U.S. patent application number 12/324561 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for shoulder stocks for use with firearms.
Invention is credited to Johannes-August Bantle, Norbert Fluhr.
Application Number | 20090178323 12/324561 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38268438 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090178323 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fluhr; Norbert ; et
al. |
July 16, 2009 |
SHOULDER STOCKS FOR USE WITH FIREARMS
Abstract
Shoulder stocks for use with firearms are described. An example
shoulder stock for use with firearms includes a shoulder stock that
defines at least one storage compartment having an opening. The
shoulder stock includes a locking mechanism that includes an
extension that extends toward the rear of the shoulder stock.
Additionally, the example shoulder stock includes a base plate that
includes a seal. The base plate is removably couplable to the
shoulder stock by the locking mechanism.
Inventors: |
Fluhr; Norbert; (Oberndorf,
DE) ; Bantle; Johannes-August; (Bosingen,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HANLEY, FLIGHT & ZIMMERMAN, LLC
150 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 2100
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
38268438 |
Appl. No.: |
12/324561 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2007/004526 |
May 22, 2007 |
|
|
|
12324561 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/71.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/08 20130101;
F41C 23/22 20130101; F41C 23/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/71.01 |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/22 20060101
F41C023/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 29, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 024 962.3 |
Jul 18, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 033 260.1 |
Claims
1. A shoulder stock for use with firearms, comprising: a shoulder
stock that defines at least one storage compartment having an
opening, wherein the shoulder stock includes a locking mechanism
that includes an extension that extends toward the rear of the
shoulder stock; and a base plate that includes a seal, wherein the
base plate is removably couplable to the shoulder stock by the
locking mechanism.
2. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 1, wherein the base plate
defines a cavity to receive the extension and to substantially
axially secure the base plate relative to the shoulder stock.
3. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 1, wherein the seal is
positioned adjacent the opening when the base plate is coupled to
the shoulder stock to prevent fluid from entering the at least one
storage compartment.
4. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 1, wherein the base plate
comprises a first portion and a second portion.
5. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 4, wherein the first
portion comprises a relatively rigid material and the second
portion comprises a relatively elastomer material.
6. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 4, wherein the first
portion defines a cavity to receive the extension.
7. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 4, wherein the first
portion defines a recess to receive the seal that is positioned
adjacent the opening when the base plate is coupled to the shoulder
stock to prevent fluid from entering the at least one storage
compartment.
8. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 4, wherein the first
portion defines an aperture through which some of the second
portion protrudes to form the seal that is positioned adjacent the
opening when the base plate is coupled to the shoulder stock to
prevent fluid from entering the at least one storage
compartment.
9. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 4, wherein the shoulder
stock defines a recess to receive a projection of the second
portion of the base plate to further secure the base plate relative
to the shoulder stock.
10. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 9, wherein the
projection is removable from the recess to rotate the base plate
relative to the extension to remove the base plate from the
shoulder stock.
11. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 1, wherein the shoulder
stock further comprises at least one projection that defines a
groove to receive a rib of the base plate.
12. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 1, wherein the shoulder
stock comprises a plastic material.
13. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 1, wherein the
extension, guide ribs, at least one projection that defines a
recess and a cavity of the base plate are configured to draw the
base plate toward the shoulder stock as the base plate is rotated
about the extension to removably couple the base plate to the
shoulder stock.
14. A shoulder stock for use with firearms, comprising: a shoulder
stock that defines at least one storage compartment having an
opening, wherein the shoulder stock comprises: a first projection
that defines a first groove, wherein the first projection defines a
recess positioned toward the rear of the firearm and an indentation
that is positioned toward the top of the firearm and wherein the
recess and the indentation are to receive a projection of a second
portion of a base plate; a second projection opposite the first
projection, wherein the second projection defines a second groove;
and an extension that extends from the shoulder stock, wherein the
extension includes a first guide rib opposite a second guide rib; a
first portion of the base plate that is coupled to the second
portion, wherein the first portion comprises: a cavity to receive
the extension to removably couple the base plate to the shoulder
stock; a first rib to be received by the first groove; a second rib
to be received by the second groove, wherein at least one of the
first rib, the second rib, the cavity, the extension, the first
groove or the second groove are configured to draw the base plate
toward the shoulder stock as the base plate is rotated about the
extension.
15. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 14, wherein the first
portion defines an aperture through which some of the second
portion protrudes to form a seal that is positioned adjacent the
opening when the base plate is coupled to the shoulder stock to
prevent fluid from entering the at least one storage
compartment.
16. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 14, wherein the first
portion defines a third groove to receive a seal that is positioned
adjacent the opening when the base plate is coupled to the shoulder
stock to prevent fluid from entering the at least one storage
compartment.
17. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 14, wherein the first
portion comprises a relatively rigid material.
18. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 14, wherein the second
portion comprises an elastomer material.
19. A shoulder stock for use with firearms, comprising: a shoulder
stock that defines at least one storage compartment having an
opening, wherein the shoulder stock includes a bayonet lock that
includes an extension that extends toward the rear of the shoulder
stock; and a base plate that includes a liquid tight seal, wherein
the base plate is removably couplable to the shoulder stock by the
bayonet lock.
20. The shoulder stock as defined in claim 19, wherein the
extension, guide ribs, at least one projection that defines a
recess and a cavity of the base plate are configured to draw the
base plate toward the shoulder stock as the base plate is rotated
about the extension to removably couple the base plate to the
shoulder stock.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent is a continuation of International Patent
Application Serial No. PCT/EP2007/004526, filed May 22, 2007, which
claims priority to German Patent Application 10 2006 024 962.3,
filed on May 29, 2006 and to German Patent Application 10 2006 033
260.1, filed on Jul. 18, 2006, each of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This patent relates generally to shoulder stocks and, more
specifically, to shoulder stocks for use with firearms.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Some known rifles have storage compartments in the shoulder
stock for storage purposes. In some examples, the storage
compartment may be configured to hold ammunition (e.g., shotgun or
rifle cartridges) or cleaning kits, etc. Similar storage
compartments have been available since approximately the middle of
the 19.sup.th century in which flints, wadding, etc. were stored.
Additionally, the M1 carbine, includes a storage compartment in
which a cleaning kit is stored. While the storage compartment of
the M1 carbine is supposed to be water proof, known production
techniques have been unable to cost efficiently mass produce such
water proof storage compartments. As such, the M1 carbine may
include a container, which is waterproof, that is positioned in the
storage compartment. In operation, to close and/or seal the storage
compartment, a steel cover is coupled to the shoulder stock via a
catch and/or locking mechanism. The interaction between the steel
cover and the storage compartment does not provide a waterproof
seal even if material is placed between the steel cover and the
shoulder stock, because compression of the material around the
shoulder stock is not be evenly distributed. Additionally, the
catch and/or locking mechanism is difficult to open, which often
results in broken finger nails. Further, because the catch and/or
locking mechanism is made of metal, in time, these components may
rust, which prevents the steel cover from being securely fastened
to the shoulder stock.
[0004] Since the middle of the 18.sup.th century, base plates
(e.g., stock plate) have been coupled to wood shoulder stocks via
screws. Today, this manner of coupling the base plate to the
shoulder stock continues even in firearms having plastic shoulder
stocks such as, for example, the Remington.RTM. rifle "Nylon."
[0005] Some known firearms include a waterproof ammunition
container that is screwed to the base plate of the shoulder stock.
A gasket or seal is positioned on an end of the container to
substantially prevent water from entering the container between the
connection of the container and the base plate. In operation, the
interaction between the container and the base plate results in
considerable design restrictions. Additionally, the small size of
the container makes it susceptible to being misplaced or lost.
