GUNS AND MOUNTING STRUCTURE ASSEMBLY, AND A MOUNTING STRUCTURE FOR CONNECTING A RAIL OF A HANDGUN TO A RAIL OF A LONG GUN

Abstract

A mounting structure includes a first rail socket for releasably securing a rail of a long gun including a sight device defining a first sight line, and a second rail socket for releasably securing a rail of a handgun including a sight device defining a second sight line. The mounting structure secures the handgun to the long gun, the handgun is spaced apart upright and parallel to one side of the long gun, the long gun and the handgun concurrently point downrange along the first and second sight lines, respectively, the first and second sight lines are not obstructed by the mounting structure, and the handgun is accessible by hand for holding and discharging the handgun without interference from the mounting structure, when the first rail socket and the second rail socket are releasably secured to the respective rails of the long gun and the handgun.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/518,628, filed Jun. 13, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to guns, to accessories for guns, and to mounting structures for interconnecting guns.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of guns. Of particular interest are man-portable long guns and handguns, including lethal devices and nonlethal devices. A long gun is a long-barreled shoulder-braced man-portable device designed to be discharged, whether actually or by simulation such as for training or educational purposes, by either the right hand when braced against the right shoulder, or the left hand when braced against the left shoulder. A handgun is a short-barreled man-portable device designed to be held and discharged, whether actually or by simulation such as for training or educational purposes, with only one hand. Lethal-type long guns and handguns, devices designed for delivering lethal force, are devices from which bullets or other projectiles are discharged, such as by gunpowder or other propulsive force or impulse. Nonlethal-type long guns and handguns, devices designed for delivering nonlethal force, are devices from which paintballs, projectiles of soft rubber, projectiles of foam, projectiles of plastic, tear gas projectiles, darts, electrodes, or the like are discharged, such as by compressed gas, a piston, one or more springs, or other chosen discharge mechanism. Nonlethal long guns and handguns also include those that are designed to deliver no force at all, that are disabled from discharging projectiles or designed to not discharge projectiles, such as training or educational weapons, including static or molded training or educational weapons, useful for simulating firing, or weapon reproductions or the like.

Some long guns incorporate forward pistol grips, grips that are forward of the trigger of the long gun, useful for gripping by the non-firing hand, the left hand when the long gun is braced against the right shoulder and discharged by the right hand or the right hand when the long gun is braced against the left shoulder and discharged by the left hand, for stabilizing the long gun in operation. Conventionally, long gun forward pistol grips project downwardly under the barrel between the muzzle and the trigger guard, and are aligned along the centerline or long axis of the long gun from the butt stock to the muzzle. Since the customary positioning of a long gun forward pistol grip is aligned along the long axis centerline of the gun under the barrel, they inherently fail to conform to the inherent bilateral symmetry of the human physiology since bringing the non-firing hand inline with the firing hand is inherently unnatural and inherently uncomfortable.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art of man-portable guns, including long guns and handguns, for a long gun that incorporates a forward pistol grip that accommodates the bilateral symmetry of the human physiology, that provides a secondary handgun platform useful in conjunction with or independently of the long gun, and a specialized mounting structure useful for connecting a long gun to a handgun for re-purposing the pistol grip of the handgun as a forward pistol grip for the long gun for stabilizing the long gun during operation without interfering with the operation of the long gun and without interfering with the operation of the handgun for further enabling an operator to selectively discharge projectiles downrange from the long gun, the handgun, and concurrently from the long gun and the handgun.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A

According to the principle of the invention, apparatus includes a long gun, a handgun, and a mounting structure. The long gun includes a first sight device defining a first sight line, a first barrel terminating in a first muzzle pointing along the first sight line, and a first rail over the barrel. The handgun includes a second sight device defining a second sight line, a front end, a rear end, a grip proximate to the rear end, a trigger between the front end and the grip, a second barrel terminating in a second muzzle at the front end pointing along the second sight line, and a second rail. The mounting structure includes a fixture having a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first rail socket for releasably securing the first rail of the long gun, and the second section includes a second rail socket for releasably securing the second rail of the handgun. The mounting structure releasably secures the handgun to the long gun, the handgun is spaced apart upright to one side of the first barrel and is parallel to the long gun, the first sight line is parallel to the second sight line and the first muzzle and the second muzzle concurrently point downrange along the first sight line and the second sight line, respectively, the first sight line and the second sight line are not obstructed by the mounting structure, and the grip and the trigger of the handgun are accessible by hand for holding and discharging the handgun without interference from the mounting structure, when the first rail socket is releasably secured to the first rail and the second rail socket is releasably secured to the second rail of the handgun.

The first rail socket is adjustable between an open position for being received over the first rail, and a closed position for releasably securing the first rail. The first rail socket is defined by an inwardly-hooked first sidewall and an opposed inwardly-hooked second sidewall extending outwardly relative to a first surface of the first section, the inwardly-hooked first sidewall being movable between a first position away from the inwardly-hooked second sidewall defining the open position of the first rail socket and a second position toward the inwardly-hooked second sidewall defining the closed position of the first rail socket. The first section further includes a first adjustment member mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein the inwardly-hooked first sidewall is enabled for movement between its first position and its second position, when the first adjustment member is in its first position, and the inwardly-hooked first sidewall is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward its first position from, its second position, when the first adjustment member is in its second position. The first adjustment member is mounted rotatably to the first section, wherein rotation of the first adjustment member in opposite directions imparts corresponding adjustment of the first adjustment member between its first position and its second position. The second rail socket is adjustable between an open position for being received over the second rail, and a closed position for releasably securing the second rail. The second rail socket is defined by an inwardly-hooked first sidewall assembly and an opposed inwardly-hooked second sidewall extending outwardly relative to a second surface of the second section, the inwardly-hooked first sidewall assembly includes a proximal base section carried by the second section and a distal lip section carried by an end cap mounted to the second section for movement between a first position of the distal lip section away from the inwardly-hooked second sidewall defining the open position of the second rail socket and a second position toward the inwardly-hooked second sidewall of the second section defining the closed position of the second rail socket. The second section further includes a second adjustment member mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein the end cap is enabled for movement between the first position of the distal lip section and the second position of the distal lip section, when the second adjustment member is in its first position, and the end cap is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward the first position of the distal lip section from, the second position of the distal lip section, when the second adjustment member is in its second position. The second adjustment member is mounted rotatably to the second section, wherein rotation of the second adjustment member in opposite directions imparts corresponding adjustment of the second adjustment member between its first position and its second position.

A transverse slot is formed in the first rail, a first lug carried by the first section, and the first lug is received within the transverse slot of the first rail disabling sliding movement of the mounting structure along the first rail, when the first rail socket is releasably secured to the first rail. The first adjustment member is mounted rotatably to a distal end of the first lug extending outwardly from the first section. The first lug is elongate and includes a proximal end anchored to the fixture and extends from the proximal end through the first rail socket from the inwardly-hooked second sidewall to the inwardly-hooked first sidewall and beyond the inwardly-hooked first sidewall to the distal end and the adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end. The first lug extends through the inwardly-hooked first sidewall from the first rail socket to the distal end and the first adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end beyond the inwardly-hooked first sidewall, wherein the inwardly-hooked first sidewall translates reciprocally along the first lug when the inwardly-hooked first sidewall moves between its first position and its second position.

A transverse slot is formed in the second rail of the handgun, a second lug carried by the second section, and the second lug is received within the transverse slot of the second rail of the handgun disabling sliding movement of the mounting structure along the second rail of the handgun, when the second rail socket is releasably secured to the second rail of the handgun. The second adjustment member is mounted rotatably to a distal end of the second lug extending outwardly from the second section. The second lug is elongate and includes a proximal end anchored to the fixture and extends from the proximal end through the second rail socket from the inwardly-hooked second sidewall to the inwardly-hooked first sidewall assembly and beyond the inwardly-hooked first sidewall assembly to the distal end and the second adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end. The second lug extends through the end cap from the second rail socket to the distal end and the adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end beyond the end cap, wherein the end cap translates reciprocally along the second lug when the end cap moves between the first position of the distal lip section and the second position of the distal lip section.

B

According to the principle of the invention, apparatus includes a long gun, a handgun, and a mounting structure. The long gun includes a first sight device defining a first sight line, a first barrel terminating in a first muzzle pointing along the first sight line and including a top, a bottom, and opposed sides, and a side rail that extends longitudinally along one of the opposed sides of the first barrel between the top of the first barrel and the bottom of the first barrel. The handgun includes a second sight device defining a second sight line, a front end, a rear end, a grip proximate to the rear end, a trigger between the front end and the grip, a second barrel terminating in a second muzzle at the front end pointing along the second sight line, and a bottom rail between the trigger and the front end. The mounting structure includes a fixture having a first section and a second section. The first section includes a side rail socket for releasably securing the side rail of the long gun, and the second section includes a bottom rail socket for releasably securing the bottom rail of the handgun, the side rail socket being vertical and outwardly-facing, and the bottom rail socket being horizontal and upwardly-facing. The mounting structure secures the handgun to the long gun, the handgun is spaced apart upright to one side of the first barrel and is parallel to the long gun, the first sight line is parallel to the second sight line and the first muzzle and the second muzzle concurrently point downrange along the first sight line and the second sight line, respectively, the first sight line and the second sight line are not obstructed by the mounting structure, and the grip and the trigger of the handgun are accessible by hand for holding and discharging the handgun without interference from the mounting structure, when the side rail socket is releasably secured to the side rail and the bottom rail socket is releasably secured to the bottom rail of the handgun.

The side rail socket is adjustable between an open position for being received over the side rail, and a closed position for releasably securing the side rail. The side rail socket is defined by an inwardly-hooked lower sidewall and an opposed inwardly-hooked upper sidewall extending outwardly on either side of a vertical surface of the first section, the inwardly-hooked upper sidewall being movable between a raised position away from the inwardly-hooked lower sidewall defining the open position of the side rail socket and a lowered position toward the inwardly-hooked lower sidewall defining the closed position of the side rail socket. The first section further includes a first adjustment member mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein the inwardly-hooked upper sidewall is enabled for movement between its raised position and its lowered position, when the first adjustment member is in its first position, and the inwardly-hooked upper sidewall is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward its upper position from, its lowered position, when the first adjustment member is in its second position. The first adjustment member is mounted rotatably to the first section, wherein rotation of the first adjustment member in opposite directions imparts corresponding adjustment of the first adjustment member between its first position and its second position.

The bottom rail socket is adjustable between an open position for being received over the bottom rail, and a closed position for releasably securing the bottom rail. The bottom rail socket is defined by an inwardly-hooked inner sidewall and an opposed inwardly-hooked outer sidewall assembly extending outwardly on either side of a horizontal surface of the second section, the inwardly-hooked outer sidewall assembly includes a proximal base section carried by the second section and a distal lip section carried by an end cap mounted for movement to the second section between a first position of the distal lip section away from the inwardly-hooked inner sidewall defining the open position of the bottom rail socket and a second position toward the inwardly-hooked inner sidewall defining the closed position of the bottom rail socket. The second section further includes a second adjustment member mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein the end cap is enabled for movement between the first position of the distal lip section and the second position of the distal lip section, when the second adjustment member is in its first position, and the end cap is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward the first position of the distal lip section from, the second position of the distal lip section, when the second adjustment member is in its second position. The second adjustment member is mounted rotatably to the second section, wherein rotation of the second adjustment member in opposite directions imparts corresponding adjustment of the second adjustment member between its first position and its second position.

