U.S. patent application number 12/902068 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-12 for protector for firearm rail.
Invention is credited to Jeffrey M. Cahill.
Application Number | 20120085013 12/902068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45924000 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120085013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cahill; Jeffrey M. |
April 12, 2012 |
PROTECTOR FOR FIREARM RAIL
Abstract
The present invention relates to a rail cover for a firearm
rail, and more particularly to a rail cover with a base and an
insert. In one embodiment, a cover for a firearm rail includes a
base with an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion
has a groove dimensioned to engage a firearm rail. The cover also
includes an insert for engaging the upper portion of the base. The
upper portion of the base includes an overhang dimensioned to
receive the insert. The groove retains the base to a firearm rail,
and the overhang retains the insert to the base. The base is
substantially rigid, and the insert is substantially flexible.
Inventors: |
Cahill; Jeffrey M.; (Tucson,
AZ) |
Family ID: |
45924000 |
Appl. No.: |
12/902068 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/96 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 27/00 20130101;
F41A 35/02 20130101; F41G 11/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/96 |
International
Class: |
F41A 35/02 20060101
F41A035/02 |
Claims
1. A cover for a firearm rail, comprising: a base comprising an
upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a
groove dimensioned to engage such firearm rail; and an insert for
engaging the upper portion of the base; wherein the upper portion
of the base comprises an overhang dimensioned to receive the
insert, wherein the groove retains the base to such firearm rail
and the overhang retains the insert to the base, and wherein the
base is substantially rigid and the insert is substantially
flexible.
2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a tab and the
base comprises an opening, and wherein the tab extends through the
opening in the base to engage such firearm rail, and wherein the
tab is dimensioned to engage a crosscut in such firearm rail, to
position the base along the firearm rail.
3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a wing
extending from the overhang.
4. The cover of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the insert is
textured.
5. The cover of claim 4, wherein a top surface of the overhang is
textured to match the top surface of the insert.
6. The cover of claim 1, wherein the base comprises aluminum or a
glass-filled polymer.
7. The cover of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a flexible
elastomer.
8. The cover of claim 1, wherein information is provided on the top
surface of the insert.
9. The cover of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a
hollowed-out portion.
10. The cover of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a top
surface opposite an underside, and wherein the underside of the
insert comprises a pocket dimensioned to receive an accessory
device.
11. The cover of claim 10, wherein the accessory device comprises a
pressure switch, and wherein the pressure switch is inserted into
the pocket and is trapped between the base and the insert.
12. A cover for an accessory rail having at least one slot,
comprising: a rigid base comprising a bottom portion with first and
second opposing bottom grooves dimensioned to accept such accessory
rail, and comprising a top portion with first and second opposing
top grooves; and a flexible insert comprising first and second
opposing side edges dimensioned to mate with the first and second
opposing top grooves of the top portion of the base, to retain the
insert to the base, wherein the insert comprises a top surface and
an underside, and wherein the underside of the insert comprises a
tab that is dimensioned to extend through the base and into such
slot in the accessory rail.
13. The cover of claim 12, wherein the bottom portion of the base
comprises first and second prongs that form the first and second
bottom grooves, and wherein the top portion of the base comprises
first and second overhangs that form the first and second top
grooves.
14. The cover of claim 13, wherein the top surface of the insert is
textured, and wherein the overhangs are textured to match the
textured top surface of the insert.
15. The cover of claim 12, wherein the underside of the insert
comprises a pocket dimensioned to receive a pressure switch, and
wherein the top surface of the insert comprises an area above the
pocket, the area having a surface feature for locating the pocket
by tactile feel.
16. A firearm system comprising: a firearm accessory rail
comprising at least one slot; and a rail cover mounted to the
accessory rail, the rail cover comprising: a base comprising a
bottom portion with a channel and a top portion with a cavity; and
an insert comprising a tab, wherein the accessory rail extends into
the channel in the bottom portion of the base, thereby retaining
the base to the rail, wherein the insert is retained in the cavity
of the top portion of the base, and wherein the tab extends through
an opening in the base and into the slot in the accessory rail to
mount the rail cover to the accessory rail.
17. The firearm system of claim 16, wherein the base is relatively
rigid and the insert is relatively flexible.
18. The firearm system of claim 17, wherein the insert comprises a
textured top surface.
19. The firearm system of claim 18, wherein the base comprises
first and second overhangs that define the cavity between them, and
wherein the first and second overhangs retain the insert to the
base.
