U.S. patent application number 12/612952 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-05 for accessory for a firearm.
Invention is credited to James K. Bentley.
Application Number | 20110099876 12/612952 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43923879 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110099876 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bentley; James K. |
May 5, 2011 |
ACCESSORY FOR A FIREARM
Abstract
A magazine fed shotgun may not use the space within a magazine
tube. An accessory, such as a light or a laser, may be inserted
into the magazine tube. A switch that operates the accessory may be
located on the pump grip of the shotgun. The switch may be
connected to the accessory with a wiring harness that may extend
through an opening in the tube. The opening may be elongated so
that the wiring harness can move with the pump grip when the pump
grip is cycled by an operator.
Inventors: |
Bentley; James K.;
(Meridian, ID) |
Family ID: |
43923879 |
Appl. No.: |
12/612952 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/84 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 9/37 20130101; F41A
17/38 20130101; F41G 1/35 20130101; F41C 27/00 20130101; F41C 7/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/84 |
International
Class: |
F41C 27/00 20060101
F41C027/00; F41C 23/16 20060101 F41C023/16; F41G 1/00 20060101
F41G001/00; F41C 7/02 20060101 F41C007/02 |
Claims
1. An accessory comprising: a body, the body being configured to be
at least partially inserted into to a magazine tube of a firearm; a
wiring harness, operatively connected to the body; and a switch
operatively connected to the wiring harness, the switch being
configured to actuate an element in the body.
2. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a circuit
positioned within a cavity in the body and a power source
operatively connected to the circuit, the switch being operatively
connected to the circuit and configured to signal the circuit when
actuated.
3. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a power source and
an electric component, wherein the switch is connected to a
terminal of the power source and to a terminal of the electric
component, and is configured to switch a flow of power to the
electric component between on and off states.
4. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a connecting
mechanism configured to connect the body to the magazine tube.
5. The accessory of claim 4, wherein the connecting mechanism
comprises a flared profile or threads.
6. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the switch is located on a
portion of the firearm.
7. The accessory of claim 6, wherein the switch is located on a
pump grip of a shotgun and wherein the wiring harness is configured
to permit the pump grip to travel along the magazine tube.
8. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a light or a
laser.
9. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a capturing member
configured to secure the body to the tube.
10. A forend assembly comprising: a tube having a cavity and an
opening in a side connecting to the cavity, the tube being
configured to connect to a receiver of a firearm; a forend having
an outer surface, being configured to connect to a carrier and to
slide along the tube; a switch mounted on the outer surface of the
forend; a wiring harness positioned within the cavity of the tube,
the wiring harness connecting the accessory and the switch through
the opening in the side of the tube; an accessory at least
partially inserted into the inner cavity of the tube, wherein the
switch is configured to actuate the accessory.
11. The forend assembly of claim 10, further comprising a dynamic
latch that is configured to connect the tube to the receiver.
12. The forend assembly of claim 10, further comprising a power
source operatively connected to the accessory.
13. The forend assembly of claim 10, wherein the accessory
comprises a circuit operatively connected to the switch.
14. The forend assembly of claim 10, wherein the accessory
comprises a light or a laser.
15. The forend assembly of claim 10, wherein the forend is a pump
grip and the firearm is a shotgun.
16. A shotgun comprising: a receiver; a tube connected to the
receiver, having an inner cavity, and having an opening in a side
connecting to the inner cavity; a barrel connected to the receiver
and connected to the tube with a lug, the lug encircling the outer
circumference of the tube; a pump grip connected to a carrier and
configured to slide along the tube; a switch mounted to an outer
surface of the pump grip; a wiring harness comprising at least one
wire and being operatively connected to the switch, the at least
one wire extending through the opening in the side of the tube; an
accessory inserted at least partially into the inner cavity of the
tube, the accessory being connected to the wiring harness and being
configured to be actuated by the switch.
17. the firearm of claim 16, wherein the accessory comprises a
light or a laser.
18. The firearm of claim 16, wherein the tube is connected to the
receiver by a portion of a dynamic latch.
