U.S. patent application number 14/713963 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-26 for firearm stock with storage.
The applicant listed for this patent is MULE TACTICAL, LLC. Invention is credited to Doug Buccheit, Gregory Bernard Landers, Brian David Priddy.
Application Number | 20150338187 14/713963 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54555802 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150338187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Priddy; Brian David ; et
al. |
November 26, 2015 |
FIREARM STOCK WITH STORAGE
Abstract
A firearm stock with an upper member and a lower member
pivotally connected to the upper member at a front portion of the
firearm stock, such that the lower member is rotatable between an
open position and a closed position, such that when the lower
member is in the closed position, the upper member and the lower
member collectively define an internal cavity of the firearm stock.
The firearm stock also including an attachment mechanism for
removably attaching a storage module in the form of a friction
holster or clamshell container, such that, when the lower member is
in the closed position, the storage module is contained within the
internal cavity of the firearm stock. The firearm stock also
including one or more storage tubes with front and rear plugs for
insertion into the storage tubes, and a removable nose cone that
includes one or more sling inserts.
Inventors: |
Priddy; Brian David; (Mt.
Washington, KY) ; Landers; Gregory Bernard; (Lyndon,
KY) ; Buccheit; Doug; (New Albany, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MULE TACTICAL, LLC |
MT WASHINGTON |
KY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54555802 |
Appl. No.: |
14/713963 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61993634 |
May 15, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/71.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/22 20060101
F41C023/22 |
Claims
1. A firearm stock, comprising: a front portion; an upper member;
and a lower member pivotally connected to the upper member at the
front portion of the firearm stock, such that the lower member is
rotatable between an open position and a closed position; wherein
when the lower member is in the closed position, the upper member
and the lower member collectively define an internal cavity of the
firearm stock.
2. The firearm stock of claim 1, further comprising: a first pivot
hole defined by the upper member at the front portion of the
firearm stock; a second pivot hole defines by the lower member at
the front portion of the firearm stock; and a pin; wherein the
first pivot hole is placed in registry with the second pivot hole
and the pin is accommodated within the first and second pivot holes
to facilitate pivotal movement of the lower member relative to the
upper member about a longitudinal axis of the pin.
3. The firearm stock of claim 1, further comprising one or more
hinge springs operably connected to the upper member and the lower
member, such that the one or more hinge springs bias the lower
member to the open position.
4. The firearm stock of claim 1, wherein the upper member further
defines one or more storage tubes, each storage tube having a first
opening facing towards the front portion of the firearm stock, and
a second opening facing opposite the first opening.
5. The firearm stock of claim 4, further comprising: one or more
front plugs, each front plug configured for insertion into the
first opening of one of the one or more storage tubes; and one or
more rear plugs, each rear plug configured for insertion into the
second opening of one of the one or more storage tubes.
6. The firearm stock of claim 5, wherein the upper member includes
a back surface opposite the front portion of the firearm stock, the
back surface defining a channel having a first end and second end
opposite the first end, each end of the channel positioned adjacent
to the second opening of one of the one or more storage tubes; and
wherein each of the one or more rear plugs comprises a retaining
strip housed within the channel, such that the retaining strip is
capable of sliding along the channel.
7. The firearm stock of claim 1, wherein the lower member further
comprises an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism
configured to removably attach a storage module to the firearm
stock such that when the lower member is in the closed position,
the storage module is contained within the internal cavity of the
firearm stock.
8. The firearm stock of claim 7, wherein the lower member includes
an interior surface; and wherein the attachment mechanism is a
sliding dovetail connector positioned on the interior surface of
the lower member and configured for sliding engagement with a
mating sliding dovetail connector positioned on the storage module,
such that the storage module is removably attached to the firearm
stock by a sliding dovetail joint.
9. The firearm stock of claim 1, wherein the upper member comprises
a first upper panel and a second upper panel extending
substantially parallel to the first upper panel and spaced a
predetermined distance from the first upper panel; and wherein the
lower member comprises a first lower panel and a second lower panel
extending substantially parallel to the first lower panel and
spaced the predetermined distance from the first lower panel, such
that when the lower member is in the closed position the first
upper panel of the upper member mates with the first lower panel of
the lower member to form a substantially continuous first sidewall
of the firearm stock and the second upper panel of the upper member
mates with the second lower panel of the lower member to form a
substantially continuous second sidewall of the firearm stock.
10. The firearm stock of claim 1, wherein the firearm stock further
comprises a removable nose cone attached to the upper member at the
front portion of the firearm stock; and wherein the removable nose
cone includes one or more sling inserts.
11. The firearm stock of claim 10, further comprising a bumper
positioned between the upper member and the removable nose cone;
wherein when the lower member is in the open position, the lower
member contacts the bumper, such that the bumper prevents the lower
member from rotating beyond the open position.
12. A firearm stock, comprising: an upper member; a lower member
pivotally connected to the upper member, such that the lower member
is rotatable between an open position and a closed position where
the upper member and the lower member collectively define a first
sidewall, a second sidewall, and an internal cavity of the firearm
stock; a first button located on the first sidewall of the firearm
stock and movable between a nondepressed position and a depressed
position; and a second button located on the second sidewall of the
firearm stock and moveable between a nondepressed position and a
depressed position; wherein the lower member is maintained in the
closed position until both the first button and the second button
are concurrently moved to the depressed position.
13. The firearm stock of claim 12, further comprising: one or more
latching springs that bias the first button and the second button
in the nondepressed position.
14. The firearm stock of claim 13, wherein the upper member
includes a first interior surface and a second interior surface
opposite the first interior surface; and wherein the one or more
latching springs comprise a first leaf spring having an upper end
connected to the first interior surface of the upper member and a
lower end connected to the first button; and a second leaf spring
having an upper end connected to the second interior surface of the
upper member and a lower end connected to the second button.
15. The firearm stock of claim 13, wherein the one or more latching
springs comprise a compression spring spanning between the first
button and the second button.
16. The firearm stock of claim 12, wherein the first button
includes a first lateral flange; wherein the second button includes
a second lateral flange; wherein the lower member defines a first
locking hole configured to receive the first lateral flange of the
first button and a second locking hole configured to receive the
second lateral flange of the second button; wherein, when the lower
member is in the closed position and the first button is in the
nondepressed position, the first lateral flange of the first button
is positioned within the first locking hole of the lower member;
wherein, when the lower member is in the closed position and the
second button is in the nondepressed position, the second lateral
flange of the second button is positioned within the second locking
hole of the lower member; wherein, upon moving the first button to
the depressed position, the first lateral flange of the first
button is removed from the first locking hole; and wherein, upon
moving the second button to the depressed position, the second
lateral flange is removed from the second locking hole.
17. The firearm stock of claim 16, further comprising one or more
hinge springs operably connected to the upper member and the lower
member, such that the one or more hinge springs bias the lower
member to the open position when both (1) the first lateral flange
is removed from the first locking hole and (2) the second lateral
flange is removed from the second locking hole.
