Adaptor kit for small handguns to fit pistol brace assembly

Abstract

An adaptor kit assembly includes a trigger guard adaptor including attachment structure for coupling to a front portion of a trigger guard of a handgun so that the trigger guard adaptor increases a length of the trigger guard towards a firing direction of the handgun. A rear beavertail adaptor may be provided for coupling to a rear portion of a receiver of the handgun.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to firearms in general, and in particular to an adaptor kit for small handguns to fit in a pistol brace assembly.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A number of devices, such as pistol braces, are designed to attach to a handgun to aid a user in holding or stabilizing the handgun. One example of such a brace is described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,592,262 and marketed as the RECOVER TACTICAL 20 / 20N pistol brace stabilizer. This pistol brace stabilizer includes a firearm mounting structure which includes a receiver support shelf for supporting thereon a receiver of a firearm. The firearm attachment member includes left and right halves, arranged for securing the firearm between the left and right halves, each of the left and right halves extending along a longitudinal axis corresponding to a longitudinal firing axis of the firearm. One of the left and right halves pivots in azimuth with respect to the longitudinal axis about a firearm attachment member pivot located rearward of the firearm mounting structure. Each of the left and right halves includes a forward fastening flange configured to be mounted below the receiver and in front of the trigger guard of the firearm.

[0003] As is well known in the art, handguns come in a variety of manufactured sizes, e.g., full-size, compact and sub-compact. Many sub-compact handguns are particularly useful for concealed carry. An example is the GLOCK 43 9 mm Luger caliber semiautomatic pistol, which has a sub-compact frame size and textured polymer grips. Another small handgun is the GLOCK 48. The GLOCK 43 overall length is 159 mm (6.26 inches) from butt to tip. The GLOCK 48 is longer, being 185 mm (7.28 inches) from butt to tip. The overall height of the GLOCK 43, with a magazine inserted, is 108 mm (4.25 inches), whereas that of the GLOCK 48 is 128 mm (5.04 inches).

[0004] Due to their small size, these smaller handguns do not fit in a pistol brace stabilizer. However, it would be desirable to use them with a stabilizer; the stabilizer would increase their shooting accuracy (smaller handguns require more skill on the part of the shooter to achieve accuracy of larger handguns). On the other hand, it is not economically feasible to make a separate line of stabilizers just for these smaller handguns.SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention seeks to provide an adaptor kit for small handguns to fit in a pistol brace assembly, as is explained below.

[0006] There is thus provided in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the invention an adaptor kit assembly including a trigger guard adaptor including attachment structure for coupling to a front portion of a trigger guard of a handgun so that the trigger guard adaptor increases a length of the trigger guard towards a firing direction of the handgun.

[0007] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the invention the trigger guard adaptor includes a forward member configured to be placed over an outer forward surface of the trigger guard, and the forward member is shaped to complement a shape of the outer forward surface of the trigger guard.

[0008] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the invention the trigger guard adaptor includes a forward member configured to be placed over an outer forward surface of the trigger guard, and the forward member curves outwards towards the firing direction of the handgun.

[0009] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the invention the trigger guard adaptor includes a forward member configured to be placed over an outer forward surface of the trigger guard, and the forward member is longer than the outer forward surface of the trigger guard and includes an end that includes a rearwardly facing tab that snaps or fits over an end of the trigger guard.

[0010] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the invention the trigger guard adaptor includes a forward member configured to be placed over an outer forward surface of the trigger guard, and the forward member extend inwards and sideways from a body portion of the trigger guard adaptor, and a rear member also extends inwards and sideways from the body portion and is spaced rearwardly from the forward member, wherein a gap between the forward member and the rear member is sized so that a thickness of a front portion of the trigger guard fits in between the forward member and the rear member.

[0011] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the invention the trigger guard adaptor is constructed of two halves.

[0012] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the invention the trigger guard adaptor includes a receiver portion that extends upwards from a shelf portion that extends sideways and outwards from a body portion of the trigger guard adaptor.

[0013] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the invention a rear beavertail adaptor is configured for coupling to a rear portion of a receiver of the handgun.

[0014] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the invention the rear beavertail adaptor includes sidewalls, a rear wall and a beavertail that extends rearwards from the rear wall.

