U.S. patent application number 14/209654 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for systems and methods for a scope mount assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Keng's Firearms Specialty, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Keng's Firearms Specialty, Inc.. Invention is credited to David Bonelli, William Brown, Aaron L. Hampton, Kio James, Alvin Williams.
Application Number | 20140259854 14/209654 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51520787 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140259854 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams; Alvin ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SCOPE MOUNT ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A scope mount assembly for removeably attaching a scope to a
firearm is disclosed herein. The firearm may include a rail
assembly. The scope mount assembly may include a base member and at
least one ring extending from the base member. The at least one
ring may be configured to secure at least a portion of the scope
therein. Moreover, the scope mount assembly may include at least
one scope mount rail assembly extending from the ring.
Inventors: |
Williams; Alvin; (Smyrna,
GA) ; James; Kio; (Austell, GA) ; Bonelli;
David; (Smyrna, GA) ; Brown; William;
(Marietta, GA) ; Hampton; Aaron L.; (Columbus,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Keng's Firearms Specialty, Inc. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Keng's Firearms Specialty,
Inc.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
51520787 |
Appl. No.: |
14/209654 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61788431 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
61818183 |
May 1, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 11/003 20130101;
F41G 1/387 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/124 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/387 20060101
F41G001/387 |
Claims
1. A scope mount assembly for removeably attaching a scope to a
firearm, the firearm comprising a rail assembly, the scope mount
assembly comprising: a base member; at least one ring extending
from the base member, wherein the at least one ring is configured
to secure at least a portion of the scope therein; and at least one
scope mount rail assembly extending from the ring.
2. A scope mount assembly for removeably attaching a scope to a
firearm, the firearm comprising a rail assembly, the scope mount
assembly comprising: a base member comprising a front portion and a
rear portion; a front ring extending from the front portion of the
base member, wherein the front ring is configured to secure at
least a portion of the scope therein; and at least one scope mount
rail assembly extending from the front ring.
3. The scope mount assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one
scope mount rail assembly comprise a top rail assembly extending
from a top portion of the front ring.
4. The scope mount assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one
scope mount rail assembly comprise a removable first side rail
assembly extending from a first side of the front ring.
5. The scope mount assembly of claim 4, wherein the removable first
side rail assembly comprises a dovetail, and wherein the first side
of the front ring comprises a corresponding dovetail channel.
6. The scope mount assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one
scope mount rail assembly comprise a removable second side rail
assembly extending from a second side of the front ring.
7. The scope mount assembly of claim 6, wherein the removable
second side rail assembly comprises a dovetail, and wherein the
second side of the front ring comprises a corresponding dovetail
channel.
8. The scope mount assembly of claim 2, wherein the front ring
comprises a top half and a bottom half, wherein the top half and
the bottom half of the front ring are configured to be fastened
together.
9. The scope mount assembly of claim 2, further comprising a rear
ring extending from the rear portion of the base member, wherein
the rear ring is configured to secure at least a portion of the
scope therein.
10. The scope mount assembly of claim 9, wherein the rear ring
comprises a top half and a bottom half, wherein the top half and
the bottom half of the rear ring are configured to be coupled
together.
11. The scope mount assembly of claim 2, wherein the base member
comprises an attachment mechanism configured to removeably attach
the base member to the rail assembly of the firearm.
12. The scope mount assembly of claim 11, wherein the attachment
mechanism comprises: a clamp assembly comprising a clamped position
and an unclamped position; and a lever assembly operable to move
the clamp assembly between the clamped position and the unclamped
position.
13. The scope mount assembly of claim 12, wherein the clamp
assembly and the lever assembly are in mechanical communication by
way of a cam-type mechanism, wherein the lever assembly moves the
clamp assembly between the clamped position and the unclamped
position as the lever assembly moves between a locked position and
an unlocked position respectively.
14. The scope mount assembly of claim 12, wherein the clamp
assembly further comprises: a fixed clamp associated with the base
member; and a moveable clamp operable to move relative to the fixed
clamp between the clamped position and the unclamped position.
15. The scope mount assembly of claim 14, wherein the lever
assembly further comprises: a lever disposed on an opposite side of
the base member from the moveable clamp; and at least one coupling
rod that couples the lever and the moveable clamp, wherein movement
of the lever moves the moveable clamp.
16. The scope mount assembly of claim 15, wherein the lever is
operable to be manipulated by a user, and wherein the lever is
sized and shaped to nest adjacent to the scope when in the locked
position so as to prevent the user from unintentionally moving the
lever to the unlocked position.
17. The scope mount assembly of claim 15, wherein a clamping force
of the clamp assembly is adjusted by increasing or decreasing a
distance between the fixed clamp and the moveable clamp along the
at least one coupling rod.
18. The scope mount assembly of claim 15, wherein the at least one
coupling rod is configured to at least partially protrude between
at least two mounting projections on the rail assembly of the
firearm.
19. The scope mount assembly of claim 11, wherein the attachment
mechanism comprises a silhouette that corresponds to a profile of
the rail assembly of the firearm.
