Spray canister attachment apparatus for firearm

Abstract

A spray canister attachment apparatus for a firearm includes a housing portion including a cavity accessible through a rear opening and configured to removably receive a spray canister therein, the housing portion including a front aperture configured to be aligned with a nozzle of the spray canister, the housing portion including an internal surface and an external surface. An attachment portion is coupled to the housing portion and configured to removably mount the spray canister attachment apparatus to the firearm.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63 / 710,762 filed Oct. 23, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments relate to a spray canister attachment apparatus for a firearm.BACKGROUND

[0003] In law enforcement, deployment of OC spray (oleoresin capsicum, or pepper spray) or other chemical irritant spray is an important, non-lethal alternative to discharging a firearm when confronting and engaging a threat. A law enforcement officer, property owner, or other individual may carry an OC spray canister or the like in a holster, belt, or other location retrievable and deployable with one hand. However, retrieval of the spray canister prevents the individual from simultaneously using that hand to hold a firearm.SUMMARY

[0004] In one or more embodiments, a spray canister attachment apparatus for a firearm includes a housing portion including a cavity accessible through a rear opening and configured to removably receive a spray canister therein, the housing portion including a front aperture configured to be aligned with a nozzle of the spray canister, the housing portion including an internal surface and an external surface. An attachment portion is coupled to the housing portion and configured to removably mount the spray canister attachment apparatus to the firearm.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the spray canister attachment apparatus includes a mounting portion coupled between the housing portion and the attachment portion, the mounting portion including at least one accessory mounting interface for mounting an accessory to the spray canister attachment apparatus. In one or more embodiments, the at least one accessory mounting interface includes at least one mounting flange extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing portion, the at least one mounting flange including a side face with a plurality of slots oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. In one or more embodiments, the at least one accessory mounting interface includes a first accessory mounting interface on a first side of the mounting portion and a second accessory mounting interface on a second side of the mounting portion. In one or more embodiments, a front face of the mounting portion is longer than a rear face of the mounting portion, such that an upper end of the mounting portion has a sloped configuration.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the housing portion includes a spray port extending outwardly from the external surface, the spray port having a lumen extending from an inlet aperture at the internal surface to the front aperture. In one or more embodiments, a bottom surface of the spray port is curved. In one or more embodiments, a bottom surface of the spray port includes a downwardly extending lip spaced from the external surface. In one or more embodiments, the internal surface includes one or more grooves configured to receive corresponding features on the spray canister and align the spray canister with the front aperture. In one or more embodiments, the spray port extends beyond the at least one accessory mounting interface. In one or more embodiments, the attachment portion includes side rails with a recess formed therebetween configured to receive and attach to an accessory rail of the firearm.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a spray canister attachment apparatus for a firearm includes a housing portion including a cavity accessible through a rear opening and configured to removably receive a spray canister therein, the housing portion including an internal surface and an external surface, the housing portion including a spray port extending outwardly from the external surface and having a lumen extending from an inlet aperture at the internal surface to a front aperture, wherein the front aperture configured to be aligned with a nozzle of the spray canister. A mounting portion is coupled to the housing portion and includes at least one accessory mounting interface for mounting an accessory to the spray canister attachment apparatus, and an attachment portion coupled to the mounting portion and configured to removably mount the spray canister attachment apparatus to the firearm.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, a spray canister attachment apparatus for a firearm includes a housing portion including a cavity accessible through a rear opening and configured to removably receive a spray canister therein, the housing portion including an internal surface and an external surface, the housing portion including a spray port extending outwardly from the external surface and having a lumen extending from an inlet aperture at the internal surface to a front aperture, wherein the front aperture configured to be aligned with a nozzle of the spray canister. A mounting portion is coupled to the housing portion and including a first mounting flange on a first side of the mounting portion and a second mounting flange on a second side of the mounting portion, each mounting flange extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing portion and including a side face with a plurality of slots oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis for mounting an accessory to the spray canister attachment apparatus, wherein a front face of the mounting portion is longer than a rear face of the mounting portion such that an upper end of the mounting portion has a sloped configuration. An attachment portion is coupled to the mounting portion and configured to removably mount the spray canister attachment apparatus to the firearm at an angle created by the sloped configuration from a horizontal axis.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of a spray canister attachment apparatus assembled on a firearm according to one or more embodiments;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the spray canister attachment apparatus of FIG. 1 assembled on a firearm, showing a spray canister received therein according to one or more embodiments;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spray canister attachment apparatus of FIG. 1 assembled on a firearm with the spray canister being engaged by a user according to one or more embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of the spray canister attachment apparatus of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the spray canister attachment apparatus of FIG. 1 showing a spray canister received therein according to one or more embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a spray canister attachment apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view of the spray canister attachment apparatus of FIG. 6 with a spray canister received therein according to one or more embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the spray canister attachment apparatus of FIG. 6 according to one or more embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the spray canister attachment apparatus of FIG. 6 with a spray canister received therein according to one or more embodiments; and