[0006] Some modern firearms such as, for example, submachine guns,
automatic firearms or assault weapons, require batteries to operate
certain components. In such instances, reservoir batteries may be
additionally stored in the firearm. Typically, these batteries are
positioned in the firearm in a moisture proof housing, especially
if the batteries are engaged to electrical contacts. In operation,
it may be preferable to have the area in the firearm in which the
batteries are positioned to be easily accessible to the marksman.
While these batteries may be stored in a moisture proof container
positioned in the storage compartment of the shoulder stock, which
is not water proof, this approach leads to design limitations and
increases production costs. For example, if the M1 carbine was
provided with such a moisture proof container to store batteries,
the cost of the firearm would probably only be acceptable for use
with military task forces.
[0007] Some magazines such as, for example, stock magazines or
tubular magazines (e.g., Spencer, patented in 1860; FN-small
caliber automatic "Browning"), are examples of costly components
that may provide relatively adequate water proofing. However, the
purchase of these magazines is typically justifiable only for use
with luxury firearms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an example shoulder stock and
an example base plate.
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a side, cross-sectional view of the example
shoulder stock and the example base plate of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the example shoulder stock and
the example base plate of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a trimetric view of the example shoulder
stock of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a rear view of the example shoulder stock of
FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the example shoulder stock of
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 7 depicts a side, cross-sectional view of the example
base plate of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures
and described in detail below. In describing these examples, like
or identical reference numbers are used to identify the same or
similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and
certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown
exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity. Additionally,
several examples have been described throughout this specification.
Any features from any example may be included with, a replacement
for, or otherwise combined with other features from other examples.
Further, throughout this description, position designations such as
"above," "below," "top," "forward," "rear," "left," "right," etc.
are referenced to a firearm held in a normal firing position (i.e.,
wherein the "shooting direction" is pointed away from the marksman
in a generally horizontal direction) and from the point of view of
the marksman. Furthermore, the normal firing position of the weapon
is always assumed, i.e., the position in which the barrel runs
along a horizontal axis.
[0016] The examples described herein generally relate to example
shoulder stocks having one or more storage compartments that may
advantageously utilized to store batteries or other items.
Additionally, the examples described herein generally relate to
example base plates that are removably couplable to the example
shoulder stocks.
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, an example shoulder stock 1 is
depicted that may be manufactured, produced and/or fabricated by
injection molding or any other suitable methods. The shoulder stock
1 includes a relatively planar surface 102, which is positioned
toward the rear of the shoulder stock 1 and adjacent a first
projection 11 and a second projection 15. Additionally, openings
402 and 404 of storage compartments 23 are positioned adjacent the
planar surface 102 and are on either side of a center line 502
(FIG. 5). In this example, the openings 402 and 404 have a
substantially circular cross-section. However, in other examples,
the opening 402 and 404 may have any other suitable cross-section.
While the cross-sections of the openings 402 and 404 are depicted
as being substantially similar, the cross-sections of the openings
402 and 404 may be different from one another. Still in other
examples, the storage compartments 23 may be arranged in any other
position such as, for example, the storage compartments 23 may be
positioned along the center line 502 or the storage compartments 23
may be positioned at an angle from one another (e.g., a 45 degree
angle relative to the center line 502, etc.). Additionally, while
the examples described herein depict two storage compartments 23,
the shoulder stock 1 may define any other number of storage
compartments (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.).
[0018] The first projection 11 defines a first groove 104 and the
second projection 15 defines a second groove 106. The first and
second grooves 104 and 106 open toward each other. In operation,
the first groove 104 is configured to receive and secure a first
rib 108 of a base plate 3 relative to the shoulder stock 1 and the
second groove 106 is configured to receive and secure a second rib
110 of the base plate 3 relative to the shoulder stock 1. The first
and second ribs 108 and 110 extend from a first portion 5 (e.g., a
stiff coating) of the base plate 3. The first portion 5 may be made
of a relatively rigid material. As depicted in FIGS. 3-5, the first
projection 11 includes an angled surface 13 (e.g., a diagonal inlet
surface) positioned toward the rear of the shoulder stock 1 and
adjacent a recess 31. In some examples, the second projection 15
may include an angled surface (not shown). Additionally, the first
projection 11 defines an indentation 19 positioned toward the top
of the shoulder stock 1. The recess 31 and the indentation 19 are
configured to receive a projection 17 (e.g., a catch finger) of the
base plate 3.
