U.S. patent application number 16/673761 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-15 for weapon and accessory link.
The applicant listed for this patent is S&S Precision, LLC. Invention is credited to Andrew C. Borland, William-Joseph Basan Elizalde, Barrett Bare Locke, Johnny E. Swan.
Application Number | 20200326152 16/673761 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004917934 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-15 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200326152 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Swan; Johnny E. ; et
al. |
October 15, 2020 |
WEAPON AND ACCESSORY LINK
Abstract
Attachment systems configured to fixedly hold a rail are
described, including a first connector integrated with a tactical
accessory mount, a base element, including a first engagement
portion configured to at least partially wrap around a first edge
of the rail, and a movable element configured to move relative to
the base and including a second engagement portion configured to at
least partially wrap around a second edge e of the rail. A locking
mechanism is provided to hold the movable element in a closed
position with the second engagement portion holding the second edge
of the rail and the first engagement portion holding the first edge
of the rail. A second connector may be attached to the base element
to hold the base element to the tactical accessory mount via the
first connector.
Inventors: |
Swan; Johnny E.; (Virginia
Beach, VA) ; Borland; Andrew C.; (Virginia Beach,
VA) ; Elizalde; William-Joseph Basan; (Virginia
Beach, VA) ; Locke; Barrett Bare; (Tucson,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
S&S Precision, LLC |
Virginia Beach |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004917934 |
Appl. No.: |
16/673761 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15860536 |
Jan 2, 2018 |
10466011 |
|
|
16673761 |
|
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|
|
62441439 |
Jan 1, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/021 20130101;
F41C 33/008 20130101; F41C 33/041 20130101; F41C 33/0263 20130101;
A45F 2200/0591 20130101; F41C 33/0245 20130101; F41C 33/007
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41C 33/00 20060101
F41C033/00; A45F 5/02 20060101 A45F005/02; F41C 33/02 20060101
F41C033/02 |
Claims
1. An attachment system configured to fixedly hold a rail,
comprising: a first connector integrated with a tactical accessory
mount; a base element, including a first engagement portion
configured to at least partially wrap around a first edge of the
rail; a movable element configured to move relative to said base
and including a second engagement portion configured to at least
partially wrap around a second edge of the rail; a locking
mechanism configured to hold said movable element in a locked
position with said second engagement portion holding the second
edge of the rail and said first engagement portion holding the
first edge of the rail; and a second connector attached to said
base element and configured to hold said base element to said
tactical accessory mount via said first connector, wherein, said
locking mechanism is further configured to transition from an open
position to the locked position via pressure applied by the rail
toward said base element.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rail is at least one of a
MIL-STD-1913 rail.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the rail is fixedly attached to a
firearm, whereby the attachment system secures the firearm to said
tactical accessory mount.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said first and second connectors
are configured to engage with one another via a quick release.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least part of said moveable
element moves in a first direction toward said first engagement
portion when transitioning between the open position to the locked
position.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein said locking mechanism is further
configured to release the rail from the attachment apparatus via
finger pressure applied substantially opposite to said first
direction.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said tactical accessory mount is
at least one of a belt mount or a panel including a plurality of
said first connectors.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said first connector and said
second connector are attachable to one another using a male member
of said second connector and a female member of said first
connector, said male member and said second connector acting
together as one monolithic unit when attaching said first connector
to said second connector, said female member including a slot in
said first connector, said male member insertable in and moveable
in said slot to attach said first connector and said second
connector to one another.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein said first connector includes a
flexible tooth that holds said male member in said slot, and
releases said male member from said first connector via finger
pressure that displaces said flexible tooth.