A transverse slot is formed in the side rail, a first lug is carried by the first section, and the first lug is received within the transverse slot of the side rail disabling sliding movement of the mounting structure along the side rail, when the side rail socket is releasably secured to the side rail. The first adjustment member is mounted rotatably to a distal end of the first lug extending outwardly from the first section. The first lug is elongate and includes a proximal end anchored to the fixture and extends from the proximal end through the side rail socket from the lower inwardly-hooked sidewall to the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall and beyond the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall to the distal end and the first adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end. The first lug extends through the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall from the side rail socket to the distal end and the adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end beyond the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall, wherein the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall translates reciprocally along the first lug when the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall moves between its raised position and its lowered position.

A transverse slot is formed in the bottom rail of the handgun, a second lug is carried by the second section, and the second lug is received within the transverse slot of the bottom rail of the handgun disabling sliding movement of the mounting structure along the bottom rail of the handgun, when the bottom rail socket is releasably secured to the bottom rail of the handgun. The second adjustment member is mounted rotatably to a distal end of the second lug extending outwardly from the second section. The second lug is elongate and includes a proximal end anchored to the fixture and extends from the proximal end through the bottom rail socket from the inwardly-hooked inner sidewall to the inwardly-hooked outer sidewall assembly and beyond the inwardly-hooked outer sidewall assembly to the distal end and the second adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end. The second lug extends through the end cap from the bottom rail socket to the distal end and the adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end beyond the end cap, wherein the end cap translates reciprocally along the second lug when the end cap moves between the first position of the distal lip section and the second position of the distal lip section.

C

According to the principle of the invention, an apparatus for connecting a first rail of a long gun to a second rail of a handgun includes a mounting structure including a fixture having a first section and a second section, the first section includes a first rail socket, and the second section includes a second rail socket. The first rail socket is adjustable between an open position for being received over the first rail and a closed position for releasably securing the first rail, and the second rail socket is adjustable between an open position for being received over the second rail and a closed position for releasably securing the second rail.

The first rail socket is defined by an inwardly-hooked first sidewall of the first section and an opposed inwardly-hooked second sidewall of the first section extending outwardly relative to a first surface of the first section, the inwardly-hooked first sidewall being movable between a first position away from the inwardly-hooked second sidewall defining the open position of the first rail socket and a second position toward the inwardly-hooked second sidewall defining the closed position of the first rail socket. The first section further includes a first adjustment member mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein the inwardly-hooked first sidewall is enabled for movement between its first position and its second position, when the first adjustment member is in its first position, and the inwardly-hooked first sidewall is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward its first position from, its second position, when the first adjustment member is in its second position. The first adjustment member is mounted rotatably to the first section, wherein rotation of the first adjustment member in opposite directions imparts corresponding adjustment of the first adjustment member between its first position and its second position.

The second rail socket is defined by an inwardly-hooked third sidewall assembly of the second section and an opposed inwardly-hooked fourth sidewall of the second section extending outwardly relative to a second surface of the second section, the inwardly-hooked third sidewall assembly includes a proximal base section carried by the second section and a distal lip section carried by an end cap mounted to the second section for movement between a first position of the distal lip section away from the inwardly-hooked fourth sidewall defining the open position of the second rail socket and a second position toward the inwardly-hooked fourth sidewall defining the closed position of the second rail socket. The second section further includes a second adjustment member mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein the end cap is enabled for movement between the first position of the distal lip section and the second position of the distal lip section, when the adjustment member is in its first position, and the end cap is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward the first position of the distal lip section from, the second position of the distal lip section, when the adjustment member is in its second position. The second adjustment member is mounted rotatably to the second section, wherein rotation of the second adjustment member in opposite directions imparts corresponding adjustment of the second adjustment member between its first position and its second position.

A first is lug carried by the first section for being received within a first transverse slot of the first rail disabling sliding movement of the mounting structure along the first rail, when the first rail socket is releasably secured to the first rail. The first adjustment member is mounted rotatably to a first distal end of the first lug extending outwardly from the first section. The first lug is elongate and includes a first proximal end anchored to the fixture and extends from the first proximal end through the first rail socket from the inwardly-hooked second sidewall to the inwardly-hooked first sidewall and beyond the inwardly-hooked first sidewall to the first distal end and the first adjustment member mounted rotatably to the first distal end. The first lug extends through the inwardly-hooked first sidewall from the first rail socket to the first distal end and the first adjustment member mounted rotatably to the first distal end beyond the inwardly-hooked first sidewall, wherein the inwardly-hooked first sidewall translates reciprocally along the first lug when the inwardly-hooked first sidewall moves between its first position and its second position.

A second lug is carried by the second section for being received within the second transverse slot of the second rail disabling sliding movement of the mounting structure along the second rail, when the second rail socket is releasably secured to the second rail. The second adjustment member is mounted rotatably to a second distal end of the second lug extending outwardly from the second section. The second lug is elongate and includes a second proximal end anchored to the fixture and extends from the second proximal end through the second rail socket from the inwardly-hooked fourth sidewall to the inwardly-hooked third sidewall assembly and beyond the inwardly-hooked third sidewall assembly to the second distal end and the second adjustment member mounted rotatably to the second distal end. The second lug extends through the end cap from the second rail socket to the second distal end and the second adjustment member mounted rotatably to the second distal end beyond the end cap, wherein the end cap translates reciprocally along the second lug when the end cap moves between the first position of the distal lip section and the second position of the distal lip section. The first rail socket is outwardly-facing, the second rail socket is upwardly-facing, the first rail socket is perpendicular relative to the second rail socket, and the first lug is perpendicular relative to the second lug.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is front isometric view of a mounting assembly constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention, the mounting assembly shown as it would appear open in preparation for being received over rails of guns;

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is front isometric view like FIG. 1 illustrating the mounting assembly as it would appear closed for securing rails of guns;

FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is a section view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a section view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 11 is a section view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a section view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is an isometric exploded view of a guns apparatus including two prior art guns, a long gun and a handgun, and the mounting assembly of FIGS. 1-12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a rail of the long gun of FIG. 13 according to the prior art;

FIG. 15 is a bottom isometric of the handgun of FIG. 13 according to the prior art;

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view corresponding to FIG. 13 illustrating the mounting assembly as it would appear open and initially connecting rails of the long gun and the handgun, respectively;

FIG. 17 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a section view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view corresponding to FIG. 16 illustrating the mounting assembly as it would appear closed concurrently securing the rails of the long gun and the handgun, respectively, connecting the long gun to the handgun forming an assembled guns apparatus;

FIG. 21 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a section view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a left isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a right isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a left side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged longitudinal section view corresponding to FIG. 22 illustrating an interface between the rail of the long gun and the mounting assembly; and

FIG. 28 is an enlarged vertical section view corresponding to FIG. 22 illustrating an interface between the rail of the handgun and the mounting assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to man-portable guns, namely, a long gun and a handgun, and to a new and useful mounting structure for the long gun and handgun. The long gun and the handgun can be lethal-type devices, devices designed for delivering lethal force, including devices from which bullets or other projectiles are discharged, such as by gunpowder or other propulsive force or impulse. The long gun and the handgun can be nonlethal-type devices, devices designed for delivering nonlethal force, including devices from which paintballs, projectiles of soft rubber, projectiles of foam, projectiles of plastic, tear gas projectiles, darts, electrodes, or the like are discharged, such as by compressed gas, a piston, one or more springs, or other chosen discharge mechanism. Nonlethal long guns and handguns can also include those that are designed to deliver no force at all, that are disabled from discharging projectiles or designed to not discharge projectiles, such as training or educational weapons, including static or molded training or educational weapons, useful for simulating firing, or weapon reproductions or the like. According to this disclosure, a long gun is a long-barreled shoulder-braced man-portable device designed to be discharged, whether actually or by simulation such as for training or educational purposes, by either the right hand when braced against the right shoulder, or the left hand when braced against the left shoulder, and a handgun is a short-barreled man-portable device designed to be held and discharged, whether actually or by simulation such as for training or educational purposes, with only one hand.

Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to FIG. 1 illustrating an apparatus for connecting a rail of a long gun, a first rail, to a rail of a handgun, a second rail, which includes mounting structure 50 including a fixture 51 having first or side section 52 configured to be releasably connected to the rail the long gun without having to modify the rail of the long gun, and second or bottom section 53 configured to be releasably connected to the rail of the handgun without having to modify the rail of the handgun. First section 52 includes a rail socket, a female interface, for releasably securing the rail, the male interface, of the long gun, and second section 53 includes a rail socket, a female interface, for releasably securing the rail, the mail interface, of the handgun.

Fixture 51 is a stout, rugged body fashioned of plastic, metal, or other material or combination of materials having the inherent material characteristics of rigidity, ruggedness, resilience, and impact resistance. Fixture 51 is integrally formed, such as by molding or machining, being a unitary body, and can, in an alternate embodiment, be formed of two or more parts affixed together rigidly by welding, heat bonding, adhesive, or other joinery. First section 52 is an upright body portion of fixture 51, second section 53 is a horizontal body portion of fixture 51, and first section 52 and second section 53 are perpendicular relative to each other. First section 52 includes rail socket 66, the female interface of first section 52, for releasably securing the rail, the male interface, of the chosen long gun, and second section 53 includes rail socket 116, the female interface of second section 53, for releasably securing the rail, the male interface, of the chosen handgun. Rail socket 66 is vertical and outwardly-facing away from rail socket 116 and is, therefore, a side rail socket according to this disclosure being configured to applied over and secured to a side rail of the chosen long gun. Rail socket 116 is horizontal and upwardly-facing and is, therefore, a bottom rail socket according to this disclosure being configured to be applied over and secured to a bottom rail of the chosen handgun. Accordingly, rail sockets 66 and 116 are perpendicular relative to each other, rail socket 66 of first section 52 is a side rail socket for releasably securing the side rail of the chosen long gun, and rail socket 116 of second section 53 is a bottom rail socket for releasably securing the bottom rail of the chosen handgun.

I. The First Section of the Mounting Structure

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, first section 52 is generally square in shape and includes opposed and parallel lower and upper ends 60 and 61, opposed parallel sides 62 and 63, also shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, extending upright from lower end 60 to upper end 61, opposed inner and outer faces 64 and 65, major faces of first section 52, that extend from lower end 60 to upper end 61 between opposed sides 62 and 63, and rail socket 66. Inner face 64 is formed with rail socket 66. Rail socket 66 is vertical and outwardly-facing and is adjustable between an open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8, for being received over the rail of the chosen long gun, and a closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, 11, and 12, for releasably securing the rail of the chosen long gun.