19. The firearm of claim 16, wherein the accessory comprises a
power source.
20. The firearm of claim 19, wherein the power source comprises a
capacitor or a battery.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to accessories for
a long gun. More specifically, the present disclosure generally
relates to an accessory that may be installed in a portion of a
firearm, such as, for example, a shotgun.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In the field of firearms, there is a need to improve the
shell carrying capacity for long guns, including shotguns. One type
of repeating shotgun is a pump-action shotgun. An example of a
prior art pump-action shotgun 300 is shown in FIG. 5. The
pump-action shotgun includes a receiver 310 into which a magazine
tube 390 and a barrel 395 may be inserted. The receiver 310 of the
shotgun 300 is the main component that houses the chamber and
firing mechanism. The magazine tube 390 is a tube that generally
runs parallel underneath the barrel 395 of the shotgun and that can
hold shotgun shells. The number of shells that the magazine tube
390 is constrained to its length. Five shells is often the maximum
number of shells that a magazine tube 390 can hold. The end of the
magazine tube 390 that is inserted into the receiver 310 usually
includes exterior threads 391 (shown in FIG. 6) so that the
magazine tube 390 can be secured to a threaded opening 311 of the
receiver 310.
[0005] The barrel 395 of the pump-action shotgun 300 is inserted
into an upper opening 312 in the receiver 310 and includes a lug
396 that slides onto the front end (the far end from the receiver
310) of the magazine tube 390. The front end of the magazine tube
390 includes threads 392 as shown in FIG. 5 so that a nut (not
shown) may be threaded onto the magazine tube 390 securely against
the lug 396. The nut threaded against the lug 396 retains the end
of the barrel 395 within the receiver 310. The pump-action shotgun
300 includes a pump grip 393 that is adapted to travel along the
magazine tube 390. As is known to one of ordinary skill in the art,
as the pump grip 393 is cycled a carriage (not shown) connected to
the pump grip 393 is adapted to load a shell from the magazine tube
390 into the chamber and property position the bolt.
[0006] The introduction of a detachable shotgun magazine may
increase the carrying capacity of the shotgun. FIG. 1 shows the
side view of a typical configuration of a shotgun magazine 280. The
shotgun magazine 280 includes a tab or locking profile 281 that
engages a corresponding profile within the magazine port 213 of a
shotgun receiver 210 (shown in FIG. 2). The corresponding profile
is typically a static latching structure 282, such as another tab
or recess, as shown in FIG. 4. In order to lock the magazine 280
into the magazine port 213, the operator first must align the
locking tab 281 with the static latching structure 282. Once
aligned, the magazine 280 then is rotated about the locking tab 281
to engage a second locking feature that corresponds to a release
lever 285 (shown in FIG. 2). Once the magazine is locked into the
magazine port 213, the release lever may be actuated to release the
magazine 280 from the receiver 210. The requirement to first align
to static structures and then rotate the magazine 280 to engage a
second locking feature may potentially cause a user to improperly
insert the magazine 280 into the magazine port 213. For example, if
the locking profile 281 is not properly aligned with the static
latching structure 282 the second locking feature may fail to
properly lock the magazine 280 into the magazine port 213 instead
causing the magazine 280 to fall out of the magazine port 213 when
it is rotated to engage the second locking feature within the
magazine port 213. The failure to properly insert and load the
magazine may be especially problematic in high pressure situations,
such as in combat.