20. A method for removeably attaching a scope to a firearm, the
firearm comprising a rail assembly, the method comprising: clamping
the scope mount assembly onto the rail assembly of the firearm;
attaching the scope to the scope assembly; and attaching at least
one scope mount rail assembly to the scope mount assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The disclosure claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
provisional application No. 61/788,431, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The disclosure
also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional
application No. 61/818,183, filed May 1, 2013, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosure generally relates to a firearm and more
particularly relates to systems and methods for a scope mount
assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Firearms typically include a rail assembly, such as a
picatinny rail, for the attachment of accessories. One such
accessory is a scope. Scopes provide a user with a magnified field
of view that facilitates more accurate shot placement. Typically,
scope mount assemblies are used to attach the scope to the firearm.
Many scope mount assemblies, however, utilize a substantial amount
of the rail assembly of the firearm and/or the scope may interfere
with the use of certain portions of the rail assembly of the
firearm.
SUMMARY
[0004] Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be
addressed by certain embodiments of the scope mount assembly for
removeably attaching a scope to a firearm disclosed herein.
According to an embodiment, the firearm may include a rail
assembly. The scope mount assembly may include a base member and at
least one ring extending from the base member. The at least one
ring may be configured to secure at least a portion of the scope
therein. Moreover, the scope mount assembly may include at least
one scope mount rail assembly extending from the ring.
[0005] Other features and aspects of the scope mount assembly will
be apparent or will become apparent to one with skill in the art
upon examination of the following figures and the detailed
description. All other features and aspects, as well as other
system, method, and assembly embodiments, are intended to be
included within the description and are intended to be within the
scope of the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may
indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may
utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in
the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be
present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the
figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this
disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural
terminology may be used interchangeably.
[0007] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a scope
mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a side view of a scope mount
assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a front view of a scope mount
assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a partially exploded front view
of a scope mount assembly in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a partially exploded side view
of a scope mount assembly in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a front view of a scope mount
assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative method
for attaching a scope mount assembly to a firearm in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 8 schematically depicts a perspective view of a scope
mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 9 schematically depicts a side view of a scope mount
assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 10 schematically depicts a back view of a scope mount
assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 11 schematically depicts a partially exploded
perspective view of a scope mount assembly in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 12 schematically depicts a partially exploded back view
of a scope mount assembly in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 13 schematically depicts a bottom view of a portion of
a scope mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 14 schematically depicts a top view of a portion of a
scope mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 15 schematically depicts a side view of a portion of a
scope mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 16 schematically depicts a perspective view of a
portion of a scope mount assembly in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 17 schematically depicts a perspective view of a scope
mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 18 schematically depicts a perspective view of a scope
mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 19 schematically depicts a perspective view of a
retractable bubble assembly in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 20 schematically depicts a rear view of a retractable
bubble assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 21 schematically depicts side view of a retractable
bubble assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 22 schematically depicts a front view of a retractable
bubble assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 23 schematically depicts a perspective view of a scope
mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 24 schematically depicts a partially exploded
perspective view of a scope mount assembly in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 25 schematically depicts various perspective views of a
scope mount accessory in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 26 schematically depicts a perspective view of a scope
mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 27 schematically depicts a side view of a scope mount
assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 28 schematically depicts a side view of a portion of a
scope mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 29 schematically depicts a bottom view of a portion of
a scope mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 30 schematically depicts a rear view of a portion of a
scope mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview
[0037] Described below are embodiments of a scope mount assembly
(as well as individual components of the scope mount assembly) that
can be removeably attached to a firearm. Methods of installing and
using the scope mount assembly on the firearm are also disclosed.
The firearm may be a conventional firearm. For example, the firearm
may be an M-16 style rifle, an AR-15 style rifle, an AR-10 style
rifle, an M-4 style rifle, a hunting rifle, or a shotgun, among
others. The firearm may include a rail assembly, such as a
picatinny rail or the like. The scope mount assembly may be
configured to provide a scope mount rail assembly. Moreover, the
scope mount assembly may be configured to prevent unintentional
and/or unwanted detachment of the scope mount assembly from the
firearm.
[0038] According to an embodiment, the scope mount assembly may
include a base member and at least one ring extending from the base
member. The at least one ring may be configured to secure at least
a portion of the scope therein. Moreover, the scope mount assembly
may include at least one scope mount rail assembly extending from
the ring.
[0039] In certain embodiments, the base member may include a front
portion and a rear portion. Moreover, the base member may include
an attachment mechanism configured to removeably attach the base
member to the rail assembly of the firearm. For example, the
attachment mechanism may comprise a clamp assembly and a lever
assembly. The clamp assembly may include a clamped position and an
unclamped position, and the lever assembly may be operable to move
the clamp assembly between the clamped position and the unclamped
position. For example, the clamp assembly and the lever assembly
may be in mechanical communication by way of a cam-type mechanism
or the like. In this manner, the lever assembly may move the clamp
assembly between the clamped position and the unclamped position as
the lever assembly moves between a locked position and an unlocked
position, respectively.
[0040] In some instances, the clamp assembly may include a fixed
clamp and a moveable clamp. The fixed clamp may be associated with
the base member. That is, the fixed clamp may be affixed to the
base member. The moveable clamp may be operable to move relative to
the fixed clamp between the clamped position and the unclamped
position. In other instances, the lever assembly may include a
lever disposed on an opposite side of the base member from the
moveable clamp. In certain embodiments, at least one coupling rod
may couple the lever and the moveable clamp. In this manner,
movement of the lever may move the moveable clamp. For example, the
lever may be operable to be manipulated by a user. In some aspects,
a clamping force of the clamp assembly may be adjusted by
increasing or decreasing a distance between the fixed clamp and the
moveable clamp along the at least one coupling rod. In other
aspects, the at least one coupling rod may be configured to at
least partially protrude between at least two mounting projections
on the rail assembly of the firearm when attached thereto. In
certain embodiments, a silhouette of the clamp assembly may
correspond to a profile of the rail assembly of the firearm.