Referring in relevant part to FIGS. 1-5, 7-9, 11, and 12, rail socket 66 is defined by inwardly-hooked sidewalls 70 and 71 extending outwardly relative to, and from either side of, surface 72 of inner face 64 extending therebetween. Inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 is below inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 and is integral with first section 52 and is a lower inwardly-hooked sidewall of rail socket 66 proximate to lower end 60 between lower end 60 and upper end 61, inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is an upper inwardly-hooked sidewall of rail socket 66 at upper end 61 above inwardly-hooked sidewall 70, inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 and surface 72 are formed on inner face 64 between upper end 61 and inwardly-hooked sidewall 70, and inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is mounted to upper end 61 of first section 52, and cooperates with inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 and surface 72 to form rail socket 66, according to the invention. Surface 72 is flat to correspond to the standard flat surface of a rail and extends from upper end 61 of first section 52 to inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 proximate to lower end 60 and from side 62 to side 63. Inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 proximate to lower end 60 is parallel relative to lower end 60 and upper end 61, and is elongate and extends outwardly from surface 72 across the width of first section 52 from side 62 to side 63.

Inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is a unitary body made of the same material as fixture 51 having the same material characteristics as fixture 51 and includes opposed parallel ends 80 and 81, opposed parallel proximal and distal extremities 82 and 83, and opposed upper and lower surfaces 85 and 86. Inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is elongate from end 80 to end 81, proximal and distal extremities 82 and 83 extend along the length of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 from end 80 to end 81, and upper surface 85 and lower surface 86 extend from end 80 to end 81 and from proximal extremity 82 to distal extremity 83.

Inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is mounted to upper end 61 of first section 52 for movement between a first, upper, or open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8 away from inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 defining the open position of rail socket 66 and first section 52, and a second, lower, or closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, 11, and 12 toward inwardly-hooked second sidewall 70 defining the closed position of rail socket 66 and first section 52. Inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is assembled with first section 52 of fixture 51. Inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is above and parallel relative to upper end 61 and lower end 60 and to inwardly-hooked sidewall 70. Proximal extremity 82 is mounted to upper end 61, and inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 extends along the width of first section 52 from end 80 at side 62 of first section 52 to end 81 at side 63 of first section 52. Inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 extends outwardly from proximal extremity 82 mounted to upper end 61 of first section 52 across upper end 61 and beyond surface 72 to distal extremity 83, which is inwardly-hooked toward inwardly-hooked sidewall 70, upper surface 85 faces upwardly away from upper end 61, and lower surface 86 faces downwardly toward upper end 61 and inwardly-hooked sidewall 70.

Proximal extremity 82 is mounted to upper end 61 for movement of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 from its first, upper, or open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8 away from inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 defining the open position of rail socket 66 and of first section 52, and its second, lower, or closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, 11, and 12 toward inwardly-hooked second sidewall 70 defining the closed position of rail socket 66 and of first section 52. Inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is extends upwardly from proximal extremity 82 to distal extremity 83 away from upper end 61 and inwardly-hooked sidewall 70, when inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is in its first, upper, or open position. Lower surface 86 is withdrawn upwardly and away from upper end 61 and from inwardly-hooked sidewall 70, and angles upwardly to distal extremity 83 from proximal extremity 82 away from inwardly-hooked sidewall 70, when inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is in its first, upper, or open position. When inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 moves from its first, upper, or open position to its second, lower, or closed position, inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is moved toward upper end 61, the distance between inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 and both lower surface 86 and distal extremity 83 of inwardly-hooked sidewall closes, inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is extends outwardly horizontally from proximal extremity 82 to distal extremity 83 and toward upper end 61 and inwardly-hooked sidewall 70, and lower surface 86 between proximal extremity 82 and an intermediate position of lower surface 86 between proximal extremity 82 and distal extremity is in direct contact against upper end 61 disabling inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 from moving downwardly toward inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 beyond its second, lower, or closed position.

Proximal extremity 82 is preferably mounted rotatably to upper end 61 of first section 52 for movement of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 in reciprocal directions along arcuate arrowed line A in FIGS. 7 and 11 from its first, upper, or open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8, and its second, lower, or closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, 11, and 12. In this example, proximal extremity 82 is formed with a rounded bead 88 that extends downwardly from lower surface 86 along the length of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 from end 80 to end 81. Bead 88 is parallel relative to proximal and distal extremities 82 and 83 and projects downwardly from lower surface 86 into a correspondingly round socket 89 formed in upper end 61 of first section 52 and that extends along the width of first section 52 from side 62 to side 63 between and parallel to inner face 64 and outer face 65. The assembly of bead 88 and socket 89 form a pivot joint rotatably connecting proximal extremity 82 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 to upper end 61 of first section 52 enabling inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 to rotate along axis X of rotation extending through the geometric center of bead 88 from end 80 to end 81 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 between the first, upper, or closed position of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the second, lower, or closed position of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 in FIGS. 3 and 4. Although bead 89 is carried by inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 and socket 89 is carried by upper end 61 of first section 52, this arrangement can be reversed in alternate embodiments. Furthermore, other forms of pivot or rotational joints can be used for mounting inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 to upper end 61 of first section 52 for movement of inwardly-hooked sidewall between its open and closed positions without departing from the invention according to the skill attributed to the skilled person.

The distance between inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 and both distal extremity 83 and lower surface 86 when inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is rotated to its first, upper, or open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8, is greater than the distance between inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 and both distal extremity 83 and lower surface 86 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 when inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is rotated to its second, lower, or closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, 11, and 12. When rail socket 66 is in its open position, when inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is in its first, upper, or open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8, the distance between inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 and distal extremity 83 and lower surface 86 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is sufficient to enable rail socket 66 to be received directly over the rail of the chosen long gun without having to modify the rail or the chosen long gun and without having to slide rail socket 66 over the rail of the chosen long gun, according to the invention. When rail socket 66 is in its closed position, when inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is in its second, lower, or closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, 11, and 12, the distance between inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 and both distal extremity 83 and lower surface 86 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 closes from the distance between inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 and both distal extremity 83 and lower surface 86 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 in the open position of rail socket 66 to enable rail socket 66 to correspond to and releasably secure the rail of the chosen long gun over which rail socket 66 is received, according to the invention.

In FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 7-9, 11, and 12, first section 52 of fixture 51 further includes a lug 90. Lug 90, which is a part of first section 52 of fixture 51, is carried by first section 52 and is for being received within a standard transverse slot of a standard rail of a long gun for disabling sliding movement of rail socket 66 of mounting structure 50 along the rail of the long gun, when rail socket 66 is received over and releasably secured to the rail of the long gun. Lug 90 is fashioned of plastic, steel or the like having the inherently rigid, resilient, and rugged material characteristics, is elongate, is between and parallel to sides 62 and 63, and is perpendicular relative to inwardly-hooked sidewalls 70 and 71 and upper and lower ends 60 and 61. Lug 90 includes a proximal end 91 and a distal end 92. Proximal end 91 is anchored to first section 52 of fixture 51 between lower end 60 and inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 at an intermediate position between sides 62 and 63, and extends upright between sides 62 and 63 from proximal end 91 through rail socket 66 from the inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 to upper end 61 and to inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 and outwardly from and beyond upper end 61 of first section 52 of fixture 51 and inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 to distal end 92 and to adjustment member 95 mounted to distal end 92 on the outer side of and over upper surface 85 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71.

In FIGS. 7 and 11, proximal end 91 is threaded, and is threaded into a blind threaded socket 100 formed in first section 52, which threadably anchors proximal end 91 to first section 52 of fixture 51. In alternate embodiments, proximal end 91 can be anchored in place adhesively, by welding, by pinning, a press-fit joint, or the like. Socket 100 extends vertically downward into first section 52 toward lower end 60 from inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 and is between and parallel to sides 62 and 63, and lug 90 extends vertically upright from proximal end 91 anchored threadably to socket 100 and into and through rail socket 66 from inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 to upper end 61 and to inwardly-hooked sidewall 71. Lug 90 is partially embedded into surface 72 of rail socket 66 from inwardly-hooked sidewall to upper end 61, and extends upwardly into rail socket 66 along its length from inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 to upper end 61 to enable lug 90 in rail socket 66 to be received within a standard transverse slot of a standard rail of a long gun for disabling sliding movement of rail socket 116 of mounting structure 50 along the rail of the long gun, when rail socket 116 is releasably secured to the rail of the long gun, according to the invention.

In FIGS. 2, 4, 7, and 11, lug 90 extends upright from upper end 61 and through a slot 104 formed through inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 through distal extremity 83. Slot 104 is between ends 80 and 81, being centered between ends 80 and 81, and extends into inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 through distal extremity 83 from lower surface 86 to upper surface 85 to an intermediate position between distal extremity 83 and proximal extremity 82. A sufficient clearance between slot 104 and lug 90 enables slot 104 to translate up and down reciprocally over and along lug 90 when inwardly-hooked sidewall moves between its first, upper, or open position in FIGS. 2, and 7, and its second, lower, or closed position in FIGS. 4 and 11, which enables inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 to translates up and down reciprocally over and along lug 90 without interference from lug 90 when inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 moves between its first, upper, or open position in FIGS. 2, and 7, and its second, lower, or closed position in FIGS. 4 and 11. Application of lug 90 through slot 104 at an intermediate position of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 between ends 80 and 81 disables bead 88 from sliding 89 back and forth through socket 89 and slidably dislodging from socket 89.

Adjustment member 95 of first section 52 is mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is enabled for movement between its first, upper, or open position and its second, lower, or closed position, when adjustment member 95 is in its first position, and inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward its first, upper, or open position from, its second, lower, or closed position, when adjustment member 95 is in its second position. Adjustment member 95 is mounted to distal end 92 of lug 90 of first section 52 of fixture 51 above and opposing upper surface 85 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 for adjustment in reciprocal directions indicated by the double arrowed line B in FIGS. 7 and 11 between its first or upper position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8 away from upper end 61 and upper surface 85 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 and its second or lower position toward upper end 61 and upper surface 85 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, 11, and 12. The distance between adjustment member 95 and upper end 61 is sufficient to enable inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 to move rotatably between its first, upper, or open position and its second, lower, or closed position between upper end 61 and adjustment member 95, when adjustment member 95 is in its first position or upper position. The distance between adjustment member 95 and upper end 61 in the second or lower position of adjustment member 95 is less than the distance between adjustment member 95 and upper end 61 in the first or upper position of adjustment member 95, wherein adjustment member 95 contacts and acts directly against upper surface 85 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 securing inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 in its second, lower, or closed position, and at the same time disables inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 from moving toward its first, upper, or open position from its second, lower, or closed position, when adjustment member 95 is in its second, lower, or closed position. In other words, the distance between adjustment member 95 and upper end 61 of first section 52 secures inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 in its second, lower, or closed position, and disables inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 from moving toward its first, upper, or open position from its second, lower, or closed position, when adjustment member 95 is in its second, lower, or closed position.