[0015] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the invention the adaptor kit assembly further includes a pistol brace assembly that includes handgun mounting structure, which includes a receiver support shelf, upon which a receiver of the handgun is mountable, and a trigger guard abutment member, wherein when the trigger guard adaptor is coupled to the front portion of the trigger guard, the trigger guard adaptor is abuttable against the trigger guard abutment member. When the rear beavertail adaptor is coupled to the rear portion of the receiver of the handgun, a portion of the rear beavertail adaptor is received in a groove formed in the pistol brace assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

[0017] FIGS. 1A and 1B are simplified exploded and perspective illustrations, respectively, of a small handgun with adaptors to fit a pistol brace assembly, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective illustrations of the small handgun placed in the pistol brace assembly, respectively before and after closing the brace assembly to secure the small handgun therein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate a small handgun 10 with adaptors to fit a pistol pivoting brace assembly, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The small handgun 10 in FIGS. 1A and 1B is the GLOCK 43, but the invention is not limited to this particular handgun and is applicable for other models, such as but not limited to, the GLOCK 48, SPRINGFIELD XD subcompact handguns, and others.

[0020] Handgun 10, as in many weapons, includes a trigger 12, trigger guard 13, grip 14 (the inside of which may include a magazine well, but the invention is applicable for handguns that do not use magazines), receiver 18, and slide 20.

[0021] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a trigger guard adaptor 22 is provided which is coupled to the front portion of trigger guard 13. “Front” refers to the direction towards the firing direction of the handgun. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger guard adaptor 22 is constructed of left and right halves 22L and 22R, respectively. However, the trigger guard adaptor 22 can be constructed as a one-piece item. The trigger guard adaptor 22 may be constructed of polymer, metal, rubber or any other suitable material.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIG. 1A, the trigger guard adaptor 22 includes (or each half includes) a forward member 24 configured to be placed over the outer forward surface of the trigger guard 13. The forward member 24 may be shaped to complement the shape of the outer forward surface of the trigger guard 13, and as such, may curve outwards towards the forward direction. The forward member 24 may be longer than the outer forward surface 13F of the trigger guard 13 and have an end 26 that includes a rearwardly facing tab 28 that snaps or fits over the lower (in the sense of the drawings) forward end of the trigger guard 13. The forward member 24 may extend inwards and sideways (such as perpendicularly) from a body portion 30 of the trigger guard adaptor 22. A rear member 32 may also extend inwards and sideways (such as perpendicularly) from the body portion 30 of the trigger guard adaptor 22, and is spaced rearwardly from forward member 24. The gap between forward member 24 and rear member 32 may be sized so that the thickness of the front portion of the trigger guard 13 fits in between forward member 24 and rear member 32. Preferably the trigger guard adaptor 22 (or each of its halves) fits snugly over the trigger guard front end so that fasteners are not needed. Alternatively, the trigger guard adaptor 22 (or each of its halves) may be secured to the trigger guard with fasteners, such as set screws.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIG. 1A, the trigger guard adaptor 22 includes (or each half includes) a receiver portion 34 that extends upwards (in the sense of the drawings) to be positioned on or next to the sides of the receiver 18. The receiver portion 34 may extends upwards from a shelf portion 36 that extends sideways and outwards from body portion 30 of the trigger guard adaptor 22.

[0024] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, as seen in FIG. 1A, a rear beavertail adaptor 40 is provided which is coupled to the rear portion of the receiver 18. The rear beavertail adaptor 40 may include sidewalls 42, rear wall 44 and a beavertail 46 that extends rearwards from rear wall 44. The rear beavertail adaptor 40 may include rims or lips 48 that are received in grooves 49 formed in receiver 18. The rear beavertail adaptor 40 may be slid snugly over the rear portion of the receiver 18 without any need for fasteners. Alternatively, rear beavertail adaptor 40 may be coupled to the rear portion of the receiver 18 with fasteners, such as set screws. The rear beavertail adaptor 40 may be constructed of polymer, metal, rubber or any other suitable material.

[0025] Reference is now made to FIG. 2A, which illustrates the small handgun 10 placed in a pistol brace assembly 50, before closing the brace assembly to secure the small handgun therein, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The brace assembly 50 may be constructed as in U.S. Pat. No. 11,592,262, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. However, the invention is not limited to this construction and may be used with other pistol brace assemblies.

[0027] Pistol brace assembly 50 may be a pistol pivoting brace assembly 50, which includes a firearm attachment member 52 to which a pivot arm 54 is pivotally attached.