18. A firearm stock assembly, comprising: a firearm stock
including: an upper member, and a lower member pivotally connected
to the upper member, such that the lower member is rotatable
between an open position and a closed position where the upper
member and the lower member collectively define an internal cavity
of the firearm stock; and a storage module configured for insertion
into the internal cavity of the firearm stock such that when the
lower member is in the closed position, the storage module is
contained within the internal cavity of the firearm stock.
19. The firearm stock assembly of claim 18, wherein the storage
module is a friction holster for a sidearm.
20. The firearm stock assembly of claim 18, wherein the storage
module is a clamshell container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/993,634, filed May 15, 2014, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0004] Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0005] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to firearm
stocks. Specifically, presently disclosed subject matter relates to
firearm stocks which include an internal cavity.
BACKGROUND
[0006] Firearms are often made from a number of components that are
designed and configured for easy assembly and disassembly. This
allows the firearm to be disassembled quickly and easily for
storage, shipping, and cleaning. Furthermore, the removable
components can be exchanged with replacement components for high
levels of customization.
[0007] One such removably and replaceable component of a firearm is
the stock. Many replacement firearm stocks provide additional
beneficial features such as length adjustment, folding mechanism
for storage against the firearm, or storage compartments. The
volume of such storage compartments, however, is typically small
and oftentimes is difficult to access. Accordingly, the utility of
such storage compartments is fairly limited both in the size and
type of item which can be stored in the firearm stock.
[0008] Accordingly, a firearm stock that provides a large storage
volume that is quickly and easily accessible would be both highly
desirable and beneficial.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to firearm
stocks. Specifically, presently disclosed subject matter relates to
firearm stocks which include an internal cavity. According to one
embodiment of the invention, a firearm stock is comprised of a
front portion, an upper member and a lower member pivotally
connected to the upper member such that the lower member is
moveable between a closed position and an open position.
[0010] The upper member comprises a top portion with a first upper
panel and a second upper panel extending downward from the top
portion of the upper member substantially parallel to each other
and spaced a predetermined distance away from each other.
Furthermore, a back panel spans between the first upper panel and
the second upper panel at the end of the firearm stock opposite
from the front portion of the firearm stock.
[0011] The lower member comprises a first lower panel and a second
lower panel which extend substantially parallel to each other and
are spaced a predetermined distance away from each other, such that
when the lower member is in the closed position, the first upper
panel of the upper member mates with the first lower panel of the
lower member to form a substantially continuous first sidewall of
the firearm stock on the right side of the firearm stock, and, the
second upper panel of the upper member mates with the second lower
panel of the lower member to form a substantially continuous second
sidewall of the firearm stock on the left side of the firearm
stock. The lower member further includes a bottom panel that
extends between the first lower panel and the second lower panel,
such that when the lower member is in the closed position, the
bottom panel of the lower member mates with the back panel of the
upper member. Furthermore, the edges of the first and second upper
panels of the upper member include a lip and the edges of the first
and second lower panels of the lower member include a lip, such
that, when the lower member is in the closed position, the lips of
the upper member overlap with the lips of the lower member and the
internal cavity of the firearm stock is effectively sealed.
[0012] With regard to the movement of the lower member between the
closed position and the open position, the upper member defines one
or more first pivot holes, located at the front portion of the
firearm stock, and the lower member similarly defines one or more
second pivot hole located at the front portion of the firearm
stock. In operation, the first pivot holes of the upper member are
placed in registry with the second pivot holes of the lower member
and a hinge pin is accommodated within the first pivot holes as
well as the second pivot holes to facilitate pivotal movement of
the lower member relative to the upper member about a longitudinal
axis of the hinge pin. In particular, when the lower member moves
from the closed position to the open position, the lower member
rotates downward and forward relative to the upper member about the
longitudinal axis of the hinge pin.
[0013] The firearm stock further comprises one or more hinge
springs operably connected to the upper member and the lower
member, such that the one or more hinge springs bias the lower
member to the open position. In the exemplary firearm stock, the
one or more hinge springs are helical torsion springs with a first
end connected to the upper member and a second end connected to the
lower member, such that when the hinge spring decompresses the
hinge spring forces the lower member to rotate downward and forward
relative to the upper member.
[0014] In order to maintain the lower member in the closed
position, the exemplary firearm stock of the present invention
further comprises a two-sided latching system. Specifically, a
first button, a first leaf spring, and a first retainer are located
on the right side of the firearm stock; a second button, a second
leaf spring, and a second retainer are located on the left side of
the firearm stock; and a compression spring spans between the first
button and the second button, as further discussed below.
[0015] Each of the buttons are movable between a nondepressed
position and a depressed position such that the lower member is
maintained in the closed position until both the first button and
the second button are concurrently moved to the depressed position.
The buttons are comprised of a main body which is accessible from
the exterior of the firearm stock through a button hole defined in
the upper member. The buttons also include a leg extending downward
from the back of the main body which terminates in a lateral flange
with a lower sloped surface, as further discussed below. The
buttons further include a spring post extending outward from the
leg of the button, as further discussed below.
[0016] The leaf springs and retainers are connected to both the
button and the upper member such that when a force is applied to
the main body of each button from the exterior of the firearm
stock, the button moves to the depressed position (i.e., the button
moves away from the interior surface of the respective upper panel
of the upper member) flexing the leaf springs and the retainers.
Furthermore, when concurrently depressing both buttons, the
compression spring, which is connected to both the spring post of
the first button and the spring post of the second button, will
compress between the buttons. When the force is no longer applied
to the buttons, the leaf spring, the retainer, and the compression
spring return the buttons to the original nondepressed
position.
[0017] As previously mentioned, the lower member includes a bottom
panel that extends between the first lower panel and the second
lower panel. A first catch and a second catch extend upward from
the bottom panel of the lower member, and are configured to engage
the lateral flanges of the first and second buttons respectively.
Specifically, each catch defines a locking hole and includes a
sloped surface positioned immediately above the locking hole. The
locking hole of the first catch is configured to receive the
lateral flange of the first button and the locking hole of the
second catch is configure to receive the lateral flange of the
second button. Specifically, when the lower member is in the closed
position and the buttons are in the nondepressed position, the
lateral flange of each button is positioned within the locking hole
of the respective catch, and the lower member is therefore unable
to rotate downward relative to the upper member. When the button is
moved to the depressed position, however, the lateral flange of the
button is removed from the locking hole of the respective catch. As
such, in order to release the lower member from the closed position
and allow the lower member to rotate into the open position, a user
must concurrently depress both the first button and the second
button thus removing the lateral flanges of the first and second
buttons from the respective locking holes of the catches. The one
or more hinge springs then bias the lower member into the open
position by rotating the lower member away from the upper
member.