Adjustment member 95 is mounted rotatably to distal end 92 of lug 90 of first section 52, wherein rotation of adjustment member 95 in opposite directions, clockwise and counterclockwise directions, imparts corresponding adjustment of adjustment member 95 between its first or upper position and its second or lower position. In FIGS. 7 and 11, distal end 92 is threaded, and adjustment member 95 is a hollow, threaded nut threaded onto threaded distal end 92, wherein the threaded interaction between adjustment member 95 and distal extremity 92 causes adjustment member 95 to reciprocate along distal extremity 92 in opposite directions as indicated by the double arrowed line B in FIGS. 7 and 11 between the first or upper position and second or lower position of adjustment member 95 when adjustment member 95 is rotated in opposite directions, in which rotation of adjustment member 95 in a clockwise direction imparts corresponding movement of adjustment member 95 from its first or upper position in FIGS. 2 and 7 to its second or lower position in FIGS. 4 and 11, and rotation of adjustment member in a counterclockwise direction imparts corresponding movement of adjustment member 95 from its second or lower position in FIGS. 4 and 11 to its first or upper position in FIGS. 2 and 7. A lock nut 107 threaded onto distal 92 of lug 90 on the outer side of adjustment member 95 captures adjustment member 95 between lock nut 107 and inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 mounted to upper end 61 of first section 52 of fixture 51. Adjustment member 95 engages lock nut 107 in FIG. 7 when adjustment member 95 is in its first or upper position disabling adjustment member 95 from moving beyond its first or upper position. According to the invention, lug 90 serves the purposes of being received within a standard transverse slot of a standard rail of a long gun for disabling sliding movement of rail socket 116 of mounting structure 50 along the rail of the long gun, when rail socket 116 is releasably secured to the rail of the long gun, is the mounting platform to which adjustment member 95 is adjustably mounted, and is received in slot 104 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 for disabling bead 88 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 from slidably detaching, from one side or the other, from slot 89.

II. The Second Section of the Mounting Structure

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, second section 53 is generally square in shape and includes opposed and parallel inner and outer ends 110 and 111, opposed parallel sides 112 and 113, also shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, extending from inner end 110 to outer end 111, opposed upper and lower faces 114 and 115, major faces of second section 53, that extend from inner end 110 to outer end 111 between opposed sides 112 and 113, and rail socket 66. Second section 53 is horizontal, and is perpendicular relative to first section 52. Inner end 110 of second section 53 is integral with lower end 60 first section 52, and second section 53 extends horizontally outward from inner end 100 from outer face 65 of first section 52 to outer end 111. Upper face 114 is formed with rail socket 116. Rail socket 116 is horizontal and upwardly-facing, is perpendicular relative to rail socket 66 of first section 66, and is adjustable between an open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 8, for being received directly over the rail of the chosen handgun, and a closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, and 12, for releasably securing the rail of the chosen handgun, according to the invention.

Referring in relevant part to FIGS. 1-5, 7-9, 11, and 12, rail socket 116 is defined by inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 extending outwardly relative to, and from either side of, surface 122 of upper face 114 extending therebetween. Inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 is integral with second section 53 and is an inner inwardly-hooked sidewall of rail socket 116 proximate to inner end 110 between outer end 111 and both inner end 110 and outer face 65 of first section 52, inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 defines an outer inwardly-hooked sidewall of rail socket 116 at outer end 111, inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and surface 122 are formed on upper face 114 between outer end 111 and outer face 65 of first section 52, and inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 is mounted to outer end 111 of second section 53, and cooperates with inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and surface 122 to form rail socket 116.

Inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 includes base section 130 and distal lip section 131. Base section 130 is integral with second section 53 of fixture 51, extends upwardly from surface 122 to distal lip section 131, and is a non-movable part of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121. Distal lip section 131 is a movable part of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 adjustable between an open position and a closed position. Surface 122 is flat to correspond to a standard rail and extends from proximal base section 130 of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly proximate to outer end 111 of second section 53 to inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 proximate to inner end 110 and from side 112 to side 113. Inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 proximate to inner end 110 is parallel relative to inner end 110 and outer end 111, and is elongate and extends outwardly from surface 122 across the width of second section 53 from side 112 to side 113.

Inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 is defined by proximal base section 130 carried by second section 53, and distal lip section 131, or simply distal lip, carried by end cap 135 mounted to second section 53 for movement in reciprocal directions indicated by arrowed line C in FIGS. 8 and 12 for movement between a first, outer, or open position of distal lip section 131 in FIG. 8, defining an open position of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 and the open position of rail socket 116, and a second, inner, or closed position of distal lip section 131 in FIG. 12, defining a closed position of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 and the closed position of rail socket 116. Base section 130 of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 proximate to outer end 111 is parallel relative to outer end 111 and inner end 110, and is elongate and extends outwardly from surface 122 across the width of second section 53 from side 112 to side 113. End cap 135 is a unitary body made of the same material as fixture 51 having the same material characteristics as fixture 51 and includes opposed parallel ends 140 and 141, lower extremity 142 and opposed, parallel upper extremity 143 formed with distal lip section 131, and opposed outer and inner surfaces 145 and 146 extending between ends 140 and 141 and between upper and lower extremities 143 and 142. End cap 135 is elongate from end 140 to end 141, lower and upper extremities 142 and 143 extend along the length of end cap 135 from end 140 to end 141, and outer surface 145 and inner surface 146 extend from end 140 to end 141 and from lower extremity 142 to upper extremity 143.

End cap 135 is assembled with second section 53 of fixture 51. End cap 135 is outboard of and parallel relative to outer end 111 and inner end 110 and to inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and base section 130, and is mounted to outer end 111 of second section 53. Inner surface 146 faces inwardly toward outer end 111, and outer surface 145 faces outwardly away from outer end 111. End cap 135 extends along the width of outer end 111 of second section 53 from end 140 at side 112 of second section 53 to end 141 at side 113 of second section 53. End cap 135 extends upright along outer end 111 from lower extremity 142, which is inwardly-hooked toward first section 42 along the length of lower extremity 142 from end 140 to end 141, to upper extremity 143 formed with distal lip section 131 that extends inwardly toward first section 52 over distal lip section 131 along the length of upper extremity 143 from end 140 to end 141. Distal lip section 131 extends over the length of base section 130 from side 112 of second section 53 to side 113 of second section 53.

End cap 135 is mounted for movement in reciprocal directions as indicated by the double arrowed line C in FIGS. 8 and 12 between a first, outer, or open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 8 away from inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and outer end 11 defining the first, outer, or open position of distal lip section 131, the open position of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121, and the open position of rail socket 116 and of second section 53, and a second, inner, or closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, and 12 toward inwardly-hooked second sidewall 120 and outer end 111 defining the second, inner, or closed position of distal lip section 131, the closed position of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121, and the closed position of rail socket 116 and of second section 53. Inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 can be considered “disassembled” and disabled from securing a rail when inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 is in its open position, and can be considered “assembled” and enabled for securing a rail when inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly is in its closed position. Rail socket 116 is horizontal and upwardly-facing and is adjustable between an open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 8, for being received directly over the rail of the chosen handgun, and a closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, and 12, for releasably securing the rail of the chosen handgun, according to the invention.

Distal lip section 131 is withdrawn outwardly relative base section 130 away from inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 defining an open position of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 and the open position of rail socket 116, when end cap 135 is in its first, outer or open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 8. Distal lip section 131 is advanced inwardly over base section 131 and over surface 122 toward inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 defining a closed position of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 and the closed position of rail socket 116, when end cap 135 is in its second, inner or open position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, and 12. Distal lip section 131 and base section 130 are “assembled” and cooperate to form an inwardly-hooked sidewall, when end cap 135 is in its second, inner or open position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, and 12.

When end cap 135 moves from its first, outer, or open position to its second, inner, or closed position, which produces corresponding movement of distal lip section 131 from its first, outer or open position to its second, inner, or closed position, the distance between inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and distal lip section 131 closes, inner surface 146 comes into direct contact against outer end 111, which disables end cap 135 from moving inwardly beyond its second, inner, or closed position, distal lip section 131 is over base section 130 and extends inwardly from over base section 130 over surface 122 toward inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 defining the closed positions of distal lip section 131, inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121, and rail socket 116, and inwardly-hooked lower extremity 142 is hooked over lower end 111 under lower face 115. The interaction between distal lip section 131 and inwardly-hooked lower extremity 142 with outer end 111 and base section 130, respectively, keep end cap 135 aligned with outer end 111 when end cap 135 reciprocates between its open and closed positions. The distance between inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and distal lip section 131 when end cap 135 is in its first, outer, or open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 8, is greater than the distance between inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and distal lip section 131 when end cap 135 is reciprocated to its second, inner, or closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, and 12. When rail section 116 is in its open position, when end cap 135, and thus distal lip section 131, is in the first, outer, or open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 8, the distance between inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and distal lip section 131 is sufficient to enable rail socket 116 to be received directly over the rail of the chosen handgun without having to modify the rail of the chosen handgun and without having to slide rail socket 116 over the rail of the chosen handgun. When rail socket 116 is in its closed position, when end cap 135, and thus distal lip section 131, is in the second, lower, or closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, and 12, the distance between inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and distal lip section 131 closes from the distance between inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and distal lip section 131 in the open position of rail socket 116 to enable rail socket 116 to releasably secure the rail of the chosen handgun over which rail socket 116 is received.

In FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 8, 8, 9, and 12, second section 53 of fixture 51 further includes a lug 150. Lug 150, which is a part of second section 53 of fixture 51, is carried by second section 53 for being received within a standard transverse slot of a standard rail of a handgun for disabling sliding movement of rail socket 116 of mounting structure 50 along the rail of the handgun, when rail socket 116 is releasably secured to the rail of the handgun, according to the invention. Lug 150 is fashioned of same material as the previously-described lug 90 and is elongate, is between and parallel to sides 112 and 113, and is perpendicular relative to inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 and inner and outer ends 110 and 111 of second section 53. Lug 150 includes a proximal end 151 and a distal end 152. Proximal end 151 is anchored to lower end 60 of first section 53 of fixture 52 at an intermediate position between sides 62 and 63, and extends horizontally through lower end 60 and through inner end 110 and through second section 53 between sides 112 and 113 from proximal end 151 and through rail socket 116 from the inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 to outer end 111 and to inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 and outwardly from and beyond outer end 111 of second section 53 of fixture 51 and inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 to distal end 152 and to adjustment member 155 mounted to distal end 152 on the outer side of outer surface 145 of end cap 135 of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121.

