U.S. patent application number 12/786308 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-16 for quick release weapon mount and accessories for use therewith.
This patent application is currently assigned to NOVATAC, INC.. Invention is credited to Mark Becker, Joe Mintz.
Application Number | 20100229450 12/786308 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42729528 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100229450 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Becker; Mark ; et
al. |
September 16, 2010 |
QUICK RELEASE WEAPON MOUNT AND ACCESSORIES FOR USE THEREWITH
Abstract
A quick release weapon mount is provided, the mount comprising a
housing member having a base and a means for attaching an
accessory, and at least one clamp. The clamp comprising one or more
slideably engaged translational members, wherein the translational
members are adapted for slideable translational-movement. The means
for attaching an accessory can include a lumen, a clamping band, a
toggle clamp, a spring clip, a latch or other attachment means. An
additional translational clamp can be included to lock an accessory
in a fixed axial position on the mount. The mount can further
include a supplemental accessory rail for modular construction of
several accessories and a safety mechanism for preventing premature
release of the mount.
Inventors: |
Becker; Mark; (Vista,
CA) ; Mintz; Joe; (Carlsbad, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Coastal Patent, LLC
P.O.BOX 232340
San Diego
CA
92193
US
|
Assignee: |
NOVATAC, INC.
Carlsbad
CA
|
Family ID: |
42729528 |
Appl. No.: |
12/786308 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12467954 |
May 18, 2009 |
|
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12786308 |
|
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|
61144092 |
Jan 12, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/35 20130101; F41C
23/16 20130101; F41C 23/14 20130101; F41G 11/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/90 |
International
Class: |
F41C 27/00 20060101
F41C027/00 |
Claims
1. A quick-release weapon mount, comprising; a housing member
having a base, a means for attaching an accessory, and a clamp,
said clamp comprising at least one translational member, wherein
said translational member is slideably-engaged with one of: said
housing member, or a second translational member.
2. The weapon mount of claim 1, wherein said means for attaching an
accessory comprises a lumen.
3. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said clamp is attached to
said housing at said base.
4. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said lumen comprises a
slot.
5. The weapon mount of claim 4, wherein at least one of said
translational members comprises a tab.
6. The weapon mount of claim 5, wherein said tab protrudes into
said lumen at said slot.
7. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said clamp further
comprises a spring element for providing recoil translational
movement to said translational members.
8. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said housing further
comprises an elongated rail for attaching a supplemental
accessory.
9. The weapon mount of claim 8, wherein said supplemental accessory
is one of a: fore grip, bi-pod system, sling attachment, Global
Positioning System, wireless remote receiver, mount rail, pepper
spray, long range audio microphone, long range audio speaker, dye
marking canister/dispenser, visible light source, laser pointer,
infra red (IR) light source, still camera, video camera, knife,
forward looking infrared sensor, night vision scope, or spotting
scope.
10. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said housing comprises a
notch, said notch located at one of a proximal end or a distal end
of the lumen.
11. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said housing comprises a
first notch located at a proximal end of the lumen, and a second
notch located at a distal end of the lumen.
12. The weapon mount of claim 2, wherein said clamp further
comprises a safety mechanism for preventing the premature release
of the mount.
13. The weapon mount of claim 12, wherein said safety mechanism
comprises a safety button, a safety latch, and a safety tab.
14. The weapon mount of claim 13, wherein said clamp comprises a
safety slot.
15. The weapon mount of claim 14, wherein said clamp comprises a
safety spring.
16. A weapon mount, comprising; a housing member having a base and
a lumen, and at least one clamp, said clamp comprising two or more
translational members and a spring, wherein said translational
members are connected to said spring.
17. A weapon mount, comprising; a housing member having a base and
a lumen, and at least one clamp adapted to engage a rail, wherein
said clamp is not rotationally-adjustable.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
12/467,954, filed May 18, 2009; which claims benefit of priority of
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/144,092 titled "QUICK
RELEASE WEAPON MOUNT" filed Jan. 12, 2009; the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to an article of
manufacture for releasably mounting various accessories to a
support structure. This invention also relates to firearms and more
particularly to a quick-release weapon mount for mounting a weapon
accessory to a weapon having a Picatinny rail or similar bracket
attached thereto. Although the invention can be used as a quick
release weapon mount, the field of the invention includes other
uses such as laboratory optical mounts and other accessory
mounts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] With the continued advancement in technologies related to
combat, specifically weapons combat, the need for specialized
accessories has and will continue to increase. Advancements such as
the Picatinny rail, also called a `MIL-STD-1913 rail` or `STANAG
2324 rail` have provided somewhat of an international standard for
weapon-mountable accessories. The rail was originally for scopes.
