Pistol Grip Handguard Adapter Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/596,752, which was filed on Nov. 7, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of firearm accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pistol grip handguard adapter device that can be attached to a handguard of a firearm and wherein a pistol grip can then be attached to the device to allow the pistol grip to be used as an angled grip on the handguard. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals attach vertical and angled foregrips to the handguards of their firearms. However, some may prefer the feel and control of an AR15 (or other style) pistol grip over the feel and control of existing foregrips. However, unless a foregrip is specifically made in the shape of a pistol grip, said pistol grip style foregrips are not available.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a firearm handguard accessory. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a pistol grip handguard adapter device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a pistol grip handguard adapter device that allows a user to use a pistol grip as a foregrip on a firearm handguard. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a pistol grip handguard adapter device that allows a user to use a pistol grip as a foregrip on a firearm handguard wherein the device can receive any style pistol grip.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a pistol grip handguard adapter device. The device is comprised of a body that can be attached to a Picatinny or M-Lok firearm handguard. The body is also comprised of a diagonal wall that allows an AR15 (or other style) pistol grip to be attached to and received by the body. More specifically, at least one fastener can be placed through the pistol grip and into a threaded opening of the diagonal wall.

In this manner, the pistol grip handguard adapter device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a device that allows a user to use a pistol grip as a foregrip on a firearm handguard. Further, the device can receive any style pistol grip due to the universal construction of the device. This allows user to select pistol grips for use based on their unique preferences.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a pistol grip handguard adapter device. The device is comprised of an adapter body that allows an AR-15 (or other style) pistol grip to be used as a foregrip on a firearm handguard. In one embodiment, the body is designed to attach to a Picatinny rail section of a firearm handguard. In order to do so, the body is comprised of at least one channel which receives the rail. The body is also comprised of at least two aligned openings that allow at least one fastener to be placed through the body and through an opening between Picatinny rail sections in order to secure the body to the rail.

In a different embodiment, the body is designed to attach to an M-Lok-style handguard and is comprised of at least one fastener that secures the body within the M-Lok-style opening of the handguard. The fastener is preferably comprised of a T-nut that can be tightened such that the T-nut is perpendicular to the opening to secure the body to the handguard.

The body may also be comprised of at least one horizontal wall and at least one vertical wall. The horizontal wall functions as a top contact point for a pistol grip attached to the body, wherein the vertical wall functions as a front contact point for the pistol grip. Both walls inhibit movement of the pistol grip when attached to the body. The body is also comprised of at least one diagonal wall that connects the horizontal wall to the vertical wall. The bottom surface of the diagonal wall is comprised of at least one threaded opening that receives at least one threaded fastener that is placed through an opening of the pistol grip to secure the pistol grip to the body.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device with Picatinny rails. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of a channel, at least two openings, at least one fastener, a diagonal wall comprised of at least one threaded opening, and a pistol grip comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the channel can be placed around a Picatinny rail section of a firearm handguard. Next, the fastener can be placed through the openings, such that it also is positioned through an opening in the Picatinny rail, and can be tightened to secure the body to the rail. Then, at least one pistol grip can be attached to the diagonal wall by placing the fastener through an opening of the pistol grip and securing the fastener within the opening of the wall. Finally, the pistol grip can be gripped by the user while shooting the firearm the handguard is attached to.

The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device with firearm handguards with M-Lok openings. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener, a diagonal wall comprised of at least one threaded opening, and a pistol grip comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the fastener can be placed through the opening of the rail and can be tightened such that the fastener, which is preferably, but is not limited to, a T-nut, is perpendicular to the opening and thus secures the body to the handguard. Then, at least one pistol grip can be attached to the diagonal wall by placing the fastener through an opening of the pistol grip and securing the fastener within the opening of the wall. Finally, the pistol grip can be gripped by the user while shooting the firearm the handguard is attached to.

