QUICK RELEASE WEAPON MOUNT AND ACCESSORIES FOR USE THEREWITH
A quick release weapon mount is provided, the mount comprising a housing member having a base and a means for attaching an accessory, and at least one clamp. The clamp comprising one or more slideably engaged translational members, wherein the translational members are adapted for slideable translational-movement. The means for attaching an accessory can include a lumen, a clamping band, a toggle clamp, a spring clip, a latch or other attachment means. An additional translational clamp can be included to lock an accessory in a fixed axial position on the mount. The mount can further include a supplemental accessory rail for modular construction of several accessories and a safety mechanism for preventing premature release of the mount.
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This application is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/467,954, filed May 18, 2009; which claims benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/144,092 titled “QUICK RELEASE WEAPON MOUNT” filed Jan. 12, 2009; the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to an article of manufacture for releasably mounting various accessories to a support structure. This invention also relates to firearms and more particularly to a quick-release weapon mount for mounting a weapon accessory to a weapon having a Picatinny rail or similar bracket attached thereto. Although the invention can be used as a quick release weapon mount, the field of the invention includes other uses such as laboratory optical mounts and other accessory mounts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWith the continued advancement in technologies related to combat, specifically weapons combat, the need for specialized accessories has and will continue to increase. Advancements such as the Picatinny rail, also called a ‘MIL-STD-1913 rail’ or ‘STANAG 2324 rail’ have provided somewhat of an international standard for weapon-mountable accessories. The rail was originally for scopes. However, once established, the use of the system was expanded to other accessories, such as tactical lights, night vision devices, laser sighting modules, reflex sights, fore grips, bipods, and bayonets. Because they were originally designed and used for telescopic sights, the rails were typically found only on the receivers of larger caliber rifles. But their use has extended to the point that today the combination of Picatinny rails and accessories are displacing the original iron sights in the design of many handheld firearms, and they can now often be found on the undersides of frames and even on grips. Other similar rails are available in the art, such as the Weaver rail among others.
Because of the increasing popularity of the Picatinny and similar rails, innovative weapon-mountable accessories have been designed to attach thereto. For example, modern white lights and lasers have been developed for mounting to a weapon, these lights generally being mountable to a Picatinny rail using a clamp. Currently available mounts for mounting these and other accessories to a Picatinny rail include a ‘Lug Clamp’, ‘Piston Clamp’, and a ‘Lever Clamp’.
A ‘Lug Clamp’ is available in several variations, but generally includes two opposing teeth and a threaded connector or screw. As the threaded connector is rotationally engaged or tightened, the opposing teeth move toward each other to a point of engaging a rail and tightly clamping thereto. An example of a Lug Rail is taught by Klumpp; U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,566, issued Feb. 11, 1992, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. One problem with the Lug Clamp includes the inherent requirement for tooling, such as a screwdriver or hex-key, to adjust and remove the clamp. This is especially a problem in combat or other tactical situations where rapid adjustment or release of the clamp is necessary.
A ‘Piston Clamp’ is also currently available in several variations, but generally includes an elongated slot having a horizontal base and two vertical walls, two opposing teeth are fixed to the slot with one at each vertical wall. The slot can be slideably attached to a rail, and a piston is used to press the rail against the opposing teeth. The Piston Clamp generally comprises a threaded driver such as a screw, or a lever for adjustment of the piston. An example of a Piston Clamp is taught by Solinsky et. al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,901, issued Jun. 10, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
A ‘Lever Clamp’ is currently available in several variations, but generally includes two opposing teeth and a lever mechanism. The lever mechanism usually incorporates a cam, so as to tighten the opposing teeth as the lever torques the cam. An example of a Lever Clamp is taught by Lame; U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,904, issued Sep. 27, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Although an improvement over the Lug Clamp, the Lever Clamp has proven to be limiting in combat and tactical situations. One problem of the Lever Clamp is its susceptibility to failure, which can render the clamp useless. This is especially a problem in combat and tactical situations where an operator dives to the ground, hammers through an obstacle using the weapon, or otherwise applies force which directly or indirectly displaces against the lever.