10. An attachment system configured to fixedly hold a rail,
comprising: a base element, including a first engagement portion
configured to at least partially wrap around a first edge of the
rail; a movable element configured to move relative to said base
and including a second engagement portion configured to at least
partially wrap around a second edge of the rail; a locking
mechanism configured to hold said movable element in a locked
position with said second engagement portion holding the second
edge of the rail and said first engagement portion holding the
first edge of the rail; and a mount connector attached to said base
element and configured to hold said base element to a tactical
accessory mount, wherein, said locking mechanism is further
configured to transition from an open position to the locked
position via pressure applied by the rail toward said base element,
at least part of said moveable element moves in a first direction
toward said first engagement portion when transitioning between the
open position to the closed position, and said locking mechanism is
further configured to release the rail from the attachment
apparatus via finger pressure applied substantially opposite to
said first direction.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the rail is at least one of a
MIL-STD-1913 rail.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the rail is fixedly attached to
a firearm, whereby the attachment system secures the firearm to the
tactical accessory mount.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein said mount connector is
configured to engage with the tactical accessory mount via a quick
release.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein said tactical accessory mount
is at least one of a belt mount or a panel including a plurality of
said first connectors.
15. The system of claim 10, further comprising a first connector
integrated with a tactical accessory mount.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein said first connector and said
second connector are attachable to one another using a male member
of said second connector and a female member of said first
connector, said male member and said second connector acting
together as one monolithic unit when attaching said first connector
to said second connector, said female member including a slot in
said first connector, said male member insertable in and moveable
in said slot to attach said first connector and said second
connector to one another.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said first connector includes a
flexible tooth that holds said male member in said slot, and
releases said male member from said first connector via finger
pressure that displaces said flexible tooth.
18. An attachment system configured to fixedly hold a rail,
comprising: a base element, including a first engagement portion
configured to at least partially wrap around a first edge of the
rail; a movable element configured to move relative to said base
and including a second engagement portion configured to at least
partially wrap around a second edge of the rail; a locking
mechanism configured to hold said movable element in a locked
position with said second engagement portion holding the second
edge of the rail and said first engagement portion holding the
first edge of the rail; and a release mechanism including a first
pressure receiving portion that releases said locking mechanism and
a second pressure receiving portion that moves said movable element
to an open position in which the rail can be released from the
attachment system, wherein, said locking mechanism is further
configured to transition to the locked position via pressure
applied by the rail toward said base element.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein said first pressure receiving
portion and said second pressure receiving portion are configured
to operate via a finger pressure applied in a single direction.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein said locking mechanism includes
at least one locking pin that causes said locking mechanism to
lock, and causes said first pressure receiving portion to move to
an operating position, based on contact with the rail as the rail
is seated in the attachment system.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/441,439 filed Jan. 1, 2017 and entitled "WEAPON
AND ACCESSORY LINK," the contents of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Embodiments generally relate to the attachment of
accessories to military and law enforcement tactical equipment,
belts, vehicles, or other objects, surfaces, or materials. More
particularly, some embodiments relate to the attachment or optional
mounting of firearms or assault rifles onto tactical equipment,
belts, vehicles, or other objects.
[0003] The current popular method for attachment of an assault
rifle onto tactical equipment is the use of nylon webbing as a
sling. The sling is configured in such a manner that it creates a
loop of webbing from the rifle at one point, around the individual
and back to the rifle at the same point or other point depending on
individual preference.
[0004] As the sling is a simple loop of material around the
individual, it provides no real retention of the rifle during other
activities that require the rifle to be out of the way and secure.
When the weight of the rifle is solely loaded on the sling without
the individual touching the rifle, the rifle is referred to as
`slung`. When the rifle is slung to the front position, side
position, or the back of the body, it is not held in position by
anything other than gravity tension on the sling and the lack of
movement by the individual. If the individual were to climb, walk,
run, bend over, or fall down, the rifle would move out of its
intended position. Therefore, there exists a need to facilitate a
convenient and secure attachment and detachment method of the rifle
or other firearm and/or one or more accessories to tactical
equipment, belts, vehicles, or other objects.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 8,166,694, entitled "FIREARM SECURING DEVICE
AND METHOD," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated
by reference, describes related systems to that of the present
application.
[0006] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0327658 entitled "GEAR
TRACK SYSTEM," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated
by reference, describes systems for securing tactical accessories
to an individual.
SUMMARY
[0007] This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of
the disclosure and introduces some of the concepts that are further
described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary
is not intended to identify key or essential features of the
claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation
to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0008] The present subject matter includes and relates to apparatus
that provide for secure, convenient, fast, and easy attachment
and/or detachment of a firearm, tool, and/or accessory to/from
tactical equipment, objects, surfaces, or materials. Embodiments
may further include the option of one-handed attachment and/or
detachment of the firearm, tool, and/or accessory to/from tactical
equipment, objects, surfaces, or materials, or vice versa.
