U.S. patent application number 10/408762 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-15 for auxiliary device for a weapon and attachment thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Insight Technology Incorporated, a New Hampshire corporation. Invention is credited to Lepage, Albert, Solinsky, Kenneth S., Woodman, Wallace.
Application Number | 20040068913 10/408762 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22325534 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040068913 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Solinsky, Kenneth S. ; et
al. |
April 15, 2004 |
Auxiliary device for a weapon and attachment thereof
Abstract
An attachment system is provided for attaching an auxiliary
apparatus to a weapon having a frame, and in particular to a weapon
frame in the area forward of the trigger guard. An attachment
mechanism on the auxiliary apparatus is adapted to be engageable
with a rail on the weapon to selectively attach the auxiliary
apparatus. The weapon may include a transverse slot which can be
engaged by a portion of the auxiliary apparatus to prevent the
auxiliary apparatus from sliding relative to the weapon due to
recoil forces associated with firing the weapon.
Inventors: |
Solinsky, Kenneth S.;
(Bedford, NH) ; Lepage, Albert; (Weare, NH)
; Woodman, Wallace; (Merrimack, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON PC
225 FRANKLIN ST
BOSTON
MA
02110
US
|
Assignee: |
Insight Technology Incorporated, a
New Hampshire corporation
|
Family ID: |
22325534 |
Appl. No.: |
10/408762 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10408762 |
Apr 7, 2003 |
|
|
|
09706085 |
Nov 3, 2000 |
|
|
|
6574901 |
|
|
|
|
09706085 |
Nov 3, 2000 |
|
|
|
09109048 |
Jul 2, 1998 |
|
|
|
6185854 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/35 20130101; F41G
11/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/146 |
International
Class: |
F41G 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An auxiliary device for use with a weapon, the auxiliary device
comprising: a housing including a portion configured to receive at
least one source of illumination; a first structural member
extending upward from a first side of the housing and extending
along at least a portion of a length of the first side of the
housing; a second structural member extending upward from a second
side of the housing, wherein the second side of the housing is
located opposite to the first side of the housing, and wherein the
second structural member extends along at least a portion of a
length of the second side of the housing such that it is
substantially parallel to the first structural member, and wherein
both the first and second structural members are substantially
parallel to a central, longitudinal axis extending along a length
of the housing; and a spring-biased mechanism extending across and
along a top portion of the housing, and wherein the spring-biased
mechanism is configured to be biased in a direction substantially
normal to the longitudinal axis.
2. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary device
comprises an illuminator.
3. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary device
comprises an aiming device.
4. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary device
comprises an illuminator and an aiming device.
5. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the first and second
structural members comprise a first positioning mechanism.
6. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the first and second
structural members comprise mounting members that are
complimentarily-shaped with respect to mounting members of a weapon
to which the auxiliary device is adapted to be attached.
7. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the first and second
structural members comprise rigid, elongated projections.
8. The auxiliary device of claim 7, wherein the rigid, elongated
projections comprise tongues sized and shaped to engage with
grooves associated with a weapon to which the auxiliary device is
adapted to be attached.
9. The auxiliary device of claim 7, wherein the rigid, elongated
projections are sized to fit snugly within grooves associated with
a weapon to which the auxiliary device is adapted to be attached,
and wherein the rigid, elongated projections are capable of sliding
along the grooves.
10. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the spring-biased
mechanism comprises a positioning member.
11. The auxiliary device of claim 10, wherein the positioning
member comprises a bar, a pin, a detent ball, a post, or a ball
bearing.
12. The auxiliary device of claim 10, wherein the positioning
member comprises-a spring-loaded bar biased to move in a direction
normal to the longitudinal axis for engagement into a slot
associated with a weapon.
13. The auxiliary device of claim 12, wherein the spring-loaded bar
includes first and second end portions, and wherein a user may use
at least one of the end portions to cause compression of the spring
to move the bar out of engagement with the slot associated with the
weapon.
14. The auxiliary device of claim 13, wherein the at least one of
the end portions comprises a latch or a button.
15. The auxiliary device of claim 10, wherein the positioning
member comprises a spring-loaded bar.
16. The auxiliary device of claim 15, wherein the spring-loaded bar
includes an end portion, which extends beyond at least one of the
first structural member and the second structural member.
17. The auxiliary device of claim 16, wherein the end portion
comprises a latch or a button.
18. The auxiliary device of claim 16 further comprising at least
one additional source of illumination.