[0019] An extension 9 (e.g., a center bolt) extends from the planar
surface 102 toward the rear of the shoulder stock 1. In particular,
the extension 9 is positioned substantially along the center line
502 below and in relative close proximity to the openings 402 and
404 of the storage compartments 23. The extension 9 includes a
first guide rib 408 and a second guide rib 410, which extend on
either side (e.g., to the right and to the left, respectively) of
the extension 9.
[0020] The first portion 5 of the base plate 3 defines a cavity or
aperture 25 (FIG. 7) that receives the extension 9. Additionally,
the cavity 25 includes a plurality of cut-outs (not shown)
positioned opposite one another that correspond to the first and
second guide ribs 408 and 410 of the extension 9 when the base
plate 3 is positioned substantially perpendicular relative to the
center line 502. In operation, to removably couple the base plate 3
to the shoulder stock 1, the extension 9 is inserted into the
cavity 25 such that the guide ribs 408 and 410 are received by the
cut-outs. The base plate 3 is then rotated about the extension 9 to
properly position, for example, the guide ribs 408 and 410 in slots
(not shown) of the cavity 25. To ensure that the base plate 3 is
not improperly aligned relative to the extension 9 and, thus, the
shoulder stock 1, the first guide rib 408 may be a different size
and/or have a different geometry than the second guide rib 410.
[0021] As the first portion 5 of the base plate 3 is rotated toward
its position illustrated in FIG. 1, the first rib 108 is received
by the first groove 104 and the second rib 110 is received by the
second groove 106. To draw a surface 702 of the first portion 5
toward the planar surface 102 as the base plate 3 is rotated about
the extension 9, surfaces 29, 704, 706, 708 and 710 of the slots,
the ribs 108 and 110 and/or the grooves 104 and 106 may be beveled.
In particular, the surfaces 29, 704 and 712, which are positioned
toward the rear of the shoulder stock 1 may be constructed as
beveled edges. As a result, the first portion 5 is firmly
positioned against the planar surface 102 of the shoulder stock
1.
[0022] A second portion 7 is coupled to the first portion 5, both
of which are part of the base plate 3. The second portion 7 may be
made of an elastomer material or an elastomer coating (e.g., a
rubber like material) that may be relatively flexible as compared
to the first portion 5. The second portion 7 includes the
projection 17 that may be partially received by the recess 31 and
the indentation 19. The recess 31 is open toward the rear of the
shoulder stock 1 and the indentation 19 is open toward the top of
the shoulder stock 1. In operation, as the base plate 3 is rotated
relative to the extension 9, the second portion 7 may be partially
deformed by the angled surface 13 until the projection 17 is
received by the recess 31. To detach the base plate 3 from the
shoulder stock 1, a marksman may grasp a tip or end 712 of the
projection 17 to disengage the projection 17 from the recess 31
and, thereafter, the first portion 5 of the base plate 3 may be
rotated such that the base plate 3 is then positioned relatively
perpendicular to the center line 502 at which point the base plate
3 may be removed from the shoulder stock 1.
[0023] In some examples, the second portion 7 may surround the
first portion 5 to provide a seal between the base plate 3 and the
shoulder stock 1. Additionally or alternatively, seals or coatings
27 and/or 412 may be coupled to the first portion 5 and/or the
planar surface 102, respectively, to seal the storage compartments
23 when the base plate 3 is secured to the shoulder stock 1 as
depicted in FIG. 1. In particular, the seals or coatings 27, 412
may surround each of the storage compartments 23 to seal the
storage compartments 23 when, for example, the first portion 5
engages the angled surfaces 13 of the first and/or second
projections 11 and 15.