[0041] According to an embodiment, the lever may be sized and
shaped to nest adjacent to the scope when in the locked position.
In this manner, the lever may be configured to prevent the user
from unintentionally moving the lever to the unlocked position. For
example, the lever may be manipulated down and away from the scope
to the unlocked position. Conversely, the lever may be manipulated
upward towards the scope to the locked position.
[0042] In certain embodiments, the scope mount assembly may include
a front ring and/or a rear ring. The front ring may extend from the
front portion of the base member, and the rear ring may extend from
the rear portion of the base member. The front ring and the rear
ring may be configured to individually and/or collectively secure
at least a portion of the scope therein. In some instances, the
scope mount assembly may include only a single ring.
[0043] The scope mount assembly may include at least one scope
mount rail assembly extending from the front ring and/or the rear
ring. In some instances, the at least one scope mount rail assembly
may comprise a top rail assembly (affixed or removable) extending
from a top portion of the front ring and/or the rear ring. In other
instances, the at least one scope mount rail assembly may comprise
a removable first side rail assembly extending from a first side of
the front ring and/or the rear ring. In yet other instances, the at
least one scope mount rail assembly may comprise a removable second
side rail assembly extending from a second side of the front ring
and/or the rear ring.
[0044] In certain embodiments, the removable first side rail
assembly and/or the removable second side rail assembly may
comprise a dovetail. Moreover, the first side of the front ring
and/or the rear ring and/or the second side of the front ring
and/or the rear ring may include a corresponding dovetail channel.
That is, in one example, the first side of the front ring may
include a corresponding dovetail channel to the dovetail of the
first side rail assembly, and the second side of the front ring may
include a corresponding dovetail channel to the dovetail of the
second side rail assembly. In certain embodiments, the front ring
and/or the rear ring may include one or more attachment/positioning
devices for attaching and/or positioning the scope mount rail
assembly thereon. Further, the scope mount rail assembly may
include an attachment adapter that corresponds to the
attachment/positioning devices. Other attachment configurations may
be used to attach the rail assemblies to the scope mount
assembly.
[0045] In some instances, the front ring may comprise a top half
and a bottom half. In this manner, the top half and the bottom half
of the front ring may be configured to be fastened together and/or
disassembled. Similarly, the rear ring may comprise a top half and
a bottom half. In this manner, the top half and the bottom half of
the rear ring may be configured to be fastened together and/or
disassembled. This configuration may facilitate the installation of
the scope to the scope mount assembly.
[0046] These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be
described in more detail through reference to the accompanying
drawings in the detailed description of the disclosure that
follows. This brief introduction, including section titles and
corresponding summaries, is provided for the reader's convenience
and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims or the
proceeding sections. Furthermore, the techniques described above
and below may be implemented in a number of ways and in a number of
contexts. Several example implementations and contexts are provided
with reference to the following figures, as described below in more
detail. However, the following implementations and contexts are but
a few of many.
ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0047] FIGS. 1-6 schematically depict a scope mount assembly 100
(as well as individual components of the scope mount assembly 100)
that can be attached to a firearm in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure. The firearm may be a conventional
and/or a tactical firearm. By way of example, the firearm may be
any number of firearms, such as, but not limited to, an M-16 style
rifle, an AR-15 style rifle, an AR-10 style rifle, or an M-4 style
rifle, a hunting rifle, a shotgun, or the like. Moreover, the
firearm may be a handgun or the like. The firearm may include a
rail assembly, such as a picatinny rail or the like.
[0048] In certain embodiments, the scope mount assembly 100 may
include a base member 102. The base member 102 may include a front
portion 104 and a rear portion 106. In some instances, the base
member 102 may be generally rectangular in shape. Moreover, the
base member 102 may include an attachment mechanism 108. The
attachment mechanism 108 may be configured to removeably attach the
base member 102 to the rail assembly of the firearm. That is, in
some instances, the attachment mechanism 108 may be configured to
be attached to a picatinny rail or the like. For example, the
attachment mechanism 108 may comprise a clamp assembly 110 and a
lever assembly 112. The clamp assembly 110 may include a clamped
position (as depicted in FIG. 3) and an unclamped position (as
depicted in FIG. 6). The lever assembly 112 may be operable to move
the clamp assembly 110 between the clamped position and the
unclamped position. For example, the clamp assembly 110 and the
lever assembly 112 may be in mechanical communication by way of a
cam-type mechanism 114 or the like. In this manner, the lever
assembly 112 may move the clamp assembly 110 between the clamped
position and the unclamped position as the lever assembly 112 moves
between a locked position (as depicted in FIG. 3) and an unlocked
position (as depicted in FIG. 6), respectively.
[0049] In some instances, the clamp assembly 110 may include a
fixed clamp 116 and a moveable clamp 118. The fixed clamp 116 may
be associated with the base member 108. That is, the fixed clamp
116 may be affixed to the base member 108. The fixed clamp 116 and
the base member 108 may be separate components or integral. The
moveable clamp 118 may be operable to move relative to the fixed
clamp 116 between the clamped position and the unclamped position.
