Detachable Container that Collects Handgun Shell Casings

Abstract

The present invention consists of a container, made of fabric or wire-mesh netting, which attaches over a handgun's ejection port, and catches empty shell casings ejected when the weapon is fired. An opening at the bottom of the container, controlled by a drawstring and cord-lock, enables shells to be emptied without the need to detach the bag from the pistol's ejection port.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A shell casing containment apparatus for a handgun, comprising:
 a containment bag having a first open end and a second closeable end;   at least one flexible attachment strip coupled adjacent the first open end of the containment bag, the flexible attachment strip configured to mate with a complementary second attachment strip coupled adjacent an ejection port of a handgun, the flexible attachment strip being removably engageable with the complementary second attachment strip, so that the containment bag is removable from the ejection port, the engagement of the flexible attachment strips causing the first open end of the containment bag to remain open and to cover the ejection port; and   an opening and closing mechanism coupled to the second closeable end of the containment bag enabling the containment bag to be easily emptied of its contents of used shell casings.   
     
     
         2 . The shell casing containment apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the containment bag comprises fabric. 
     
     
         3 . The shell casing containment apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the containment bag comprises mesh. 
     
     
         4 . The shell casing containment apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible attachment strip comprises hook and loop strips. 
     
     
         5 . The shell casing containment apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible attachment strip comprises adhesive strips. 
     
     
         6 . The shell casing containment apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the opening and closing mechanism comprises hook and loop strips. 
     
     
         7 . The shell casing containment apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the opening and closing mechanism comprises a zipper. 
     
     
         8 . The shell casing containment apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the opening and closing mechanism comprises a drawstring. 
     
     
         9 . A shell casing containment apparatus for a handgun, comprising:
 a containment bag having a first open end and a second closeable end;   at least one of a hook or a loop strip coupled adjacent the first open end of the containment bag, the hook or loop strip configured to mate with a complementary hook or loop strip coupled adjacent an ejection port of a handgun, the hook or loop strip being removably engageable with the complementary second attachment strip so that the containment bag is removable from the ejection port, the engagement of the hook or loop strips causing the first open end of the containment bag to remain open and to cover the ejection port; and   an opening and closing mechanism coupled to the second closeable end of the containment bag enabling the containment bag to be easily emptied of its contents of used shell casings.   
     
     
         10 . The shell casing containment apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the containment bag comprises fabric. 
     
     
         11 . The shell casing containment apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the containment bag comprises mesh. 
     
     
         12 . The shell casing containment apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the opening and closing mechanism comprises hook and loop strips. 
     
     
         13 . The shell casing containment apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the opening and closing mechanism comprises a zipper. 
     
     
         14 . The shell casing containment apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the opening and closing mechanism comprises a drawstring. 
     
     
         15 . A method of operating a handgun, comprising:
 coupling a first end of a shell casing containment bag using a hook and loop fastener to the ejection port of the handgun;   firing the handgun;   capturing used shell casings in the containment bag;   opening a second end of the shell casing containment bag, the second end being held closed by a bag closure; and   emptying the shell casing containment bag.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the opening comprises separating hook and loop strips. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the opening comprises opening a zipper. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the opening comprises moving cord lock coupled to a drawstring. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising: removing the shell casing containment bag from the handgun by separating the hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising: reclosing the shell casing containment bag after emptying.