Grip and firearm with grip having internal inwardly stepped battery storage chamber

[00002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/431,828, filed on Dec. 9, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[00003] This invention relates to a grip, and more particularly, to a grip and/or a firearm with a grip having an internal battery storage chamber.

[00004] Modern firearms often require batteries for the operation of various firearm features, such as laser sight lines, lights, laser illuminators, laser target designators, infra-red lights, illuminated sights, and holographic sights. Accordingly, a need exists for a firearm grip having an internal battery storage chamber and/or a firearm grip having a hinged pull tab that removably covers a firearm grip cavity.

[00005] In one embodiment, the present invention is a grip for attachment to a firearm. The grip includes an internal battery storage chamber having at least one inwardly stepped storage cavity that includes a plurality of battery compartments for storing a plurality of batteries.

[00006] In another embodiment, the present invention is a firearm grip for attachment to a firearm that includes an internal battery storage chamber having at least one inwardly stepped storage cavity that includes a plurality of battery compartments adjacently positioned longitudinally in series for storing a plurality of batteries, wherein each successive battery compartment in the series is smaller than its adjacent battery compartment when viewed from a lower portion of the firearm grip to an upper portion of the firearm grip and wherein each battery compartment shares a common wall that is substantially smooth and extends substantially across the length of the storage cavity.

[00007] In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a firearm grip for attachment to a firearm that includes an internal battery storage chamber having at least two inwardly stepped storage cavities that each include a plurality of battery compartments adjacently positioned longitudinally in series for storing a plurality of batteries, wherein each successive battery compartment in the series is smaller than its adjacent battery compartment when viewed from a lower portion of the firearm grip to an upper portion of the firearm grip and wherein each battery compartment shares a common wall that is substantially smooth and extends substantially across the length of the storage cavity.

[00008] In still another embodiment, the present invention is a firearm that includes a firearm grip having an internal battery storage chamber with at least one inwardly stepped storage cavity that includes a plurality of battery compartments adjacently positioned longitudinally in series for storing a plurality of batteries.

[00018] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a firearm grip having an internal battery storage chamber and/or a firearm grip having a hinged pull tab that removably covers a firearm grip cavity, such as a battery storage chamber.

[00019] FIG. 1 shows a firearm grip 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the firearm grip 10 attached to a weapon, such as a firearm or gun 12 (for clarity purposes, only a portion of the firearm 12 is shown.) As discussed in detail below, the firearm grip 10 includes a housing 11 having a pull tab 14 attached thereto, which removably covers an internal cavity of the housing 11, such as an internal battery storage chamber 16, as shown for example in FIG. 3.

[00020] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the battery storage chamber 16 includes two storage cavities 18. Each cavity 18, in turn, includes a series of inwardly stepped battery compartments that extend from a lower portion 22 of the firearm grip 10 to an upper portion 24 of the firearm grip 10.

[00021] In the depicted embodiment, each cavity 18 includes a first battery compartment 26, a second battery compartment 28, and a third battery compartment 30. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, each battery compartment 26, 28 and 30 is substantially cylindrical in shape, with each successive battery compartment 26, 28 and 30 having a smaller diameter than its adjacent battery compartment when viewed from the lower portion 22 of the firearm grip 10 to the upper portion 24 of the firearm grip 10.

[00022] In another embodiment, although each cavity is generally inwardly stepped from the lower portion 22 to the upper portion 24 of the firearm grip 10, one or more of the battery compartments may be substantially the same size as an adjacent battery compartment. In addition, in another embodiment, each cavity includes a plurality of battery compartments that are each of substantially the same size.

[00023] In one exemplary embodiment, each battery compartment 26, 28 and 30 also shares a common wall. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, each battery compartment 26, 28 and 30 is non-concentrically positioned with respect to the remaining battery compartments, such that a side of each battery compartment 26, 28 and 30 is aligned to form a substantially smooth common wall 32 that extends across the length of each cavity 18. The smooth wall 32 facilitates insertion of batteries into the battery compartments 26, 28 and 30 of each cavity 18.

[00024] At least one of the cavities 18 includes a fastener hole 34, for example at its uppermost end, for receiving a fastener 36, such as a screw. The fastener 36 extends through the fastener hole 34 enabling the firearm grip 10 to be removably secured to the firearm 12. A sealing washer 38 is disposed between a head 40 of the fastener 36 and the fastener hole 34 to create a fluid tight seal at the uppermost end of the corresponding cavity 18, in which the fastener hole 34 is disposed.

[00025] Opposite the common wall 32 each battery compartment 26, 28 and 30 forms a shoulder 26S, 28S and 30S at its upper end for receiving and supporting an upper end of a battery. In embodiments, where the battery compartments 26, 28, and 30 are concentric, however, each battery compartment 26, 28 and 30 forms two shoulders at its upper end for receiving a battery.