Accordingly, the pistol grip handguard adapter device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that allows a user to use a pistol grip as a foregrip on a firearm handguard. Further, the device can receive any style pistol grip due to the universal construction of the device. This allows a user to select pistol grips for use based on their unique preferences. In this manner, the pistol grip handguard adapter device overcomes the limitations of existing firearm foregrips known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a pistol grip handguard adapter device of the present invention for Picatinny rail attachment in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a pistol grip handguard adapter device of the present invention while attached to a Picatinny rail section of a firearm handguard in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a pistol grip handguard adapter device of the present invention for M-Lok rail attachment in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a pistol grip handguard adapter device of the present invention while attached to an M-Lok rail section of a firearm handguard in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a pistol grip handguard adapter device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a pistol grip handguard adapter device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a firearm handguard accessory. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a pistol grip handguard adapter device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a pistol grip handguard adapter device that allows a user to use a pistol grip as a foregrip on a firearm handguard. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a pistol grip handguard adapter device that allows a user to use a pistol grip as a foregrip on a firearm handguard wherein the device can receive any style pistol grip.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a pistol grip handguard adapter device comprised of an adapter body that allows an AR-15 (or other style) pistol grip to be used as a foregrip on a firearm handguard. In one embodiment, the body is designed to attach to a Picatinny rail section of a firearm handguard and is comprised of at least one channel that receives the rail. The body is also comprised of at least two aligned openings that allow at least one fastener to be placed through the body and through an opening between Picatinny rail sections in order to secure the body to the rail.

In a different embodiment, the body is designed to attach to an M-Lok-style handguard and is comprised of at least one fastener that secures the body within the M-Lok-style opening of the handguard. The fastener is preferably comprised of a T-nut that can be tightened such that the T-nut is perpendicular to the opening to secure the body to the handguard.

The body may also be comprised of at least one horizontal wall and at least one vertical wall. The horizontal wall functions as a top contact point for a pistol grip attached to the body, wherein the vertical wall functions as a front contact point for the pistol grip. Both walls inhibit movement of the pistol grip when attached to the body. The body is also comprised of at least one diagonal wall that connects the horizontal wall to the vertical wall. The bottom surface of the diagonal wall is comprised of at least one threaded opening that receives at least one threaded fastener that is placed through an opening of the pistol grip to secure the pistol grip to the body.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device with Picatinny rails. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of a channel, at least two openings, at least one fastener, a diagonal wall comprised of at least one threaded opening, and a pistol grip comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the channel can be placed around a Picatinny rail section of a firearm handguard. Next, the fastener can be placed through the openings, such that it also is positioned through an opening in the Picatinny rail, and can be tightened to secure the body to the rail. Then, at least one pistol grip can be attached to the diagonal wall by placing the fastener through an opening of the pistol grip and securing the fastener within the opening of the wall. Finally, the pistol grip can be gripped by the user while shooting the firearm the handguard is attached to.

The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device with firearm handguards with M-Lok openings. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener, a diagonal wall comprised of at least one threaded opening, and a pistol grip comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the fastener can be placed through the opening of the rail and can be tightened such that the fastener, which is preferably, but is not limited to, a T-nut, is perpendicular to the opening and thus secures the body to the handguard. Then, at least one pistol grip can be attached to the diagonal wall by placing the fastener through an opening of the pistol grip and securing the fastener within the opening of the wall. Finally, the pistol grip can be gripped by the user while shooting the firearm the handguard is attached to.

Accordingly, the pistol grip handguard adapter device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that allows a user to use a pistol grip as a foregrip on a firearm handguard. Further, the device can receive any style pistol grip due to the universal construction of the device. This allows user to select pistol grips for use based on their unique preferences. In this manner, the pistol grip handguard adapter device overcomes the limitations of existing firearm foregrips known in the art.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a pistol grip handguard adapter device 100 of the present invention for Picatinny rail attachment in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of an adapter body 110 that allows an AR-15 (or other style) pistol grip 170 to be used as a foregrip on a firearm handguard 10. The device 100 is comprised of a body 110. The body 110 is preferably made from a plastic or lightweight metal material.