[0007] Another type of shotgun is a gas powered semiautomatic
shotgun. FIG. 2 shows a portion of a SAIGA.RTM. gas powered shotgun
200 with a magazine 280 being rotated to be inserted and locked
into the magazine port 213 of the receiver 210. As shown in FIG. 2,
the user of the gun is unable to view the mating of the static
latching structures 281, 282 (shown in FIG. 4) while inserting the
magazine 280, which may lead to misalignment prior to rotating the
magazine 280 to engage the second locking profile on the release
lever 285. The magazine 280 will not properly lock within the
magazine port 213 if it is misaligned potentially allowing the
magazine 280 to fall out of the magazine port 213.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross-section side view of a prior art shotgun
200 having static latching structures 281, 282. FIG. 3 shows the
magazine 280 partially inserted into the magazine port. A second
static locking structure 286 has contacted the release latch 285,
but the magazine 280 is not fully rotated and thus, locked into the
magazine port 213. FIG. 4 is a close up cross-section view showing
the static locking structure 281 of the magazine 280 properly
aligned and engaged by the static latching structure 282 of the
receiver 210. In order to properly lock the magazine 280 into the
magazine port 213, the static locking structure 282 must be
properly positioned and aligned above the static latching structure
281 of the receiver 210. The engagement of latching structure 282
with locking structure 281 retains the magazine in the proper
location within the magazine port 213. Otherwise, the magazine 280
may simply come out of the magazine port 213 when the magazine 280
is rotated to engage the locking feature of the release lever
285.
[0009] The addition of a magazine well (not shown) may help to
prevent misalignment when a magazine 280 is inserted into the
magazine port 213 of a shotgun 200. However, the addition of a
magazine well increases the complexity of the shotgun 200 as well
as weight and cost. Additionally, the inclusion of a magazine well
prevents the use of a standard shotgun receiver 210 requiring
additional manufacturing costs. A magazine well typically provides
a channel for the alignment of the magazine 280 as it is inserted
into the magazine port with the locking profile of the release
lever 285 securing the magazine 280 within the magazine port 213
and magazine well.
[0010] Typically, the magazine fed shotgun 200 is fed exclusively
with the detachable magazine 280 that is inserted into the magazine
port 213 at the bottom of the receiver 210. The magazine tube 290
that may have formerly held and fed shells into the magazine fed
shotgun 200 remains on the shotgun 200 and functions to attach the
barrel 295 and as a guide for pump grip 295.
[0011] Accessories, such as a light, laser, bipod, and/or pistol
grip, among other suitable accessories, have been connected to
firearms to add functionality to the firearm. Typically, the
accessories are attached to a permanently attached mounting rail,
such as a picatinny rail or the like. Alternatively, accessories
have been mounted to a portion of the firearm, such as a forend or
a pump grip, with an accessory specific mounting device. For
example, a flashlight may be mounted to the pump grip of a shotgun
using a mount with a cylindrical opening. However, such mounts are
not generally considered universal and may be inconvenient for a
shooter when the accessory isn't installed or isn't used.
[0012] The present disclosure is directed to overcoming, or at
least reducing the effects, of one or more of the issues set forth
above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] An embodiment of an accessory for a firearm is disclosed.
The accessory may comprise a body, which may be configured to be
partially inserted into to a magazine tube of a firearm, a wiring
harness, which may be operatively connected to the body, and a
switch, which may be operatively connected to the wiring harness.
The switch may be configured to actuate an element in the body. The
accessory may further comprise a circuit positioned within a cavity
in the body and a power source that may be operatively connected to
the circuit. The switch may be operatively connected to the circuit
and may be configured to signal the circuit when actuated. The
accessory may further comprise a power source and an electric
component. The switch may be connected to a terminal of the power
source and to a terminal of the electric component, and may be
configured to switch a flow of power to the electric component
between on and off states. The accessory may further comprise a
connecting mechanism configured to connect the body to the magazine
tube. The connecting mechanism may comprise a flared profile or
threads. The switch may be located on a portion of the firearm. The
switch may be located on a pump grip of a shotgun. The wiring
harness may be configured to permit the pump grip to travel along
the magazine tube. The accessory may further comprise a light or a
laser. The accessory may further comprise a capturing member
configured to secure the body to the tube.
