An apparatus for drawing a utensil from a casing or garment

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for drawing a utensil from a casing or garment worn by a person. The apparatus comprises a base for mounting the apparatus to the utensil. A hook is connected to the base that is configured to move between a stowed condition and an extended condition relative to the base. The apparatus further comprises a trigger that is operatively configured such that when activated the trigger causes the hook to move from its stowed condition to its extended condition to project away from the casing or garment. The trigger is positioned relative to the hook such that the trigger is activated by a hand of the person when the person reaches for the utensil, and such that an underside of the hook catches the hand when the person subsequently moves their hand from the trigger toward the hook to draw the utensil.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR DRAWING A UTENSILFROM A CASING OR GARMENTField

[0001] The present invention relates to finger grip assemblies and apparatus for moving and lifting objects by hand. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus for drawing a utensil from a casing or garment worn by a person, such as for drawing a pocketknife from a garment pocket.Background

[0002] A variety of different handheld objects and utensils commonly need to be moved or lifted by hand. For example, utensils that are secured to garments must be lifted (drawn) from the garment by hand, or from a casing worn on the garment, so that they can be used. Some example utensils include pocketknives, pens, flashlights, mobile phones, phone cases, emergency alarm devices, weapons, gun magazines, holsters, toys and tools. Everyday utensils may be secured to garment pockets. For example, most pens have a metal clip that can be used to attach the pen to the edge of a pocket.

[0003] When a utensil that is secured to a garment needs to be used, the person will typically grasp the utensil with a hand and then move their hand away from the garment (or upward) to draw the utensil from the pocket or relevant garment part. This can be a difficult process to execute. In many cases, it may be difficult to grasp the utensil in a secure manner. For example, when a pen is attached to a pocket by a clip, it can be difficult to grasp the shaft of the pen within the pocket. Similarly, it is difficult to grasp the clip on the outside of the pocket.

[0004] Drawing a utensil from a garment can be particularly hard to achieve in situations when the person is under pressure to use the utensil in a hurry. For example, a person working in law enforcement may have one or more weapons secured to their uniform, such as a can of self-defense spray. Drawing a weapon from their uniform may be a tricky task to perform when the person is under attack from an assailant or confronted by a threat. In particular, they may not have time to look at the weapon when they are reaching for it with a hand. This may result in the person not being able to draw the weapon in sufficient time to use it.

[0005] Weapons are often stored in holsters or similar casings worn by a person. Drawing a weapon from a holster requires a precise and rapid motion. Any hesitation or fumbling can significantly impact the user's ability to respond effectively to a threat. Similarly, gun magazines are commonly stored upside down in vest pockets or casings worn by a user. Removing a gun magazine to reload a weapon can be tricky to do in combat situations which can presentproblems for persons in the police and armed forces. The challenge of efficiently drawing utensils from garments, especially under time pressure, is a common problem that can impact both everyday convenience and critical self-defense situations.

[0006] Mechanical parts and objects of machines also commonly need to be moved by hand in use. This includes parts of firearms. For example, to chamber the first round in a semi-automatic handgun, the user must rack the slide of the handgun. This process involves grasping the serrated, gripping portion of the slide with one hand and pulling it firmly to the rear of the gun, then releasing the slide. The recoil spring of the gun then propels the slide forward, stripping a round from the magazine and chambering it. The process of racking the slide can be problematic, especially in high-pressure situations. Users may fail to get a secure grip on the slide due to a lack of hand strength. The user's hand can also get caught in the slide's path, which may result in a painful injury known as "slide bite”.

[0007] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the present application.Summary

[0008] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for drawing a utensil from a casing or garment worn by a person, wherein the apparatus comprises:a base for mounting the apparatus to the utensil;a hook connected to the base that is configured to move between a stowed condition and an extended condition relative to the base; anda trigger operatively configured such that when activated the trigger causes the hook to move from its stowed condition to its extended condition to project away from the casing or garment,wherein the trigger is positioned relative to the hook such that the trigger is activated by a hand of the person when the person reaches for the utensil, and such that an underside of the hook catches the hand when the person subsequently moves their hand from the trigger toward the hook to draw the utensil.

[0009] The hook may be pivotably connected to the base to pivot between its stowed condition and extended condition.

[0010] The trigger may be configured such that, when activated, the trigger moves slidably relative to the base toward the hook causing the hook to pivot into its extended condition.

