U.S. patent application number 14/828430 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-28 for modular buttstock assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bravo Company USA, Inc.. Invention is credited to Eric Stephen Kincel.
Application Number | 20160025448 14/828430 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53785954 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160025448 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kincel; Eric Stephen |
January 28, 2016 |
MODULAR BUTTSTOCK ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A modular buttstock assembly that removably mounts to a receiver
extension of a firearm may include a main body and a rear body. The
main body may have a passage that mates with the receiver
extension, while the rear body may be removably coupled to the main
body such that any number of swappable, modular rear bodies may be
coupled to the main body. The main body may include a toggle
assembly with a actuating lever coupled to an bowed or ached
actuating spring. The toggle assembly may also include a locking
block with a plurality of shafts that distribute the load from the
receiver extension to the main body rather than concentrating
mechanical stress on a single lock pin.
Inventors: |
Kincel; Eric Stephen; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bravo Company USA, Inc. |
Hartland |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53785954 |
Appl. No.: |
14/828430 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14256904 |
Apr 18, 2014 |
9109855 |
|
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14828430 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/71.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/04 20130101;
F41C 23/20 20130101; F41C 23/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/20 20060101
F41C023/20; F41C 23/04 20060101 F41C023/04 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A modular buttstock assembly, comprising: a first buttstock body
module that removably mounts to a receiver extension of a firearm
at a first end of the first buttstock body module, the first
buttstock body module including a toggle assembly that toggles the
first buttstock body module between a locked position and an
unlocked position with respect to the receiver extension, wherein
the toggle assembly includes: an actuating spring, an actuating
lever that engages the actuating spring when the actuating lever is
depressed, and a locking member coupled to the actuating spring,
wherein the locking member engages the receiver extension to
produce the locked position when the actuating lever is not
depressed and disengages the receiver extension to produce the
unlocked position when the actuating lever is depressed; and a
second buttstock body module removably coupled to a second end of
the first buttstock body module.
3. The modular buttstock assembly of claim 2, wherein the actuating
spring is made at least partially of a polymer.
4. The modular buttstock assembly of claim 2, wherein the actuating
spring is a bowed actuating spring.
5. The modular buttstock assembly of claim 4, wherein the bowed
actuating spring includes at least one hook-shaped region.
6. The modular buttstock assembly of claim 2, wherein the locking
member includes a plurality of shafts.
7. The modular buttstock assembly of claim 6, wherein engaging the
receiver extension to produce the locked position when the
actuating lever is not depressed includes at least one of the
plurality of shafts of the locking member passing through a void in
the first buttstock body module.
8. The modular buttstock assembly of claim 7, wherein engaging the
receiver extension to produce the locked position when the
actuating lever is not depressed includes at least one of the
plurality of shafts of the locking member mating with a void
disposed in the receiver extension.
9. The modular buttstock assembly of claim 6, wherein engaging the
receiver extension to produce the locked position when the
actuating lever is not depressed includes at least three of the
plurality of shafts of the locking member passing through a void in
the first buttstock body module.
10. The modular buttstock assembly of claim 7, wherein engaging the
receiver extension to produce the locked position when the
actuating lever is not depressed includes at least one of the
plurality of shafts of the locking member mating with a void
disposed in the receiver extension and at least two of the other
shafts each abuttedly engaging an outer surface of the receiver
extension.
11. A modular buttstock system, the system comprising: a first
buttstock body module that removably mounts to a receiver extension
of a firearm at a first end of the first buttstock body module, the
first buttstock body module including a toggle assembly that
toggles the first buttstock body module between a locked position
and an unlocked position with respect to the receiver extension,
wherein the toggle assembly includes: a bowed actuating spring, an
actuating lever that engages the bowed actuating spring when the
actuating lever is depressed, and a locking member coupled to the
bowed actuating spring, wherein the locking member engages the
receiver extension to produce the locked position when the
actuating lever is not depressed and disengages the receiver
extension to produce the unlocked position when the actuating lever
is depressed; a second buttstock body module that removably couples
to a second end of the first buttstock body module; and a third
buttstock body module that removably couples to the second end of
the first buttstock body module when the second buttstock body
module is not coupled to the second end, the third buttstock body
module including an inner storage compartment.
