Removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus and method thereof

Abstract

A removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus and method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus mounts to an existing forestock of a weapon with an interference fit actuated by a single screw. The apparatus also includes a passage for receiving the barrel of a target illumination device. Resilient prongs are provided adjacent the rear of the passage to press the illumination device longitudinally along approximately the same axis as the weapon's barrel to prevent dislodgment upon movement of the weapon during handling or discharge, and to enable relatively quick, one-handed release and replacement of the entire illumination device.

1 . A removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus for detachably securing a target-illuminating device to a weapon having a barrel and a forestock, said apparatus comprising: 
 a first portion having a contoured interior surface which is shaped to mate closely with the forestock of the weapon;    a second portion adjacent said first portion and having a releasable locking mechanism adapted to cause an interference fit between the forestock of the weapon when tightened.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said locking mechanism comprises a tension wedge slidably accommodated in a track provided adjacent the contoured interior surface.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said locking mechanism comprises a tension wedge slidably accommodated in a track provided adjacent the contoured interior surface, and wherein said tension wedge is shaped to be retained in said track by a provided pair of rail portions of the apparatus.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said locking mechanism comprises a tension wedge slidably accommodated in said apparatus and a screw for causing movement of said tension wedge.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said locking mechanism comprises a tension wedge slidably accommodated in a track of said apparatus, said tension wedge having a patterned surface which increases the resistance created by the interference fit.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first portion further comprises hooked portions adapted to engage firmly the forestock when said locking mechanism is tightened.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first portion further comprises hooked portions adapted to engage firmly the forestock when said locking mechanism is tightened, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a tension wedge slidably accommodated in said apparatus and a screw for causing movement of said tension wedge, wherein movement of said tension wedge causes the interference fit.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said second portion further has a longitudinally extending passage sized to accept the target-illuminating device, and indented resilient prongs located adjacent an opening of said passage to press the target-illuminating device along approximately the same axis as the barrel of the weapon.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said second portion further has a longitudinally extending passage sized to accept the target-illuminating device, and indented resilient prongs located adjacent an opening of said passage to press the target-illuminating device along approximately the same axis as the barrel of the weapon, and wherein said second portion has an exterior surface with a non-slip grip pattern.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said second portion further has a longitudinally extending passage sized to accept the target-illuminating device, and indented resilient prongs located adjacent an opening of said passage to press the target-illuminating device along approximately the same axis as the barrel of the weapon, and wherein said second portion has an exterior surface with a non-slip grip pattern comprising three separated raised portions provided at a slant.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a pair of rails configured to mount the target-illuminating device.  
   
   
       12 . A removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus for detachably securing a target-illuminating device to a weapon, said apparatus comprising: 
 a first portion having a longitudinally extending passage sized to accept the illuminating device, and indented resilient prongs located adjacent an opening of said passage to press the target-illuminating device along approximately the same axis as the barrel of the weapon; and    a pair of rails.    
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising a second portion adjacent the first portion and having a contoured interior surface that is shaped to mate closely with a forestock of the weapon.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said first portion has a grip pattern on an exterior surface thereof.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising a releasable locking mechanism adapted to cause an interference fit between a forestock of the shogun when tightened, said locking mechanism having a screw attached to a tension wedge, said tension wedge being accommodated slidably in a track provided in said first portion adjacent the contoured interior surface.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said tension wedge is shaped to be retained in said track by a provided pair of rail portions provided in said second portion.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said tension wedge has a patterned surface which increases the resistance created by the interference fit.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said second portion further comprises hooked portions adapted to engage firmly the forestock when said locking mechanism is tightened, wherein movement of said tension wedge causes the interference fit.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the apparatus is a material selected from glass filled polycarbonates, polymers, composites, metals, woods and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       20 . A method for detachably securing a target-illuminating device to a weapon having a barrel and a forestock, said method comprising: 
 providing a removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus to the forestock of the weapon, said apparatus comprising: 
 a first portion having a contoured interior surface which is shaped to mate closely with the forestock of the weapon,  
 a second portion adjacent said first portion and having a longitudinally extending passage sized to accept the illuminating device, and indented resilient prongs located adjacent an opening of said passage to press the target-illuminating device along approximately the same axis as the barrel of the weapon, and  
 a releasable locking mechanism adapted to cause an interference fit between the forestock of the shogun when tightened;  
   tightening said locking mechanism to attach said apparatus to said weapon; and    accommodating the illuminating device in said passage.