[0011] The trigger may comprise a plate that has a gripping portion for receiving a part of the hand.

[0012] A first end of the trigger may comprise the plate and a second end of the trigger may be connected to the hook.

[0013] The second first end may be pivotably connected to the hook.

[0014] The second end may be pivotably connected to the hook by a pin that extends through the second end and into a pair of apertures in the hook.

[0015] The apertures may be elongated and oriented such that the pin is caused to slide along the apertures toward a pivot axis of the hook when the trigger slides toward the hook.

[0016] The apparatus may comprise a torsion spring that engages with the pin for biasing the hook toward the base.

[0017] The hook and trigger may comprise respective contact surfaces that come into contact with each other when the trigger is moved toward the hook.

[0018] The contact surfaces may be mutually bevelled such that the hook is caused to pivot away from the trigger toward its extended condition when the trigger is moved toward the hook.

[0019] The base may comprise a first portion connectable to the utensil and a second portion located between the first portion and the hook.

[0020] The second portion may comprise an elongate support adapted to bear against an outer surface of the casing or garment, such the apparatus operates as a clip for securing the utensil to the casing or garment.

[0021] The elongate support may comprise a foot adapted to engage with the outer surface.

[0022] The trigger may be configured to slide along a path that extends longitudinally along an outer surface of the elongate support.

[0023] The elongate support may comprise a slot that receives a portion of the trigger for guiding the trigger along the path.

[0024] The trigger may comprise a pin that extends through the slot and comprises a flange at its end for engaging with an inner surface of the elongate support.

[0025] The hook may be pivotably connected to the base by a pin that engages into a pair of apertures in the hook and through a bushing provided on the base.

[0026] According to the present disclosure, there is also provided a utensil that comprises an apparatus for drawing the utensil from a casing or garment worn by a person, wherein the apparatus is mounted to a base portion of the utensil, and wherein the apparatus comprises: a hook connected to the base portion that is configured to move between a stowed condition and an extended condition relative to the base portion; anda trigger operatively configured such that when activated the trigger causes the hook to move from its stowed condition to its extended condition to project away from the casing or garment,wherein the trigger is positioned relative to the hook such that the trigger is activated by a hand of the person when the person reaches for the utensil, and such that an underside of the hook catches the hand when the person subsequently moves their hand from the trigger toward the hook to draw the utensil.

[0027] According to the present disclosure, there is also provided a pocketknife that comprises an apparatus for drawing the pocketknife from a casing or garment worn by a person, wherein the apparatus is mounted to a base portion of the pocketknife, and wherein the apparatus comprises:a hook connected to the base portion that is configured to move between a stowed condition and an extended condition relative to the base portion; anda trigger operatively configured such that when activated the trigger causes the hook to move from its stowed condition to its extended condition to project away from the casing or garment,wherein the trigger is positioned relative to the hook such that the trigger is activated by a hand of the person when the person reaches for the pocketknife, and such that an underside of the hook catches the hand when the person subsequently moves their hand from the trigger toward the hook to draw the pocketknife.

[0028] According to the present disclosure, there is also provided a finger grip assembly for moving or lifting an object by hand, the finger grip assembly comprising:a base for mounting the finger grip assembly to the object;a hook connected to the base that is configured to move between a stowed condition and an extended condition relative to the base; anda trigger operatively configured to cooperate with the hook such that, when activated by a user, the trigger causes the hook to move from the stowed condition to the extended condition such that the hook projects away from the base,wherein the trigger is positioned relative to the hook such that the trigger is activated by a finger of the user when the user reaches for the trigger to move or lift the object, and such that an underside of the hook catches the finger when the user subsequently moves the finger from the trigger toward the hook to move or lift the object.

[0029] The finger grip assembly may be used for racking the slide of a semi-automatic handgun. In such examples, the base is mountable onto the slide. The trigger is preferably positioned relative to the hook such that the trigger is activated by the finger when the user reaches for the slide, and such that the underside of the hook catches the finger when the user subsequently moves their finger toward them to rack the slide.