[0018] FIG. 10 is a side view of the spray canister attachment apparatus of FIG. 6 illustrating exemplary dimensions within an attachment portion thereof according to one or more embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, a spray canister attachment apparatus 100 is provided which is removably mountable to a firearm 200, such as in a generally vertical orientation as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the spray canister attachment apparatus 100 is configured to removably receive and retain a spray canister 300 therein. The spray canister 300 may be a pressurized aerosol container which may contain a non-lethal chemical irritant such as OC spray, MACE®, pepper spray, or another substance. While a particular firearm 200 is illustrated herein, it is understood that the spray canister attachment apparatus 100 is not limited to use with such a firearm 200, and that other types and models of firearms are fully contemplated.

[0021] The spray canister attachment apparatus 100 may be constructed from metal, plastic, or any suitable material. Advantageously, the spray canister attachment apparatus 100 can carry the spray canister 300 onboard the firearm 200 instead of a user having to carry the spray canister 300 separately. In addition, the spray canister 300 can be removed from the spray canister attachment apparatus 100 and replaced without having to disassemble the spray canister attachment apparatus 100 from the firearm 200, as described further below.

[0022] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the spray canister attachment apparatus 100 includes a housing portion 102 with a cavity 104 formed therein which is accessible through a rear opening 106 in the housing portion 102. In one or more embodiments, the rear opening 106 and the cavity 104 are configured to receive the spray canister 300 therein in a generally upright, vertical orientation. The housing portion 102 and its corresponding cavity 104 and rear opening 106 can be designed to have any size suitable for receiving a desired brand or size of chemical irritant spray canister 300. As indicated above, the rear opening 106 allows the spray canister 300 to be inserted into and to be removed from the housing portion 102 while the spray canister attachment apparatus 100 remains mounted to the firearm 200.

[0023] The housing portion 102 includes an external surface 110 and an opposing internal surface 112. In one or more embodiments, the external surface 110 may include a textured, stippled, knurled, or other such surface to facilitate secure grasping by a user's hand. A front aperture 114 is formed in the housing portion 102 and is configured to be aligned with a nozzle or other discharge member of the spray canister 300 when the spray canister 300 is disposed within the cavity 104. In this embodiment, the front aperture 114 may be flush with the external surface 110 and can have any shape such as, but not limited to, a circular or oval shape. The housing portion 102 may be generally cylindrical, and in one or more embodiments the external surface 110 of the housing portion 102 may have a contour with indentations 116 corresponding to engagement surfaces on the internal surface 112 which extend into the cavity 104 to receive and retain the spray canister 300 with an interference fit. Of course, the housing portion 102 is not limited to this construction, and other configurations for removably retaining the spray canister 300 within the housing portion 102 are also possible.

[0024] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-5, the spray canister attachment apparatus 100 further includes an attachment portion 120 coupled to, mounted to, or integrally formed at a top end 122 of the housing portion 102. The attachment portion 120 is configured to be removably connectable to the firearm 200 such as, but not limited to, via mounting to an accessory rail 202 (e.g., Picatinny rail) on an underside 204 of the firearm 200. The attachment portion 120 may include side rails 124 with a recess 126 formed therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the attachment portion 120 may be configured to receive the accessory rail 202 within the recess 126 between the side rails 124. The attachment portion 120 may be secured to the accessory rail 202 via screws, clamps, quick release levers, or other attachment mechanisms. Although a particular configuration of the attachment portion 120 is shown and described herein, it is understood that the attachment portion 120 is not limited to this configuration and that any suitable configuration capable of connection to the firearm 200 is contemplated.

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the user can access the spray canister 300 via the rear opening 106 and can dispense the contents of the spray canister 300, such as by depressing an actuator of the spray canister 300 with his thumb or other finger, through the front aperture 114 of the housing portion 102. The front aperture 114 is disposed above where a user's fingers would wrap around the external surface 110 of the housing portion 102 to grasp the housing portion 102, and either hand can be used to grasp the housing portion 102 and activate the spray canister 300.

