U.S. patent application number 10/825140 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-20 for accessory mount for firearms.
Invention is credited to Dextraze, Serge.
Application Number | 20050229465 10/825140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35094775 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050229465 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dextraze, Serge |
October 20, 2005 |
Accessory mount for firearms
Abstract
A mount is provided for removably rigidly mounting accessories
to a firearm, such as a C9 machine gun, without having to modify
the basic components of the firearm. The mount comprises first and
second complementary parts adapted to be drawn one towards the
other against the opposite sides of the firearm. The first and
second complementary parts are provided with localization aids
adapted to engage corresponding reference points on the firearms,
thereby ensuring proper positioning of the mount on the body of the
firearm.
Inventors: |
Dextraze, Serge;
(St-Jean-sur Richelieu, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OGILVY RENAULT LLP
1981 MCGILL COLLEGE AVENUE
SUITE 1600
MONTREAL
QC
H3A2Y3
CA
|
Family ID: |
35094775 |
Appl. No.: |
10/825140 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 11/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/085 |
International
Class: |
F41C 023/00 |
Claims
1. An accessory mount for releasably securing at least one
accessory to a firearm, the mount comprising first and second
opposed facing pieces adapted to be mounted on opposed sides of the
firearm, said first and second opposed facing pieces being provided
with localization aids adapted to engage existing reference points
on the firearm for appropriately positioning the first and second
opposed facing pieces on the firearm, a fastener for drawing said
first and second opposed pieces towards one another against the
opposed sides of the firearm once said first and second arms have
been appropriately positioned thereon, and at least one rail
mounted to one of said first and second opposed facing pieces for
receiving an accessory to be mounted to the firearm.
2. An accessory mount as defined in claim 1, wherein said
localization aids comprise first and second spaced-apart
localization aids on each of said first and second opposed facing
pieces.
3. An accessory mount as defined in claim 1, wherein said
localization aids comprise at least one localization peg on each of
said first and second opposed facing pieces.
4. An accessory mount as defined in claim 3, wherein said
localization aids further comprise at least one female portion
adapted to receive a corresponding male portion on the firearm.
5. An accessory mount as defined in claim 1, wherein said fastener
comprises at least one screw extending through first and second
transversally aligned holes respectively defined in said first and
second opposed facing pieces.
6. An accessory mount as defined in claim 1, wherein said first
facing piece has a firearm engaging portion on which said
localization aids thereof are provided and an upstanding rail
support projecting from said firearm engaging portion, said at
least one rail being provided at a distal end portion of said
upstanding rail support.
7. An accessory mount as defined in claim 1, wherein said first and
second opposed facing pieces are selected from a group consisting
of: left and right side carrying rail members and left and right
side cap members.
8. An accessory mount as defined in claim 1, wherein said at least
one rail is removably mounted to said first piece.
9. An accessory mount as defined in claim 8, wherein said at least
one rail and said first piece are provided with complementary male
and female mounting portions for ensuring proper positioning of the
rail on said first piece.
10. An accessory mount as defined in claim 1, wherein one of said
first and second opposed facing pieces has a side portion and a
bottom portion which are respectively adapted to extend along a
side of the firearm and underneath thereto, wherein said at least
one rail includes a bottom rail extending longitudinally along said
bottom portion, and wherein said accessory mount further includes a
handguard adapted to be removably mounted to said bottom rail.
11. An accessory mount as defined in claim 10, wherein said first
and second opposed facing pieces are provided with pegs adapted to
be engaged in existing holes defined in the firearm.
12. An accessory mount for mounting at least one accessory to a
firearm of the type having a body defining a hole extending in a
direction transversal to a longitudinal axis of the firearm, and a
firearm attachment point by which the firearm can be removably
mounted to a firearm mount; the accessory mount comprising first
and second opposed facing pieces adapted to be positioned on
opposed sides of the firearm, each of said first and second opposed
facing pieces being provided with first and second positioning
members adapted to be respectively engaged with the hole and the
firearm attachment point from opposite sides of the body of the
firearm, a fastener for securing the first and second opposed
facing pieces together about the body of the firearm, and at least
one rail mounted to one of said first and second opposed facing
pieces for removable engagement with an accessory to be mounted to
the firearm.
13. An accessory mount as defined in claim 12, wherein said first
and second positioning members respectively include a male member
and a female member.
14. An accessory mount as defined in claim 13, wherein said male
member is provided in the form of a peg, and wherein said female
member is provided in the form of a circular receiving hole.
15. An accessory mount as defined in claim 12, wherein said
fastener includes a screw engaged in a pair of transversally
aligned holes defined in said first and second opposed facing
pieces.
