Variable position vehicle weapon mount

Abstract

A vehicle mount for mounting a firearm on a vehicle is provided so that the rifle may be rotated horizontally and angled at multiple positions on the vehicle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to vehicle-mounted weapons such as rifles, and in particular to a variable position vehicle mount attachable to the rifle's rail system, more commonly referred to as the Picatinny rail.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hunters in remote areas, such as the vast leased hunting areas in the western United States, often use vehicles to get to the remote wild areas to hunt animals in these areas, for example, feral hogs. Typically, a semi-automatic rifle is used for this type of hunting, such as an AR-15, derived from the selective fire M16-series assault rifle used by the United States military forces. Standard AR-15 rifles are very configurable and customizable, and are commonly fitted with many accessories, including a rail system for the attachment of vertical grips, flashlights, laser sights, telescopic sights and other accessories.

For example, AR-15 rifles typically have a Picatinny rail, which is a bracket that provides a standardized mounting platform for the various accessories. Picatinny rails typically are made so that they are a stable platform that does not flex as the barrel of the rifle heats and cools. Thus, an ARMALITE™ 1-inch scope mount is one of the devices used as an assembly to attach a scope to most MIL-STD1913 (Picatinny) rail systems, placing the scope centerline at the same position as the iron sights of a model A2 rifle or similar versions of that model.

In addition to being a useful weapon—for hunting, use of the AR-15 rifles and similar military-style rifles, along with the use of camouflage dress and rugged four-wheel drive vehicles such as jeeps, FORD BRONCOS™, or any other utility vehicle, and the like, provides the users with the illusion that they are participating in military operations and makes their experience more satisfying and exciting.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a vehicle mount for mounting a firearm on a vehicle so that the firearm may be rotated horizontally and angled at multiple positions.

Other objects and advantages will be more fully apparent from the following disclosure and appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein is a vehicle mount for mounting a firearm on a vehicle so that the rifle may be rotated horizontally and angled at multiple positions on the vehicle thus giving a full range of motion to the user while providing the operator with a safely elevated full range of motion shooting platform.

Other objects and features of the inventions will be more fully apparent from the following disclosure and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective end view of a first embodiment of the vehicle weapon mount of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of a side of the adjustable top piece of the invention of FIG. 1 with the scope mount horizontal.

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of a side of the adjustable top piece of the invention of FIG. 1 with the scope mount angled.

FIG. 4 is a perspective end view of the front of the adjustable top piece of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective end view of the rear of the adjustable top piece of the invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the adjustable top piece of the invention of FIG. 1 showing one of the infinite possible rotated positions.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective partial view of the vehicle mount of the invention showing the base of the riser and the top of the base plate.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the post plate and attached post.

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the support post of the invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional partial view of the support post and cross-pin.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a scope mount open for insertion of a rail of a rifle.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of a rifle mounted on the vehicle mount of the invention.

FIG. 13 is perspective view of the left side of a second embodiment of the invention herein.

FIG. 14 is a right side perspective view of the invention of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a back perspective view of the top of the light mount of the embodiment of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention with a gun mounted thereon.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a gas spring gun support used with the invention.

FIG. 18A is a side elevational view of a receiver mount of the invention.

FIG. 18B is a side view of a square receiver mount of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective side view of the receiver mount of FIG. 19 showing one half open for mounting on a roll-bar.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a receiver mount mounted on a roll-bar of a vehicle.

FIG. 21 is a perspective side view of a vehicle mount in the receiver mount of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a perspective side view of an extension arm of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

The present invention is a vehicle mount for a firearm or weapon, such as a rifle, having a rail, such as a Picatinny rail, a Weaver rail, or other type of rail known in the art for mounting accessories to the rifle. While the preferred rifles mounted with the invention are AR-15 or AR-10 semi-automatic rifles, the invention may be modified for attachment to any other rifle/weapon having a rail or similar structure to which accessories may be mounted without departing from the invention herein.

The vehicle weapon mount 50A, B of the invention generally includes a means for mounting a support post 100 on a vehicle or other support and a rotating top portion so that the rifle can be rotated horizontally at any of an infinite number of positions 360 degrees around the support post and can be angled so that the rifle points downward, horizontally or upward. The vehicle weapon mount 50A of the first embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-6, 12. The vehicle mount 50B of the second embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 13-16) has a more complicated adjustable top portion than the vehicle mount 50A of the first embodiment of the invention as discussed below. The remaining figures show features common to both embodiments of the invention herein.

Embodiment 50A Invention—Reference FIGS. 1 through 11

Referring now in more detail to the figures, the vehicle weapon mount 50A of the invention in the first embodiment comprises a support 100 post (FIG. 9) having an upper end 102 and a lower end 104. Preferably the support post 100 is piece of square 2×2×¼-inch square metal tubing. The length of the support post 100 is preferably about 24 inches long, but may be made in different lengths as desired.

