments of the disclosed firearm trigger guard insert and grip include a removable trigger guard insert, which lowers the top of the exposed portion of the trigger; and a grip, which enables a pistol style grasp where the web of the trigger hand (between the thumb and index finger) can be placed at or above the top of the exposed portion of the trigger while firing the firearm.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a firearm trigger guard insert 6 and grip 10 installed in a firearm lower receiver 12. FIG. 1 shows the reference plane 5 where the upper and lower receivers of the firearm mate together. FIG. 1 also shows the trigger 8 and the trigger guard 9, which are standard components of the firearm lower receiver 12. As part of the standard configuration of lower receiver 12, an original action line 4 is shown, which corresponds to a boundary below which the trigger 8 is exposed. The action line 4 defines a boundary below which corresponds to the action of the weapon. As explained above, the California Code of Regulations, prohibit a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, which means a grip that allows for a pistol style grasp in which the web of the trigger hand (between the thumb and index finger) can be placed beneath or below the original action line 4 while the weapon is fired.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a firearm trigger guard insert 6 is provided to lower the original action line 4 to a new action line 2. The new action line 2 serves to lower the action of the weapon. In the example embodiment, the firearm trigger guard insert 6 can be a formed piece of plastic, composite material, metal, wood, or any other rigid material, which can be removably snapped into place in an upper portion of an area defined by the trigger guard 9. The firearm trigger guard insert 6 includes a void through which the trigger 8 can be inserted. The void includes space for the trigger 8 to be fully pulled backward to discharge the weapon. The trigger guard insert 6 can be formed or manufactured with an upper surface conforming to at least a portion of an area defined by the firearm trigger guard 9. As shown in FIG. 1, the firearm trigger guard insert 6 reduces the exposed portion of the trigger 8, thereby lowering the action of the weapon. When the firearm trigger guard insert 6 is installed as shown in FIG. 1, the trigger guard insert 6 shifts the action line to new action line 2 by covering up a portion of the trigger 8, thereby moving the exposed top of the trigger 8 downward.

When the firearm trigger guard insert 6 is installed and the new action line 2 is thereby created, a horizontal surface 3 of grip 10 can be configured in a collinear position relative to the new action line 2 created by the installed firearm trigger guard insert 6. As a result, grip 10 can provide a surface 3, upon which the web of the trigger hand (between the thumb and index finger) can be placed while the weapon is used. Because the horizontal surface 3 of grip 10 is in a collinear position relative to the new action line 2 created by the installed firearm trigger guard insert 6, the web of the trigger hand will always be in a position at or above the new action line 2. The horizontal surface 3 of grip 10 serves as a physical barrier to maintain the web of the trigger hand in a position at or above the new action line 2. As shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 1, the grip 10 can be configured as a standard grip or a pistol grip in a variety of different styles.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of the installed firearm trigger guard insert 6 and grip 10 relative to a new action line 2 of the firearm lower receiver 12. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the firearm trigger guard insert 6 is installed to lower the original action line 4 to a new action line 2. The new action line 2 serves to lower the action of the weapon. As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 2, the horizontal surface 3 of grip 10 can be configured in a collinear position relative to the new action line 2 created by the installed firearm trigger guard insert 6. As a result, horizontal surface 3 of grip 10 serves as a physical barrier to maintain the web of the trigger hand in a position at or above the new action line 2. FIG. 2 also illustrates a magazine release button 11 of the firearm in an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of the installed firearm trigger guard insert 6 and grip 10 installed in a firearm. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the firearm trigger guard insert 6 is installed to lower the original action line 4 to the new action line 2. The horizontal surface 3 of grip 10 can be configured in a collinear position relative to the new action line 2 created by the installed firearm trigger guard insert 6. As a result, horizontal surface 3 of grip 10 serves as a physical barrier to maintain the web of the trigger hand in a position at or above the new action line 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative example embodiment showing an integrated firearm trigger guard 14 integrated with shortened insert 401 installed in a firearm lower receiver 12. Also shown is grip 10 installed in the firearm lower receiver 12. In the alternative example embodiment shown, the integrated firearm trigger guard 14 with shortened insert 401 includes a removable trigger guard portion, which can be integrated with a shortened insert 401 as a single insertable/removable component. The shortened insert 401 can be locked into place by attaching the removable trigger guard portion to the firearm lower receiver 12. Once installed, the integrated firearm trigger guard 14 with shortened insert 401 serves to lower the original action line 4 to the new action line 2. The horizontal surface 3 of grip 10 can be configured in a collinear position relative to the new action line 2 created by the installed firearm trigger guard insert 401. As a result, horizontal surface 3 of grip 10 serves as a physical barrier to maintain the web of the trigger hand in a position at or above the new action line 2. The integrated firearm trigger guard 14 with shortened insert 401 shifts the action line downward by covering up a portion of the trigger 8, thereby moving the exposed top of the trigger 8 downward. This alternative example embodiment allows for a bolt release lever to be installed for additional user customization of the weapon. This alternative example embodiment also uses the existing trigger guard mounting holes on the lower receiver 12.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative example embodiment of the grip. In the alternative example embodiment shown, the grip 20 can be removably attached to the lower receiver 12 at a reference plane 18. The grip 20 can be removably attached to the lower receiver 12 using a bolt, screw, or other fastener (e.g., a Socket Head Cap Screw, SHCS) inserted co-axially with reference axis 17 through a hole in the grip 20 provided therefor. The bolt, screw, or other fastener can secure the grip 20 to the lower receiver 12. As described above, the grip 20 can include a horizontal surface 19 of grip 20, which can be configured in a collinear position relative to the new action line 2 created by the installed firearm trigger guard insert 6. As a result, horizontal surface 19 of grip 20 serves as a physical barrier to maintain the web of the trigger hand in a position at or above the new action line 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the alternative example embodiment of the grip 20 with an attachment mechanism 17 (e.g., bolt, screw, or other fastener) for attaching the grip 20 to a firearm lower receiver 12. FIG. 6 shows a typical lower receiver 12 with an integrated (non-removable) trigger guard 601. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a lower receiver 12 where the trigger opening profile varies. There could be any number of trigger opening profiles. The profile of the trigger guard insert 6 as described herein can be tailored/altered/matched to any number of different types of trigger opening profiles while lowering the action line to ensure functionality consistent with the claims of the various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