However, once established, the use of the system was expanded to
other accessories, such as tactical lights, night vision devices,
laser sighting modules, reflex sights, fore grips, bipods, and
bayonets. Because they were originally designed and used for
telescopic sights, the rails were typically found only on the
receivers of larger caliber rifles. But their use has extended to
the point that today the combination of Picatinny rails and
accessories are displacing the original iron sights in the design
of many handheld firearms, and they can now often be found on the
undersides of frames and even on grips. Other similar rails are
available in the art, such as the Weaver rail among others.
[0004] Because of the increasing popularity of the Picatinny and
similar rails, innovative weapon-mountable accessories have been
designed to attach thereto. For example, modern white lights and
lasers have been developed for mounting to a weapon, these lights
generally being mountable to a Picatinny rail using a clamp.
Currently available mounts for mounting these and other accessories
to a Picatinny rail include a `Lug Clamp`, `Piston Clamp`, and a
`Lever Clamp`.
[0005] A `Lug Clamp` is available in several variations, but
generally includes two opposing teeth and a threaded connector or
screw. As the threaded connector is rotationally engaged or
tightened, the opposing teeth move toward each other to a point of
engaging a rail and tightly clamping thereto. An example of a Lug
Rail is taught by Klumpp; U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,566, issued Feb. 11,
1992, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by
reference. One problem with the Lug Clamp includes the inherent
requirement for tooling, such as a screwdriver or hex-key, to
adjust and remove the clamp. This is especially a problem in combat
or other tactical situations where rapid adjustment or release of
the clamp is necessary.
[0006] A `Piston Clamp` is also currently available in several
variations, but generally includes an elongated slot having a
horizontal base and two vertical walls, two opposing teeth are
fixed to the slot with one at each vertical wall. The slot can be
slideably attached to a rail, and a piston is used to press the
rail against the opposing teeth. The Piston Clamp generally
comprises a threaded driver such as a screw, or a lever for
adjustment of the piston. An example of a Piston Clamp is taught by
Solinsky et. al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,901, issued Jun. 10, 2003,
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0007] A `Lever Clamp` is currently available in several
variations, but generally includes two opposing teeth and a lever
mechanism. The lever mechanism usually incorporates a cam, so as to
tighten the opposing teeth as the lever torques the cam. An example
of a Lever Clamp is taught by Lame; U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,904, issued
Sep. 27, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated
by reference. Although an improvement over the Lug Clamp, the Lever
Clamp has proven to be limiting in combat and tactical situations.
One problem of the Lever Clamp is its susceptibility to failure,
which can render the clamp useless. This is especially a problem in
combat and tactical situations where an operator dives to the
ground, hammers through an obstacle using the weapon, or otherwise
applies force which directly or indirectly displaces against the
lever.
[0008] A `Rotational Clamp` is currently available in several
variations, but generally includes a first part, a second part, and
a hinge therebetween, where the first part is connected to the
second part at the hinge. The hinge further comprises a bump, such
that as the two parts are rotated the bump enters a slot to engage
a friction fit. An example of a Rotational Clamp is taught by
Rogers; U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,364, issued Oct. 28, 2008, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0009] There remains a need for an improved quick release weapon
mount for mounting a weapon accessory to a weapon having a
Picatinny rail or similar bracket attached thereto. The mount will
need to include a clamp which is adjustable without the need for a
tool, the mount must be rapid-interchangeable and rapid-release,
the mount will need to be compatible with standard weapon mounts
such as a Picatinny, Weaver, or other rail, the mount will need to
be functional in the presence of sand, the mount will need to
include a safety mechanism to prevent premature or undesired
removal of the mount, and the mount will need to be versatile for
use with a variety of applications including a firearm such as a
handgun or a rifle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is a primary objective of this invention to provide a
quick release mount for use in mounting an accessory to a support
structure, the mount being versatile for use with a number of
available accessories and providing increased axial holding
capabilities without damaging the mounted accessory from
application of a crush force.