In the first embodiment of the invention, a post plate 106 is welded perpendicularly across the upper end 102 of the support post 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Preferably the post plate 106 is 4×4.5×⅜ inch in size, made of a piece of steel plate.

In the first embodiment 50A the adjustable top portion includes an adjustable top piece 108 is attached to the top of the post plate 106, preferably by bolts 110 through a base plate 112 that is attached to the top of the post plate 106 and is the same size as the post plate 106 (FIGS. 1-10).

A riser 114 is rotatably attached to the base plate 112 as shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 6-7. Preferably the means of rotation of the riser 114 includes a circular ball bearing 116 to which is attached a pair of riser arms 118 as shown in FIGS. 2-3. Pieces 108, 112, 116, 118, and 120 all make up a pre-fabricated Service Caster Co. KP 30S820. The riser arms 118 are preferably in parallel planes to each other and are on opposite sides of the circular ball bearing 116, and are angled upward from the base plate 112 as shown. This structure provides a 360-degree turntable with upright supports to hold the weapon. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the base 120 of each riser arm 118 is preferably curved to partially encircle the circular ball bearing 116. The riser arms 118 are preferably just over 5 inches high, and are about 2¼ inches wide.

There is a hole (not shown) toward the top of each riser arm 118 so that a threaded cross-bar 124 (FIG. 4) may be placed across the riser 114 (FIGS. 2, 3) extending between the riser arms 118 (FIGS. 2, 3) above the base plate 112 (FIGS. 2, 3).

In both embodiments of the invention, a mount-holding portion is attached to the cross-bar 124. In the first embodiment as discussed directly below, the mount-holding portion is a transverse bar 126 (FIG. 4), and in the second embodiment of the invention, the mount-holding portion is a secondary riser 148 (FIGS. 13-15) as discussed below.

Thus, as shown in the figures for the first embodiment, a transverse bar 126 having a central hole (not shown) therethrough is attached to the cross-bar 124 with the cross-bar 124 going through the central hole in the transverse bar, so that the transverse bar 126 is rotatable about the cross-bar 124 (FIG. 4). A scope mount 128 (ARMALITE™ 1-inch Model No. EX0027) is co-linearly attached to the top of the transverse bar 126 (FIGS. 2-3). For use with a rifle having a Picatinny rail, a (ARMALITE™ 1-inch Model No. EX0027) scope mount is attached to the transverse bar

To assemble this portion of the riser 114 (FIGS. 2-6), the threaded cross-bar 124 is placed through one of the holes 122, and then a polyurethane bushing 130, the transverse bar 126 and a second bushing 130 are placed on the threaded cross-bar 124 between the riser arms 118. The threaded cross-bar 124 is then inserted through the other riser arm 118, and a washer and nut 132 and bolt 134 fixed respectively to the two ends of the threaded cross-bar 124.

A receiver sleeve 136 is provided for the lower end 104 of the support post 100 (FIGS. 18A-22). This technology functions much like that of a trailer hitch insert in the tail end of a truck. The receiver sleeve 136 has a pair of holes 144 on opposite sides thereof. To hold the lower end 104 in the receiver sleeve 136, a cross-pin 142 (with Hi-viz rubberized handle with safety pin) is placed through a selected one of a plurality of pairs of ½-inch holes 146 on opposite sides of the support post 100 after aligning the selected holes 146 with holes 144 (FIGS. 1 and 9-10). The height of the rifle 140 mounted on the vehicle mount (see below) above the receiver sleeve 136 depends on which pair of holes 146 on the support post 100 is aligned with the pair of holes 144 on the receiver sleeve 136.

The receiver sleeve 136 may be mounted on a vehicle, for example on the vehicle's roll-bar, by any means known in the art, for example by bolting or welding. Preferably it is mounted as discussed below and shown in FIGS. 18A-21.

When the rail 138 of a rifle 140 is fit on the scope mount 128, the position of the rifle 140 may be adjusted horizontally by rotating the riser 114 with respect to the vehicle and vertically by rotating the transverse bar 126 about the cross-bar 124.

Embodiment 50B Invention—Reference FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16

In the second preferred embodiment 50B of the invention herein with additional components of the adjustable top portion, instead of mounting the scope mount 128 on a transverse cross bar 126, a secondary riser 148 as shown in FIGS. 13-16 is pivotally mounted on the threaded cross-bar 124 in the same structure as in the first embodiment by means of holes (not shown) in the lower angled portion of the secondary riser 148. The secondary riser 148 has a flat top 152 with a stepped-down forward extension 154 as shown in FIGS. 13-14 and 16. The scope mount 128 is bolted to the flat top 152 as shown, so that the rifle rail 138 may be attached thereto as known in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 13-15, bolted to the stepped down forward extension 154 is an elongated support 156 with a widened distal end 158 for attachment of a light 160 as known in the art (e.g., a Larson Electronic 35 watt HID light, 12 V or similar versions thereof), or for mounting other attachments. Preferably, attached to light cord, there is an inline single pole double throw waterproof toggle switch as known the art to allow the user to rapidly turn the light on and off. Preferably the elongated support 156 is made of light steel ( 3/16 inch) at least 12 inches long, and at its distal end 158 is at least 3.5 inches wide. The light 160 or other attachment is attached to the elongated support 156 by magnetism or optional bolting.