[0024] The examples described herein provide a substantially water
proof storage chamber 23 that can be repeatedly opened and closed
without damaging components of the shoulder stock 1 and/or the base
plate 3. Additionally, the examples described here can be cost
effectively produced. Further, in contrast to known firearms having
storage compartments in which the base plate is fastened to the
shoulder stock with screws, the example base plate 3 may be removed
from the shoulder stock 1 without the use of tools (e.g., screw
driver, etc.). In some examples, only a few components (e.g., the
first portion 5, the second portion 7, and the shoulder stock 1)
may be needed to adequately seal the storage compartments 23. In
operation, the openings 402 and 404 are positioned toward the rear
of the shoulder stock 1 such that the storage compartments 23 may
be accessed from the rear of a firearm (not shown). The position of
the storage compartments 23 provides a significantly high amount of
protection to the storage compartments 23 when the examples
described herein are utilized with a rifle or other firearm. The
examples described herein are suitable to be produced in mass
production with relatively low or no precision monitoring.
[0025] As described above, the shoulder stock 1 defines the storage
compartments 23. At least a portion of the planar surface 102 is to
be sealingly engaged by the base plate 3 to prevent liquid from
entering the storage compartments 23. In operation, the base plate
3 is removably coupled to the shoulder stock 1 adjacent the planar
surface 102 by the interaction between the extension 9, the first
and second guide ribs 408 and 410 and the cavity 25. A locking
mechanism or bayonet lock may include the extension 9, the first
and second guide ribs 408 and 410 and the cavity 25. In some
examples, this interaction may be similar to a bayonet mount (e.g.,
bayonet lock). The extension 9 extends from the planar surface 102
toward the rear.
[0026] As discussed above, no additional components other than the
base plate 3 cover the storage compartments 23. Swiss military
rifles have utilized base plates to position and/or conceal an
identification label. In contrast, the base plate 3 is utilized to
cover the storage compartments 23, and not necessarily a place to
conceal an identification label.
[0027] In contrast to known firearms, the base plate 3 is securely
fastened to the shoulder stock 1 via the interaction between the
extension 9, the first and second guide ribs 408 and 410 and the
cavity 25. This interaction provides a reliable and permanent
connection between the shoulder stock 1 and the base plate 3, which
secures the base plate 3 relative to the shoulder stock 1 even if
the base plate 3 is twisted during training exercises and/or combat
missions. Additionally, the interaction between the extension 9,
the first and second guide ribs 408 and 410 and the cavity 25
advantageously provides a sealing engagement between the base plate
3 and the shoulder stock 1, which substantially prevents moisture
and/or fluid from penetrating the storage compartments 23 when the
base plate 3 is secured to the shoulder stock 1 as depicted in FIG.
1. In particular, this sealing engagement is provided by a
relatively few number of components. Preferably, two or less
components are utilized to securely fasten the base plate 3 to the
shoulder stock 1, which is a significantly less number of
components than used with known shoulder stocks that require at
least two fasteners while still inadequately covering and/or
sealing any storage compartments.
[0028] The extension 9 may be positioned somewhat off center
relative to the planar surface 102 such that, in some examples, by
rotating the base plate 3 about the extension 9 a majority of the
cross-section of the opening 402 and 404 and/or the planar surface
102 are exposed. Similarly, the off center position of the
extension 9 relative to the planar surface 102, enables the storage
compartments 23 to be relatively large. Further, the position of
the extension 9 adjacent the storage compartments 23 provides an
anchoring point to advantageously ensure that a sealing engagement
is provided to and/or around the openings 402 and 404 of the
storage compartments 23. In some examples, such as, when the
examples described herein are used with submachine guns, the
storage compartments 23 may be positioned along the center line 502
(e.g., a vertical longitudinal plane) of the firearm, which enables
the breech path or its related components to move freely relative
to the firearm. The storage compartments 23 may be advantageously
utilized to store batteries.