[0011] It is another objective of this invention to provide a quick
release mount for use in mounting an accessory to a support
structure, the mount including a clamping mechanism which does not
require a collateral tool for attachment or removal of the
mount.
[0012] It is another objective of this invention to provide a quick
release mount for use in mounting an accessory to a support
structure, the mount including a clamping mechanism functional in
the presence of sand and dirt and having no exposed functional
members.
[0013] It is another objective of this invention to provide a quick
release mount having a minimal height, minimal width, minimal
depth, for an optimized bulk and minimized weight.
[0014] It is another objective of this invention to provide a mount
which can is symmetrical, therefore allowing the user to attach the
mount without looking, or while looking in another direction.
[0015] It is another objective of this invention to provide a quick
release mount for use in mounting an accessory to a support
structure, the mount being versatile for applications with several
firearms including rifles as well as handguns.
[0016] It is another objective of this invention to provide a quick
release mount having a built-in safety mechanism for preventing
unwanted or premature removal of the mount from a support
structure.
[0017] It is another objective to provide a mount having a short
length for attaching to a pistol or handgun.
[0018] It is yet another objective of this invention to provide a
quick release mount for use in mounting an accessory to a support
structure, the mount further including a means for attaching a
supplemental accessory for combinatory use and modular
configuration.
[0019] In one embodiment, the invention comprises a housing member
having a base and a means for attaching an accessory, and at least
one clamp. The clamp comprising at least one translational member;
wherein the translational member is slideably engaged within the
mount. The means for attaching an accessory can include a lumen, a
latch, a toggle clamp, a clamping band, a spring clip, however
those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other
variations that the mount can include. The means for attaching an
accessory can further include a slot and a penetrating tab. The
penetrating tab provides an axial force for maintaining the
accessory in a fixed axial position within the mount. The housing
member can include one or more rails for attaching a supplemental
accessory.
[0020] In one embodiment, the housing member substantially
surrounds the functional members of the clamp to protect against
penetrating elements such as dirt or sand. The housing member is
light-weight and can be machined from an aluminum or similar stock,
or molded from composites, plastics, rubbers, or other materials.
The mount is symmetrical and has no front or back side, therefore
allowing the user to attach the mount without looking, or while
looking in another direction.
[0021] In another embodiment, the invention is applied to a firearm
at a bracket or rail and includes one or more accessories and a
mount for modular configuration thereof. The accessories can
include one or more of a: fore grip, bi-pod system, sling
attachment, Global Positioning System, wireless remote receiver,
mount rail, pepper spray, audio microphone, long range audio
speaker, dye marking canister/dispenser, visible light source,
laser pointer, infra red (IR) light source, still camera, video
camera, knife, forward looking infrared sensor, night vision scope,
or spotting scope.
[0022] In another embodiment, the mount comprises at least one
notch for providing compatible use with firearms having a barrel
length of less than 8 inches.
[0023] Although the invention is discussed herein particularly with
its application to quick-release mounting devices for firearm
accessories, it should be borne in mind that it is not intended to
limit the spirit an scope of the invention solely to use in
conjunction with firearms. This invention clearly has a wide range
of application is circumstances where a device is intended to be
releasably mounted in stable fashion to a supporting structure. For
example, this invention applies to camera and spotting scope mounts
that are used in connection with various sporting events and
commercial activities, as well as laboratory optical equipment.
Many other uses of this invention will become obvious to one having
ordinary skill in the art upon acquiring a thorough understanding
of this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] So that the manner in which the above recited features,
advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and
can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the
invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the
preferred embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended
drawings, which drawings are incorporated as a part hereof.
