U.S. patent application number 12/541620 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-24 for stock interface.
Invention is credited to Steve Hines.
Application Number | 20090313875 12/541620 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41399011 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090313875 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hines; Steve |
December 24, 2009 |
STOCK INTERFACE
Abstract
A stock interface can be slipped onto and attached to a standard
CAR buffer tube. The stock interface provides structures for
attaching a butt stock and stock interface attachments such as an
ergonomic attachment, a container attachment, and a power
attachment. Small arms ergonomics can be improved by providing a
better cheek weld via an ergonomic attachment. Container
attachments provide storage. Power attachments provide electrical
power for items such as electronic sighting systems, lasers,
lights, or any of the other electronic devices attached to a small
arm.
Inventors: |
Hines; Steve; (Edgewood,
NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard H. Krukar;Attorney, Intellectual Property
Ortiz and Lopez, PLLC, P.O. Box 4484
Albuquerque
NM
87196-4484
US
|
Family ID: |
41399011 |
Appl. No.: |
12/541620 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11639814 |
Dec 15, 2006 |
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12541620 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/75.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/16 20130101;
F41C 23/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/75.03 |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/00 20060101
F41C023/00; F41C 23/14 20060101 F41C023/14; F41C 23/22 20060101
F41C023/22; F41C 23/20 20060101 F41C023/20 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a stock interface; a stock interface
attachment that attaches to the stock and wherein the stock
interface attachment comprises an electrical power attachment; and
a means for fastening the stock interface to a firearm buffer
tube.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the fastening means comprises a
fastener that when tightened while the stock interface is
positioned over a firearm buffer tube causes the stock interface to
become frictionally fixed to the buffer tube.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the fastener passes through a hole
in the stock interface and wherein the fastener tightens such that
the fastener presses against the buffer tube and thereby
frictionally attaches the stock interface to the buffer tube.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the stock interface further
comprises at least one dovetail, wherein the stock interface
attachment comprises at least one matching dovetail; and wherein
the at least one dovetail and the at least one matching dovetail
mate such that the at least one stock interface attachment attaches
to the stock interface to thereby provide a cheek weld.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the stock interface attachment
attaches to the stock interface to thereby provide a cheek
weld.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the stock interface attachment
further comprises a sealable storage compartment.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the stock interface attachment is
an ergonomic attachment.
8. A system comprising: a stock interface; and a means for
fastening the stock interface to a firearm buffer tube wherein
tightening a fastener when the stock interface is positioned over a
firearm buffer tube causes the stock interface to become
frictionally fixed to the buffer tube.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the fastener is threaded and
passes through a hole in the stock interface, wherein the fastener
is tightened by turning the fastener within the hole, and wherein
the fastener when tightened presses against the buffer tube and
thereby frictionally attaches the stock interface to the buffer
tube.
10. The system of claim 8 wherein the stock interface further
comprises at least one dovetail and the system further comprises:
at least one stock interface attachment comprising at least one
matching dovetail; and wherein the at least one dovetail and the at
least one matching dovetail mate such that the at least one stock
interface attachment attaches to the stock interface to thereby
provide a cheek weld.
11. The system of claim 8 further comprising a stock interface
attachment that attaches to the stock interface to thereby provide
a cheek weld.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the stock interface attachment
is a container attachment comprising a sealable storage
compartment.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein the stock interface attachment
is an electrical power attachment.
14. The system of claim 11 wherein the stock interface attachment
is an ergonomic attachment.
15. The system of claim 8 wherein the stock interface further
comprises at least one snapping dovetail, wherein the system
further comprises a stock interface attachment comprising at least
one matching dovetail, and wherein aligning the stock interface
attachment to the stock interface and pressing causes the stock
interface attachment to snap onto and thereby attach to the stock
interface.