[0028] The firearm attachment member may be constructed of left and right halves 52L and 52R. In the illustrated embodiment, each attachment member half includes a forward fastening flange 55 configured to be mounted below the receiver 18 and in front of the trigger guard 13 of handgun 10.

[0029] The attachment member left half 52L and the attachment member right half 52R are mounted below the slide 20 of handgun 10, so they do not interfere in any way with the operation of handgun 10.

[0030] The trigger guard adaptor 22 increases a length of the trigger guard 13 towards a firing direction of handgun 10 so that handgun 10 is held properly in pistol brace assembly 50.

[0031] As an option, a charging handle accessory 56 (seen in FIG. 2B) may be provided for attachment to the slide 20, such as that described in U.S. Patent Application 20180195819, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] The attachment member left half 52L and the attachment member right half 52R may each include handgun mounting structure, which includes a receiver support shelf 58 upon which the receiver 18 of the handgun 10 rests. The handgun mounting structure may also include a trigger guard abutment member 60 against which the trigger guard adaptor 22 abuts. In this manner, handgun 10 is positively held in place and is restrained from moving forward by trigger guard abutment member 60, and is restrained from moving downwards by receiver support shelf 58.

[0033] The attachment member left half 52L and / or the attachment member right half 52R may be formed with one or more grooves 62 in which is received rear beavertail adaptor 40. In this manner, handgun 10 is securely held in the brace assembly 50.

[0034] The pivot arm 54 may include a brace member 64, which serves as a stabilizer against the shooter's body.

Claims

1. An adaptor kit assembly comprising:a trigger guard adaptor comprising attachment structure for coupling to a front portion of a trigger guard of a handgun so that said trigger guard adaptor increases a length of the trigger guard towards a firing direction of the handgun.

2. The adaptor kit assembly according to claim 1, wherein said trigger guard adaptor comprises a forward member configured to be placed over an outer forward surface of the trigger guard, and said forward member is shaped to complement a shape of the outer forward surface of the trigger guard.

3. The adaptor kit assembly according to claim 1, wherein said trigger guard adaptor comprises a forward member configured to be placed over an outer forward surface of the trigger guard, and said forward member curves outwards towards the firing direction of the handgun.

4. The adaptor kit assembly according to claim 1, wherein said trigger guard adaptor comprises a forward member configured to be placed over an outer forward surface of the trigger guard, and said forward member is longer than the outer forward surface of the trigger guard and comprises an end that includes a rearwardly facing tab that snaps or fits over an end of the trigger guard.

5. The adaptor kit assembly according to claim 1, wherein said trigger guard adaptor comprises a forward member configured to be placed over an outer forward surface of the trigger guard, and said forward member extend inwards and sideways from a body portion of said trigger guard adaptor, and a rear member also extends inwards and sideways from said body portion and is spaced rearwardly from said forward member, wherein a gap between said forward member and said rear member is sized so that a thickness of a front portion of the trigger guard fits in between said forward member and said rear member.

6. The adaptor kit assembly according to claim 1, wherein said trigger guard adaptor is constructed of two halves.

7. The adaptor kit assembly according to claim 1, wherein said trigger guard adaptor comprises a receiver portion that extends upwards from a shelf portion that extends sideways and outwards from a body portion of said trigger guard adaptor.

8. The adaptor kit assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a rear beavertail adaptor configured for coupling to a rear portion of a receiver of the handgun.

9. The adaptor kit assembly according to claim 8, wherein said rear beavertail adaptor comprises sidewalls, a rear wall and a beavertail that extends rearwards from said rear wall.

10. The adaptor kit assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a pistol brace assembly that comprises handgun mounting structure, which comprises a receiver support shelf, upon which a receiver of the handgun is mountable, and a trigger guard abutment member, wherein when said trigger guard adaptor is coupled to the front portion of the trigger guard, said trigger guard adaptor is abuttable against said trigger guard abutment member.

11. The adaptor kit assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a pistol brace assembly that comprises handgun mounting structure, which comprises a receiver support shelf, upon which a receiver of the handgun is mountable, and a trigger guard abutment member, wherein when said trigger guard adaptor is coupled to the front portion of the trigger guard, said trigger guard adaptor is abuttable against said trigger guard abutment member, and when said rear beavertail adaptor is coupled to the rear portion of the receiver of the handgun, a portion of said rear beavertail adaptor is received in a groove formed in said pistol brace assembly.

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