RIFLE MOUNT

Abstract

The rifle mount of the present invention comprises a recoil lug having an aperture formed therethrough, wherein the lug further includes about its periphery at least one accessory mounting point. The recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention is a one piece mounting system which has an integral recoil lug that is sandwiched between the receiver and barrel creating a more rigid mounting system that is in an ergonomic operating area. In a preferred embodiment the improved recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention includes three accessory mounts disposed about the periphery of the lug. The recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention also includes extension wings which align the mounting rails with the barrel of the rifle. The recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention is operable to hold a variety of interchangeable accessory devices (e.g., aiming devices, laser range finding devices, flashlight devices) in a rigid yet more accessible area for the operator. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the accessory mounts comprise standardized mil spec (i.e., “Picatinny”) mounting rails for interchangeability of current technological accessory items known in public and military arenas, such as a flashlight, laser, night vision device, aiming device etc.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to a U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/995,323 filed Sep. 26, 2007, the technical disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention broadly relates to apparatus for mounting accessory sighting and aiming devices to firearms. More particularly, the present invention relates to an accessory mount fitted around the barrel of a rifle and configured to support a series of accessory devices simultaneously.

2. Description of the Related Art

Rifles have long included sights and optical scopes for accurate aiming of the rifle at a target. Moreover, mechanisms for mounting optical telescopes and similar aiming devices on firearms are well developed in the art. In more recent years, the increasing use technological accessories in conjunction with firearms has generated a need for weapons to be capable of supporting various technological accessories, such as 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 the mounting of lights, scopes and the like on the weapon, often along the barrel. Such mounts are generally referred to as Modular Weapon Systems, and replace the factory hand guards of the host weapon systems.

These modular weapon systems generally include Picatinny or other standardized rail interface systems, 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.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,600 to E'Nama discloses an attachment that clamps to the barrel of an M-16. Traverse slots, depending from the device, allow the securement of a singular accessory. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,650 to Swan teaches a multi-purpose rifle mount secured to the receiver of the rifle. The mount has a sleeve that fits over the barrel. The barrel remains “free-floating” in that the sleeve is positioned a distance from the barrel and does not contact the barrel at any point. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,484 to Mooney et al. teaches a universal mount for rifle comprising an upper rail having a plurality of traverse ribs running from the back of the upper receiver to the gas block, and a hand guard surrounding the barrel. The hand guard includes side mounts allowing the addition of accessory devices such as flashlights and laser sights.

However, it has been found that current accessory mounts affixed to the stock or hand guards of firearms are susceptible to inaccuracies due to being jarred and jolted during the course of regular operations and especially during firing. The current systems made for the bolt action rifles tend to be configured too far forward on the weapon and are not sufficiently rigid. Moreover, they oftentimes include complex and intricate attachment mechanisms. In addition, such accessory mounts often detract from the original ergonomics of the firearm. Therefore, a continuing need exists for a simple, yet versatile accessory mount that does not detract from a firearm's original ergonomics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The improved rifle mount of the present invention comprises a recoil lug having an aperture formed therethrough, wherein the lug further includes about its periphery at least one accessory mounting point. The recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention is a one piece mounting system which has an integral recoil lug that is sandwiched between the receiver and barrel creating a more rigid mounting system that is in a ergonomic operating area.

In a preferred embodiment the improved recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention includes three accessory mounts disposed about the periphery of the lug. The recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention also includes extension wings which align the mounting rails with the barrel of the rifle. The recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention is operable to hold a variety of interchangeable accessory devices (e.g., aiming devices, laser range finding devices, flashlight devices) in a rigid yet more accessible area for the operator. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the accessory mounts comprise standardized mil spec (i.e., “Picatinny”) mounting rails for interchangeability of current technological accessory items known in public and military arenas, such as a flashlight, laser, night vision device, aiming device etc.

A preferred embodiment of the improved recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention is constructed as a one piece unit. The recoil lug accessory mount of the present invention is formed out of a single piece of metal for rigidity. The one-piece rifle mount device of the present invention replaces the existing factory recoil lug, to better stabilize the action into a stock. Moreover, the recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention may be incorporated into a weapon without extensive modification of the rifle, undue process, machine labor or additional skill set outside the typical process of gunsmithing or armorer skills. In another embodiment, the recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention includes accessory mounts which are selectively attached and relatively coupled to the recoil lug portion of the mount.

The recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention is designed to work with receivers that have integral rails or mounts. The recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention is held in place by the inherent compression-tension/friction between the barrel and receiver when tightened, therefore eliminating addition compression pins, indexing or mechanical means to maintain alignment to the host action/rifle. The recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention will not degrade, interfere, or limit the inherent accuracy of the host weapon system. Every bolt rifle or rifle that needs more rail space or needs a more rigid accessory mount will benefit from the recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention may be had by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a prior art rifle and scope mount;

FIG. 1B is a exploded perspective view of a typical prior art rifle depicting a recoil lug disposed between the receiver and barrel;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention mounted on a typical prior art rifle;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention shown mounted on a typical prior art rifle in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of the embodiment, of the recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2A&B;

FIG. 3B is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2A&B;

FIG. 3C is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2A&B; and

FIG. 3D is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of the recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2A&B

Where used in the various figures of the drawing, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “height,” “width,” “length,” “end,” “side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, current hunting and sniper rifles 10 typically comprise a rifled barrel 12 having an attached firing mechanism and housed in a rifle stock 20. In bolt action rifles as depicted, the firing mechanism typically include a firing bolt 4 slidably coupled with a receiver mechanism 18. A trigger assembly 2 is utilized to actuate a firing pin within the bolt action. In addition, such rifles oftentimes include an optical scope 8 that is typically positioned above the receiver 18 and configured parallel to the gun barrel 12, so that the scope line of sight extends generally parallel to the line of fire extending from the barrel 12. The optical scope 8 is fixably attached to the receiver 18 by means of a primary mount 6. Typically, the primary mount 6 is fixably attached to the receiver 18 by means of screw fasteners. The primary mount 6 usually includes a rail system upon which the optical scope 8 can be demountably attached.

The barrel 12 of the exemplary prior art rifle 10 is rotatively coupled to the receiver 18 by means of complementary screw 13 and thread 17 mechanism. A recoil lug 14 is positioned between the barrel 12 and the receiver 18. The recoil lug 14 typically comprises a plate or block portion on the bottom of the receiver and/or barrel that transfers the recoil to the stock 20 of the firearm 10. The recoil lug 14 typically includes an aperture or hole 15 through which the barrel 12 and receiver 18 can be rotatively coupled. The standard recoil lug 14 is held between the barrel 12 and receiver 18 under the compression/friction of screwing the barrel 12 into the receiver 18.

With reference now to FIG. 2A, an embodiment a typical rifle configured with an embodiment of the improved recoil lug rifle mount 30 of the present invention is shown. The recoil lug rifle mount 30 of the present invention takes the place of the recoil lug 14 on firearms that have such a recoil lug mechanism. The rifle mount 30 includes at least one accessory mounting point which does not interfere with the primary mount 6 nor detract from the firearm's original ergonomics. By placing the recoil lug rifle mount 30 between the barrel and the receiver it is positioned in an area that is more user friendly for the operator and is held rigid between the barrel and the receiver.

As shown in FIGS. 2B-3D, the improved recoil lug rifle mount 30 of the present invention includes a lug portion 34 having an aperture or hole 40 through which a barrel and receiver can be rotatively coupled, wherein the lug portion 34 further includes about its periphery at least one accessory mounting point. The recoil lug rifle mount 30 of the present invention is held in place by the inherent compression-tension/friction between the barrel 12 and receiver 18 when tightened, therefore eliminating addition compression pins, indexing or mechanical means to maintain alignment to the host action/rifle. As shown in the Figures, a preferred embodiment the improved recoil lug rifle mount 30 of the present invention includes three accessory mounts 32, 36, 38 disposed about the periphery of the lug 34. As shown in FIGS. 3C-3D, it is noted that the accessory mounts can be configured directly to the outer periphery of the lug 34 (e.g., accessory mount 32) or may include an extender portion 31, 33 extend the accessory mounts (e.g., accessory mounts 36, 38) further away from the periphery of the lug 34. As depicted in the Figures, in a preferred embodiment of the recoil lug rifle mount 30 of the present invention the three accessory mounts 32, 36, 38 are configured at approximately 90° from each other.

in the embodiment of the recoil lug rifle mount 30 of the present invention depicted in the figures, the depicted accessory mounts 32, 36, 38 comprise standardized mil spec “Picatinny” rails as an attachment platform. As depicted, the rifle mount 30 may also includes extension wings 35, 37 for rigidity. Moreover, the extension wings 35. 37 align the mounting rails 32, 36, 38 with the barrel 12 of the rifle. The incorporation of standardized mounting rails enable the rifle mount 30 of the present invention to hold a wide variety of technological accessory items such as laser range finders, night vision devices, flashlights etc. It is understood that the improved recoil lug rifle mount 30 of the present invention may be dimensioned so as to work with any suitable rifle.