12. The modular buttstock system of claim 11, wherein the actuating
spring is made at least partially of a polymer.
13. The modular buttstock system of claim 11, wherein the actuating
spring is a bowed actuating spring.
14. The modular buttstock system of claim 13, wherein the bowed
actuating spring includes at least one hook-shaped region.
15. The modular buttstock system of claim 11, wherein the locking
member includes a plurality of shafts.
16. The modular buttstock system of claim 15, wherein engaging the
receiver extension to produce the locked position when the
actuating lever is not depressed includes at least one of the
plurality of shafts of the locking member passing through a void in
the first buttstock body module.
17. The modular buttstock system of claim 16, wherein engaging the
receiver extension to produce the locked position when the
actuating lever is not depressed includes at least one of the
plurality of shafts of the locking member mating with a void
disposed in the receiver extension.
18. The modular buttstock system of claim 15, wherein engaging the
receiver extension to produce the locked position when the
actuating lever is not depressed includes at least three of the
plurality of shafts of the locking member passing through a void in
the first buttstock body module.
19. The modular buttstock system of claim 16, wherein engaging the
receiver extension to produce the locked position when the
actuating lever is not depressed includes at least one of the
plurality of shafts of the locking member mating with a void
disposed in the receiver extension and at least two of the other
shafts each abuttedly engaging an outer surface of the receiver
extension.
20. The modular buttstock system of claim 11, wherein the inner
storage compartment of the third buttstock body module is
accessible by a hinged panel disposed at a rear surface of the
third buttstock body module.
21. The modular buttstock system of claim 20, wherein at least a
portion of the hinged panel disposed at the rear surface of the
third buttstock body module is covered by a buttpad.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation and claims the
priority benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/256,904 filed Apr.
18, 2014, entitled "Modular Buttstock Assembly," and set to issue
as U.S. Pat. No. 9,109,855 on Aug. 18, 2015, the disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure relates to firearms. More
particularly, it concerns a modular buttstock assembly that
features enhanced modularity and structural integrity compared to
known buttstock designs.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Many firearms feature a component called a "buttstock."
Alternative terms for the same component include "stock," "shoulder
stock," or "butt." The buttstock, which is connected to the firing
mechanism and barrel, is typically the most rearward component of a
firearm during normal use. The buttstock allows a user to brace the
firearm against his or her shoulder and cheek prior to firing. In
some applications, such as when a user is firing from a prone
position, the buttstock provides support by resting on the ground
or other surface. Further, although primarily used for firing
ammunition, firearms used by military or law enforcement personnel
are sometimes used to apply blunt force to a person (e.g., a
combatant) or object (e.g., a glass window). In such cases, the
buttstock frequently serves as the striking surface.
[0006] Many modern buttstocks are considered "collapsible" or
"adjustable" in the sense that a user can alter the distance
between the buttstock and the receiver to accommodate his or her
needs (e.g., arm length). Inventor Robert Roy introduced the first
adjustable buttstock assembly in 1966. Roy's assembly, which still
stands as the prevailing adjustable buttstock design, was designed
to fit a standard sized receiver extension produced by Colt's
Manufacturing Company, LLC of Hartford, Conn. Roy's design utilizes
a receiver extension tube containing depressions. The buttstock
slides over the receiver extension tube. The bottom of the
buttstock contains a lever connected to a lock pin. The lock pin is
biased by a conventional wire spring upwards through a passage in
the buttstock and into one of the depressions in the received
extension tube. When biased into one of the depressions by the
spring, the head of the lockpin prevents the buttstock from sliding
along the receiver extension tube. When the user wishes to adjust
the distance between the buttstock and the receiver, he or she
retracts the lockpin from the depression by applying force to the
lever protruding from the buttstock. For more details on Roy's
design, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,348,328.