[00026] FIGS. 5A-5D show examples of how various batteries fit within the battery compartments 26, 28 and 30 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the third battery compartment 30 is formed to securely receive a typical DL-1 type battery 42. As such, the length and diameter of the third battery compartment 30 are substantially the same as or slightly larger than the length and diameter of the DL-1 type battery 42, while the uppermost portion of the third battery compartment 30 forms the shoulder 30S that is smaller than the diameter of the DL-1 type battery 42 to prevent the DL-1 type battery from extending therepast.

[00027] As shown in FIG. 5C, the first battery compartment 26 is formed to securely receive a typical 123 Lithium Series battery 44. As such, the length and diameter of the first battery compartment 26 are substantially the same as or slightly larger than the length and diameter of the 123 Lithium Series battery 44, while the uppermost portion of the first battery compartment 26 forms the shoulder 26S that is smaller than the diameter of the 123 Lithium Series battery 44 to prevent the 123 Lithium Series battery 44 from extending therepast.

[00028] As shown in FIG. 5A, the first and second battery compartments 26 and 28 are formed to securely receive a typical AA battery 46. As such, the combined length of the first and second battery compartments 26 and 28 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the length of the AA battery 46; and the diameter of the second battery compartment 28 is substantially the same or slightly larger than the diameter of the AA battery 46, while the uppermost portion of the second battery compartment 28 forms the shoulder 28S that is smaller than the diameter of the AA battery 46 to prevent the AA battery 46 from extending therepast.

[00029] As shown in FIG. 5D, the second battery compartment 28 is formed to securely receive a typical N type battery 48. As such, the diameter of the second battery compartment 28 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the N type battery 48, while the uppermost portion of the second battery compartment 28 forms the shoulder 28S that is smaller than the diameter of the N type battery 48 to prevent the N type battery 48 from extending therepast.

[00030] In any portion of each cavity 18 that does not receive a battery, a spacer 50 may be inserted to reduce movement (i.e., rattling) of the batteries within the cavity 18. In one embodiment, the spacer 50 is a foam spacer that is laterally compressible to fit within any of the battery compartments 26, 28 and 30.

[00031] In addition, the pull tab 14, discussed in more detail below, is attached to the lower portion 22 of the firearm grip 10 to support a lower surface of any battery or spacer that is positioned adjacently thereto. In one embodiment, the pull tab 14 slightly extends into the first battery compartment 26 to press against any battery or spacer that is positioned adjacently thereto. This further reduces rattling of the batteries within each cavity 18.

[00032] FIGS. 5A-5D show exemplary arrangements of batteries combinations that may be received within each cavity 18 of the firearm grip 10. For example, FIG. 5A shows each cavity 18 storing a DL-1 type battery 42 and a AA battery 46, with a spacer 50 disposed above the DL-1 type battery to reduce rattling. FIG. 5B shows each cavity 18 storing a DL-1 type battery 42 with a spacer 50 disposed therebelow to reduce rattling. FIG. 5C shows each cavity 18 storing a DL-1 type battery 42 and a 123 Lithium Series battery 44, with a spacer 50 disposed therebetween to reduce rattling. FIG. 5D shows each cavity 18 storing a DL-1 type battery 42 and a N type battery 48, with a spacer 50 disposed below the N type battery 48 to reduce rattling.

[00033] Although the battery compartments 26, 28 and 30 have been described above as capable of receiving and storing some combination of DL-1 type batteries 42, N type batteries 48, 123 Lithium series batteries 44 and AA batteries 46, the battery compartments 26, 28 and 30 may be formed to receive any appropriate type of battery and/or any appropriate combinations of batteries.

[00034] Although the battery compartments 26, 28 and 30 have been described above as being cylindrical in shape, each battery compartment 26, 28 and 30 may be formed to any one of a variety of shapes, such as rectangular, square, elliptical, or crescent, among other appropriate shapes. In addition, one or more of the battery compartments 26, 28 and 30 may have a different shape than the remaining battery compartments 26, 28 and 30 and/or each battery compartment 26, 28 and 30 may have a different shape.

[00035] Also, although each cavity 18 has been described as having three battery compartments 26, 28 and 30, each cavity 18 may have any number of battery compartments, limited only by the desired length of the firearm grip 10; and although the battery storage chamber 16 has been described as having two cavities 18, the battery storage chamber 16 may have any appropriate number of cavities 18, such as one, three or four, for example.

[00036] In one embodiment, the firearm grip 10 is formed from a non-conductive material, such as a hard plastic material, in a molding process. Although, the firearm grip 10 may be formed from any appropriate material, it is desirable that at least the lower and upper portions 22 and 24 of the firearm grip 10 and/or the upper and lower ends of each cavity 18 are either formed from a non-conductive material or insulated so that electrical current does not flow through the batteries when the batteries are stored within each cavity 18. Although the battery storage chamber 16 has been described above as being used in a firearm grip 10, the battery storage chamber 16 may be incorporated into any appropriate portable device such as a camera.