16. A system comprising: a buffer tube comprising an elongated rib
extending radially outward and a grove running lengthwise along the
outside of the elongated rib; a stock interface comprising at least
one interface hole, at least one dovetail and a longitudinally
running mounting rail; at least one threaded fastener that passes
through the interface hole and is twisted within the interface hole
to thereby press into the groove and frictionally attach the stock
interface to the buffer tube; a stock interface attachment
comprising at least one matching dovetail; wherein the at least one
dovetail and the at least one matching dovetail mate such that the
at least one stock interface attachment attaches to the stock
interface to provide a cheek weld; and a butt stock that attaches
to the mounting rail.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the stock interface attachment
further comprises at least one interlocking hard point, and at
least one threaded hard point; wherein the stock interface further
comprises at least one dovetail; and wherein the at least one
dovetail and the at least one matching dovetail mate such that the
at least one stock interface attachment attaches to the stock
interface.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/639,814 filed on Dec. 15, 2006 entitled
"Stock Interface" and which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments relate to fields of small arms, rifle stocks,
and modular rifle stocks. Embodiments also relate to the fields of
power sources and electrical interconnections.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Small arms design has moved past using fixed stock elements
to using adjustable or modular components. Adjustable or modular
components are used to configure a firearm for specific uses or
missions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,348,328 issued to Roy
discloses an adjustable stock for use in conjunction with a CAR
buffer tube. A buffer tube is a tube mounted to the back of a
firearm receiver. In most applications, when the firearm is
discharged, the bolt travels back and into the buffer tube while a
spring, called the buffer spring, supplies a force for decelerating
the bolt and returning it to a forward position. FIG. 1B of U.S.
Pat. No. 5,941,005 illustrates a spring in a buffer tube.
[0004] Roy, however, uses a specially formed CAR buffer tube for
use with his adjustable stock. Many buffer tubes are simply
cylinders that are appropriately sized for holding a buffer spring
and decelerating the bolt. The CAR buffer tube is a buffer tube
with an elongated rib and a groove. The CAR buffer tube is a
standard part of certain military issue small arms. U.S. Pat. No.
3,348,328 contains illustrations of a CAR buffer tube, a stock
element that slides onto the CAR buffer tube, and a locking
mechanism that can lock the sliding stock in a variety of
positions.
[0005] Standard CAR buffer tubes, such as those used with the M4
and M16 carbines, have been attached to shotgun receivers. Some
shotguns equipped with CAR buffer tubes do not use a buffer spring
within the CAR buffer tube to achieve semiautomatic operation.
[0006] FIG. 11, labeled as "prior art", illustrates a side view of
an idealized CAR buffer tube. A cylindrical tube 1101 has a
threaded end 1102 for attachment to a receiver and an elongated rib
1103 extending radially.
[0007] FIG. 12, labeled as "prior art", illustrates a bottom view
of an idealized CAR buffer tube. The groove 1201 in the elongated
rib 1103 can be seen. Holes 1202 are positioned in the undercut
groove 1201. An adjustable stock can be locked into position by a
pin pressing into a hole 1202.
[0008] FIG. 13, labeled as "prior art", illustrates a cut view of
an idealized CAR buffer tube. The cylindrical tube 1101 has a
sidewall 1302 and an opening 1301 that can contain a buffer spring.
The groove 1201 in the elongated rib 1103 can be seen.
[0009] Other inventors have refined Roy's adjustable length butt
stock. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,267, U.S. Pat. No.
6,651,371, disclose modular gunstock systems. Like Roy, these two
inventions use a specially designed replacement buffer tube. An
armorer trained to work on small arms replaces the original buffer
tube with the replacement buffer tube. Users who are less
specialized than the armorer can then configure the remainder of
the modular gunstock system. Another example is U.S. Pat. No.
6,925,744 that refines Roy's adjustable length butt stock by adding
compartment modules to the moveable butt stock element.
[0010] FIG. 14, labeled as "prior art", illustrates a stylized toy
replica 1401 firing a pellet 1402. Many toy replicas, such as
Airsoft toys, are pellet firing small arms replicas. Hobbyists
enjoy engaging in mock non-lethal battles using toy replicas
because they are realistic looking and fire non lethal, although
often painful, pellets. Realistic toys are also used in small arms
training because the toys can have the same weight, size, and
accessories as firearms used in combat or police work. The toy
replicas are often realistic enough that many after market
accessories can be used with both small arms and with toy replicas.
A toy replica of an AR16 or M4 carbine, however, uses an imitation
CAR buffer tube 1403 and not a real CAR buffer tube. As such, a
small arms accessory requiring replacement of the buffer tube is
not suitable for use with a toy replica. The illustration of FIG.
14 is stylized because, from a distance, a toy replica can be
indistinguishable from an actual small arm. Those practiced in
combat training and police training are familiar with toy
replicas.
[0011] FIG. 17, labeled as "prior art", illustrates a firearm 1701.
More specifically, the firearm is an M16 rifle or its' civilian
counterpart the AR15. The M16 1701 buffer tube is a cylindrical
buffer tube inside the stock 1702. The buffer tube is threaded to
the lower receiver 1703 on one end and has a threaded hole in the
other end. A bolt threaded into the threaded hole bolts the stock
1702 to the buffer tube.