20. The firearm system of claim 19, wherein the insert comprises an
underside having a cavity.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a protector for a firearm
rail, and more particularly to an improved rail cover with a base
and an insert.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many types of firearm systems include one or more mounting
rails for mounting accessory components to the firearm. The
mounting rail may be used for mounting various accessories such as
lights, laser guides, sights, grips, communication devices, and
other components. A standard firearm rail includes a T-shaped
cross-section and a series of cross-cuts or slots for mounting and
locking accessory devices to the rail. An example of a standard
firearm rail is the MIL-STD 1913 rail, also knows as the Picatinny
rail.
[0003] Rail covers have been provided in the prior art to cover
firearm rails when the rails are not in use, in order to protect
the rail from damage. However, many prior art rail covers have been
difficult to use. Some rail covers are mounted to the rail with a
metal clip that secures the cover to one of the slots in the rail.
However, after repeated use, this metal clip may become bent or
deformed, may rust, and/or may cause unwanted noise by rattling
against the rail. If the metal clip does not retain the proper
shape and curvature, it may no longer function to firmly lock the
cover to the rail. Additionally, the length of these rail covers is
limited by the size and spacing of the metal clip, and therefore a
portion of the firearm rail may remain exposed and unprotected.
Other prior art covers are secured in place by tape, wire, or ties
that are not particularly durable or effective.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved rail cover that
protects the firearm rail from damage and is easy and convenient to
use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to a rail cover for a firearm
rail, and more particularly to a rail cover with a base and an
insert. In an embodiment, the rail cover includes a rigid base that
slides into place on the firearm rail. The base includes two prongs
on the bottom portion of the base, and the prongs engage opposite
sides of the firearm rail. The base also includes two overhangs on
the top portion of the base. After the base is slid into position
on the firearm rail, the insert is assembled to the base by fitting
the insert below the overhangs. The two overhangs retain the insert
on the base. The insert includes a tab that extends through an
opening in the base to fit within a slot or crosscut on the firearm
rail, thereby locking the cover into position along the rail. This
rail cover locks into place with just two components, the base and
the insert, and without the use of extra clips, wires, tape, or
ties. The rigid, durable base protects the rail underneath, while
the more flexible insert provides a comfortable gripping surface on
top of the rail. The rail cover can be made in any length, to cover
the desired portion of the firearm rail. The flexible insert can
also provide an enclosed pocket for an accessory device such as a
pressure switch.
[0006] In one embodiment, a cover for a firearm rail includes a
base with an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion
has a groove dimensioned to engage a firearm rail. The cover also
includes an insert for engaging the upper portion of the base. The
upper portion of the base includes an overhang dimensioned to
receive the insert. The groove retains the base to a firearm rail,
and the overhang retains the insert to the base. The base is
substantially rigid, and the insert is substantially flexible.
[0007] In one embodiment, a cover is provided for an accessory rail
having at least one slot. The cover includes a rigid base with a
bottom portion with first and second opposing bottom grooves
dimensioned to accept such accessory rail. The base also has a top
portion with first and second opposing top grooves. The cover also
includes a flexible insert with first and second opposing side
edges dimensioned to mate with the first and second opposing top
grooves of the top portion of the rigid base, to retain the
flexible insert to the rigid base. The flexible insert has a top
surface and an underside, and the underside of the flexible insert
includes a tab that is dimensioned to extend into such slot.
[0008] In one embodiment, a firearm system includes a firearm
accessory rail comprising at least one slot, and a rail cover for
the accessory rail. The rail cover includes a relatively rigid base
with a bottom portion with a channel and a top portion with a
cavity, and a relatively flexible insert comprising a tab. The
accessory rail extends into the channel in the bottom portion of
the base, thereby retaining the base to the rail. The insert is
retained in the cavity of the top portion of the base. The tab
extends through an opening in the base and into the slot in the
accessory rail to secure the rail cover to the accessory rail.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a firearm rail cover including
a base and an insert according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled rail cover
mounted to a firearm rail according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the rail cover
of FIG. 2, taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of an assembled rail
cover including a base and an insert according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base of a rail cover being
mounted on a firearm rail according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 5 mounted
on the firearm rail.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 6 during
assembly with an insert, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base and insert of FIG.
7 with the insert fully assembled.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rail cover mounted on a
firearm rail according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a lower perspective view of the rail cover of
FIG. 9.