[0025] It is to be noted however, that the appended drawings
illustrate only a typical embodiment of this invention and are
therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the
invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0026] In the Drawings:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention in a preferred
embodiment, the invention including a weapon mount attached to a
rail, the mount securing a flashlight and providing a fore grip as
a supplemental accessory.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mount attached to a
Picatinny rail, the mount securing a flashlight.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mount attached to a rail,
the mount includes a clamp and a housing member, the housing member
includes a lumen having notches at a proximal and a distal end.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mount attached to a rail,
the mount includes a first clamp and a second clamp, the first
clamp attached to a Picatinny rail, the second clamp including a
tab disposed at a slot within the lumen.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mount, the mount includes
a housing member having a base and a lumen, a first clamp is
disposed at the base of the housing member, a second clamp is
disposed at a slot within the lumen, the second clamp including a
tab protruding into the lumen space.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mount including a housing
member having a base and a lumen, the housing member has a rail
disposed at a side opposite of the base.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mount including a housing
member having a base and a lumen, and a first clamp for attaching
the mount to a rail, the first clamp having two slideably engaged
translational members, wherein the translational members include
opposing teeth.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mount, the mount including
a rail clamp, a light clamp, a housing member having a base and a
lumen, the housing member including a first notch at a proximal end
and a second notch at a distal end of the lumen.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mount including a housing
member having a base and a lumen, and a rail, the rail disposed
parallel to the axial direction of the lumen on a side opposite of
the base.
[0036] FIGS. 10a-c illustrate a clamp for attaching to the base of
a housing member, the clamp includes two translational members
which are assembled to be slideably engaged to allow movement in a
translational planar direction.
[0037] FIG. 11a-b illustrate a mount, the mount includes a toggle
clamp for retaining an accessory.
[0038] FIGS. 12a-b illustrate a mount, the mount includes a
clamping band for retaining an accessory.
[0039] FIGS. 13a-b illustrate a mount, the mount includes a spring
clip for retaining an accessory.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a clamp for attaching an
accessory to the mount, the clamp includes two slideably engaged
translational members.
[0041] FIGS. 15 a-c illustrate a clamp for attaching an accessory
to the mount, the clamp includes two translational members and a
spring element.
[0042] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the interior of the mount
in a preferred embodiment, the mount including a safety mechanism
for preventing premature release of the mount from a support
structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Though the present invention is discussed herein
particularly as it relates to releasable mounts for firearms,
particularly tactical rifles and handguns used by military and law
enforcement personnel, it is to be understood that this invention
has application for support of devices other than optical sighting
devices and on other objects.
[0044] In a general embodiment, this invention is a quick-release
mount for mounting an accessory to a rail or bracket. The mount
comprises a housing member having a base and a means for attaching
an accessory, and at least one clamp. The clamp comprises one or
more translational members, wherein the translational members are
slideably-engaged.
[0045] The mount can comprise one or more clamps, wherein each
clamp comprises one or more translational members. The term
"translational members" is herein used to describe two or more
components which are slideably engaged and configured for movement
in a translational direction. One translational member can be
slideably engaged with a housing member to achieve a similar
translational clamp. Two translational members can be slideably
engaged. Translational members generally are restricted to movement
within a plane, and are restrained from rotational movement.
Translational members may have very little or negligible rotational
movement, as their movement is substantially constrained within a
translational plane. For purposes of this invention a translational
plane is simply a plane in which translational members are moveably
confined.
[0046] The mount includes a means for attaching an accessory. In a
representative embodiment, the means for attaching an accessory
comprises a lumen. The lumen is generally an annular shaped hole,
or extruded cut, through the housing member; however the lumen can
comprise any geometric shape extruded cut through the housing
member, for example a square or triangle. A lumen is broadly
described as any open pathway molded or etched into a housing
member. A lumen is further used to describe a hollowed cylindrical
portion, such as a tube-like structure, as is commonly used to
describe anatomical tubular structures. In one preferred
embodiment, the lumen is generally cylindrical. The lumen is
generally contained within the housing member, and has an inner
diameter (ID) slightly larger than the accessory for which the
mount is applicable. The lumen further defines an axial direction
along the length of the lumen.
[0047] The mount can comprise a first clamp. The mount can further
comprise a second clamp. The first clamp can be used for attaching
the mount to a rail, and the second clamp can be used for attaching
an accessory to the mount.
[0048] The mount can comprise a housing member having a base and a
lumen, a first clamp for attaching the mount to a rail, and a
second clamp for attaching an accessory to the mount. The first
clamp can comprise two or more translational members, the
translational members comprising opposing teeth for engaging a
rail. The lumen of the mount comprises a slot, the slot being
perpendicular to the axial direction of the lumen. The second clamp
can comprise two or more translational members, at least one of the
translational members comprising a tab, wherein the tab is
configured to protrude into the lumen space. The tab can grip the
accessory, or in the case where the accessory has a groove--the tab
can fit within the groove of the accessory to prevent the accessory
from moving in the axial direction. The accessory can be a light
source, such as a flashlight.