[0014] An embodiment of a forend assembly is disclosed. The forend
assembly may comprise a tube, which may have a cavity and may have
an opening in a side. The opening in the side may connect to the
cavity. The tube may be configured to connect to a receiver of a
firearm. The forend assembly may further comprise a forend, which
may have an outer surface and may be configured to connect to a
carrier and to slide along the tube. The forend assembly may
further comprise a switch mounted on the outer surface of the
forend. The forend assembly may further comprise a wiring harness
positioned within the cavity of the tube. The wiring harness may
connect the accessory and the switch through the opening in the
side of the tube. An accessory may be partially inserted into the
inner cavity of the tube. The switch may be configured to actuate
the accessory. The forend may further comprise a dynamic latch that
is configured to connect the tube to the receiver. The forend may
further comprise a power source operatively connected to the
accessory. The accessory may comprise a circuit operatively
connected to the switch. The accessory may comprise a light or a
laser. The forend may be a pump grip and the firearm may be a
shotgun.
[0015] An embodiment of a shotgun is disclosed. The shotgun may
comprise a receiver, a tube connected to the receiver, which may
have an inner cavity and may have an opening in a side that may
connect to the inner cavity, a barrel connected to the receiver and
connected to the tube with a lug. The lug may encircle the outer
circumference of the tube. The shotgun may further comprise a pump
grip connected to a carrier and configured to slide along the tube,
a switch mounted to an outer surface of the pump grip, and a wiring
harness comprising wire. The wiring harness may be operatively
connected to the switch. The wiring harness may extend through the
opening in the side of the tube. The shotgun may further comprise
an accessory inserted partially into the inner cavity of the tube.
The accessory may be connected to the wiring harness and may be
configured to be actuated by the switch. The accessory may comprise
a light or a laser. The tube may be connected to the receiver by a
portion of a dynamic latch. The accessory may comprise a power
source. The power source may comprise a capacitor or a battery.
[0016] These and other embodiments of the present application will
be discussed more fully in the description. The features,
functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various
embodiments of the claimed invention, or may be combined in yet
other embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of a shotgun magazine with a locking
profile.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a partial side view of a shotgun magazine being
inserted into the receiver of a SAIGA.RTM. shotgun.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a magazine being
inserted into shotgun receiver having a static latch mechanism.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross-section close up view of the locking
profile of the magazine engaging the static latch mechanism shown
in FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of some of the components of a
prior art shotgun.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a close up view of the receiver and the end of the
magazine tube of the shotgun of FIG. 5.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a shotgun including
an embodiment of a dynamic latch that may be used to selectively
secure a magazine within the magazine port of the receiver.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a close up cross-section view of the dynamic latch
of FIG. 7 engaging the locking profile on the magazine.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of an embodiment of a dynamic
latch.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of an embodiment of a
housing that may be a component of a dynamic latch.
[0027] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 10.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of an embodiment of a piston
that may be a component of a dynamic latch.
[0029] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the dynamic
latch and shotgun receiver.
[0030] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a carrier that may be used in
connection with the dynamic latch disclosed herein.
[0031] FIG. 15A shows a partial side view of an embodiment of a
magazine fed shotgun with an accessory installed into the tube.
[0032] FIG. 15B shows a cutaway partial side view of the embodiment
of FIG. 15A.
[0033] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way
of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein.
However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not
intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope as defined by the
appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Illustrative embodiments are described below as they might
be employed in an accessory for a firearm. In the interest of
clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described
in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the
development of any such actual embodiment, numerous
implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the
developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related
and business-related constraints, which will vary from one
implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that
such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but
would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary
skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0035] Further aspects and advantages of the various embodiments
will become apparent from consideration of the following
description and drawings. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that modifications to the
various disclosed embodiments may be made, and other embodiments
may be utilized, without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. The following detailed description is,
therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a shotgun 100 that includes an embodiment of a
dynamic front latch 20 connected to the receiver 10. The dynamic
latch 20 selectively retains a magazine 80 within the magazine port
13 (shown in FIG. 13) of the receiver 10 in combination with a
dynamic lever 85. The lever 85 may be actuated to release the
magazine 80 from the magazine port 13. Upon actuating the lever 85,
which releases the magazine 80 from the rear locking profile, the
downward movement of the magazine 80 causes the dynamic latch 20 to
also release the magazine 80 because of the dynamic nature of the
latch profile, as discussed below. A tube 90, such as a magazine
tube, is connected to a portion of the dynamic latch 20. As
discussed below, the tube 90 may be threaded onto an end of the
dynamic latch 20 securing both the dynamic latch 20 and the tube 90
to the receiver 10. A barrel 95 is inserted into a bore in the
receiver 10 so that the bore of the barrel 95 is aligned with the
chamber of the receiver 10. A connection mechanism, such as the lug
396 shown in FIG. 5 and a nut, may be used to connect the barrel 95
to tube 90. The lug 396 may be inserted over the end of the tube 90
as the barrel 95 is inserted into the bore in the receiver 10. The
end of the tube 90 may include a threaded section such that a nut
may be tightened onto the tube 90 against the lug 396 thus,
securing the barrel 95 against the receiver 10.
