U.S. patent application number 11/314477 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for apparatus for securing a device to a weapon.
Invention is credited to Sean R. Carney.
Application Number | 20070234623 11/314477 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38573589 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070234623 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carney; Sean R. |
October 11, 2007 |
Apparatus for securing a device to a weapon
Abstract
An auxiliary device for use with a weapon has a plurality of
detachable attachment assemblies that can be coupled to a receiver
on the auxiliary device. Each attachment assembly has a positioning
member engageable in the receiver, a moveable jaw for grabbing the
sides of the rail, and a tightener. The different attachment
assemblies may alternately be coupled to the same auxiliary device
to provide tool and tool free installation.
Inventors: |
Carney; Sean R.; (Dunstable,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INSIGHT TECHNOLOGY, INC.;ATTN: PETER W. MURPHY
NINE AKIRA WAY
LONDONDERRY
NH
03053
US
|
Family ID: |
38573589 |
Appl. No.: |
11/314477 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60638874 |
Dec 22, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/95 ;
42/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 11/003 20130101;
F41G 11/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/095 ;
042/148 |
International
Class: |
F41A 29/00 20060101
F41A029/00 |
Claims
1. An auxiliary device for use with a weapon, the auxiliary device
comprising: a housing having a mounting plate, the mounting plate
having a receiver formed therein and a first structural member
extending from a first side of the mounting plate and extending
along at least a portion of a length of a first side of the
housing; a first attachment assembly comprising a first positioning
member configured to fit in the receiver such that an end portion
extends generally perpendicular to the first structural member; a
first jaw with an opening sized to accept the end portion of the
first positioning member; and a first tightener selected from the
group consisting of a cam lever, a clutch knob, a thumbscrew, and a
throw lever, coupled to the end portion of the first positioning
member that when rotated causes the first contoured jaw to be drawn
closer to the first structural member; and a second attachment
assembly comprising a second positioning member configured to fit
in the receiver such that an end portion extends generally
perpendicular to the first structural member; a second jaw with an
opening sized to accept the end portion of the second positioning
member; and a second tightener selected from the group consisting
of a cam lever, a clutch knob, a thumbscrew, and a throw lever,
coupled to the end portion of the second positioning member that
when rotated causes the second contoured jaw to be drawn closer to
the first structural member.
2. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the contoured jaw has a
profile extending parallel with the first structural member.
3. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the first positioning
member further comprises a cross bar sized to fit in a slot on a
rail of a weapon.
4. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the first positioning
member comprises one or more pins.
5. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the first positioning
member has one or more openings for coupling the positioning member
to the mounting plate.
6. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the first tightener is
a thumbscrew.
7. The auxiliary device of claim 6, wherein the second tightener is
a cam lever.
8. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the end portion of the
first positioning member has an externally threaded portion.
9. The auxiliary device of claim 8, wherein the first tightener is
rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the threaded portion.
10. The auxiliary device of claim 1, wherein the tightener is
rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the threaded portion.
11. An auxiliary device for use with a weapon, the auxiliary device
comprising: a housing having a mounting plate, the mounting plate
having a receiver formed therein and a first structural member
extending from a first side of the mounting plate and extending
along at least a portion of a length of a first side of the
housing; a positioning member configured to fit in the receiver
such that an end portion extends generally perpendicular to the
first structural member; a contoured jaw with an opening sized to
accept the end portion of the positioning member; a first tightener
selected from the group consisting of a cam lever, a clutch knob, a
thumbscrew, and a throw lever, coupleable to the end portion of the
positioning member such that when rotated causes the contoured jaw
to be drawn closer to the first structural member; and a second
tightener selected from the group consisting of a cam lever, a
clutch knob, a thumbscrew, and a throw lever, coupleable to the end
portion of the positioning member such that when rotated causes the
contoured jaw to be drawn closer to the first structural
member.
12. The auxiliary device of claim 11, wherein the contoured jaw has
a profile extending parallel with the first structural member.
13. The auxiliary device of claim 11, wherein the first positioning
member further comprises a cross bar sized to fit in a slot on a
rail of a weapon.
14. The auxiliary device of claim 11, wherein the first positioning
member comprises one or more pins.
15. The auxiliary device of claim 11, wherein the first positioning
member has one or more openings for coupling the positioning member
to the mounting plate.
16. The auxiliary device of claim 11, wherein the first tightener
is a thumbscrew.
17. The auxiliary device of claim 16, wherein the second tightener
is a cam lever.
18. The auxiliary device of claim 11, wherein the end portion of
the first positioning member has an externally threaded
portion.
19. The auxiliary device of claim 18, wherein the first tightener
is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the threaded portion.
20. The auxiliary device of claim 11, wherein the first tightener
is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the threaded portion.