[0009] Embodiments may advantageously provide attachment with
positional security and modularity by allowing a user to specify
and/or change the location that a weapon or other item is secured
to their person, and/or to quickly change out the type(s) of holder
connected to their gear.
[0010] Embodiments may include an apparatus for connecting a rail
system (such as may be secured to a firearm for mounting
accessories thereto) to tactical equipment or a material or object.
According to first aspects of the disclosure, an attachment system,
configured to fixedly hold a rail, may include one or more of a
first connector integrated with a tactical accessory mount; a base
element, including a first engagement portion configured to at
least partially wrap around a first edge of the rail; a movable
element configured to move relative to the base and including a
second engagement portion configured to at least partially wrap
around a second edge of the rail; a locking mechanism configured to
hold the movable element in a closed position with the second
engagement portion holding the second edge of the rail and the
first engagement portion holding the first edge of the rail; and/or
a second connector attached to the base element and configured to
hold the base element to the tactical accessory mount via the first
connector.
[0011] In embodiments, the locking mechanism may be further
configured to transition from an open position to the closed
position via pressure applied by the rail toward the base
element.
[0012] In some embodiments, pressure applied by the rail toward the
base element may cause, for example, a tooth to slide into a
position that locks the attachment system to the rail once the rail
is seated in place.
[0013] In some embodiments, the rail may be at least one of a
MIL-STD-1913 rail.
[0014] In some embodiments, the rail may be fixedly attached to a
firearm, whereby the attachment system secures the firearm to the
tactical accessory mount.
[0015] In some embodiments, the first and second connectors are
configured to engage with one another via a quick release, such as
a male and female connectors with a finger actuated detent, a
spring fitting, a spear fitting with a compressible release,
etc.
[0016] In some embodiments, at least part of the moveable element
moves in a first direction toward the first engagement portion when
transitioning between the open position to the closed position.
[0017] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be further
configured to release the rail from the attachment apparatus via
finger pressure applied substantially opposite to the first
direction.
[0018] In some embodiments, the tactical accessory mount may be at
least one of a belt mount or a panel including a plurality of the
first connectors.
[0019] In some embodiments, the first connector and the second
connector are attachable to one another using a male member of the
second connector and a female member of the first connector, the
male member and the second connector acting together as one
monolithic unit when attaching the first connector to the second
connector, the female member including a slot in the first
connector, the male member insertable in and moveable in the slot
to attach the first connector and the second connector to one
another.
[0020] In some embodiments, the first connector includes a flexible
tooth that holds the male member in the slot, and releases the male
member from the first connector via finger pressure that displaces
the flexible tooth.
[0021] According to further aspects of the disclosure, an
attachment system, configured to fixedly hold a rail, may include
one or more of a base element, including a first engagement portion
configured to at least partially wrap around a first edge of the
rail; a movable element configured to move relative to the base and
including a second engagement portion configured to at least
partially wrap around a second edge of the rail; a locking
mechanism configured to hold the movable element in a closed
position with the second engagement portion holding the second edge
of the rail and the first engagement portion holding the first edge
of the rail; and/or a mount connector attached to the base element
and configured to hold the base element to a tactical accessory
mount.
[0022] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be further
configured to transition from an open position to the closed
position via pressure applied by the rail toward the base element,
at least part of the moveable element moves in a first direction
toward the first engagement portion when transitioning between the
open position to the closed position, and/or the locking mechanism
may be further configured to release the rail from the attachment
apparatus via finger pressure applied substantially opposite to the
first direction.
[0023] In some embodiments, the rail may be at least one of a
MIL-STD-1913 rail.
[0024] In some embodiments, the rail may be fixedly attached to a
firearm, whereby the attachment system secures the firearm to the
tactical accessory mount.
[0025] In some embodiments, the mount connector may be configured
to engage with the tactical accessory mount via a quick
release.