19. The auxiliary device of claim 18 wherein the at least one
additional source of illumination is different from the at least
one source of illumination.
20. The auxiliary device of claim 18 wherein the at least one
additional source of illumination comprises an illuminator, a laser
or an aiming light.
21. The auxiliary device of claim 16, wherein the spring-loaded bar
includes an end portion, which upon manipulation by a user,
overcomes the bias provided by the spring-biased mechanism.
22. The auxiliary device of claim 21, wherein the spring-loaded bar
includes an end portion, which extends beyond at least one of the
first structural member and the second structural member.
23. The auxiliary device of claim 22, wherein the end portion which
extends beyond at least one of the first structural member and the
second structural member further comprises a latch or a button.
24. The auxiliary device of claim 22 further comprising at least
one additional source of illumination.
25. The auxiliary device of claim 24 wherein the at least one
additional source of illumination is different from the at least
one source of illumination.
26. The auxiliary device of claim 24 wherein the at least one
additional source of illumination comprises an illuminator, a laser
or an aiming light.
27. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the first and second
structural members comprise rigid, elongated projections that are
sized to fit snugly within grooves associated with a weapon to
which the auxiliary device is adapted to be attached such that the
rigid, elongated projections are capable of sliding along the
grooves, and wherein the spring-biased mechanism is biased to move
in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis for engagement into
a slot associated with a weapon.
28. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the spring-biased
mechanism comprises a latching mechanism.
29. The auxiliary device of claim 28, wherein the latching
mechanism comprises a spring disposed substantially normal to the
longitudinal axis, the spring being operable to bias the latching
mechanism into engagement with a complementary position associated
with the weapon.
30. The auxiliary device of claim 29, wherein the latching
mechanism is configured to be manually manipulated to overcome the
biasing force of the spring.
31. The auxiliary device of claim 28, when the spring-biased
mechanism further comprises an engaging surface, wherein relative
sliding movement between the auxiliary device and weapon causes the
engaging surface to cause the latching mechanism to overcome the
biasing force of the spring-biased mechanism until the latching
mechanism is aligned with a slot associated with the weapon.
32. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the spring-biased
mechanism includes a portion, which upon manipulation by a user,
overcomes the bias provided by the spring-biased mechanism.
33. The auxiliary device of claim 1 further comprising at least one
additional source of illumination.
34. The auxiliary device of claim 33 wherein the at least one
additional source of illumination is different from the at least
one source of illumination.
35. The auxiliary device of claim 33 wherein the at least one
additional source of illumination comprises an illuminator, a laser
or an aiming light.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of and claims
priority to co-pending U.S. Application Serial No. 09/706,085,
filed on Nov. 3, 2000, which is a continuation application of U.S.
Pat. No. 6,185,854, Serial No. 09/109,048, filed on Jul. 2, 1998,
each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates generally to an auxiliary (e.g.,
illumination) device for a weapon and, more particularly, to
attaching an auxiliary device to a weapon.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The need to be able to effectively see a target and aim a
weapon in the direction of the target is well recognized. Auxiliary
devices to facilitate illuminating a target or aiming a weapon,
especially under low light conditions, are known. Examples of known
auxiliary devices include scopes, illuminators, lasers, aiming
lights and combined illuminator/laser units. For convenience, these
(and other) devices are generally referred to herein as auxiliary
devices. Attaching auxiliary devices to a weapon typically requires
separate brackets or other mechanical components, which may
necessitate tools, e.g., screwdrivers, coins, hex wrenches or
bullets, for attaching the auxiliary device itself or the
mechanical component. Alternatively, attaching and detaching the
device or mechanical components to the weapon requires partial
disassembly or modification of the weapon. Further, such systems
typically require use of two hands to mount the device on the
weapon, with both hands performing a function beyond merely
gripping the weapon. This requirement presents several
disadvantages. For instance, the user may be required to remove the
trigger hand from the trigger area of the weapon. Moreover,
attachment and detachment of these devices can be time consuming
and, in law enforcement and military applications, such time may be
critical to the safety of the weapon's operator or others.
[0004] As a result of these and other problems with conventional
devices, the user typically leaves the auxiliary device mounted on
the weapon or performs a time consuming operation to mount the
device when needed. These alternatives are undesirable. For
example, if the device is left mounted on the weapon, it cannot be
used independently of the weapon despite the fact that in some
situations, it is desirable to illuminate an area without pointing
a weapon toward that area. Also, in the context of handweapons, for
example, many holsters do not readily accommodate weapons having
auxiliary devices mounted thereon. Thus, it is often difficult to
holster or carry a weapon having such a device attached to it. This
presents special problems for law enforcement officers and others.
