Removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus and method thereof

Abstract

A removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus and method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus mounts to an existing forestock of a weapon with an interference fit actuated by a single screw. The apparatus also includes a passage for receiving the barrel of a target illumination device. Resilient prongs are provided adjacent the rear of the passage to press the illumination device longitudinally along approximately the same axis as the weapon's barrel to prevent dislodgment upon movement of the weapon during handling or discharge, and to enable relatively quick, one-handed release and replacement of the entire illumination device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to weapons, and more specifically to a removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus for a weapon and method thereof. [0002] Target-illuminating devices such as flashlights, lasers, pointers, and the like are often employed by police and civilian security agencies to designate a possible target. As such, various ways to mount target-illuminating devices to various weapons, such a pistols, rifles, and shotguns have been developed, such as using an attachable holder. Although some of the attachable illuminating device holders are suitable for their intended purposes, improvements are still needed in the way to quickly mount a target-illuminating device holder to a weapon as some problems remain. [0003] For example, some prior art devices attach a target-illuminating device to a shotgun using multiple screws sank into the shotgun's forestock. In situations where such screws loosen and / or fall o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention is constructed of a high impact material, which provides a stable shape such that the present invention may be used without the target illumination device accommodated in a provided throughbore or passage. The present invention provides tension tabs or resilient indented prongs at rear of device adjacent the exit of the passage to removably, yet securely hold the illuminating device therebetween. The present invention, in one embodiment, also removably yet firmly attaches to the existing forestock of a shotgun by simply tightening one screw located in the rear of the apparatus, thereby causing an interference fit between the existing forestock and an locking mechanism of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention attaches firmly to the bottom of the existing forestock without any special tools or training. The locking mechanism allows for quick and easy installation and removal of the apparatus. The present invention, which is ergonomically designed with a non-slip grip pattern, can also be moved forward or back on the forestock so individuals of all sizes can adjust the position of the apparatus to their own comfort.

[0007] In another embodiment, rails may be provided to the present invention permits the user to choose between 2 different light attachment methods. The first is to utilize the integrated light holder in the grip by simply sliding a rechargeable flashlight, such as for example, a Streamlight Stinger brand flashlight, into the opening until the rear of the flashlight locks between the prongs located in the rear of the holder. This method allows the user to place the light in a position that is easiest for them to actuate. The light can be quickly removed by pulling on the light towards the front. The second light attachment method is to attach a light by utilizing one of the three positional rails located on either side of the integrated target-illuminating device holder and shotgun grip. The rails permit a light such as for example, a Streamlight M-3 brand flashlight or similar lighting device, to simply slide onto the rail and place it in one of three positions that best suits the user.

Problems solved by technology

Although some of the attachable illuminating device holders are suitable for their intended purposes, improvements are still needed in the way to quickly mount a target-illuminating device holder to a weapon as some problems remain.

In situations where such screws loosen and / or fall out, tightening or re-attaching the device may be unavailable in the field without various tools and extra screws.

Furthermore, devices which are attached to the forestock with adhesive and screws sank into the forestock cannot be easily switched to another shotgun.

Moreover, the grip position on such target illumination device holders cannot be adjusted easily on the forestock, to account for personnel of different sizes using the shotgun.

In addition, as with the screw on devices, the grip position on an illuminated device made integral with the forestock cannot be adjusted.

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