[0030] According to the present disclosure, there is also provided a semi-automatic handgun that comprises a finger grip assembly for racking a slide of the handgun, wherein the finger grip assembly comprises:a hook connected to a base portion on the slide, wherein the hook is configured to move between a stowed condition and an extended condition relative to the base portion; anda trigger operatively configured to cooperate with the hook such that, when activated by a user, the trigger causes the hook to move from the stowed condition to the extended condition such that the hook projects away from the base portion,wherein the trigger is positioned relative to the hook such that the trigger is activated by a finger of the user when they reach for the slide, and such that an underside of the hook catches the finger when the user subsequently moves their finger toward them to rack the slide.Brief Description of Drawings

[0031] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is an isometric view of a finger grip assembly for drawing a utensil from a casing or garment worn by a person according to an example embodiment of the invention;Figure 2A is a further isometric view of the finger grip assembly, wherein a hook of the apparatus is depicted in phantom and is in a stowed condition;Figure 2B is a further isometric view of the finger grip assembly, wherein the hook is depicted in an extended condition;Figure 3A is an enlarged isometric view of a hook end of the finger grip assembly;Figure 3B is a further enlarged isometric view of the hook end;Figure 4A is an enlarged side elevation view of the hook end;Figure 4B is an isometric view of an underside of the finger grip assembly;Figure 4C is a cross sectional view of the finger grip assembly taken through a plane extending through a trigger of the finger grip assembly;Figure 5A is a perspective view of a finger grip assembly for drawing a utensil from a casing or garment worn by a person according to a further example embodiment of the invention, wherein the finger grip assembly is attached to a knife that is secured in a pocket of a user; Figure 5B is a further perspective view of the finger grip assembly of Figure 5A, wherein a finger of the user is shown being caught by a hook of the finger grip assembly when the user is drawing the knife from the pocket;Figure 5C is a further perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 5A, wherein the knife has been drawn from the pocket using the finger grip assembly;Figure 6 is an isometric view of a base that is included in a finger grip assembly for drawing a fixed blade knife from a casing or garment worn by a person according to a further example embodiment of the invention, wherein the base is shown next to scales of the fixed blade knife;Figure 7 is an isometric view of a finger grip assembly for racking the slide of a semi-automatic handgun according to a further example embodiment of the invention, wherein a hook of the finger grip assembly is in a stowed condition;Figure 8 is an isometric view of the finger grip assembly of Figure 7, wherein the hook is in an extended condition;Figure 9A is an isometric view of a finger grip assembly for racking the slide of a semi-automatic handgun according to a further example embodiment of the invention, wherein a hook of the finger grip assembly is in a stowed condition;Figure 9B is an isometric view of the finger grip assembly of Figure 9A, wherein the hook is in a partially extended condition; andFigure 9C is an isometric view of the finger grip assembly of Figure 9A, wherein the hook is in a fully extended condition.Description of Embodiments

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, an example embodiment of the present invention provides a finger grip assembly for drawing a utensil from a casing or garment, wherein the casing or garment is worn by a person. The finger grip assembly is provided in the form of an apparatus 10 that comprises a base 12 for mounting the apparatus 10 to the relevant utensil. The apparatus 10 further comprises a hook 14 that is connected to the base 12. The hook 14 is configured to moverelative to the base 12 between a stowed condition, as depicted in Figure 2A, and an extended condition, as depicted in Figure 2B. The apparatus 10 further comprises a trigger 16 operatively configured such that, when activated, the trigger 16 causes the hook 14 to move from its stowed condition to its extended condition such that the hook 14 projects away from the relevant casing or garment. The trigger 16 is positioned relative to the hook 14 such that the trigger 16 is activated by a hand of the person when the person reaches for the utensil, and such that an underside of the hook 14 catches the hand when the person subsequently moves their hand from the trigger 16 toward the hook 14 to draw the utensil.

[0033] More particularly, the apparatus 10 is suitable for drawing a wide variety of different utensils that are attachable to casings and / or garments worn by persons. Some non-limiting example utensils include knives, including fixed blade and folding pocketknives, pens, flashlights, mobile phones, phone cases, emergency alarm devices, weapons, gun magazines, holsters, toys and tools. The apparatus 10 enables the utensil to be drawn from the relevant casing or garment (i.e., detached and / or extracted) in a rapid, convenient and dependable way. The casing or garment may be any suitable item to which the utensil is stored or secured. For example, in embodiments where the utensil is a weapon, the weapon may be secured inside a holster that is worn by the user, or inside a pocket on an item of apparel worn by the user.