In FIGS. 8 and 12, proximal end 151 is threaded, and is threaded into a threaded nut 170 fitted in counterbore 171 in lower end 60 of first section 52 through inner face 64, which anchors proximal end 151 to first section 52 of fixture 51. In alternate embodiments, proximal end 151 can be anchored in place adhesively, by welding, by pinning, a press-fit joint, or the like. End cap 135 is formed with opening 175 in FIGS. 1, 8, and 12 that extends centrally through end cap 135 from inner surface 146 to outer surface 145 in FIGS. 8 and 12 between ends 140 and 141 and between lower and upper extremities 142 and 143 in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 8 and 12, lug 150 extends through bore 172 from counterbore 171 to rail socket 116 through inwardly-hooked sidewall 120, and through rail socket 116 from the inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 to base section 130, and through opening 174 through base section 130 and to end cap 135 beyond outer end 111, and, with additional reference to FIG. 1, through opening 175 of end cap 135 from inner surface 146 to outer surface 145 and outwardly to beyond outer surface 145 to distal end 152 and to adjustment member 155 mounted to distal end 152 on the outer side of outer surface 145 of end cap 135 of end cap 135. Lug 150 is partially embedded into surface 122 of rail socket 116 from inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 to base section 130 in FIGS. 8 and 12, and extends upwardly into rail socket 116 along its length from inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 to base section 131 to enable lug 150 in rail socket 116 to be received within a standard transverse slot of a standard rail of a handgun for disabling sliding movement of rail socket 116 of mounting structure 50 along the rail of the handgun, when rail socket 116 is releasably secured to the rail of the handgun, according to the invention. In FIGS. 2, 4, 8, and 12, lug 150 is perpendicular relative to lug 90, and extends horizontally from outer end 111 of second section 53 of fixture 51 and through opening 175 of end cap 135 from inner surface 146 to outer surface 145 and to adjustment member 155 mounted to distal end 152 on the outer side of outer surface 145 of end cap 135 of end cap 135. The application of end cap 135 over lug 150 between adjustment member 155 and outer end 111, by lug 150 extending through opening 175 through end cap 135, and with there being a sufficient clearance between opening 175 and lug 150, mounts end cap 135 to outer end 111 of second section 53, and mounts end cap 135 to lug 150 of second section 53 for movement of end cap 135 along lug 150 in reciprocal directions indicated by the double arrowed line C in FIGS. 8 and 12 between its first, outer, or open position in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 8 away from inwardly-hooked sidewall 120 and outer end 11 defining the first, outer, or open position of distal lip section 131, the open position of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121, and the open position of rail socket 116 and of second section 53, and the second, inner, or closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, and 12 toward inwardly-hooked second sidewall 120 and outer end 111 defining the second, inner, or closed position of distal lip section 131, the closed position of inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121, and the closed position of rail socket 116 and of second section 53. Opening 175 translates laterally over and along distal extremity 152 of lug 150 when end cap 135 moves along lug 150 between its first, outer, or open position and its second, inner, or closed position, which enables end cap 135 to translate or otherwise ride along lug 150 outwardly and inwardly relative to outer end 111 without interference from lug 150 when end cap 135 moves between its first, outer, or open position in FIGS. 2, and 8, and its second, inner, or closed position in FIGS. 4 and 12.

Adjustment member 155 mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein end cap 135 is enabled for movement between the first, outer, or open position of distal lip section 131 and the second, inner, or closed position of distal lip section 131, when adjustment member 135 is in its first position, and end cap 135 is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward the first, outer, or open position of distal lip section 131 from, the second, inner, or closed position of distal lip section 131, when adjustment member 135 is in its second position. Adjustment member 155 is mounted to distal end 152 of lug 150 of second section 53 of fixture 51 outboard of and opposing outer surface 145 of end cap 135 for adjustment in reciprocal directions indicated by arcuate arrowed line D in FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 10 between a first or open position in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, and a second or closed position in FIGS. 3, 4, and 10. The distance between adjustment member 155 and outer end 111 is sufficient to enable end cap 135 to reciprocate along lug 150 between its first, outer, or open position and its second, inner, or closed position between outer end 111 and adjustment member 155, when adjustment member 155 is in its first or open position. The distance between adjustment member 155 and outer end 111 in the second or closed position of adjustment member 155 is less than the distance between adjustment member 155 and outer end 111 in the first or open position of adjustment member 155, wherein adjustment member 155 contacts and acts directly against outer surface 145 of end cap 135 securing end cap 135, and thus distal lip section 131, in its second, inner, or closed position, and at the same time disables end cap 135, and thus distal lip section 131, from moving toward its first, outer, or open position from its second, inner, or closed position, when adjustment member 155 is in its second or closed position. In other words, the distance between adjustment member 155 and outer end 111 of second section 53 secures end cap 135, and thus distal lip extremity 131, in its second, inner, or closed position, and disables end cap 135, and thus distal lip section 131, from moving toward its first, outer, or open position from its second, inner, or closed position, when adjustment member 155 is in its second or closed position.

Adjustment member 155 is mounted rotatably to distal end 152 of lug 150 of second section 53, wherein rotation of adjustment member 155 in opposite directions indicated by double arrowed line D in FIGS. FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 10 imparts corresponding adjustment of adjustment member 155 between its first or open position and its second or closed position. In FIGS. 1-4, 6, 9, 10, and 12, adjustment member 155 is conventional handled cam lever, ideal for quick fixation and release, including a cam end 180, having cam surface 181 in contact with outer surface 145 of end cap 135, mounted rotatably to distal end 152 of lug 150 with a pivot pin 182, wherein manual rotation of cam end 180 of causes cam surface 181 to reciprocate along distal extremity 152 of lug 150 in opposite directions as indicated by the double arrowed line E in FIGS. 6 and 10 between a first or outer position defining the first or outer position of adjustment member 155 and a second or inner position defining the second or inner position of adjustment member 155 when cam end 180 is rotated in opposite directions, in which rotation of cam end 180 in a counter clockwise direction imparts corresponding movement of cam surface 181 from its first or outer position in FIGS. 6 and 8 to its second or inner position in FIGS. 10 and 12, and rotation of cam end 180 in a clockwise direction imparts corresponding movement of cam surface 181 from its second or inner position in FIGS. 10 and 12 to its first or outer position in FIGS. 6 and 8. Rotation of cam end 180 in a counter clockwise direction imparts corresponding movement of cam surface 181 from its first or outer position in FIGS. 6 and 8 to its second or inner position in FIGS. 10 and 12, which causes cam surface 181 to act directly against outer surface 145 and drive end cap 135 from its first, outer, or open position to its second, inner, or closed position. Rotation of cam end 180 in a clockwise direction imparts corresponding movement of cam surface 181 from its first or outer position in FIGS. 6 and 8 to its second or inner position in FIGS. 10 and 12, which causes cam surface 181 to withdraw outwardly from outer surface 145 of end cap 135 to enable movement of end cap 135, and thus distal lip section 135, from its second, inner, or closed position to its first, outer, or open position. According to the invention, lug 150 serves the purposes of being received within a standard transverse slot of a standard rail of a handgun for disabling sliding movement of rail socket 116 of mounting structure 50 along the rail of the handgun, when rail socket 116 is releasably secured to the rail of the handgun, and is the mounting platform to which end cap 135, and thus distal lip section 131, and adjustment member 115 is adjustably mounted.

III. The Guns and Mounting Structure Apparatus

Mounting structure 50 is useful for connecting man-portable guns, namely, a long gun to a handgun. As described above, a long gun chosen to be used with mounting structure 50 is a long-barreled shoulder-braced man-portable device designed to be discharged, whether actually or by simulation such as for training or educational purposes, by either the right hand when braced against the right shoulder, or the left hand when braced against the left shoulder, and a handgun chosen to be used with mounting structure 50 is a short-barreled man-portable device designed to be held and discharged, whether actually or by simulation such as for training or educational purposes, with only one hand.

And so mounting structure 51 is useful for interconnecting a rail of a man-portable long gun, a long-barreled shoulder-braced device designed to be discharged by either the right hand when braced against the right shoulder, or the left hand when braced against the left shoulder, and a rail of a man-portable handgun, a short-barreled device designed to be held and discharged with only one hand. For illustrative purposes, the ensuing discussion describes the use of mounting structure 201 with a lethal-type small arm long gun and a lethal-type small arm handgun, devices from which shots, i.e. projectiles of metal or the like, are discharged by gunpowder, with the understanding that the chosen long gun and the chosen handgun can be a nonlethal type as described above.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 13 illustrating an exploded isometric view of guns apparatus 200 including two prior art small arms firearms, including handgun 201 and long gun 202, and mounting structure 50 useful for interconnecting handgun 201 and long gun 202. Handgun 201 a device that can be held and discharged with one hand, includes frame 210 having rear end 211, front end 212, pistol grip 213 proximate to rear end 211, trigger 215 between front end 212 and grip 213, and trigger guard 216 surrounding trigger 215 between front end 212 and grip 213. Mounted atop frame 210 is pistol slide 220, and barrel 222, having muzzle 223 at front end 212, within pistol slide 220. Barrel 222 is arranged about central longitudinal axis X1 along which a projectile discharged from handgun 201 travels. Pistol slide 220 supports a sight device 230 for guiding the eye of a shooter along a sight line or axis 225 for aiming barrel 222 of handgun 201 along longitudinal axis X1 toward a selected downrange target. In this example, sight device 230 includes front sight 231, mounted atop pistol slide 220 proximate to front end 212, aligned with a corresponding rear sight 232, mounted atop pistol slide 220 proximate to rear end 211 of frame 210. Other sight devices can be used to form a chosen sight line or axis for barrel 222. With additional reference to FIG. 15, frame 210 further includes rail 235. Rail 235 is a bottom rail, formed with transverse slot 236, on the underside of frame 210 between trigger guard 216 and front end 212. Rail 235 extends longitudinally from near trigger guard 216 to near front end 212 of frame 210, and is a Picatinny rail, a standard hexagonal rail with transverse slot 236, which is standard accessory mounting platform well known in the art. Since handgun 201 includes bottom rail 235, handgun 201 is a railed handgun. Handgun 201 is generally representative of a typical and well-known railed handgun, a railed pistol, further details of which are well known to the skilled artisan and are not discussed in further detail.

