U.S. patent application number 11/091650 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-06 for barrel accessory rail system.
This patent application is currently assigned to RA Brands, L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Haugen, Michael, Murphy, Randall.
Application Number | 20050217161 11/091650 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34964942 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050217161 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haugen, Michael ; et
al. |
October 6, 2005 |
Barrel accessory rail system
Abstract
A barrel accessory rail system includes a pair of cooperating
clamping sections, each including at least one pair of flanges
spaced by a transverse rail, and a fastener for securing the pair
of opposed clamping sections in clamping engagement with a barrel
and magazine extension of a firearm. The flanges are adapted to
couple a barrel and a magazine extension to a firearm and permit
attachment of accessories to the firearm.
Inventors: |
Haugen, Michael; (Yelm,
WA) ; Murphy, Randall; (Elizabethtown, KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
P.O. BOX 7037
ATLANTA
GA
30357-0037
US
|
Assignee: |
RA Brands, L.L.C.
|
Family ID: |
34964942 |
Appl. No.: |
11/091650 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60557987 |
Mar 31, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/08 20130101;
F41C 27/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/124 |
International
Class: |
F41G 001/38 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A barrel accessory rail system comprising: a series of
cooperating clamping sections, each comprising at least one pair of
flanges spaced by a transverse rail, said flanges adapted to couple
to a barrel of a firearm; and a fastener for securing said pair of
opposed clamping sections in clamping engagement with said
barrel.
2. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 1, wherein said
flanges have an arcuate firearm contacting-surface.
3. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 1, wherein said
transverse rail is a Picatinney rail.
4. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 1, wherein said
transverse rail is adapted to receive said fastener.
5. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 1, wherein each of
said cooperating clamping sections comprises only one pair of
flanges.
6. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 5, wherein each of
said flanges is disposed substantially centrally along the length
of said transverse rail.
7. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 5, wherein each of
said flanges is disposed along the length of said transverse rail
in a substantially aligned relation with one another.
8. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 1, wherein each of
said cooperating clamping sections comprises spaced pairs of
flanges.
9. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 8, wherein said pairs
of flanges are positioned at opposite ends of said transverse
rail.
10. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 8, wherein each pair
of flanges is disposed along the length of said transverse rail in
a substantially aligned relation.
11. A barrel accessory rail system comprising: a series of opposed
clamping sections, each including: a laterally extending accessory
mounting member having a plurality of mounting slots along a side
surface thereof; a barrel flange extending from said lateral
mounting member, said barrel flange dimensioned to engage a barrel
of a firearm; and a magazine extension flange extending from said
lateral mounting member, said magazine extension flange dimensioned
to engage a magazine extension of the firearm; and a fastener for
securing said pair of opposed clamping sections in clamping
engagement with said barrel and said magazine extension.
12. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 11, wherein said
barrel flange has an arcuate barrel-contacting surface and said
magazine extension flange has an arcuate magazine
extension-contacting surface.
13. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 11, wherein said
laterally extending accessory mounting member is a Picatinney
rail.
14. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 11, wherein said
barrel flange and said magazine extension flange are disposed
substantially centrally along the length of said lateral accessory
mounting member.
15. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 11, wherein said
barrel flange and said magazine extension flange are aligned
substantially along the length of said lateral by extending
accessory mounting member.
16. A barrel accessory rail system for a firearm, said barrel
accessory rail system comprising a pair of opposed body sections
releasably coupled by a fastener, each body section including at
least one pair of substantially aligned flanges having an arcuate
firearm contacting-surface, and an accessory mounting member
disposed between said flanges, said accessory mounting member
having a plurality of mounting slots along a side surface thereof
for releasably attaching a firearm accessory thereto.
17. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 16, wherein each of
said opposed body sections comprises a pair of flanges disposed
substantially centrally along the length of said accessory mounting
member.
18. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 16, wherein each of
said opposed body sections comprises two pairs of flanges disposed
substantially at opposing ends of said accessory mounting
member.
19. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 16, wherein a first
flange of said at least one pair of substantially aligned flanges
is a barrel-contacting flange and a second flange of said at least
one pair of substantially aligned flanges is a magazine
extension-contacting flange.
20. The barrel accessory rail system of claim 16, wherein said
accessory mounting member is a Picatinney rail.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/557,987, filed Mar. 31, 2004, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to firearms and, in
particular, to a barrel accessory rail system for clamping a
magazine extension to the barrel of a firearm, and for providing an
attachment point for mounting accessories to the firearm.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A barrel clamp may be used with a firearm to maintain a
tubular magazine extension or accessory mount for the firearm in a
secure, rigid alignment with the barrel. However, many presently
available clamps tend to compress the magazine extension tube,
which can potentially impede round capacity and proper function of
the weapon.
[0004] Some barrel clamps provide a means for attaching an
accessory to the firearm. However, the attaching means often is
unique to the manufacturer of the clamp. Therefore, the user is
required either to purchase multiple clamps for use with various
accessories, or to purchase the clamp and all of the accessories
from a limited number of providers that offer compatible mounting
features. Additionally, many barrel clamps include mounting
features on only one side of the firearm, thereby limiting the
ability of the user to choose where to position the accessory along
the firearm.