[0019] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a firearm rail cover
including a base and an insert and an accessory device according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a rail cover mounted to a
firearm, according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention relates to a rail cover for a firearm
rail, and more particularly to a rail cover with a base and an
insert. In an embodiment, the rail cover includes a rigid base that
slides into place on the firearm rail. The base includes two prongs
on the bottom portion of the base, and the prongs engage opposite
sides of the firearm rail. The base also includes two overhangs on
the top portion of the base. After the base is slid into position
on the firearm rail, the insert is assembled to the base by fitting
the insert below the overhangs. The two overhangs retain the insert
on the base. The insert includes a tab that extends through an
opening in the base to fit within a slot or crosscut on the firearm
rail, thereby locking the cover into position along the rail. This
rail cover locks into place with just two components, the base and
the insert, and without the use of extra clips, wires, tape, or
ties. The rigid, durable base protects the rail underneath, while
the more flexible insert provides a comfortable gripping surface on
top of the rail. The rail cover can be made in any length, to cover
the desired portion of the firearm rail. The flexible insert can
also provide an enclosed pocket for an accessory device such as a
pressure switch.
[0022] An embodiment of the rail cover is shown in FIG. 1. The rail
cover 10 includes a base 12 and an insert 14. The base 12 includes
a bottom portion 16, top portion 18, and a floor 20, as shown in
FIG. 1. The base 12 is mounted to a firearm rail by sliding it into
place over the rail with the floor 20 sitting above the rail. The
bottom portion 16 of the base 12 includes two spaced-apart prongs
22a, 22b that extend down from the floor 20 and extend along the
length of the base. The prongs 22a, 22b each create a groove 24a,
24b between the prong and the bottom surface of the floor 20. Each
groove 24a, 24b accepts a side edge of the firearm rail. The space
between the prongs forms a channel 26 through which the firearm
rail slides when the base 12 is mounted onto the rail, as described
in more detail below.
[0023] The top portion 18 of the base 12 includes two spaced-apart
overhangs or lips 30a, 30b that extend along the length of the
base. Each overhang 30a, 30b forms a groove 32a, 32b between the
overhang and the floor 20. The overhangs create a cavity 28 between
them, above the floor 20. The grooves 24a, 24b may be referred to
herein as the bottom grooves (on the bottom portion 16), and the
grooves 32a, 32b may be referred to as the top grooves (on the top
portion 18).
[0024] Turning to the insert 14, the insert 14 includes a curved
top surface 34 and an underside 36. The curved top surface 34 is
the surface that the user grips when the rail cover 10 is mounted
on the firearm rail and assembled. The underside 36 of the insert
14 includes one or more tabs 38 that extend down from the insert
14, away from the top surface 34. These tabs 38 engage crosscuts in
the firearm rail to lock the rail cover to the rail, as described
in more detail below. The tabs extend through corresponding
openings 40 in the floor 20 of the base 12. The insert 14
optionally includes one or more cavities 42 formed in the underside
36 of the insert 14, to reduce the mass of the insert.
[0025] In one embodiment, the cavity 42 has a curved shape that
matches the curved top surface 34 of the insert, so that the insert
14 has a substantially uniform thickness, rather than being thicker
in the middle than at the edges. In other embodiments the insert
has other shapes, thicknesses, and sizes. As shown in FIGS. 1-2;
the insert 14 can be made as one integral piece, with the material
continuously molded to form the shapes and outlines of the features
such as the tabs 38 and cavities 42. In this instance, the insert
14 material is continuous and solid, and does not require multiple
pieces to fit together to create the shape and features of the
insert 14.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the rail cover 10' mounted on
a firearm rail 5 with the base 12 and insert 14 assembled. The base
12 is slid into place on the rail 5, with the rail passing through
the channel 26 between the prongs 22a, 22b. The rail 5 has a
T-shaped cross-section (see FIG. 3), with protruding side edges 7a,
7b. The rail also includes crosscuts or slots 9 extending between
the side edges 7a, 7b. The side edges of the rail 5 fit into the
grooves 24a, 24b (identified in FIG. 1) formed between each prong
22a, 22b and the bottom surface of the floor 20. In other
embodiments, the firearm rail can take other shapes and have other
cross-sections. In such embodiments, the bottom portion of the base
12, including the prongs and grooves, is modified as necessary to
accommodate the rail and mount the base to the rail.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the insert 14 fits into the space 28
between the overhangs 30a, 30b. The insert 14 includes two opposite
side edges 44a, 44b that fit into the grooves 32a, 32b formed by
the overhangs 30a, 30b. The grooves 32a, 32b and side edges 44a,
44b having matching or mating profiles so that the insert 14 fits
into the base 12. However, the particular shape of these profiles
is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the
profile of the side edges and grooves may take other shapes, as
long as the base 12 is shaped to receive and retain the insert 14.