[0026] In some embodiments, the tactical accessory mount may be at
least one of a belt mount or a panel including a plurality of the
first connectors.
[0027] Embodiments may include a first connector integrated with a
tactical accessory mount.
[0028] In some embodiments, the first connector and the second
connector are attachable to one another using a male member of the
second connector and a female member of the first connector, the
male member and the second connector acting together as one
monolithic unit when attaching the first connector to the second
connector, the female member including a slot in the first
connector, the male member insertable in and moveable in the slot
to attach the first connector and the second connector to one
another.
[0029] In some embodiments, the first connector includes a flexible
tooth that holds the male member in the slot, and releases the male
member from the first connector via finger pressure that displaces
the flexible tooth.
[0030] According to further aspects of the disclosure, an
attachment system configured to fixedly hold a rail may include one
or more of a base element, including a first engagement portion
configured to at least partially wrap around a first edge of the
rail; a movable element configured to move relative to the base and
including a second engagement portion configured to at least
partially wrap around a second edge of the rail; a locking
mechanism configured to hold the movable element in a locked
position with the second engagement portion holding the second edge
of the rail and the first engagement portion holding the first edge
of the rail; and/or a release mechanism including a first pressure
receiving portion that releases the locking mechanism and a second
pressure receiving portion that moves the movable element to an
open position in which the rail can be released from the attachment
system.
[0031] In embodiments, the locking mechanism may be further
configured to transition to the locked position via pressure
applied by the rail toward the base element.
[0032] In embodiments, the first pressure receiving portion and the
second pressure receiving portion may be configured to operate via
a finger pressure applied in a single direction.
[0033] In embodiments, the locking mechanism may include at least
one locking pin that causes the locking mechanism to lock, and/or
causes the first pressure receiving portion to move to an operating
position, based on contact with the rail as the rail is seated in
the attachment system.
[0034] Other embodiments may include a method of connecting a
firearm, preferably having a rail system, to tactical equipment,
comprising providing an apparatus as described herein, and
attaching the rail of the firearm to the apparatus.
[0035] These and other aspects of the invention will now become
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the
following description of embodiments of the invention in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of
embodiments can be understood in detail, a more particular
description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had
by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the
appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended
drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and
are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the
invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0037] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a first embodiment of
an exemplary attachment apparatus operatively attached to a rail
system.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary
attachment mechanism detached from the rail system shown in FIG.
1.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a top-down view of an exemplary attachment
mechanism detached from the rail system shown in FIG. 1.
[0040] FIGS. 4A-4C show aspects of the exemplary attachment
apparatus engaging with a rail system.
[0041] FIGS. 5A and 5B show additional aspects of an exemplary
attachment apparatus engaging with a rail system.
[0042] FIGS. 6A-6D show additional aspects of an exemplary internal
mechanism for an attachment apparatus according to aspects of the
invention.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a front view of a panel including a plurality of
exemplary attachment apparatus operatively attached thereto.
[0044] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of an exemplary tactical
gear mount that may be used with an attachment apparatus according
to aspects of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a magazine holder attached to
a tactical gear mount as shown in FIG. 8.
[0046] It is to be expressly understood that the description and
drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating certain
embodiments of the invention and are an aid for understanding. They
are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] It is understood that the invention is not limited to the
particular methodology, protocols, etc., described herein, as these
may vary as the skilled artisan will recognize. It is also to be
understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose
of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to
limit the scope of the invention. It also is to be noted that as
used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a,"
"an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "a
rail" is a reference to one or more rails and equivalents thereof
known to those skilled in the art.
[0048] Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms used herein
have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art to which the invention pertains. The embodiments
of the invention and the various features and advantageous details
thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting
embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in
the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following
description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in
the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of
one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the
skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated
herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing
techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the
embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein are intended
merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the
invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in
the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly,
the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as
limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the
appended claims and applicable law.
[0049] Embodiments may include a platform herein referred to as an
attachment system, or similar nomenclature. Embodiments may
generally include a tactical gear mount or platform, a base element
or other intermediary element that is releasable connected to the
tactical gear mount and configured to hold a tactical rail (or
other fixed portion) of a weapon or tactical equipment. The
apparatus may include slides, threaded holes, spindles, clips,
spring loaded tension devices, and/or other mounting fixtures
suitable for securing the one or more accessories to various
surfaces or tactical equipment, some examples of which are
described herein.