Additionally, the user may not want to use the device during
daylight hours, but may want to attach the device to a weapon at
night. Further, the user may want to be able to readily remove the
device when it is no longer needed. Moreover, depending on the
configuration of the auxiliary device, the user may need to replace
its batteries. Preferably, the user should be able to perform this
procedure quickly without the need for tools.
[0005] Another problem with conventional auxiliary devices is that
the device is often wider than the weapon, or the device protrudes
beyond the front end of the weapon. In the case of handweapons, a
device mounted below the frame may protrude below the trigger
guard. These characteristics often result in subjecting the
auxiliary device to greater wear and tear because the auxiliary
device often contacts various obstructions in the environment where
the weapon is being used. For instance, a device extending beyond
the end of a barrel of a weapon may collide with doorways,
clothing, tree branches, or other objects, tending to tear the
device apart from the weapon and possibly damaging, or rendering
inoperable, the device or the weapon itself. Another problem is
that an assailant may more easily disarm a user by grabbing an
auxiliary device which extends substantially beyond the weapon. The
danger of these and other problems occurring are greater at night
or when ordinary vision is impaired.
[0006] Additionally, many prior auxiliary devices, especially
illuminators, are bulky. This characteristic also is
undesirable.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,967 addresses some of these issues for
an auxiliary device for a weapon. The device described therein is
provided with a clamping mechanism for attaching an auxiliary
apparatus to a weapon having a frame. The clamping mechanism has
projections which are biased by a flexible member toward
corresponding recessed portions formed in the frame of the weapon.
A retaining member is also provided. The retaining member may be
moved between an open and a closed position. While the '967 Patent
overcomes some of the problems traditionally associated with the
attachment of an auxiliary device to a weapon, it too leaves room
for improvement.
[0008] For example, the existence of a flexible biasing mechanism
results in the auxiliary device being somewhat flexibly attached to
the weapon. This flexible attachment is not ideal in some
circumstances, for example, for use with auxiliary devices
requiring precise boresight alignment. Also, the attachment
mechanism is relatively bulky, causing the auxiliary device to be
relatively wider, resulting in an increase in the size of the
device in at least one dimension. Moreover, the engagement of
portions of the auxiliary device with the corresponding portions of
the weapon is limited by the degree of flexibility of the flexible
mechanism. Furthermore, the spring-loaded mechanism also limits the
biasing force holding the auxiliary device to a weapon. As a
result, this attachment approach may be successful on weapons, such
as handweapons, which have relatively modest recoil forces, but may
be somewhat less successful on other weapons, such as shotguns,
where the greater recoil forces may cause the auxiliary device to
dislodge from the weapon.
[0009] While lights and other devices primarily have been mounted
to weapons, many weapons are not specifically designed to
facilitate this. As a result, special brackets and other mounting
devices often need to be used. Some weapons have mounting racks,
but various drawbacks exist even with these types of devices. In
many cases, it is difficult to mount a device to the weapon and/or
complex mechanical structures are necessary.
[0010] Other problems and drawbacks with prior approaches
exist.
SUMMARY
[0011] One object of the invention is to overcome these and other
drawbacks of known devices.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a weapon and
auxiliary device system that includes complementary mounting
members on the weapon and on the auxiliary device to enable the
auxiliary device to be easily and securely attached to the weapon,
for example, by relative sliding movement.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a weapon and
auxiliary device system that includes complementary mounting
members on the weapon and on the auxiliary device to enable the
auxiliary device to be easily and securely attached to the weapon,
for example, by relative sliding movement to a predetermined
position, and which further includes a mechanism to fix the
auxiliary device in the predetermined position.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
auxiliary device such as an illuminator or aiming light, or
combination thereof, with a mechanism for attaching the device to a
weapon and particularly a handweapon, such that the actual
attachment or removal can be accomplished by a user with one hand,
while the second hand is free to grip the weapon.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism
for attaching an auxiliary device to a weapon such that the device
will maintain or better maintain boresight alignment even after the
shocks of repeated weapon fire recoils.
[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism
for mounting an auxiliary device to a weapon without temporary or
permanent disassembly or removal of any parts from the weapon to
which the device is attached.