[00037] The pull tab 14 is attached to the lower portion 22 of the firearm grip 10. In one embodiment, the pull tab 14 is integrally formed from a flexible material, for example an elastomeric material, such as a rubber material. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 11 of the firearm grip 10 includes a slot 52 for receiving the pull tab 14.

[00038] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the pull tab 14 includes an arm 54 that is fixedly mounted within the slot 52, such that the pull tab 14 is integral to the firearm grip 10. The pull tab 14 may be mounted within the slot 52 by any appropriate means such as by use of an epoxy, an adhesive, a mechanical fastener, or heat fusing among other appropriate fastening means.

[00039] The arm 54 is connected to an integrally formed hinge 56 that allows for pivotal movement of the pull tab 14. The pull tab 14 has a body portion 55 that contains one or more stoppers 58. The pull tab 14 contains one stopper 58 for each cavity 18 in the battery storage compartment 16 of the firearm grip 10.

[00040] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 6 the battery storage compartment 16 contains two cavities 18 in the battery storage compartment 16 of the firearm grip 10 and the pull tab 14 includes two stoppers 58. Each stopper 58 fits tightly within a lower opening 60 of its corresponding cavity 18 to frictionally secure each stopper 58 within its corresponding cavity 18. In one embodiment, the lower opening 60 of each cavity 18 is substantially circular and each stopper 58 is substantially cylindrical.

[00041] When secured within its corresponding cavity 18, each stopper 58 forms a water tight seal with a wall of its corresponding cavity 18 to prevent moisture from entering the cavity 18. In addition, when secured within its corresponding cavity 18, each stopper 58 longitudinally supports the batteries and/or spacers that are disposed within its corresponding cavity 18.

[00042] As shown in FIGS. 6-9, each stopper 58 has at least one circumferential ring 62, such as a circular ring. Although the depicted embodiment shows each stopper as having two circumferential rings 62, each stopper 58 may have any appropriate number of circumferential rings 62. Each circumferential ring 62 assists in frictionally securing the stopper 58 within against a wall of its corresponding cavity 18 and assists in creating a water tight seal between the stopper 58 and its corresponding cavity 18 to prevent moisture from entering the cavity 18.

[00043] In one embodiment, the pull tab 14 includes a protrusion 64 that mates with a notch 66 in the housing 11 of the firearm grip 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the notch 66 is part of an opening 68 in the housing 11 of the firearm grip 10 that is disposed below the battery storage chamber 16. The mating of the protrusion 64 of the pull tab 14 with the notch 66 in the firearm grip 10 provides a locking engagement between the pull tab 14 and the firearm grip 10 and helps secure each stopper 58 within its corresponding cavity 18.

[00044] An integrally formed flexible handle 70 extends from the pull tab 14. When the handle 70 is pulled in a direction away from the lower portion 22 of the firearm grip 10, the body 55 of the pull tab 14 rotates about the hinge 56 of the pull tab 14, causing the protrusion 64 of the pull tab 14 to disengage from the notch 66 of the firearm grip 10, and causing each stopper 58 to disengage from its corresponding cavity 18. When the handle 70 is released, the handle 70 resiliently retracts adjacent to the body 55 of the pull tab 14.

[00045] Similarly, when the handle 70 is pushed in a direction towards the lower portion 22 of the firearm grip 10, the body 55 of the pull tab 14 rotates about the hinge 56 of the pull tab 14, causing the protrusion 64 of the pull tab 14 to lockingly engage the notch 66 of the firearm grip 10, and causing each stopper 58 to frictionally engage its corresponding cavity 18.

[00046] In the embodiments of FIGS. 6-9, each stopper 58 includes a an inner ring 73 and an outer ring 75 separated by a channel 74. The channel 74 assists in dust and debris collection within the battery storage chamber 16 and allows the outer ring 75 to be easily compressible. An advantage of the outer ring 75 being easily compressible is that it allows the outer ring 75 to be formed to a larger size than the lower opening 60 of its corresponding cavity 18. Thus, forming a more secure frictional engagement of each stopper 58 with its corresponding cavity 18.

[00047] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the pull tab 14 is mounted within to the firearm grip 10 in an opening 68 in the housing 11 of the firearm grip 10 that is disposed below the battery storage chamber 16, such that when each stopper 58 is frictionally engaged with its corresponding cavity 18 and when the protrusion 64 of the pull tab 14 is lockingly engaged the notch 66 of the firearm grip 10, the pull tab 14 is disposed completely within the opening 68 with the handle 70 disposed substantially flush with a bottom surface of the firearm grip 10. Although the pull tab 14 has been described above as being used in a firearm grip 10, the pull tab 14 may be incorporated into any appropriate portable device such as a camera.

[00048] The preceding description has been presented with reference to various embodiments of the invention. Persons skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of operation can be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principle, spirit and scope of this invention.