In other instances, the lever assembly 112 may include a lever 120
disposed on an opposite side of the base member 102 from the
moveable clamp 118. In certain embodiments, at least one coupling
rod 122 may couple the lever 120 and the moveable clamp 118. In
this manner, movement of the lever 120 may move the moveable clamp
118. For example, the lever 120 may be operable to be manipulated
by a user. That is, the user may move the lever 120 up and down. In
this manner, movement of the lever 120 by the user may move the
clamp assembly 110 between the clamped position and the unclamped
position.
[0050] In some aspects, a clamping force of the clamp assembly 110
may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing a distance between the
fixed clamp 116 and the moveable clamp 118 along the at least one
coupling rod 122. For example, one or more lugs 124 may be
tightened or loosened to increase or decrease a clamping force of
the clamping assembly 110. In other aspects, the at least one
coupling rod 122 may be configured to at least partially protrude
between at least two mounting projections on the rail assembly of
the firearm when attached thereto. In this manner, the at least one
coupling rod 122 may prevent the base member 102 from sliding along
the rail assembly of the firearm when attached thereto. In certain
embodiments, a silhouette of the clamp assembly 110 may correspond
to a profile of the rail assembly of the firearm. That is, the
silhouette of the clamp assembly 110 may be configured to mate with
the profile of the rail assembly of the firearm.
[0051] According to an embodiment, the lever 120 may be sized and
shaped to nest adjacent to the scope when in the locked position.
In this manner, the lever 120 may be configured to prevent the user
from unintentionally moving the lever 120 to the unlocked position.
For example, the lever 120 may be manipulated down and away from
the scope to the unlocked position. Conversely, the lever 120 may
be manipulated upward towards the scope to the locked position.
When in the locked position, at least a portion of the lever 120
may nest adjacent to the scope secured within the scope mount
assembly 100.
[0052] In certain embodiments, the scope mount assembly 100 may
include a front ring 126 and a rear ring 128. The front ring 126
may extend from the front portion 104 of the base member 102, and
the rear ring 128 may extend from the rear portion 106 of the base
member 102. The front ring 126 and the rear ring 128 may be
configured to individually and/or collectively secure at least a
portion of the scope therein. In some instances, the base member
102, the front ring 126, and/or the rear ring 128 may be separate
components. In other instances, the base member 102, the front ring
126, and/or the rear ring 128 (or portions thereof) may be a single
machined piece of metal or the like.
[0053] The scope mount assembly 100 may include at least one scope
mount rail assembly 130 extending from the front ring 126. The
scope mount rail 130 may extend from the front ring 126 in an
orientation that is generally away from the rear ring 128. That is,
the scope mount rail 130 may extend towards a muzzle end of the
firearm when attached thereto. In some instances, the at least one
scope mount rail assembly 130 may comprise a top rail assembly 132
extending from a top portion 134 (e.g., a 12:00 o'clock position)
of the front ring 126. In some aspects, the top rail assembly 132
may be permanently attached to the top portion 134 of the front
ring 126. That is, the top rail assembly 132 and the top portion
134 of the front ring 126 may be a single integral piece. In other
instances, the at least one scope mount rail assembly 130 may
comprise a removable first side rail assembly 136 extending from a
first side 138 (e.g., a 3:00/6:00 o'clock position) of the front
ring 126. Similarly, the at least one scope mount rail assembly 130
may comprise a removable second side rail assembly 140 extending
from a second side 142 (e.g., a 3:00/6:00 o'clock position) of the
front ring 126. The at least one scope mount rail assembly 130 may
comprise a picatinny rail or the like.
[0054] In certain embodiments, the removable first side rail
assembly 136 and/or the removable second side rail assembly 140 may
comprise a dovetail 144. Moreover, the first side 138 of the front
ring 126 and/or the second side 142 of the front ring 126 may
include a corresponding dovetail channel 146. That is, the first
side 138 of the front ring 126 may include a corresponding dovetail
channel 146 to the dovetail 144 of the first side rail assembly
136, and the second side 142 of the front ring 126 may include a
corresponding dovetail channel 146 to the dovetail 144 of the
second side rail assembly 140. In certain aspects, the dovetail 144
of the removable first side rail assembly 136 may be slid into the
dovetail channel 146 of the first side 138 of the front ring 126.
Moreover, the removable first side rail assembly 136 may be secured
to the first side 138 of the front ring 126 by way of a cap screw
148 or the like, although any securing mechanism may be used. For
example, the removable first side rail assembly 136 and the first
side 138 of the front ring 126 may include corresponding bores 150
configured to receive the cap screw 148 therein. Similarly, the
dovetail 144 of the removable second side rail assembly 140 may be
slid into the dovetail channel 146 of the second side 142 of the
front ring 126. Moreover, the removable second side rail assembly
140 may be secured to the second side 142 of the front ring 126 by
way of the cap screw 148 or the like, although any securing
mechanism may be used. For example, the removable second side rail
assembly 140 and the second side 142 of the front ring 126 may
include corresponding bores 150 configured to receive the cap screw
148 therein.