[0049] The mount can comprise one or more clamps having a spring
element for providing recoil force to the translational members. In
one embodiment, the mount comprises a housing member having a base
and a lumen, and a clamp. The clamp is attached to the housing
member at the base. The clamp comprises two or more translational
members and at least one spring element. The spring element is
flexible in the translational direction and provides a recoil force
(F.sub.recoil). The translational members comprise opposing teeth
having a fixed distance at rest (D.sub.rest), wherein D.sub.rest is
less than or equal to the width of a rail (W.sub.rail). Upon the
application of force in the translational direction where the force
is greater than F.sub.recoil, a user can move the slideably engaged
translational members in the translational direction, the opposing
teeth thereby moving apart from each other such that the teeth have
an expanded distance (D.sub.expanded) greater than D.sub.rest. Upon
release of the translational members, the spring element provides a
recoil force to return the translational members and opposing teeth
such that the opposing teeth again have a distance apart
substantially equivalent to the greater of W.sub.rail or
D.sub.rest.
[0050] The mount can further comprise a rail for attaching a
supplemental accessory. The rail can be attached to the mount at a
side opposite or adjacent to the base. For example, the mount can
comprise a housing member having a base, a lumen and a rail. The
rail can be positioned on the outside of the housing member on a
side opposite to the base. The rail will generally be aligned
parallel to the axial direction of the lumen. Optionally, the rail
can be positioned on the outside of the housing member on a side
adjacent to the base, the rail being aligned parallel to the axial
direction of the lumen.
[0051] A supplemental accessory is generally any accessory
configured for attachment to the mount at a rail. Examples of
supplemental accessories include one or more of a: fore grip,
bi-pod system, sling attachment, Global Positioning System,
wireless remote receiver, mount rail, pepper spray, long range
audio microphone, long range audio speaker, dye marking
canister/dispenser, visible light source, laser pointer, infra red
(IR) light source, still camera, video camera, knife, forward
looking infrared sensor, night vision scope, or spotting scope. One
having skill in the art will recognize that other accessories can
be used within the scope of this invention.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 1, the invention includes a mount 1
for attaching one or more accessories 2 to a rail 3, such as a
Picatinny, Weaver or similar rail. FIG. 1 illustrates a mount 1
comprising a housing member 4 having a base 5 and a means for
attaching an accessory. In this embodiment, the means for attaching
an accessory is a lumen and the accessory is a flashlight 6. The
mount further comprises a first clamp 7 for attaching the mount to
a rail, and a second clamp 8 for securing an accessory to the
mount. The rail clamp comprises two translational members (not
shown) and opposing teeth 9 for engaging a rail. The light clamp
comprises two translational members (not shown), at least one
translational member further comprising a tab (not shown), wherein
the tab is configured to lock the flashlight accessory in a fixed
axial position. The housing member includes a supplemental
accessory rail 10 for attaching a supplemental accessory 2. Here,
the supplemental accessory rail 10 is disposed at a side opposite
to the base 5, and is aligned parallel to the axial direction 11,
along which the Picatinny rail is also aligned. Optionally, the
supplemental accessory rail 10 can be adjacent to the base 5,
however even when configured in such an embodiment, the
supplemental accessory rail will be disposed parallel to the axial
direction 11 of the mount.
[0053] In FIG. 1, a fore grip 12 is attached to the supplemental
accessory rail 10 using a piston clamp 13. The fore grip 12 can be
hollowed for housing spare batteries, or other accessories. The
system illustrated in FIG. 1 depicts a system for modular
construction of weapons accessories and storage compartments for
use in conjunction with a firearm. The supplemental accessory 2 can
be any supplemental accessory defined in this application or any
other accessory known in the art.
[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates a mount 14 for attaching an accessory to
a support structure 15. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 2,
the accessory is a flashlight 16 and the support structure 15 is a
Picatinny rail. The mount includes a housing member 17 having a
base 18 and a lumen, and a rail clamp 19. The rail clamp is
disposed at the base 18 of the housing member 17 and includes two
slideably engaged translational members (not shown), each having at
least one tooth 20 for engaging the Picatinny rail 15. The mount
further includes a light clamp for clamping a flashlight 16 within
the lumen of the housing member 17. The light clamp includes at
least one translational member (not shown) having a tab (not
shown). A user can depress a button 22 or other component extension
of a translational member with an amount of force such that the
slideably engaged translational member moves relative to a
translational plane, thereby releasing the flashlight from the
mount. The mount further includes a supplemental accessory rail 23
for attaching a supplemental accessory.