[0007] Although Roy's design has remained the standard in
adjustable buttstocks for many years, it suffers from a severe
limitation. Many of the aforementioned applications for which
buttstocks are used, such as delivering blunt force to an object or
person, inflict mechanical stress on the lockpin, the lever, and
the surrounding housing. Similar stresses are applied when firearms
featuring traditional buttstocks impact the ground or other surface
after being accidentally dropped. As a result, traditional
buttstocks featuring Roy's design are overly susceptible to
breakage. Customers in the firearm industry are increasingly
demanding buttstocks with longer life expectancies. Alternatives to
Roy's buttstock design have been attempted, such as the Magpul
CTR.RTM. Carbine Stock offered by Magpul, Inc. of Boulder, Colo.,
but they have yet to offer any substantial advantage in structural
integrity. Given such limitations, there is a persistent need in
the firearm industry for a buttstock assembly that offers enhanced
structural integrity.
[0008] Known buttstocks are further limited when it comes to
offering flexible storage functionality. When regularly using
firearms, users commonly need access to a number of accessory
items, such as batteries (e.g., for weapon mounted lights, thermal
imaging devices, laser sights, etc.), cleaning kits, or replacement
parts. Some attempts at offering convenient storage functionality
have succeeded to a degree but ultimately constitute inflexible
solutions because they rely on permanently integrated storage
compartments. One such attempt was the Magpul ACS.TM. Carbine Stock
offered by Magpul, Inc. The presence of a storage compartment,
while convenient and desirable in some situations, introduces
additional components susceptible to breakage. As a result, users
find a buttstock storage compartment desirable in some instances,
and undesirable in others. Because existing buttstock offerings are
inflexible, users must expend funds purchasing more than one
buttstock and then must find sufficient space to store them.
Further, users must endure the time-consuming task of swapping out
the entire buttstock when transitioning from a scenario in which a
buttstock storage compartment is desirable to a scenario in which
enhanced mechanical strength is a greater priority, and vice versa.
Accordingly, there is a need in the firearm industry for a modular
buttstock assembly that offers flexible functionality.
SUMMARY
[0009] An embodiment of a modular buttstock assembly that removably
mounts to a receiver extension of a firearm is claimed. In one
claimed embodiment, a modular buttstock assembly that removably
mounts to a receiver extension of a firearm includes a main body
and a rear body. The main body includes a passage that mates with
the receiver extension. The main body also includes a toggle
assembly, no part of which is disposed within the rear body. The
toggle assembly includes an actuating spring and a locking block.
The actuating spring includes a biased position and an unbiased
position. The locking block is coupled to the actuating spring. The
rear body is removably coupled to the main body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
modular buttstock assembly that removably mounts to a receiver
extension of a firearm.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary main body of a
modular buttstock assembly that removably mounts to a receiver
extension of a firearm.
[0012] FIG. 3A is a partially exploded perspective view of an
exemplary modular buttstock assembly that removably mounts to a
receiver extension of a firearm.
[0013] FIG. 3B is a rear view of an exemplary modular buttstock
assembly that removably mounts to a receiver extension of a
firearm.
[0014] FIG. 4A is a sectional view of an exemplary modular
buttstock assembly that removably mounts to a receiver extension of
a firearm.
[0015] FIG. 4B is a side view of an exemplary modular buttstock
assembly that removably mounts to a receiver extension of a
firearm.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary rear
body of a modular buttstock assembly that removably mounts to a
receiver extension of a firearm.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary
rear body of a modular buttstock assembly that removably mounts to
a receiver extension of a firearm.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a partially exploded, inverted perspective view of
an exemplary modular buttstock assembly that removably mounts to a
receiver extension of a firearm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Embodiments of a modular buttstock modular that removably
mounts to a receiver extension of a firearm are provided. The
modular buttstock assembly features enhanced modularity and
structural integrity compared to known buttstock assemblies.
Namely, in various embodiments, the modular buttstock assembly may
feature an improved toggle assembly. The improved toggle assembly
may include a multi-shaft locking block that is far superior in
structural integrity to conventional lock pins and a bowed or
arched actuating spring that is superior to conventional wire
compression springs in structural integrity, elastic memory, wear
resistance, and cost-efficiency. In various embodiments, the
modular buttstock assembly may also feature a rear body that may be
removably coupled to a front body such that any number of
swappable, modular rear bodies (e.g., those containing built-in
storage compartments or accessories) may be employed to suit
particular applications.