[0017] Another object of the invention is to reduce or minimize the
size of an auxiliary device, for example, by providing an auxiliary
device which may be attached to the frame of a weapon such that
when the device is attached to the weapon, protrusion of the device
beyond the overall dimensions of the weapon is reduced or
minimized. Preferably, the width of the auxiliary device does not
extend beyond the overall width of the weapon to any appreciable
degree. Also, the auxiliary device has minimal or no protrusion
beyond the front end of the weapon.
[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a battery
operated auxiliary device in which the batteries can be easily and
readily replaced and such replacement can be performed without
tools.
[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a weapon
comprising a frame to which an auxiliary device can be easily
attached to and removed from the weapon by a user with one hand,
while the second hand is free to grip the weapon (without tools)
and when attached will hold boresight alignment to a high degree of
precision.
[0020] These and other objects may be carried out according to
various embodiments of the invention. According to one embodiment,
the invention comprises a weapon and auxiliary device system that
facilitates attachment of the auxiliary device to the weapon and
removal therefrom. Preferably the auxiliary device may be attached
to the weapon by relative sliding movement therebetween, to guide
the auxiliary device to a predetermined position. According to one
aspect of the invention, the system preferably further includes a
mechanism for maintaining the auxiliary device in the predetermined
position, for example, by providing a mechanism that automatically
fixes the position once the predetermined position is reached. One
advantage of this combination is that, once mounted, undesired
movement of the auxiliary device relative to the weapon (e.g., due
to recoil shock caused by firing the weapon) can be reduced or
eliminated. Another advantage is that the auxiliary device can be
easily mounted to or removed from the weapon with single-handed
operation without tools. Various aspects of the invention relate to
the system. Other aspects may be used alone on a weapon or an
auxiliary device.
[0021] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary device comprises
a housing with mounting members extending therefrom. The mounting
members preferably, but not necessarily, are complimentarily-shaped
with respect to mounting members of the weapon to which the
auxiliary device is to be attached. Preferably, the mounting
members are designed to provide a first positioning mechanism,
where one is a male member and the other is a female member, spaced
and oriented such that the auxiliary device may be mounted to the
weapon by relative sliding movement between the weapon and
auxiliary device to a predetermined position.
[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the weapon and
auxiliary device are provided with a second positioning mechanism.
In one embodiment, the second positioning mechanism includes a male
portion and a female portion. For example, a spring-loaded bar at
the top of the auxiliary device may project for engagement into a
transverse slot in the bottom of the weapon frame to prevent the
auxiliary device from sliding forward or aft, e.g., when the weapon
fires. Alternatively, the second positioning mechanism may include
an opening on the weapon frame and a complementary projection on
the auxiliary device that is engagable with the opening. Other
alternatives exist. For example, the weapon alone may have a latch
that engages a portion of the auxiliary device when in a
predetermined position.
[0023] In any of the embodiments the male portion of the second
positioning mechanism may include a biasing mechanism, e.g., a
spring-biased mechanism, whereby the user manipulates a latch,
button or other release mechanism which, under the influence of a
spring or other biasing device, is typically maintained in a
normally locked or a normally unlocked position. The spring-loaded
projection may be contoured such that the auxiliary device can
slide onto the weapon without having to manually depress the
projection.
[0024] To remove the auxiliary device from the weapon, the spring
biasing the second positioning mechanism is manually depressed (or
otherwise moved) to allow disengagement of the second positioning
mechanisms. Then, the auxiliary device may be slid forward for
removal from the weapon.
[0025] In another embodiment, the grooves or tongues along the side
of the weapon frame are not parallel to the frame and may or may
not be parallel to each other. For example, the grooves can be
located at an incline or angle with respect to the axis of the
barrel of the weapon. In another embodiment, the grooves or tongues
may be replaced by other suitable complementary engaging surfaces
which allow relative sliding motion between the frame of the weapon
and the auxiliary device.
[0026] In another embodiment, the grooves or tongues along the side
of the weapon frame may be replaced with a rail along the bottom of
the frame. A transverse slot or hole may be located in the bottom
or side(s) of the rail.
[0027] In another embodiment, the male portion (e.g., bar or pin)
is not spring-loaded. Rather it is mechanically moved to engage the
female portion (e.g., slot or hole) in the bottom of the weapon
frame and is mechanically lowered or allowed by gravity to fall to
disengage the slot or hole when removal of the auxiliary device
from the weapon is desired.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, a weapon frame
is provided with a pair of elongated side rails of a predetermined
geometry formed along opposite sides of the frame extending from
forward of a trigger guard to about the forward most end of the
barrel. An auxiliary device comprising a housing is provided with
structural members that extend from or form part of the housing,
and have a predetermined geometry to enable the auxiliary device to
mate with the rails of the weapon for attachment thereto. These
structures cooperate to locate and align the auxiliary device at a
predetermined position with respect to the weapon.