[0012] FIG. 18, labeled as "prior art", illustrates a firearm 1801
with an exposed buffer tube 1802. The firearm is an M16 rifle as in
FIG. 17. The butt stock is removed so that the buffer tube 1802 can
be seen. A bolt 1803 such as that for bolting on the stock, is
threaded into the threaded hole at the end of the buffer tube
1802.
[0013] Prior art systems, however, require trained armorers or lack
a comfortable cheek weld for a marksman. As such, systems and
methods are needed to address shortcomings in the prior art.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0014] The following summary is provided to facilitate an
understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the
embodiments and is not intended to be a full description. A full
appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can be
gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and
abstract as a whole.
[0015] Systems and methods providing an easily installable and
configurable modular gunstock are needed.
[0016] It is therefore an aspect of the embodiments to provide a
stock interface and at least one fastener. The stock interface is
specifically designed to slide over a CAR buffer tube. A fastener
can exploit the undercut groove to fasten the stock attachment to
the CAR buffer tube. For example, a properly sized nut can be
positioned in the CAR buffer tube's groove so that a bolt can be
inserted through the stock interface and threaded into the nut.
Tightening the bolt fastens the stock interface to the CAR buffer
tube in a fixed position. The stock interface can be provisioned
for mounting stock interface attachments such as ergonomic
attachments, container attachments, and power attachments.
[0017] Stock interface attachments can be attached to a stock
interface using dovetails, interlocking fingers, or threaded hard
points. Captured dovetails and interlocking fingers allow the parts
to be slid together or otherwise snapped into place. As such, most
infantrymen have the requisite skill to configure or customize a
firearm. A threaded hard point can also be used where a threaded
part is inserted into the threaded hard point to fasten the stock
interface attachment to the stock interface.
[0018] An ergonomic attachment is designed to improve a marksman's
or an infantryman's ability to use a firearm. Standard issue AR16
or M4 carbines have an adjustable stock on a CAR buffer tube.
Accurate long distance shooting requires a comfortable and
consistent cheek weld between the shooters face and the firearm.
The CAR buffer tube, however, is positioned for producing a cheek
weld but does not provide a comfortable or consistent cheek weld. A
good cheek weld can be obtained by attaching a stock interface to
the CAR buffer tube. A better one can be obtained by attaching an
ergonomic attachment to the stock interface.
[0019] A container attachment is a stock interface attachment
containing a compartment that can hold items such as batteries,
coins, rocks, or whatever else an infantryman can fit into the
compartment. A container attachment can have multiple containers.
Small container attachment can be attached side by side to the
stock interface to provide multiple compartments.
[0020] A power attachment is a stock interface attachment that
provides electrical power through an electrical interconnect. The
power source can be replaceable or a permanent part of the power
attachment. For example, a power attachment can have a battery
compartment for disposable batteries. Alternatively, a power
attachment can permanently contain a fuel cell and, perhaps, a
refillable fuel tank.
[0021] An electrical interconnect provides a way to get electrical
energy into or out of a stock interface attachment. Electrodes that
produce an electrical contact when attached to the stock interface
can be used. A plug and socket type electrical interconnect can be
used such that power is supplied when the plug is connected to the
socket. An inductive interconnect can be used where inductive
coupling is used to transmit power while keeping the electrical
components sealed away from harm.
[0022] A stock can be attached to a mounting rail on the underside
of the stock interface. For example, a Picatinny (M-1913) type
mounting rail can be used. Picatinny rails and mounting hardware
are well known to those practiced in small arms. As such, a stock
with a Picatinny mounting configuration can be reliably and
repeatedly attached to a Picatinny type mounting rail. Other types
of rail can be equivalently used although the Picatinny is
prevalent in many applications and markets.