[0018] In order to further provide customization and added
functionality to the internal cavity of the firearm stock, the
firearm stock of the present invention further includes an
attachment mechanism configured to removably attach a storage
module to the lower member of the firearm stock, such that when the
lower member is in the closed position, the storage module is
contained within the internal cavity of the firearm stock. In
particular, the lower member further comprises a first set of
dovetail rails position on the interior surface of the first lower
panel and a second set of dovetail rails positioned on the interior
surface of the second lower panel such that each set of dovetail
rails act as a female dovetail connector.
[0019] The storage module includes a first dovetail panel on one
side of the storage module and a second dovetail panel on the other
side of the storage module such that each dovetail panel acts as a
male dovetail connector. The two sets of female dovetail connectors
of the lower member are configured for sliding engagement with the
two dovetail panels of the storage module such that the storage
module is removably attachable to the lower member of the firearm
stock on either side by a sliding dovetail joint. Specifically, by
positioning the storage module above the lower member such that the
first male dovetail panel is aligned with the first set of female
dovetail rails and the second male dovetail panel is aligned with
the second set of female dovetail rails, the storage module can be
slid downward relative to the lower member until fully inserted.
Similarly, the storage module can be removed by simply sliding the
storage module upward relative to the lower member until the first
male dovetail panel is free from the first set of female dovetail
rails and the second male dovetail panel is free from the second
set of female dovetail rails.
[0020] One exemplary storage module is provided in the form of a
friction holster which is capable of securing a sidearm, such as a
pistol, to the lower member of the firearm stock, such that when
the lower member of the firearm stock is in the closed position,
the sidearm is contained within the internal cavity of the firearm
stock. In particular, the friction holster includes a first side
panel and a second side panel which function as trigger guards when
the sidearm is holstered within the friction holster. Furthermore,
a series of nubs extend away from the interior surface of the first
and second side panels of the friction holster. The nubs are
particularly sized and positioned such that they engage the trigger
guard of the sidearm when the sidearm is holstered within the
friction holster securely retaining the sidearm within the friction
holster. Accordingly, it is contemplated that depending on the
exact model of sidearm intended to be contained within the internal
cavity of the firearm stock of the present invention, a friction
holster with appropriately designed nubs is first installed on the
firearm stock of the present invention.
[0021] Another exemplary storage module is provided in the form of
a clamshell container which comprises a hinge on one side of the
clamshell container and one or more closing mechanism, on an
opposite side of the clamshell container. As the clamshell
container does not have to resist the forces associated with the
withdraw and return of a sidearm, it is contemplated that it is not
necessary for the clamshell container to include male dovetail
panels which fully engage the female dovetail rails of the lower
member. Accordingly, as an alternative to the male dovetail panels
of the friction holster described above, the clamshell container
includes a first set of projections positioned on a side surface of
the clamshell container and a second set of projections positioned
on the opposite side surface of the clamshell container. Similar to
the male dovetail panels of the friction holster described above,
the projections of the clamshell container are configured to
slidably engage the female dovetail rails of the lower member such
that the clamshell container is installed and removed in
substantially the same manner as the friction holster as described
above, but with significantly less contact between the projections
of the clamshell container and female dovetail rails of the lower
member.
[0022] In addition to storage within the internal cavity of the
firearm stock, in the exemplary firearm stock of the present
invention the upper member of the firearm stock further defines one
or more storage tubes. Each storage tube has a first opening facing
towards the front portion of the firearm stock, and a second
opening facing opposite the first opening. The firearm stock
further includes a one or more front plugs which are configured for
insertion into the first openings of the storage tubes, such that
the front plugs seal the first openings of the storage tubes. The
firearm stock further includes one or more rear plugs which are
configured for insertion into the second openings of the storage
tubes, such that one of the rear plugs seal the second opening of
the first storage tube. The rear plugs further includes a retaining
strip extending laterally from the each rear plug which keeps the
rear plugs attached to the firearm stock even when the rear plugs
are removed from the storage tubes.
[0023] Specifically, the upper member includes a back surface
opposite the front portion of the firearm stock and the back
surface of the upper member defines a channel having a first end
and second end opposite the first end. Each end of the channel is
positioned adjacent to the second openings of the one or more
storage tubes such that the retaining strip of each of the one or
more rear plugs is housed within the channel and the retaining
strip is capable of sliding along the channel. The two ends of the
channel are narrower than the rest of the channel and each
retaining strip has t-shaped distal ends such that the retaining
strips are able to freely slide within the channel, but the t-shape
distal ends prevent the retaining strips from sliding past the ends
of the channel.
[0024] The exemplary firearm stock comprises a removable nose cone
attached to the upper member at the front portion of the firearm
stock. The nose cone can therefore easily be switched in order to
match with a particular firearm. For example, one exemplary nose
cone is configured for mounting on AR style firearms and an
alternative nose cone is configured for mounting on non-AR style
firearms. Regardless of the particular configuration of the nose
cone, it is contemplated that an exemplary nose cone of the present
invention includes one or more sling inserts which are configured
to accept a typical quick detach sling mount well known in the art.
One exemplary nose cone includes one or more sling inserts that
extend through the width of the nose cone such that a sling insert
is accessible on either side of the firearm stock, and an
alternative nose cone includes a single sling insert located at the
center of the bottom of the nose cone.
[0025] A bumper is also positioned between the upper member and the
removable nose cone such that when the lower member is in the open
position, the lower member contacts the bumper. In this way, the
bumper prevents the lower member from rotating beyond the open
position.
[0026] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set
forth in or apparent from the detailed description of exemplary
embodiments of the invention found below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary firearm stock
made in accordance with the present invention and shown with a
lower member in the closed position.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the firearm stock of FIG. 1
but shown with the lower member in the open position.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the firearm stock of
FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the firearm stock of FIG.
1.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing the internal cavity
of the firearm stock of FIG. 1 with a housing and a retainer
partially cut away to show the interaction of the various
components of the latching system.
[0032] FIG. 6 is an exploded detail view of components of the
latching system located within the internal cavity of the firearm
stock of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the interaction of a
storage module in the form of a friction holster and the lower
member.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the friction holster of FIG.
7.
[0035] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing the interaction of a
storage module in the form of a clamshell container and the lower
member.
[0036] FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial view showing the interaction
of the butt pad and the first and second rear plugs.
[0037] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the nose cone of the
exemplary firearm stock of FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 11B is a sectional view of the nose cone of FIG.
11A.
[0039] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an alternative nose cone
made in accordance with the present invention and removably
attachable to the firearm stock of FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 12B is a sectional view of the nose cone of FIG.
12A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0041] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to firearm
stocks. Specifically, the present invention is related to firearm
stocks which include an internal cavity. The stock of the present
invention is capable of being attached to, and used in conjunction
with, a firearm with a front portion of the firearm stock removably
attached to the firearm.