[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the
predetermined position of the auxiliary device with respect to the
weapon may be fixed by providing a second positioning mechanism on
one or both of the weapon or auxiliary device to prevent or reduce
mounted undesired movement of the auxiliary device relative to the
weapon (e.g., due to recoil shock caused by firing the weapon).
This mechanism may include a female portion and a male portion. For
example the female portion may comprise a recess, transverse slot,
circular opening or other female portion, formed in the bottom of
the frame forward of the trigger guard. The male portion may
comprise a pin, bar elongate projection or other male portion on
the auxiliary device. The male portion may be biased to at least
partially enter the female portion in the weapon frame once the
predetermined position is reached. Preferably, the second
positioning mechanism may lock the auxiliary device to the weapon
frame without manipulation of that mechanism by the person
attaching the auxiliary device to the weapon. Alternatively, the
second positioning mechanism may tend to prevent the movement of
the auxiliary device, without locking it to the weapon frame. In
this case, the second positioning mechanism could include, for
example, a detent ball mechanism or other structure.
[0030] According, to one embodiment, the auxiliary device is slid
onto the frame of a weapon (in a first direction) via the first
positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism is
actuated to fix the position of the auxiliary device relative to
the frame in at least the first direction. The second positioning
mechanism preferably includes one component that moves in a
direction perpendicular to the first direction.
[0031] Preferably at least a portion of the second positioning
mechanism comprises a springloaded projection that projects from
either the auxiliary device or the weapon into a portion of the
other, without having to manually depress the projection. This
facilitates the ease with which an auxiliary device can be reliably
secured to a weapon. To remove the auxiliary device from the
weapon, the spring biasing the second positioning mechanism is
manually depressed (or otherwise moved) to allow disengagement of
the second positioning mechanism. Then, the auxiliary device may be
slid forward for removal from the weapon.
[0032] Other objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments
will become readily apparent when the detailed description of the
embodiment is read in conjunction with the drawing figures.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an auxiliary device mounted
to a weapon.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the auxiliary device
mounted to the weapon as in FIG. 1.
[0035] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of weapons in
accordance with two embodiments of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the auxiliary device of FIG.
1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary device
attached to the weapon frame and specifically depicting the
latching mechanism as being upwardly biased by a leaf spring.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary device's
transverse bar being upwardly biased by a biasing mechanism
according to another embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 7 shows a further attachment technique used to mount a
scope or other auxiliary device above the weapon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, there is depicted an
auxiliary device 10 mounted to a pistol-type weapon 20. For
convenience, the description that follows refers to the auxiliary
device as an illuminator, which is a device generally used to cast
light upon a target area or a portion thereof. This should not be
construed as a limitation of the invention, however, as this
embodiment is for illustrative purposes only. As those skilled in
the art will appreciate from this disclosure, the novel features
described herein may readily be applied to other auxiliary devices
and weapons. Moreover, the figures are provided as examples only.
It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the
particulars depicted in the figures.
[0041] According to one embodiment, weapon 20 comprises a weapon
frame 21 with rails or grooves 22a and 22b, located in and
extending along at least a portion of the weapon frame 21,
preferably parallel with an axis 23 of the barrel 24. Preferably,
the rails extend from about a trigger guard 30, to substantially
the forward most end of frame 21. The weapon frame 21 also
preferably includes a slot (or other recess), for example, an
elongate transverse slot 25, aligned substantially perpendicular to
the rails 22a, 22b. The slot 25 is preferably located between
trigger guard 30 and the forward most portion of the frame 21.
[0042] Auxiliary device 10, as shown in FIG. 1, 2 and 4, also
preferably comprises a housing and structural members extending
therefrom, e.g., rigid elongated projections 5a and 5b, extending
along at least a portion of the auxiliary device 10. Preferably,
the rigid elongated projections comprise tongues 5a, 5b designed to
be compatible with grooves 22a, 22b of weapon 20. For example, the
longitudinal tongues 5a, 5b may be spaced and sized such that they
fit snugly within the grooves 22a, 22b, but are capable of being
slid therealong. Together, the rails 22a, 22b, and projections 5a,
5b cooperate to function as a first positioning mechanism.