[0005] Thus, there remains a need for a simple and easy to use
system for rigidly securing a magazine extension or accessory mount
to the barrel of a firearm without adversely affecting the
performance of the firearm. There further remains a need for a
clamping system that includes for attaching or mounting various
types of additional accessories to the firearm.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates generally to a barrel
accessory rail system for a firearm. The barrel accessory rail
system includes a pair of cooperating clamping sections and one or
more fasteners for securing the pair of opposed clamping sections
in clamping engagement with the barrel and magazine extension. Each
of the opposed clamping sections includes at least one pair of
flanges spaced by a transverse rail. The flanges are adapted to
couple a barrel and a magazine extension for a firearm. The flanges
may have an arcuate firearm or barrel engaging or
contacting-surface. The transverse rail may be a Picatinney rail, a
weaver rail, or any other suitable rail system.
[0007] The barrel accessory rail system of the present invention
provides a simple and easy to use system for rigidly securing a
magazine extension or accessory mount to the barrel of a firearm
without adversely affecting the performance of the firearm. The
barrel accessory rail system of the present invention also provides
for attachment of firearm accessories in various arrangements or
orientations on either side of the firearm.
[0008] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art
to which it pertains upon reference to the following detailed
description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which
like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary barrel
accessory rail system according to the present invention mounted on
a firearm;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a rearward end view of the exemplary barrel
accessory rail system of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front end view of the exemplary barrel accessory
rail system of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an exemplary first clamping
section of a pair of clamping sections of a barrel accessory rail
system according to the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an exemplary second clamping
section of a pair of clamping sections of a barrel accessory rail
system according to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary
barrel accessory rail system of FIGS. 1-5 according to the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a rear end view of another exemplary barrel
accessory rail system according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a front end view of another exemplary barrel
accessory rail system according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of another exemplary first
clamping section of a pair of clamping sections of a barrel
accessory rail system according to the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of another exemplary second
clamping section of a pair of clamping sections of a barrel
accessory rail system according to the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary
barrel accessory rail system of FIGS. 7-10 according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention generally is directed to a barrel
accessory rail system (BARS) for use with a firearm. The BARS
typically will be used with a shotgun, rifle, or other long gun,
but also may be used other types of firearms, such as a long-barrel
pistol or other similar type of hand gun. The BARS of the present
invention may be used to clamp a tubular magazine extension to the
barrel to maintain the barrel and magazine extension in a secure,
rigid alignment. Additionally, the BARS may provide a sling
attachment point for the firearm, and may further include features
for mounting various firearm accessories, such as flashlights,
white lights, laser sights, or IR illuminators or various other
tactical options or accessories.
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts generally an exemplary BARS 10 attached to a
firearm F, in one example embodiment, a shotgun. The BARS 10 is
mounted removably at a forward section 15 of the firearm F, and
secures the barrel 20 and the magazine extension 25 in a rigid
alignment. The BARS 10 generally comprises at least one pair of
flanges 30 extending from a transverse or lateral rail 35. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transverse rail 35 generally is
aligned at least partially with the space between the barrel 20 and
the magazine extension 25. The transverse rail 35 may include one
or more slots 40 for mounting a firearm accessory (not shown) to
the firearm. The BARS 10 optionally can include a sling attachment
point 45 (FIGS. 4 and 5) at a rearward end 50 of the BARS 10.
[0023] Turning to FIGS. 2-6, a more detailed view of the exemplary
BARS 10 generally shown in FIG. 1 is provided. The BARS 10
comprises a pair of cooperating clamping or body sections 55a, 55b.
Each opposed clamping section 55a, 55b may be formed from a
lightweight, high strength material that also may be resistant to
corrosion. For example, the opposed clamping sections may be formed
from a metal, such as aluminum, steel, or other metal or metal
alloy, various synthetic or composite materials, for example, a
polymer, or any combination thereof.
[0024] Each of the clamping sections 55a, 55b generally comprises
at least one pair of flanges 30 that extend from the transverse or
lateral rail 35. The at least one pair of flanges 30 may be
integral with, attached to, or otherwise joined to the transverse
rail 35. As shown in FIG. 6, each pair of flanges 30 further
typically includes a first, barrel flange 60 shaped and dimensioned
to engage the barrel of the firearm F, and a second, magazine
extension flange 65 shaped and dimensioned to engage the magazine
extension 25. Various flanges are contemplated hereby, provided
that the shape, contours, and dimensions are selected to provide a
tight, clamping engagement with the barrel and magazine
extension(s) of the firearm. In one aspect, the first flange 60 and
the second flange 65 each have a firearm-contacting surface 70 that
is generally arcuate in shape. However, it should be understood
that various differing contours or shapes, and/or radii of
curvature for the firearm-contacting surfaces of each flange are
contemplated by the present invention.