[0055] FIG. 3 depicts a mount 24 including a housing member 25
having a base 26 and a lumen 27, and a rail clamp 28 for attaching
the mount 24 to a rail 29. The rail clamp 28 includes two slideably
engaged translational members (not shown) having opposing teeth 30
for engaging the rail 29. The rail clamp 28 is attached to the
housing member 25 at the base 26. The mount 24 further includes a
supplemental accessory rail 31 disposed along an external surface
of the housing member 25 opposite of the base 26. The rail of the
mount is parallel to the axial direction 32 of the lumen 27, and is
parallel to the rail 29 of a weapon. The lumen includes a first
notch 33 at proximal end of the mount and a second notch 34 at a
distal end of the mount. The mount further includes a clamp for
securing an accessory to the lumen of the mount.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a rotated view of the mount in FIG. 3,
illustrating the inside of the clamp for securing an accessory to
the lumen of the mount, in this embodiment the clamp is a light
clamp. The lumen 27 further including a slot 35 disposed along the
inner surface of the lumen, the slot 35 oriented in a direction
perpendicular to the axial direction 32 of the lumen space. The
light clamp including at least one translational member (not
shown); the translational member further comprising a tab 36. The
tab 36 configured to at least partially protrude into the lumen
space. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that an
accessory having a groove can be secured within the lumen of the
mount, such that the accessory will be secured in a fixed axial
position within the lumen, without the need for a strenuous
clamping force which can damage the accessory.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, the mount comprises opposing teeth 37
for engaging a rail 38, the opposing teeth 37 attached to
translational members 38,39 for expandable translational movement
in a plane parallel to the base of the mount, i.e. the
translational plane. Each translational member can have one or more
opposing teeth 37, thus the rail clamp can comprise two or more
opposing teeth.
[0058] The mount can be configured as illustrated in FIG. 6, such
that the light clamp can comprise two tabs 40,41. In this
embodiment, the light clamp comprises a first slideably engaged
translational member 42, the first translational member comprising
a first tab 40. The light clamp further comprises a second
slideably engaged translational member 43, the second translational
member comprising a second tab 41. A user can depress the light
clamp with an amount of force such that the first translational
member 42 and second translational member 43 move in a
translational plane towards each other, resulting in the first tab
40 and second tab 41 moving in a translational plane away from each
other, thereby releasing an accessory from the lumen 44.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 7, the rail clamp can be attached to the
base of the mount using a retaining member 45. The retaining member
holds the slideably engaged translational members of the rail clamp
in a fixed position at the base of the mount. In FIG. 7, the mount
comprises a rail clamp for attaching a mount to a rail, the rail
clamp comprising two slideably engaged translational members 46,47,
wherein the translational members are fixed in a translational
plane and constrained to translational movement. A first slideably
engaged translational member 46 comprises a first opposing tooth
47. A second slideably engaged translational member 48 comprises a
second opposing tooth 49. The first and second opposing teeth are
adapted to engage a rail. It should be recognized in that in the
embodiment of FIG. 7, the mount is an optimized minimum height. It
has been determined that the mount should be lightweight and
compact to be effective in tactical and combat situations, thus the
mount should have a minimum height for less bulky application to a
weapon. Where the translational members are fixed in a horizontal
plane, a minimum size can be achieved. Also, one or more
components, such as translational members, can be etched or
hollowed such as to minimize weight of the mount. A rail bump 108
is attached to the retaining member. The rail bump fits into a rail
slot, thereby preventing the mount from sliding along the rail. The
rail bump should have a thickness less than the width of the rail
slot. In one aspect of the invention, the mount clamps to a
picatinny rail and the rail bump securely positions the mount along
the length of the picatinny rail.