[0055] In some instances, the front ring 126 may comprise a top
half 152 and a bottom half 154. In this manner, the top half 152
and the bottom half 154 of the front ring 126 may be configured to
be fastened together and/or disassembled. For example, the top half
152 and the bottom half 154 of the front ring 126 may include
corresponding bores 156 that are configured to receive a cap screw
158 therein for securing the top half 152 and the bottom half 154
of the front ring 126 together. Similarly, the rear ring 128 may
comprise a top half 160 and a bottom half 162. In this manner, the
top half 160 and the bottom half 162 of the rear ring 128 may be
configured to be fastened together and/or disassembled. For
example, the top half 160 and the bottom half 162 of the rear ring
128 may include corresponding bores 156 that are configured to
receive the cap screw 158 therein for securing the top half 160 and
the bottom half 162 of the rear ring 128 together. The
configuration of the front ring 126 and the rear ring 128 may
facilitate the installation of the scope to the scope mount
assembly 100. In some instances, the bottom half 154 of the front
ring 126 and/or the bottom half 162 of the rear ring 128 may be a
single machined piece of metal or the like.
[0056] FIGS. 8-22 schematically depict a scope mount assembly 200
(as well as individual components of the scope mount assembly 200)
that can be attached to a firearm in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure. In certain embodiments, the scope
mount assembly 200 may include a base member 202. The base member
202 may include a front portion 204 and a rear portion 206. In some
instances, the base member 202 may be generally rectangular in
shape. Moreover, the base member 202 may include an attachment
mechanism 208. The attachment mechanism 208 may be configured to
removeably attach the base member 202 to the rail assembly of the
firearm. That is, in some instances, the attachment mechanism 208
may be configured to be attached to a picatinny rail or the like.
For example, the attachment mechanism 208 may comprise a clamp
assembly 210 and a lever assembly 212. The clamp assembly 210 may
include a clamped position and an unclamped position similar to
those described with reference to FIGS. 1-6. The lever assembly 212
may be operable to move the clamp assembly 210 between the clamped
position and the unclamped position. For example, the clamp
assembly 210 and the lever assembly 212 may be in mechanical
communication by way of a cam-type mechanism 214 or the like. In
this manner, the lever assembly 212 may move the clamp assembly 210
between the clamped position and the unclamped position as the
lever assembly 212 moves between a locked position and an unlocked
position, respectively.
[0057] In some instances, the clamp assembly 210 may include a
fixed clamp 216 and a moveable clamp 218. The fixed clamp 216 may
be associated with the base member 208. That is, the fixed clamp
216 may be affixed to the base member 208. The fixed clamp 216 and
the base member 208 may be separate components or integral. The
moveable clamp 218 may be operable to move relative to the fixed
clamp 216 between the clamped position and the unclamped position.
In other instances, the lever assembly 212 may include a lever 220
disposed on an opposite side of the base member 202 from the
moveable clamp 218. In certain embodiments, at least one coupling
rod 222 may couple the lever 220 and the moveable clamp 218. In
this manner, movement of the lever 220 may move the moveable clamp
218. For example, the lever 220 may be operable to be manipulated
by a user. That is, the user may move the lever 220 up and down. In
this manner, movement of the lever 220 by the user may move the
clamp assembly 210 between the clamped position and the unclamped
position.
[0058] In some aspects, a clamping force of the clamp assembly 210
may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing a distance between the
fixed clamp 216 and the moveable clamp 218 along the at least one
coupling rod 222. For example, one or more lugs 224 may be
tightened or loosened to increase or decrease a clamping force of
the clamping assembly 210. In other aspects, the at least one
coupling rod 222 may be configured to at least partially protrude
between at least two mounting projections on the rail assembly of
the firearm when attached thereto. In this manner, the at least one
coupling rod 222 may prevent the base member 202 from sliding along
the rail assembly of the firearm when attached thereto. In certain
embodiments, a silhouette of the clamp assembly 210 may correspond
to a profile of the rail assembly of the firearm. That is, the
silhouette of the clamp assembly 210 may be configured to mate with
the profile of the rail assembly of the firearm.
[0059] According to an embodiment, the lever 220 may be sized and
shaped to nest adjacent to the scope when in the locked position.
In this manner, the lever 220 may be configured to prevent the user
from unintentionally moving the lever 220 to the unlocked position.
For example, the lever 220 may be manipulated down and away from
the scope to the unlocked position. Conversely, the lever 220 may
be manipulated upward towards the scope to the locked position.
When in the locked position, at least a portion of the lever 220
may nest adjacent to the scope secured within the scope mount
assembly 200.
[0060] In certain embodiments, the scope mount assembly 200 may
include a front ring 226 and a rear ring 228. The front ring 226
may extend from the front portion 204 of the base member 202, and
the rear ring 228 may extend from the rear portion 206 of the base
member 202. The front ring 226 and the rear ring 228 may be
configured to individually and/or collectively secure at least a
portion of the scope therein. In some instances, the base member
202, the front ring 226, and/or the rear ring 228 may be separate
components. In other instances, the base member 202, the front ring
226, and/or the rear ring 228 (or portions thereof) may be a single
machined piece of metal or the like.
[0061] The scope mount assembly 200 may include at least one scope
mount rail assembly 230 extending from the front ring 226 and/or
the rear ring 228. In some instances, a plurality of scope mount
rail assemblies 230 may extend from the front ring 226 and/or the
rear ring 228. The at least one scope mount rail assembly 230 may
comprise a picatinny rail or the like. The scope mount rail
assembly 230 may extend from the front ring 226 in an orientation
that is generally away from the rear ring 228. Likewise, the scope
mount rail assembly 230 may extend from the rear ring 228 in an
orientation that is generally away from the front ring 226.
However, the scope mount rail assembly 230 may extend in any
orientation.