[0023] The mounting rail on the underside of the stock interface
can have regularly spaced holes such that a stock can be slid onto
the mounting rail and locked into position by a pin that passes
through a hole in the stock.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a stock interface and stock interface
attachments in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a stock interface in accordance with
aspects of the embodiments;
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a stock interface and container
attachments in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a stock interface and ergonomic
attachments in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a stock attached to the stock interface
in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates two container attachments that can be
mounted side by side in accordance with aspects of the
embodiments;
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a power attachment with a electrical
power compartment in accordance with aspects of the
embodiments;
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a power attachment with a fuel cell in
accordance with aspects of the embodiments;
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates a power attachment with permanent
batteries in accordance with aspects of the embodiments;
[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates a cut view of a stock interface fixedly
attached to a CAR buffer tube in accordance with aspects of the
embodiments;
[0034] FIG. 11, labeled as "prior art", illustrates a side view of
an idealized CAR buffer tube;
[0035] FIG. 12, labeled as "prior art", illustrates a bottom view
of an idealized CAR buffer tube;
[0036] FIG. 13, labeled as "prior art", illustrates a cut view of
an idealized CAR buffer tube;
[0037] FIG. 14, labeled as "prior art", illustrates a stylized toy
replica firing a pellet;
[0038] FIG. 15 illustrates clamping a stock interface to a CAR
buffer tube in accordance with aspects of the embodiments; and
[0039] FIG. 16 illustrates clamping a stock interface to a buffer
tube in accordance with aspects of the embodiments; and
[0040] FIG. 17, labeled as "prior art", illustrates a firearm 1701;
and
[0041] FIG. 18, labeled as "prior art", illustrates a firearm 1801
with an exposed buffer tube.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a stock interface 101 and stock interface
attachments 102, 103 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments.
The stock interface 101 is designed to slip over a CAR buffer tube.
An ergonomic attachment 102 and a container attachment 103 are
designed to attach to the stock interface. Notice that symmetry
allows the stock interface attachments 102, 103 to be attached on
either the left or right side. Dovetails 104 running longitudinally
along the stock interface 101 are designed to mate with matching
dovetails 105 on the stock interface attachments. A longitudinally
running mounting rail 106 can be used for attaching a stock. Items
can be stored in the container interior 107.
[0043] The particular shape of the illustrated dovetails 104 and
matching dovetails 105 form what is known as a captured dovetail.
Items using captured dovetails are connected by first aligning the
dovetails and then sliding the items into position along the
dovetails. Alternatively, a snapping dovetail allows the items to
be aligned and pressed together such that the items flex and the
dovetails snap together.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a stock interface 101 in accordance with
aspects of the embodiments. The dovetails 104 and mounting rail 106
can be seen. The shape of the central opening 201 is seen to match
the shape of a CAR buffer tube.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a stock interface 101 and container
attachments 103 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. The
dovetails 104 and matching dovetails 105 are designed such that the
container attachments 103 snap onto the stock interface 101.
Adhesives or threaded fasteners are not necessary but can be used
to ensure robust attachment. A threaded fastener can be passed
through a hole in a stock interface attachment and into a threaded
hard point on the stock interface 101. The container attachments
103 can be sealed with a plug or a cork. The container attachments
103 can be produced with one end permanently sealed.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a stock interface 101 and ergonomic
attachments 102 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. The
dovetails 104 and matching dovetails 105 are designed such that the
ergonomic attachments 102 snap onto the stock interface 101.
Adhesives or threaded fasteners are not necessary but can be used
to ensure robust attachment. The ergonomic attachments 102 can
produce, when attached to the stock interface 101, a smooth profile
suitable for a good cheek weld as required by most marksmen.
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a stylized stock 501 attached to the
stock interface 101 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments.
The stock 501 illustrated is an under sliding butt stock that can
be slid along the mounting rail 106 and be firmly attached in a
desired position. A spring can press a pin 502 in the stock 501
against the rail 106 to fix the stock in place. A lever 503 can be
used to pull the pin 502 away from the rail 106 to free the stock
501. The under sliding butt stock 501 can be fixed in place even
more firmly when the pin 502 slides into a hole on the under side
of the mounting rail 106. Alternatively, a fixed length stock can
be attached to the mounting rail 106. The fixed length stock can be
slipped onto the mounting rail 106 and pressed fully forward. Pins,
adhesives, fasteners, tape, hook-and-loop, or interlocking fingers,
or other means can be used for securing either adjustable or
permanent length stocks.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates two container attachments 602 that can be
mounted side by side in accordance with aspects of the embodiments.
A stock interface 601 has a first and second container attachment
602 mounted side by side.
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates a power attachment 701 with an electrical
power compartment 707 in accordance with aspects of the
embodiments. The electrical power compartment 707 is illustrated as
containing replaceable batteries 702, a negative electrode 705, a
conductive spring 703, and a positive electrode 704. An electrical
interconnect 706 is electrically attached to the positive electrode
704 and, by way of a wire 708, to the negative electrode 705.
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates a high level block diagram of a power
attachment 801 with a fuel cell 802 in accordance with aspects of
the embodiments. A fuel tank 803 provides fuel to the fuel cell.