The recoil lug rifle mount 30 of the present invention has the advantage of not being held on by screws. It will work on any receiver/barrel configuration that has a recoil lug between the barrel and the receiver. It is held in place from the barrel 12 being screwed into the receiver 18. It may also be pinned in place to keep the mounting rails aligned when the barrel 12 is being tightened to the receiver 18.

In a preferred embodiment, the recoil lug rifle mount 30 of the present invention is constructed as a one piece unit. Any durable material may be suitable for manufacturing the rifle mount 30 of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention is manufactured out of the metallic alloy 4140 PH 28-32HRC. Some softer metals, such as aluminum, are not entirely suitable material for constructing the invention because of the compression forces exerted between the barrel and the receiver/action. It has been found that the lug portion 34 needs to be square front to back to keep the barrel 12 aligned square with the receiver 18. While in a preferred embodiment, the recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention is manufactured as a single piece without any component parts; nonetheless, it is understood that other embodiments may include component wings which may be rotated in relation to the centralized lug portion 34. For example, the attachment wings and rails may be relatively coupled to the extender portions 31, 33

In one embodiment of the rifle mount 30 of the present invention, the top rail mount 32 is lilted like an extension of the primary mount rail 6 instead of being flat so that if someone mounts a scope ring this far forwards it will not be stress bent into the scope.

The recoil lug rifle mount 30 of the present invention may be incorporated without extensive modification of the rifle, undue process, machine labor or additional skill set outside the typical process of gunsmithing or armorer skills. It will not degrade, interfere, or limit the inherent accuracy of the host weapon system. Moreover, the recoil lug rifle mount 30 of the present invention can be utilized with actions that have integral recoil lugs and with actions that have replaceable recoil lugs.

It will now be evident to those skilled in the art that there has been described herein an improved rifle mount system that greatly improves the ability of an operator to mount additional accessory devices to a rifle.

Although the invention hereof has been described by way of a preferred embodiment, it will be evident that other adaptations and modifications can be employed without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the recoil lug rifle mount of the present invention may include a plurality of mounting rails. The terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation; and thus, there is no intent of excluding equivalents, but on the contrary it is intended to cover any and all equivalents that may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose mount for supporting at least one accessory device on a rifle, said rifle having a barrel and a receiver assembly which are selectively coupled to one another, said mount comprising:

a recoil lug having at least one accessory mounting surface on the outer periphery of said lug, wherein said lug includes an aperture allowing said lug to be mounted between said barrel and receiver assembly.

2. The multi-purpose mount of claim 1 wherein said mounting surface further comprises a rail assembly.

3. The multi-purpose mount of claim 1 wherein said rail assembly comprises a Picatinny rail.

4. The multi-purpose mount of claim 1 wherein said mount comprises two mounting surfaces.

5. The multi-purpose mount of claim 4 wherein said two mounting surfaces are positioned 180 degrees from one another.

6. The multi-purpose mount of claim 1 wherein said mount comprises three mounting surfaces.

7. The multi-purpose mount of claim 6 wherein said two mounting surfaces are positioned approximately 90 degrees from one another.

8. The multi-purpose mount of claim 7 wherein each of said mount surfaces comprise a rail assembly.

9. The multi-purpose mount of claim 8 wherein each of said rail assemblies comprise a Picatinny rail.

10. The multi-purpose mount of claim 1 further comprising an extender portion between said periphery of said recoil lug and said mounting surface.

11. The multi-purpose mount of claim 10 wherein said mounting surface is pivotally attached to said extender portion

12. The multi-purpose mount of claim 1 wherein said barrel and receiver assembly are selectively coupled by means of complementary screw threads.

13. A rifle comprising in combination:

a receiver assembly;

a barrel selectively coupled to said receiver assembly, and

a recoil lug positioned between said barrel and receiver assembly, wherein said recoil lug includes at least one mounting surface for supporting an accessory device on said rifle.

14. The rifle of claim 13 wherein said barrel and receiver assembly are selectively coupled by means of complementary screw threads.

15. The rifle of claim 13 wherein said mounting surface comprises a rail assembly.

16. The rifle of claim 15 wherein said rail assembly comprises a Picatinny rail.

17. The rifle of claim 15 wherein said at least one mounting surface comprises three mounting surfaces spaced at approximately 90° intervals about the periphery of the recoil lug.

18. The rifle of claim 13 wherein said recoil lug further comprises an extender portion between the at least one mounting surface and the outer periphery of the recoil lug.