Long gun 202, a shoulder-braced device designed to be discharged by either the right hand when braced against the right shoulder, or the left hand when braced against the left shoulder, includes a forward upper receiver and barrel assembly 250, and a rearward lower receiver and buttstock assembly 251 including grip 254, trigger 255, and trigger guard 256 surrounding trigger 255. Upper receiver and barrel assembly 250 includes barrel 260, having muzzle 261, and handguard 270 over barrel 260 that supports rails. Barrel 260 is arranged about central longitudinal axis X2, the longitudinal centerline of long gun 202, along which a projectile discharged from long gun 202 travels, and includes top 260A at the 12 o'clock position, bottom 260B at the 6 o'clock position, and opposed left and right sides 260C and 260D at the 9 o'clock position and the 3 o'clock position, respectively. Handguard 270, a conventional assembly of handguard segments or sections, carries top rail 271 that extends longitudinally over and along top 260A of barrel 260 at the 12 o'clock position, bottom rail 272 that extends longitudinally over and along bottom 260B of barrel 260 at the 6 o'clock position, left side rail 273 that extends longitudinally over and along left side 260C of barrel 260 at the 9 o'clock position, and right side rail 274 that extend longitudinally over and along right side 260D of barrel 260 at the 3 o'clock position. Rails 271-274 are elongate, extend along and over substantially the entire length of barrel 260, and are identical, each being a Picatinny rail, a standard hexagonal rail with transverse slots 276, which is standard accessory mounting platform well known in the art. FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view of left side rail 273 illustrating transverse slots 176 formed therein. Long gun 202 further includes sight device 280 for guiding the eye of a shooter along a sight line or axis 265 for aiming barrel 260 of long gun 202 along longitudinal axis X2 toward a selected downrange target. In this example, sight device 280 is a conventional scope mounted atop top rail 271 and which extends longitudinally along lower receiver and buttstock assembly 251 above trigger 255 and trigger guard 256. Other sight devices can be used to form a chosen sight line or axis for barrel 222. Since long gun 202 includes rails 271-274, long gun 202 is a railed long gun. Long gun 202 is generally representative of a typical and well-known railed long gun, further details of which are well known to the skilled artisan and are not discussed in further detail.

Rail sockets 66 and 116 are formed to be compatible with standard Picatinny rails, according to the principle of the invention, including bottom rail 235 of handgun 201, and each of rails 271-274 of long gun 202. Mounting structure 50 secures handgun 201 to long gun 202, handgun 201 is spaced apart upright and laterally to one side of long gun 202 and barrel 260, left side 260C in this example between the 9 o'clock position and the 6 o'clock position, in which barrel 260 of long gun 202 and barrel 222 of handgun 201 are laterally spaced apart and parallel relative to each other, axes X1 and X2 are laterally spaced apart and parallel to each other, sight lines 225 and 265 are laterally spaced apart and parallel to each other, muzzles 223 and 261 concurrently point downrange in the same direction along axes X1 and X2, respectively, and along sight lines 225 and 265, respectively, sight lines 225 and 265 are not obstructed by mounting structure 50 or by either handgun 201 and long gun 202, handgun 201 is operational without interference from mounting structure 50 or long gun 202, in which grip 213 and trigger 215 of handgun 201 are accessible by hand for holding and discharging handgun 201 without interference from mounting structure 50 and long gun 202, and long gun 202 is operational without interference from mounting structure 50 or handgun 201, in which grip 254 and trigger 255 are accessible by the right hand for holding and discharging long gun 202 when the buttstock of buttstock assembly 251 is braced against the right shoulder without interference from mounting structure 50 and handgun 201, when rail socket 66, the side rail socket of mounting structure 50, is releasably secured to left side rail 273 of handguard 270 of long gun 202, and rail socket 116, the bottom rail socket of mounting structure 50, is releasably secured to bottom rail 235 of handgun 201 in FIGS. 18-23, forming a guns assembly or a guns and mounting structure assembly, namely an assembly of handgun 201, long gun 202, and mounting structure 50 interconnecting handgun 201 and long gun 202, according to the principle of the invention.

To secure mounting structure 50 to left side rail 273 of long gun 202 along left side 260C of barrel 260, in FIG. 13 mounting structure 50 is positioned to orient first section 52 upright from lower end 60 to upper end 61 to the left and outboard of left side rail 273 and left side 260C of barrel 260, between muzzle 261 and trigger guard 256, in its open position vertical and outwardly-facing toward left side rail 273. Rail socket 66 faces outwardly to correspond with oppositely-facing rail 273 to the side of rail socket 66. Being in its open position and thereby enabled for being received directly over the width of left side rail 273 without having to modify left side rail 273 and without having to slide rail socket 66 over left side rail 273, in FIGS. 16, 17 and 19 rail socket 66 is applied directly over the width of left side rail 273 between muzzle 261 and trigger guard 256 hooking the lower side/edge of left side rail 273 into the lower inwardly-hooked sidewall 71, applying the flat, standard outer surface 273A of left side rail 273 flat in direct contact against flat surface 72 of rail slot 66, and registering the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 in its open position over the upper side/edge of left side rail 273, while at the same time positioning rail socket 66 over left side rail 273 to enable lug 90 through rail socket 66 to be received within a chosen transverse slot 276 of left side rail 273 in FIG. 27, all without having to slide rail socket 66 over left side rail 273.

Having initially applied rail socket 66 directly over the width of left side rail 273 at a chosen position along the length of left side rail 273, rail socket 66 is closed over left side rail 273 securing rail socket 66 to and over the width of left side rail 273, again, all without having to slide rail socket 66 over left side rail 273 or modify left side rail 273. To close rail socket 66 over the width of left side rail 273 to secure rail socket 66 to and over left side rail 273, inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 is moved, such as by hand or with the aid of adjustment member 95, from its first, upper, or open position in FIGS. 16, 17, and 19 defining the open position of rail socket 66 to its second, lowered, or closed position in FIGS. 20, 21, and 23 defining the closed position of rail socket 66 engaging inwardly-hooked distal extremity 83 over and in direct contact against the upper side/edge of left side rail 273 thereby situating the upper side/edge of left side rail 273 into inwardly-hooked sidewall 71. Adjustment member 95 is adjusted via rotation from its first, upper, or open position in FIGS. 16 and 17 to its second, lowered, or closed position in FIGS. 20, 21, and 23 against upper surface 85 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 and is tightened via rotation against upper surface 85 of inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 securing inwardly-hooked sidewall 71 in its second, lowered, or closed position securing rail socket 66 in its closed position, clamping, and releasably securing the width of left side rail 273 in rail slot 66, between inwardly-hooked sidewalls 70 and 71, in which first section 52 extends vertically upright outboard and to the left of left side rail 273, and second section 53, including rail socket 116, extends horizontally outwardly from lower end 60 of first section 52 between the 9 o'clock position and the 6' o'clock position, in which the concurrent positioning of lug 90 received within transverse slot 276 of left side rail 273 in FIG. 27 disables sliding movement of first section 52 of mounting structure 50 along left side rail 273 of handguard 270, in accordance with the principle of the invention. Mounting structure 50 is then releasably secured to bottom rail 235 of handgun 202 to complete the assembly of guns apparatus 200. Again, applying rail socket 66 over and releasably securing rail socket 66 to left side rail 273 requires no modification to left side rail 273. Rail socket 66 can be detached from left side rail 273 by reversing this connecting process without having to modify left side rail 273. Mounting structure 50 does not interfere with the remaining rails 271, 272, and 274, when mounting structure 50 is releasably connected to left side rail 273 at any position along the length of left side rail 273, enabling one or more chosen accessories to be selectively mounted to rail 271, rail 272, and/or rail 274 without interference from mounting structure 50. Mounting structure 50 can be releasably connected at any location along the length of left side rail 273 depending on where handgun 201 is desired to be located along the length of left side rail 273.

To secure bottom rail 235 of handgun 201 to mounting structure 50, handgun 201 is positioned upright over second section 53 outboard of outer face 65 of first section 52 horizontally registering bottom rail 235 on the underside of frame 210 between trigger guard 216 and front end 212 with rail socket 116 in its open position, i.e. when inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 is “disassembled,” being horizontal and upwardly-facing to correspond with the opposite downwardly-facing bottom rail 235 of handgun 201. Being in its open position and thereby enabled for being received directly over the width of bottom rail 235 without having to modify bottom rail 235 and without having to slide rail socket 116 over bottom rail 235, in FIGS. 16, 17 and 19 rail socket 116 is applied directly over the width of bottom rail 235 between muzzle 223 of barrel 222 and trigger guard 216 of handgun 201 hooking the inner side/edge of bottom rail 235 into the inner inwardly-hooked sidewall 120, positioning the outer side/edge of bottom rail 235 past distal lip section 131 and onto base section 130 registering distal lip section 131 in its open position outboard of the outer side/edge of bottom rail 235, and applying the flat, standard outer surface 235A of bottom rail 235 flat in direct contact against flat surface 122 of rail slot 116, while at the same time positioning rail socket 116 over the width of bottom rail 235 to enable lug 150 through rail socket 116 to be received within transverse slot 236 of bottom rail 235 in FIG. 28, all without having to slide rail socket 116 over bottom rail 235.

Having initially applied rail socket 116 directly over the width of bottom rail 235 of handgun 201, rail socket 66 is perpendicular relative to rail socket 116 and the width of left side rail 273 of long gun 202 in rail socket 66 is perpendicular relative to bottom rail 235 of hand gun 235 in rail socket 116, frame 210 of handgun 201 extends upright from rail 235 in rail socket 216 vertically upright outboard of inner face 65 to barrel 222 of handgun 201 and while in this position of handgun 201 rail socket 116 is closed over the width of bottom rail 235 securing rail socket 116 to and over bottom rail 235 all without having to slide rail socket 116 over bottom rail 235 or modify bottom rail 235 securing handgun 201 upright and parallel to long gun 202. To close rail socket 116 over the width of bottom rail 235 to secure rail socket 116 to and over bottom rail 235 between muzzle 223 of barrel 222 and trigger 215 and trigger guard 216, inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 is closed, namely, “assembled” to its closed position from being “disassembled” in its open position, such as by hand or with the use of adjustment member 155, in which end cap 235 is moved from the first, outer, or open position of distal lip section 131 defining the open position of rail socket 116 to the second, inner, or closed position of distal lip section 131 in FIGS. 20, 21, and 23 defining the closed position of rail socket 116 engaging and closing distal lip section 131 over and in direct contact against the outer side/edge of bottom rail 235 thereby situating the outer side/edge of bottom rail 235 into inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121. Adjustment member 155 is adjusted via rotation from its first, outer, or open position in FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 to its second, inner, or closed position in FIGS. 20, 21, 22, and 23, urging cam surface 181 against outer surface 145 of end cap 135 securing end cap 135 in its second, inner, or closed position while at the same time securing distal lip section 131 in its second, inner or closed position securing inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121 in its closed position and currently securing rail socket in its closed position clamping, and releasably securing bottom rail 235 in rail slot 116, between inwardly-hooked sidewall 70 and the assembled inwardly-hooked sidewall assembly 121, in which the concurrent positioning of lug 150 received within transverse slot 236 of bottom rail 235 in FIG. 25 disables sliding movement of second section 53 of mounting structure 50 along bottom rail 235 of handgun 201, in accordance with the principle of the invention. Again, applying rail socket 116 over and releasably securing rail socket 116 to bottom rail 235 requires no modification to bottom rail 235. Rail socket 116 can be detached from bottom rail 235 by reversing this connecting process without having to modify bottom rail 235.

