Gun Accessory Quick Lock System
Systems and methods for mounting accessories to a firearm are disclosed. The systems include a rail connector, and quick release device for mounting on a firearm. The connector includes at least one mounting rail, and a fastening member for securely fastening the connector directly to the firearm. The quick release is then mounted to the mounting rail.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 60/884,812, filed Jan. 12, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to the field of firearms. More particularly, the present invention relates to gun mounts. Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a quick release-mounting device for an assault rifle
2. Discussion of the Related Art
As the field of combat weaponry expands, numerous add-on enhancements have become available for attachment to standard firearms thereby significantly upgrading the capability of the firearm. However, because of the variety of shapes of the upper receivers of different firearms, the add-on enhancements must be modified each time they are sold for a different firearm. This also results in high cost for the add-on enhancements.
The Swan/Weaver rail described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,871, incorporated herein by reference and hereinafter referred to as the '871 patent, addresses a portion of this problem. The female portion of the rail is a quick detachable interface means for modular enhancements. However, the rail requires a first rail (Weaver rail) to be attached to the firearm, typically to the arced handle on the U.S. Army M16 combat firearm, and different means on other types. The first rail must be designed for each firearm to accommodate the differences between firearm receivers. Since the male portion of the Swan/Weaver rail is easily removed by the firearm operator, they are also easily lost and calibration and weapon sighting are difficult and nonuniform.
As mentioned, the increasing complexity of combat has generated a need for weapons with increased accuracy and which are capable of supporting various accessories. These accessories include flashlights, infrared and night vision scopes, laser spotters, and so forth. Consequently, a wide variety of mounts for rifles and other hand weapons have been developed which permit mounting on the weapon, often along the barrel.
These modular weapon systems generally include Picatinny rails or other such rails or tracks, often using MIL-STD-1913 for standardization of the mounting systems, and are affixed to the barrel or stock of the rifle for mounting accessories thereon. A variety of designs have been suggested for such modular weapon systems and such rails, as well as differing numbers of rails, which can be coupled at one time to a rifle. At present, it is known to mount up to four rails to a rifle.
Since the rails are generally mounted on the handguard (or handguard replacement) of the rifle, accessories mounted thereon must be zeroed often, since the alignment of the accessory relative to the barrel changes slightly during firing of the weapon or if the weapon receives a shock (i.e., falls).
Recently, floating rails have been suggested such as rails attached to a weapon in such a way as not to contact the barrel. These generally are attached at the rear of the rifle only, in order to attempt to provide more stability over time. However, these rails, also, suffer from alignment problems due to the shock created by the gases during firing. In addition, most of these rails can be mounted only by an armorer, by taking apart the barrel and sight and reassembling the weapon with the floating rails.
The below-referenced U.S. patents and published U.S. applications, disclose embodiments that were at least in part satisfactory for the purposes for which they were intended. The disclosures of all of the below-referenced prior United States patents and applications, in their entireties, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application for purposes including, but not limited to, indicating the background of the present invention and illustrating the state of the art.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,096,620 to Zeh entitled “Device for mounting a telescopic sight on a weapon” is a device for mounting a telescopic sight onto a weapon. The device is equipped with two mounting feet, which are positioned at a distance from one another and provided with mounting elements for engaging in corresponding receiving openings on the weapon. The aim of the invention is to enable the sight to be positioned accurately without the need for a complex adjustment and fitting process. To achieve this, the mounting elements are configured by clamping bolts, which comprise laterally protruding lugs, are contained in the corresponding mounting feet and can be rotated through a release and locking position. The lugs can be inserted into recesses between inward-facing projecting shoulders of the receiving openings in the release position of the clamping bolts and engage with the underside of the projecting shoulders in the locked position of the bolts.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,997 to Oz discloses an “Accessory mount for a firearm.” The accessory mount, and a method for mounting accessories for a hand held firearm has a barrel and a mounting rail coupled beneath the barrel, the accessory mount including a frame, defining a substantially flattened bottom surface and a track for mounting along the mounting rail, the frame having a cavity for receiving a light, and a bipod mount coupled adjacent the track and behind the light cavity and arranged to hold a bipod having legs which can be folded substantially adjacent the barrel.