[0034] In the embodiment depicted in Figures 5A-5C, the apparatus 10 is used for drawing a foldable pocketknife 18 from a pocket 20 of a pair of pants worn by the user. As illustrated in Figure 5A, when the pocketknife 18 is stored in the pocket 20, the hook 14 of the apparatus 10 is initial in its stowed condition. The hook 14 and trigger 16 extend in a downward direction from the mouth of the pocket 20 and lie generally flat against an exterior surface of the pocket 20.

[0035] When the user wishes to draw the knife 18 from the pocket 20, the user will move one of their hands underneath the trigger 16. The user will then move their hand in an upward direction causing at least one of their fingers to come into contact with the trigger 16. When the finger engages with the trigger 16, the trigger 16 is activated which, in turn, activates the hook 14. This causes the hook 14 to move in a pivoting motion such that the hook 14 outwardly projects from the pocket 20. As the user’s hand continues to rise, their finger is caught by the underside of the hook 14, as illustrated in Figure 5B. The user can then lift and remove the knife 18 from the pocket 20 using the hook 14 such that the knife 18 is available for use, as depicted in Figure 5C.

[0036] Referring again to Figures 1 to 4, the embodiment that is depicted in these Figures is also suitable for drawing a pocketknife 18 from a pocket 20. In each of Figures 2-4, the hook 14 of the apparatus 10 is shown in phantom in order to illustrate the parts that are located underneath the hook 14, and their operative configuration.

[0037] The base 12 of the apparatus 10 comprises a continuous body that is bent into a first portion 22 and a second portion 24. The first portion 22 provides a foot that is connectable to a surface of the knife 18 for mounting the apparatus 10 thereto. As shown in Figure 2B, the first portion 22 comprises a pair of through holes 26 spaced from each other. The through holes 26 receive a pair of respective countersunk bolts (not shown) that are used to fasten the first portion 22 onto the surface of the knife 18. In other embodiments, the base 12 may comprise different dimensions and other arrangements of bolt-receiving apertures to those depicted. For example, the base 12 may be elongated and include a pair of apertures (or a single aperture) at one end and a further pair of apertures (or a single aperture) at the other end.

[0038] The second portion 24 of the base 12 is located generally between the first portion 22 and the hook 14. The second portion 24 comprises an elongate support 28 that is adapted to bear against an outer surface of the garment adjacent to the pocket 20. In this configuration, the apparatus 10 operates as a clip assembly for securing the apparatus 10 to the pocket 20, in addition to providing a means for drawing the apparatus 10 from the pocket 20. More particularly, the support 28 comprises a first end 30 that is located toward a pivot axis of the hook 14 and a second end 32 that is located away from the pivot axis. Toward the second end 32 of the support 28, the support 28 comprises a foot 34 that is adapted to engage with the outer surface of the garment. The foot 34 is provided by a bent section of the support 28.

[0039] As best illustrated in Figures 3A and 4A, the base 12 also comprises a curved tab 38 that is located between the first and second portions 22, 24 toward the first end 30. The tab 38 extends in a downward direction from the underside of the second portion 24. A cylindrical bushing 40 is contained by the tab 38. The bushing 40 receives a pivot pin 42 that engages into a pair of apertures 44 in the hook 14. The pivot pin 42 and bushing 40 operate to connect the hook 14 pivotably to the base 12.

[0040] Referring to Figure 2A, the hook 14 comprises a first portion 50 that extends away from the pivot pin 42. The first portion 50 comprises a pair of opposed lateral side walls that the two apertures 44 are formed in respectively. The first portion 50 is connected to the foot 22 of the base 12 by the pivot pin 42 which operates as a pivot axis. In this configuration, the hook 14 can pivot relative to the base 12 between a stowed position, as shown in Figure 2A, and an extended position, as shown in Figure 2B. When the hook 14 is in its stowed position, the first portion 50 extends away from the pivot pin 42 in a generally diagonal direction relative to the support 28 of the base 12.

[0041] The hook 14 also comprises a second portion 52 that is continuous with the first portion 50. The second portion 52 extends from the first portion 50 at an angle such that the second portion 52 is aligned generally parallel with the support 28 when the hook 14 is in its stowedposition. The first portion 50 comprises a small outwardly-projecting tab 54 that is received into a curved recess 56 provided in the end of the base 12. The recess 56 operates to guide the tab 54 in a curved path as and when the hook 14 is pivoted back and forth between its stowed and extended positions.