[0042] The orientation descriptions of top and bottom, up and down,
front and back, rear and forward, and left and right, are all in
relation to the firearm stock as attached to a firearm and as
manipulated by a user when the firearm is in use. In most positions
the user will hold the firearm and connected firearm stock with the
firearm stock against the body of the user, gripping the trigger
portion of the firearm with the dominant hand and stabilize the
firearm with the other hand. In this position, the back of the
firearm stock will be away from the barrel of the firearm, the top
of the firearm stock will be up, and the right side of the firearm
stock will be to the right when viewing the back of the firearm
stock with the firearm pointing away.
[0043] As used throughout this document, the term firearm is
understood to include devices capable of launching a projectile
through the use of: a controlled explosion, such as, shotguns,
rifles, assault rifles, and the like; compressed gas, such as, air
guns, bb guns, pellet guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns and the
like; stored potential energy, such as, cross bows, spring powered
pellet guns, and the like; or any other similar devices.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary firearm stock 10
made in accordance with the present invention is comprised of a
front portion 12, an upper member 20 and a lower member 30
pivotally connected to the upper member 20 such that the lower
member 30 is moveable between a closed position (as shown in FIG.
1) and an open position (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The firearm
stock 10 further includes a buffer tube 76 and a removable nose
cone 90 attached to the upper member 20 and which provide the means
of attaching the firearm stock 10 to a firearm, as further
discussed below.
[0045] The upper member 20 comprises a top portion 21 which
functions as a cheek guard for the firearm stock 10. A first upper
panel 22a and a second upper panel 22b extend downward from the top
portion 21 of the upper member 20 substantially parallel to each
other and spaced a predetermined distance away from each other.
Furthermore, a back panel 23 (shown in FIG. 5) spans between the
first upper panel 22a and the second upper panel 22b at the end of
the firearm stock 10 opposite from the front portion 12 of the
firearm stock 10 with a butt pad 50 attached to the back panel 23
of the upper member 20. The butt pad 50 is designed to rest against
a user's shoulder when the firearm with attached firearm stock 10
is in use. To this end, and as shown in FIG. 4, in the exemplary
firearm stock 10, the butt pad 50 is removably attached to the
firearm stock 10 by two fasteners, as further discussed below, and
interchangeable with other similar butt pads having varying
thicknesses so that multiple users can choose a butt pad with a
desired thickness in order to optimize comfort and control in the
use of a firearm with attached firearm stock 10.
[0046] Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, the upper member 20
further includes a highly textured cleat 49 positioned directly
below the butt pad 50. In the exemplary firearm stock 10, the cleat
49 is a textured area comprised of an array of protruding pyramidal
shaped points which advantageously provides an area of the firearm
stock 10 with improved traction and resistance. For example a user
in a seated or crouched position may use a firearm with attached
firearm stock 10 to maintain his or her balance. Similarly, a user
may use the firearm with attached firearm stock 10 in rising to a
standing position. Placing the cleat 49 against the ground provides
greater stability as the texture of the cleat 49 makes it less
likely that the firearm stock 10 will slip. Furthermore, the cleat
49 may be used to as a blunt instrument for striking an object, for
example, to break glass, or in combat situations for hand-to-hand
combat. Of course, the cleat 49 of the present invention may
include other patterns and textures without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0047] Referring once again to FIGS. 1-3, the lower member 30
comprises a first lower panel 32a, and a second lower panel 32b
which extend substantially parallel to each other and are spaced a
predetermined distance away from each other, such that when the
lower member 30 is in the closed position, the first upper panel
22a of the upper member 20 mates with the first lower panel 32a of
the lower member 30 to form a substantially continuous first
sidewall 16a of the firearm stock 10 on the right side of the
firearm stock 10 and the second upper panel 22b of the upper member
20 mates with the second lower panel 32b of the lower member 30 to
form a substantially continuous second sidewall 16b (shown in FIG.
5) of the firearm stock 10 identical to the first sidewall 16a but
on the left side of the firearm stock 10. The lower member 30
further includes a bottom panel 33 that extends between the first
lower panel 32a and the second lower panel 32b, such that when the
lower member 30 is in the closed position, the bottom panel 33 of
the lower member 30 mates with the back panel 23 of the upper
member 20. In the exemplary firearm stock 10, the first and second
upper panels 22a, 22b of the upper member 20 each include a lip
28a, 28b running along the edges of the first and second upper
panels 22a, 22b. Similarly the first and second lower panels 32a,
32b of the lower member 30 include a lip 38a, 38b running along the
edges of the first and second lower panels 32a, 32b, such that,
when the lower member 30 is in the closed position, the lips 28a,
28b of the upper member 20 overlap with the lips 38a, 38b of the
lower member 30 and the internal cavity 18 of the firearm stock 10
is effectively sealed.
[0048] With regard to the movement of the lower member 30 between
the closed position and the open position, and referring now
specifically to FIG. 4, the upper member 20 defines two outer pivot
holes 29a, 29b (one or more first pivot holes), located at the
front portion 12 of the firearm stock 10, and the lower member 30
similarly defines one inner pivot hole 39 (one or more second pivot
holes) located at the front portion 12 of the firearm stock 10. In
operation, the one inner pivot hole 39 of the lower member 30 is
placed in registry with the two outer pivot holes 29a, 29b of the
upper member 20 and hinge pin assembly comprising a pin 54a, a
first fastener 54b, and a second fastener 54c is accommodated
within the two outer pivot holes 29a, 29b as well as the one inner
pivot hole 39. More specifically, the one inner pivot hole 39 of
the lower member 30 is placed between the two outer pivot holes
29a, 29b of the upper member 20, the pin 54a is inserted through
one of the two outer pivot holes 29a, through the one inner pivot
hole 39, and then through the second of the two outer pivot holes
29b, and then the fasteners 54b, 54c, for example screws, are used
to hold the pin 54a in place. Of course, alternate configurations
of pivot holes can also be used without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention. Regardless of the particular
configuration of the pivot holes, after the pivot holes are placed
in registry, the hinge pin assembly facilitates pivotal movement of
the lower member 30 relative to the upper member 20 about a
longitudinal axis of the pin 54a. In this way, when the lower
member 30 moves from the closed position to the open position, the
lower member 30 rotates downward and forward relative to the upper
member 20 about the axis defined by the pin 54a (i.e.,
counter-clockwise in FIGS. 1-3).
[0049] Referring still to FIG. 4, the firearm stock 10 further
comprises one or more hinge springs 55a, 55b operably connected to
the upper member 20 and the lower member 30, such that the one or
more hinge springs 55a, 55b bias the lower member 30 to the open
position. In the exemplary firearm stock 10, the one or more hinge
springs 55a, 55b are helical torsion springs with a first end 56a',
56b'connected to the upper member 20 and a second end 56a'', 56b''
connected to the lower member 30. More specifically, and referring
now to FIG. 5, the first end 56b' of one of the hinge spring 55b is
positioned within a spring housing 57b defined by the upper member
20 and located in the internal cavity 18 of the firearm stock 10.
