FIREARM ACCESSORY SPACERS AND MOUNTS AND METHODS FOR FORMING THE SAME
Embodiments described herein provide spacers and mounts for firearm accessories, as well as methods for mounting firearm accessories. In some embodiments, a spacer is provided. The spacer has a lower surface configured as a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure and an upper surface configured as a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure. The spacer is configured that when attached to a M150 Rifle Combat Optic, or the like, a substantial portion of the base of the optic extends past an end of the spacer. In some embodiments, a mount that is configured to be detachably secured to a rail is provided. The mount has the spacer incorporated therein.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/684,904, filed Aug. 20, 2012, entitled “Firearm Accessory Risers and Mounts and Methods for Forming the Same,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to systems and methods for mounting accessories, such as optical sights, to firearms and methods for forming such systems.
BACKGROUNDRecent years have seen a significant increase in demand for firearms and firearm-related accessories, for both civilian/recreational and military uses. This increased demand can especially be seen with the increased sales of assault rifles and accessories for use with assault rifles, including optical sights. Some of the most popular assault rifles, for both civilian and military uses, are those based on Eugene Stoner's design (e.g., the M-16/AR-15 and variants thereof, the AR-10 and variants thereof, etc.). One example of a popular optical sight for such rifles, for both civilian/recreational and military uses, is the ADVANCED COMBAT OPTICAL GUNSIGHT (ACOG) series available from TRIJICON Inc. of Wixom, Mich., and similar optical sights
ACOGs are renowned for providing excellent optical properties and being extremely durable. However, particular variants of the ACOG (e.g., the 4×32 models, such a the TA01 and TA31, a variant of which is designated the “M150 Rifle Combat Optic” by the U.S. Army) are considered by some users to be difficult to use because of the relatively short eye relief provided (i.e., the eye of the user must be placed into close proximity with the eye piece of the optic in order for a full field of view to be obtained). As a result, mounting such optical sights on a rifle, particularly a Stoner design, in a position where they may be comfortably, quickly, and easily used may be difficult.
This is particularly true when a “flip-up” iron sight (or back-up iron sight (BUIS)) is also mounted on the rifle. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, such a configuration is particularly desirable for military personnel because it provides the user with a back-up means for aiming the rifle in the event his or her primary optic (e.g., the ACOG) fails, in which case the ACOG may be removed, and the flip-up iron sight may be deployed.
Few solutions have been offered for this problem, and those that have been offered still do not mount the ACOG in the ideal position for many users (e.g., the ACOG is mounted undesirably high) and/or involve the use of an expensive, aftermarket mounts and/or other components, which is particularly an issue for many civilian/recreational users.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a mounting solution for optical sights, such as ACOGs, and other firearm accessories, which allows the accessory to be mounted in a more ideal position, while minimizing any additional costs.
The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and in which:
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, and brief summary, or the following detailed description. It should also be noted that
The ACOG 12 shown in
Although not shown in detail in
It should be understood that the mount 20 in
Referring again to
In such a configuration, due to the position and short eye relief of the ACOG 12, some users are not able to quickly and comfortably position their eye in the proper position to use the ACOG 12. For example, some users feel that in such a configuration the ACOG 12 is mounted too far forward (i.e., away from the butt stock 40) and/or too low on the rail 16.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a firearm accessory mount and/or a spacer for a mount, along with methods for forming such mounts/spacers and mounting firearm accessories are provided. In some embodiments, a spacer (or riser) for a M-16 (or carry handle) base mount is provided. The spacer has bottom and top sides, along with front and back ends. On the bottom side, a convex M-16 base mounting structure is formed, and on the top side, a concave M-16 base mounting structure is formed. A lip extends from the back end of the spacer, which has an upper surface that matches and extends the concave M-16 base mounting structure in an uninterrupted manner. The lip has a thickness that is less than that of the remainder of the spacer.
In some embodiments, first, second, and third mounting holes are formed through the spacer. The first hole extends upwards through the bottom side of the spacer at a forward portion thereof. The second hole extends from the bottom side of the spacer to the top side of the spacer at a central portion thereof. The third hole extends through the lip. The first and second holes are laterally spaced a distance substantially equal to the distance between mounting holes in a base portion of a 4×32 ACOG, which is also substantially equal to a distance between mounting holes on a conventional ACOG mount. The second and third holes are laterally spaced substantially the same distance as the first and second holes.