[0042] The trigger 16 is operatively configured such that, when activated by the user, the trigger 16 causes the hook 14 to pivot from its stowed position into its extended position. The apparatus 10 may employ a variety of different mechanisms that cause the hook 14 to pivot this way in response to the trigger 16 being activated. In the example depicted, the trigger 16 is configured such that moving the trigger 16 toward the hook 14 causes the hook 14 to pivot outwardly into its extended position. More particularly, the trigger 16 is configured to move slidably relative to the base 12 toward the pivot pin 42 when it is pushed by the user’s hand in that direction.

[0043] A first end of the trigger 16 that is located away from the pivot pin 42 comprises a plate 60. The plate 60 is located between the hook 14 and the second end 32 of the support 28. The plate 60 includes a gripping portion which comprises a set of ridges and channels extending laterally across a surface of the plate 60. The gripping portion increases the frictional engagement between the plate 60 and the part of the user’s hand that engages with the trigger 16 when their hand moves across the trigger 16 toward the pivot pin 42. Typically, one or more of the user’s fingers will come into contact with the plate 60 when their hand moves in this manner.

[0044] The trigger 16 is configured to slide along a linear path that extends longitudinally along an outer surface 62 of the support 28. Referring to Figure 4B, to facilitate this sliding movement the support 28 comprises an elongate slot 64 that is longitudinally aligned with the support 28. The slot 64 receives a pin extending downward from the plate 60. An end of the pin comprises a flange 66, which is provided in the form of a button, that engages with an inner surface 68 of the support 28 for securing the pin within the slot 64. The pin and button guide the sliding movement of the plate 60 along its linear path.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2A, a second end of the trigger 16 that is located toward the pivot pin 42 is pivotably connected to the hook 14 by a pin 70. The pin 70 extends through the second end of the trigger 16 and into a pair of apertures 72 in the hook 14. The axis of pin 70 is offset from the axis of pivot pin 42. In this arrangement, the hook 14 is urged in an upward direction by pin 70 such that it pivots into its extended position when the trigger 16 slides toward the hook 14.

[0046] In the example depicted, the apertures 72 are elongated and oriented such that the pin 70 is caused to slide along the apertures 72 toward the pivot axis 42 of the hook 14 when the trigger 16 slides toward the hook 14. For example, in Figure 2A the hook 14 is depicted in its stowed position and the pin 70 is, accordingly, located at uppermost ends of the apertures 72 oneach lateral side of the hook 14. In Figure 2B, the hook 14 is depicted in its extended position and the pin 70 is, accordingly, located at lowermost ends of the apertures 72 on each lateral side of the hook 14.

[0047] As best shown in Figure 3A, the apparatus 10 comprises a torsion spring 76 that is coiled around the pivot pin 42. In Figure 3B, an arm of the torsion spring 76 is shown resting against the pin 70 that connects the trigger 16 to the hook 14. The arm exerts a force on the pin 70 in the direction of the second end 32 of the support 28. The torsion spring 76, therefore, biases the hook 14 toward its stowed position. In this configuration, when no force is applied to the trigger 16 by the user, the hook 14 pivots down against the support 28 into its stowed position.

[0048] Referring to Figure 4A, the hook 14 and trigger 16 comprise respective contact surfaces 80 that come into contact with each other when the trigger 16 moves toward the hook 14. The contact surfaces 80 are mutually bevelled such that the hook is 14 caused to pivot away from the trigger 16, toward its extended configuration, when the trigger 16 is moved toward the hook 14. The bevelled contact surfaces 80, therefore, assists the hook 14 to pivot into its extended position when the trigger 16 is operated by the user when drawing the knife 18.

[0049] In use, when the knife 18 is initially stored in the pocket 20, the support 28 of the apparatus 10 rests against an exterior surface of the garment that is adjacent to the pocket 20. When the user wishes to draw the knife 18, they will reach down to the pocket 20 and place their hand underneath the hook 14 and trigger 16. The user will then raise their hand causing a finger, or another part of their hand, to come into contact with the plate 60 of the trigger 16. As the user continues to raise their hand, the frictional engagement between their hand and the surface of the plate 60 causes the trigger 16 to slide toward the hook 14.