The second end 56b'' of the hinge spring 55b is positioned adjacent
to an interior surface 31 of the bottom panel 33 of the lower
member 30. Accordingly, when the hinge spring 55b decompresses, the
hinge spring 55b forces the lower member 30 to rotate downward and
forward relative to the upper member 20. Although not show, the
other hinge spring 55a is configured and operates in exactly the
same way as the one hinge spring 55b described above. Of course,
alternate spring types, numbers, and placements are also
contemplated with suitable means of connecting the alternate
springs to the upper member and the lower member of the firearm
stock. Regardless of the particular configuration of the hinge
springs or means of connection, the hinge springs have sufficient
resilience to move the lower member into the open position while
still allowing a user to move the lower member back to the closed
position.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, in order to maintain the lower
member 30 in the closed position, the exemplary firearm stock 10 of
the present invention further comprises a two-sided latching
system. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a first button 63a, a
first leaf spring 60a, and a first retainer 70a are located on the
right side of the firearm stock 10; a second button 63b, a second
leaf spring 60b, and a second retainer 70b are located on the left
side of the firearm stock 10; and a compression spring 69 spans
between the first button 63a and the second button 63b, as further
discussed below.
[0051] Referring now specifically to FIG. 6, the second button 63b
includes a main body 64b with a leg 65b extending downward from the
back of the main body 64b. The leg 65b terminates in a lateral
flange 66b with a lower sloped surface 67b, as further discussed
below The second button 63b further includes a spring post 68b
extending outward from the leg 65b of the second button 63b, as
further discussed below.
[0052] The second leaf spring 60b includes a lower end 61b which is
connected to the main body 64b of the second button 63b such that
the second leaf spring 60b extends upward from the second button
63b and terminates in a bent upper end 62b opposite the lower end
61b, as further discussed below.
[0053] The second retainer 70b also includes an upper end 71b which
is bent similar to the upper end 62b of the second leaf spring 60b
and further includes an angled body 72b which extends away from the
bent upper end 71b of the second retainer 70b. A lateral extension
73b extends from the angled body 72b of the second retainer 70b, as
further discussed below.
[0054] Referring still to FIG. 6, the second upper panel 22b of the
upper member 20 has an interior surface 24b and defines a second
button hole 25b which extends through the width of the second upper
panel 22b. The upper member 20 further includes a housing 26b that
extends outward from the interior surface 24b of the second upper
panel 22b above the second button hole 25b, the housing 26b
defining an L-shaped cavity 27b, as further discussed below.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5, when the latching system is
assembled, the bent upper end 62b of the second leaf spring 60b is
nested within the bent upper end 71b of the second retainer 70b
(shown in partial cut-away) with both the bent upper end 62b of the
second leaf spring 60b and the bent upper end 71b of the second
retainer 70b positioned within the L-shaped cavity 27b of the
housing 26b (shown in partial cut-away). In this way, the housing
26b effectively prevents the second retainer 70b and the second
leaf spring 60b from moving upward or downward as well as
preventing the bent upper ends 71a, 75a of the second leaf spring
60b and the second retainer 70b from rotating relative to the upper
member 20. As also shown in FIG. 5, when the latching system is
assembled, the angled body 72b of the second retainer 70b extends
away from the second leaf spring 60b and the second button 63b, but
the lateral extension 73b of the second retainer 70b is in contact
with the second button 63b, the importance of which is discussed
below.
[0056] Furthermore, when the latching system is assembled and the
second button 63b is in a nondepressed position, a portion of the
main body 64b of the second button 63b is positioned within the
second button hole 25b and therefore the main body 64b of the
second button 63b is accessible from the exterior of the firearm
stock 10 (as perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 where a portion
of the main body 64a of the first button 63a is shown extending
past the first button hole 25a defined by the first upper panel 22a
of the upper member 20). When a force is applied to the main body
64b of the second button 63b from the exterior of the firearm stock
10, the second button 63b moves to a depressed position (i.e., the
second button 63b moves away from the interior surface 24b of the
second upper panel 22b of the upper member 20). Because the lower
end 61b of the second leaf spring 60b is connected to the second
button 63b, when the second button 63b is in the depressed
position, the lower end 61b of the second leaf spring 60b also
moves away from the interior surface 24b of the second upper panel
22b of the upper member 20, but due to the position of the bent
upper ends 62b, 71b of the second leaf spring 60b and the second
retainer 70b within the L-shaped cavity 27b of the housing 26b, the
second leaf spring 60b flexes. To this end, the second leaf spring
60b is comprised of a material which allows the second leaf spring
60b to flex away from the interior surface 24b of the second upper
panel 22b when a force is applied to the second button 63b (i.e.,
when the second button 63b is in the depressed position), while
providing a strong enough biasing force to return the second leaf
spring 60b and the second button 63b to the original nondepressed
position once the force is no longer applied to the second button
63b. It is contemplated that the compression spring 69 and/or the
second retainer 70b also provide additional biasing force to return
the second button 63b to the nondepressed position, as further
discussed below.
[0057] Specifically, and as previously mentioned, the lateral
extension 73b of the second retainer 70b is always in contact with
the second button 63b, and therefore, when the second button 63b is
in the depressed position, the angled body 72b of the second
retainer 70b also moves away from the interior surface 24b of the
second upper panel 22b of the upper member 20, similar to the
second leaf spring 60b, as described above. The second retainer 70b
therefore provides an additional biasing force to return the second
button 63b to the nondepressed position once the force is no longer
applied to the second button 63b.
[0058] Referring once again to FIG. 5, in the exemplary firearm 10
of the present invention, the upper member 20 further includes a
second stopping plate 74b positioned on a lower portion of the back
panel 23 which the leg 65b of the second button 63b contacts upon
depressing the second button 63b a predetermined distance (i.e.,
the depressed distance). In this way, the stopping plate 74b of the
upper member 20 defines a maximum depression distance of the second
button 63b.
[0059] As previously mentioned, the lower member 30 includes a
bottom panel 33 that extends between the first lower panel 32a and
the second lower panel 32b. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a first
catch 35a and a second catch 35b extend upward from the bottom
panel 33 of the lower member 30, and are configured to engage the
lateral flanges 66a, 66b of the first and second buttons 63a, 63b
respectively. Specifically, and as perhaps best shown in FIG. 6,
the second catch 35b defines a locking hole 36b and includes a
sloped surface 37b positioned immediately above the locking hole
36b. The locking hole 36b of the second catch 35b is configure to
receive the lateral flange 66b of the second button 63b.