In some embodiments, the lip is sized such that when the base portion of a 4×32 ACOG is mated with the concave structure on the top side of the spacer and the mounting holes in the base portion of the ACOG are aligned with the second and third holes, a substantial (i.e., the rear) section (or portion) of the base portion of the ACOG extends past the edge of the lip (e.g., approximately ⅓ of the base portion of the ACOG extends past the edge of the lip) such that no portion of the spacer is positioned below the section of the base portion of the ACOG that extends past the edge of the lip.
In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom and top sides of the spacer is such that when the convex structure on the bottom side of the spacer is mated with a conventional ACOG mount, a base portion of a 4×32 ACOG is mated with the concave structure on the top side of the spacer, and the conventional ACOG mount is mounted to a rail (e.g., a picatinny rail), the base portion of ACOG is at a height above the rail sufficient to mount a flip-up iron sight (i.e., in a folded position) below the base portion of the ACOG. In some embodiments, the section of the base portion of the ACOG extending past the edge of the lip of the spacer is positioned at a height of, for example, between 10 and 16 mm above the rail to which the ACOG mount is mounted, with no portion of the spacer or mount being positioned below the section of the base portion of the ACOG that extends past the lip. That is, some embodiments, when the spacer is used in conjunction with a conventional ACOG mount to mount a 4×32 ACOG, a flip-up iron sight may be mounted directly below the section of the base portion of the ACOG extending past the lip, and no portion of the spacer or the mount is positioned immediately between the flip-up iron sight and the section of the base portion that extends past the edge of the lip of the spacer.
The lower side 106 is shaped such that when viewed in cross-section (i.e., from the front end 114 or the back end 116), a trapezoidal protrusion extends downward from the main body 102, which includes a horizontal surface 118 and two “angled” surfaces 120 and 122. As is shown in the figures, this trapezoidal protrusion extends from the front end 114 to the back end 116 of the spacer 100 (and/or the main body 102). One skilled in the art will recognize this structure (i.e., the protrusion) as being a convex profile of a “M-16 base” or a “carry handle base” mounting structure (i.e., a structure that is configured to mate with the channel, or at least the bottom portion of the channel, on an upper surface/side of a M-16 carry handle).
The upper side 108 is shaped in a manner that is substantially the “inverse” of the lower surface 106. That is, the upper surface 108 includes a trapezoid-shaped channel that extends substantially from the front end 114 to the back end 116 (particularly to the end of the lip 104). This channel includes a horizontal surface 124 and two angled surfaces 126 and 128. As is shown, this channel is positioned directly above, and extends in a parallel direction as, the protrusion on the lower surface 106. One skilled in the art will recognize this structure (i.e., the channel) as being a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure (i.e., a structure that is configured/shaped to replicate or simulate the channel, or at least the bottom portion of the channel, on an upper surface/side of a M-16 carry handle).
It should be noted that the channel on the upper side 108 of the spacer 100 may be substantially identical (at least in terms of cross-sectional shape) to the channel on the upper surface 22 of the mount 20. That is, as is apparently in the figures, the dimensions of convex structure on the lower surface 106 of the main body 102 are the same, or at least substantially the same, as the dimensions of the concave structure on the upper side 108.
Referring specifically to
Still referring to
In some embodiments, the front end 114 of the main body 102 is angled such that the channel (i.e., horizontal surface 124) on the upper side 108 does not extend as far towards the front end 114 as the protrusion (i.e., horizontal surface 118) on the lower side 106.
The lip 104 extends from an upper portion of the main body 102 at the back end 116 thereof. As shown in
Referring now to
It should be noted that the holes 146, 148, and 150 may be considered to be two sets of holes (e.g., two, three-hole sets), with one set being formed on the upper side 108 of the spacer 100 and the other set being formed on the bottom side 106 of the spacer 100. If considered as such, it should be noted that, for example, one of the holes on the upper side 108 is vertically aligned with one of the holes on the bottom side 106 to jointly form hole 148. However, in some embodiments, the holes on the upper side 108 may not be aligned with the holes on the bottom side 106.