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,214 to Oz discloses a “Flashlight mount for a firearm.” The flashlight mount, and a method for mounting a flashlight, for a rifle having a barrel and a mounting rail coupled to the barrel includes a frame having a bore for receiving a flashlight, the frame defining a substantially flattened bottom surface, and a base for mounting along the mounting rail, the base being distanced from the frame, thereby creating a finger-receiving aperture therebetween.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,484, to Mooney et al., discloses a universal mount for a rifle which is formed to support a series of accessory devices simultaneously. The mount comprises an upper rail, a lower rail, a heat shield, and a retaining clip. When in place, this mount enables the rifle to be used as a weapons' platform, simultaneously supporting a plurality of accessory devices that enhance the operational capabilities of the weapon. A major feature of this invention is that the mount is secured to the barrel so that it “follows” the direction of the barrel when the latter undergoes thermal deformation as a result of firing successive rounds of ammunition, which enables the weapon to remain accurate despite the number of rounds fired or the temperature of the barrel.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,015 to Baumann, et al., discloses a holding device for a weapon barrel which includes a casing extension on the casing of the weapon, and a longitudinal rail integrally formed on the top of the casing and on the casing extension as a mounting for the telescopic sight.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,486 to Bilgeri et al. discloses a hand-held firearm with a light casing. This firearm also includes a casing extension having a mounting for a telescopic sight.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,105 to Teetzel discloses an apparatus for attaching an accessory to a firearm. This apparatus includes a chassis containing a flashlight that can be mounted in various positions, depending on the weapon selected. The weapons factory installed hand grips are replaced by modified hand grips that contain the flashlight electronic controls, water proof activation switches, and power source.
Other U.S. patents of interest include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,845,871, 5,276,988 and 5,142,806 to Swan, 6,026,582 LaRue.
Some of the above devices suffer from a number of disadvantages. First, conventional mounts are substantially cylindrical in cross-section, such that their bottom surface is curved, so they provide no stability if the weapon is leaned upon a wall, for example. Second, often the mounts are relatively small, so as to permit mounting of several different accessories and reduce weight. However, this structure makes it difficult to comfortably grip the weapon while holding the mount, and often places the user's hand in close proximity to the hot barrel during firing. Third, conventional mounts generally have a selected location along the barrel at which they are affixed. Thus, this location is often not optimal for users of different heights and different arm lengths.
Accordingly, there is a long felt need for an accessory mount for a rifle or other hand-held firearm which provides a strong grip and stability for the weapon, and it would be desirable to have such a mount whose mounting location along the barrel is adjustable according to the length of the arm of the user.
Therefore, what is needed is a rail and quick release mount that is easy to use, durable, flexible, will not damage the rifle or the mounting rail, and does not require special tools to mount.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTIONBy way of summary, the present invention provides a mounting system for a rifle or carbine, such as an AR-15, M-16, or other handheld firearm preferably having a barrel and a mounting rail coupled to the barrel. The mounting system includes a frame defining a substantially flattened bottom surface, and a base for mounting along the mounting rail, the base being distanced from the frame, creating a finger-receiving aperture therebetween.
The present invention generally includes a system for mounting an accessory to a firearm rail. The mounting system includes a mounting device that is selectively attachable to the rail of a firearm. The system further includes a locking mechanism attached to the mounting device. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the mounting device to the rail of the firearm. There is thus provided, in accordance with the present invention, a quick-release mounting device for mounting an accessory such as, for example, a front sight, to a firearm.
In one embodiment, the accessory may include a high-powered scope, night vision sight, or other such accessory. The accessory sits on top of the gun barrel or the rail mount. The goal is to provide a quick-release mechanism that will not jam up when it gets dirty or is subject to extreme conditions such as hot or cold.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the mounting device comprises a base and a frame coupled together by way of a connecting rod or yoke. The frame and base are preferably spring biased with respect to one another so as to accommodate rails of varying size therebetween. The system preferably further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a lever with an integrally disposed button. The locking mechanism is configured to be selectively in communication with a cam member having a notch on a surface thereof.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a mount for a firearm comprises a two-piece mounting device having a base and a frame coupled to one another and having a bottom cavity designed to receive a rail of a firearm therebetween. In addition, a lever mechanism is provided for adjusting the distance between the frame and the base to thereby accommodate varying rail sizes therebetween.