[0043] The auxiliary device 10 preferably further comprises a
projection, e.g., spring-loaded elongated bar 6 (FIG. 1 and 4). The
spring-loaded bar 6 is illustrated as being oriented substantially
orthogonal to the longitudinal tongues 5a, 5b, but other
orientations are possible. Preferably, spring-loaded bar 6 has a
geometry that is complimentary to elongate transverse slot 25. For
example, spring-loaded bar 6 may extend substantially across the
width of auxiliary device 10. Spring-loaded bar 6 preferably has
one or more ends 62 protruding through an opening 64 formed in a
portion of auxiliary device 10 (e.g., an upright extension
projecting from the housing). A spring 70 (FIG. 4) or other biasing
mechanism preferably biases bar 6 upwardly. When the auxiliary
device is being slid relative to the weapon, a portion of the
weapon may overcome the bias force of the spring, until the
auxiliary device is at a predetermined position with respect to the
weapon, for example when the spring-loaded bar 6 is positioned in
alignment with slot 25, whereupon, the spring causes the bar 6 to
project into slot 25 to fix the auxiliary device in the
predetermined position relative to the weapon. The engagement of
bar 6 and slot 25 forms a second positioning mechanism and secures
auxiliary device 10 onto frame 20 to prevent inadvertent removal or
misalignment of auxiliary device 10 due to external influences such
as recoil.
[0044] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of an auxiliary device
mounted to a weapon. In this embodiment, the first positioning
mechanism includes, e.g., tongues 5a, 5b formed on the auxiliary
device 10 in complementary engagement with corresponding grooves
22a, 22b formed on the weapon frame 21. Both the tongues and
grooves are rigid structural elements to provide a rigid attachment
between the auxiliary device 10 and the weapon frame 21. A second
positioning mechanism is depicted in FIG. 5, including a transverse
bar 6 which, under the biasing force of leaf-spring 60, is inserted
into a transverse slot 25 formed on the weapon frame 21. The
leaf-spring 60 is preferably securely positioned within an opening
64 formed in the top of the auxiliary device 10, and held in place
in a suitable manner. The leaf-spring 60 normally biases bar 6
upwards and away from recess 64; When removing the auxiliary device
10 from the weapon frame 21, the user grasps opposing ends 62 of
bar 6 and pulls downwardly to cause the partial compression of
leaf-spring 60 and move bar 6 out of engagement with the groove
25.
[0045] In the embodiment of FIG. 1-4, the auxiliary device 10 is
mounted on the weapon by aligning the tongues (5a and 5b) with the
weapon's grooves (22a and 22b) and sliding the auxiliary device 10
on the weapon 20 to a predetermined position. The transverse bar 6
and slot 25 are located such that when the auxiliary device 10 at
the predetermined position, the bar 6 is aligned with transverse
slot 25, such that the bar 6 projects into slot 25 by spring
pressure or in other convenient ways (e.g., manually, under the
influence of gravity or other mechanisms).
[0046] The mating of longitudinal tongues 5a, 5b, and grooves 22a,
22b provides alignment of the auxiliary device 10 with the weapon
barrel 24 and stability in the horizontal and vertical directions.
Additionally, the tongues and grooves constrain the auxiliary
device 10 in roll, pitch, and yaw relative to the weapon. The
second positioning mechanism (e.g., engagement of the transverse
bar 6 and slot 25) prevents the auxiliary device 10 from sliding
forward or aft during use and particularly during weapon fire due
to weapon recoil.
[0047] According to another embodiment, male portions (e.g.,
longitudinal tongues 5a, 5b) may be located on the weapon frame and
the female portion (e.g., longitudinal grooves 22a, 22b) may be
located on the auxiliary device 10. The geometry of the portions
making up the first and second positioning mechanism need not be
exactly as disclosed. Various other geometries can be used to
accomplish the above-identified objects of the invention.
[0048] For example, transverse slot 25 and the transverse bar 6 can
be replaced by any other engaging devices, position fixers, and/or
position fixer receptacles, which tend to prevent relative movement
of the auxiliary device 10 with respect to the weapon frame. For
instance, a recessed counterbore may be formed in the weapon frame
and a pin provided in the auxiliary device 10 such that the pin
engages the counterbore when the auxiliary device 10 is installed
on the weapon. A spring biased latch may project downwardly from
the front portion of the weapon to lock over an edge portion of the
auxiliary device, once in a predetermined position, to prevent
relative movement. For example, such a latch may fix the position
of the auxiliary device between the latch and the trigger guard. In
this way, only the weapon needs to be provided with a second
positioning mechanism. Other alternatives can be used.