[0050] Advantageously, exemplary apparatus may permit the user to
attach and/or detach a weapon to and/or from tactical equipment
(other surface) using only one hand with positional security
resulting upon attachment. Embodiments advantageously allow use of
the apparatus with already-manufactured rail systems, tactical
equipment, and optional accessories. In some examples, this may all
be done without tools, including attachment and removal of the
intermediary element to the tactical gear mount, and attachment and
removal of the weapon to the intermediary element.
[0051] A first embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. Depicted in FIG. 1 is
a rail-equipped handguard, having four rail sections 190, one of
which is removably attached to a rail retention device 100, which,
in turn, is removably attached to a tactical gear mount (in this
case a belt mount 150). The rail sections 190 may have ridges or
raised portions with spaced slots or cutouts therebetween. In one
embodiment, the rail section may be a M1913A Picatinny rail
section, although the rail section may instead be any type of rail
section known to those skilled in the art. The rail section may be
attached to a firearm (such as an assault rifle handguard), or
other tactical accessory or accessory holder, or may be integrally
formed with such items (such as machined on the upper receiver of a
rifle or submachinegun, etc.). The rail section or rail may be a
bracket connectable to a firearm or other item for providing a
standardized platform for mounting accessories thereto. For
purposes of discussion, the rail section 190 may be described as
having opposing rail edges 192, 194, which may also be referred to
as a first rail edge and a second rail edge.
[0052] The rail retention device 100 is attached to the belt mount
150 via cooperating track fittings (described further herein) and
secured in the track fitting via release mechanism 154, which in
this case is in the form of a deflecting tooth that is displaced as
the connector of the rail retention device 100 is inserted in the
cooperating connector of the belt mount 150, and that substantially
returns to its original position to hold the top of the connector
of the rail retention device 100 seated in the cooperating
connector of the belt mount 150.
[0053] The rail retention device 100 also includes a first actuator
132 (or pressure receiving portion), responsive to finger pressure
of a user to unlock the rail retention device 100, and a second
actuator (or pressure receiving portion) responsive to finger
pressure of the user to open the rail retention device 100.
[0054] The rail retention device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is clamped to
sides of the rail section 190 by means of a moveable element 120,
shown in greater detail in FIG. 2. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3,
the clamping portions seen on the facing portion of the rail
retention device 100 are configured to fixedly hold the rail in a
channel 170, and include a first engagement portion 112 (which may
be fixed to a base element 110) and a second engagement portion
122, which may be formed by or with a moveable portion 120 that
slides laterally in direction 500 in order to open, and in
direction 502 to close around the rail section 190 (shown in FIG.
1). Thus, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 includes an exemplary
first engagement portion 112 configured to at least partially wrap
around a first edge 192 of the rail and a movable element 120
configured to move relative to the base 110 and including a second
engagement portion 122 configured to at least partially wrap around
a second edge 194 of the rail.
[0055] The base 110 may also include a locking mechanism configured
to hold the movable element 120 in a closed position with the
second engagement portion 122 holding the second rail edge 194 and
the first engagement portion 112 holding the first rail edge 192.
The locking mechanism can take many forms, any one of which may,
for example, releasably secure the weapon to the base element.
[0056] In embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a
spring-loaded locking pin 138 that protrudes from the base 110 (as
shown in FIG. 2), and that is pushed into the base 110 as the rail
is seated in the rail retention device 100. The movement of the
locking pin into the base 110 may mechanically actuate a physical
lock that prevents the moveable element 120 from moving in the
direction 500. In some embodiments, the motion of the locking pin
into the base 110 may cause the first actuator 132 to be released
to an extended position (such as shown in FIG. 2), or otherwise
enabled, whereby the first actuator 132 may then be used as a
release button (e.g. by a user applying finger pressure in
direction 504) to unlock the locking mechanism and allow the
moveable element 120 to move in the direction 500. The second
actuator 134 (which in some examples may be fixed to the moveable
element 120) may then cause the moveable element 120 to move in the
direction 500 (i.e. to "open") based on a continued finger pressure
in direction 504.