21. The auxiliary device of claim 20, further comprising a spring
latch retainer for retaining the tightener.
22. An auxiliary device for use with a weapon, the auxiliary device
comprising: a housing having a mounting plate, the mounting plate
having a receiver formed therein and a first structural member
extending from a first side of the mounting plate along at least a
portion of a length of a first side of the housing; a positioning
member configured to fit in the receiver such that an end portion
extends generally perpendicular to the first structural member; a
contoured jaw with an opening sized to accept the end portion of
the positioning member; a cam lever tightener rotatable about a
pivot retained on the end portion of the positioning member by a
retainer, rotation of the lever urging the contoured jaw to be
drawn closer to the first structural member.
23. The auxiliary device of claim 20, wherein rotation of the
retainer provides adjustment of the distance between the contoured
jaw and the first structural member.
24. The auxiliary device of claim 20, further comprising a spring
latch retainer coupled to the mounting plate to prevent
unintentional rotation of the cam lever tightener.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
provisional patent applications Ser. No. 60/638,874, filed Dec. 22,
2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates generally to attachment devices and
methods for securing auxiliary devices (e.g., scopes, sights,
lasers, lights) to a weapon and, more particularly, to an assembly
for attaching an auxiliary device to a rail system of a weapon.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The need 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 shell
casings, for attaching the auxiliary device itself or the
mechanical component.
[0004] Auxiliary devices, for example a scope, may be used by a
variety of users on a variety of weapons and each user may prefer a
different way of securing the scope to the weapon. One user may
prefer securing the scope to the weapon with a screwdriver, where
another user may desire a tool-free installation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] For a better understanding of the present invention,
together with other objects, features and advantages, reference
should be made to the following detailed description, which should
be read in conjunction with the following figures wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an auxiliary device spaced
from a mounting rail consistent with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the auxiliary device of FIG.
1.
[0008] FIG. 3A is an exploded view of a first attachment assembly
consistent with another embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of a second attachment assembly
consistent with another embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 3C is an exploded view of a third attachment assembly
consistent with another embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 3D is an exploded view of a fourth attachment assembly
consistent with another embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3E is an exploded view of a fifth attachment assembly
consistent with another embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 4A is a bottom view of an auxiliary device consistent
with another embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 4B is a section view taken through line 4-4 in FIG.
4A.
[0015] FIG. 5A is a bottom view of an auxiliary device consistent
with yet another embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 5B is a section view taken through line 5-5 in FIG.
5A.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an assembled view of the fifth attachment
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Auxiliary devices include, but are not limited to scopes,
illuminators, lasers, sights, aiming lights, and combined
illuminator/laser units. These auxiliary devices may be secured to
a rail on a weapon, for example a pistol or long gun, and aligned
parallel with a longitudinal axis LA of the weapon. The auxiliary
device may be secured to a rail disposed above, below, or on the
side of the weapon, depending on its intended purpose. The rail may
have a MIL-STD-1913, Weaver, or other profile and may include one
or more cross slots. The cross slot may be used to assist in
resisting movement of the auxiliary device along the longitudinal
axis LA of the weapon during recoil.
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B, an auxiliary
device 1000 may have a housing 1002 for enclosing optics and
electronics. The housing 1002 may have an integral or removable
mounting plate 1004A, 1004B with a receiver 1006A, 1006B disposed
therein. One or more fasteners 1004C (see FIG. 4A and 5A) may
secure the mounting plate 1004A, 1004B to the housing 1002. A
gasket may provide a watertight seal between the housing 1002 and
the mounting plate 1004A, 1004B. Receiver 1006A may be sized to
accept a positioning member 1008A and receiver 1006B may be sized
to accept a positioning member 1008B. The receiver 1006A may
include one or more openings 1026 for accepting one or more
retainers 1010 for coupling the positioning member 1008A to the
mounting plate 1004A. The retainers 1010 may be screws that allow
the positioning member 1008A to be removably coupled to the
mounting plate 1004A. The receiver 1006A may include an upstanding
wall 1012A (see FIG. 4B) to prevent movement of the positioning
member 1008A in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
LAA of the auxiliary device 1000. Alternatively, or in addition,
the retainers may be relied upon to prevent movement of the
positioning member 1008A in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis LAA of the auxiliary device 1000.
[0020] Alternatively, a receiver 1006B may be configured with a
beveled wall 1012B (see FIG. 5B) that cooperates with a positioning
member 1008B to prevent movement of the positioning member 1008B in
a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LAA of the
auxiliary device 1000. The positioning member 1008B may be
removably coupled to the mounting plate 1004B, with or without
retainer(s) 1010.