[0050] The moving trigger 16 causes the hook 14 to pivot away from the support 28 into its extended position, such that the hook 14 outwardly projects from the garment. As the user continues to raise their hand, their hand will come into contact with the underside of the hook 14. The hand is effectively caught / snagged by the hook 14. This enables the user to draw the knife 18 from the pocket 20 with ease by raising their hand away from the pocket 20. When the knife 18 has been fully removed from the pocket 20, the user can use the knife 18 for the relevant intended purpose. The torsion spring 76 causes the hook 14 to pivot back into its stowed position automatically when the user removes their hand from the underside of the hook 14 to use the knife 18.

[0051] In the example depicted, the hook 14 is configured to pivot between its stowed and extended conditions. In other examples, the hook 14 may move between these two conditions by a different mechanism. For example, the hook 14 may telescopically extend from its stowedcondition to its extended condition when it is engaged by the trigger 16. In the example depicted, the trigger 16 is activated by moving it in a sliding manner toward the hook 14. The trigger 16 may, however, be activated by other means. For example, the trigger 16 may comprise a push button that is operatively connected to the hook 14 such that pushing the trigger 16 inwardly toward the casing or garment causes the hook 14 to move from its stowed condition to its extended condition. Furthermore, in the example depicted, the base 12 is provided in the form of a body that is mounted onto a handle of the pocketknife 18, and the hook 14 is pivotably connected to the body. In other examples, the hook 14 may be pivotably connected directly to a base section or portion of the pocketknife 18, such as to a side portion of a handle of the pocketknife 18. In such embodiments, the handle’s side portion will operate as the base that the hook 14 pivots against.

[0052] Figure 6 illustrates an example way in which the apparatus 10 may be secured to fixed-blade knives. More particularly, the figure depicts a base 12 that may be included in the apparatus 10. The base 12 is shown next to scales 90 on a handle of a fixed-blade knife. The scales 90 include a recess 92 that has a cavity 94 at one end. The base 12 comprises a first portion (foot) 22 and second portion which comprises an elongate support 28. The support 28 has a first end 30 and a second end 32. The second end 32 can be inserted into the cavity 94 and the foot 22 is screwed down onto the scales 90 to secure the base 12 to the handle.

[0053] Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, an example embodiment of the present invention provides a finger grip assembly 100 for racking the slide 102 of a semi-automatic handgun 104. The finger grip assembly 100 comprises a base 106 for mounting the finger grip assembly 100 to the slide 102. A hook 108 is connected to the base 106 that is configured to move between a stowed condition (as depicted in Figure 7) and an extended condition (as depicted in Figure 8) relative to the base 106. The finger grip assembly 100 further comprises a trigger 110 operatively configured to cooperate with the hook 108 such that, when activated by a user, the trigger 110 causes the hook 108 to move from the stowed condition to the extended condition. In the extended condition, the hook 108 projects away from the base 106.

[0054] The trigger 110 is positioned relative to the hook 108 such that the trigger 110 is activated by a finger of the user when the user reaches for the slide 102 and moves the trigger 110 toward the hook 108, and such that an underside 112 of the hook 108 catches the finger when the user subsequently moves the finger from the trigger 110 toward them to rack the slide 102. The hook 108 preferably includes a biasing mechanism configured to bias the hook 108 toward its stowed condition. This ensures that the hook 108 automatically flips back down to its stowed condition when the user subsequently moves the hand away from the hook 108.

[0055] The base 106 may be secured onto the part of the slide 102 that conventionally has an optical sighting device mounted thereon. To install the finger grip assembly 100 onto the handgun 104, the optical sighting device will be removed from the slide 102 and the base 106 will be secured in its place. The base 106 may be secured to the slide 102 using any suitable connection means, such as by bolts, adhesive or welding. The finger grip assembly 100 is, therefore, advantageously retrofittable onto handguns that are provided with optical sighting devices, such as telescopic sights (scopes). In the example depicted, the finger grip assembly 100 is secured onto an upper side of the slide 102. However, in other examples, the finger grip assembly 100 may be secured to a different part of the slide 102, such as to a side of the slide 102.