In some embodiments, each of the holes 146, 148, and 150 has a width (or diameter) 152 of between about 4.0 mm and about 6.0 mm, and the holes 146, 148, and 150 are laterally equally spaced. More particularly, in some embodiments, a center-to-center distance 154 (as measured in a direction parallel to horizontal surfaces 118 and 124) between the first hole 146 and the second hole 148 is between about 31 mm and about 33 mm, as is a center-to-center distance 156 between the second hole 148 and the third hole 150. In some embodiments, center-to-center distance 154 and center-to-center distance 156 are approximately 32 mm. It should be noted that distances 154 and 156 may be substantially identical to distance 28, which corresponds to the distance between holes 24 in the mount 20 and the distance between holes 30 on the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12. It should also be noted that a (lateral) distance 157, as measured along horizontal surface 124, between the third hole 150 and the end of the lip 104 may be less than about 7 mm, such as between about 2 mm and 6 mm.
In some embodiments, such as that shown in
Still referring to
It should be understood that in some embodiments, the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12, the spacer 100, and the mount 20 are sized and shaped in such a way to help ensure the alignment of the components. For example, the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 may contact (or press against) the angled surfaces 126 and 128, and not the horizontal surface 124, on the upper side 108 of the spacer 100. As such, there may be a small gap (e.g., less than 1 mm, such as 0.5 mm) between the horizontal surface on the bottom of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 and horizontal surface 124). Similarly, angled surfaces 120 and 122 on the lower side 106 of the spacer 100 may contact the angled surfaces on the upper surface 22 of the mount 20 such that a small gap is formed between horizontal surface 118 on the lower side 106 of the spacer 100 and the corresponding horizontal surface on the upper surface 22 of the mount 20. Such a fitting between the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12, the spacer 100, and the mount 20 may ensure that the ACOG 12, the spacer 100, and the mount 20 are all aligned with each other (i.e., the horizontal edges thereof are all substantially parallel to each other), as well as with the rail to which the mount 20 is attached.
Referring to
It should be noted that due to the position of the third fastener 168 and/or the third hole 150 relative to the rear section of the mount 20, mounting the ACOG 12 to the mount 20 with the spacer 100 may be facilitated by installing the third fastener 168 prior to installing the first and second fasteners 164 (i.e., effectively mounting the ACOG 12 to the spacer 100 before the spacer 100 (and the ACOG 12) is secured to the mount 20).
Still referring to
It should also be noted that the end of the lip 104 extends past the end of the mount 20 adjacent to the flip-up iron sight 14. However, due to the reduced thickness of the lip 104 (e.g.,
It should further be noted that although the ACOG 12 has been raised such that base portion 32 “clears” the flip-up iron sight 14, the distance that the ACOG 12 has been raised is minimized due to the fact that no portion of the spacer 100 or the mount 20 is positioned directly below the rear section 170 of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12. As such, no portion of the spacer 100 or the mount 20 is positioned directly between the rear section 170 of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 and the flip-up iron sight 14. In other words, the ACOG 12 has been raised just enough such that the base portion 32 clears the flip-up iron sight 14 and no height is “wasted” (i.e., the ACOG 12 is not mounted any higher than needed to clear the flip-up iron sight 14, which would be the case if any portion of the spacer 100 (or the mount 20) were positioned between the rear section 170 of the base portion 32 and the flip-up iron right 14.
In some embodiments, when mounted as shown in
Thus, one advantage of the spacer (or the spacer 100 combined with the mount 20) is that the ACOG may be raised and moved closer to the eye of the user such that it may be more quickly, easily, and comfortably used, while still allowing for a flip-up iron sight to be mounted on the rifle, without positioning the ACOG unnecessarily and/or undesirably high. As a result of the minimizing the mounting height of the ACOG 12, it may be possible for the user to maintain a solid “cheek weld” on the stock of the rifle while using the ACOG and firing the rifle/engaging a target.