[0026] The housing portion 102 is configured to securely hold the spray canister 300 therein, but also allow for easy removal and replacement of the spray canister 300 by the user when necessary. In one non-limiting embodiment, the spray canister 300 can be removed by a user engaging an upper portion 302 of the spray canister 300 and tilting the spray canister 300 outwardly away from the housing portion 102. In one or more embodiments, a replacement spray canister 300 can be inserted into the cavity 104 of the housing portion 102 through the rear opening 106 with a lower portion 304 of the spray canister 300 adjacent to a bottom surface 128 of the housing portion 102 and the nozzle of the spray canister 300 aligned with the front aperture 114, wherein the spray canister 300 may be held within the housing portion 102 via an interference fit as described above.

[0027] Turning now to FIGS. 6-10, another embodiment of a spray canister attachment apparatus 100′ is provided which is removably mountable to a firearm 200 and is configured to removably receive and retain a spray canister 300 therein. It is understood that features described above for the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 may also be applicable to the embodiments of FIGS. 6-10 and vice versa, where like components are given like reference numerals with the addition of a prime (′) designation in FIGS. 6-10. Again, the spray canister attachment apparatus 100′ may be constructed from metal, plastic, or any suitable material.

[0028] The spray canister attachment apparatus 100′ includes a housing portion 102′ with a cavity 104′ formed therein which is accessible through a rear opening 106′ in the housing portion 102′. In one or more embodiments, the rear opening 106′ and the cavity 104′ are configured to receive the spray canister 300 therein in a generally upright, vertical orientation. The housing portion 102′ and its corresponding cavity 104′ and rear opening 106′ can be designed to have any size suitable for receiving a desired brand or size of chemical irritant spray canister 300. As indicated above, the rear opening 106′ allows the spray canister 300 to be inserted into and removed from the housing portion 102′ while the spray canister attachment apparatus 100′ remains mounted to the firearm 200.

[0029] The housing portion 102′ includes an external surface 110′ and an opposing internal surface 112′. In one or more embodiments, the external surface 110′ may include a textured, stippled, knurled, or other such surface to facilitate secure grasping by a user's hand. A front aperture 114′ is formed in the housing portion 102′ and is configured to be aligned with a nozzle or other discharge member of the spray canister 300 when the spray canister 300 is disposed within the cavity 104′. In one or more embodiments, the internal surface 112′ may be configured to receive and retain the spray canister 300 with an interference fit. As shown in FIG. 8, the internal surface 112′ may include one or more grooves 130′ (horizontal, vertical, or both) configured to receive corresponding features such as rims, fins, or the like on the spray canister 300 to assist with alignment of the spray canister 300 with the front aperture 114′ when received in the cavity 104′. Of course, the housing portion 102′ is not limited to this construction, and other configurations for removably retaining the spray canister 300 within the housing portion 102′ are also possible.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the housing portion 102′ may include a spray port 132′ extending outwardly from the external surface 110′, such as generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 134′ of the housing portion 102′, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 and 10. The spray port 132′ has a lumen 136′ which extends from an inlet aperture 138′ at the internal surface 112′ to the front aperture 114′. In this configuration, the front aperture 114′ is spaced forward of the external surface 110′ of the housing portion 102′ for dispensing the chemical irritant spray. In one non-limiting embodiment, a cross-sectional area of the lumen 136′ may increase from the inlet aperture 138′ to the front aperture 114′, such as to accommodate a spray pattern of the spray canister 300. While the inlet aperture 138′ is depicted herein as being generally circular, and the front aperture 114′ is depicted herein as being generally triangular, it is understood that the inlet aperture 138′ and the front aperture 114′ are not limited to this configuration.

[0031] As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, a bottom surface 140′ of the spray port 132′ may be generally curved, such as for structural support and stability of the spray port 132′ as part of the housing portion 102′ and to provide an ergonomic surface for contacting a user's hand as the user grasps the housing portion 102′ around the external surface 110′. In one or more embodiments, the spray port 132′ may include a lip 142′ extending downwardly from the bottom surface 140′ spaced forward from the external surface 110′. The lip 140′ may serve as a guide for placement of a user's fingers around the external surface 110′, and also prevents inadvertent placement of the user's fingers in front of the front aperture 114′.