Specifically, when the lower member 30 is in the closed position
and the second button 63b is in the nondepressed position (as shown
in FIG. 5), the lateral flange 66b of the second button 63b is
positioned within the locking hole 36b of the second catch 35b, and
the lower member 30 is therefore unable to rotate downward relative
to the upper member 20. When the second button 63b is moved to the
depressed position, however, the lateral flange 66b of the second
button 63b is removed from the locking hole 36b of the second catch
35b.
[0060] Although the above discussion has focused on the second
button 63b, the second leaf spring 60b, the second retainer 70b
located on the left side of the left side of the firearm stock 10,
the first button 63a, first leaf spring 60a, and first retainer 70a
positioned on the right side of the firearm stock 10 are identical
but mirrored to the respective second button 63b, second leaf
spring 60b, and second retainer 70b described above and operate in
the same way. Specifically, and referring now to FIG. 3, when the
lower member 30 is in the closed position and the first button 63a
is in the nondepressed position, the lateral flange 66a of the
first button 63a is positioned within the locking hole 36a of the
first catch 35a, and when the first button 63a is moved to the
depressed position, the lateral flange 66a of the first button 63a
is removed from the locking hole 36a of the first catch 35a.
[0061] As such, in order to release the lower member 30 from the
closed position and allow the lower member 30 to rotate into the
open position, a user must concurrently depress both the first
button 63a and the second button 63b thus removing the lateral
flanges 66a, 66b of the first and second buttons 63a from the
respective locking holes 36a, 36b of the catches 35a, 35b. The one
or more hinge springs 55a, 55b are then able to rotate the lower
member 30 away from the upper member 20 and into the open position.
It should be noted that when concurrently depressing both buttons
63a, 63b, the compression spring 69, which is connected to both the
spring post of the first button 63a and the spring post 68a of the
second button 63b, will compress between the buttons 63a, 63b and
thus provide additional biasing force to return the first and
second buttons 63a, 63b to the nondepressed position.
[0062] To return the lower member 30 to the closed position, a user
rotates the lower member 30 back towards the upper member 20. In
doing so, the sloped surfaces 67a, 67b of the lateral flanges 66a,
66b of the first and second buttons 63a, 63b first come in contact
with the sloped surfaces 37a, 37b of the first and second catches
35a, 35b and then proceed to slide across the sloped surfaces 37a,
37b of the first and second catches 35a, 35b causing the first and
second buttons 63a, 63b to move slightly inward and thus allowing
the lateral flanges 66a, 66b of the first and second buttons 63a,
63b to pass into the locking holes 36a, 36b of the first and second
catches 35a, 35b.
[0063] In the exemplary firearm stock 10 described above, the leaf
springs and the buttons are two individual pieces attached to one
another, for example by press fitting the button to the lower end
of the leaf spring; however it is contemplated that as a further
refinement of the present invention, the leaf spring and the button
may be formed as a unitary member comprised of a material which
still allows the button to be depressed inward and return to its
original position. Furthermore, although in the exemplary firearm
stock 10 described above the retainers 70a, 70b provides an
additional biasing force to return the button to the nondepressed
position, as a further refinement, in some embodiments of the
present invention, the lateral extension at the end of the retainer
is shorter than the lateral extension shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 such
that the shorter lateral extension only contacts the button after
the button has been partially depressed. As yet a further
refinement, in some other embodiments of the present invention, the
lateral extension is not present at all, such that the button
contacts the angled body of the retainer directly. In such an
embodiment it is contemplated that the retainer can be made from a
material rigid enough to prevent the leaf spring from flexing any
further once the button contacts the angled body of the retainer,
such that the angled body of the retainer defines a maximum
depression distance of the button.
[0064] In order to further provide customization and added
functionality to the internal cavity 18 of the firearm stock 10,
and referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the firearm stock 10 of the
present invention further includes an attachment mechanism
configured to removably attach a storage module 82 to the lower
member 30, such that when the lower member 30 is in the closed
position, the storage module 82 is contained within the internal
cavity 18 of the firearm stock 10. In particular, the lower member
30 further comprises a second set of dovetail rails 80b', 80b''
positioned on the interior surface 34b of the second lower panel
32b. As shown in FIG. 3, a first set of dovetail rails 80a', 80a''
is similarly positioned on the interior surface of the first lower
panel 32a. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 5, the second set of
dovetail rails 80b', 80b'' extend along the interior surface 34b of
the second lower panel 32b parallel to each other with each of the
two dovetail rails 80b', 80b'' having a beveled edge 81b', 81b'' on
the side facing the other of the two dovetail rails 80b', 80b'',
such that the second set of dove tail rails 80a', 80b'' act as a
female dovetail connector, as further discussed below. Although not
clearly shown in the figures, the first set of dovetail rails 80a',
80a'' positioned on the interior surface of the first lower panel
32a are configured the same, but a mirror image to, the second set
of dovetail rails 80b', 80b'' and include similar beveled edges,
such that the first set of dovetail rails 80a', 80a'' also act as a
female dovetail connector.
[0065] Referring now specifically to FIG. 7, the storage module 82
includes a first dovetail panel 85a having two externally facing
beveled edges 86a', 86a'' such that the dovetail panel 85a acts as
a male dovetail connector. The storage module 82 further includes a
second dovetail panel (not shown in the figures) on the opposite
side of the storage module 82 from the first dovetail panel 85a
which is similarly configured to the first dovetail panel 85a with
two externally facing beveled edges such that the second dovetail
panel also acts as a male dovetail connector. In this way, the
storage module 82 is removably attachable to the lower member 30 of
the firearm stock 10 by a sliding dovetail joint. Specifically, the
beveled edges 86a', 86a'' of the first dovetail panel 85a are
configured to slidably engage the beveled edges of the first set of
dovetail rails 80a', 80a'' positioned on the interior surface 34a
of the first lower panel 32a of the lower member 30 and the beveled
edges of the second dovetail panel are configured to slidably
engage the beveled edges 81b', 81b'' of the second set of dovetail
rails 80b', 80b'' positioned on the interior surface 34b of the
second lower panel 32b of the lower member 30. By positioning the
storage module 82 above the lower member 30 such that the first
dovetail panel 85a is aligned with the first set of dovetail rails
80a', 80a'' and the second dovetail panel is aligned with the
second set of dovetail rails 80b', 80b'', the storage module 82 can
be slid downward relative to the lower member 30 until fully
inserted. Similarly, the storage module 82 can be removed by simply
sliding the storage module 82 upward relative to the lower member
30 until the first dovetail panel 85a is free from the first set of
dovetail rails 80a', 80a'' and the second dovetail panel is free
from the second set of dovetail rails 80b', 80b''.
[0066] Referring once again to FIGS. 7 and 8, the exemplary storage
module 82 is provided in the form of a friction holster 82 which is
capable of securing a sidearm, such as a pistol, to the lower
member 30 of the firearm stock 10, such that when the lower member
30 of the firearm stock 10 is in the closed position, the sidearm
is contained within the internal cavity 18 of the firearm stock 10.
In particular, the friction holster 82 includes a first side panel
83a and a second side panel 83b which function as trigger guards
when the sidearm is holstered within the friction holster 82.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, a series of nubs 84 extend away
from the interior surface of the second side panel 83b of the
friction holster 82. Although not shown in the figures, a similar
set of nubs also extend away from the interior surface of the first
side panel 83a of the friction holster 82. The nubs 84 are
particularly sized and positioned such that they engage the trigger
guard of the sidearm when the sidearm is holstered within the
friction holster 82 securely retaining the sidearm within the
friction holster 82. Accordingly, it is contemplated that depending
on the exact model of sidearm intended to be contained within the
internal cavity of the firearm stock of the present invention, a
friction holster with appropriately designed nubs is first
installed on the firearm stock 10 of the present invention.
[0067] In order to store a sidearm in the firearm stock 10 of the
present invention, a user first concurrently depresses both the
first button 63a and the second button 63b allowing the lower
member 30 to move to the open position. The user then pushes the
sidearm forward into the friction holster 82 in a direction
generally parallel to the bottom panel 33 of the lower member 30
until the trigger guard of the sidearm is fully engaged by the nubs
84, thus holstering the sidearm in the friction holster 82. Once
the firearm is holstered in the friction holster 82, each of the
side panels 83a, 83b covers each side of the sidearm such that the
trigger is inaccessible thus preventing an accidental discharge of
the sidearm when holstered in the friction holster 82. The user can
then move the lower member 30 back into the closed position so that
the sidearm is contained within the internal cavity 18 of the
firearm stock 10. In order to then withdraw the sidearm from the
friction holster 82, a user once again concurrently depresses both
the first button 63a and the second button 63b allowing the lower
member 30 to move to the open position. The user then pulls the
sidearm out of the friction holster 82 in a direction generally
parallel to the bottom panel 33 of the lower member 30.
Advantageously because the two sets of dovetail rails 80a', 80a'',
80b', 80b'' extend at about a 90.degree. angle relative to the
direction of force in holstering and withdrawing the firearm, the
friction holster 82 is securely held in place in the lower member
30 during withdrawal and return of a sidearm from the friction
holster 82.
[0068] It is contemplated that when the lower member 30 is in the
open position the spacing between the back of the lower member 30
and the back of the upper member 20 is sufficient to allow a user
to easily withdraw and return a sidearm into the friction holster
82. To this end, and as perhaps best shown in FIG. 3, the area
between the first catch 35a and the second catch 35b of the lower
member 30 is left open in order to facilitate in the withdraw and
return a sidearm into the friction holster 82.
[0069] Referring now to FIG. 9, as a further refinement of the
present invention, another exemplary storage module 182 is provided
in the form of a clamshell container 182 which comprises a hinge
187 on one side of the clamshell container 182 and one or more
closing mechanisms 188a, 188b, on an opposite side of the clamshell
container 182. As the clamshell container 182 does not have to
resist the forces associated with the withdraw and return of a
sidearm, it is contemplated that it is not necessary for the
clamshell container 182 to include dovetail panels which fully
engage the dovetail rails 80a', 80a'', 80b', 80b'' of the lower
member 30. Accordingly, as an alternative to the dovetail panels of
the friction holster described above, the clamshell container 182
includes a first set of projections 189a', 189a'' positioned on one
side side surface of the clamshell container 182. Although not
shown in the figures, a second set of projections are also present
on the opposite side surface of the clamshell container 182.
Similar to the male dovetail panels of the friction holster
described above, the projections of the clamshell container are
configured to slidably engage the dovetail rails 80a', 80a'', 80b',
80b'' of the lower member 30 such that the clamshell container 182
is installed and removed in substantially the same manner as the
friction holster as described above, but with significantly less
contact between the projections of the clamshell container 182 and
female dovetail rails of the lower member 30. In particular, by
first positioning the clamshell container 182 above the lower
member 30 such that the first set of projections 189a', 189a'' are
aligned with the first set of dovetail rails 80a', 80a'' and the
second set of projections are aligned with the second set of
dovetail rails 80b', 80b'', the clamshell container 182 is slid
downward relative to the lower member 30 until fully inserted.
Similarly, the clamshell container 182 can be removed by sliding
the clamshell container 182 upward relative to the lower member 30
until the first set of projections 189a', 189a'' are free from the
first set of dovetail rails 80a', 80a'' and the second set of
projections are free from the second set of dovetail rails 80b',
80b''.
[0070] In addition to storage within the internal cavity 18 of the
firearm stock 10, and referring once again to FIGS. 1-4, the
exemplary firearm stock 10 of the present invention also includes a
first storage tube 40a located at the top portion 21 of the upper
member 20 on the right side of the upper member 20 and a second
storage tube located at the top portion 21 of the upper member 20
on the left side of the upper member 20. The first storage tube 40a
has a first opening 41a facing towards the front portion 12 of the
firearm stock 10 and a second opening 44a facing opposite the first
opening 41a. Although not shown in the figures, the second storage
tube similarly has a first opening facing towards the front portion
of the firearms tock 10 and a second opening facing opposite the
first opening It is contemplated that the first storage tube 40a
and the second storage tube are substantially circular and sized to
hold small items such as, for example CR123, AA, and AAA batteries,
however the storage tubes may be other shapes and sizes without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0071] Regardless of the size and shape of the first storage tube
40a and the second storage tube, and as perhaps best shown in FIG.
4, the exemplary firearm stock 10 further includes a pair of front
plugs 42a, 42b which are configured for insertion into the storage
tubes 40a, 40b, such that a first one of the front plugs 42a seals
the first opening 41a of the first storage tube 40a and the other
front plug 42b seals the first opening of the second storage tube.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first front plug 42a also includes a tab
43a that extends laterally from the side of the front plug 42a. As
shown in FIG. 1, when the first front plug 42a is inserted into the
first opening 41a of the first storage tube 40a, the tab 43a is
positioned in front of the first opening 41a and extends outward
past the edge of the first storage tube 40a. Accordingly, the tab
43a provides a convenient grip to assist in the removal of the
first front plug 42a from the first openings 41a of the first
storage tubes 40a. The second front plug 42b has a similar tab
which assists in the removal of the second front plug 42b from the
second opening of the second storage tube.
[0072] Referring once again to FIGS. 1-4, the exemplary firearm
stock 10 further includes a pair of rear plugs 45a, 45b which are
configured for insertion into the storage tubes 40a, 40b, such that
a first one of the rear plugs 45a seals the second opening 44a of
the first storage tube 40a and the other rear plug 45b seals the
second opening of the second storage tube. Furthermore, and also
similar to the front plugs 42a, 42b, the rear plugs 45a, 45b also
include a tab 46a, 46b which assists in the removal of the rear
plug 45a, 45b from the respective second opening 44a of the first
and second storage tubes 40a, 40b.
