US010823517B1

( 12) United States Patent ( 10 ) Patent No .: US 10,823,517 B1

Brandly et al . (45 ) Date of Patent : Nov. 3 , 2020

( 54 ) UNIVERSAL HANDGUN SLIDE 4,021,955 A 5/1977 Curtis

4,539,889 A 9/1985 Glock
( 71 ) Applicant: 17 Design and Manufacturing, LLC , 5,386,659 A 2/1995 Vaid et al .
6,256,918 B1 7/2001 Szabo
Oklahoma City, OK (US ) 6,374,526 B1 4/2002 Mochak
6,560,909 B2 5/2003 Cominolli
( 72 ) Inventors: Raymond Dean Brandly, Oklahoma 7,204,051 B2 * 4/2007 Thomele F41A 17/72
City , OK ( US ) ; Cody Blighe 42 /69.03
Greenfield, Norman , OK (US ); Barton 7,827,720 B1 11/2010 Erdem
John Looper , Bethany, OK (US ); (Continued )
Jared Hayes Harrison , Kingfisher, OK FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
( US )
( 73 ) Assignee : 17 Design and Manufacturing, LLC , EP 2860484 A1 4/2015
JP H05248794 A 9/1993
Oklahoma City, OK (US ) WO 2018112487 A1 6/2018
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 Primary Examiner — Reginald S Tillman , Jr.
U.S.C. 154 ( b ) by 0 days. (74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - Wood Herron & Evans
LLP
( 21 ) Appl. No .: 16 /850,056
(22 ) Filed : Apr. 16 , 2020 ( 57 ) ABSTRACT
Related U.S. Application Data Provided is a pistol striker safety plunger having an axially
( 60 ) Provisional application No. 62 / 853,370 , filed on May nonrotatable plunger body configured for installation in a
28 , 2019 . pistol slide to selectively block forward movement of a
striker when in a fist position and to allow forward move
( 51 ) Int . Cl . ment when in a lifted position . The body includes a bottom
F41A 3/66 ( 2006.01 ) surface configured to interface with a lifting trigger bar and
F41A 3/72 ( 2006.01) having a beveled forward portion being substantially flat
( 52 ) U.S. CI . rearward thereof. Alternatively, an adaptable pistol slide kit
CPC . F41A 3/66 (2013.01 ) ; F41A 3/72 (2013.01 ) may be interchangeably operable on pistol frame assemblies
(58) Field of Classification Search of different configurations. The kit includes a slide body
CPC F41A 17/72 ; F41A 17/64 ; F41A 17/74 ; with a striker safety plunger socket and a plurality of
F41A 11/02 ; F41A 3/66 interchangeable axially nonrotatable striker safety plungers
USPC 42 /70.08 configured to be slidably received in the plunger socket. A
See application file for complete search history . first plunger has a bottom surface with beveled forward and
( 56 ) References Cited
rear portions and a second plunger has a bottom surface with
a beveled forward portion and substantially flat rearward of
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS the forward bevel.
3,724,113 A 4/1973 Ludwig
3,830,002 A 8/1974 Volkmar 2 Claims , 14 Drawing Sheets

32
23

260
Ba

34 38
 US 10,823,517 B1
Page 2

( 56 ) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
7,886,468 B1 2/2011 Pontollo , II
10,415,916 B2 9/2019 Cusano
10,551,137 B2 2/2020 Hudson , III et al .
2017/0191769 Al 7/2017 Martindill et al .
* cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Nov. 3 , 2020 Sheet 1 of 14 US 10,823,517 B1

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U.S. Patent Nov. 3 , 2020 Sheet 13 of 14 US 10,823,517 B1
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U.S. Patent Nov. 3 , 2020 Sheet 14 of 14 US 10,823,517 B1