In one embodiment, the body 110 is designed to attach to a Picatinny rail 12 section of a firearm handguard 10, as seen in FIG. 2. In order to do so, the body 110 is comprised of at least one channel 112 which receives the rail 12. The body 110 is also comprised of at least two aligned openings 120. The opening 120 allows at least one fastener 122, preferably, but not limited to, a threaded bolt and nut assembly, to be placed through the body 110 and through an opening 14 between Picatinny rail 12 sections in order to secure the body 110 to the rail 12.

In a different embodiment, the body 110 is designed to attach to an M-Lok style handguard 10, as seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the body 110 is comprised of at least one fastener 160 that secures the body 110 within the M-Lok style opening 16 of the handguard 10. The fastener 160 is preferably comprised of a T-nut that can be tightened such that the T-nut is perpendicular to the opening 16 to secure the body 110 to the handguard 10.

The body 110 may also be comprised of at least one horizontal wall and at least one vertical wall 140. The vertical wall 140 may form an angle between 1 and 179 degrees with the vertical horizontal wall 140. The horizontal wall 130 functions as a top contact point for a pistol grip 170 attached to the body 110, wherein the vertical wall 140 functions as a front contact point for the pistol grip 170. Both walls 130, 140 inhibit movement of the pistol grip 170 when attached to the body 110.

The body 110 is also comprised of at least one diagonal wall 150. The diagonal wall 150 connects the horizontal wall 130 to the vertical wall 140. The diagonal wall may be any angle between 0 and 90 degrees but is preferably 45 degrees. The wall 150 may be any shape as noted to securely receive a pistol grip 170.

The bottom surface 152 of the diagonal wall 150 is comprised of at least one threaded opening 154. The opening 154 receives at least one threaded fastener 172, such as, but not limited to, a screw, a bolt, etc., that is placed through an opening 174 of the pistol grip 170 to secure the pistol grip to the body 110. The pistol grip 170 may be any angle, style, shape, configuration, etc., of firearm pistol grip known in the art.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100 with Picatinny rails 12, as seen in FIG. 5. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110 comprised of a channel 112, at least two openings 120, at least one fastener 122, a diagonal wall 150 comprised of at least one threaded opening 154, and a pistol grip 170 comprised of at least one fastener 172 [Step 202]. Then, the channel 112 can be placed around a Picatinny rail 12 section of a firearm handguard 10 [Step 204]. Next, the fastener 122 can be placed through the openings 120, such that it also is positioned through an opening 14 in the Picatinny rail 12, and can be tightened to secure the body 110 to the rail 12 [Step 206]. Then, at least one pistol grip 170 can be attached to the diagonal wall 150 by placing the fastener 172 through an opening 174 of the pistol grip 170 and securing the fastener 172 within the opening 154 of the wall 150 [Step 208]. Finally, the pistol grip 170 can be gripped by the user while shooting the firearm the handguard 10 is attached to [Step 210].

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 300 the device 100 with firearm handguards 10 with M-Lok openings 16, as seen in FIG. 6. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110 comprised of at least one fastener 122, a diagonal wall 150 comprised of at least one threaded opening 154, and a pistol grip 170 comprised of at least one fastener 172 [Step 302]. Then, the fastener 122 can be placed through the opening 16 of the rail 10 and can be tightened such that the fastener 122, which is preferably, but is not limited to, a T-nut, is perpendicular to the opening 16 and thus secures the body 110 to the handguard 10 [Step 304]. Then, at least one pistol grip 170 can be attached to the diagonal wall 150 by placing the fastener 172 through an opening 174 of the pistol grip 170 and securing the fastener 172 within the opening 154 of the wall 150 [Step 306]. Finally, the pistol grip 170 can be gripped by the user while shooting the firearm the handguard 10 is attached to [Step 308].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “pistol grip handguard adapter device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the pistol grip handguard adapter device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the pistol grip handguard adapter device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the pistol grip handguard adapter device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the pistol grip handguard adapter device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the pistol grip handguard adapter device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the pistol grip handguard adapter device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.