[0037] The dynamic latch 20 permits the insertion of the magazine
80 into the magazine port 13 in substantially a single direction as
opposed to the prior art latching mechanisms, which first require
alignment of a latching profile and then rotation of the magazine
80 to engage a dynamic release lever. Specifically, the prior art
requires a magazine tab, or locking profile, to be first inserted
into a static latching mechanism, such as a corresponding recess,
and requires that the magazine then be rotated about the tab until
a profile on the release lever engages a second locking profile on
the magazine. As discussed above if the tab is not properly aligned
prior to rotation, the magazine may not properly lock within the
magazine port. This may require repeated attempts for a user to
properly secure the magazine within the magazine port. This may be
problematic in various stressful situations, such as in combat. The
dynamic latch 20 potentially prevents this problem by eliminating
the need to rotate the magazine 80 to secure it within the magazine
port 13. The dynamic latch 20 may be adapted to be used in
connection with a standard shotgun receiver 110, potentially
reducing manufacturing costs.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a close up cross-section view showing the locking
profile 81, or tab, of the magazine 80 engaged and thus, retained
within the magazine port 13 by the latching profile 42 of the
dynamic latch 20. FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of
the dynamic latch 20. The dynamic latch 20 includes an outer
housing 30 having an inner cavity 31 (shown in FIG. 10). A piston
40 having a latch profile 42 (shown in FIG. 12) is positioned
within the cavity 31 of the housing 30. The piston 40 includes a
cavity 41 (shown in FIG. 12) in which a spring 50 is positioned.
The housing 30 includes an opening 33 at a first end that is sized
to permit only a portion of the piston 40, such as at least the
latch profile 42, to protrude out of the opening 33. A portion of
the piston 40 may abut a first interior shoulder 36 when the latch
profile 42 protrudes out of the opening 33. A retaining device is
used at the second end of the housing 30 to retain the piston 40
and the spring 50 within the cavity 31. For example, a washer 60
and snap ring 70 may be used in combination to retain the piston 40
and spring 50 within the housing 30. The snap ring 70 may engage a
groove 37, or interior shoulder, within the inner surface of the
housing 30. The washer 60 and snap ring 70 are shown for
illustrative purposes only as various fasteners and configurations
may be used to retain the piston 40 and spring 50 within the
housing 30 as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the
art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0039] The spring 50 may be adapted to be in an initial
substantially uncompressed state when assembled within the piston
40 in the housing 30 of the dynamic latch 20. The piston 40, spring
50, and housing 30 are adapted so that the latch profile 42 of the
piston 40 protrudes out of the opening 33 when the spring 50 is in
a substantially uncompressed state. As a magazine 80 is inserted
into the magazine port 13 of the receiver 10, the locking profile
81 engages the latch profile 42. The movement of the magazine 80
will cause the locking profile 81 to push against the latch profile
42 compressing the spring 50 moving the piston 40 away from
magazine 80. The movement of the piston 40 permits the locking
profile 81 to move past the latch profile 42 into the loaded
position within the magazine port 13. Once the locking profile 81
has moved past the latch profile 42, the spring 50 will return to
its initial substantially uncompressed state moving the piston 40
outward so that the latch profile 42 engages the locking profile 81
locking the magazine 80 in the magazine port 13, as shown in FIG.
