Stock Mounted Load Bearing Assembly

Abstract

The invention is an improved load bearing arrangement for use with firearms. The system comprises a cylindrical body with a sealing cap, mounting structure on the body including a plurality of mounting tabs and a "T" rail with matching structure on the stock. The mounting tabs are only partially fastened on the body so as to form hooks which will secure the body from behind the structure on the stock. The "T" rail interfaces with a corresponding notch on the rear of the stock and is secured with the stock's butt pad. A water-tight cap is also provided, which is also capable of removal and replacement without removing the remaining structure from the stock.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a carrying and storage apparatus for firearms and is more particularly related to cylindrical attachments which have a sliding, T-shaped, mating feature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of magazine follower systems, this invention provides an improved load bearing system mountable upon a butt stock of a firearm. Its basic conception is the use of a storage cylinder with at least one "T" shaped rail and a receptor structure on the stock. The receptor structure is a "T" shaped slot in the rear of the stock. The preferred embodiment also features a plurality of broad tabs which are partially attached to the storage unit along their breadth, with a matching set of slots in the stock. Once inserted, the cylinder is slid up the slots towards the fore end of the stock, so that its hind portion is even with the hind portion of the stock, and is secured with a butt pad on the stock. In this manner, the "T" shaped rail is secured with the butt pad and the structure of its slot and the broad tabs hook behind the outer wall of the stock, securing the structure to the stock. The storage system is sealed with a cap, or plug, that provides a water-tight seal and is easily removed and replaces without removing the entire structure from the stock.

[0003] The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

[0004] Many objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

[0005] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0006] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a left plan view of storage compartment, mounted on a gun stock.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a right plan view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a right plan view of the storage assembly of FIG. 1, about to be installed upon a stock.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a right plan view of the storage assembly of FIG. 1, partially installed upon a stock.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a right plan view of the storage assembly of FIG. 1, installed upon a stock.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the stock mounted load bearing assembly is herein described. It should be noted that the articles "a", "an" and "the", as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0019] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the present invention is a storage module 12 mounted upon a gun stock 10. The depicted stock is an adjustable-for-length stock with a latch 16 (to allow adjustment) and additional storage 18 (FIGS. 1 & 2). It has a generally cylindrical body 12 with an open rear end and sealed on a fore end (FIG. 6). The body 12 is mounted horizontally along the gun stock 10. Mounting tabs 22 interface with slots 20 (FIG. 7) on the gun stock 10 to secure the storage module 10 to the stock. The mounting tabs 22 are, ideally, curved (though any shape that is capable of allowing interface will suffice) and not completely fastened to the body 12, forming hooks 32. The body 12 also features a "T" rail 28 made to interface with a corresponding notch 30 along the rear of the stock 10. As the mounting tabs are slid into the slots 20, "T" rail 28 is proximate notch 30 (FIGS. 8 & 9). The body 12 is then slid forward (FIGS. 10 & 11), allowing the hooks to slide behind the wall of the stock body itself (securing the body 12 from behind), and "T" rail 28 slides into notch 30 until the body 12 is flush with the rear of the stock 10. Butt pad 26 is then placed on the stock 10 (FIGS. 4 & 5) and abuts "T" rail 28, securing the entire body 12 in its forward, installed position. A plug 14 (FIGS. 1-5) is inserted into the body's open end to secure it. Ideally the plug is made of a rubber, plastic or polymer which offers some compressibility so as to provide a secure and watertight seal. Other materials may be utilized, but will probably require some form of gasket for water-tightness and some other securing means. The plug 14 may be inserted and removed without removing the entire structure from the stock. The cylindrical body 12 is sized to fit common accessories, like batteries, and may be any shape, though a round cylindrical shape would be preferred. The storage body 12 may be made of any suitable material, such as a metal, plastic or other polymer, silicone, or composite material. It should be waterproof except for the one opening, which is sealed by the plug 14.

[0020] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.

Claims

1. A load bearing attachment system for a rifle comprising: a. a hollow cylindrical body, with an open back end, further comprising i. a plurality of mounting tabs, only partially attached to the body along their length, thereby forming hooks; ii. a "T" shaped rail proximate the back end of the body; and b. a sealing cap shaped and sized to be inserted in the open back end; wherein the mounting tabs and "T" rail interface with complimentary structure on a stock.

2. The storage system of claim 1, the sealing cap being made of a material selected from the group of materials consisting of rubber, plastic, and silicone.

3. The storage system of claim 1, the sealing cap further comprising a cap body and a waterproof gasket.

4. The storage system of claim 1, the hooks interfacing with the stock by sliding behind the wall of the stock body.

5. The storage system of claim 1, the sealing cap being made of a material selected from the group of materials consisting of rubber, plastic, and silicone.

6. The storage system of claim 1, the sealing cap further comprising a cap body and a waterproof gasket.

7. The storage system of claim 1, the "T" rail interfacing with the stock along an edge of the stock capable of receiving a butt pad and being flush with the same when properly positioned, the installation of said butt pad providing a stop to hold the storage system in place.

8. The storage system of claim 1, the hooks interfacing with the stock by sliding behind the wall of the stock body.

9. The storage system of claim 1, the sealing cap being made of a material selected from the group of materials consisting of rubber, plastic, and silicone.

10. The storage system of claim 1, the sealing cap further comprising a cap body and a waterproof gasket.