For example, in FIG. 2, the side edges 44a, 44b and overhangs 30a,
30b are substantially slanted, forming a mating dovetail tongue and
groove. In FIG. 1, the side edges 44a, 44b include a rectangular
flange 44c that fits into a corresponding rectangular notch 32c in
the groove below the overhang. These are just examples of the
different ways that the insert 14 can fit into the base 12. In
other embodiments, the insert and base have other matching or
engaging profiles.
[0028] The curved top surface 34 of the insert 14 extends between
the two overhangs 30a, 30b. In some embodiments, this top surface
34 may extend higher than the overhangs, curving up as a dome to a
point in the middle of the insert 14, higher than the overhangs
30a, 30b (see FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the overhangs have a top
surface 31 that is slanted, with a slope that matches the slope of
the top surface 34 of the insert 14 where the insert meets the
overhangs. In another embodiment, the top surface 31 of the
overhangs is curved, with the same curvature as the top surface 34.
In various embodiments, the overhangs 30a, 30b are shaped such that
when the user grips the cover 10', the top surface of the cover
feels like a continuous surface, rather than having an edge, bump,
or break at the interface between the insert 14 and the overhangs.
In another embodiment, an edge or break is present, so that the
user can identify by tactile feel where the insert is located.
[0029] In another embodiment, the top surface 34 of the insert 14
is textured to provide enhanced grip for the user (as shown in
FIGS. 1-2). The top surface 34 may include a tactile feature such
as a textured pattern such as small bumps, ridges, or grooves, or a
rough or granular surface. The top surface 34 may include deep
ribbing for enhanced grip. In another embodiment the top surface 34
includes vertical barring, or a tread design such as a waffle tread
or gear tread. The texturing and/or surface features may be
included on only a portion or portions of the top surface 34, or
across the entire top surface 34. Optionally, the top surface 31 of
the overhangs is also textured, and may match the texture of the
top surface 34. In another embodiment, the top surface 31 of the
overhangs is textured differently than the top surface 34 of the
insert 14, so that the user can identify by tactile feel where the
insert is located.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, when the rail cover 10' is assembled,
the insert 14 sits on the top surface of the floor 20. The
underside 36 of the insert 14 may be contoured or curved, and/or
may be hollowed out to include cavities such as cavity 42, so that
portions of the insert 14 are not in contact with the base 12 along
the surface of the floor 20. In other embodiments the insert 14 has
a solid or smooth underside 36 that contacts the floor 20 along the
entire area of the insert 14.
[0031] A cross-sectional view of the rail cover 10' on the rail 5
is shown in FIG. 3. This figure shows the interaction of the rail 5
with the base 12 and the base 12 with the insert 14. The side edges
7a, 7b of the rail 5 mate with the grooves 24a, 24b formed by the
prongs 22a, 22b on the bottom portion of the base 12. The side
edges 44a, 44b of the insert 14 mate with the grooves 32a 32b
formed by the overhangs 30a, 30b of the base 12. In this way, the
base 12 engages both the rail 5 and the insert 14, with the bottom
portion 16 of the base engaging the rail 5, and the top portion 18
of the base engaging the insert 14.
[0032] FIG. 3 also shows optional side extensions or wings 46 on
the base 12. These extensions 46 extend out from the base 12 and
increase the top area of the cover 10. In the embodiment shown, the
extensions 46 curve down toward the bottom portion 16 of the base
12. The extensions 46 form a continuous surface with the top
surface 31 of the overhangs 30a, 30b. The extensions provide
additional protection for the rail 5 and the prongs 22a, 22b of the
base 12, by extending out and curving over the prongs. The
extensions also increase the top area of the cover, providing more
grip for the user. The extensions may have a textured surface as
described above, optionally matching the surface of the overhangs
and/or the top surface 34 of the insert 14.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a lower perspective view of the cover 10',
according to one embodiment. The prongs 22a, 22b on the bottom
portion 16 of the base 12 create the channel 26 for receipt of the
firearm rail. The figure also shows the extensions 46 curving over
the sides of the base 12.