[0020] Although certain embodiments of a modular buttstock assembly
are discussed herein, it should be understood that such embodiments
are illustrative only and in no way limit the scope of the present
disclosure. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily
recognize that the present disclosure suggests many other possible
embodiments in addition to those expressly described herein.
[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
modular buttstock assembly 100 that removably mounts to a receiver
extension 105 of a firearm. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment,
a modular buttstock assembly 100 that removably mounts to a
receiver extension 105 of a firearm may include a main body 110 and
one or more swappable, modular rear bodies 115. Main body 110 may
have a passage 120 that slideably mates with receiver extension
105. Rear body 115 may be removably coupled to main body 110. As a
result, any number of modular rear bodies 115 may be quickly
swapped in and out of modular buttstock assembly 100 to suit a
variety of applications and/or missions. Modular buttstock assembly
100 may further include a toggle assembly 125 coupled to main body
110. Toggle assembly 125 may include an actuating spring 130, a
locking block 135, and an actuating lever 140. Locking block 135
may be coupled to actuating spring 130. Actuating spring 130 may
have a biased position and an unbiased position. Further, as
illustrated, actuating spring 130 may be a bowed or arched spring
as opposed to a conventional wire compression spring. Actuating
spring 130 may be made at least partially of a synthetic polymer,
such as a glass-filled reinforced polymer (e.g., nylon). In other
embodiments, actuating spring 130 may be made of metal or another
suitably resilient material. Actuating lever 140 may be coupled to
main body 110 by snap-fitting or other traditional coupling
technique. Locking block 135 may include a plurality of shafts 145
aligned with a void (shown in FIG. 3A) disposed in main body 110.
In some embodiments, shafts 145 may be non-round shafts.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary main body 110
of a modular buttstock assembly 100 that removably mounts to a
receiver extension 105 of a firearm. As previously noted, main body
110 may be removably coupled to one or more swappable, modular rear
bodies 115, two examples of which are shown in FIG. 1. As shown in
FIG. 2, the removable coupling of main body 110 to a rear body 115
may be facilitated by a fastener 150. Fastener 150 may be a
traditional threaded screw, a quick-detachable mechanism such as a
press button with a male-female locking tab assembly or the like,
or it may be any number of other suitable fasteners known in the
art, such as a pin, bolt, clip, latch, retaining ring, or the like.
Main body 110 may include a hole 155 into which a first end of
fastener 150 may be inserted. FIG. 2 further shows toggle assembly
125 coupled to main body 110, with actuating lever 140 visible and
locking block 135 disposed within the interior of main body
110.
[0023] FIG. 3A is a partially exploded perspective view of an
exemplary modular buttstock assembly 100. Notably, although in FIG.
3A fastener 150 is shown inserted directly into hole 155 of main
body 110 for illustrative purposes, in practice fastener 150 passes
through an internal passage in rear body 115 before entering hole
155 of main body 110. The diameter of the internal passage may be
smaller than a second end or head of fastener 150 such that
fastener 150 may not pass entirely through the internal passage in
rear body 115. As a result, the second end or head of fastener 150
may be tightened against an internal surface of rear body 115 to
securely yet removably couple rear body 115 to main body 110. As
previously noted, in other embodiments a variety of other coupling
mechanisms may be used. Fastener 150 may be accessed from the rear
of rear body 115 through a hole 152 (also shown in FIG. 3B).
[0024] FIG. 3B is a rear view of an exemplary modular buttstock
assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 3B, in one embodiment, fastener 150
may be accessed from the rear of modular buttstock assembly 100
through hole 152. Using a tool, the user may access and release
fastener 150 to uncouple rear body 115 from main body 110. In other
embodiments, fastener 150 may be accessed from other locations
throughout modular buttstock assembly 100.