Another advantage is that the number of extra components required is minimized. This is the case because the spacer may be utilized with the ACOG mounts (including the fasteners) available from multiple manufacturers (thus reducing the probability that the user will need to obtain a new mount). In this regard, it should be noted that the first and third fasteners 164 and 168 (
Of particular interest is that the front end 214 of the spacer 200 has a different shape. As shown in
Perhaps most notable is that the spacer 200 has five holes 218, 220, 222, 224, and 226 (as arranged from the front end 214 to the back end 216) formed therethrough, as opposed to the three holes in spacer 100 described above. Holes 218, 222, and 226 may essentially correspond, and be sized and spaced in a manner similarly, to the three holes 146, 148, and 150 in spacer 100 described above, and hole 218 has a threaded component 228 positioned within (similar to hole 146 in spacer 100). Hole 220 and 224 may be similar to hole 222 and be evenly spaced between holes 218, 222, and 226. As such, although not shown in detail, a (lateral) distance between holes 220 and 224 may be the same as the distance between hole 218 and 222 and the distance between 222 and 226 (e.g., approximately 32 mm and/or the same as the distance between the holes 30 in the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12).
It should be understood that the exact sizes and shapes of particular portions of the spacer(s) may vary, examples of which are shown (e.g., as viewed from the front end) as spacer 300 and spacer 400 in
Additionally, it should be understood that the spacer may be formed as an integral portion of the mount. For example, although the mount 20 and spacer 100 shown in
Furthermore, although the above embodiments are described as being used with 4×32 ACOGs, it should be understood that other firearm accessories may be used, such as other optical sights, including other models of ACOGs (e.g., 3×30, 1.5×16, etc.) and BROWE Combat Optics (BCO) available from BROWE Inc. of Madison Heights, Mich. 4×32 BCOs may have a similar size and shape similar to 4×32 ACOGs, as well as an eye relief of approximately 38 mm. Other types of optical sights, such as “red dots” and “reflex sights,” may also be used, perhaps by utilizing only one of the holes in the spacer. Also, the various accessories described above may be used in conjunction with the spacer or mount on weapon systems besides Stoner design rifles, such as the SCAR series of rifles available from FNH USA of Mclean, Va., AK-47 variants, etc.
Furthermore, although the embodiments described above secure the ACOG (or other accessory) to the spacer and the mount using three (or two, in
Also, it should be understood that the spacer may be utilized with the mount 20 to laterally shift the optical sight (or other accessory) forwards, as opposed to backwards, by simply mounting the optical sight and/or the spacer in the opposite manner (i.e., by rotating the optical sight, the mount, and/or the spacer 180 degrees about a vertical axis). When done with a 4×32 ACOG, the result would be, for example, that a fore section of the base portion 32 of the ACOG 12 extends past the edge of the lip 104, as opposed to a rear section of the base portion 32. Moreover, shims may be provided to be placed between the spacer and the mount to allow the user to raise the ACOG 12, or other accessory, as desired.
Thus, in some embodiments, a firearm accessory spacer is provided. The firearm accessory spacer includes a main body having a lower side, an upper side, and an end. The lower side of the main body has a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon. The upper side of the main body has a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon. The main body has a first hole formed on the upper side thereof. A lip is connected to the end of the main body. The lip has an upper side shaped to extend the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure from the main body to an end of the lip and a second hole formed on the upper side thereof. The lip, the first hole, and the second hole are configured such that when a base of an optical sight is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure such that a forward mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the first hole on the main body and a rear mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the second hole on the lip, a substantial portion of the base of the optical sight extends past the end of the lip.
The lip may have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main body. The main body may have a third hole and a fourth hole formed on the lower side thereof. The third hole may be laterally spaced farther from the lip than the fourth hole. The first hole and the fourth hole may be laterally positioned between the second hole and the third hole. The third hole and the fourth hole may be laterally spaced a distance that is about the same as a lateral distance between the forward mounting hole and the rear mounting hole on the base of the optical sight.
The first hole and the fourth hole may be vertically aligned such that the first hole and the fourth hole jointly form an opening extending from the lower side of the main body to the upper side of the main body. An inner surface of the third hole may have a plurality of threads formed thereon. The plurality of threads may include a threaded insert positioned within the third hole.
The upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip may have a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon. The first hole and the second hole may be formed in the respective horizontal surfaces of the upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip. The lower side of the main body may have a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon. The third hole and the fourth hole may be formed in the horizontal surface of the lower side of the main body. A vertical distance between the horizontal surface of the upper side of the lip and the horizontal surface of the lower side of the main body may be less than 12 mm. The optical sight may be a M150 Rifle Combat Optic.