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 US 10,823,517 B1
1 2
UNIVERSAL HANDGUN SLIDE versions ( generations ) in order to be able to fit all genera
tions of each GLOCK -pattern handgun model.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent 5
Application No. 62 / 853,370 , filed May 28 , 2019 , and incor The present invention provides a handgun slide kit that,
porates the same herein by reference . with selection of an easily removed striker safety plunger,
will fit and function on all current generations (Gen1
TECHNICAL FIELD through Gen5 ) of GLOCK - pattern handguns.
10 The adaptable pistol slide kit is interchangeably operable
This invention relates to a slide for a semi-automatic on pistol frame assemblies of different configurations that
handgun that may be used with multiple, varied generations include a trigger mechanism with a lifting trigger bar. The kit
of a handgun design . More particularly, it relates to a slide may include a slide body configured to operably assemble to
that will function on all current generations ( Gen1 through 15 aandpistola plurality
frame and including a striker safety plunger socket
of interchangeable axially nonrotatable
Gen5 ) of a Glock -pattern handgun in which difference in the striker safety plungers configured to be slidably received in
geometry of the striker safety plunger have prevented inter the plunger socket. A first plunger has a bottom surface with
changeability. beveled forward and rear portions with a protruding portion
BACKGROUND therebetween . A second plunger has a bottom surface with a
20 beveled forward portion and being substantially flat rear
ward of the beveled forward portion . The first and second
Since their introduction to the U.S. commercial market in plungers
the 1980s , handguns made by GLOCK , GmbH of Austria socket. are interchangeably insertable into the plunger
have become enormously popular around the world . The The slide kit may also include a removable recoil spring
GLOCK handgun models generally have followed a uniform 25 abutment adapter that, when installed, increases the periph
pattern , with variations for caliber, capacity, and barrel eral profile of the recoil spring abutment.
length . The design pattern has evolved slightly over time , A pistol striker safety plunger may include an axially
with only very minor changes being made in Generation one nonrotatable plunger body configured for installation in a
(Gen1) through Generation three (Gen3 ) . Glock -pattern pistol slide to selectively block forward movement of a
slide assemblies ( sometimes colloquially called an “ upper ') 30 striker when in a fist position and to allow forward move
made for Gen1 through Gen3 Glock -pattern frames would fit ment when in a lifted position . The body includes a bottom
interchangeably. surface configured to interface with a lifting trigger bar. The
Generation four (Gen4) introduced some changes to the bottom surface has a beveled forward portion and is sub
trigger mechanism and enlarged the size of the frame's dust stantially flat rearward of the beveled forward portion.
cover, which encloses the recoil spring and guide, and the 35 Other aspects , features , benefits, and advantages of the
recoil spring stop at the forward end of the slide . So , while present
in the
invention will become apparent to a person of skill
art from the detailed description of various embodi
a Genl through Gen3 GLOCK -pattern slide would fit a
Gen4 frame, a Gen4 slide has a recoil spring stop too large ments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures,
all of which comprise part of the disclosure .
to fit a Gen1 through Gen4 GLOCK - pattern frame. 40
The Generation five (Gen5) GLOCK handgun introduced BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
changes to the slide, particularly the geometry of the trigger
bar and striker safety plunger, which change the timing of Like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts
when the plunger is lifted and released by the trigger bar. throughout the various drawing figures, wherein :
The striker safety plunger in the Genl through Gen4 pattern 45 FIG . 1A is an isometric exploded underside view of a
is axially symmetrical, so its rotational orientation is imma prior art Gen1 through Gen3 Glock -pattern slide;
terial . The Gen5 striker safety plunger is not rotationally FIG . 1B is an isometric exploded underside view of a
symmetrical and has a specific forward and rear rotational prior art Gen5 Glock -pattern slide ;
orientation because of significantly beveled bottom surfaces FIG . 2 is a right side elevation view of a prior art Genl
that interact with a differently configured lifting trigger bar. 50 through Gen4 GLOCK - pattern handgun with the slide
Thus, a Gen5 slide may not be used interchangeably with a shown in phantom line to illustrate the relative geometry of
slide made according to the Genl through Gen4 pattern . the striker, striker safety plunger, and trigger bar ;
Likewise , the owner of two GLOCK -patterned handguns of FIG . 3 is a left side elevation view thereof;
the same model , but one being a Gen. 5 pattern and the other FIG . 4 is an enlarged isometric view showing the inter