[0032] The spray canister attachment apparatus 100′ further includes an attachment portion 120′ coupled to, mounted to, or integrally formed at a top end 122′ of the housing portion 102′. The attachment portion 120′ is configured to be removably connectable to the firearm 200 such as, but not limited to, via mounting to an accessory rail 202 (e.g., Picatinny rail) on an underside 204 of the firearm 200. As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the attachment portion 120′ may include side rails 124′ with a recess 126′ formed therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the attachment portion 120′ may be configured to receive the accessory rail 202 within the recess 126′ between the side rails 124′. The attachment portion 120′ may be secured to the accessory rail 202 via screws, clamps, quick release levers, or other attachment mechanisms.

[0033] With continuing reference to FIGS. 6-10, in one or more embodiments, the spray canister attachment apparatus 100′ may include a mounting portion 144′ disposed or coupled between the attachment portion 120′ and the housing portion 102′. The attachment portion 120′ may be attached to or integrally formed with an upper end 146′ of the mounting portion 144′, and the housing portion 102′ may be attached to or integrally formed with a lower end 148′ of the mounting portion 144′. As best shown in FIGS. 6-7 and 10, the upper end 146′ may have a sloped configuration, with a front face 150′ of the mounting portion 144′ longer than a rear face 152′ of the mounting portion 144′. In one non-limiting embodiment, the sloped configuration may create an angle A between about 4-8 degrees from a horizontal axis 154′ (FIG. 10). In other embodiments, the angle A may be between about 5-7 degrees, or about 6 degrees, although other angles are fully contemplated. This sloped configuration may help ensure that spray dispensed through the front aperture 114′ has a trajectory that does not strike the firearm 200.

[0034] The mounting portion 144′ includes at least one accessory mounting interface such as a mounting flange 156′ for mounting accessories (e.g., flashlight) directly to the spray canister attachment apparatus 100′ instead of on an accessory rail 202 on the firearm 200 itself. As shown, the mounting flange 156′ may extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 134′ of the housing portion 102′. In one or more embodiments, the mounting flange 156′ includes a side face 158′ with a plurality of slots 160′ which may be oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 134′, as best shown in FIGS. 6-7. In one non-limiting embodiment, the slots 160′ may each have a standard width (e.g., 0.21 inches, see FIG. 10) for an accessory rail, such as a Picatinny rail, for mounting accessories to the spray canister attachment apparatus 100′. The mounting flange 156′ can be provided either a first side 162′ or a second side 164′ of the mounting portion 144′, or the mounting portion 144′ may include two mounting flanges 156′ as shown, one on each of the first side 162′ and the second side 164′.

[0035] With reference to FIGS. 6-7 and 10, the spray port 132′ may be attached to or integrally formed with the lower end 148′ of the mounting portion 144′. In one or more embodiments, the spray port 132′ may extend beyond the front face 150′ and the mounting flanges 156′, such that accessories mounted to the mounting flanges 156′ are disposed behind the front aperture 114′ and thus avoid contact with spray dispensed from the front aperture 114′. Although a particular configuration of the attachment portion 120′ is shown and described herein, it is understood that the attachment portion 120′ is not limited to this configuration and that any suitable configuration capable of connection to the firearm 200 is contemplated.

[0036] The user can access the spray canister 300 via the rear opening 106′ and can dispense the contents of the spray canister 300, such as by depressing an actuator of the spray canister 300 with his thumb or other finger, through the front aperture 114′ of the housing portion 102′. The front aperture 114′ is disposed above where a user's fingers would wrap around the external surface 110′ of the housing portion 102′ to grasp the housing portion 102′, and either hand can be used to grasp the housing portion 102′ and activate the spray canister 300.

[0037] The housing portion 102′ is configured to securely hold the spray canister 300 therein, but also allow for easy removal and replacement of the spray canister 300 by the user when necessary. In one non-limiting embodiment, the spray canister 300 can be removed by a user engaging an upper portion 302 of the spray canister 300 and tilting the spray canister 300 outwardly away from the housing portion 102′. In one or more embodiments, a replacement spray canister 300 can be inserted into the cavity 104′ of the housing portion 102′ through the rear opening 106′ with a lower portion 304 of the spray canister 300 adjacent to a bottom surface 128′ of the housing portion 102′ and the nozzle of the spray canister 300 aligned with the front aperture 114′, wherein the spray canister 300 may be held within the housing portion 102′ via an interference fit as described above.