[0049] FIG. 6 depicts a side cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the second positioning mechanism. In this embodiment,
the weapon frame 21 has, as in the other depicted embodiment, a
transverse slot 25 extending at least partially across the bottom
of the weapon frame 21. In this alternative embodiment, the
secondary complementary engaging mechanism formed on the auxiliary
device 10 comprises a latching mechanism 66 which, under the
influence of cantilevered spring 70, is upwardly biased into
complementary engagement with transverse slot 25. Cantilevered
spring 70 includes first and second ends, only one of which, 71, is
attached to the auxiliary device 10.
[0050] The latching mechanism 66 preferably has at least one end of
which is accessible by the weapon operator and may be manually
manipulated to overcome the biasing force of cantilevered spring
70. When removing the auxiliary device 10 from the weapon, the user
pulls the transverse bar 66 downwardly to overcome the influence of
cantilevered spring 70. Cantilevered spring 70 then tends to come
into contact with tapered surface 72, at which time transverse bar
66 is freed from slot 25 and the auxiliary device 10 may be slid
forwardly and removed from the weapon.
[0051] Another aspect of the embodiments of FIG. 4 and 6 is that
the latching mechanism 66 may be formed with an inclined surface 68
at the rear end thereof. The inclined surface 68 facilitates the
installation of the auxiliary device on the weapon. Specifically,
when the first positioning mechanisms of the auxiliary device 10
and the weapon 20 are initially engaged, and the auxiliary device
10 is slid further onto the weapon, the inclined surface 68 is
sized to contact the front end of the weapon. Under further sliding
action of the auxiliary device 10, the front end of the weapon
slides upwardly along inclined surface 68, causing latching
mechanism 66 to overcome the biasing force of cantilevered spring
70 and to enter a recess 74 formed in the auxiliary device 10.
Then, upon further sliding action, the latching mechanism 66 is
eventually aligned with transverse slot 25, at which time the
cantilevered spring 70 causes latching mechanism 66 to rise and
lock within transverse slot 25. This (and other techniques for)
automatic retraction as the auxiliary device 10 is slid onto the
weapon simplifies installation, as it eliminates the need to
manually retract the transverse bar 6 as the auxiliary device 10 is
being installed. This automatic retraction of the transverse bar 6
can also be accomplished by contouring the leading edge of the
weapon frame instead of or in addition to contouring the latching
mechanism 66, and by other techniques.
[0052] As will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in
the art, the mechanisms for attaching the auxiliary device to the
frame of the weapon may take different configurations. In a generic
form, the auxiliary device is attached to the weapon frame using a
first positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism. The
first positioning mechanism preferably comprises complementary
engaging surfaces on the auxiliary device and weapon frame. In a
specific embodiment disclosed above, these complementary engaging
features comprise longitudinal tongues 5a, 5b on the auxiliary
device and complementary grooves 22a, 22b on the weapon frame 21.
Other complementary engaging surfaces on the auxiliary device 10
and weapon frame 21 are readily contemplated by the embodiments of
the invention. For example, the relative positioning of the tongues
and grooves may be reversed such that the weapon frame 21 is formed
with tongues, whereas the auxiliary device 10 is formed with
complementary grooves. The first positioning mechanism may comprise
other suitable complementary engaging mechanisms.
[0053] The second positioning mechanism preferably comprises a
device which, under normal conditions, sufficiently retains the
auxiliary device in a predetermined position relative to the weapon
frame. The second positioning mechanism is preferably designed to
secure the auxiliary device against movement when the weapon is
subjected to recoil forces and other jarring influences which may
be expected to be encountered in use and in the field. The second
positioning mechanism in the embodiments has been described with
respect to a biased transverse bar 6 which engages with an elongate
slot 25 formed in the weapon frame. The second positioning
mechanism of this particular embodiment acts to prevent the
auxiliary device from movement during use. However, other second
positioning mechanisms are within the scope of the invention,
including spring biased bars or pins or other structures that
engage a feature of the weapon from the side or sides or from
below, detent mechanisms, latching mechanisms, locking mechanisms
and other suitable mechanisms which releasably secure two
relatively sliding parts.