8.
[0040] The dynamic latch 20 permits the magazine 80 to be locked in
the magazine port 13 by movement in a single direction rather than
requiring the alignment and rotation required to load prior long
gun magazine mechanisms, such as the shotgun magazine latches
discussed above. When unloading the magazine 80 from the magazine
port 13, the spring 50 compresses permitting the locking profile 81
to move past the latch profile 42 after the release lever 85 has
been actuated releasing the magazine 80 from the lock profile (not
shown) at the rear of the magazine 80.
[0041] The housing 30 of the dynamic latch 20 may be adapted to
connect a tube 90, such as a magazine tube that is often connected
to standard shotgun receivers 10. The housing includes an exterior
shoulder 34 on one end and external threads 32 on the other end as
shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 shows the front end portion of the
receiver 10 with an exploded view of the components of an
embodiment of the dynamic latch 20. The dynamic latch 20 may be
assembled by inserting the spring 50 into the cavity 41 of the
piston 40. The piston 40 and spring 50 assembly may then be
inserted into the cavity 31 of housing 30 with the washer 60 and
snap ring 70 inserted to retain the piston 40 and spring 50 within
the housing 30. The dynamic latch assembly 20 may then be inserted
through the magazine port 13 into a tube opening 11 of the receiver
10, which may be a magazine tube opening of a standard receiver.
The exterior shoulder 34 of the housing 30 will abut against the
receiver 10 preventing the entire dynamic latch assembly 20 from
moving through the opening 11. The threaded portion 32 of the
housing 30 will protrude from the tube opening 11 permitting a tube
90 having internal threads to be threaded onto the housing 30. The
tube 90 will be threaded onto the housing 30 until the end of the
tube 90 is against the receiver 10 thus, securing both the dynamic
latch 20 and the tube 90 to the receiver 10.
[0042] The receiver 10 includes an opening 12 for the insertion of
a barrel 95 as well as for the travel of a carrier that is attached
to a pump grip 96. The pump grip 96 is adapted to travel along the
tube 90 and may be actuated to cycle the firing chamber of the
shotgun. As is well known by one of ordinary skill in the art, a
carrier may be connected to the pump grip 96 such that upon pumping
the pump grip 96 the carrier assists in ejecting a shell, if any,
in the chamber, moving a shell into the chamber, and properly
positioning the bolt so that the chambered shell may be fired. For
illustrative purposes, a carrier 120 is shown in FIG. 14 that may
be used in conjunction with the dynamic latch 20 disclosed
herein.
[0043] FIG. 15A is a partial side view and FIG. 15B is a cutaway
side view of an embodiment of a shotgun 500 comprising a receiver
510, a tube 590 connected to the receiver 510, a barrel 595
connected to the receiver 510 and to the tube 590 with a lug 596,
and a pump grip 593. The magazine fed shotgun 500 does not use the
tube 590 to feed ammunition into the chamber of the receiver 510
and typically employs the tube 590 as a connection point to the
barrel 595 and as a guide for the pump grip 593, leaving the inner
cavity 645 of the tube 590 substantially empty.
[0044] FIG. 15B shows an embodiment of an accessory 600 that may be
installed into the far end of the tube 590. Many accessories may be
suitable for mounting on or in the tube 590, such as, for example,
a light, a laser, a locator beacon, a bi-pod, a combination light
and laser, or another suitable device. For example, the accessory
600 may comprise a light, which may be actuated by the switch 650.
A wiring harness 630 may connect the accessory to the switch
650.