In still another embodiment, a mounting device for receiving a rail of a barrel of a firearm includes a base having a downwardly facing receiving side defining a channel. A frame is coupled to the base by way of a connecting rod or yoke defining a gap therebetween and defining a second channel. The frame and base are preferably spring-biased with respect to one another. A locking mechanism comprising a cam having a notch on a surface thereof is also provided. The cam is configured to selectively receive a button disposed within a cavity of a lever to lock the base with respect to the frame.
One object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that is ruggedized and reliable, thereby decreasing down time and operating costs. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that has one or more of the characteristics discussed above but which is relatively simple to manufacture and assemble using a minimum of equipment.
These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:
In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSThe present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.
1. System OverviewThe invention solves the problem of having a locking mechanism that automatically locks the scope or other accessory onto a rail mount or rail system. As tolerances of the rail may be off, the locking mechanism of the present invention may be adjusted without the use of specialized tools to maintain a constant tension and is more durable than many of the prior art devices discussed above.
2. Detailed DescriptionReferring to the drawings in detail wherein like elements are indicated by like numerals, there is shown in
Optional notches 26 may also be provided in the rails 22, 23. The notches 26 provide additional means of engaging other components. The quantity and placement of pairs of notches 26 are as required or needed. In this embodiment of the invention, a series of identical and facing, rectangular notches 26 are formed transversely through the first and second rails 22, 23 (second rail not shown), respectively, as shown in
Each of the two long side edges 29 of the base portion 21 and rails 22, 23 are integral with external angled engagement surfaces 30 which extend the full length of the top section 20. The surfaces 30 each have a middle longitudinal section 32, upper longitudinal section 31, and lower longitudinal section 33. The upper section 31 surface planes are directed outwardly and downwardly at a forty-five degree angle from the horizontal planes of the rail upper surfaces 24, 25. The middle section 32 surface planes are directed vertically downwardly from the upper section 31 surface planes in planes perpendicular to the horizontal planes of the rail upper surface 24, 25 planes. The lower section 33 surface planes are directed inwardly and downwardly at a forty-five degree angle from the vertical planes of the middle sections 32 to the bottom section base side edges 49. In this embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal opening 28, having a rectangular U-shaped cross section, has a transverse width of 0.375 inches. The outer transverse width of the receiver sleeve top section 20 is 0.835 inches. The transverse width of the bottom base side edges 49 is 0.630 inches. The dimensions of the receiver sleeve top section 20 remain the same regardless of the firearm the receiver sleeve 2 is attached to. This ensures that all modular enhancements need meet only one interface requirement, regardless of the firearm.
The receiver sleeve top section 20 is joined to the receiver sleeve bottom section 40. The receiver sleeve bottom section also has a longitudinal, horizontally positioned base portion 41 along its length. The base portion 41 has two long side edges 49. A first rail 42 extends downward from the base portion 41 adjacent one of the long side edges 49 and a second rail 43 extends downward from the base portion 41 adjacent the other of the long side edges 49. The second rail 43 is in spaced parallel relationship to the first rail 42. The top section base 21 is joined in a mirrored, face-to-face relationship to the bottom section base 41. The joining faces of both bases 21, 41 have the same dimensions.
The lower surface 44 of the first rail 42 lies on the same horizontal plane as the lower surface 45 of the second rail 43. Each of the two long side edges 49 of the base portion 41 and the rails 42, 43 are integral with an angled engagement surface 50 which extends the full length of the bottom section 40. The surface 50 has an upper longitudinal section 51 and a lower longitudinal section 53. The upper section 51 surface planes are directed outwardly and downwardly at a forty-five degree angle from the horizontal plane of the bottom section base 41. The lower section 53 planes are directed vertically downward from the upper section 51 surface planes to the lower surfaces 44, 45 of the first 42 and second 43 rails, respectively. A longitudinal resultant opening 48 is formed between the integrated rail-angled engagement surfaces 42, 50 and 43, 50. The cross section shape of the opening 48 will vary from firearm to firearm depending on the upper receiver top 13 contour of the particular firearm. The opening 48 is the interface and engagement means between the receiver sleeve 2 and the firearm 10. The nominal cross section of the opening 48 and the cross section of the receiver sleeve top section 20 are identical. This permits complex integration of various modules to a firearm 10.