[0056] The trigger 110 comprises a rectangular plate having a gripping means on its upper surface. In the example depicted, the gripping means comprises a set of ridges and channels extending laterally across the upper surface. The plate 110 is configured to move slidably along the upper surface of the base 106. To facilitate this sliding action, the base 106 and plate 110 may comprise a slot and flange arrangement (not shown) which are similar in configuration to the slot 64 and flange 66 that is used by the finger grip assembly 10 disclosed in the preceding figures.

[0057] The hook 108 comprises a rectangular tab that is pivotably attached to the base 106. The plate 110 is positioned such that it engages with the tab 108, and causes the tab 108 to pivot upward, when the plate 110 is moved toward the hook 108 by their hand. To facilitate the cooperative engagement between the plate 110 and the tab 108, the plate 110 comprises a flat rearmost portion (not shown) that extends underneath the tab 108 and is hingedly connected to a base end of the tab 108. The edge of the tab 108 that faces the plate 110 may be bevelled to enable the plate 110 to engage with the underside 112 of the tab 108 when the plate 110 is moved toward the tab 108.

[0058] When the tab 108 has pivoted into its extended condition, as depicted in Figure 8, the tab 108 operates as a projection that catches the user’s hand when the hand is moved toward the user. The outwardly-projecting tab 108 enables the user to rack the slide 102 in a convenient and safe manner, and reduces the risk of the user losing their grip on the slide 102 during the racking process. The tab 108 automatically returns to its deployed condition when the user’s hand is removed.

[0059] Referring now to Figures 9A-9C, there is depicted a further example embodiment of the present invention, which also provides a finger grip assembly 100 for racking the slide of a semi-automatic handgun. The finger grip assembly 100 comprises a base 106 for mounting the finger grip assembly 100 to the slide. A hook 108 is connected to the base 106 that is configured to move between a stowed condition (as depicted in Figure 9A) and an extended condition (asdepicted in Figure 9B) relative to the base 106. The base 106 may comprise a set of apertures for receiving countersunk screws or bolts for fastening the base 106 onto a surface of the slide. For example, a pair of apertures may be provided in the end of the base 106 located underneath the hook 108, and one or more further apertures may be located toward the opposite end of the base 106. In other examples, the hook 108 may be pivotably connected directly to an upper surface of the slide. In such embodiments, the upper surface will operate as the base that the hook 108 pivots about.

[0060] The finger grip assembly 100 further comprises a trigger 110 operatively configured to cooperate with the hook 108 such that, when activated by a user, the trigger 110 causes the hook 108 to move from the stowed condition to the extended condition, such that the hook 108 projects away from the base 106. The trigger 110 is positioned relative to the hook 108 such that the trigger 110 is activated by a finger of the user when the user reaches for the slide and moves the trigger 110 toward the hook 108, and such that an underside 112 of the hook 108 (see Figure 9C) catches the finger when the user subsequently moves the finger from the trigger 110 toward them to rack the slide 102.

[0061] In the example depicted, the underside 112 of the hook 108 comprises a concave recess 118 for receiving the user’s finger. The recess 118 is in the form of a semicircular cavity. The hook 108 preferably includes a biasing mechanism, such as a torsion spring 114, that biases the hook 108 toward its stowed condition. This ensures that the hook 108 automatically flips back down into its stowed condition when the user subsequently moves the hand away from the hook 108. The trigger 110 comprises a pin 120 at its end that is slidably located in a pair of curved elongate apertures 122 in the hook 108. The pin 120 and apertures 122 are equivalent in operative configuration to the pin 70 and apertures 72 used by the apparatus 10 in the Figures 1-4 and, therefore, facilitate a hinged connection between the trigger 110 and the hook 108.

[0062] Now that example embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent that it provides a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following:(i) The invention provides finger grip assemblies and apparatus that can be used to move, lift and / or draw a wide variety of different objects and utensils in a convenient and effective manner. This includes knives, including fixed blade and folding knives, pens, flashlights, mobile phones, phone cases, emergency alarm devices, gun slides, weapons, gun magazines, holsters, toys and tools;(ii) In embodiments used to draw utensils, the hook and trigger arrangement enables the relevant utensil to be drawn from a garment by a user in a rapid and reliable manner. For example, when the utensil is a knife, the invention enables the knife to be drawn from a pocketrapidly and without the user having to look at the knife. The user only has to move their hand into a position that is generally below the hook and trigger on the outside of their garment. When the user moves their hand upward, the hand engages with the trigger causing the hook to deploy and catch their hand thereby facilitating the extraction of the knife;(iii) The hook automatically returns from its extended position back into its stowed position when the user removes their hand from the underside of the hook. The hook does not, therefore, interfere with the normal use of the object or utensil once the utensil has been moved, lifted or drawn;(iv) The invention provides finger grip assemblies and apparatus that can be mounted to objects that are designed to be used and operated by both left-handed and right-handed persons;(v) In examples that function as a clip assembly, the clip assembly can be used to secure the relevant utensil to a wide variety of different casings and / or parts of garments worn by persons, such as holsters, pockets, collars, lapels, straps and belt loops.