[0060] FIG. 8 illustrates the side of a mount, the mount comprising
a housing member 50 having a base 51 and a lumen 52, and a rail
clamp 53. The rail clamp 53 is attached to the housing member 50 at
the base 51 and comprises two slideably engaged translational
members. The housing member 50 includes a supplemental accessory
rail 54 disposed parallel to the axial direction on a side opposite
of the base 51. The mount further includes a first notch 55 at a
proximal end of the lumen and a second notch 56 at a distal end of
the lumen. One utility of a notch is to provide compatibility with
a handgun. Most handgun barrels are shorter than 8 inches, and
often less than 3 inches, thus a mount can substantially interfere
with the access to a mounted accessory. In the embodiment of FIG.
8, the notches provide access to an accessory even where the mount
is applied to a handgun having a relatively short barrel.
[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates the light clamp of the mount in FIG. 8.
The light clamp comprises a first tab 57 and a second tab 58,
wherein the tabs are attached to translational members for
slideable engagement. The tabs can burrow into the wall of the
lumen.
[0062] The slideably engaged translational clamp of this invention
minimizes size of the mount, and enables rapid application and
release of the mount and accessories. FIG. 10a illustrates the
slideably engaged translational clamp 59. The clamp 59 comprises a
first translational member 60 depicted in FIG. 10b, and a second
translational member 61 depicted in FIG. 10c. The translational
members 60,61 are assembled and configured for slideable engagement
along a translational plane. The first translational member 60
includes a first depression portion 62, and a first engagement
portion 63. The first engagement portion 63 includes one or more
teeth 64 for engaging a rail. The second translational member 61
includes a second depression portion 65, and a second engagement
portion 66. The second engagement portion 66 includes one or more
teeth 67 for engaging a rail. The first and second engagement
portions 63,66 of the slideably engaged translational members
assemble to define opposing teeth. The first and second depression
portions 62,65 are assembled to define a depressible action. A user
can apply an amount of force to the depressible action such that
the translational members move in a translational plane, the
respective depression portions 62,65 moving toward each other, and
the respective engagement portions 63,66 and opposing teeth 64,67
move away from each other.
[0063] FIG. 11(a-b) illustrate a mount comprising a housing member
68 having a base 69 and means for attaching an accessory. The means
for attaching an accessory is a toggle clamp 70. The toggle clamp
70 comprises a two-part lumen 71, each part of the lumen is
permanently fixed at a hinge 72, and opposite of the hinge 72 is a
toggle latch 73 for locking the toggle clamp 70 in a closed
configuration. Upon deactivating the toggle latch 73, the toggle
clamp 70 can be opened at the hinge 72. The mount further comprises
a translational rail clamp 74 for attaching the mount to a rail 75.
The rail clamp 74 comprises one slideably engaged translational
member 76 having an engagement portion 77 for engaging the rail.
The translational member 76 is slideably engaged with the housing
member 68 at the base 69 of the housing member 68.
[0064] FIGS. 12(a-b) illustrate another embodiment of the
invention, the mount comprising a housing member 78 having a base
79 and a means for attaching an accessory to the mount. The means
for attaching an accessory is a clamping band 80. The clamping band
80 comprises a two-part lumen 81; each part of the lumen being
permanently fixed at a hinge 82, opposite of the hinge 82 is a band
latch 83 for locking the clamping band 80. Upon release of the band
latch 83, the clamping band 80 can be opened at the hinge 82. The
clamping band 80 further comprises a rail clamp 84, the rail clamp
including at least one slideably engaged translational member 85.
Upon the application of force to the slideably engaged
translational member, the translational member will move in a
translational plane, releasing the mount from the rail.
[0065] FIGS. 13(a-c) illustrate yet another embodiment of a quick
release mount 86. Here, the mount 86 comprises a housing member 87
having a base 88 and a means for attaching an accessory to the
mount. The means for attaching an accessory is one or more spring
clips 89. The spring clips 89 are generally pliable such that an
accessory can be engaged within the spring clips 89, and released.
The mount further comprises a rail mount 90, the rail mount 90
including at least one slideably engaged translational member 91
for quick release of the mount 86 from the rail 92 to which it is
attached.
[0066] Each mount of the invention includes a rail clamp, the rail
clamp comprising at least one slideably engaged translational
member for releasing the mount from a rail. The rail clamp can
comprise one, two, or more slideably engaged translational members.
Similarly, and other clamp can comprise one or more slideably
engaged translational members, such as an accessory clamp. Where
slideably engaged translational members are described herein, the
description may be applied to any of a rail clamp or an accessory
clamp.
[0067] FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of an accessory clamp 93.