[0029] As described above, the base plate 3 includes the cavity 25
that receives the extension 9 and substantially secures the base
plate 3 relative to the shoulder stock 1 even if the base plate 3
is twisted relative to the shoulder stock 1. Known issued firearms
(e.g., rifles, submachine guns, assault weapons, etc.) may be
retrofitted with the examples described herein, because the
examples described herein are directed toward the shoulder stock
and the base plate and not the rear gunstock base
[0030] Preferably, the seals 27, 412 are arranged around the
openings 402 and 404 of the storage compartments 23 and coupled to
the first portion 5 and/or the planar surface 102 to seal the
storage compartments 23 when the base plate 3 is secured to the
shoulder stock 1. In some examples, the seals 27, 412 may be a
rubber gasket and/or a compressible gasket, which seals the opening
402 and 404 of the storage compartments 23. While the storage
compartments 23 are depicted as being cylindrical sleeves, the
storage compartments 23 may be any other shape and have any other
size. The seals 27, 412 advantageously ensure that an adequate seal
is provided to the storage compartments 23 even taking into account
production tolerances and/or mass production.
[0031] Traditionally, base plates were made of a metal material.
However, modern firearms increasingly include base plates made of a
rubber material and/or an elastomer material. The rubber material
and/or the elastomer material advantageously conforms to a
marksman's clothing during firing, cushions recoil and
substantially prevents a firearm that has been leaned against an
object on end from falling over. However, base plates made of
rubber material and/or elastomer material pose some problems
because the base plate is not uniformly supported by the shoulder
stock. To eliminate some these problems encountered with known base
plates, the example base plate 3 includes the first portion 5 and
the second portion 7, which is coupled to the first portion 5
toward the rear of the shoulder stock 1. In some examples, the
first portion 5 may be made of a relatively rigid material and the
second portion 7 may be made of an elastomer material. The first
portion 5 defines the cavity 25 that receives (e.g., fits over) the
extension 9. The second portion 7 may form a coating for a support
portion of the firearm. Additionally, the surface 702 of the first
portion 5 may define an aperture, groove and/or indentation 714
(e.g., a third groove and/or an aperture) in which the seal 27 may
be positioned to surround the openings 402 and 404 of the storage
compartments 23 when the base plate 3 is secured to the shoulder
stock 1. In operation, the first portion 5 may be manufactured,
fabricated and/or machined from a zinc material, a plastic material
or any other suitable material. The first portion 5 may define a
groove into which the seal 27 is positioned.
[0032] Preferably, the first portion 5 defines apertures (not
shown) (e.g., recesses or an aperture) that enables some of the
second portion 7 to extend through the first portion 5 to surround
the openings 402 and 404 and to provide a seal to the storage
compartments 23 when the base plate 3 is secured to the shoulder
stock 1. However, in still other examples, the seal may be separate
from the second portion 7, but may be made of a material that is
similar to the material used for the second portion 7. The second
portion 7 may be made of a material that is relatively stiff, but
is deformable to provide sealing properties. In some examples, the
second portion 7 may be made of a material similar to the material
used to manufacture automobile tires.
[0033] While the interaction between the extension 9 and the cavity
25 secures the base plate 3 to the shoulder stock 1, to ensure that
objects such as, for example, grass or straw, do not become lodged
between the base plate 3 and the shoulder stock 1, the shoulder
stock 1 includes the first and second projections 11 and 15 that
define the first and second grooves 104 and 106, respectively, that
receive the first and second ribs 108 and 110 of the base plate 3.
Preferably, the ribs 108 and 110 and/or the projections 11 and 15
are positioned at a distance from the extension 9. While the
examples described herein are provided with two projections 11 and
15, the shoulder stock 1 may be provided with one projection.