[0062] The front ring 226 and/or the rear ring 228 may include one
or more attachment/positioning devices 232 for attaching and/or
positioning the scope mount rail assembly 230 thereon. For example,
the attachment/positioning devices 232 may comprise an array of
bores 234 or the like positioned about the periphery of the front
ring 226 and/or the rear ring 228. The attachment/positioning
devices 232 may be located about the front ring 226 and/or the rear
ring 228 in discrete locations so as to enable the proper
positioning and/or alignment of the scope mount rail assembly 230
to the front ring 226 and/or the rear ring 228. For instances, in
certain embodiments, the attachment/positioning devices 232 may be
disposed about the front ring 226 and/or the rear ring 228 at 0,
45, 90, 135, and/or 180 degree positions. The
attachment/positioning devices 232 may be positioned at any
location and at any degree or distance from one another. In some
instances, the attachment/positioning devices 232 may be
omitted.
[0063] The scope mount rail assembly 230 may include an attachment
adapter 236 that corresponds to the attachment/positioning devices
232. In this manner, the scope mount rail assembly 230 may be
attached to the front ring 226 and/or the rear ring 228 by coupling
the attachment adapter 236 to the attachment/positioning devices
232. In some instances, the attachment adapter 236 may comprise a
channel 238 formed between two parallel rims 240. The rims 240 may
include one or more bores 242 extending therethrough. In this
manner, the attachment adapter 236 and the attachment/positioning
devices 232 may be coupled together such that one or more of the
bores 234 of the attachment/positioning devices 232 and one or more
of the bores 242 of the attachment adapter 236 align. A screw 244
or the like may be threaded through the aligned bores to secure the
scope mount rail assembly 230 to the front ring 226 and/or the rear
ring 228.
[0064] In certain embodiments, the channel 238 and/or rims 240 of
the attachment adapter 236 may include an arcuate shape that
corresponds to the curvature of the front ring 226 and/or the rear
ring 228 so as to facilitate attachment thereto. In some instances,
the channel 238 may include one or more crushable steps 246.
[0065] In some instances, the front ring 226 may comprise a top
half 252 and a bottom half 254. In this manner, the top half 252
and the bottom half 254 of the front ring 226 may be configured to
be fastened together and/or disassembled. Similarly, the rear ring
228 may comprise a top half 260 and a bottom half 262. In this
manner, the top half 260 and the bottom half 262 of the rear ring
228 may be configured to be fastened together and/or disassembled.
The configuration of the front ring 226 and the rear ring 228 may
facilitate the installation of the scope to the scope mount
assembly 200. In some instances, the bottom half 254 of the front
ring 226 and/or the bottom half 262 of the rear ring 228 may be a
single machined piece of metal or the like.
[0066] In other embodiments, the scope mount assembly 200 may
include an adaptable slot 248 configured to at least partially
receive a retractable bubble level 264 or the like. In some
instances, as depicted in FIG. 18, the retractable bubble level 264
may be at least partially housed within the adaptable slot 248. In
other instances, as depicted in FIG. 17, the retractable bubble
level 264 may extend from the adaptable slot 248. For example, the
retractable bubble level 264 may include a threaded portion 266.
The threaded portion 266 may be configured to be threaded into the
adaptable slot 248. In this manner, the adaptable slot 248 may
include corresponding internal threads. A bubble lever portion 268
may extend from the threaded portion 266 in a first direction. The
bubble lever portion 268 may include a bubble level or the like for
leveling the scope mount assembly 200. The bubble lever portion 268
may have a smaller outer diameter than the threaded portion 266. A
knob 270 may extend from the threaded portion 266 in a second
direction that is opposite the first direction. In some instances,
the knob 270 may be configured to cooperate with a tool or the like
to thread the threaded portion 266 into and out of the adaptable
slot 248. In other instances, the knob 270 may be configured to be
grasped by a user.
[0067] In certain embodiments, the bubble lever portion 268 may be
at least partially housed within the adaptable slot 248. The bubble
lever portion 268 may be housed within the adaptable slot 248
during storage, transportation, and/or after the scope mount
assembly 200 has been leveled (i.e., calibrated). For example, the
bubble lever portion 268 may be positioned within the adaptable
slot 248, and the knob 270 may be turned to thread the bubble lever
portion 268 further into the adaptable slot 248. In other
embodiments, the knob 270 may be at least partially housed within
the adaptable slot 248. When the knob 270 is housed within the
adaptable slot 248, the bubble lever portion 268 may extend from
the adaptable slot 248. In such instances, the bubble level
associated with the bubble lever portion 268 may be utilized by a
user to level (i.e., calibrated) the scope mount assembly 200. In
this manner, the retractable bubble level 264 may be carried with
the scope mount housing 200.
[0068] FIGS. 23 and 24 schematically depict a scope mount assembly
300 (as well as individual components of the scope mount assembly
300) that can be attached to a firearm in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the disclosure. The scope mount assembly 300
may include a scope mount ring 302. The scope mount ring 302 may be
configured to secure at least a portion of the scope therein.
[0069] The scope mount ring 302 may include at least one scope
mount rail assembly, like those described above with reference to
FIGS. 13-16, extending from the scope mount ring 302. In some
instances, a plurality of scope mount rail assemblies may extend
from the scope mount ring 302.