[0073] In order to adequately seal the storage tubes 40a, 40b the
front plugs 42a, 42b and the rear plugs 45a, 45b are preferably
comprised of a resilient material, such as a rubber, or rubberized
plastic which provides a strong seal through an interference fit
with the interior of the first and second openings of the storage
tubes 40a, 40b, while still allowing for easy insertion and removal
of the front plugs 42a, 42b and the rear plugs 45a, 45b.
[0074] In order to keep the rear plugs 45a, 45b attached to the
firearm stock 10 even when they are removed from the storage tubes
40a, 40b, each of the rear plugs 45a, 45b also includes a retaining
strip 47a, 47b extending laterally from the each rear plug 45a,
45b. Specifically, and referring now to FIG. 10, the butt pad 50
has a back surface 51 which is positioned adjacent to the back
panel 23 of the upper member 20. The back surface 51 of the butt
pad 50 defines a channel 52 having two ends 53a, 53b, such that
when the butt pad 50 is attached to the upper member 20, the two
ends 53a, 53b of the channel 52 are positioned adjacent to the
second openings of the storage tubes 40a, 40b and the retaining
strips 47a, 47b are positioned within the channel 52 between the
butt pad 50 and the back panel 23 of the upper member 20. As shown
in FIG. 10, the two ends 53a, 53b of the channel 52 are narrower
than the rest of the channel 52. Similarly, each retaining strip
47a, 47b has a t-shaped distal end 48a, 48b, such that the
retaining strips 47a, 47b are able to freely slide within the
channel 52, but the t-shape distal end 48a, 48b prevents the
retaining strip 47a, 47b from sliding past the ends 53a, 53b of the
channel 52. In this way, when the butt pad 50 is attached to the
upper member 20 with the retaining strips 47a, 47b housed in the
channel 52 defined on the back surface 51 of the butt pad 50, the
rear plugs 45a, 45b remained attached to the firearm stock 10 even
when they are removed from the second openings of the storage tubes
40a, 40b.
[0075] It should be noted that although in the exemplary firearm
stock 10 the butt pad 50 is attached to the back panel 23 of the
upper member 20 by two screws (as shown in FIG. 4), it is also
contemplated that as a further refinement to the present invention
that the butt pad is removably attached by two rubber snaps which
extend from the back surface of the butt pad and which engage
corresponding holes in the back panel of the upper member.
Specifically, in this embodiment, the rubber snaps have a body
which extends from the butt pad and terminates in a head with a lip
having a diameter larger than the diameter of the body. The holes
in the back panel of the upper member have diameters larger than
the body of the rubber snaps but smaller than the lip on the head
of the rubber snap. To install such a butt pad a user aligns the
rubber snaps of the butt pad with the corresponding holes in the
back panel of the upper member and applies force to the butt pad.
The lip on the head of the rubber snaps deforms allowing the rubber
snap to pass through the hole in the back panel of the upper
member. Once fully inserted, the lip on the head of the rubber snap
prevents the butt pad from accidentally falling off. To remove such
a butt pad, a user simply pulls on the shoulder pad forcing the
rubber snap out of the hole in the back panel of the upper
member.
[0076] Turning now the connection between the firearm stock 10 of
the present invention and a firearm, and referring once again to
FIGS. 1-4, the buffer tube 76 includes a threaded front end 77
which provides the means of attaching the buffer tube 76, and thus
the firearm stock 10 to the firearm. A standard 1 3/16''-16 thread
connector is typically used to connect the firearm stock 10 to
shotguns, rifles, assault rifles as well as other firearms known in
the art, however it is, of course, contemplated that the buffer
tube 76 may be sized to attach to any firearm known in the art. As
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the buffer tube 76 is attached to the upper
member 20 of the firearm stock 10 by a screw accessible through the
back panel 23 of the upper member 20. As such, in the exemplary
firearm stock 10, the buffer tube 76 is fixedly attached to the
upper member 20; however as a further refinement, in some
embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that the
upper member is slidably adjustable along the length of the buffer
tube. In this way, the position of the firearm stock in relation to
the firearm may be adjusted to provide further comfort to a user
using the firearm with the firearm stock attached.
[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the removable nose cone
90 of the firearm stock 10 is attached to the upper member 20 at
the front portion 12 of the firearm stock 10. To this end, the nose
cone 90 includes two rearward projecting tabs 94a, 94b, which mate
with corresponding receptacles 95a, 95b on the upper member 20 of
the firearm stock 10. The tabs 94a, 94b of the nose cone 90 are
inserted into corresponding receptacles 95a, 95b in the upper
member 20 and then affixed by screws (as shown in FIG. 4). The nose
cone can therefore easily be switched in order to match with a
particular firearm. For example, the exemplary nose cone 90 shown
in FIGS. 11A and 11B is configured for mounting on AR style
firearms. In order to provide proper mounting with the AR style
firearms, a locking nut 96 is also provided which is shown in FIGS.
1-3 positioned on the buffer tube 76 forward of the nose cone
90.
[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, in another embodiment,
an alternative nose cone 290 is configured for mounting on non-AR
style firearms. The alternative nose cone 290 includes two rearward
projecting tabs 294a, 294b which mate with corresponding
receptacles 95a, 95b on the upper member 20 of the firearm stock
10, similar to the nose cone 90 described above with reference to
FIGS. 11A and 11B.
[0079] Regardless of the particular configuration of the nose cone,
as shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B each exemplary nose cone 90,
290 of the present invention includes one or more sling inserts 91,
291 which are configured to accept a typical quick detach sling
mount well known in the art. The nose cone 90 shown in FIG. 11A,
11B, includes one or more sling inserts 91 that extend through the
width of the nose cone 90 such that a sling insert 91 is accessible
on either side of the firearm stock 10. The alternative nose cone
290 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B includes a single sling insert 291
located at the center of the bottom of the nose cone 290. Of
course, alternative numbers and placements of sling inserts are
also contemplated without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention.
[0080] Each of the exemplary nose cones 90, 290 further includes a
bumper 92, 292 located at a lower rear end of the nose cone 90,
290. When the nose cone 90, 290 is attached to the upper member 20
of the firearm stock 10, the bumper 92, 292 is positioned between
the nose cone 90, 290 and the upper member 20, such that when the
lower member 30 of the firearm stock 10 is in the open position,
the lower member 30 contacts the bumper 92, 292. Not only does the
bumper 92, 292 thus prevent the lower member 30 from rotating
beyond the open position, but the bumper 92, 292 is preferably made
of a material which provides a soft contact surface for the lower
member 30 which functions as a shock absorber.
[0081] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
additional steps and configurations are possible without departing
from the teachings of the invention. This detailed description, and
particularly the specific details of the exemplary embodiment
disclosed, is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no
unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for
modifications will become evident to those skilled in the art upon
reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the claimed invention.
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