being an earlier generation pattern , cannot exchange slides 55 action between the forward portion of a prior art GLOCK
between those handguns. pattern Genl through Gen4 striker and Gen1 through Gen4
Due to their popularity, many others began making striker safety plunger;
replacement, substitute , or enhanced parts in the GLOCK FIG . 5 is a forward cross - sectional view showing the
pattern , including slides and slide assemblies. After the relative geometry of a prior art GLOCK - pattern Gen1
expiration of the initial patents, owned by Gaston GLOCK , 60 through Gen4 striker, striker safety plunger, and trigger bar;
on the basic GLOCK -pattern handgun expired, others began FIG . 6 is an isometric view of a GLOCK -pattern Gen1
making frames that match the fit and function of the through Gen4 striker ;
GLOCK -pattern. FIG . 7 is an isometric view of a GLOCK -pattern Gen5
Because handguns are quite durable , there are many Gen1 striker;
through Gen3 ( and Gen4 ) GLOCK -pattern handguns still in 65 FIG . 8 is an isometric exploded underside view of a slide
use and circulation . So , makers of aftermarket GLOCK according to an embodiment of the invention showing a
pattern slides must make at least two or three ) different forward end adapter and alternate striker safety plungers;
 US 10,823,517 B1
3 4
FIG . 9 is a right side elevation view of a GLOCK - pattern spring abutment 12 , the illustrated slide 10 would also fit and
handgun with the slide shown in phantom line to illustrate function on a Gen4 GLOCK -pattern frame. For these gen
relative geometry of the striker, trigger bar, and striker safety erations of the GLOCK -pattern handgun, the striker assem
plunger according to an embodiment of the present inven bly 14 and striker safety plunger 16 are identical and
tion installed on a Gen5 frame; 5 interchangeable. This plunger 16 is substantially axially
FIG . 10 is a left side elevation view thereof; symmetrical, so it has no specific required rotational orien
FIG . 11 is an isometric isolated view of a striker, striker tation .
safety plunger, trigger, and trigger bar according to an FIG . 1B shows a slide 10 of ordinary design that will fit
embodiment of the present invention adapted for use with a a Gen5 GLOCK -patter frame. The shape of the plunger and
Gen5 frame; 10 forward end of the striker differ from those of the Gen1
FIGS . 12-15 are various isometric views of the striker through Gen4 models .
safety plunger shown in FIGS . 9-11 ; FIGS . 2 and 3 illustrate the relative geometry between the
FIG . 16 is a right side elevation view of a GLOCK -pattern striker 18 , striker safety plunger 16 , and trigger bar 20 in a
handgun with the slide shown in phantom line to illustrate prior art Genl through Gen4 GLOCK -pattern pistol . As is
the relative geometry of the striker, trigger bar, and striker 15 well-known in the art, pulling the trigger 22 causes the
safety plunger according to an embodiment of the present trigger bar 20 to move both rearwardly and upwardly. The
invention installed on a Genl through Gen4 frame; upward movement of a spur portion 21 lifts the striker safety
FIG . 17 is a left side elevation view thereof; plunger 16 against the bias of a spring 23 to allow forward
FIG . 18 is an isometric isolated view of a striker, striker movement of the striker 18. If the striker safety plunger 16
safety plunger, trigger bar, and trigger according to an 20 is not lifted , the striker 18 is physically blocked from
embodiment of the present invention adapted for use with a forward movement that would allow it to contact the primer
Genl through Gen4 frame; of a chambered ammunition cartridge. This is further illus
FIGS . 19-22 are various isometric views of the striker trated in the enlarged isometric view of FIG . 4 , which shows
safety plunger shown in FIGS . 16-18 ; the striker safety plunger 16 in the lowered , blocking posi
FIG . 23 is a first isometric view of a forward end slide 25 tion and in the raised position ( in phantom line) . The bottom
adapter according to an embodiment of the present inven surface of the plunger 16 is substantially flat, having only a
tion; and minor chamfer on the peripheral edge to reduce friction as
FIG . 24 is a reverse isometric view thereof. it has moving / gliding contact with the spur 21 of the trigger
bar 20 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 30 Referring now to FIG . 6 , therein is shown an isometric
view of a GLOCK - pattern striker 18 according to the Gen1
With reference to the drawing figures, this section through Gen4 design pattern . FIG . 7 shows a similar view of
describes particular embodiments and their detailed con a Gen5 striker 18a according to the Gen5 design pattern . The
struction and operation. Throughout the specification, ref Gen5 striker 18a varies slightly , but significantly, in the
erence to " one embodiment, ” “ an embodiment, ” or “ some 35 geometry of its forward end and of the tip that impacts an
embodiments ” means that a particular described feature , ammunition cartridge primer. The Genl through Gen4
structure , or characteristic may be included in at least one striker 18 , shown in FIG . 6 , and Gen5 striker 18a , shown in
embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “ in one FIG . 7 , are not interchangeable because of these differences