Preferably a gas spring gun support 162 as known in the art (FIGS. 16-17) is used to absorb shocks when the gun is saddled in the invention, or not in use. Preferably the gun support 162 is a U-shaped weapon saddle bracket used to support and secure weapon safety when not in use and has a metal U-shaped end 164 that is held around the gun with a small bungee cord 166, and has a 25 lb, 30 lb, 35 lb or 40 lb gas spring (depending on weight/length of barrel and other attachments) bolted to a custom steel bracket 170 which is welded to support post 100.

Horizontal movement of a rifle 140 mounted to the second embodiment of the invention is made possible by rotation of the riser 114, while vertical movement of the rifle barrel is possible by rotation of the secondary riser 148 about the threaded cross-bar 124.

Preferably the invention herein in both embodiments is mounted to a vehicle roll-bar 172 as known in the art. The preferred means of mounting is a pair of pipe-collars 174 (openable with an Allen wrench as known in the art) welded to a receiver sleeve 136 (FIGS. 18A, 18B and 19-21). The inner diameter of the pipe-collars 174 is such that the pipe-collars fit over the roll-bar and can be tightened so that they do not rotate about the roll-bar (e.g., 1¾ inch ID for a 1⅞ inch diameter roll-bar). By loosening the Allen screws to open each pipe-collar 174 (one shown open in FIG. 19), the pipe-collars 174 may be slipped on the roll-bar. After tightening the pipe-collars 174 so that the receiver sleeve 136 is vertical, the support post 100 of the selected embodiment of the invention may be inserted in the receiver sleeve 136 and fastened in place as discussed above.

Optionally, an extension arm 176 is provided with a first end 182 that may be placed in a standard receiver sleeve 136 and a second end 184 with a secondary receiver sleeve 178 as shown in FIG. 22 that is parallel to the first end 182. Two opposite holes 180 (one shown in FIG. 22) in the secondary receiver sleeve 178 allow the vehicle mount 50A,B of the invention to be mounted in a position to the front or rear of the roll-bar 172 or other mounting location.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that numerous variations, modifications, and embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle weapon mount for a rifle having a rail, comprising:

a) a support post having an upper end and a lower end, and having a post plate perpendicular to the upper end;

b) an adjustable top piece comprising: i) a base plate, attached to the top of the post plate; ii) a riser rotatably attached to the base plate and comprising a pair of riser arms (Service Caster Co. KP 30S820); iii) a cross-bar extending between the riser arms above the base plate; iv) a mount-holding portion attached to the cross-bar and rotatable about the cross-bar; and v) a scope mount co-linearly attached to the top of the mount-holding portion; and

c) a receiver sleeve for the lower end of the support post, the receiver being mounted on a vehicle; wherein when the rail of the rifle is fit on the scope mount, the position of the rifle may be adjusted horizontally by rotating the riser with respect to the vehicle and vertically by rotating the mount-holding portion about the cross-bar.

2. The vehicle weapon mount of claim 1, wherein the receiver sleeve is welded on an upper roll cage of a vehicle.

3. The vehicle weapon mount of claim 1, wherein the receiver is bolted on to the vehicle.

4. The vehicle weapon mount of claim 1, further comprising a cross-pin, wherein the support post comprises hollow square tubing having a plurality of pairs of holes on opposite sides of the support post, the receiver has a pair of holes on opposite sides of the receiver, the lower end of the support post is placed in the receiver, the cross-pin is placed through one of the pairs of holes on the support post that are aligned with the pair of holes on the receiver, and the height of the a rifle mounted on the vehicle mount above the receiver depends on which pair of holes on the support post is aligned with the pair of holes on the receiver.

5. The vehicle weapon mount of claim 1, wherein the riser is rotatably attached to the base plate by a ball bearing mechanism.

6. The vehicle weapon mount of claim 1, wherein the rifle has a Picatinny rail.

7. The vehicle weapon mount of claim 1, wherein the rifle is an AR-10 rifle.

8. The vehicle weapon mount of claim 1, further comprising pipe-collars welded to the receiver, the pipe-collars mountable on a vehicle roll-bar.

9. The vehicle weapon mount of claim 1, wherein the mount-holding portion comprises a transverse bar.

10. The vehicle weapon mount of claim 1, wherein the mount-holding portion comprises secondary risers.