16. An accessory mount for mounting at least one accessory to a C9
machine gun, comprising a body having localization aids adapted to
be engaged with corresponding existing reference points at the
front end portion of the C9 machine gun, a securing member for
releasably mounting said body to the C9 machine gun, and a rail
provided on said body for receiving an accessory to be mounted to
the C9 machine gun.
17. An accessory mount as defined in claim 16, wherein said body
includes first and second separate side pieces adapted to be drawn
towards each other against opposite sides of the C9 machine gun by
means of said securing member.
18. An accessory mount as defined in claim 16, wherein said
localization aids include at least first and second longitudinally
spaced-apart positioning members, and wherein at least one of said
first and second longitudinally spaced-apart positioning members
includes a male member adapted to be fitted in an existing hole
defined in the C9 machine gun.
19. An accessory mount as defined in claim 17, wherein said
localization aids include longitudinally spaced-apart pegs
extending laterally inwardly from each of said first and second
separate side pieces, said pegs being adapted to be engaged in
existing air cooling holes defined in the sides of the C9 machine
gun.
20. An accessory mount as defined in claim 19, wherein one of said
side pieces has a bottom portion carrying a bottom rail for
allowing an accessory to be mounted to an under surface of the C9
machine gun, and wherein a handguard is adapted to be removably
mounted to said bottom rail when no article are to be mounted
thereto.
21. An accessory for mounting at least one accessory to a firearm
having a barrel, the accessory mount comprising a body having
localization aids adapted to be engaged with corresponding existing
reference points on the firearm, a rail mounted to said body for
carrying the at least one accessory, said rail being substantially
aligned in parallel with said barrel and at a same elevation with
respect thereto when said localization aids are engaged with the
existing reference points on the firearm.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to firearms and, more
particularly, to systems for mounting various accessories to
firearms.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] It is well known to mount various accessories, such as
infrared and night vision scopes, laser spotters and the like, to
firearms. Such accessories are typically mounted to an accessory
mount securable to the firearms.
[0005] It is highly desirable that the accessory mount be rigidly
mounted to the firearm so as to withstand vibrations and repeated
firing shock during use. It is further desirable that the accessory
mount be easily and quickly securable to and removable from the
firearm without requiring any modification of the firearm, i.e.
without need for providing extra attachment points, such as holes
or grooves in the body of the firearms.
[0006] It has also been found that there is a need for a new
accessory mount, which is specifically designed to releasably
secure various accessories to a C9 machine gun.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a
new firearm accessory mount which fits existing firearm
configurations.
[0008] It is also an aim of the present invention to provide an
accessory mount which is sturdy and reliable.
[0009] It is still further aim of the present invention to provide
an accessory mount for removably mounting accessories to a C9 type
machine gun.
[0010] Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there
is provided an accessory mount for releasbly securing at least one
accessory to a firearm, the mount comprising first and second
opposed facing pieces adapted to be mounted on opposed sides of the
firearm, said first and second opposed facing pieces being provided
with localization aids adapted to engage existing reference points
on the firearm for appropriately positioning the first and second
opposed facing pieces on the firearm, a fastener for drawing said
first and second opposed pieces towards one another against the
opposed sides of the firearm once said first and second arms have
been appropriately positioned thereon, and at least one rail
mounted to one of said first and second opposed facing pieces for
receiving an accessory to be mounted to the firearm.
[0011] In accordance with a further general aspect of the present
invention, there is provided an accessory mount for mounting at
least one accessory to a firearm of the type having a body defining
a hole extending in a direction transversal to a longitudinal axis
of the firearm, and a firearm attachment point by which the firearm
can be removably mounted to a firearm mount; the accessory mount
comprising first and second opposed facing pieces adapted to be
positioned on opposed sides of the firearm, each of said first and
second opposed facing pieces being provided with first and second
positioning members adapted to be respectively engaged with the
hole and the firearm attachment point from opposite sides of the
body of the firearm, a fastener for securing the first and second
opposed facing pieces together about the body of the firearm, and
at least one rail mounted to one of said first and second opposed
facing pieces for removable engagement with an accessory to be
mounted to the firearm.
[0012] In accordance with a still further general aspect of the
present invention, there is provided an accessory mount for
mounting at least one accessory to a C9 machine gun, comprising a
body having localization aids adapted to be engaged with
corresponding existing reference points at the front end portion of
the C9 machine gun, a securing member for releasably mounting said
body to the C9 machine gun, and a rail provided on said body for
receiving an accessory to be mounted to the C9 machine gun.
[0013] In accordance with a still further general aspect of the
present invention, there is provided an accessory for mounting at
least one accessory to a firearm having a barrel, the accessory
mount comprising a body having localization aids adapted to be
engaged with corresponding existing reference points on the
firearm, a rail mounted to said body for carrying the at least one
accessory, said rail being substantially aligned in parallel with
said barrel and at a same elevation with respect thereto when said
localization aids are engaged with the existing reference points on
the firearm.