[0054] For example, the second positioning mechanism may include
the weapon barrel being formed with a recessed counter-bore into
which a corresponding biased member, e.g., a ball bearing or a
post, formed on the auxiliary device may be inserted. As shown in
FIG. 3A, the second positioning mechanism may optionally be formed
from a spring-biased retractable bar 6A, post, or ball bearing or
other structure integrally formed on the weapon frame which engages
a portion of auxiliary device 10, for example, but without
limitation, a correspondingly shaped recess 25A formed in the
auxiliary device 10 or another portion of the auxiliary device 10.
In each of the foregoing and other embodiments, depending on the
application, the second positioning mechanism may be designed to
lock or otherwise secure the auxiliary device with respect to the
weapon frame or alternatively may, such as in the case of a detent
mechanism, simply act to deter, but not completely prevent,
relative movement between the auxiliary device and the weapon frame
under abnormal conditions. For example, a detent could be of
sufficient retention capability to resist relative movement due to
weapon recoil forces but not be so strong as to prevent deliberate
removal of the auxiliary device from the weapon, without first
"unlocking" it.
[0055] Another aspect of the invention relates to the mounting
members, e.g., grooves 22a, 22b, formed along the weapon frame.
Preferably, the grooves extend from a point substantially at the
trigger guard to the front of the weapon. These grooves 22a, 22b or
other mounting members extend along the weapon frame to securely
hold and retain the auxiliary device with respect to the weapon and
facilitate locating the auxiliary device thereon. This further
allows the secure fastening of the auxiliary device to the weapon
frame without the use of spring hinges or other such devices which
could result in the inadvertent dislocation of the auxiliary device
from the weapon frame. The complementary mounting members
comprising the first positioning mechanism thus form a rigid and
secure mechanism for mounting the auxiliary device to the weapon
frame.
[0056] In various embodiments depicted, grooves 22a, 22b are
depicted as extending substantially parallel to the axis 23 of
barrel 24. The invention, however, is not so limited. For instance,
grooves 22a, 22b may be positioned at an incline with respect to
the longitudinal axis 23 of barrel 24. Alternatively, grooves 22a,
22b may be replaced other suitable engaging surfaces which allow
relative sliding motion between the weapon frame 21 and the
auxiliary device 10.
[0057] FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of the invention. In FIG.
7, an auxiliary device 10 is positioned above the weapon frame 21.
The auxiliary device 10 preferably includes bar 6 (or other second
positioning mechanism) which is adapted for complementary
engagement with a corresponding portion of weapon 21, e.g.,
transverse slot 25 formed at the bottom of the weapon frame 21.
Weapon frame 21 preferably includes a first positioning mechanism,
e.g., rails or grooves 22a, 22b, located in and extending along at
least a portion of the weapon frame 21, preferably parallel with an
axis 23 of the weapon frame 21. The auxiliary device 10 of the
embodiment of FIG. 7 includes a hollow frame having first and
second sides 102, 103 connected by an upper section 104 to a
housing for the auxiliary device. An aiming light or other
illuminating device 106 may be positioned in or on the housing and
preferably is boresighted with the longitudinal axis 23 of the
barrel 24.
[0058] Though the embodiment of FIG. 7 has been depicted in
connection with a hollow arched housing through which the weapon
frame 21 penetrates, other configuration s for locating the
auxiliary device 10 so that the aiming light or other illuminating
device 106 is positioned above the weapon frame 21 are possible.
For example, the weapon frame 21 could be formed with a pair of
longitudinally extending tongues on opposite sides of barrel 24.
Likewise, in such an alternative embodiment, a transverse slot or
other second positioning mechanism 25 could be formed on top of the
weapon frame 21 or on top of the barrel. In any event, no matter
the configuration of the second positioning mechanism, preferably,
the auxiliary device 10 preferably has a first positioning
mechanism (according to various embodiments discussed herein or
other positioning mechanisms) such that the auxiliary device 10 is
engageable to mount on the weapon frame 21. The precise positioning
and configuration of the positioning mechanisms can vary.
[0059] The leaf-spring 60 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 and the
cantilevered spring 70 in the embodiment of FIG. 6 are but two of
many possible biasing mechanisms that may be used in the
embodiments of the invention. In addition to the springs for
upwardly biasing the bar 6, other mechanical arrangements or
combinations thereof, such as alternative forms of springs, wedges,
screws or cams, which could cause the bar or other structural
member to engage the slot 25 in the weapon, are within the scope of
the invention.
[0060] This invention has been described in connection with various
embodiments. These embodiments are for example only and are not
intended to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications
may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of
the invention as defined by the appended claims. The invention
encompasses all devices and equivalents which are within the scope
of the claims which follow.
* * * * *