A ‘Rotational Clamp’ is currently available in several variations, but generally includes a first part, a second part, and a hinge therebetween, where the first part is connected to the second part at the hinge. The hinge further comprises a bump, such that as the two parts are rotated the bump enters a slot to engage a friction fit. An example of a Rotational Clamp is taught by Rogers; U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,364, issued Oct. 28, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
There remains a need for an improved quick release weapon mount for mounting a weapon accessory to a weapon having a Picatinny rail or similar bracket attached thereto. The mount will need to include a clamp which is adjustable without the need for a tool, the mount must be rapid-interchangeable and rapid-release, the mount will need to be compatible with standard weapon mounts such as a Picatinny, Weaver, or other rail, the mount will need to be functional in the presence of sand, the mount will need to include a safety mechanism to prevent premature or undesired removal of the mount, and the mount will need to be versatile for use with a variety of applications including a firearm such as a handgun or a rifle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is a primary objective of this invention to provide a quick release mount for use in mounting an accessory to a support structure, the mount being versatile for use with a number of available accessories and providing increased axial holding capabilities without damaging the mounted accessory from application of a crush force.
It is another objective of this invention to provide a quick release mount for use in mounting an accessory to a support structure, the mount including a clamping mechanism which does not require a collateral tool for attachment or removal of the mount.
It is another objective of this invention to provide a quick release mount for use in mounting an accessory to a support structure, the mount including a clamping mechanism functional in the presence of sand and dirt and having no exposed functional members.
It is another objective of this invention to provide a quick release mount having a minimal height, minimal width, minimal depth, for an optimized bulk and minimized weight.
It is another objective of this invention to provide a mount which can is symmetrical, therefore allowing the user to attach the mount without looking, or while looking in another direction.
It is another objective of this invention to provide a quick release mount for use in mounting an accessory to a support structure, the mount being versatile for applications with several firearms including rifles as well as handguns.
It is another objective of this invention to provide a quick release mount having a built-in safety mechanism for preventing unwanted or premature removal of the mount from a support structure.
It is another objective to provide a mount having a short length for attaching to a pistol or handgun.
It is yet another objective of this invention to provide a quick release mount for use in mounting an accessory to a support structure, the mount further including a means for attaching a supplemental accessory for combinatory use and modular configuration.
In one embodiment, the invention comprises a housing member having a base and a means for attaching an accessory, and at least one clamp. The clamp comprising at least one translational member; wherein the translational member is slideably engaged within the mount. The means for attaching an accessory can include a lumen, a latch, a toggle clamp, a clamping band, a spring clip, however those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other variations that the mount can include. The means for attaching an accessory can further include a slot and a penetrating tab. The penetrating tab provides an axial force for maintaining the accessory in a fixed axial position within the mount. The housing member can include one or more rails for attaching a supplemental accessory.
In one embodiment, the housing member substantially surrounds the functional members of the clamp to protect against penetrating elements such as dirt or sand. The housing member is light-weight and can be machined from an aluminum or similar stock, or molded from composites, plastics, rubbers, or other materials. The mount is symmetrical and has no front or back side, therefore allowing the user to attach the mount without looking, or while looking in another direction.
In another embodiment, the invention is applied to a firearm at a bracket or rail and includes one or more accessories and a mount for modular configuration thereof. The accessories can include one or more of a: fore grip, bi-pod system, sling attachment, Global Positioning System, wireless remote receiver, mount rail, pepper spray, audio microphone, long range audio speaker, dye marking canister/dispenser, visible light source, laser pointer, infra red (IR) light source, still camera, video camera, knife, forward looking infrared sensor, night vision scope, or spotting scope.
In another embodiment, the mount comprises at least one notch for providing compatible use with firearms having a barrel length of less than 8 inches.
Although the invention is discussed herein particularly with its application to quick-release mounting devices for firearm accessories, it should be borne in mind that it is not intended to limit the spirit an scope of the invention solely to use in conjunction with firearms. This invention clearly has a wide range of application is circumstances where a device is intended to be releasably mounted in stable fashion to a supporting structure. For example, this invention applies to camera and spotting scope mounts that are used in connection with various sporting events and commercial activities, as well as laboratory optical equipment. Many other uses of this invention will become obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art upon acquiring a thorough understanding of this invention.
So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the preferred embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended drawings, which drawings are incorporated as a part hereof.