In the embodiment shown in
The conventional firearm handle was removed in order to install the receiver sleeve 2. However, handle 18 is available for semi-permanent, non-removable installation on the receiver sleeve 2 of the present invention for firearm users who do not require optics. The handle 18 is preferably installed directly to the receiver sleeve top section 20 and also has pin holes 46 for pinning to the receiver sleeve top section 20 thereby preventing removal by anyone other than an official armorer. Another embodiment of a handle is shown in the '871 patent. This handle has two fastener devices 14 of the '871 patent type incorporated into the handle base 15. As illustrated in the '817 patent, the handle may thereby be attached about the receiver sleeve top section 20 and used to carry the firearm 1.
The lever 35 preferably includes a shaft 36 perpendicular to an axis A. The shaft 36 has a mounting bore 37 therethrough. The shaft 36 is attached to stand 38 that is a generally flat piece of metal. The arm 39 of the lever 35 is connected to the stand 38. The arm preferably has lands 39a and grooves 39b that add a textured surface to the arm 39. This textured surface allows for better gripping of the lever arm by a firearm operator in the field.
Also shown in
When in use and operation, the base 20 of the present embodiment fits on a rail 3 attached to a gun 1. The device 10 is most often used to attach an accessory 18 to the gun such as a handle, night scope, light, additional weaponry, etc. Such an accessory 18 would be mounted to the top side of the base 20 on the barrel 16 or top side of the firearm 1. The bottom side of the base 20 preferably includes a receiving cavity 22 so that the base 20 can be received on the rail 3. When attaching the accessory 18 and the device 10 to the rail, the operator sets the receiving cavity 22 of the base on the rail. The lever arm 35 is then moved in a direction to effectively lock the base 20 to the rail. One key advantage is that the springs 65, 66 and bearings 40, 42 automatically adjust the device 10 for a snug fit to the rail. This is true even if different rails on different weapons are used by the operator for the same accessory. Of course, the size and shape of the rail cannot differ significantly, but must be within the required Milspec tolerances. Once the accessory 18 and a device 10 are locked in place, the operator has a greater sense of security that the accessory will not be accidentally lost. The tension or slight outward pressure applied by the ball bearings 40, 42 and the springs 65, 66 to the locking mechanism on the lever arm also helps prevent damage to the soft, but lightweight, metals typically used for the rail such as aluminum and other alloys. For example, where tolerances are very tight on prior art lever arms, the locking mechanism on such lever arms actually cuts into the rail making grooves or dents into it.
Now turning to
Referring now to
Turning now to
The end of yoke 132 is received by a threaded receiving portion 158 of a cam member 160. Threaded receiving portion 158 generally extends upwardly from the generally circular cam member 160. Cam member 160 includes a notch 162 on an outer surface thereof. Cam member 160 further includes a bore 164 through the center thereof. Bore 164 is configured to receive a dowel pin 166 or the like. Accordingly, as yoke 132 is advanced so as to bring base 120 and frame 152 closer to one another, the end of threaded portion 140 of yoke 132 eventually comes into contact with dowel pin 166 thereby limiting the advancement thereof.
Referring now to
Operably coupled to the lever 168 is a button 178 which is spring biased with respect to the lever arm 174 by a spring 180. Button 178 may be secured in place by a pin or the like running through a width thereof through apertures 179a and 179b. Button 178 is configured such that an end portion thereof is selectively and removably retained by the notch 162. Accordingly, when an end of button 178 is retained in notch 162 of cam 160, the base 120 and frame 152 become locked with respect to one another. Alternatively, when adjustment of the width of base 120 and frame 152 is desired, the button 178 may be depressed such that it may be removed from notch 162 thereby allowing the arm 174 of lever 168 to swing to the opposite side thereof, thereby freeing base 120 and frame 152 to move horizontally with respect to one another. This allows the width of device 110 of the present embodiment to be adjusted to accommodate varying rail sizes. The presence of button 178 is useful in preventing accidental loosening of the device 110 in the field. Further, the lever 174 configured to allow for ambidextrous operation as the lever 174 may be rotated 180 degrees and adjusted for the particular firearm.
The width of device 110 is adjusted by turning yoke 132 to draw base 120 and frame 152 closer to one another or to separate base 120 and frame 152 from each other. Preferably, the device 110 of the present invention comprises eight different predetermined positions. The tactile and audible feedback generated by the contacting of ball bearings 148a and 148b and detents 149 alerts the user to the relative position of the device 110. Preferably, this embodiment of the present invention provides a user with significant adjustability. Further, the present embodiment provides even pressure distribution between the device 110 and rail 3 thereby limiting the marring of the rail 3 often created by poor-fitting connections.