Those practiced in the art of fuel cells are familiar with fuel
cells and the fuels that can be used to power them. An electrical
interconnect 804 can be used for passing electrical energy into and
out of the power attachment. Those skilled in electrical equipment
or electronic systems are familiar with many types of electrical
interconnects including electrodes, plug and socket, card edge
connectors, inductive couplers, and others.
[0051] FIG. 9 illustrates a high level block diagram of a power
attachment 901 with permanent batteries 902 in accordance with
aspects of the embodiments. Permanent batteries 902 are a permanent
part of the power attachment 901. As such, the entire power
attachment 901 is replaced when the permanent batteries 902 are
depleted. Permanent batteries, replaceable batteries, and fuel
cells are different types of electrical power source.
[0052] FIG. 10 illustrates a cut view of a stock interface 101
fixedly attached to a CAR buffer tube in accordance with aspects of
the embodiments. Fixedly attached means that the stock interface is
not adjustable or otherwise free to slide along the CAR buffer
tube. The stock interface 101 has been slid into position on the
CAR buffer tube. The CAR buffer tube's elongated rib 1103 has a
groove 1201 into which an appropriately sized bolt 1006 is placed.
A bolt is appropriately sized if it cannot rotate within the groove
1201. A fastener 1005, illustrated here as a bolt, extends through
an interface hole 1004 in the stock interface 101 and is threaded
into the appropriately sized nut 1006. An interface hole 1004 with
a countersunk portion 1003 is illustrated. Tightening the fastener
1005 causes the fastener 1005 to press into the bottom of the
groove 1201 and thereby frictionally attach the stock interface 101
and the CAR buffer tube together. Aligning an interface hole 1004
with a buffer tube hole 1202 can produce a stronger binding between
the stock interface 101 and the CAR buffer tube. Elongating the
interface hole 1004 can ease alignment.
[0053] Threading the interface hole 1004 with a tap can dispense
with the need for an appropriately sized nut 1006 and allow use of
a set screw instead of a bolt 1005. A second set screw tightened
into a threaded interface hole behind a first set screw can bind
both set screws within the interface hole. Furthermore, a threaded
interface hole adapts the stock interface for installation on
either a CAR buffer tube or a cylindrical buffer tube. A bolt
threaded through the interface hole 1004 presses against the side
of the cylindrical buffer tube to cause a frictional
attachment.
[0054] FIG. 15 illustrates clamping a stock interface 1501 to a CAR
buffer tube 1502 in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. The
stock interface 1501 is placed over a CAR buffer tube 1502. The
buffer spring 1503 can be seen inside the CAR buffer tube 1502. The
stock interface 1501 has a bottom gap 1507 and a hole 1504. The
hole end 1505 is threaded so that a bolt 1506 can be inserted into
the hole 1504 and tightened. Tightening the bolt 1506 causes the
bottom gap 1507 to narrow which also causes the stock interface
1501 to clamp onto the CAR buffer tube 1502. The clamping action
frictionally attaches the stock interface 1501 to the CAR buffer
tube 1502. Multiple holes and bolts can be used along the length of
the stock interface 1501 to increase the clamping action and
thereby more fixedly clamp the stock interface 1501 onto the CAR
buffer tube 1502.
[0055] FIG. 16 illustrates clamping a stock interface 1601 to a
cylindrical buffer tube 1602 in accordance with aspects of the
embodiments. FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15 in that a stock
interface 1601 is placed over a buffer tube and frictionally
attached by clamping. A cylindrical buffer tube is illustrated to
demonstrate that clamping can be used to frictionally attach stock
interfaces to either cylindrical buffer tubes or to CAR buffer
tubes. The stock interface 1601 has a second gap 1603 that can be
narrowed by placing a top bolt 1604 through a top hole 1605 and
threading it into the top hole bottom 1606. Tightening the top bolt
1604 and the bottom bolt 1506 causes a clamping action that
frictionally attaches the stock interface 1601 to clamp onto the
buffer tube 1602.
[0056] The top gap 1603 and the bottom gap 1507 can, but need not,
run the full length of the stock interface 1601. A stock interface
1601 with full length gaps can be separated into a threaded side
1607 and a through hole side 1608. A complete stock interface can
be formed from two through hole pieces by placing a nut into the
hole 1504 of one through hole piece, placing a bolt into the hole
1504 of the other through hole side piece, and threading the bolt
into the nut.
* * * * *