[0034] Preferably, the first projection 11 defines the recess 31 to
receive the projection 17. The projection 17 may be part of the
second portion 7. As a result, to produce the projection 17, no
separate components are produced. The interaction between the
projection 17 and the recess 31 ensures secure positioning of the
base plate 3 relative to the shoulder stock 1 to prevent impairment
during firing. Additionally, the interaction between the projection
17 and the recess 31 prevents the base plate 3 from shifting
relative to the openings 402 and 404 to ensure that an adequate
seal is maintained against the openings 402 and 404. Further, the
interaction between the projection 17 and the recess 31 prevents
the base plate 3 from shifting relative the seals 27 and/or 412 to
prevent the seals 27 and/or 412 from degrading and/or to increase
the useful life of the seals 27 and/or 412.
[0035] Preferably, as described above, the projection 17 engages
the indentation 19 of the first projection 11 to further secure the
base plate 3 relative to the shoulder stock 1. To remove the
projection 17 from the indentation 19, a marksman grasps the tip
712 of the projection 17 and moves the projection 17 toward the
rear of the shoulder stock 1. As a result, the projection 17 and,
thus, the base plate 3 may be removed from the shoulder stock 1
without the use of an additional tool (e.g., a screw driver).
However, during normal operation, the position, shape and/or
material properties of the projection 17 urge the projection 17
toward and into the indention 19 to prevent the projection 17 from
interfering during firing and to ensure the base plate 3 is
securely positioned against the shoulder stock 1.
[0036] Preferably, as discussed above, the shoulder stock 1 and the
storage compartments 23 are made of a plastic material. As a
result, fluid (e.g., water) can not penetrate lateral walls 112 of
the shoulder stock 1 and/or the storage compartments 23.
Additionally, producing the shoulder stock 1 and/or the storage
compartments 23 from a plastic material advantageously reduces the
amount of operations performed to manufacture, fabricate and/or
produce these components. In particular, the amount of time to
produce the shoulder stock 1 and the storage compartments 23 is
between about a few seconds.
[0037] Preferably, as described above, the first portion 5 and the
second portion 7 are coupled to each other. In particular, the
first portion 5 may be molded to the second portion 7 and/or the
first portion 5 and the second portion 7 may be vulcanized. As a
result, the first and second portions 5 and 7 may be produced by
injection molding with relatively high precision even if the first
portion 5 has a different thermal expansion rate than the second
portion 7. Additionally, the first portion 5 may be precisely
coupled to the second portion 7.
[0038] Preferably, as discussed above, the extension 9, the first
and second guide ribs 408 and 410, the cavity 25, the first and
second projections 11 and 15 and/or the first portion 5 are
configured to ensure that as the base plate 3 is rotated toward the
operating position, the base plate 3 is drawn toward the shoulder
stock 1. In some examples, the slots of the cavity 25 may be
provided with tapered surfaces 29. In other examples, surfaces 29
of the first and/or second guide ribs 408 and 410 may be beveled.
As a result, as the base plate 3 is rotated about the extension,
the seal 27, which coats the first portion 5, is positioned in the
groove 714 and/or the second portion 7 that protrudes through the
apertures defined by the first portion 5, is pressed around the
openings 402 and 404 of the storage compartments 23 to provide an
adequate seal even taking into account production tolerances. In
particular, the seal conforms to production inconformities such as,
for example, flashing, gaps, etc.
[0039] The examples described herein provide an example apparatus
that includes fewer components than known shoulder stocks while
still providing storage compartments 23 that may be sealing engaged
by the base plate 3 even taking into account production
tolerances.
[0040] Additionally, different base plates 3 may be interchanged
(e.g., field exchanged) with one another that have different
geometries. In some examples, the base plate 3 may have a convex
geometry and, in other examples, the base plate 3 may have a
concave geometry.
[0041] Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of
manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of
this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent
covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly
falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or
under the doctrine of equivalents.
* * * * *