[0034] FIG. 4 also shows the tabs 38 of the insert 14 passing
through the base 12 to engage the firearm rail. In this particular
embodiment, four tabs 38 are provided, although more or fewer tabs
can be used in other embodiments. The tabs 38 extend down from the
underside of the insert 14, and they pass through corresponding
openings 40 formed in the floor 20 of the base 12. The tabs 38
extend into crosscuts 9 in the firearm rail (see FIG. 2). When the
tabs 38 extend into these crosscuts 9, they prevent movement of the
rail cover 10' along the length of the rail 5, thereby effectively
locking the cover 10' into its position along the rail 5. The tabs
38 each have a length and width that is dimensioned to fit into a
crosscut 9 on the desired rail 5. If more than one tab 38 is
provided, the tabs are spaced apart by a selected distance to
correspond to the distance between crosscuts 9 on the desired rail
5. This enables each tab 38 to fit into one of the crosscuts 9. In
one embodiment, the tabs 38, windows 40, and prongs 22a, 22b are
dimensioned to fit a MIL-STD 1913 rail.
[0035] Assembly of a rail cover 100 onto a firearm rail 5 is shown
in FIGS. 5-8. First, as shown in FIG. 5, the base 12 is slid onto
the firearm rail 5 from an open end 5a of the rail. The prongs 22a,
22b on the bottom portion of the base 12 engage the side edges 7a,
7b of the rail 5, such that the rail can slide through the channel
26 between the prongs. The base 12 can slide along the rail 5 to
any desired position along the rail. The prongs 22a, 22b allow the
base to slide along the length of the rail, but they prevent the
base from moving perpendicularly off the rail. The prongs hook the
base onto the rail such that the only permitted movement of the
base is a sliding movement along the length of the rail.
[0036] In one embodiment, the prongs 22a, 22b are substantially
rigid, meaning that they do not flex in order to receive the rail 5
between them. The prongs are designed to substantially (although
not necessarily exactly) match the cross-sectional profile of the
rail, as described previously, so that they receive the rail
between them (see FIG. 3). It is the mechanical mating of the
prongs and the rail that mounts the base 12 to the rail, rather
than any flexing or tension in the material of the base 12. In such
an embodiment, the base 12 is made of a substantially rigid
material such as a hard plastic material. In one embodiment the
base 12 is made of a polymer such as a 15-30% glass-filled nylon.
In another embodiment the base 12 is made of aluminum. These
materials are substantially rigid, even though they may provide
some small amount of flexure that is inherent in the material
itself. The rigid, durable material of the base 12 protects the
underlying rail 5 from damage, such as when the firearm is dropped
or impacted.
[0037] Returning to the assembly of the cover onto the rail, FIG. 6
shows the base 12 positioned on the rail 5. After sliding the base
12 onto the rail from an open end of the rail (as shown in FIG. 5),
the base 12 is slid to the desired longitudinal position along the
length of the rail 5. The base 12 can be positioned at any desired
location along the length of the rail 5. Once the base is at the
desired location, it should be adjusted as necessary to align the
openings 40 with the corresponding crosscuts 9. This alignment will
enable the tabs 38 from the insert 14 to extend through the
openings 40 into the crosscuts 9, to lock the base 12 and insert 14
to the rail 5 (as shown in FIGS. 7-8).
[0038] After the base 12 has been positioned as shown in FIG. 6,
the insert 14 is then assembled to the base by clipping it below
the overhangs 30a, 30b, as shown in FIG. 7. The insert 14 is
assembled to the base 12 by inserting one side edge 44a of the
insert below one overhang 30a of the base 12. The tab(s) 38 of the
insert should be aligned with the opening(s) 40 in the base (see
FIG. 6). The insert 14 is then pushed down to fit the opposite side
edge 44b under the opposite overhang 30b. The final assembled cover
100 is shown in FIG. 8. The insert 14 is securely mounted to the
base 12 by the overhangs 30a, 30b that retain the side edges 44a,
44b of the insert 14. The tabs 38 of the insert 14 extend into
corresponding crosscuts 9, thereby preventing the cover 100 from
sliding along the rail 5.
[0039] In one embodiment, the insert 14 is made of a material that
is substantially flexible, and more flexible than the base 12. For
example, in one embodiment the insert 14 is made from a soft or
flexible polymer or an elastomer such as polyurethane or rubber. In
another embodiment the insert 14 is made from a thermoplastic
elastomer such as Santoprene.TM. (Exxon Mobil Corp., Irving, Tex.).
In these embodiments, the insert 14 is flexible, so that it deforms
when pressed, providing a comfortable grip for the user, and
enabling the insert 14 to be inserted into the base 12 beneath the
overhangs 30a, 30b. The insert is also resilient, so that it
regains its shape after being depressed.
[0040] In one embodiment, the base is molded from nylon with a 15%
glass fiber fill, and the insert is an elastomer material (such as
Pellethane) with a shore hardness (durometer) of approximately 70.
In another embodiment the hardness (durometer) is between about 48
and 70. In one embodiment the base is substantially rigid, and more
rigid than the insert. In one embodiment the hardness of the base
is above about 70, and the hardness of the insert is below about
70.
[0041] In one embodiment, when the insert 14 is pressed into the
base 12, the insert 14 itself flexes and bends to move the second
side edge 44b below the overhang 30b. The overhangs 30a, 30b
themselves may also flex slightly, due to the inherent flexure in
the material of the base 12. However, the base 12 itself (including
the overhangs) is substantially rigid, and the insert 14 is
comparatively and relatively flexible. The insert 14 undergoes more
bending or flexing than does the base 12 when the insert 14 is
mounted to the base 12.
[0042] To remove the cover, the process is reversed. The user grips
the insert 14 from the side and lifts it up out of the overhang
30b, to the position shown in FIG. 7. The user can then remove the
insert 14 from the base 12, and then slide the base 12 off of the
rail 5.
[0043] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9-10,
demonstrating the ability of the cover to be made in various
lengths L1, L2, L3, etc. For example, L1, L2, or L3 may be
approximately 1.25 inches, or 4 inches, or 6 inches, or other
desired lengths. The cover 100' can be made in any desired length,
to cover all or a desired portion of the rail 5. The number of tabs
38 extending from the bottom portion 16 of the base 12 can be
adjusted based on the length of the cover and the number of tabs
desired. For example, tabs can be provided at several spaced
locations along the length of the cover, or only at the two
opposite ends of the cover, or only at one end or one location on
the cover. Even when the cover has a longer length, it may include
only one tab to lock the cover in place. However, when the cover
has a longer length, it may be desired to provide more than one
tab, in order to more securely lock the cover in place.
[0044] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the insert 14
includes a logo, image, or writing 50 on the curved top surface 34.
For example, the insert 14 can be imprinted with information that
identifies a type of rail (such as the rail that the cover is
designed to fit), or the logo of a particular firearm manufacturer,
or the user's name, or information used by the military to
catalogue or identify equipment or users, or aesthetic designs, or
any other type of information. This information can be molded,
stamped, imprinted, raised, printed, or similarly provided on the
top surface 34 of the insert 14.
[0045] Another embodiment of a cover 200 is shown in FIG. 11. In
this embodiment, an insert 214 includes a pocket 260 that is formed
in the underside 236 of the insert 214 to accept an accessory
device 270 into the pocket 260. The pocket 260 is sized and shaped
to match the particular accessory device, so that the device 270
can snugly fit into the pocket 260 underneath the insert 214. For
example, in one embodiment the accessory device 270 is a pressure
switch 272, and the pocket 260 is dimensioned (its width, length,
depth, shape) to receive the pressure switch and snugly fit the
pressure switch into the pocket 260. In another embodiment, the
device is a blue tooth switch, which can be used to operate remote
blue tooth devices such as communication devices. For example, the
device 270 could be a blue tooth actuator used to wirelessly turn
on and off remote blue tooth electronics.
[0046] The accessory device 270 is fitted into the pocket 260 on
the underside of the insert 214, and then the insert 214 is
assembled onto the base 212 on the firearm rail in the same manner
as described above. The accessory device is thus trapped between
the insert and the base. The accessory device is held securely in
this position, as the base retains the insert at overhangs 230a,
230b, and the insert retains the accessory device. The accessory
device is not only securely held in place, but is also protected
from exposure to the environment, by completely covering it and
trapping it between the insert and the base. In one embodiment the
insert 214 is transparent and the accessory device is visible
through the insert.