[0038] The spray canister attachment apparatus 100, 100′ shown and described herein advantageously allows for use of the spray canister 300 while the firearm 200 is being held by the user. With the disclosed spray canister attachment apparatus 100, 100′, the user can easily accomplish one-finger deployment of the spray canister 300 without removing their hand from the spray canister attachment apparatus 100, 100′ and firearm 200 or diverting their attention from the threat.

[0039] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A spray canister attachment apparatus for a firearm, comprising:a housing portion including a cavity accessible through a rear opening and configured to removably receive a spray canister therein, the housing portion including a front aperture configured to be aligned with a nozzle of the spray canister, the housing portion including an internal surface and an external surface; andan attachment portion coupled to the housing portion and configured to removably mount the spray canister attachment apparatus to the firearm.

2. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mounting portion coupled between the housing portion and the attachment portion, the mounting portion including at least one accessory mounting interface for mounting an accessory to the spray canister attachment apparatus.

3. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one accessory mounting interface includes at least one mounting flange extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing portion, the at least one mounting flange including a side face with a plurality of slots oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

4. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one accessory mounting interface includes a first accessory mounting interface on a first side of the mounting portion and a second accessory mounting interface on a second side of the mounting portion.

5. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 2, wherein a front face of the mounting portion is longer than a rear face of the mounting portion, such that an upper end of the mounting portion has a sloped configuration.

6. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing portion includes a spray port extending outwardly from the external surface, the spray port having a lumen extending from an inlet aperture at the internal surface to the front aperture.

7. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 6, wherein a bottom surface of the spray port is curved.

8. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 6, wherein a bottom surface of the spray port includes a downwardly extending lip spaced from the external surface.

9. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal surface includes one or more grooves configured to receive corresponding features on the spray canister and align the spray canister with the front aperture.

10. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment portion includes side rails with a recess formed therebetween configured to receive and attach to an accessory rail of the firearm.

11. A spray canister attachment apparatus for a firearm, comprising:a housing portion including a cavity accessible through a rear opening and configured to removably receive a spray canister therein, the housing portion including an internal surface and an external surface, the housing portion including a spray port extending outwardly from the external surface and having a lumen extending from an inlet aperture at the internal surface to a front aperture, wherein the front aperture configured to be aligned with a nozzle of the spray canister;a mounting portion coupled to the housing portion and including at least one accessory mounting interface for mounting an accessory to the spray canister attachment apparatus; andan attachment portion coupled to the mounting portion and configured to removably mount the spray canister attachment apparatus to the firearm.

12. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one accessory mounting interface includes at least one mounting flange extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing portion, the at least one mounting flange including a side face with a plurality of slots oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

13. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one accessory mounting interface includes a first accessory mounting interface on a first side of the mounting portion and a second accessory mounting interface on a second side of the mounting portion.

14. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 11, wherein a front face of the mounting portion is longer than a rear face of the mounting portion, such that an upper end of the mounting portion has a sloped configuration.

15. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 11, wherein a bottom surface of the spray port is curved.

16. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 11, wherein a bottom surface of the spray port includes a downwardly extending lip spaced from the external surface.

17. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 11, wherein the internal surface includes one or more grooves configured to receive corresponding features on the spray canister and align the spray canister with the front aperture.

18. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 11, wherein the attachment portion includes side rails with a recess formed therebetween configured to receive and attach to an accessory rail of the firearm.

19. The spray canister attachment apparatus of claim 11, wherein the spray port extends beyond the at least one accessory mounting interface.

20. A spray canister attachment apparatus for a firearm, comprising:a housing portion including a cavity accessible through a rear opening and configured to removably receive a spray canister therein, the housing portion including an internal surface and an external surface, the housing portion including a spray port extending outwardly from the external surface and having a lumen extending from an inlet aperture at the internal surface to a front aperture, wherein the front aperture configured to be aligned with a nozzle of the spray canister;a mounting portion coupled to the housing portion and including a first mounting flange on a first side of the mounting portion and a second mounting flange on a second side of the mounting portion, each mounting flange extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing portion and including a side face with a plurality of slots oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis for mounting an accessory to the spray canister attachment apparatus, wherein a front face of the mounting portion is longer than a rear face of the mounting portion such that an upper end of the mounting portion has a sloped configuration; andan attachment portion coupled to the mounting portion and configured to removably mount the spray canister attachment apparatus to the firearm at an angle from a horizontal axis created by the sloped configuration.

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