As shown in FIG. 6, the grip 20 can be removably attached to the lower receiver 12 using a bolt, screw, or other fastener 17 (e.g., a Socket Head Cap Screw, SHCS) inserted co-axially through a hole in the grip 20 provided therefor. The bolt, screw, or other fastener 17 can be used with a lock washer 18 to secure the grip 20 to the lower receiver 12. The lock washer 18 provides tension on the grip 20 assembly when the fastener 17 is tightened, thereby securing all components in place. As described above, grip 20 can include a substantially horizontal surface 19, which can be configured in a collinear position relative to the new action line 2 created by the installed firearm trigger guard insert 6. As a result, horizontal surface 19 of grip 20 serves as a physical barrier to maintain the web of the trigger hand in a position at or above the new action line 2.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the alternative example embodiment of the grip 20 with the attachment mechanism 17 (e.g., bolt, screw, or other fastener) for attaching the grip 20 to a firearm lower receiver 12, along with a shortened removably installed firearm trigger guard insert 701. FIG. 7 shows a typical lower receiver 12 with an integrated (non-removable) trigger guard. The shortened removably installed firearm trigger guard insert 701 can be attached to the firearm lower receiver 12 using fasteners 36. The fasteners 36 can be bolts, screws, or other type of mechanical fastener (e.g., a Socket Head Cap Screw, SHCS). The fasteners 36 can also be non-mechanical fasteners, such as glue, snaps, clamps, tongue and groove fittings, or even clamped to the trigger 8 itself. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a lower receiver 12 where the trigger opening profile varies. There could be any number of trigger opening profiles. The profile of the shortened removably installed firearm trigger guard insert 701 as described herein can be tailored/altered/matched to any number of different types of trigger opening profiles while lowering the action line to ensure functionality consistent with the claims of the various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of the grip 10 and a shortened firearm trigger guard insert 701 removably installed in a firearm lower receiver 12, along with a rifle stock 42 (e.g., AR-15 A2 pattern), attached to the firearm lower receiver 12. FIG. 8 shows a typical lower receiver with an integrated (non-removable) trigger guard. The shortened removably installed firearm trigger guard insert 701 can be attached to the firearm lower receiver 12 using fasteners 36. The fasteners 36 can be bolts, screws, or other type of mechanical fastener (e.g., a Socket Head Cap Screw, SHCS). The fasteners 36 can also be non-mechanical fasteners, such as glue, snaps, clamps, tongue and groove fittings, or even clamped to the trigger 8 itself. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a lower receiver 12 where the trigger opening profile varies. There could be any number of trigger opening profiles. The profile of the shortened removably installed firearm trigger guard insert 701 as described herein can be tailored/altered/matched to any number of different types of trigger opening profiles while lowering the action line to ensure functionality consistent with the claims of the various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein. The example embodiment of FIG. 8 illustrates a rifle stock 42 (e.g., AR-15 A2 pattern) attached to the firearm lower receiver 12 with a stock end plate 41 disposed therebetween. The position of the rifle stock 42 relative to the grip 10 provides sufficient spacing to enable a person to position the web of their trigger hand on the grip 10 while using rifle stock 42. The horizontal surface 3 of grip 10 serves as a physical barrier to maintain the web of the trigger hand in a position at or above the new action line 2.