It is to be noted however, that the appended drawings illustrate only a typical embodiment of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
In the Drawings:
Though the present invention is discussed herein particularly as it relates to releasable mounts for firearms, particularly tactical rifles and handguns used by military and law enforcement personnel, it is to be understood that this invention has application for support of devices other than optical sighting devices and on other objects.
In a general embodiment, this invention is a quick-release mount for mounting an accessory to a rail or bracket. The mount comprises a housing member having a base and a means for attaching an accessory, and at least one clamp. The clamp comprises one or more translational members, wherein the translational members are slideably-engaged.
The mount can comprise one or more clamps, wherein each clamp comprises one or more translational members. The term “translational members” is herein used to describe two or more components which are slideably engaged and configured for movement in a translational direction. One translational member can be slideably engaged with a housing member to achieve a similar translational clamp. Two translational members can be slideably engaged. Translational members generally are restricted to movement within a plane, and are restrained from rotational movement. Translational members may have very little or negligible rotational movement, as their movement is substantially constrained within a translational plane. For purposes of this invention a translational plane is simply a plane in which translational members are moveably confined.
The mount includes a means for attaching an accessory. In a representative embodiment, the means for attaching an accessory comprises a lumen. The lumen is generally an annular shaped hole, or extruded cut, through the housing member; however the lumen can comprise any geometric shape extruded cut through the housing member, for example a square or triangle. A lumen is broadly described as any open pathway molded or etched into a housing member. A lumen is further used to describe a hollowed cylindrical portion, such as a tube-like structure, as is commonly used to describe anatomical tubular structures. In one preferred embodiment, the lumen is generally cylindrical. The lumen is generally contained within the housing member, and has an inner diameter (ID) slightly larger than the accessory for which the mount is applicable. The lumen further defines an axial direction along the length of the lumen.
The mount can comprise a first clamp. The mount can further comprise a second clamp. The first clamp can be used for attaching the mount to a rail, and the second clamp can be used for attaching an accessory to the mount.
The mount can comprise a housing member having a base and a lumen, a first clamp for attaching the mount to a rail, and a second clamp for attaching an accessory to the mount. The first clamp can comprise two or more translational members, the translational members comprising opposing teeth for engaging a rail. The lumen of the mount comprises a slot, the slot being perpendicular to the axial direction of the lumen. The second clamp can comprise two or more translational members, at least one of the translational members comprising a tab, wherein the tab is configured to protrude into the lumen space. The tab can grip the accessory, or in the case where the accessory has a groove—the tab can fit within the groove of the accessory to prevent the accessory from moving in the axial direction. The accessory can be a light source, such as a flashlight.
The mount can comprise one or more clamps having a spring element for providing recoil force to the translational members. In one embodiment, the mount comprises a housing member having a base and a lumen, and a clamp. The clamp is attached to the housing member at the base. The clamp comprises two or more translational members and at least one spring element. The spring element is flexible in the translational direction and provides a recoil force (Frecoil). The translational members comprise opposing teeth having a fixed distance at rest (Drest), wherein Drest is less than or equal to the width of a rail (Wrail). Upon the application of force in the translational direction where the force is greater than Frecoil, a user can move the slideably engaged translational members in the translational direction, the opposing teeth thereby moving apart from each other such that the teeth have an expanded distance (Dexpanded) greater than Drest. Upon release of the translational members, the spring element provides a recoil force to return the translational members and opposing teeth such that the opposing teeth again have a distance apart substantially equivalent to the greater of Wrail or Drest.
The mount can further comprise a rail for attaching a supplemental accessory. The rail can be attached to the mount at a side opposite or adjacent to the base. For example, the mount can comprise a housing member having a base, a lumen and a rail. The rail can be positioned on the outside of the housing member on a side opposite to the base. The rail will generally be aligned parallel to the axial direction of the lumen. Optionally, the rail can be positioned on the outside of the housing member on a side adjacent to the base, the rail being aligned parallel to the axial direction of the lumen.
A supplemental accessory is generally any accessory configured for attachment to the mount at a rail. Examples of supplemental accessories include one or more of a: fore grip, bi-pod system, sling attachment, Global Positioning System, wireless remote receiver, mount rail, pepper spray, long range audio microphone, long range audio speaker, dye marking canister/dispenser, visible light source, laser pointer, infra red (IR) light source, still camera, video camera, knife, forward looking infrared sensor, night vision scope, or spotting scope. One having skill in the art will recognize that other accessories can be used within the scope of this invention.