embodiment, ” “ in an embodiment,” or “ in some embodi in the forward end and differences in the geometry of the
ments ” in various places throughout this specification are 40 striker safety plungers 16 , 26 , 28 that interface with them , as
essarily all referring to the same embodiment. Fur will be described in greater detail below .
not necess
thermore, the described features, structures, and character Referring now to FIG . 8 , therein is shown a universal slide
istics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or assembly according to an embodiment of the present inven
more embodiments. In view of the disclosure herein , those tion that, with the selective use of certain novel parts, will fit
skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodi- 45 and function on all Gen1 through Gen5 GLOCK -pattern
ments can be practiced without one or more of the specific frames of a particular model (e.g. , Glock 17 , Glock 19 ,
details or with other methods, components, materials, or the Glock 22 , Glock 34 , etc. ). The functional dimensions of the
like . In some instances, well -known structures, materials, or novel slide 24 generally mimic those of the Gen5 GLOCK
operations are not shown or not described in detail to avoid pattern slide , except that the recoil spring abutment 12 at the
obscuring aspects of the embodiments . “ Forward ” will indi- 50 forward end is configured with the smaller geometries of the
cate the direction of the muzzle and the direction in which Genl through Gen3 GLOCK - pattern slide 10. The slide 24
projectiles are fired, while “ rearward ” will indicate the of this embodiment is adapted to use a Gen5 striker 18a for
opposite direction . “ Lateral ” or “ transverse” indicates a all generations of GLOCK -pattern frame 30 and either
side - to - side direction generally perpendicular to the axis of striker safety plunger 26 , 28. Thus, the slide 24 can be
the barrel. Although firearms may be used in any orientation , 55 assembled to any generation (Gen1 -Gen5) of a GLOCK
" left” and “ right” will generally indicate the sides according pattern frame 30 (of a particular model/caliber ). A remov
to the user's orientation , “ top ” or “ up ” will be the upward able adapter 32 can be placed on the recoil spring abutment
direction when the firearm is gripped in the ordinary manner . 12 , causing it to mimic the larger size profile of a Gen4 /Gen5
As used herein , “ handgun ” and “ pistol ” are used inter abutment to fill a gap (not shown) that would otherwise be
changeably in reference to an auto - loading handgun or 60 left between the abutment 12 and the dust cover of the frame
carbine adaptation thereof. “ Frame” is used broadly in 30 .
reference to a complete frame assembly that includes the But another significant adaptation is required for the slide
trigger and other parts of the slide assembly separable from to function with and be operable on all generations of a
the frame assembly. GLOCK -pattern frame 30. The invention provides readily
Referring first to FIG . 1A, therein is shown a slide 10 of 65 interchangeable striker safety plungers 26 , 28 to permit
ordinary design that will fit a Genl through Gen3 GLOCK functional interchangeability, details of which will be
pattern frame. With some gap around the forward and recoil described below. There may be other differences between
 US 10,823,517 B1
5 6
the Gen1 through Gen3, Gen4 , and Gen5 frames 30 not through Gen3 GLOCK -pattern frame 30. Installing the
relevant to the present invention that are not illustrated or adapter 32 enlarges the exterior radius of the recoil spring
mentioned herein . abutment 12 to mimic that of a Gen4 and Gen5 GLOCK
Referring now to FIG . 9 , therein is illustrated the relative pattern slide . While the slide 24 of the present invention can
positions of the Gen5 striker 18a and Gen5 striker safety 5 beadapter adapted32 toprovides
functiona oncosmetic
Gen1 through
“ filler ”Gen5 frames 30a , gap
to eliminate the
plunger 28 in the slide 24 ( shown in phantom line ) , and the that would
trigger bar 20 on a Gen5 GLOCK -pattern frame 30. The forward endotherwise of the
appear between the abutment 12 and
dust cover ( not shown) of the frame 30 .
Gen5 plunger 28 is not axially symmetrical and, therefore , Thus, the present invention provides a slide 24 that is
it has a specific required rotational orientation and does not adaptable (with the selection of the appropriate striker safety
rotate relative to the slide 24 , causing its lower surface to 10
have forward and rearward portions that do not change in plunger 26 , 28 ) to function interchangeably on all current
orientation . Even though the location of the striker safety generations of GLOCK -pattern handguns. The invention can
plunger 28 in the slide 24 in the Gen5 GLOCK -pattern is provide a “ universal ” slide 24 as a kit with interchangeable
identical to the location in Gen1 through Gen4 slides , the striker safety plungers 26 , 28 and selectively removable
forward end geometries of the Gen5 striker 18a and con- 15 recoil safety spring
plungerabutment adapter, the32.assembly
28 is installed When thehasGen5 the fitstriker
and
figuration of the Gen5 trigger bar spur 21a cause the lifting function of a GLOCK - pattern Gen5 slide assembly on a