[0057] The rail retention device 100 may include one or more
positioning rail(s) 136 in the bed of channel 170 that are sized
and spaced to fit between the individual rails of the rail section
190, thus further securing the rail section 190 in the rail
retention device 100, and substantially preventing the rail section
190 from sliding up or down (as viewed in FIG. 1). In some
examples, the positioning rail(s) 136 may be fixed to the moveable
element 120, and may engage with the base 110 via positioning rail
slot(s) 114.
[0058] The rail retention device 100 may further include a
connector 140 for attaching the rail retention device to a tactical
accessory mount or other complimentary attachment. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the connector 140 includes a groove 142
whereby the connector 140 can be slid into a corresponding channel,
such as described further herein. The connector 140 also includes a
substantially flat top surface whereby a mechanical release
mechanism can be positioned in a flush position that securely
retains the connector 140 while allowing for a smooth release.
[0059] FIGS. 4A-4C, 5A and 5B provide additional details of
exemplary ways that the rail retention device 100 may be
operatively engaged with a rail section 190. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 4A-4C, 5A and 5B, the rail retention device 100 may be
variously configured to transition from an open position to a
closed and/or locked position via pressure applied by the rail
toward the base element. Unless otherwise specified, an "open"
configuration generally refers to a configuration in which the rail
retention device is able to receive a rail section, whereas a "held
open" configuration is more specifically one in which the moveable
element 120 is temporarily held in an extended position whereby the
rail section can be secured in the rail retention device without
the rail section applying force directly to the moveable element
120.
[0060] As described further below, some embodiments may be
configured to return the moveable element 120 to its original
position (shown in FIG. 2) after opening, such as by spring loading
the moveable element 120 in direction 502. The locking pins 138 may
be released via the opening pressure on first actuator 132 and
again protrude from the base 110. In this configuration, the
moveable element 120 is able to move in either of directions 500
and 502, and can again receive a rail section.
[0061] Some embodiments may be configured to hold the moveable
element 120 in an open position (e.g. as shown in FIG. 5A) after
opening. In this case, the locking pins 138 may also be released
via the opening pressure on first actuator 132 and again protrude
from the base 110 while the moveable element 120 is held in the
open position. In this configuration, the moveable element 120 is
restrained from moving in either of directions 500 and 502, but can
receive a rail section (without forcing the moveable element 120
open). In some examples, the mode of auto-closing and/or holding
open may be set by a user, such as by a mechanical switch (not
shown) that engages and/or disengages the hold-open feature.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the movable element 120 may be
configured to open, and to transition back to a closed and/or
locked position, via pressure applied by the rail toward the base
element. That is, a user applies pressure to the rail section
forcing it into the channel 170 (which may be understood as
downward in FIGS. 4A-4C, 5A and 5B). This may be done by "rolling"
the rail section into the channel via a first rail edge 192 that
engages with the engagement portion 112 of the base 110, and then
applying downward pressure via the second rail edge 194 against the
engagement portion 122 of the moveable element 120. As shown in
FIG. 4A, this downward force is translated to a lateral force by
the sloped edge of engagement portion 122, and causes the moveable
element 120 to move in direction 500 until the second rail edge 194
can clear the engagement portion 122, as shown in FIG. 4B.
[0063] As the rail section 190 is seated in the channel 170, the
moveable element 120 moves back in direction 502, and the locking
pin 138 is pressed into the base 100. The rail section is then
secured in the channel as shown in FIG. 4C, which may be a locked
position by virtue of, for example, mechanical engagement of an
internal blocking element (not shown), or other means. As mentioned
above, the movement of the locking pin(s) 138 may also push and/or
release the first actuator 132 into an operable position, whereby
the first actuator 132 can unlock the locking mechanism, e.g. via
reversing a mechanical effect of the locking pin(s) 138 or other
internal apparatus.