Having releasably secured/connected rail socket 66 of mounting structure 50 to left side rail 273 of long gun 201 at the 9 o'clock position and releasably secured/connected bottom rail socket 235 to rail socket 116 of mounting structure 50 between trigger guard 216 and front end 212 and muzzle 223 of barrel 222 of handgun 201, guns apparatus 200 is formed in FIGS. 20-26. Guns apparatus 200 does not interfere with the remaining rails 271, 272, and 274, when guns apparatus 200 is releasably connected to left side rail 273 at any position along the length of left side rail 273, enabling one or more chosen accessories to be selectively mounted to rail 271, rail 272, and/or rail 274 without interference from guns apparatus 200. Referring to FIGS. 20-26 in relevant part, in guns apparatus 200 mounting structure 50 secures handgun 201 laterally spaced apart to the left side of long gun 202 between the 9 o'clock position and the 6 o'clock position forward of trigger 255 and trigger guard 256 of long gun 202 and parallel to long gun 202 between muzzle 261 and trigger 225 and trigger guard 256 of long gun 202, in which rail 66 is perpendicular relative to rail 116, the width of left side rail 273 of long gun 202 secured by rail socket 66 is perpendicular relative to bottom rail 235 of hand gun 235 secured by rail 116, frame 210 extends vertically upright to barrel 222 from rail 235 secured by rail socket 116, and extends rearwardly from front end 212 and muzzle 223 of barrel 222 forward of mounting structure 50 and past mounting structure 50 to trigger 215 and trigger guard 216 to the rear of mounting structure 50 and further rearwardly to rear end 211 and to grip 213 extending vertically downward, in which grip 213 of handgun 201 is forward of grip 254 of long gun 202 and grip 213 of handgun 201 and grip 254 of long gun 202 reside along a common horizontal plane and grip 213 of handgun 201 and grip 254 of long gun 202 are not inline, in which grip 213 of handgun 201 is laterally offset to the left of grip 254 of long gun 202. Handgun 201, including all of its components, is laterally spaced apart upright to the left side of long gun 202 and barrel 260, in which grip 213 of handgun 201 is positioned upright to the left side of barrel 260 and to the left of grip 254 of long gun 202 between muzzle 261 and trigger guard 256 to serve as a forward pistol grip for long gun 202 useful for gripping by the non-firing hand, the left hand in this example when long gun 202 is braced against the right shoulder and discharged by the right hand, for stabilizing the long gun 202 in operation, and that accommodates the bilateral symmetry of the human physiology.

In guns apparatus 200, barrel 260 of long gun 202 and barrel 222 of handgun 201 are laterally spaced apart and parallel relative to each other, axes X1 and X2 are laterally spaced apart and parallel to each other, sight lines 225 and 265 are laterally spaced apart and parallel to each other, muzzles 223 and 261 concurrently point downrange in the same direction along axes X1 and X2, respectively, and along sight lines 225 and 265, respectively, and sight lines 225 and 265 are not obstructed by mounting structure 50 or by either handgun 201 and long gun 202. Accordingly, handgun 201 is operational, and serves as a secondary weapons platform to long gun 202, without interference from mounting structure 50 or long gun 202, in which grip 213 and trigger 215 of handgun 201 are accessible by hand for holding and discharging handgun 201 without interference from mounting structure 50 and long gun 202, which enables an operator to selectively discharge projectiles downrange from handgun 201. In guns apparatus 200, long gun 202, like handgun 201, is operational without interference from mounting structure 50 or handgun 201, in which grip 254 and trigger 255 are accessible by hand for holding and discharging long gun 202 when the buttstock of buttstock assembly 251 is braced against the right shoulder without interference from mounting structure 50 and handgun 201, which enables the operator to selectively discharge projectiles downrange from long gun 202. Guns apparatus 200 can be releasably connected at any location along the length of left side rail 273 depending on the reach or desired comfort of the non-firing hand of the operator, the left hand in this example, when long gun 202 is braced against the right shoulder and discharged by the right hand.

Those having regard for the art will readily appreciate that guns apparatus 200 is, therefore, useful to an operator for enabling the operator to hold and discharge long gun 202 by his right hand when long gun 202 is braced against his right shoulder and at the same time hold grip 213 serving as the forward pistol grip for long gun 202 by his left for stabilizing long gun 202 and that accommodates the bilateral symmetry of the human physiology, while at the same time enabling the operator to selectively discharge handgun 201 with his left hand. In this way, in guns apparatus 200 the operator can independently discharge projectiles downrange from handgun 201 and long gun 202, enabling the operator to discharge projectiles from handgun 201, from long gun 202, and concurrently from handgun 201 and long gun 202, all without interference from mounting structure 50, in accordance with the invention.

In guns apparatus 200, mounting apparatus 50 is described connecting left side rail 273 for supporting handgun 201 along the left side of long gun 202 between the 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. Mounting structure 50 can be used in the same way for connecting right side rail 274 for supporting handgun 201 along the right side of long gun 202 between the 6 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Rail sockets 66 and 116 are formed to be compatible with standard Picatinny rails, includes bottom rail 235 of handgun 201, and each of rails 271-274 of long gun 202. Rail sockets 66 and 116 can be formed to be compatible with other rail forms or formats, such as Weaver-type rails, when the rails of the guns to be used with mounting structure 50 incorporate other rail formats. Furthermore, if an operator wishes to use mounting assembly 50 for forward pistol grip purposes only, handgun 201 can be disabled, such as by removing slide 202 from frame 210, or a pistol grip frame incorporating a bottom rail and a pistol grip according to bottom rail 235 and grip 213 of handgun 201 can be used with long gun 202 and mounting structure 50.

As disclosed herein, mounting structure 50 is useful with a railed long gun, a long-barreled shoulder-braced man-portable device designed to be discharged, whether actually or by simulation such as for training or educational purposes, by either the right hand when braced against the right shoulder, or the left hand when braced against the left shoulder, and a railed handgun, a short-barreled man-portable device designed to be held and discharged, whether actually or by simulation such as for training or educational purposes, with only one hand. The rails of the long gun and the handgun, depending on whether the long gun and the hand gun are lethal-type devices or nonlethal-type devices, can mounted or secured in place in any chosen manner, such as with mechanical fasteners or other mechanical joinery, molding, etc.

Those having regard for the art understand that conventional forward pistol grips are a useful attachment to a long gun since they enhance stability and operator control during discharging, and that they inherently do not conform well to the bilateral symmetry of the human physiology since bringing the non-firing hand directly in line with the firing hand is not a natural position. Mounting structure 50 is designed to solve this problem inherent with conventional long gun forward pistol grips to enable the coupling of a pistol, pistol frame, or pistol grip to the forearm section or stock, i.e. the forward upper receiver and barrel assembly, of a long gun, such as modern breach loading firearms, black powder/muzzle loading firearms, paint ball guns, airsoft guns, blank-firing replicas, less-lethal projectile launchers and toy guns, in a lateral “East-West” spatial position relative to the central vertical axis of the long gun, between either the 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions as shown and described or between the 6 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, in order to improve the operator's comfort, reduce user fatigue and enhance tactical performance parameters through superior ergonomic handling characteristics. Another concurrent benefit to mounting structure 50 in the case of a mounted handgun is an improvement in the operator's tactical flexibility and operational security through simultaneous access to two separate firing platforms, in the same or different calibers, on unobstructed sight planes which are able to provide a greater volume of sustained fire with the same or different penetration, range and noise characteristics, or as a secondary shoulder-stabilized backup weapon without the need to draw from a holster in the event of a primary weapons malfunction and/or during the execution of a combat reload. Although skilled artisans have attached a pistol or pistol grip to the bottom of the forearm stock of a long gun, these “North-South” mounts do not address the ergonomic disadvantages described above, do not enable the operator to look directly at or through the pistol sights of the secondary weapon, and inherently impede operators from assuming a fully prone firing position due to their being located directly under the forearm stock and in some instances they lack a quick-detach rail mount adapter interface for rapid employment or transition to the holstered position. The rail sockets 66 and 116 of mounting structure 50, the female rail interface mounts, are designed to be received directly over and tightened onto the rails of the male Picatinny, Weaver or other rail mount counterparts.

The present invention is described above with reference to illustrative embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made in the described embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the present invention. For instance, fixture 51 of mounting structure 50 can be fashioned with additional one or more rails or sockets, such as the rail that depends downwardly from and under lower surface 215 of second section 52 of fixture 51 near outer end 111, useful for releasably securing one or more other accessories which, when attached, would not interfere with the operation of handgun 201 or long gun 202 or the respective sight lines 225 and 265 or axes X1 and X2. Various further changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof.

Claims

1. Apparatus, comprising:

a long gun including a first sight device defining a first sight line, a first barrel terminating in a first muzzle pointing along the first sight line, and a first rail over the barrel;

a handgun including a second sight device defining a second sight line, a front end, a rear end, a grip proximate to the rear end, a trigger between the front end and the grip, a second barrel terminating in a second muzzle at the front end pointing along the second sight line, and a second rail;

a mounting structure including a fixture having a first section and a second section, the first section includes a first rail socket for releasably securing the first rail of the long gun, and the second section includes a second rail socket for releasably securing the second rail of the handgun; and

the mounting structure releasably secures the handgun to the long gun, the handgun is spaced apart upright to one side of the first barrel and is parallel to the long gun, the first muzzle and the second muzzle concurrently point downrange along the first sight line and the second sight line, respectively, the first sight line and the second sight line are not obstructed by the mounting structure, and the grip and the trigger of the handgun are accessible by hand for holding and discharging the handgun without interference from the mounting structure, when the first rail socket is releasably secured to the first rail and the second rail socket is releasably secured to the second rail of the handgun.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first rail socket is adjustable between an open position for being received over the first rail, and a closed position for releasably securing the first rail.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first rail socket is defined by an inwardly-hooked first sidewall and an opposed inwardly-hooked second sidewall extending outwardly relative to a surface of the first section, the inwardly-hooked first sidewall being movable between a first position away from the inwardly-hooked second sidewall defining the open position of the first rail socket and a second position toward the inwardly-hooked second sidewall defining the closed position of the first rail socket.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first section further includes an adjustment member mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein the inwardly-hooked first sidewall is enabled for movement between its first position and its second position, when the adjustment member is in its first position, and the inwardly-hooked first sidewall is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward its first position from, its second position, when the adjustment member is in its second position.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the adjustment member is mounted rotatably to the first section, wherein rotation of the adjustment member in opposite directions imparts corresponding adjustment of the adjustment member between its first position and its second position.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second rail socket is adjustable between an open position for being received over the second rail, and a closed position for releasably securing the second rail.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second rail socket is defined by an inwardly-hooked first sidewall assembly and an opposed inwardly-hooked second sidewall extending outwardly relative to a surface of the second section, the inwardly-hooked first sidewall assembly includes a proximal base section carried by the second section carried by the second section, and a distal lip section carried by an end cap mounted to the second section for movement between a first position of the distal lip section away from the inwardly-hooked second sidewall defining the open position of the second rail socket and a second position toward the inwardly-hooked second sidewall defining the closed position of the second rail socket.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second section further includes an adjustment member mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein the end cap is enabled for movement between the first position of the distal lip section and the second position of the distal lip section, when the adjustment member is in its first position, and the end cap is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward the first position of the distal lip section from, the second position of the distal lip section, when the adjustment member is in its second position.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the adjustment member is mounted rotatably to the second section, wherein rotation of the adjustment member in opposite directions imparts corresponding adjustment of the adjustment member between its first position and its second position.

10. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:

a transverse slot formed in the first rail;

a lug carried by the first section; and

the lug is received within the transverse slot of the first rail disabling sliding movement of the mounting structure along the first rail, when the first rail socket is releasably secured to the first rail.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the adjustment member is mounted rotatably to a distal end of the lug extending outwardly from the first section.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the lug is elongate and includes a proximal end anchored to the fixture and extends from the proximal end through the first rail socket from the inwardly-hooked second sidewall to the inwardly-hooked first sidewall and beyond the inwardly-hooked first sidewall to the distal end and the adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the lug extends through the inwardly-hooked first sidewall from the first rail socket to the distal end and the adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end beyond the inwardly-hooked first sidewall, wherein the inwardly-hooked first sidewall translates reciprocally along the lug when the inwardly-hooked first sidewall moves between its first position and its second position.

14. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:

a transverse slot formed in the second rail of the handgun;

a lug carried by the second section; and

the lug is received within the transverse slot of the second rail of the handgun disabling sliding movement of the mounting structure along the second rail of the handgun, when the second rail socket is releasably secured to the second rail of the handgun.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the adjustment member is mounted rotatably to a distal end of the lug extending outwardly from the second section.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the lug is elongate includes a proximal end anchored to the fixture and extends from the proximal end through the second rail socket from the inwardly-hooked second sidewall to the inwardly-hooked first sidewall assembly and beyond the inwardly-hooked first sidewall assembly to the distal end and the adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the lug extends through the end cap from the second rail socket to the distal end and the adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end beyond the end cap, wherein the end cap translates reciprocally along the lug when the end cap moves between the first position of the distal lip section and the second position of the distal lip section.

18. Apparatus, comprising:

a long gun including a first sight device defining a first sight line, a first barrel terminating in a first muzzle pointing along the first sight line and including a top, a bottom, and opposed sides, and a side rail proximate to one of the opposed sides of the first barrel between the top of the first barrel and the bottom of the first barrel;

a handgun including a second sight device defining a second sight line, a front end, a rear end, a grip proximate to the rear end, a trigger between the front end and the grip, a second barrel terminating in a second muzzle at the front end pointing along the second sight line, and a bottom rail between the trigger and the front end;

a mounting structure including a fixture having a first section and a second section, the first section includes a side rail socket for releasably securing the side rail of the long gun, and the second section includes a bottom rail socket for releasably securing the bottom rail of the handgun, the side rail socket being vertical and outwardly-facing, and the bottom rail socket being horizontal and upwardly-facing;

the mounting structure secures the handgun to the long gun, the handgun is spaced apart upright to one side of the first barrel and is parallel to the long gun, the first muzzle and the second muzzle concurrently point downrange along the first sight line and the second sight line, respectively, the first sight line and the second sight line are not obstructed by the mounting structure, and the grip and the trigger of the handgun are accessible by hand for holding and discharging the handgun without interference from the mounting structure, when the side rail socket is releasably secured to the side rail and the bottom rail socket is releasably secured to the bottom rail of the handgun.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the side rail socket is adjustable between an open position for being received over the side rail, and a closed position for releasably securing the side rail.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the side rail socket is defined by an inwardly-hooked lower sidewall and an opposed inwardly-hooked upper sidewall extending outwardly on either side of a vertical surface of the first section, the inwardly-hooked upper sidewall being movable between a raised position away from the inwardly-hooked lower sidewall defining the open position of the side rail socket and a lowered position toward the inwardly-hooked lower sidewall defining the closed position of the side rail socket.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the first section further includes an adjustment member mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein the inwardly-hooked upper sidewall is enabled for movement between its raised position and its lowered position, when the adjustment member is in its first position, and the inwardly-hooked upper sidewall is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward its upper position from, its lowered position, when the adjustment member is in its second position.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the adjustment member is mounted rotatably to the first section, wherein rotation of the adjustment member in opposite directions imparts corresponding adjustment of the adjustment member between its first position and its second position.

23. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the bottom rail socket is adjustable between an open position for being received over the bottom rail, and a closed position for releasably securing the bottom rail.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the bottom rail socket is defined by an inwardly-hooked inner sidewall and an opposed inwardly-hooked outer sidewall assembly extending outwardly on either side of a horizontal surface of the second section, the inwardly-hooked outer sidewall assembly includes a proximal base section carried by the second section carried by the second section and a distal lip section carried by an end cap mounted for movement to the second section between a first position of the distal lip section away from the inwardly-hooked inner sidewall defining the open position of the bottom rail socket and a second position toward the inwardly-hooked inner sidewall defining the closed position of the bottom rail socket.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the second section further includes an adjustment member mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein the end cap is enabled for movement between the first position of the distal lip section and the second position of the distal lip section, when the adjustment member is in its first position, and the end cap is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward the first position of the distal lip section from, the second position of the distal lip section, when the adjustment member is in its second position.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the adjustment member is mounted rotatably to the second section, wherein rotation of the adjustment member in opposite directions imparts corresponding adjustment of the adjustment member between its first position and its second position.

27. The apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising:

a transverse slot formed in the side rail;

a lug carried by the first section; and

the lug is received within the transverse slot of the side rail disabling sliding movement of the mounting structure along the side rail, when the side rail socket is releasably secured to the side rail.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the adjustment member is mounted rotatably to a distal end of the lug extending outwardly from the first section.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the lug is elongate and includes a proximal end anchored to the fixture and extends from the proximal end through the side rail socket from the lower inwardly-hooked sidewall to the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall and beyond the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall to the distal end and the adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the lug extends through the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall from the side rail socket to the distal end and the adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end beyond the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall, wherein the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall translates reciprocally along the lug when the upper inwardly-hooked sidewall moves between its raised position and its lowered position.

31. The apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising:

a transverse slot formed in the bottom rail of the handgun;

a lug carried by the second section; and

the lug is received within the transverse slot of the bottom rail of the handgun disabling sliding movement of the mounting structure along the bottom rail of the handgun, when the bottom rail socket is releasably secured to the bottom rail of the handgun.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the adjustment member is mounted rotatably to a distal end of the lug extending outwardly from the second section.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the lug is elongate includes a proximal end anchored to the fixture and extends from the proximal end through the bottom rail socket from the inwardly-hooked inner sidewall to the inwardly-hooked outer sidewall assembly and beyond the inwardly-hooked outer sidewall assembly to the distal end and the adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the lug extends through the end cap from the bottom rail socket to the distal end and the adjustment member mounted rotatably to the distal end beyond the end cap, wherein the end cap translates reciprocally along the lug when the end cap moves between the first position of the distal lip section and the second position of the distal lip section.

35. An apparatus for connecting a first rail of a long gun to a second rail of a handgun, comprising:

a mounting structure including a fixture having a first section and a second section, the first section includes a first rail socket, and the second section includes a second rail socket;

the first rail socket is adjustable between an open position for being received over the first rail, and a closed position for releasably securing the first rail; and

the second rail socket is adjustable between an open position for being received over the second rail, and a closed position for releasably securing the second rail.

36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the first rail socket is defined by an inwardly-hooked first sidewall of the first section and an opposed inwardly-hooked second sidewall of the first section extending outwardly relative to a first surface of the first section, the inwardly-hooked first sidewall being movable between a first position away from the inwardly-hooked second sidewall defining the open position of the first rail socket and a second position toward the inwardly-hooked second sidewall defining the closed position of the first rail socket.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the first section further includes a first adjustment member mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein the inwardly-hooked first sidewall is enabled for movement between its first position and its second position, when the first adjustment member is in its first position, and the inwardly-hooked first sidewall is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward its first position from, its second position, when the first adjustment member is in its second position.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the first adjustment member is mounted rotatably to the first section, wherein rotation of the first adjustment member in opposite directions imparts corresponding adjustment of the first adjustment member between its first position and its second position.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the second rail socket is defined by an inwardly-hooked third sidewall assembly of the second section and an opposed inwardly-hooked fourth sidewall of the second section extending outwardly relative to a second surface of the second section, the inwardly-hooked third sidewall assembly includes a proximal base section carried by the second section and a distal lip section carried by an end cap mounted to the second section for movement between a first position of the distal lip section away from the inwardly-hooked fourth sidewall defining the open position of the second rail socket and a second position toward the inwardly-hooked fourth sidewall defining the closed position of the second rail socket.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the second section further includes a second adjustment member mounted for adjustment between a first position and a second position, wherein the end cap is enabled for movement between the first position of the distal lip section and the second position of the distal lip section, when the adjustment member is in its first position, and the end cap is secured in, and is disabled from moving toward the first position of the distal lip section from, the second position of the distal lip section, when the adjustment member is in its second position.

41. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the second adjustment member is mounted rotatably to the second section, wherein rotation of the second adjustment member in opposite directions imparts corresponding adjustment of the second adjustment member between its first position and its second position.

42. The apparatus according to claim 41, further comprising a first lug carried by the first section for being received within a first transverse slot of the first rail disabling sliding movement of the mounting structure along the first rail, when the first rail socket is releasably secured to the first rail.

43. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the first adjustment member is mounted rotatably to a first distal end of the first lug extending outwardly from the first section.

44. The apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the first lug is elongate and includes a first proximal end anchored to the fixture and extends from the first proximal end through the first rail socket from the inwardly-hooked second sidewall to the inwardly-hooked first sidewall and beyond the inwardly-hooked first sidewall to the first distal end and the first adjustment member mounted rotatably to the first distal end.

45. The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the first lug extends through the inwardly-hooked first sidewall from the first rail socket to the first distal end and the first adjustment member mounted rotatably to the first distal end beyond the inwardly-hooked first sidewall, wherein the inwardly-hooked first sidewall translates reciprocally along the first lug when the inwardly-hooked first sidewall moves between its first position and its second position.

46. The apparatus according to claim 45, further comprising a second lug carried by the second section for being received within the second transverse slot of the second rail disabling sliding movement of the mounting structure along the second rail, when the second rail socket is releasably secured to the second rail.

47. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the second adjustment member is mounted rotatably to a second distal end of the second lug extending outwardly from the second section.

48. The apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the second lug is elongate and includes a second proximal end anchored to the fixture and extends from the second proximal end through the second rail socket from the inwardly-hooked fourth sidewall to the inwardly-hooked third sidewall assembly and beyond the inwardly-hooked third sidewall assembly to the second distal end and the second adjustment member mounted rotatably to the second distal end.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the second lug extends through the end cap from the second rail socket to the second distal end and the second adjustment member mounted rotatably to the second distal end beyond the end cap, wherein the end cap translates reciprocally along the second lug when the end cap moves between the first position of the distal lip section and the second position of the distal lip section.

50. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the first rail socket is outwardly-facing, the second rail socket is upwardly-facing, the first rail socket is perpendicular relative to the second rail socket, and the first lug is perpendicular relative to the second lug.