In some embodiments, a spacer for mounting an optical sight (such as a M150 Rifle Combat Optic) is provided. The spacer includes a main body having a lower side, an upper side, and an end. The lower side of the main body has a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon. The upper side of the main body has a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon. The main body has a first hole formed on the upper side thereof. A lip is connected to the end of the main body. The lip has an upper side shaped to extend the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure from the main body to an end of the lip, a second hole formed on the upper side thereof, and a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main body. The lip, the first hole, and the second hole are configured such that when a base of a M150 Rifle Combat Optic is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure such that a forward mounting hole on the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic is aligned with the first hole on the main body and a rear mounting hole on the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic is aligned with the second hole on the lip, a substantial portion of the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic extends past the end of the lip.
The main body may have a third hole and a fourth hole formed on the lower side thereof. The third hole and the fourth hole may be laterally spaced a distance that is about the same as a lateral distance between the forward mounting hole and the rear mounting hole on the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic. A lateral distance between the first hole and the second hole may be about 32 mm, and a lateral distance between the third hole and the fourth hole may be about 32 mm. A lateral distance between the second hole and the end of the lip may be less than 7 mm.
The upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip may have a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon. The first hole and the second hole may be formed in the respective horizontal surfaces of the upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip. The lower side of the main body may have a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon. The third hole and the fourth hole may be formed in the horizontal surface of the lower side of the main body. An angle between the angled surfaces on the upper side of the main body and the lip may be about 90 degrees. An angle between the angled surfaces on the lower side of the main body may be about 90 degrees.
In some embodiments, a mount for an optical sight is provided. The mount includes a base portion configured to be detachably secured to a firearm accessory rail and spacer portion connected to the base portion. The spacer portion includes a main body and a lip. The main body has an upper side and an end. The upper side has a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon. The main body has a first hole formed on the upper side thereof. A lip is connected to the end of the main body. The lip has an upper side shaped to extend the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure from the main body to an end of the lip and a second hole formed on the upper side thereof. The lip, the first hole, and the second hole are configured such that when a base of a optical sight is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure such that a forward mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the first hole on the main body and a rear mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the second hole on the lip, a substantial portion of the base of the optical sight extends past the end of the lip. When the base portion is secured to the firearm accessory rail, a vertical distance between the base of the optical sight and the firearm accessory rail is less than 15 mm.
The lip of the spacer portion may have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main body of the spacer portion. The base portion and the spacer portion may be configured such that when the base of the optical sight is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure, a vertical distance between the base of the optical sight and the firearm accessory rail is not more than 12 mm. The optical sight may be a M150 Rifle Combat Optic. The base portion and the spacer portion may be configured such that when the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure, the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic extends past the edge of the lip a distance of at least 15 mm.
In some embodiments, a method for forming a spacer (or a optical sight mount with the spacer incorporated therein), such as those described above, is provided. In embodiments in which the space or mount is made of a metal, such as aluminum, the spacer (or the mount) may be made using, for example, a milling machine, such as a CNC, an extrusion process, and/or a casting process. In some embodiments, a method for mounting a firearm accessory, such as the methods described above, is provided.
While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A firearm accessory spacer comprising:
- a main body having a lower side, an upper side, and an end, wherein the lower side has a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon, the upper side has a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon, the main body having a first hole formed on the upper side thereof; and
- a lip connected to the end of the main body, the lip having an upper side shaped to extend the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure from the main body to an end of the lip and a second hole formed on the upper side thereof,
- wherein the lip, the first hole, and the second hole are configured such that when a base of an optical sight is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure such that a forward mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the first hole on the main body and a rear mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the second hole on the lip, a substantial portion of the base of the optical sight extends past the end of the lip.
2. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 1, wherein the lip has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main body.
3. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 2, wherein the main body has a third hole and a fourth hole formed on the lower side thereof, the third hole is laterally spaced farther from the lip than the fourth hole, and first hole and the fourth hole are laterally positioned between the second hole and the third hole.
4. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 3, wherein the third hole and the fourth hole are laterally spaced a distance that is about the same as a lateral distance between the forward mounting hole and the rear mounting hole on the base of the optical sight.
5. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 4, wherein the first hole and the fourth hole are vertically aligned such that the first hole and the fourth hole jointly form an opening extending from the lower side of the main body to the upper side of the main body.
6. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 5, wherein an inner surface of the third hole has a plurality of threads formed thereon.
7. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 6, wherein the plurality of threads comprises a threaded insert positioned within the third hole.
8. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 5, wherein the upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip have a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon, wherein the first hole and the second hole are formed in the respective horizontal surfaces of the upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip.
9. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 8, wherein the lower side of the main body has a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon, wherein the third hole and the fourth hole are formed in the horizontal surface of the lower side of the main body, and wherein a vertical distance between the horizontal surface of the upper side of the lip and the horizontal surface of the lower side of the main body is less than 12 millimeters (mm).
10. The firearm accessory spacer of claim 9, wherein the optical sight is a M150 Rifle Combat Optic.
11. A spacer for mounting an optical sight, the spacer comprising:
- a main body having a lower side, an upper side, and an end, wherein the lower side has a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon, the upper side has a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon, the main body having a first hole formed on the upper side thereof; and
- a lip connected to the end of the main body, the lip having an upper side shaped to extend the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure from the main body to an end of the lip, a second hole formed on the upper side thereof, and a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main body,
- wherein the lip, the first hole, and the second hole are configured such that when a base of a M150 Rifle Combat Optic is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure such that a forward mounting hole on the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic is aligned with the first hole on the main body and a rear mounting hole on the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic is aligned with the second hole on the lip, a substantial portion of the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic extends past the end of the lip.
12. The spacer of claim 11, wherein the main body has a third hole and a fourth hole formed on the lower side thereof, wherein the third hole and the fourth hole are laterally spaced a distance that is about the same as a lateral distance between the forward mounting hole and the rear mounting hole on the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic.
13. The spacer of claim 12, wherein a lateral distance between the first hole and the second hole is about 32 millimeters (mm), and a lateral distance between the third hole and the fourth hole is about 32 mm.
14. The spacer of claim 13, wherein a lateral distance between the second hole and the end of the lip is less than 7 mm.
15. The spacer of claim 13, wherein the upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip have a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon, the first hole and the second hole being formed in the respective horizontal surfaces of the upper side of the main body and the upper side of the lip, and wherein the lower side of the main body has a horizontal surface and two angled surfaces formed thereon, the third hole and the fourth hole being formed in the horizontal surface of the lower side of the main body.
16. The spacer of claim 15, wherein an angle between the angled surfaces on the upper side of the main body and the lip is about 90 degrees, and wherein an angle between the angled surfaces on the lower side of the main body is about 90 degrees.
17. A mount for an optical sight, the mount comprising:
- a base portion configured to be detachably secured to a firearm accessory rail; and
- a spacer portion connected to the base portion, the spacer portion comprising: a main body having an upper side and an end, wherein the upper side has a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure formed thereon, the main body having a first hole formed on the upper side thereof; and a lip connected to the end of the main body, the lip having an upper side shaped to extend the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure from the main body to an end of the lip and a second hole formed on the upper side thereof, wherein the lip, the first hole, and the second hole are configured such that when a base of an optical sight is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure such that a forward mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the first hole on the main body and a rear mounting hole on the base of the optical sight is aligned with the second hole on the lip, a substantial portion of the base of the optical sight extends past the end of the lip, and wherein when the base portion is secured to the firearm accessory rail, a vertical distance between the base of the optical sight and the firearm accessory rail is less than 15 mm.
18. The mount of claim 17, wherein the lip of the spacer portion has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main body of the spacer portion.
19. The mount of claim 17, wherein the base portion and the spacer portion are configured such that when the base of the optical sight is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure, a vertical distance between the base of the optical sight and the firearm accessory rail is not more than 12 mm.
20. The mount of claim 17, wherein the optical sight is a M150 Rifle Combat Optic, and wherein the base portion and the spacer portion are configured such that when the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic is inserted into the convex profile of the M-16 base mounting structure, the base of the M150 Rifle Combat Optic extends past the edge of the lip a distance of at least 15 mm.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 20, 2013
Publication Date: Apr 3, 2014
Inventor: Mark Andrew Kupanoff (Scottsdale, AZ)
Application Number: 13/971,078
International Classification: F41G 11/00 (20060101);