[0063] For the purpose of this specification, the word “comprising” means “including but not limited to”, and the word "comprises" has a corresponding meaning. It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[0064] The above embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims that follow.

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus for drawing a utensil from a casing or garment worn by a person, the apparatus comprising:a base for mounting the apparatus to the utensil;a hook connected to the base that is configured to move between a stowed condition and an extended condition relative to the base; anda trigger operatively configured such that when activated the trigger causes the hook to move from its stowed condition to its extended condition to project away from the casing or garment,wherein the trigger is positioned relative to the hook such that the trigger is activated by a hand of the person when the person reaches for the utensil, and such that an underside of the hook catches the hand when the person subsequently moves their hand from the trigger toward the hook to draw the utensil.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the hook is pivotably connected to the base to pivot between its stowed condition and extended condition.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the trigger is configured to move slidably relative to the base toward the hook when activated to cause the hook to pivot into its extended condition.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the trigger comprises a plate that has a gripping portion for receiving a part of the hand.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a first end of the trigger comprises the plate and a second end of the trigger is connected to the hook.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second first end is pivotably connected to the hook.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second end is pivotably connected by a pin that extends through the second end and into a pair of apertures in the hook.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein apertures are elongated and oriented such that the pin is caused to slide along the apertures toward a pivot axis of the hook when the trigger slides toward the hook.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the apparatus comprises a torsion spring that engages with the pin for biasing the hook toward the base.

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hook and trigger comprise respective contact surfaces that come into contact with each other when the trigger is moved toward the hook.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the contact surfaces are mutually bevelled such that the hook is caused to pivot away from the trigger toward its extended condition when the trigger is moved toward the hook.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises a first portion connectable to the utensil and a second portion located between the first portion and the hook.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the second portion comprises an elongate support adapted to bear against an outer surface of the casing or garment such the apparatus provides a clip for securing the utensil to the casing or garment.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the elongate support comprises a foot adapted to engage with the outer surface.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the trigger is configured to slide along a path that extends longitudinally along an outer surface of the elongate support.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the elongate support comprises a slot that receives a portion of the trigger for guiding the trigger along the path.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the trigger comprises a pin that extends through the slot and comprises a flange at its end for engaging with an inner surface of the elongate support.

18. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hook is pivotably connected to the base by a pin that engages into a pair of apertures in the hook and through a bushing provided on the base.

19. A utensil that comprises an apparatus for drawing the utensil from a casing or garment worn by a person, wherein the apparatus is mounted to a base portion of the utensil, and wherein the apparatus comprises:a hook connected to the base portion that is configured to move between a stowed condition and an extended condition relative to the base portion; anda trigger operatively configured such that when activated the trigger causes the hook to move from its stowed condition to its extended condition to project away from the casing or garment,wherein the trigger is positioned relative to the hook such that the trigger is activated by a hand of the person when the person reaches for the utensil, and such that an underside of the hook catches the hand when the person subsequently moves their hand from the trigger toward the hook to draw the utensil.

20. A pocketknife that comprises an apparatus for drawing the pocketknife from a casing or garment worn by a person, wherein the apparatus is mounted to a base portion of the pocketknife, and wherein the apparatus comprises:a hook connected to the base portion that is configured to move between a stowed condition and an extended condition relative to the base; anda trigger operatively configured such that when activated the trigger causes the hook to move from its stowed condition to its extended condition to project away from the casing or garment,wherein the trigger is positioned relative to the hook such that the trigger is activated by a hand of the person when the person reaches for the pocketknife, and such that an underside of the hook catches the hand when the person subsequently moves their hand from the trigger toward the hook to draw the pocketknife.

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