[0025] FIG. 4A is a sectional view of an exemplary modular
buttstock assembly 100 that removably mounts to a receiver
extension 105 of a firearm. As shown in FIG. 4A, a receiver
extension 105 is inserted into and mated with passage 120 of main
body 110. As is common with known receiver extensions, receiver
extension 105 includes one or more downwardly oriented depressions
160. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, receiver extension 105
contains six depressions 160 that allow the user to adjust the
distance between modular buttstock assembly 100 and the receiver of
the firearm. Main body 105 may contain a void 165 through which
locking block 135 of toggle assembly 125 may protrude into passage
120. Actuating spring 130 may be coupled to actuating lever 140,
while actuating lever 140 may in turn be coupled to main body 110.
Actuating spring 130 may further be coupled to locking block 135,
which in turn may be aligned with void 165 leading into passage 120
where receiver extension 105 resides. As discussed further below,
when locking block 135 is aligned with void 165 leading into
passage 120, shafts 145 of locking block 135 may be forced upwardly
by actuating spring 130 through void 165 and into depression 160 of
receiver extension 105.
[0026] Actuating lever 140 may serve as the surface through which
actuating spring 130 may be indirectly operated by a user when
toggle assembly 125 is fully assembled and coupled to main body
110. As such, actuating lever 140 may serve as the manual mechanism
through which the user ultimately adjusts the distance between
modular buttstock assembly 100 and the receiver of the firearm. To
that end, actuating lever 140 may feature a region with a more
aggressive or pronounced surface texture compared to other parts of
modular buttstock assembly 100. The more aggressive texture may
assist the user in quickly locating and firmly gripping actuating
lever 140. In some embodiments, actuating lever 140 may be coupled
to main body 110 through one or more hooks 167 disposed on
actuating lever 140 and main body 110 (also shown in FIG. 1). Hooks
167 permit actuating lever 140 to be pressed inwardly into main
body 110 such that actuating spring 130 may be forced into its
unbiased position by an internal surface of actuating lever 140. In
such embodiments, when the user releases actuating lever 140,
thereby allowing actuating spring 130 to return to its biased
position, hooks 167 catch actuating lever 140 and prevent it from
being forced beyond its proper resting position by actuating spring
130.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 4A, actuating spring 130 may be shaped as a
bowed or arched spring that is coupled to actuating lever 140 and
locking block 135. In other embodiments, actuating spring 130 may
be a different shape, so long as the shape allows actuating spring
130 to effectively function as a spring. In some embodiments,
actuating spring 130 may be made at least partially of a polymer,
such as a glass-filled reinforced polymer (e.g. nylon). In
embodiments in which actuating spring 130 features a bowed or
arched shape and is made of at least partially of a polymer,
actuating spring 130 is far superior to conventional wire
compression springs in structural integrity, elastic memory, wear
resistance, and cost-efficiency. In other embodiments, actuating
spring 130 may be made of metal or any other suitably resilient
material. By simultaneously serving as both the spring that biases
locking block 135 into an engaged position with receiver extension
105 and the member through which force is translated to actuating
spring 130 by actuating lever 140, the design of actuating spring
130 eliminates the need for the conventional two-part lock pin
system featuring a separate member attached to a conventional wire
compression spring. In doing so, the design of actuating spring 130
reduces manufacturing costs and complexity, while at the same time
reducing the number of mechanical failure points.
[0028] Because actuating spring 130 may serve as a biasing spring
when coupled to actuating lever 140, actuating spring 130 may
assume either a spring-biased position and an unbiased position. In
an embodiment, actuating spring 130 may be maintained in the biased
position by upward forces applied by an interior wall of actuating
lever 140. In addition to providing just enough pressure to retain
actuating spring 130 in the biased position, actuating lever 140
may also provide sufficient pressure to prevent locking block 135
and actuating spring 130 from rattling inside main body 110 when
the user is moving. Such embodiments provide superior wear
resistance and stealth capabilities compared to conventional
designs featuring wire compression springs and lock pins.
[0029] When actuating spring 130 is in the biased position,
actuating spring 130 may force locking block 135 upwardly through
void 165 and into depression 160 of receiver extension 105. When
locking block 135 is forced into depression 160, one or more of
shafts 145 may abuttedly engage an interior wall of depression 160
as shown in FIG. 3A. As a result, locking block 135 may obstruct
receiver extension 105 from sliding within passage 120 of main body
110. When actuating spring 130 is forced into the unbiased position
by way of the user depressing a rear portion of actuating lever
140, locking block 135, by virtue of being coupled to actuating
spring 130, may be retracted from depression 160 of receiver
extension 105 such that one or more of shafts 145 no longer
abuttedly engage an interior wall of depression 160. As a result,
when actuating lever 140 is depressed and actuating spring 130 is
forced into the unbiased position, locking block 135 no longer
obstructs the ability of receiver extension 105 to slide within
passage 120 of main body 110. Thus, in operation, to adjust the
distance between modular buttstock assembly 100 and the receiver of
the firearm, the user need only depress a portion of actuating
lever 140, slide modular buttstock assembly 100 along receiver
extension 105, and release actuating lever 140 when locking block
135 is aligned with a depression 160.
[0030] Upon releasing actuating lever 140, the force indirectly
applied by the user to actuating spring 130 to shift actuating
spring 130 into its unbiased position is removed. As a result,
actuating spring 130 returns to its biased position and once again
holds modular buttstock assembly 100 securely in place along the
length of receiver extension 105 when locking block is properly
realigned with a depression 160 in receiver extension 105. In some
instances, the user may inadvertently release actuating lever 140
when locking block 135 is not perfectly aligned with a depression
160 in receiver extension 105. In such cases, the user can feel the
resistance in actuating spring 130 and may make slight slide
adjustments to the position of modular buttstock assembly 100 until
locking block 135 becomes aligned with a depression 160 and
actuating spring 130, as a result of being maintained in the biased
position by actuating lever 140, automatically forces locking block
135 into depression 160.
[0031] Referring back to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the one or more
shafts 145 of locking block 135 may include a center locking
plunger 175 and a plurality of side flanges 180. Locking plunger
175 may be thicker than side flanges 180 and may have a
substantially flat upper surface to facilitate abuttedly engaging
an interior wall of depression 160 in receiver extension 105.
Alternatively, the upper surface of locking plunger 175 may be
textured or ribbed to facilitate friction between the upper surface
and the interior wall of depression 160. Side flanges 180 may
likewise abuttedly engage the interior wall of depression 160,
thereby orienting lock plunger 175, reducing the overall height of
locking block 135 compared to convention lock pins, and
transferring the load from receiver extension 105 to main body 110.
By transferring the load from receiver extension 105 to main body
110, side flanges 180 effectively reduce the stress that is, in
conventional lock pin designs, becomes concentrated on the lock pin
and eventually causes the pin to break. In some embodiments, like
that shown in FIG. 1, locking plunger 175 and side flanges 180 may
be a single-piece component (e.g. locking block 135) rather than
multiple distinct pieces attached to one another. As a result, in
such embodiments, locking block 135 may possess enhanced structural
integrity. In other embodiments, however, locking block 135 may be
multiple distinct pieces attached to one another.
[0032] FIG. 4B is a side view of an exemplary modular buttstock
assembly 100 that removably mounts to a receiver extension 105 of a
firearm. As shown in FIG. 3B, main body 110, which may be removably
coupled to one or more swappable, modular rear bodies 115, is
aligned with but not yet coupled to one such rear body 115. As
likewise shown in FIG. 1, main body 110 and rear body 115 may
contain one or more corresponding rails and channels that slideably
interface. Main body 110 and rear body 115 may be removably coupled
by fastener 150 (also shown in and discussed with reference to
FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B). When fastener 150 is removed, rear body 115
may be quickly swapped out for a different modular rear body 115.
In some embodiments, removing fastener 150 or otherwise decoupling
main body 110 from rear body 115 may necessitate the use of a tool.
As discussed below in further detail, in some embodiments rear body
115 may include a storage compartment. Among other items and
accessories, the storage compartment may store the tool required
for the decoupling process. For example, the storage compartment
may store a small hex key or other tool for quickly removing
fastener 150 when the user desires to swap out modular rear body
115,
[0033] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary rear
body 115 of a modular buttstock assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 5,
rear body 115 may include a forward region 185 having a recess 190
that slideably mates with a main body of a modular buttstock
assembly, such as main body 110 shown in FIGS. 1-4B.
[0034] Rear body 115 may further include a rear region 195 having a
support surface 200. In some embodiments, support surface 200 may
be a buttpad. When rear body 115 is coupled to a main body 110 of a
modular buttstock assembly 100, which itself is coupled to a
receiver extension 105 of a firearm, buttpad 200 may serve as the
rearward-most surface of the fully assembled firearm. As a result,
among other uses, buttstock 200 may allow a user to brace the
firearm against his or her shoulder and cheek prior to firing or
may serve as a striking surface for applying blunt force. Buttpad
200 may be coupled to rear region 195 of rear body 115 through
well-known manufacturing processes such as over-molding. Persons of
ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that a wide
variety of coupling mechanisms may be used with various embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0035] Forward region 185 of rear body 115 may include a built-in
sling mounting point to which a sling may be mounted. The sling
mounted point may include one or more brackets 205 that are secured
to forward region 185 of rear body 115 by a plug 210. In an
embodiment, one or more brackets 205 may be installed within
corresponding grooves, slots, indents, or the like of forward
region 185. Plug 210, which may include a plurality of arms, may
then be installed behind brackets 205 with respect to forward
region 185 such that plug 210 exerts a forward force upon brackets
205 and helps to retain them securely in place within the
corresponding grooves, slots, indents, or the like of forward
region 185. Buttpad 200 may then be coupled to rear region 195
before the entire rear region 195 is over-molded to add further
structural rigidity to the foregoing assembly. In some embodiments,
buttpad 200 may include a first lip 207 that corresponds to a
second lip 212 disposed at the rearward edge of rear region 195.
Lip 207 of buttpad 200 and lip 212 of rear region 195 may interlock
to help retain buttpad in place against rear region 195 prior to
overmolding.
[0036] As discussed with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in some
embodiments fastener 150 may be accessible from a hole 152 in
buttpad 200 and may pass through an internal passage in rear body
115 before entering hole 155 of main body 110. Hole 152 is further
shown in FIG. 5. Moreover, the internal passage through which
fastener 150 may be accessed may include the space between brackets
205, the hole depicted in plug 210, and hole 214 in forward region
185 of rear body 115. Hole 214 may be have a smaller diameter than
a head of fastener 150 such that the head of fastener 150 may not
pass beyond hole 214. As a result, fastener 150 may be tightened
against the internal surface surrounding hole 214 to securely yet
removably couple rear body 115 to main body 110.
[0037] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary
rear body 115 of a modular buttstock assembly 100. As shown in FIG.
5, rear body 115 may include a forward region 185 having a recess
190 that slideably mates with a main body 110 of a modular
buttstock assembly 100, such as main body 110 shown in FIGS. 1-4B.
Forward region 185 of rear body 115 may include a storage
compartment 215. In an embodiment, storage compartment 215 may be a
hollow space in the interior of rear body 115. Rear body 115 may
further include a rear region 195 having a support surface 200.
Support surface 200 may be a buttpad. In some embodiments, buttpad
200 may be segmented into a first buttpad section 220 and a second
buttpad section 225. In addition to serving normal functions
associated with a buttpad, first buttpad section 220 may
additionally be coupled to rear region 195 and may serve as a
hinged panel or otherwise moveable barrier through which the user
may access storage compartment 215. For instance, in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 5, first buttpad section 220 may include a hinge 230
and may be hingedly coupled to front region 185 of rear body
115.
[0038] Second buttpad section 225 may be fixed such that less than
all of buttpad 200 provides access to storage compartment 215.