[0070] The scope mount ring 302 may include one or more
attachment/positioning devices 304 for attaching and/or positioning
the scope mount rail assembly thereon. For example, the
attachment/positioning devices 304 may comprise an array of bores
306 or the like positioned about the periphery of the scope mount
ring 302. The attachment/positioning devices 304 may be located
about the scope mount ring 302 in discrete locations so as to
enable the proper positioning and/or alignment of the scope mount
rail assembly to the scope mount ring 302. For instances, in
certain embodiments, the attachment/positioning devices 304 may be
disposed about the scope mount ring 302 at 0, 45, 90, 135, and/or
180 degree positions. The attachment/positioning devices 304 may be
positioned at any location and at any degree or distance from one
another. In some instances, the attachment/positioning devices 304
may be omitted.
[0071] In some instances, the scope mount ring 302 may comprise a
top half 306 and a bottom half 308. In this manner, the top half
306 and the bottom half 308 of the scope mount ring 302 may be
configured to be fastened together and/or disassembled.
[0072] In certain embodiments, the scope mount ring 302 may include
an attachment mechanism 310. The attachment mechanism 310 may be
configured to removeably attach the scope mount ring 302 to the
rail assembly of the firearm. That is, in some instances, the
attachment mechanism 310 may be configured to be attached to a
picatinny rail or the like. For example, the attachment mechanism
310 may comprise a clamp assembly 312. In some instances, the clamp
assembly 312 may include a fixed clamp 314 and a moveable clamp
316. The moveable clamp 316 may be operable to move relative to the
fixed clamp 314 between a clamped position and an unclamped
position. In certain embodiments, at least one coupling rod 318 may
couple the fixed clamp 314 and the moveable clamp 316. In this
manner, adjustment of the coupling rod 318 may move the moveable
clamp 316. For example, the coupling rod 318 may be operable to be
manipulated by a user or a tool. That is, the user may twist the
coupling rod 318. In this manner, movement of the coupling rod 318
by the user may move the clamp assembly 312 between the clamped
position and the unclamped position. For example, one or more lugs
320 may be tightened or loosened in conjunction with the at least
one coupling rod 318 to increase or decrease a clamping force of
the clamping assembly 312. In some aspects, the at least one
coupling rod 318 may be configured to at least partially protrude
between at least two mounting projections on the rail assembly of
the firearm when attached thereto. In this manner, the at least one
coupling rod 318 may prevent the scope mount ring 302 from sliding
along the rail assembly of the firearm when attached thereto. In
certain embodiments, a silhouette of the clamp assembly 312 may
correspond to a profile of the rail assembly of the firearm. That
is, the silhouette of the clamp assembly 312 may be configured to
mate with the profile of the rail assembly of the firearm.
[0073] FIG. 25 schematically depicts various perspective views of
an example scope mount accessory 500 that may be attached to the
scope mount assembly 200. For example, the scope mount accessory
500 may comprise a device for attaching a personal digital
assistant or the like to the scope mount assembly 200. In some
instances, the scope mount accessory 500 may include an attachment
adapter 502 that corresponds to the attachment/positioning devices
232. In this manner, the scope mount accessory 500 may be attached
to the front ring 226 and/or the rear ring 228 by coupling the
attachment adapter 502 to the attachment/positioning devices 232.
In some instances, the attachment adapter 502 may comprise a
channel 504 formed between two parallel rims 506. The channel 504
may be configured to be positioned about the front ring 226 and/or
the rear ring 228. That is, the channel 504 may receive at least a
portion of the front ring 226 and/or the rear ring 228. The rims
506 may include one or more bores 508 extending therethrough. In
this manner, the attachment adapter 502 and the
attachment/positioning devices 232 may be coupled together such
that one or more of the bores 234 of the attachment/positioning
devices 232 and one or more of the bores 508 of the attachment
adapter 502 align. A screw or the like may be threaded through the
aligned bores to secure the scope mount accessory 500 to the front
ring 226 and/or the rear ring 228.
[0074] In certain embodiments, the channel 504 and/or rims 506 of
the attachment adapter 502 may include an arcuate shape that
corresponds to the curvature of the front ring 226 and/or the rear
ring 228 so as to facilitate attachment thereto. In some instances,
the channel 238 may include one or more crushable steps 510. The
scope mount accessory 500 may include a protrusion 512 extending
from the attachment adapter 502. The protrusion 512 may be
configured to be attached to one or more accessories, such as a
personal digital assistant.
[0075] FIGS. 26-30 schematically depict a scope mount rail assembly
400 as may be used herein. The scope mount rail assembly 400 is a
more robust rail assembly than those previously discussed. For
example, the scope mount rail assembly 400 may be attached directly
to a scope mount assembly in the same plane as the scope mount
assembly and the scope. The scope mount rail assembly 400 may
reduce the shock of recoil on peripheral devices and also may be
able to hold larger/heavier devices than the smaller scope mount
rail assemblies previously discussed.
[0076] In some instances, the scope mount rail assembly 400 may be
attached to the scope mount assembly 200. For example, the scope
mount rail assembly 400 may extend from the front ring 226 and/or
the rear ring 228. The scope mount rail assembly 400 may comprise a
picatinny rail or the like about its top surface. The scope mount
rail assembly 400 may extend from the front ring 226 in an
orientation that is generally away from the rear ring 228.
Likewise, the scope mount rail assembly 400 may extend from the
rear ring 228 in an orientation that is generally away from the
front ring 226. However, the scope mount rail assembly 400 may
extend in any orientation. In some instances, when attached to the
scope mount assembly 200, the scope mount rail assembly 400 may be
at least partially positioned around a scope housed within the
scope mount assembly 200.