[0014] Other objects and advantageous features of the invention
will be apparent from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Having thus generally described the nature of the invention,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by
way of illustration a preferred embodiment thereof, and in
which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an accessory mount removably
secured to the housing of a C9 machine gun in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the accessory mount
shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the accessory mount
with one of the side rail supports replaced by a cap member;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an
accessory mount removably secured to the housing of a C9 machine
gun; and
[0020] FIG. 5 is perspective exploded view of the accessory mount
shown in FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] FIG. 1 shows an accessory mount 10 which is specifically
designed to be releasably secured to the housing 12 of a C9 machine
gun in order to mount accessories, such as infrared and night
vision scopes, laser spotters and the like, thereon. Although the
preferred embodiment of the present invention is applied to a C9
machine gun, it is understood that the same principles could be
used to mount accessories to other types of firearms.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 12 of the C9 machine gun is
made of a light metal sheet material folded in an elongated
U-shaped channel for longitudinally receiving the barrel (not
shown) of the machine gun. A plurality of circular holes 14 is
defined in the housing 12 for air circulation to cool the barrel. A
handguard (not shown) made of a heat resistant plastic is typically
mounted to the housing 12 to protect the hands of the user from
heat coming from the barrel. As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of lugs 16
depends from the front end of the housing 12. The lugs 16 define a
pair of transversally aligned bores 18. The bores 18 were
originally intended for mounting a shoulder strap (not shown) to
the C9 machine gun. As will be seen hereinafter, the present
invention takes advantage of this existing bores for mounting the
accessory mount 10 to the housing 12 of the C9 machine gun without
having to modify the parts thereof.
[0023] The housing 12 is further provided with a point of
attachment 20 at a relatively short distance rearwardly of the lugs
16 for allowing the C9 machine gun to be removably mounted to a
firearm support of the type installed on motor vehicles for
supporting rifles and the like in a shooting position while the
vehicle is moving. The attachment point 20 comprises a pair of
cylindrical projections 22 extending laterally outwardly from
opposed sides of the housing 12. The cylindrical projections 22
define a pair of transversally aligned bores 24 adapted to receive
a transversally extending pivot pin (not shown) forming part of the
vehicle mounted firearm support.
[0024] The preferred embodiment of the accessory mount 10 comprises
left and right side pieces 26a and 26b adapted to be positioned on
opposed sides of the housing 12. The left side piece 26a is a
mirror image of the right side piece 26b. Each side piece 26a and
26b is provided with a base portion 27 having first and second
localization aids 28 and 30 adapted to be respectively engaged with
the cylindrical projection 22 and the transversal bore 18. The
first localization aid 28 is provided in the form of a circular
hole 32 sized to tightly receive the cylindrical projection 22
extending from the side of the housing 12 on which the piece 26a,
26b is to be installed. The second localization aid 30 is provided
in the form of a cylindrical peg 34 extending integrally at right
angles from the inner side of the piece 26a, 26b. The peg 34 is
sized and configured to tightly fit into the transversal bore 18.
Accordingly, the left and right side pieces 26a and 26b can be
readily and precisely positioned in a single predetermined position
on the housing 12 by engaging the first and second localization
aids 28 and 30 of the left and right side pieces 26a and 26b with
the corresponding existing reference points, namely the cylindrical
projections 22 and the transversal bore 18, from opposed sides of
the housing 12.
[0025] After the left and right side pieces 26a and 26b have been
positioned on the opposed sides of the housing 12, the left and
right side pieces 26a and 26b are drawn towards one another against
the housing 12 by tightening a pair of transversal screws 36 in two
pairs of transversally aligned holes 38 defined in the rectangular
bridging portions 40 extending integrally from the inner side of
the left and right pieces 26a, 26b between the first and second
localization aids 28 and 30 thereof. This permits to securely mount
the left and right pieces 26a and 26b on the housing 12 without any
possibility for the first and second localization aids 28 and 30
from sliding off the corresponding mounting structures on the
housing 12. The bridging portions 40 are configured to extend
underneath the housing 12 between the transversal bore 18 and the
cylindrical projections 22.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, each piece 26a, 26b has a pair of arms
42 extending upwardly from opposed ends of the base portion 27. The
arms 42 are curved laterally outwardly to provide sufficient play
for laterally accommodating the handguard covering the housing 12
of the machine gun. The arms 42 of each piece 26a, 26b are
integrally connected at their upper ends by a longitudinally
extending rail mounting member 44. Each rail mounting member 44 is
provided on the outer surface thereof with a longitudinally
extending guide 46 adapted to be received in a complementary
longitudinally extending recess 48 defined in the rear surface of a
rail 50. This ensures a precise positioning of the rail 50 on the
rail mounting member 44. Screws 52 are provided to fixedly secure
the rail 50 to the rail mounting member 44. Alternatively, the
rails 50 could be permanently provided on the side pieces 26a and
26b.