Alternatively, buttpad 200 may be a single unit akin to a
traditional buttpad, except that the entire buttpad may be hingedly
coupled to rear region 195. Buttpad 200 may be retained in place by
a pin 232 and a retaining clip 234. Retaining clip 234 may be a
hair clip or any other fastener suitable for retaining pin 232 in
place. Rear region 195 of rear body 115 may include a hole 235 that
corresponds to pin 232 in shape and diameter. Buttpad 200 may
include a similarly shaped and sized hole 240. When buttpad 200 is
positioned flush against a rearmost surface of rear region 195,
hole 235 of rear region 195 and hole 240 of buttpad 200 may align
with one another to form a continuous passage that accommodates the
length of pin 232. When pin 232 is inserted into the continuous
passage, buttpad 200 is retained securely in place against rear
region 195 of rear body 115. Retaining clip 234 may pressure fit
over a corresponding groove disposed near a first end of pin 232
and into a groove disposed in rear region 195. In such embodiments,
when retaining clip 234 is coupled to rear region 195 over pin 232,
pin 232 is held securely in place within the continuous passage
formed by hole 235 of rear region 195 and hole 240 of buttpad 200.
In addition to the groove corresponding to retaining clip 234, pin
232 may further include a second end with a notch that
obstructively prevents pin 232 from passing completely through the
continuous passage formed by hole 235 of rear region 195 and hole
240 of buttpad 200.
[0039] In some embodiments, second buttpad section 225 may include
a first lip that interlocks with a second lip disposed on an edge
of rear region 195, much like first lip 207 and second lip 212
shown in FIG. 5. In other embodiments, a variety of other mating
mechanisms may be used, such as corresponding rings or snap-fit
components. First buttpad section 220 may further include an angled
edge 242 that corresponds to an correspondingly angled edge 244 of
second buttpad section 225. As a result, when coupled to rear
region 195, first buttpad section 220 may drive second buttpad
section 220 upwards against lip 236 of rear region 195. In doing
so, second buttpad section 220 assists in securing first buttpad
section 220 to rear region 195 and in reducing the likelihood that
second buttpad section 200 will rattle when modular buttstock
assembly 100 is subject to motion.
[0040] Forward region 185 may further include a cover 245 coupled
to a bottom surface of rear body 115. Cover 245 may serve to
conceal hinge 230 from view when buttpad 200 is hingedly coupled to
rear region 195 so as to give rear body 115 a sleek, low profile
appearance. Cover 245 may also serve as a locking member that
couples to hinge 230 and may shield hinge 230 from debris that
might otherwise impede the ability of first buttpad section 220 to
pivot around hinge 230. Forward region 185 may further include a
built-in sling mounting point to which a sling may be mounted. The
sling mounted point may include one or more brackets 205 that are
secured to forward region 185 of rear body 115 by a plug 210. In an
embodiment, one or more brackets 205 may be installed within
corresponding groove, slots, indents, or the like of forward region
185. Plug 210, which may include a plurality of arms, may then be
installed in between brackets 205 such that the arms exert outward
pressure on brackets 205 and effectively pin them in place against
a section of forward region 185. Buttpad 200 may then be
over-molded and/or hingedly coupled to rear region 195.
[0041] FIG. 7 is a partially exploded, inverted perspective view of
an exemplary modular buttstock assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 6,
cover 245 conceals hinge 230 of first buttpad section 220. Cover
245 may be coupled to rear body 115 by a tab disposed on the
internal surface of cover 245 (not shown) that interlocks with a
spring member 255. In some embodiments, cover 245 may include a gap
through which a bullet tip or other small object may be inserted to
actuate spring member 255 and release cover 245. Rear body 115 may
also include one or more textured surfaces 250. Textured surface
250 may aesthetically enhance rear body 115, provide increased wear
resistance, and provide a non-slip surface for situations in which
the user may need to carry the firearm by rear body 115.
[0042] Although certain embodiments of rear bodies 115 have been
described herein, persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily
recognize that such disclosure is in no way limiting. On the
contrary, in light of the disclosure provided herein, it should be
readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art that the
present disclosure covers a wide variety of swappable, modular rear
bodies 115, such as those featuring a variety of storage
compartments, access panels, or built-in accessories.
[0043] The above description is illustrative and not restrictive.
Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those of
skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. While the present
invention has been described in connection with a variety of
embodiments, these descriptions are not intended to limit the scope
of the invention to the particular forms set forth herein. To the
contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claim and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill
in the art.
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