[0064] Thus, in some examples, the rail retention device 100 may be
opened and closed simply by pressing the rail section 190 into the
rail retention device 100, or "rolling" it into the rail retention
device 100, e.g. by engaging the rail section 190 with the fixed
(first) engagement portion 112 of the base 110 followed by a
rolling pressure into the rail retention device 100 that opens and
closes the moveable portion 120.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 5A, in some embodiments, the movable
element 120 may be configured to be "held open," e.g. when the
moveable element is released and extended via the first and second
actuators 132, 134. In this instance, the rail is allowed to enter
between the engagement portions 112, 122 without exerting pressure
on the moveable portion 120. A user simply applies pressure
sufficient to press in the locking pins 138, which allows the
moveable portion to close in direction 502, as shown in FIG. 5B,
which may be a locked position by virtue of, for example,
mechanical engagement of a blocking element (not shown) with the
moveable element, or other means. As mentioned above, the movement
of the locking pin(s) 138 may also push and/or release the first
actuator 132 into an operable position, whereby the first actuator
132 can unlock the locking mechanism, e.g. via reversing a
mechanical effect of the locking pin(s) 138.
[0066] Thus, in some examples, the rail retention device 100 may be
opened and closed simply by pressing the rail section 190 into the
rail retention device 100, or "rolling" it into the rail retention
device 100, e.g. by engaging the rail section 190 with the fixed
(first) engagement portion 112 of the base 110 followed by a
rolling pressure into the rail retention device 100 that opens and
closes the moveable portion 120.
[0067] In some examples, the moveable element 120 may be biased
toward the open position, and pressure on the locking pins 138, or
other element, may be used to overcome that bias and close the rail
retention device 100. Such examples may be beneficial, for example,
in making it easier for a user to remove a weapon or tool from the
rail retention device 100.
[0068] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be further
configured to release the rail from the attachment apparatus via
finger pressure, e.g. applied substantially opposite to the closing
direction of the moveable element. For example, as shown in FIGS.
1-3, the base 110 may include a first actuator 132 that is
responsive to a user's finger pressure to release the moveable
element 120, and/or second actuator 134 to move the moveable
element 120, and free the weapon rail from the engagement
portions.
[0069] Additional details of exemplary internal locking and release
mechanisms are shown in FIGS. 6A-6D. FIG. 6A depicts a
configuration in which the rail retention device 100 is closed, but
unlocked and ready to receive a rail. As shown in FIG. 6A, base 110
may include first actuator 132 and second actuator 134, which are
capable of sliding, at least partially, relative to one another. A
portion of the first actuator 132 runs through a blocking element
180, which is spring biased in the direction 510. First actuator
132 is also connected to a retaining part 133 that is engaged with
a blocking bar 139. Blocking bar 139 is connected to locking pins
138 and is spring biased toward engagement with the retaining part
133, and to extend the locking pins 138 from the base (as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 4B). In this configuration, the moveable element 120 is
capable of extending, as shown in FIG. 4B, but is spring biased to
a flush rest position. However, other configurations, such as with
an "open bias," are also contemplated.
[0070] FIG. 6B depicts a configuration in which the locking pins
138 have been pressed into the base 110, moving the blocking bar
139 out of engagement with retaining part 133. This allows a
movement of the first actuator 132 in direction 506, which is urged
by the pressure of blocking element 180 on an angled portion of the
first actuator 132 running through the blocking element 180. The
release of the retaining part 133 also allows movement of the
blocking element 180, as discussed below.
[0071] FIG. 6C depicts a configuration in which the blocking
element 180 has moved in the direction 510, simultaneously moving
the first actuator 132 in direction 506. The blocking element 180
is in engagement with a notched portion of the moveable element
120, locking it in place. The first actuator 132 extends beyond the
second actuator 134, and is operable to unlock the locking
mechanism.
[0072] FIG. 6D depicts a configuration in which the first actuator
132, and second actuator 134, have been pressed in direction 504.
This pressure moves the first actuator 132 back into the base 110,
which moves the blocking element 180 in direction 512, thereby
releasing the moveable element 120. Continued pressure in direction
504 moves the first actuator 132 and second actuator 134 inward of
the base 110, and pushes the moveable element 120 to its extended
position, allowing the rail to be removed from the rail retention
device 100.