[0045] The accessory 600 may comprise a body with a connecting
mechanism (not shown), such as external threads. The accessory 600
may be inserted into the far end 647 of the tube 590 and, as such,
may be positioned within the inner cavity 645 of the tube 590. The
accessory 600 may have a flared profile 602 that may mate with the
tube 590, stopping the accessory 600 from moving farther into the
tube 590. The accessory 600 may be captured within the tube 590 by
a capturing member 660 such as a nut or a cap that may be threaded
onto the farthest end 647 of the tube 590. The capturing member 660
may also tighten against the lug 596 and may serve to secure the
barrel 595 to the receiver 510. Other embodiments of the accessory
600 may extend a larger or shorter distance into the tube 590 than
shown in FIG. 15B and/or may extend out from the farthest end 647,
as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the
benefit of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the
tube 590 may have internal threads and the accessory 600 may be
threaded into the inner cavity 645 of the tube 590.
[0046] An opening 640 is formed into the side of the tube 590. As
shown in FIG. 15B, the opening 640 provides a path from the outside
to the inner cavity 645 of the tube 590 and may be elongated to
form a slot. The pump grip 593 may substantially cover the opening
640.
[0047] The wiring harness 630 operatively connects to the accessory
600 to the switch 650. The wiring harness 630 extends from the
accessory 600, through the inner cavity 645, through the opening
640, and connects to the switch 650. The opening 640 may allow a
portion of wiring harness 630 to slide along with the pump grip
593, and thus the switch 650, when the pump grip 593 is cycled by
an operator.
[0048] The wiring harness 630 may comprise one or more wires and
may further comprise one or more electrical connectors, such as
sockets or plugs, at one or more ends. Embodiments of the wiring
harness 630 with a single wire may use the tube 590 as an
additional conductive path. The wiring harness 630 may plug into
the accessory 600 or may be affixed to the accessory 600, such as
by soldering. Similarly, the wiring harness 630 may plug into or
may be affixed to the switch 650.
[0049] The switch 650 may be configured to break power path from a
power source 620 to the accessory 600. Alternatively, the switch
may provide a signal a circuit 610 to indicate a change in the
state of the accessory 600. For example, the switch 650 may turn
the flow of power from off to on, illuminating a light.
Alternatively, the switch may signal a controller in the accessory
to change a light level or light pattern of a light, such as from
dim light to a brighter light or from a constant light to a
blinking light.
[0050] The switch 650 may be a rocker, slide, toggle, pushbutton,
rotary, or another suitable style of switch, as would be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 15B, the switch 650 may be mounted to the
pump grip 593 and may the control the accessory 600 when actuated
by an operator. The switch is located roughly in the middle of the
pump grip 593 and on the right side of the firearm (from the
shooters point of view), which may be most comfortable for a
right-handed shooter. Alternatively, the switch 650 may be located
on the left or bottom side of the pump grip 593, on the tube 590,
on a portion of the body 605, such as a portion extending out from
the tube 590, or in another suitable location on the firearm 500,
as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the
benefit of this disclosure.
[0052] The circuit 610 may be positioned within a cavity 607 within
the body 605 of the accessory 600. The circuit 610 may comprise a
circuit board, a controller, and/or one or more discreet electrical
components, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
[0053] Additionally, the power source 620, which may be a standard
charge storage device, such as a battery or a capacitor, may be
positioned within the cavity 607. Alternatively, the power source
620 may extend from the cavity or may be positioned externally from
the cavity 607 and/or from the body 605, as would be apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0054] As discussed previously, the wiring harness 640 may
operatively connect to the circuit 610. The wiring harness 640 may
further connect the power source 620 to the accessory 600, such as
to the circuit 610, through the switch 650. Alternatively, the
power source 620 may be operatively connected to the accessory 600
with a separate set of wires, leads, traces, and/or connectors, as
would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the
benefit of this disclosure.
[0055] Although various embodiments have been shown and described,
the invention is not so limited and will be understood to include
all such modifications and variations as would be apparent to one
skilled in the art. For example, equivalent elements may be
substituted for those specifically shown and described, certain
features may be used independently of other features, and the
number and configuration of various vehicle components described
above may be altered, all without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
[0056] Such adaptations and modifications should and are intended
to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of
the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that
the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose
of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the foregoing
description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set
forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various
changes, modifications, and/or adaptations may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
* * * * *