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The slideably engaged translational clamp of this invention minimizes size of the mount, and enables rapid application and release of the mount and accessories.
Each mount of the invention includes a rail clamp, the rail clamp comprising at least one slideably engaged translational member for releasing the mount from a rail. The rail clamp can comprise one, two, or more slideably engaged translational members. Similarly, and other clamp can comprise one or more slideably engaged translational members, such as an accessory clamp. Where slideably engaged translational members are described herein, the description may be applied to any of a rail clamp or an accessory clamp.
The clamps of this invention include improvements over prior art clamps. It has been recognized by the inventors that certain clamps have a propensity to jam or lock up, that especially when used in conjunction with a weapon—a harsh kickback upon firing a gun can lodge an accessory loose, and that dirt and the elements tend to decompose one or more components of prior art mounts. The invention described herein substantially captivates the translational members, otherwise referred to as functional members, thereby preventing exposure to the elements and the jamming or lucking associate therewith. Additionally, the present invention provides a tab for fixing an accessory in an axial position without imposing a tight clamping force which can damage the accessory.
In an exemplary embodiment of this invention, a safety mechanism is incorporated into the mount for preventing premature or unwanted release of the quick release mount from a support structure. Referring to
It is intended that the present invention have application to a wide range of devices that are intended to be mounted in quick-release, stable fashion to a support structure. Thus, it is not intended to restrict the spirit and scope of the present invention to use in connection with the accessories of firearms. The discussion here, for purposes of simplicity, is intended only to be representative of preferred embodiments of the present invention. Other and further embodiments of the present invention will become obvious and inherent to one skilled in the art upon a thorough understanding of the spirit and scope of the present invention.
In view of the foregoing it is evident that the present invention is one well adapted to attain all of the objects and features hereinabove set forth, together with other objects and features which are inherent in the apparatus disclosed herein.
As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention may easily be produced in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. A quick-release weapon mount, comprising;
- a housing member having a base, a means for attaching an accessory, and
- a clamp,
- said clamp comprising at least one translational member,
- wherein said translational member is slideably-engaged with one of: said housing member, or a second translational member.
2. The weapon mount of claim 1, wherein said means for attaching an accessory comprises a lumen.
3. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said clamp is attached to said housing at said base.
4. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said lumen comprises a slot.
5. The weapon mount of claim 4, wherein at least one of said translational members comprises a tab.
6. The weapon mount of claim 5, wherein said tab protrudes into said lumen at said slot.
7. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said clamp further comprises a spring element for providing recoil translational movement to said translational members.
8. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said housing further comprises an elongated rail for attaching a supplemental accessory.
9. The weapon mount of claim 8, wherein said supplemental accessory is one of a: fore grip, bi-pod system, sling attachment, Global Positioning System, wireless remote receiver, mount rail, pepper spray, long range audio microphone, long range audio speaker, dye marking canister/dispenser, visible light source, laser pointer, infra red (IR) light source, still camera, video camera, knife, forward looking infrared sensor, night vision scope, or spotting scope.
10. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said housing comprises a notch, said notch located at one of a proximal end or a distal end of the lumen.
11. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said housing comprises a first notch located at a proximal end of the lumen, and a second notch located at a distal end of the lumen.
12. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said clamp further comprises a safety mechanism for preventing the premature release of the mount.
13. The weapon mount of claim 12, wherein said safety mechanism comprises a safety button, a safety latch, and a safety tab.
14. The weapon mount of claim 13, wherein said clamp comprises a safety slot.
15. The weapon mount of claim 14, wherein said clamp comprises a safety spring.
16. A weapon mount, comprising;
- a housing member having a base and a lumen, and
- at least one clamp,
- said clamp comprising two or more translational members and a spring,
- wherein said translational members are connected to said spring.
17. A weapon mount, comprising;
- a housing member having a base and a lumen, and
- at least one clamp adapted to engage a rail,
- wherein said clamp is not rotationally-adjustable.
Type: Application
Filed: May 24, 2010
Publication Date: Sep 16, 2010
Applicant: NOVATAC, INC. (Carlsbad, CA)
Inventors: Mark Becker (Vista, CA), Joe Mintz (Carlsbad, CA)
Application Number: 12/786,308