FIG. 9 illustrates another alternative example embodiment showing an integrated firearm trigger guard 14 with shortened insert 401 along with a grip 10 installed in a firearm lower receiver 12. In the alternative example embodiment shown, the integrated firearm trigger guard 14 with shortened insert 401 includes a removable trigger guard portion, which can be integrated with a shortened insert 401 as a single component. The shortened insert 401 can be locked into place by attaching the removable trigger guard portion to the firearm lower receiver 12. Once installed, the integrated firearm trigger guard 14 with shortened insert 401 serves to lower the original action line 4 to the new action line 2. The horizontal surface 3 of grip 10 can be configured in a collinear position relative to the new action line 2 created by the installed firearm trigger guard insert 401. As a result, horizontal surface 3 of grip 10 serves as a physical barrier to maintain the web of the trigger hand in a position at or above the new action line 2.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram representing a sequence of operations performed in a method according to an example embodiment. In accordance with the example method 1000, the method comprises: fabricating a trigger guard insert having an upper surface conforming to at least a portion of an area defined by a firearm trigger guard, the trigger guard insert including a void through which a trigger can be inserted, the trigger guard insert reducing an exposed portion of the trigger, thereby lowering an action line of a firearm (operation 1010); and fabricating a grip having a horizontal surface at or above a collinear position relative to the action line created by the installed firearm trigger guard insert (operation 1020).

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of components and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the description provided herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The figures herein are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

The description herein may include terms, such as “up”, “down”, “upper”, “lower”, “first”, “second”, etc. that are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. The elements, materials, geometries, dimensions, and sequence of operations may all be varied to suit particular applications. Parts of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. While the foregoing examples of dimensions and ranges are considered typical, the various embodiments are not limited to such dimensions or ranges.

The Abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments have more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

As described herein, a firearm trigger guard insert and grip are disclosed. Although the disclosed subject matter has been described with reference to several example embodiments, it may be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed subject matter in all its aspects. Although the disclosed subject matter has been described with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the disclosed subject matter is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the subject matter extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly comprising:

a trigger guard insert having an upper surface conforming to at least a portion of an area defined by a firearm trigger guard, the trigger guard insert including a void through which a trigger can be inserted, the trigger guard insert reducing an exposed portion of the trigger, thereby lowering an action line of a firearm; and

a grip having a horizontal surface at or above a collinear position relative to the action line created by the installed firearm trigger guard insert.

2. The firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly of claim 1 wherein the trigger guard insert is removable.

3. The firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly of claim 1 wherein the trigger guard insert is shortened.

4. The firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly of claim 3 wherein the shortened trigger guard insert is attached to a lower receiver of the firearm.

5. The firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly of claim 4 wherein the shortened trigger guard insert is attached to a lower receiver of the firearm using existing trigger guard mounting holes on the lower receiver.

6. The firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly of claim 1 wherein the trigger guard insert is integrated with the firearm trigger guard as a single removable component.

7. The firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly of claim 1 wherein the grip is a pistol grip.

8. The firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly of claim 1 wherein the trigger guard insert is fabricated from a type of material from a group consisting of: plastic, composite material, metal, wood, and a rigid material.

9. The firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly of claim 1 wherein the grip is removably attachable to a lower receiver of the firearm using a fastener inserted co-axially through a hole in the grip.

10. The firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly of claim 9 wherein the fastener is of a type from a group consisting of: a bolt and a screw.

11. The firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly of claim 1 further including a rifle stock attached to a lower receiver of the firearm with a stock end plate disposed therebetween, a position of the rifle stock relative to the grip providing sufficient spacing to enable a person to position a web of their trigger hand on the grip while using rifle stock.

12. A method for fabricating a firearm trigger guard insert and grip assembly, the method comprising:

fabricating a trigger guard insert having an upper surface conforming to at least a portion of an area defined by a firearm trigger guard, the trigger guard insert including a void through which a trigger can be inserted, the trigger guard insert reducing an exposed portion of the trigger, thereby lowering an action line of a firearm; and

fabricating a grip having a horizontal surface at or above a collinear position relative to the action line created by the installed firearm trigger guard insert.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the trigger guard insert is removable.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the trigger guard insert is shortened.

15. The method of claim 14 including attaching the shortened trigger guard insert to a lower receiver of the firearm.

16. The method of claim 15 including attaching the shortened trigger guard insert to a lower receiver of the firearm using existing trigger guard mounting holes on the lower receiver.

17. The method of claim 12 wherein the trigger guard insert is integrated with the firearm trigger guard as a single removable component.

18. The method of claim 12 wherein the grip is a pistol grip.

19. The method of claim 12 wherein the trigger guard insert is fabricated from a type of material from a group consisting of: plastic, composite material, metal, wood, and a rigid material.

20. The method of claim 12 wherein the grip is removably attachable to a lower receiver of the firearm using a fastener inserted co-axially through a hole in the grip.