Here, the accessory clamp 93 comprises a first slideably engaged
translational member 94, and a second slideably engaged
translational member 95. The first translational member 94
comprises a first tab 96, and the second translational member 95
comprises a second tab 97. The tab provides additional retaining
force in the axial direction. Where the accessory has a groove, the
tab can fit in the groove to lock the accessory in a fixed
position. The slideably engaged translational members can further
comprise a spring element to provide a recoil force to bias the
clamp to a home or initial position. Although two tabs are
illustrated in this figure, one having ordinary skill in the art
can appreciate that only one tab is required, and that a plurality
of tabs is possible to achieve the desired results, i.e. retention
of an accessory.
[0068] FIGS. 15(a-c) further illustrate the accessory clamp 93 of
FIG. 14. Here, FIG. 15b illustrates a first slideably engaged
translational member 95 and a first tab 97 attached thereto. FIG.
15c illustrates a second slideably engaged translational member 94
having a second tab 96. The two translational members are combined
in the illustration of FIG. 15a. The slideably engaged
translational members can further comprise a button 98 for
activating the clamp. A user can depress the button 98 to slide the
translational members 94,95 relative to one another in a
translational plane, such that the tabs 96,97 move away from each
other and release the accessory. Additionally, one or more spring
elements 99 can be included to provide a recoil force, such that
the translational members are biased to a home position. Although
this embodiment reflects two tabs, one or several tabs can be used
to retain an accessory.
[0069] The clamps of this invention include improvements over prior
art clamps. It has been recognized by the inventors that certain
clamps have a propensity to jam or lock up, that especially when
used in conjunction with a weapon--a harsh kickback upon firing a
gun can lodge an accessory loose, and that dirt and the elements
tend to decompose one or more components of prior art mounts. The
invention described herein substantially captivates the
translational members, otherwise referred to as functional members,
thereby preventing exposure to the elements and the jamming or
lucking associate therewith. Additionally, the present invention
provides a tab for fixing an accessory in an axial position without
imposing a tight clamping force which can damage the accessory.
[0070] In an exemplary embodiment of this invention, a safety
mechanism is incorporated into the mount for preventing premature
or unwanted release of the quick release mount from a support
structure. Referring to FIG. 16, the mount includes certain
components housed inside the housing member for keeping dirt, dust
and debris away from the mechanical or functional members of the
mount. The rail clamp comprises at least one slideably engaged
translational member 100, a safety button 102, a safety latch 103,
and a safety tab 104. When the safety button 102 is depressed by a
user, the safety latch 103 rotationally moves in a translational
plane by pivoting around a post 106. The safety tab 104 rotates
upon depression of the safety button, thereby allowing the safety
tab to fit into a safety slot 105. The safety slot 105 is designed
such that the slideably engaged translational member 100 cannot
move or translate unless the safety tab 104 is engaged into the
safety slot 105. For Example, when a user has not depressed the
safety button 102, the safety latch 103 does not rotate in the
translational plane, and the safety tab 104 is not positioned
within the safety slot 105, thereby resulting in the safety tab 104
meeting at the inside surface of the slideably engaged
translational member. Therefore, the translational members cannot
move without the user depressing the safety button of the safety
mechanism. The slideably engaged translational members can further
include one or more springs 107 for providing a recoil force upon
activating the translational members. A safety button spring can be
built into the clamp, such that the safety button spring sits
behind the safety button 102 to provide a recoil of the safety
latch to a predisposed safety orientation such that the safety
latch will not move into the safety slot unless the safety button
is depressed.
[0071] It is intended that the present invention have application
to a wide range of devices that are intended to be mounted in
quick-release, stable fashion to a support structure. Thus, it is
not intended to restrict the spirit and scope of the present
invention to use in connection with the accessories of firearms.
The discussion here, for purposes of simplicity, is intended only
to be representative of preferred embodiments of the present
invention. Other and further embodiments of the present invention
will become obvious and inherent to one skilled in the art upon a
thorough understanding of the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0072] In view of the foregoing it is evident that the present
invention is one well adapted to attain all of the objects and
features hereinabove set forth, together with other objects and
features which are inherent in the apparatus disclosed herein.
[0073] As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the
present invention may easily be produced in other specific forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The
present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered as merely
illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being
indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and
all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence
of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *