Ergonomic finger grip enhancers for mounting on firearms, sporting implements or hand tools

Abstract

A finger grip enhancer for mounting on a selected location on firearms, hand tools and other items having handles or grips for providing an improved finger gripping surface. The grip enhancer can comprise flexible or rigid materials having a high coefficient of friction for an improved gripping surface. The grip enhancer includes a finger grip body, having a top, a bottom and a back surface. The back surface is preferably adapted for receiving an adhesive thereon and attaching the grip enhancer on the selected location on the firearm or the hand tool The finger grip body also includes an ergonomic shaped front finger surface having a top portion tapered downwardly and outwardly into a lower knob portion. The lower knob portion is adapted for receiving a portion of the bottom of a finger and the top of an adjacent finger of the user and preventing slippage thereon.

Description

REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001] This application is based on a provisional patent application filed on May 17, 2001 having Serial No. 60 / 291,693 by the subject inventor and having a title of "GRIP ENHANCEMENT FOR TOOLS OR FIREARMS". A related application by the same inventor, AJL-2, based upon a provisional application also filed on May 17, 2001, U.S. Ser. No. 60 / 292,274, is directed to "LIGHT GUIDES FOR TOOLS OR FIREARMS".[0002] (A) Field of the Invention[0003] This invention relates to an improved finger grip used with all types of firearms, sporting implements, hand tools and the like and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an ergonomically designed finger grip enhancer for mounting on a firearm or a hand tool for improved grip and for helping prevent slippage on the item.[0004] (B) Discussion of Relevant Art[0005] It is well known to provide hand grips on the handles of various types of tools and implements to obtain a comfortable feel as well as to redu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a finger grip enhancer that is inexpensive and can be quickly and easily attached using adhesive or other suitable attachment means to a selected location on various handguns, firearms, tools and the like for increased grip.

[0017] The present invention provides finger grip enhancers of various configurations which can be installed singly or in combination upon the handles or handgrips of various tools, sporting implements, mobility aids and firearms to provide ergonomically enhanced grips. The finger grip enhancer includes a finger grip body having a top, a bottom and a flat or curved (concave) back surface. The back surface is preferably adapted for receiving an adhesive and attaching the grip enhancer onto a selected location on the firearm or a grip of a hand tool. The grip enhancer is made of or comprises a flexible, resilient or rigid material, preferably having a high coefficient of friction for an improved gripping surface. The finger grip body also includes an ergonomic shaped front finger surface. The front finger surface includes a top portion tapered downwardly and outwardly into a lower knob portion. The lower knob portion is designed to rest against the bottom of a finger and prevent slippage thereon.

[0018] The grip enhancers of the present invention provide nearly universal means for improving the physical interface between the human hand and the grips, handles and the like for most hand-held tools, weapons and the like. The improvements are provided by a more secure grasp of the handles or grips through an increase in hand-grip contact area, together with reduction in the stress and fatigue caused by the exertion required to maintain the grasp through hand strength only. Most common grip designs for tools and the like provide a secure grasp only through friction with the hand, which increases with grip force. Thus, extended use or adverse conditions such as dampness or cold tend to induce fatigue, tremor or loss of grip in the user. The grip enhancers of the present invention function by nearly matching the grip surface of the tool or firearm to the shape and size of the user's hand.

Problems solved by technology

However, it would appear to do this without providing the benefit of a stronger grasp, since the ribs would have to be too flexible to provide adequate support from the upper and lower surfaces of the fingers.

Thus, resistance in a vertical plane, as during gun recoil or hitting the holster during the draw, would probably not be substantially improved.

For example, the rubberized sleeves fitted with finger grooves for handgun grips have a detrimental effect on the esthetics of the firearm, since they cover parts of the grip which are normally made of wood.

Such sleeves can also make repositioning of the grip hand difficult during the draw, if a less than ideal position was obtained in the holster.

Thus, extended use or adverse conditions such as dampness or cold tend to induce fatigue, tremor or loss of grip in the user.

1) Decide on how permanent the installation is intended to be. Generally, the stronger the adhesive used, the more likely the surface (especially polished or blued metal surfaces) is to be damaged by removal of the grip enhancers and adhesive. For example, LocTite(R) Black Max(R) is very permanent, and reports are mixed on whether removal of such adhesive will damage the blueing on firearms. Epoxy cements will generally damage most finishes. An adhesive which has been successfully tested for removal without damage to metal finishes such as anodizing is SuperGlue Corp.(R) Future Glue(R), but any adhesive should be tested on an inconspicuous area of the surface before actual use. When installing the grip enhancers on various polymeric surfaces, most commercial "instant" glues should be effective.

2) By trial and error, determine the exact location and feel desired for each grip enhancer and mark location. Trim the narrow upper portion of the grip enhancer to a suitable length and width if necessary.

3) Apply adhesive to the grip enhancer(s), position carefully at location for installation and press into position until adhesive sets, using clamps, rubber bands or the like if necessary.

4) Inspect final installation to ensure that the resulting grip is comfortable and effective, and that none of the installed components block any moving parts of the weapon.

This painful effect not only degrades marksmanship but can lead to irritation and even serious infections of the hand.

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