of the striker safety plunger 28 by the trigger bar spur 21a Gen5 frame
to be timed differently. Accordingly, the bottom end surface 26 is installed. When in the
the novel adaptive striker safety plunger
slide 24 , the assembly mimics the fit and
geometries of the Gen5 striker safety plunger 28 are sig
nificantlydifferent from the standard Gen1through Gen4 20 thefunction of
adaptive striker assembly
a Gen4 slide on a 26Gen4 frame. When
striker safety plunger 16 shown in FIGS . 1-5 . These differ slidenovel 24 along with the
safety plunger
abutment adapter
is installed
32 , the
in the
assembly
ences are illustrated most clearly in the enlarged views of mimics the fit and function of a Gen1 through Gen3 slide
FIGS . 12-15 . As mentioned above , the bottom end surface of assembly on an earlier generation (Genl through Gen3)
the prior generations of striker safety plunger 16 is relatively 25 frame .
flat with only a minor chamfer around its peripheral edge While one or more embodiments of the present invention
( see FIG . 4 ) . The Gen5 striker safety plunger 28 includes have been described in detail , it should be apparent that
sharply beveled rearwardly and forwardly oriented end modifications and variations thereto are possible , all of
surfaces 34 , 36 with a protruding middle portion 38. This which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention .
configuration , along with that of the Gen5 trigger bar spur
21a determine the timing of the plunger 28 being lifted 30 Therefore , the foregoing is intended only to be illustrative of
during the firing sequence as the trigger 22 is pulled, the the principles of the invention . Of course , variations of the
striker 18 , 18a is released , and the slide 24 longitudinally invention
GLOCK -
for caliber and barrel length of a particular
pattern model can be made by a person of ordinary
cycles .
Referring now to FIGS . 16-18 , therein is illustrated the skill in the art, which is not limited in application to use on
relative geometries between the striker 18a and novel adap- 35 any
slide particular GLOCK, since
length . Further -patternnumerous , or barrel/
model, caliber
modifications and
tive striker safety plunger 26 in the slide 24 ( shown in changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not
phantom line) as they interact with the trigger bar 20 of a intended to limit the invention to the exact construction and
Genl through Gen4 GLOCK - pattern frame 30. As previ operation shown and described . Accordingly, all suitable
ously described , the slide 24 generally mimics the functional
dimensional geometries of a Gen5 slide ( except for the 40 modifications and theequivalents
ered to fall within scope ofmay be included
the invention and consid
, defined by the
recoil spring abutment 12 , as previously described ). The following claim or claims .
adaptive plunger 26 , like the Gen5 plunger 36 , is also not What is claimed is :
axially symmetrical and requires a particular rotational 1. An adaptable pistol slide kit interchangeably operable
orientation , causing its lower surface to have forward and
rear portions that do not change positions . As further illus- 45 oninclude
pistolaframe
triggerassemblies
mechanismof different configurations
with a lifting trigger that
bar,
trated in FIGS . 19-22 , the adaptive striker safety plunger 26 comprising :
functions with a Gen5 striker 18a , but has lower end surface a slide body configured to operably assemble to a pistol
geometry allowing it to functionally interface with the frame and including a striker safety plunger socket; and
trigger bar 20 and mimic the timing of the striker safety a plurality of interchangeable axially nonrotatable striker
plunger 16 for a Gen1 through Gen4 GLOCK - pattern frame 50 safety plungers configured to be slidably received in the
30. In particular, the lower surface includes a forwardly plunger socket , a first plunger having a bottom surface
oriented, sharply beveled edge 40 and a substantially flat, with beveled forward and rear portions with a protrud
protruding middle / rear portion 42. The rearmost edge may ing portion therebetween , and a second plunger having
include a minor chamfer to minimize sliding contact with a bottom surface with a beveled forward portion and
the trigger bar spur 21 , but the extended flat middle / rear 55 the remainder of the bottom surface rearward of the
surface portion 42 mimics the correct lifting timing when beveled forward portion being substantially flat to a
used on a Genl through Gen4 frame 30 and its configuration rear edge thereof,
ofthe trigger bar spur 21. This allows lifting contact between wherein the first and second plungers are interchangeably
the plunger 26 and spur 21 at points further to the rear of the insertable into the plunger socket .
plunger's vertical axis than allowed by the bottom surface 60
geometry of the Gen5 plunger 28 . 2. The slide kit of claim 1 , further comprising a removable
Referring now to FIGS . 8 , 23 , and 24 , the abutment recoil spring abutment adapter that, when installed ,
adapter 32 may be removed from ( or not inserted on) the increases the peripheral profile of the recoil spring abutment.
slide 24 to allow fit and function when used on a Gen1