[0027] The rails for firearms accessories are well known in the
firearms art. The rails 50 used in connection with the present
invention are known as Picatinny rails and each comprises a series
of longitudinally spaced-apart ribs 54, such as specified in
MIL-STD-1913. Such rails 50 are generally used for securing various
Weaver style accessories.
[0028] When only one accessory has to be side-mounted to the C9
machine gun, one of the side pieces 26a and 26b can take the form
of a cap member 56, as shown in FIG. 3. The cap member 56 is
similar to the side pieces 26a and 26b shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 but
without the arms 42, the rail mounting member 44 and the side rail
50. It basically consists of the base portion 27 of the side pieces
26a and 26b with the localization aids 28 and 30 and the bridging
portion 40.
[0029] The accessory mount can be sold has a kit comprising left
and right side pieces 26a and 26b and a pair of mirror image left
and right cap members 56. In this way, the end user can installed a
pair of side rails on the right and left sides of his/her firearm
by using both side pieces 26a and 26b or, alternatively, he/she can
use one of the side pieces 26a and 26b in combination with the
corresponding opposed cap member 56 in order to install a single
rail on a desired side on the firearm.
[0030] The side pieces 26a and 26b and the cap members 56 are
preferably machined in a block of aluminum or magnesium.
Alternatively, they could be molded by injection.
[0031] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a second embodiment of an accessory
mount 10' which is adapted to be installed in place of the original
handguard of the C9 machine gun. The only modification that has to
be done to the C9 machine gun is to remove the original handguard
to expose the sides of the housing 12.
[0032] According to the second embodiment of the present invention,
it is the air circulation holes 14 defined in the housing 12 which
are used to precisely localize the accessory mount 10' on the C9
machine gun. Like the accessory mount 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the
accessory mount 10' comprises a pair of left and right side pieces
26a' and 26b' adapted to be locked together against opposed sides
of the front end portion of the machine gun. A set of three screws
36' (FIG. 5) engaged in transversally aligned holes 38' defined in
the lower portion of the side pieces 26a' and 26b' are used to draw
the side pieces 26a' and 26b' towards one another against the
opposed sides of the housing 12. Dowel pins 37' are also provided
to ensure proper alignment of the side pieces 26a' and 26b'. A pair
of localization pegs 34' are provided on the inner surface of each
side piece 26a',26b' for complementary engagement with a pair of
air circulation holes 14 in the sides of the housing 12, thereby
providing accurate positioning of the accessory mount 10' on the
housing 10.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, the left side piece 26a' carries a
bottom rail 56' for allowing an accessory to be mounted along the
undersurface of the housing 12. The bottom rail 56' is preferably
removably mounted to the left side piece 26a' by means of screws
58'. When there is no accessory on the bottom rail 56', a handguard
60' can be slid on the bottom rail 56' and removably secured
thereon by means of a transversal pin 62' extending through a pair
of transversally aligned holes 64' between a pair of ribs on the
rail 56'. A stopper pin 66' extends upwardly from one end of the
removable handguard 60' for engagement with the rear end of the
rail 56' in order to stop the handguard on the rail to a
predetermined securing position in which the transversally aligned
holes 64' are accurately located in line between a pair of ribs on
the bottom rail 56'.
[0034] The left and right side pieces 26a' and 26b' each carry
along an upper end portion thereof a side rail 50' for mounting
accessories along the sides of the machine gun. The side rails 50'
are preferably removably mounted to the side pieces 26a' and 26b'
by means of screws 52'. Each side rail 50' defines a channel 48'
for receiving a corresponding longitudinally extending rail guide
46' provided on the outer side of the left and right side pieces
26a' and 26b'.
[0035] Air circulation holes 70' are defined in the side pieces
26a' and 26b'. Finger indentations 72' are also provided on the
handguard 60' and the side pieces 26a' and 26b' to provide a better
grip of the firearm when the accessory mount 10' is installed
thereon.
[0036] The above-described accessory mounts are thus advantageous
in that they provide accurate and stable positioning of the
accessories on the firearm. Also the accessory mounts of the
present invention can be quickly firmly secured to the firearms
without modification to the basic parts thereof. A further
advantage of the present invention resides in the fact that the
longitudinal central axes of the rails 50 and 50' of the accessory
mounts 10 and 10' are substantially aligned (i.e., at the same
elevation) with the central axis of the band of the machine gun
once the mounts are mounted thereto. Other embodiments of the
present invention, and variations of the embodiment described
herein, may be developed without departing from the essential
characteristics thereof.
* * * * *