Turning now to
Now referring to
Turning now to
Referring to
The devices 10 and 110 and its components are typically fabricated from a relatively strong, lightweight material such as, for example, aluminum. It is possible, however, to construct devices 10 and 110 from other such materials including both metals and plastics having similar characteristics.
Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept.
Similarly, although aluminum is preferred for the inventive components, any material could be used in its place. In addition, the individual components need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable materials.
Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. Further, although many components described herein are physically separate modules, it will be manifest that they may be integrated into an associated component. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.
It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A system for mounting an accessory to a firearm comprising:
- a rail;
- a mounting device selectively attachable to the rail; and
- a locking mechanism attached to the mounting device, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to secure the mounting device to the rail without the use of specialized tools.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the mounting device comprises a base and a frame, wherein the base is coupled to the frame by a connecting rod.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the base comprises a series of detents on a surface thereof, wherein the detents are adapted to receive the connecting rod therein thereby giving a user of the system audible and tactile feedback as to a setting of the connecting rod.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lever having an integrally disposed button in communication with a cam having a notch on a surface thereof.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the button is configured to be received by the notch of the cam when the lever thereby locking the mounting device in a fixed position.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the button is configured to be selectively depressed thereby removing the button from the notch of the cam.
7. The system of claim 2 further comprising at least one spring positioned between the base and the frame.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one spring is configured to spring bias the base with respect to the frame.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the mounting device comprises a bottom rail receiving surface comprising a pair of channels configured to receive the rail therebetween.
10. A mount for a firearm comprising:
- a two-piece mounting device comprising a base and a frame coupled to one another, wherein the two-piece mounting device has a bottom cavity for receiving a rail of a firearm therein; and
- a lever mechanism for adjusting a distance between the base and the frame.
11. The mount of claim 10 wherein the base and the frame are spring-biased with respect to one another.
12. The mount of claim 10 wherein the lever mechanism comprises
- a lever;
- a button, coupled to the lever;
- a cam having a notch;
- wherein the lever is configured to be selectively positioned in a locked position wherein the button is received within the notch of the cam thereby locking the base and the frame into a fixed position and an unlocked position wherein the button is not received by the notch of the cam thereby allowing the base and the frame to be spring-biased with respect to one another.
13. The mount of claim 10 wherein the rail comprises a plurality of detents on a receiving surface thereof configured to provide a user of the mount with audible and tactile feedback.
14. The mount of claim 10 wherein the mount is configured to be used with rails having a plurality of different widths.
15. The mount of claim 10 wherein the base and frame are coupled to one another by a connecting rod.
16. The mount of claim 15 wherein the connecting rod comprises a relatively flat head having a slot therein for receiving a tool for adjusting a connection between the base and the frame and a threaded end, wherein the threaded end is configured to be received by the cam.
17. The mount of claim 16 wherein the connecting rod is configured to be adjusted to one of eight predetermined positions thereby adjusting the connection between the base and the frame.
18. A mounting device for receiving a rail of a barrel of a firearm comprising:
- a base having a downwardly-facing receiving side defining a first channel;
- a frame coupled to the base by a connecting rod defining a gap therebetween and defining a second channel, wherein the frame is spring-biased with respect to the base;
- a locking mechanism comprising a cam coupled to a lever having a button disposed within a cavity thereof; and
- wherein the cam is configured to receive a portion of the button thereby locking the base with respect to the frame.
19. The mounting device of claim 18 wherein the button is configured to be released from the cam to allow limited movement of the base with respect to the frame, thereby allowing a user to configure the width of the mounting device to accommodate rails of varying widths.
20. The mounting device of claim 19 wherein the connecting rod comprises a head portion with a slot configured to receive a tool therein and an opposing threaded end portion configured to be received within the cam, wherein turning the connecting rod in a first direction serves to move the base closer to the frame and turning the connecting rod in a second direction serves to move the base further from the frame.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 18, 2007
Publication Date: Jul 17, 2008
Inventors: William Orne (New Berlin, WI), Troy Storch (Waukesha, WI), John Gross (Mukwonago, WI)
Application Number: 11/959,020