[0025] The opposed clamping sections 55a, 55b generally are secured
along the firearm barrel using one or more fasteners 75. The
fasteners 75 are engaged and tightened to pull the clamping
sections 55a, 55b together to secure the magazine extension 25 to
the barrel 20 in a tight, rigid clamping engagement. It will be
understood that any suitable type of fastener 75 may be used as
desired including, for example, a screw, bolt, detent pin, or other
locking means. In one aspect, the fasteners 75 extend through the
transverse rail 35 of the clamping sections 55a, 55b. In such
aspects, the transverse rail 35 is provided with one or more
aligned openings or bores 80, or other features as known to those
of skill in the art, adapted to receive the fasteners 75. By
configuring the BARS in this manner, the barrel and magazine
extension may be clamped tightly to lock the BARS in a desired
position without compressing either the barrel or the magazine
extension. Thus, the BARS of the present invention advantageously
provides for a secure, adjustable engagement of the BARS to a
desired location and orientation along the firearm without
adversely affecting performance of the firearm.
[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention depicted in
FIGS. 2-6, each of the cooperating clamping sections 55a, 55b can
include more than one pair of flanges 30. In this example, each of
the cooperating clamping sections 55a, 55b includes two pairs of
flanges 30 on each coordinating clamping section 55a, 55b. In this
aspect, the two pairs of flanges 30 are at opposite ends 85a, 85b
of the transverse rail 35. However, it will be understood that
other configurations are contemplated by the present invention.
[0027] Each flange 60, 65 in the pair of flanges 30 is positioned
along the length L of the transverse rail 35 in a substantially
aligned relation. Thus, for example, the barrel-contacting flange
60 may be offset from the magazine extension-contacting flange 65
as needed or desired. Additionally, the flanges 60, 65 may be
offset from the ends 85a, 85b of the rail 35 any desired distance
as needed to optimize stability and strength of the BARS 10 when
clamped to a firearm F. Likewise, when the BARS 10 is attached to
the firearm F, the flanges of the two clamping sections 55a, 55b
can be in alignment or can be offset.
[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention
depicted in FIGS. 7-11, each of the cooperating clamping sections
55a, 55b includes only one pair of flanges 30. In this aspect, the
pairs of flanges 30 generally can be extended a greater distance
along the length L of the firearm F, with each flange 60, 65 in the
pair of flanges 30 disposed substantially centrally along the
length L of the transverse rail 35. As shown, each of the flanges
60, 65 is disposed along the length L of the transverse rail 35 in
a substantially aligned relation. However, it also will be
understood that various dimensions and configurations of flanges
are contemplated hereby.
[0029] In this and other aspects, each flange in a pair of flanges
30 is separated by the transverse or lateral rail 35. The
transverse rail 35 supports the pair of flanges 30 and serves as an
accessory mounting member. The rail 35 accordingly may include at
least one mounting slot 40 along an outwardly facing side surface
85 or portion thereof for removably attaching various type firearm
accessories (not shown) to the firearm F. In one aspect, the rail
35 includes a plurality of mounting slots 40a, 40b, . . . 40n. The
slots 40a, 40b, . . . 40n provide a plurality of attachment points
to mount various tactical accessories, such as white light
illuminators, for example, flashlights, visible laser sighting
systems, Infrared laser sighting systems or other accessories at
different locations and in differing arrangements. In one aspect,
the transverse or lateral rail is a standardized rail, for example,
a Picatinney rail (MIL-STD-1913) or a weaver rail. By using a
standardized rail, the BARS of the present invention may be used
with numerous firearm accessories adapted to be mounted on such a
standard rail. However, other types of mounting rails known to
those of skill in the art may be used with the present invention
and are contemplated hereby. When the BARS is mounted on the
firearm, the user may attach a firearm accessory to the transverse
rail on either side of the firearm. This provides a significant
advantage over presently available mounting systems that restrict
the user's ability to choose what type of accessories can be
mounted (based on the mounting standard) and where to mount the
accessory. In addition, the system of the present invention
provides excellent mount strength, thereby enabling use of zero
retention for sighting systems.
[0030] The transverse rail 35 also includes an inwardly facing
surface 90 that is at least partially seated between the barrel 20
and magazine extension 25 when mounted on a firearm F. The inwardly
facing surface 90 may include clipped, angled, or beveled corners
95 that optionally are arcuate in shape to follow the contours of
the barrel 20 and magazine extension 25. However, other shapes,
configurations, dimensions, and contours of the rail 35 also are
contemplated hereby.
[0031] Accordingly, it will be readily understood by those persons
skilled in the art that, in view of the above detailed description
of the invention, the present invention is susceptible of broad
utility and application. Many adaptations of the present invention
other than those herein described, as well as many variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements will be apparent from or
reasonably suggested by the present invention and the above
detailed description thereof, without departing from the substance
or scope of the present invention.
[0032] While the present invention is described herein in detail in
relation to specific aspects, it is to be understood that this
detailed description is only illustrative and exemplary of the
present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed
description set forth herein is not intended nor is to be construed
to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such
other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications, and
equivalent arrangements of the present invention, the present
invention being limited solely by the claims appended hereto and
the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *