U.S. patent application number 13/527945 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-14 for communication and power distribution system and segmented rail adapter.
The applicant listed for this patent is MICHAEL JON MALHERBE. Invention is credited to HOWARD KENT, MICHAEL JON MALHERBE.
Application Number | 20130061504 13/527945 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44196408 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130061504 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MALHERBE; MICHAEL JON ; et
al. |
March 14, 2013 |
COMMUNICATION AND POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND SEGMENTED RAIL
ADAPTER
Abstract
A firearm rail adapter comprising a rail adapter assembly
configured to detachably attach to a structure, the rail adapter
assembly comprising a first member proximate to the structure and a
second member distal from the structure, wherein the proximate
first member and the distal second member define a conduit
configured to: conduct electricity via a plurality of contact pads;
and/or transport data signals via at least one contact pad.
Inventors: |
MALHERBE; MICHAEL JON;
(MOORPARK, CA) ; KENT; HOWARD; (SIMI VALLEY,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MALHERBE; MICHAEL JON |
MOORPARK |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44196408 |
Appl. No.: |
13/527945 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/US2010/061936 |
Dec 22, 2010 |
|
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13527945 |
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61289950 |
Dec 23, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/84 ;
42/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 11/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/84 ;
42/90 |
International
Class: |
F41C 27/00 20060101
F41C027/00 |
Claims
1. A firearm rail adapter comprising: a rail adapter assembly
configured to detachably attach to a structure, the rail adapter
assembly comprising a first member proximate to the structure and a
second member distal from the structure, wherein the proximate
first member and the distal second member define a conduit
configured to conduct electricity via a plurality of contact
pads.
2. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1 wherein the conduit is
further configured to distribute electrical signals used for
communication via one or more contact pads.
3. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1 wherein the conduit and
first member comprise a printed circuit board configured to conduct
electricity to at least one device detachably attached to the rail
adapter.
4. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1 wherein the conduit and
first member comprise a printed circuit board configured to
transport data signals to at least one device detachably attached
to the rail adapter.
5. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1 wherein the conduit and
first member comprise a flexible circuit configured to conduct
electricity to at least one device detachably attached to the rail
adapter.
6. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1 wherein the conduit and
first member comprise a flexible circuit configured to transport
data signals to at least one device detachably attached to the rail
adapter.
7. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1 wherein the rail adapter
further comprises a centralized power source and power distribution
system configured to power at least one detachably attached
device.
8. The firearm rail adapter of claim 7 wherein the centralized
power source is configured to draw from a battery store packaged in
a housing configured to conform to an ammunition magazine clip.
9. The firearm rail adapter of claim 7 wherein the rail adapter is
further configured to comprise a structural receiver to both
mechanically and electrically engage a housed battery store.
10. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1 wherein the rail adapter
further comprises a data processing module and one or more data
links between the at least one detachably attached device and the
data processing module.
11. The firearm rail adapter of claim 10 wherein the data
processing module is a data processing circuit.
12. A firearm rail adapter comprising: a rail adapter assembly
configured to detachably attach to a structure, the rail adapter
assembly comprising a first member proximate to the structure and a
second member distal from the structure, wherein the proximate
first member and the distal second member define a conduit
configured to transport data signals via at least one contact
pad.
13. The firearm rail adapter of claim 12 wherein the conduit is
further configured to distribute electrical power to at least one
device detachably attached to the rail adapter.
14. The firearm rail adapter of claim 12 wherein the conduit and
first member comprise a printed circuit board configured to
distribute electrical power to at least one device detachably
attached to the rail adapter.
15. The firearm rail adapter of claim 12 wherein the conduit and
first member comprise a printed circuit board configured to
transport data signals to at least one device detachably attached
to the rail adapter.
16. The firearm rail adapter of claim 12 wherein the conduit and
first member comprise a flexible circuit configured to distribute
electrical power to at least one device detachably attached to the
rail adapter.
17. The firearm rail adapter of claim 12 wherein the conduit and
first member comprise a flexible circuit configured to transport
data signals to at least one device detachably attached to the rail
adapter.
18. The firearm rail adapter of claim 12 wherein the rail adapter
further comprises a centralized power source and power distribution
system configured to power at least one detachably attached
device.
19. The firearm rail adapter of claim 18 wherein the centralized
power source is configured to draw from a battery store packaged in
a housing configured to conform to an ammunition magazine clip.
20. The firearm rail adapter of claim 18 wherein the rail adapter
is further configured to comprise a structural receiver to both
mechanically and electrically engage a housed battery store.
21. The firearm rail adapter of claim 18 wherein the rail adapter
further comprises a data processing module and one or more data
links between the at least one detachably attached device and the
data processing module.
22. The firearm rail adapter of claim 21 wherein the rail adapter
further comprises a user interface to the data processing
module.
23. The firearm rail adapter of claim 21 wherein the data
processing module is a data processing circuit.
24. A firearm rail adapter comprising: a rail adapter assembly
configured to detachably attach to a structure, the rail adapter
assembly comprising a first member proximate to the structure and a
second member distal from the structure, wherein the proximate
first member and the distal second member define a conduit
configured to power at least one device detachably attachable to
the rail adapter assembly; wherein conduit power transmission is
based on at least one of: (a) a mechanical switch tripped by
attachment of the at least one device detachably attachable to the
rail adapter; and (b) a detected magnetic field, of the at least
one detachably attachable device, by a magnetic sensor embedded in
the firearm rail adapter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/US2010/061936, filed Dec. 22, 2010, and claims
priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application
Ser. No. 61/289,950, filed Dec. 23, 2009, all of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all
purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments include detachably attachable systems and
detachably attachable support structures for the attachment of
devices and subsystems, and more particularly to rail adaptors,
detachably attached to firearm rails, the rail adaptors having
circuitry for running power and/or communication lines to devices
that may be detachably attached to the rail via the rail
adapter.
BACKGROUND
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,711 to Battaglia discloses a first mount
disposed about a firearm barrel, second mount disposed a distance
from the first mount and disposed about the firearm barrel, and an
adapter rail attached to the first and second mounts. U.S. Pat. No.
6, 237,271 to Kaminski discloses handgun circuitry for trigger
actuation enablement. U.S. Pat. No. 7,627,975 to Hines discloses an
electrified handguard. FIG. 1A is a prior art illustration
depicting an adapter-mounted device having a spring-loaded pin
engaging a contact pad of the adapter. A device 10 may be disposed
on a firearm rail adapter 20 having an electrical contact pad 21
and the contact pad 21 may be connected to a power source. The
circuit 11 of the device 10 may be powered via a spring-load pin
12.
DISCLOSURE
[0004] The invention, in its several embodiments, includes a
firearm rail adapter assembly forming, or otherwise providing, a
circuit for distribution of electricity, communication, data, and
or any combination thereof, to devices that may be detachably
attached to the rail adapter. Rail adapter embodiments may include
powered rail accessory adapters that may allow embodiments to
eliminate external wiring and provide centralized external power.
The rail adapter system may be configured to allow both internal
and external power to be used in parallel thereby allowing for rail
adapter battery cartridge removal while maintaining operation and
as a backup to external power.
[0005] Embodiments of the firearm rail adapter may be attached to a
hand-held weapon, such as the forend or section of the barrel
portion of a rifle, and may be attached to devices such as nail
guns. The outer portions of the exemplary rail assembly may provide
for the detachable attachment of devices such as night-vision
scopes, on or off bore sight directional light or laser emission
sources, and Global Positioning System (GPS) antennas/receivers.
The structural configuration of the exemplary rail adapter assembly
may be augmented by a centralized power source and distribution
system, or power supply, where by the use of one or more power
lines and one or more connectors, the exemplary rail adapter
assembly may be configured to power the detachably attached
devices. In some embodiments, the centralized power source may draw
from a battery store packaged in a housing shaped to conform to a
magazine clip. In some embodiments the rail adapter may be utilized
as a conduit for vehicle or other external power sources through
battery cartridges that may be substituted for the battery
cartridge, or through the use of adapter blocks on the rail
accessory without the presence of a battery receptacle.
[0006] In some embodiments, the segmented rail adapter may be
configured to include a structural receiver to both mechanically
and electrically engage the housed battery store. In some
embodiments, the structural architecture may be augmented by data
links between the detachably attached devices and a data processing
module/circuit, and may be augmented by a user interface to the
data processing module/circuit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not
limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, and in
which:
[0008] FIG. 1A is a prior art illustration depicting an
adapter-mounted device having a spring-loaded pin engaging a
contact pad of the adapter;
[0009] FIG. 1B illustrates in perspective view a top (distal)
portion of an exemplary rail adapter assembly;
[0010] FIG. 2A illustrates in an exploded perspective view a top
(distal) portion, a bottom (proximate) portion, mounting brackets,
and fasteners of an exemplary rail assembly;
[0011] FIG. 2B illustrates in a cross-sectional view an exemplary
adapter engaging a rail via a bolt-mounted clip;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates in an exploded perspective view a top
(distal) portion, a bottom (proximate) portion, a battery store
housing receiver assembly interposed between the top portion and
the bottom portion, mounting brackets, and fasteners of an
exemplary rail adapter assembly;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates in perspective view a top (distal)
portion of an exemplary rail adapter assembly further comprising a
rail extension;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exemplary functional block diagram of a power
and data communication system supported by rail assembly
embodiments of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 depicts rail adapter embodiments detachably attached
to a firearm;
[0016] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary accessory housing, e.g., a laser
emitter element housing, configured to detachably attach to an
embodiment of a rail adapter; and
[0017] FIG. 8 depicts the exemplary laser emitter element of FIG. 7
detachably attached to a portion of an embodiment of a rail
adapter.
BEST MODES
[0018] Embodiments may include: (a) a rail adapter accessory; (b)
an adapter lug or flange-receiver housing; (c) a rail assembly
comprising one or more accessory rails; and (d) circuitry internal
to the rail assembly, e.g., via a printed circuit board. Some
embodiments may include one or more inter-rail couplers. Some
embodiments may include an integrated computing module. Some
embodiments may include a housing for interchangeable batteries
where the housing may be configured to be engaged by an
interchangeable battery cartridge. Some embodiments may further
include electrical and bi-directional signal block adapters. Some
embodiments may include an angle light adapter for firearm lighting
devices.
[0019] Embodiments may include a firearm rail adapter having
electrical and/or data coupling via one or more contact surfaces
between one or more adapter-mounted devices and the firearm rail
adapter. Accordingly, from a battery store and circuitry, e.g., via
printed circuit board, of the firearm rail adapter, embodiments may
provide power to one or more adapter-mounted devices. In addition,
or in the alternative, circuitry, such as a programmed
microprocessor and a conditioned power source, provide for the
transmission of data and/or signals between one or more
adapter-mounted devices and the rail adapter or other rail-mounted
device. Accordingly, firearm rail adapter embodiments may include a
power supply configured to output power at two or more voltage
levels. In addition, the power source for the power supply may be
based on a detachably attached battery store.
[0020] Embodiments of the firearm rail adapter, or rail-mounted
device, include fixed contact pins/pads mounted to a printed
circuit board (PCB) embedded in the rail adapter to provide for the
transmission of power, and/or data signals, between the
adapter-mounted device and the exemplary rail-mounted device. The
contact pads in the rail adapter may be surrounded by, or otherwise
embedded in, a sleeve such as a rubber or plastic sleeve.
Accordingly, the sleeve may function as both an electrical
insulator and a water seal. The pads may be located within recoil
grooves, in part to reduce the possibility of a short circuit. The
flush mounting of the pads may reduce the possibility of connector
contamination and provide for ease of cleaning.
[0021] The power and/or signal paths may be conducted via an
embedded printed circuit board (PCB), e.g., rigid PCB, and/or a
flexible circuit medium, or a combination thereof, that may provide
a secure, permanent attachment point for the contact pads of the
firearm rail adapter.
[0022] Differing voltages may be supplied at specific pads by
adding circuitry on the PCB. In embodiments where limited planar
space (surface space per layer) is available for firearm
applications, the PCB may be manufactured in multiple layers,
thereby adding additional surface area for conductors. Accordingly,
embodiments of the present invention may add power, and/or data
signal pathways, as required according to the PCB assembly or
flex-circuit assembly.
[0023] An exemplary rail adapter accessory embodiment of the
present invention may comprise a "riser," or rail elevation member,
that may be selected from a variety of heights to position the
exemplary base rail over the firearm rail. The riser may be defined
as a rail clamping mechanism for M-1913 Picatinny, NATO STANAG,
Weaver or other type of commonly utilized weapon accessory, where a
riser may have a female attachment on the lower surface and another
parallel to the lower female element on its upper surface, and also
adaptable for less-than-lethal or other defensive applications or
via specially configured mounting rails to power tools, survey
equipment, or other currently battery-powered devices.
[0024] FIG. 1B illustrates in perspective view a top (distal
relative to a mounting structure) member 110 of an exemplary
firearm rail adapter assembly, where a top surface 111 of the top
member 110 is configured to engage detachably attachable devices. A
plurality of electrical contact surfaces 112 are each depicted in a
recoil groove 114 of the adapter 110, i.e., a lateral trough
defined by the raised transverse lateral portions, termed "lands"
115. Each plurality of electrical contact surfaces may be seated in
an insulating ring 113. The adapter 110 may be mounted to the top,
side or bottom rail of a firearm, or may engage a handle having a
rail feature configured to receive a portion of the adapter
110.
[0025] FIG. 2A illustrates in an exploded perspective view a top
(distal) structure 210, a bottom (proximate) structure 220 that may
provide for electrical and/or data bussing--e.g., a printed circuit
board (PCB) 220, mounting brackets 214, and fasteners 215 of an
exemplary rail assembly. The exemplary PCB 220 is depicted as
having two conducting lines 221,222 where a pin portion of a
contact pad 112, may contact one or more of the lines. Where two
proximate contact pads 112 each engaging a different conducting
line, a detachably attached device having contact pins may contact
proximate contact pads via device-mounted, e.g., spring loaded,
contact pins, and a circuit may be setup with a firearm power
supply or battery source (not shown).
[0026] FIG. 2B illustrates in a cross-sectional view an exemplary
adapter 110 engaging a rail 230 via a bolt-mounted clip 214. The
fastener 215 is depicted as engaging the clip 214 and passes
through an aperture 231 of the rail to engage an opposing portion
of the adapter 110. Also shown by example in the cross-sectional
view of FIG. 2B is a contact pad 112 extending through the adapter
110 to engage a conducting line, i.e., a conducting lineal surface,
of the exemplary printed circuit board (PCB) 220.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates in an exploded perspective view a top
(distal) portion 310, a bottom (proximate) portion 316, e.g., a
structure comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a first battery
store housing receiver assembly comprising a flange 312 extending
from the top portion 310, first side portion 313, a second side
portion 314, mounting brackets, and fasteners of an exemplary rail
adapter assembly. Accordingly, the rail adapter assembly 300 of
FIG. 3 is depicted as including an extending portion or flange 312
of the top structure to which a first magazine clip housing 313 may
be attached, and lands and grooves are depicted along the top
region 311 of the top portion 310. A second magazine clip housing
structure 314 may be attached to the top structure 310 and the
first magazine clip housing structure 313. Also shown is a magazine
clip shaped housing 315, i.e., a housing configured as an
ammunition magazine, that may comprise battery elements and/or
computing elements such as a microprocessor and addressable memory.
In some embodiments, the flange 312 may extend further along the
longitudinal direction to accommodate a second battery store
housing, or a larger first battery store housing, or other module
housings such as memory store and/or combinations of battery store,
memory store and/or microprocessor and circuitry.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates in a perspective view a top (distal)
portion of an exemplary firearm rail adapter assembly 400 where the
rail adapter assembly 400 comprises both data contact points
421-423 and power contact pads 424. Also depicted in FIG. 4 is a
battery store in an ammunition magazine-shaped housing 315 engaging
the receiver housing 430.
[0029] FIG. 5 is an exemplary functional block diagram of a power
and data communication system embodiment 500 supported by rail
assembly embodiments of the present invention. In this exemplary
system 500, a first adapter-mounted device 501 and a second
adapter-mounted device 502 may be coupled to a common power supply
510 and/or energy store 503, e.g., a battery array, via a power
coupler 504. Also in this exemplary system 500, the first
adapter-mounted device 501 and the second adapter-mounted device
502 may be coupled to a common microprocessor 506 and memory store
507, e.g., a flash drive, via a data coupler 508. In some
embodiments, the data coupler 508 and the power coupler 504 may be
combined into a single element for coupling. A printed circuit
board (PCB) 511 may be employed to accommodate the power coupling
and or the data communication coupling. The microprocessor 506
and/or power supply 510 may be integrated with the PCB, configured
as part of the rail adapter, or be modularized within a battery
store housing. The battery 503 and/or the memory store may be
disposed within a battery store housing 315. A radio frequency (RF)
transceiver 520 may be coupled to at least one of: a power coupler
504; a data coupler 508, a microprocessor 506; and an adapter
mounted device 501, 502.
[0030] An exemplary rail accessory housing may be made of aluminum,
e.g., 6061-T651 or 7075-T651. An exemplary rail accessory clamp may
be made of aluminum, e.g., 6061-T651 or 7075-T651. Each exemplary
contact pad may be made of fine, extruded graphite, e.g., less than
0.002 inch grain size, or equivalent, that may be used to provide a
relatively inert exposed electrode (anode). In addition a contact
pad may be comprised of a nickel-plated, beryllium-copper core
where the contact pad may have an outer gold-plating over the
nickel-plating.
[0031] Optionally, the contact pad may have an outer plating of
rhodium. Each exemplary contact pad insulator may be made of
plastic, e.g., polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The PCB may be FR370HR
or equivalent, and the PCB/electronics encapsulation may be
accomplished using 3M DP270.
[0032] FIG. 6 depicts a top adapter rail embodiment 610, and a side
rail of an extant quad-rail 620 of the firearm 600 upon which an
adapter rail embodiment 110 (FIGS. 1A and 2A) maybe detachably
attached. FIG. 6 also depicts a battery clip 640 engaging the
flange/lug 630 or the top adapter rail 610. A side rail adapter
620, such as the rail adapter embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1B and
2A, is shown as detachably attached to a side rail along a portion
of the muzzle 601. A top rail adapter 610, such as the rail adapter
embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 is shown as detachably
attached to the extant rail 602 of the firearm 600. The side
adapter 620 rail may be configured, via flexible circuitry, or
hard-wired connectors, to draw power from the battery of the top
adapter rail 610.
[0033] FIG. 7 depicts, in a perspective bottom view, an exemplary
accessory housing 710, e.g., a laser emitter element housing,
configured to detachably attach to an embodiment of a rail adapter.
In this exemplary bottom view, two locating bosses 720, 721 are
depicted for engaging grooves of the adapter rail. Each locating
boss 720, 721 is depicted as having a pin seal 722 disposed about a
spring pin contact 724. The adapter clamp 730 is configured to
receive a clamp screw 731 that allows for the detachable attachment
of the clamp 730 and, with it, the detachable attachment of the
accessory housing 710 to an adapter rail.
[0034] FIG. 8 depicts the exemplary accessory housing element of
FIG. 7 detachably attached to a portion of an embodiment of a top
rail adapter 810. Other accessories, such as a light 820, may be
detachably attached to the extant firearm rail 830, as shown in
FIG. 8, or it may be detachably attached to the adapter rail. If
configured similarly as the accessory housing of FIG. 7, the light
attached may be powered by the power supply of the top adapter
rail.
[0035] Circuits may be nominal off, to minimize electrolytic
effects of saltwater on the contact pads. The circuit may be
activated by manual override, and may be automatically activated by
a pressure switch, e.g., from the spring contact pin, or a magnetic
field sensor, or a Hall effect sensor, beneath the land of one or
more recoil stops of the adapter embodiment.
[0036] The communications capability of the rail adapter, with
and/or without a weapon-mounted computer, allows for remote
switching between identified devices, e.g., a reed switch mounted
to a vertical grip beneath the forearm and plugged into a rail
accessory block adapter may, via communication with the onboard
computer or selectable analog circuits, switch on and off one or
more devices selectively--devices that may also recognize, or may
also be connected, to the rail accessory system. Similarly,
conductors may be pre-determined to contain various switching
devices and the devices they control may be accessed through analog
circuitry incorporated into the block adapters. Block adapters may
also incorporate electronic components for selectable voltage
output, e.g.: a higher voltage battery cartridge may be stepped
down to accommodate 3, 6, or 9 volts DC by drawing from, for
example, a 12 volt battery.
[0037] The rail accessory may feature an adapter lug or flange,
that may include a receiver housing, for the attachment of the
interchangeable battery receptacle housing, of a designated height
and length, e.g., an ammunition magazine, to any and all of the
following: the existing receiver, rail equipped forends or to
attach to the receiver, forend and barrel weapon accessory
adapters; with facilities for any of the following electrical or
bi-directional signal connections; front and rear of the rail
accessory sections, on the sides of the rail accessory sections, in
the grooves of the rail adapter system, or interlocking and through
an inter-rail accessory, to other power/bi-directional signal
distribution weapon system accessory rails located on any other
part of the support structure to which the rail assembly may be
attached.
[0038] The rail accessory comprises one or more pads for electrical
or bi-directional signal conductors that may be located within the
rail accessory groove areas (or alternatively on the lands) for
protection against damage and electrical shorting through contact
with conductive media or material. Positive and negative conductor
pads separated by a land area or region, may include one or more
pads for electrical or bi-directional signal conductors per
location. The pads may be sealed from environmental contact by
detachable covers and/or may incorporate sealing o-ring grooves,
insulators or gaskets to facilitate both electrical connection and
environmental sealing. Embodiments may also include a separation of
conductors to assure operation while submerged either with or
without protective covers in fresh or salt water.
[0039] Additional applications include the location of the
electrical and bi-directional connectors in a rail insulating cover
which may be comprised of metal, plastic, laminate, machined or
molded material that may be produced by Troy.TM., Tango Down.TM.,
and Fobus.TM., for installation on top, sides or bottom rails of
the weapon, and used for connector based adaptation of accessories
to the firearm. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery cartridge
may be integrated into an M-1913 Picatinny Rail based magazine
holder as may be produced by Mako.TM. or CAA.TM., for example, and
may be constructed of metal, plastic, laminate, machined or molded
material. While the PCB may be later-assembled with the structural
support members of the rail adapter, an embodiment may comprise
embedded circuitry and communications lines in the molded or
machined body of the weapon, without accessory conductors, in order
to fully integrate the embodiment, e.g., the exemplary
manufacturing process may include the introduction of wiring into
the injection molding tools prior to fabrication of a polymer
receiver or butt stock.
[0040] In addition, the rail accessory adapter may be constructed
without battery capability or communications capability, and in
conjunction with a redesigned battery compartment, may form a spare
magazine holder for the weapon that may be adapted to top or side
rail use. In such an exemplary embodiment, the rail accessory,
adapter lug (flange) and battery housing form may be modified to
accept the standard magazine for rapid reloading.
[0041] A mounting application using a smaller diameter weapon
forearm section also may be configured to enable the basic rail
accessory and additional accessory rails to be mounted, thereby
allowing the standard Picatinny Rail equipped M-4 A-3 "Flat Top"
profile to be maintained when accessory rails are installed. The
dimensions of the top and side rails may then be installed
similarly within the same profile as the upper in order to
accommodate the M-203 grenade launcher or other accessories without
modification. This smaller dimension forend may be designed with or
without M-1913 Picatinny rails on its outer surfaces, as its
purpose is to adapt the basic rail adapter and additional accessory
rails and not to directly mount to the weapon accessories.
Accordingly, the standard, non-railed forend of the M-16 or any
foreign weapon may be adapted by the addition of simple adapter
blocks for the basic rail adapter and additional accessory
rails.
[0042] Exemplary electronics and/or electrical and bi-directional
signal circuits, as covered under MIL-STD-1553/1553B, 1773B, or
commercial standards, e.g., USB, PCI, VME-16/32/64,
[0043] VME/IEEE P1014-1987, may be designed as an internal harness
contained within the rail accessories or rail covers, or as a
printed circuit board, or flexible circuit, assembly that may
incorporate all of the necessary electronic and/or electrical
connections, required components and conductors. Whether outside of
the firearm rail structure, or in addition to being internally
disposed, the exemplary circuitry may be environmentally sealed
from moisture and thermal effects (e.g., via potting compound,
and/or gasketed covers).
[0044] Connections for external power or bi-directional signal for
firearm accessories may be located at any location on the adapter,
e.g.: front, top, sides, or between adapters. Adapters may be
configured to accommodate conversions of existing firearm
accessories through modified battery doors, battery compartment
access, through the accessory mounting base of the item in the
method of adaptation described above or by other means. Examples of
the accessories that these exemplary adapters apply to are:
bore-sighted targeting and designation lasers, electronic firearms
sights, image intensifiers, thermal imaging night vision devices,
and firearm lighting products, among others. Modified rail covers
or additional rail accessories may also be connected by block
adapters using specially designed cabling.
[0045] The block adapters may incorporate a provision for inline
switching using reed, button, pad or other contactors used either
to close or open the circuit to a weapon mounted accessory.
Additional conductors used for bi-directional signal may or may not
be configured to indicate remote switching locations around the
weapon, that may themselves be rail accessories. In one example, a
vertical handgrip by CAA.TM., Tango Down.TM., or Troy.TM., for
example, may be wired as a power and signal block adapter and
equipped with one or more switches on user interface control
surfaces. Through electronic or electrical circuitry, the grip unit
may send commands to close or interrupt circuits located at
specific remote positions on the rail adapter, such as lasers or
lighting products through their block adapters.
[0046] Weapon accessories may also be adapted to the rail adapter,
additional accessory rails or rail cover adapters via battery door
replacement and the provision of dummy cells with a direct
conductor providing power transfer, and enabling the retention of
internal power capability through replacement of the adapter by the
original battery door and batteries. Modified accessories may also
be constructed by the removal of the battery compartment and
replacement with an external power connection of detachable or
permanent connector design, or through modification of the weapon
accessory mounting system to accommodate the pattern of connection
used by the above-referenced electrical and bi-directional signal
adapter blocks and internal wiring modifications.
[0047] Weapon-mounted computer integration
[0048] Exemplary embodiments of the electrical and bi-directional
signal communications system incorporate the provision of a
weapon-mounted, personal computer that may be integrated within the
butt stock of the weapon, for example, within rail cover
accessories, or affixed within its own structure to the basic rail
accessory or supplemental accessory rails. This exemplary device
embodiment allows the use of multi-purpose accessories to perform
more than one function through software monitoring and control of
their input and output. For example, a laser generator equipped
with infrared (IR) and visible lasers and a detector capable of
sensing them mounted separately may perform the following functions
selectively or automatically, such as: laser designator;
infrared/visible weapon aimer; threat laser illumination warning;
laser range finder; laser firing indication; and non-lethal laser
dazzling weapon.
[0049] Weapon-mounted computer accessories include but are not
limited to: GPS devices; visible/invisible laser beam generators;
digital compasses; non-magnetic azimuth detectors; angle-rate
sensors; accelerometers; laser detectors; photocells; temperature
and barometric pressure sensors; wind speed indicators;
visible/invisible lighting products; electronic display systems;
weapon sights for compensating reticles; image intensifiers;
thermal imaging sights; sensor fusion devices; video cameras;
digital still cameras; multi-spectral imagers from visible to 14
um; additional lethal or non-lethal weapons mounted to the standard
weapon and aiming interfaces for the same; communications devices;
and encryption devices for coded communication and target
designation.
[0050] An exemplary computing module and/or circuit may be housed
in a shock and vibration resistant environmental enclosure with
provisions for electric power supplies and external communications
with the above-referenced weapon accessories via the basic rail
accessory, additional accessory rails, and rail covers. Exemplary
mounting locations for a computing device and/or power supply
include the butt stock, forearm or battery lug, i.e., the flange
portion attachment area, or other areas in proximity to rail
accessory components.
[0051] An interchangeable battery housing, may be configured to
detachably attach to the adapter lug, i.e., the flange, extending
from the rail accessory, that enables a battery cartridge to be
retained. The cartridge of a magazine-shaped housing may be field
reconfigurable for a variety of battery shapes, and may be
adaptable in termination to accommodate a variety of conductors and
battery dimensions.
[0052] An interchangeable battery cartridge, either rechargeable or
for use with single use batteries, with a weapon battery adapter
mounting means to lock and weather-proof and/or water-proof the
power system, either equipped with individual cell or unitary
batteries, of any designated configuration (e.g., square, round, or
in the shape of a firearm magazine)--for example, in a form which
corresponds to the shape of the receptacle for the battery
cartridge mounted on the power distribution weapon accessory system
adapter lug.
[0053] The battery cartridge may be configured to accept a variety
of currently available types of cells, monolithic batteries and
future developments in this area. The battery cartridge may be
fastened in a quick detachable mount to the weapon directly and
cartridges may or may not be exchanged without momentary loss of
power due to a secondary (optional) rechargeable battery which may
act as a buffer. The battery system may deliver multiple voltage
outputs due to the design of weapon accessory adapter circuitry
(e.g.: 3/6/9/12 volt DC). Recharging, if desired, may be
accomplished by a substitution of rechargeable batteries, and/or
via external sources, e.g., AC/DC, vehicle power, solar panel, hand
crank, optional direct power input while battery is installed,
external fuel cell with power connected to an adapter lug, and/or
via the magazine housing, for example.
[0054] The battery section may be equipped with rechargeable or
single use batteries or individual cells of monolithic
construction; which may or may not be user replaceable in the
field. A power supply may be interposed between the battery store
and the distribution circuitry, and thereby provide two more
voltage levels that may connect to the battery housing through
ordinary, water resistant or water-proof connectors.
[0055] An accessory rail may comprise an attachment for an
interchangeable housing battery receptacle housing. The accessory
rail joined via an electrical connector to a first rail accessory
to form an active electrical and/or bi-directional signal carrying
circuit between the two rail accessories (or two rail adapters).
The exemplary electrical connectors may be comprised of metal,
plastic or other materials forming an interconnection between the
two accessory rails. These accessories may be comprised of metal or
plastic and may further comprise plastic or metal insulation covers
without rail sections that are equipped with conductors, and
attached to the primary basic rail assembly or separate battery
holders by electrical and signal connectors. The additional
accessory rails may be connected via electrical and bi-directional
signal block adapters, or other means of connection, such as jumper
cables.
Inter-Rail Couplers
[0056] Electrical and bi-directional signal connectors between the
accessory rails may terminate in spring-loaded arrangements (e.g.,
Pogo.TM. pins), or other electrical and bi-directional signal
conductors that attach to the accessory rails via a clamping method
which ensures recoil and water resistance in operation of the
firearm; and conform to the general shape of the firearm forend,
and inter-rail spacing. Couplers may also be constructed of
traditional electrical and signal cabling, and optionally include
armored and shielded construction. Inter-rail coupling may also
include two electrical and bi-directional signal block adapters and
appropriate jumper cables or other means of connection.
Angle Adapter for Firearm Lighting
[0057] In addition to reducing the size and weight of firearm
accessories and provision of external power/bi-directional signal
communication, the invention provides for a variable angle
adaptation for light-emitting devices. Accordingly, the angle
adapter allows the unit to operate with or without a basic rail
adapter; be placed on the sides, top or bottom rails of the firearm
depending on the configuration embodiment. The angle adaptor may
allow the beam of the light to be directed away from the axis of
the bore to provide lighting for other than targets, e.g., for
navigation purposes, for the detection of trip wires or booby
traps, to enable muzzle-up carry in close quarters, and to provide
medical attention or other purposes where pointing a live weapon
for illumination is unacceptable.
[0058] An exemplary embodiment may be an angle light adapter
detachably attached to the side adapter rail, or an extant side
firearm rail, and connected to the extant basic rail, or a top
adapter rail, through an adapter block. The light accessory may be
modified to accept external power, or to an additional accessory
rail on the side of the weapon with an integral adapter block in
its mounting. The exemplary angle light accessory may be adjusted
to within ranges of angles, and/or may be adjusted to angles of
detent, for example, zero degrees, minus 15/30/45 degrees and 135
degrees from the bore sight or 45 degrees with the muzzle-up
configuration.
[0059] It is contemplated that various combinations and/or
sub-combinations of the specific features, systems, methods, and
aspects of the above embodiments may be made and still fall within
the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood
that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may
be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form
varying modes of the disclosed invention. Further it is intended
that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed by way of
examples should not be limited by the particular disclosed
embodiments described above.
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