[0021] The positioning member 1008A, 1008B may include a transverse
locator bar 1018 that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis LAA of the housing 1002. The bar 1018 may have a generally
rectangular cross section that is sized to cooperate with a cross
slot 1052 on a rail 1050. The bar 1018 may extend substantially
across the width of auxiliary device 1000. Alternatively, one or
more pins may cooperate with the cross slot 1052 to prevent
longitudinal movement of the auxiliary device relative to the
weapon. The positioning member 1008A may have one or more openings
1024 (for the retainer(s) 1010 to extend therethrough) aligned with
the one or more opening(s) 1026 on the mounting plate 1004A.
Alternatively, movement of the auxiliary device 1000 along the
longitudinal axis of a weapon may be prevented by a transverse bar
formed as an integral or removable part of the mounting plate
1004A, 1004B.
[0022] The positioning member 1008A, 1008B may have an end portion
1020 (discussed below) extending generally perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis LAA of the housing 1002.
[0023] Extending from the mounting plate 1004 may be a structural
member 1014. The structural member 1014 may extend along at least a
portion of the auxiliary device 1000. The structural member 1014
may have a profile that cooperates with a MIL-STD-1913 rail, a
Weaver rail, or other rail. Alternatively, the structural member
may be secured to the mounting plate 1004A, 1004B with
fasteners.
[0024] A contoured jaw 1022A, 1022B may have a profile that
cooperates with a MIL-STD-1913 rail, a Weaver rail, or other rail.
The contoured jaw 1022A, 1022B may have a first portion 1022E (see
FIG. 3A and 3B) that grips the rail 1050 and a second portion 1022F
that may grip a wall 1004D of the mounting plate 1004A, 1004B. The
contoured jaw 1022A, 1022B may have an opening 1022G sized to
accept the end portion 1020 of the positioning member 1008A, 1008B.
The contoured jaw 1022 may extend along at least a portion of the
longitudinal axis LAA of the auxiliary device 1000.
[0025] A tightener 1030A, 1030B, 1030C, 1030D, 1030E may be coupled
to the end portion 1020 of the positioning member 1008A, 1008B.
When rotated, the tightener 1030A, 1030B, 1030C, 1030D, 1030E may
cause the contoured jaw 1022A, 1022B to be drawn closer to the
first structural member 1014, thereby applying a clamping force on
the rail 1050.
[0026] The positioning members 1008A, 1008B, the contoured jaws
1022A, 1022B, and the tighteners 1030A, 1030B, 1030C, 1030D, 1030E
may be combined to form one or more attachment assemblies 1060A,
1060B, 1060C, 1060D, 1060E. The different attachment assemblies
1060A, 1060B, 1060C, 1060D, 1060E may be coupled to the mounting
plate 1004A, 10004B to provide options to the weapon operator or
soldier.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3A, attachment assembly 1060A may have a
positioning member 1008A, a contoured jaw 1022B, a washer 1062, a
throw lever tightener 1030A, and a retainer 1064. Retainer 1064 may
have an externally threaded portion that cooperates with an
internally threaded portion in the end portion 1020 of the
positioning member 1008A. The tightener 1030A and the contoured jaw
1022B may have cooperating cammed surfaces 1030C, 1022C
respectively. As the tightener 1030A is rotated about the end
portion 1020 of the positioning member 1008A, the cammed surfaces
1032C, 1022C may advance the contoured jaw 1022B along the
positioning member 1008A. The tightener 1030A and the contoured jaw
1022B may have protrusions 1034, 1022D respectively, that prevent
the tightener 1030A from being over rotated. Positioning member
1008B may be substituted for positioning member 1008A in any of the
attachment assemblies.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 3B, attachment assembly 1060B may have a
positioning member 1008A, a contoured jaw 1022A, a washer 1062,
cooperating clutch hubs 1070, 1072, an inner bushing 1074, a spring
1076, and a clutch knob tightener 1030B. The inner bushing 1074 may
be indexed to the tightener 1030B along a flange 1080 to prevent
relative rotation. The inner bushing may have an internally
threaded portion that cooperates with an externally threaded
portion in the end portion 1020 of the positioning member 1008A.
The spring 1076 may bias the tightener 1030B away from the inner
bushing 1074. As the tightener 1030B is pushed in and rotated about
the end portion 1020 of the positioning member 1008A, the
cooperating clutch hubs 1070, 1072 ride along each other and
advance the contoured jaw 1022A along the positioning member
1008A.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 3C, attachment assembly 1060C may have a
positioning member 1008A, a contoured jaw 1022A, a washer 1062, and
a thumbscrew tightener 1030C. Tightener 1030C may have an
internally threaded portion that cooperates with an externally
threaded portion on the end portion 1020 of the positioning member
1008. The tightener 1030C may have a knurled periphery and/or one
or more slots for a screwdriver or other tool. As the tightener
1030C is rotated about the end portion 1020 of the positioning
member 1008A it advances the contoured jaw 1022A along the
positioning member 1008B.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 3D, attachment assembly 1060D may have a
positioning member 1008A, a contoured jaw 1022A, a washer 1062, a
pivot 1080, a cam lever tightener 1030D, and a retainer 1082. The
pivot 1080 may have outwardly directed posts 1088 and an internally
threaded portion that cooperates with an externally threaded
portion in the end portion 1020 of the positioning member 1008A.