[0077] The scope mount rail assembly 400 may include an attachment
adapter 402 that corresponds to the attachment/positioning devices
232. In this manner, the scope mount rail assembly 400 may be
attached to the front ring 226 and/or the rear ring 228 by coupling
the attachment adapter 402 to the attachment/positioning devices
232. In some instances, the attachment adapter 402 may comprise a
channel 404 formed between two parallel rims 406. The channel 404
may be configured to be positioned about the front ring 226 and/or
the rear ring 228. That is, the channel 404 may receive at least a
portion of the front ring 226 and/or the rear ring 228. The rims
406 may include one or more bores 408 extending therethrough. In
this manner, the attachment adapter 402 and the
attachment/positioning devices 232 may be coupled together such
that one or more of the bores 234 of the attachment/positioning
devices 232 and one or more of the bores 408 of the attachment
adapter 402 align. A screw 410 or the like may be threaded through
the aligned bores to secure the scope mount rail assembly 400 to
the front ring 226 and/or the rear ring 228. In certain
embodiments, the channel 404 and/or rims 406 of the attachment
adapter 402 may include an arcuate shape that corresponds to the
curvature of the front ring 226 and/or the rear ring 228 so as to
facilitate attachment thereto.
[0078] Certain aspects of the various embodiments of FIGS. 1-30 may
be omitted and/or combined with other aspects described herein. For
example, any of the features or structures described with reference
to the embodiment described in FIGS. 1-6 may be incorporated into
the embodiment described in FIGS. 8-30 and vice versa. That is, any
of the components of the various embodiments may be interchangeable
between the various embodiments.
Illustrative Methods
[0079] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative method
700 for removeably attaching a scope to a firearm in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 7 is described
with reference to FIGS. 1-6. However, FIG. 7 could equally be
described with reference to FIGS. 8-30 or a combination of FIGS.
1-6 and 8-30.
[0080] At block 702 of method 700, the scope mount assembly 100 may
be clamped onto the rail assembly of the firearm. For example, the
base member 102 of the scope mount assembly 100 may include an
attachment mechanism 108, such as a clamp assembly 110 and a lever
assembly 112. The attachment mechanism 108 may be configured to
removeably attach the base member 102 to the rail assembly (e.g., a
picatinny rail) of the firearm. The lever assembly 112 may be
operable to move the clamp assembly 110 between the clamped
position and the unclamped position. For example, the clamp
assembly 110 and the lever assembly 112 may be in mechanical
communication by way of a cam-type mechanism 114 or the like. In
certain embodiments, the user may move the lever 120 up and down.
For example, the lever 120 may be manipulated down and away from
the scope to the unlocked position. Conversely, the lever 120 may
be manipulated upward towards the scope to the locked position.
When in the locked position, at least a portion of the lever 120
may nest adjacent to the scope secured within the scope mount
assembly 100. This configured may prevent the user from
unintentionally moving the lever 120 to the unlocked position.
[0081] Upon clamping the scope mount assembly 100 to the rail
assembly of the firearm at block 702, the scope may be attached to
the scope mount assembly 100 at block 704. For example, the front
ring 126 and the rear ring 128 may be configured to individually
and/or collectively secure at least a portion of the scope therein.
In some instances, the top half 152 of the front ring 126 and/or
the top half 160 of the rear ring 128 may be removed to facilitate
attaching the scope to the front ring 126 and/or the rear ring
128.
[0082] At block 706 of method 700, the at least one scope mount
rail assembly 130 may be attached to the scope mount assembly 100.
For example, the scope mount rail 130 may extend from the front
ring 126 in an orientation that is generally away from the rear
ring 128. In some instances, the at least one scope mount rail
assembly 130 may comprise a top rail assembly 132 extending from a
top portion 134 (e.g., a 12:00 o'clock position) of the front ring
126. In other instances, the at least one scope mount rail assembly
130 may comprise a removable first side rail assembly 136 extending
from a first side 138 (e.g., a 3:00/6:00 o'clock position) of the
front ring 126. Moreover, the at least one scope mount rail
assembly 130 may comprise a removable second side rail assembly 140
extending from a second side 142 (e.g., a 3:00/6:00 o'clock
position) of the front ring 126. The at least one scope mount rail
assembly 130 may comprise a picatinny rail or the like. The scope
mount rail 130 assembly may be attached to the front ring 126 by
way of a dovetail assembly or the like. Moreover, the scope mount
rail 130 may be secured to the front ring 126 by way of the cap
screw 148 or the like, although any securing mechanism may be
used.
[0083] In certain embodiments, the scope may be attached to the
scope mount assembly 100, and the scope mount assembly then may be
attached to the rail assembly of the firearm. Moreover, the scope
mount rail 130 may be attached to the front ring 126 at any time.
That is, the steps described in blocks 702-706 of method 700 may be
performed in any order. Moreover, certain steps may be omitted,
while other steps may be added.
[0084] Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been
described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments
are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the
functionality described with respect to a particular device or
component may be performed by another device or component. Further,
while specific device characteristics have been described,
embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device
characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described
in language specific to structural features and/or methodological
acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily
limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the
specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of
implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among
others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically
stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as
used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments
could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain
features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language
is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or
steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
* * * * *