[0047] The insert 214 is relatively flexible or pliant as compared
to the base 212, and the top surface 234 of the insert is flexible
and depressible. The material of the insert is resilient such that
it recovers its shape after it is flexed or depressed.
Additionally, the thickness of the insert above the pocket 260 is
small enough that the insert can bend into the pocket. Accordingly,
the accessory device located in the pocket 260, trapped between the
insert and the base, can be operated by pushing on the top surface
234 of the insert. For example, where the accessory device is a
pressure switch 272, the switch can be operated by pressing down on
the top surface 234 of the insert, which bends and flexes and
transmits pressure to the pressure switch. The pressure switch 272
is then compressed between the rigid floor 220 of the base 212 and
the pressure on the top surface 234. Thus the pressure switch can
be operated by pushing on the top surface 234. The pressure switch
can be connected to another device such as a light, laser,
telescopic sight, or another device, which can be turned on and off
or controlled by the pressure applied to the pressure switch. The
area of the top surface 234 directly above the pocket 260 may be
textured differently than the rest of the surface 234 so that the
user can identify by tactile feel where to push to operate the
switch.
[0048] To connect the pressure switch (or other accessory device)
in the pocket 260 to another device (such as a light), the insert
214 may include a groove 262 extending from one end of the pocket
260 along the underside 236, around the tabs 238, to an end of the
insert (see FIG. 11). A wire 274 from the pressure switch (or other
device in the pocket 260) can fit into this groove and connect to
another device. The groove is optional, as the device in the pocket
may not connect to another device or may connect wirelessly. The
groove can be dimensioned as needed to accommodate a wire.
[0049] In one embodiment the accessory device 270 is removable from
the pocket 260 and replaceable with a different accessory device.
The insert 214 is removed from the base 212, and the device 270 is
removed from the pocket 260. Another device can then be inserted
into the pocket for another application or exercise. Alternatively,
on one embodiment, the accessory device 270 is secured into the
pocket 260 and is not intended to be removed. For example, the
device 270 can be held in place by an adhesive such as glue or
tape, or the material for the insert could be molded around the
switch, fully enclosing it into the pocket 260.
[0050] In another embodiment, the insert may included multiple
separate pockets 260 spaced apart from each other to accept
multiple accessory devices, such as pressure switches or blue tooth
device switches. As an example, an insert that is 6 inches in
length can include three separate pockets 260. Each switch can each
be connected to and used to operate a different device. The top
surface of the insert can include separate textured areas above
each switch, each area having a different texture or surface
feature providing a different tactile feel, so that the user can
identify where each switch is located and where to apply pressure
to the top surface to operate a particular switch. For example, the
different textures on the top surface can include rough texturing,
grooves, ridges, dimples, lines, outlines, depressions, and/or
other surface features.
[0051] In one embodiment, both the insert and the base are
manufactured by injection molding techniques. The insert can be
formed as one integral, continuous piece. The base can also be
formed as one integral, continuous piece, rather than separate
pieces fitted together. In other embodiments the base and/or insert
may be machined, such as when the base is made from aluminum.
[0052] In another embodiment, the insert and the base are both
substantially rigid, rather than providing an insert that is more
flexible than the base. The insert and base may have the same
shapes and components as described above, but rather than flexing
the insert to fit into the base, the two parts snap-fit together.
The interface geometry may be adjusted as necessary to enable to
parts to receive each other in a snap-fit. This design may be
preferred in applications where the cover may be subjected to
hazardous substances, and the rigid insert can be more easily
sterilized or cleaned.
[0053] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 12. An
assembled cover 100'' is shown mounted to a firearm accessory rail
5 on a firearm 52. The rigid base of the cover provides protection
for the rail 5, to prevent the rail from becoming scratched,
dented, or deformed, which could cause the rail to be unusable for
attaching accessory devices. The flexible insert provides the user
with a comfortable grip. The cover 100'' can be easily assembled
onto or removed from the firearm 52 as needed, with only two pieces
(the grip and the insert) needed to securely mount the cover to the
rail. The length of the cover can be selected to cover a desired
portion of the rail.
[0054] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in respect to exemplary embodiments, it is to be
understood that it is not to be so limited, since changes and
modifications may be made therein which are within the full
intended scope of this invention as hereinafter claimed. For
example, the particular shape of the insert, whether domed, flat,
slanted, or flanged, can vary, as can the shape of the base. The
insert and base can be adjusted to accommodate varying types of
mounting rails.
* * * * *