The tightener 1030D may have a cammed surface 1084 and openings
1086 sized to accept posts 1088. As the tightener 1030D is rotated
about the posts 1088 of the pivot 1080, the cammed surface 1084
advances the contoured jaw 1022A along the positioning member
1008A. The retainer 1082 may have an anti-rotation post 1094 that
cooperates with a slot 1092 in the end portion 1020 in the
positioning member 1008A to prevent the tightener from rotating
about the axis of the end portion 1020. The retainer 1082 may have
one or more openings 1090 sized to accept posts 1088. As shown in
FIG. 3E, attachment assembly 1060E may have a positioning member
1008A, a contoured jaw 1022A, one or more washers 1062, a pivot
1090, a cam lever tightener 1030E, and a retainer 1092. The pivot
1090 may have outwardly directed posts 1094 and a through-hole 1096
sized to slide over an externally threaded portion in the end
portion 1020 of the positioning member 1008A. The tightener 1030E
may have tabs 1104 having cammed surfaces 1102 and openings 1106
sized to accept posts 1094. As the tightener 1030E is rotated about
the posts .1094 of the pivot 1090, the cammed surface 1102 advances
the contoured jaw 1022A along the positioning member 1008A. The
retainer 1092 may be internally threaded to cooperate with the
externally threaded portion in the end portion 1020 of the
positioning member 1008A and may include a locking feature to
resist removal. The retainer 1092 may be rotated about the
externally threaded end portion to provide fine adjustment of the
distance between the contoured jaw 1022A and the first structural
member 1014 on the mounting plate 1004A. The tightener 1030E may
have an elongated opening 1106 to allow the tabs 1104 to be spaced
apart while the tightener 1030E is coupled to the posts 1094 of the
pivot 1090. A fastener 1108 may be used to urge the tabs 1104 back
together. The elongated opening 1106 may have a portion 1114 sized
to allow an end portion 1116 of a spring latch retainer 1110 to
extend therethrough. The spring latch retainer 1110 may be used to
prevent unintentional rotation of the tightener 1030E. The end
portion 1116 of the spring latch retainer 1110 may be aligned with
the portion 1114 when rotation of the tightener 1030E is desired.
The spring latch retainer 1110 may be secured to the mounting plate
1004A, 1004B with a suitable fastener 1112.
[0031] To secure the auxiliary device 1000 to the rail 1050, the
installer may position the auxiliary device 1000 along the
longitudinal axis LA of the rail 1050 with the bar 1018 aligned
with a transverse slot 1052 located on the rail 1050. The installer
may then align the first structural member 1014 with an edge of the
rail 1050 and then rotate the auxiliary device 1000 onto the
opposing edge of the rail. The installer may then rotate the
tightener until the contoured jaw securely clamps the rail 1050.
The process may be reversed to remove the auxiliary device.
[0032] According to one embodiment, an auxiliary device includes a
mounting plate having a receiver formed therein and a first
structural member extending from a first side of the mounting plate
and extending along at least a portion of a length of a first side
of the housing, and a first and a second attachment assembly. Each
attachment assembly having a positioning member configured to fit
in the receiver, a contoured jaw, and a tightener that when rotated
causes the first contoured jaw to be drawn closer to the first
structural member.
[0033] According to another embodiment, an auxiliary device
includes a mounting plate having a receiver formed therein and a
first structural member extending from a first side of the mounting
plate and extending along at least a portion of a length of a first
side of the housing, a positioning member configured to fit in the
receiver, a contoured jaw, and a first and a second tightener
coupleable to the positioning member such that when rotated causes
the contoured jaw to be drawn closer to the first structural
member.
[0034] According to another embodiment, an auxiliary device
includes a mounting plate having a receiver formed therein and a
first structural member extending from a first side of the mounting
plate along at least a portion of a length of a first side of the
housing, a positioning member configured to fit in the receiver
such that an end portion extends generally perpendicular to the
first structural member, a contoured jaw with an opening sized to
accept the end portion of the positioning. member, and a cam lever
tightener rotatable about a pivot retained on the end portion of
the positioning member by a retainer, rotation of the lever urging
the contoured jaw to be drawn closer to the first structural
member.
[0035] 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.
* * * * *