[0073] When the rail is removed, the locking pins 138 may be urged
by spring bias back to their extended position, moving the blocking
bar 139 back into engagement with retaining part 133. This is but
one example of how such internal mechanisms may be configured. As
mentioned previously, it is also possible to configure the rail
retention device 100 with a "hold open" feature that may allow it
to maintain a configuration substantially as shown in FIG. 6D,
until another rail is inserted in the channel, and/or the device is
manually returned to a closed, unlocked, position.
[0074] As will be appreciated from the foregoing examples,
embodiments of the present subject matter may include at least part
of the moveable element 120 moving in a "first direction," e.g.
502, toward the first engagement portion when transitioning between
the open position to the closed position. The first direction may
be perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the rail section,
e.g. side to side in FIGS. 1-3.
[0075] In some examples, the moveable element may be biased (e.g.
by spring or other mechanism) toward the open position (rather than
biased toward the closed position), such that insertion of the rail
into the base element must overcome the bias, e.g. by pressure on
the locking pins, and removal of the rail from the base element is
assisted when the release is activated.
[0076] The rail retention device may be secured to the tactical
gear mount or other holder in various ways. In some examples, a
first connector (e.g. a track or other mechanical connection means)
may be integrated with the tactical gear mount, and the base
element may include a complimentary second connector configured to
hold the base element to the tactical gear mount via the first
connector.
[0077] In some embodiments, the tactical gear mount may be at least
one of a belt mount or a panel including a plurality of the first
connectors. For example, FIG. 7 shows a plurality of rail retention
devices 100 attached to a chest panel 350 such as described in
Applicant's U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0327658. The chest
panel 350 includes three mounting tracks with release mechanisms
354 that are similarly configured, and allow the user to
personalize the specific locations and types of holders including
rail retention devices 100. Similar panels (of varying sizes and
shapes) can be mounted on other areas of the body providing
tremendous flexibility and particularity for weapon retention and
other uses. Also, in some examples, the rail retention devices 100
can be mounted in different orientations, such as two 180 degree
offset orientations (for substantially rectangular tracks), or even
three or more different offsets using triangular, square or other
track designs.
[0078] In some examples, the female and male interface shape of the
apparatus (which may, for example, be rectangular), may be modified
to a dovetail, square, or other shape to accommodate generally
positive fixture stability depending on shape design and customer
requirements.
[0079] FIG. 8 is a tactical gear belt mount 250 as shown in
Applicant's U.S. Design Patent D731,294 and shows an example of
what a tactical accessory mount as described herein may be embodied
as (similar to FIG. 1), in this case a belt mount. As shown in FIG.
8, tactical gear belt mount 250 includes a substantially
rectangular track 252, and a deflecting element 254 that acts as a
securing and quick release mechanism. In some examples, the
connector 140, and grooves 142, may be configured to slide into a
track like 252, and be held in a fully seated configuration by
deflecting element 254. Such configurations may resist rotation of
other elements, such as a base element, when attached to the
accessory mount.
[0080] FIG. 9 is reproduced from Applicant's U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2015/0327658 and shows a magazine holder mounted to
the tactical gear belt mount shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments,
a rail retention device as described herein may be mounted to a
tactical accessory mount in similar fashion. Thus, the first
connector and the second connector are attachable to one another
using a male member of the second connector and a female member of
the first connector, the male member and the second connector
acting together as one monolithic unit when attaching the first
connector to the second connector, the female member including a
slot in the first connector, the male member insertable in and
moveable in the slot to attach the first connector and the second
connector to one another.
[0081] The female interface of embodiments provides a receptacle
shaped to receive at least a portion of the male interface. The
receptacle may be in the form of a pocket, groove, slot, notch,
and/or slide, or any other type of receptacle capable of fitting a
portion of the male interface therein to provide a connection
between the two interfaces, and optionally further tension between
the male and female interfaces may be applied using one or more
magnets, spring-loaded balls, and/or plunger-type devices, or any
other mechanisms known to those skilled in the art capable of
connecting the interfaces to one another. In one embodiment, the
female interface is designed to receive a variety of mounting
plates which provide for mounting along various surfaces (e.g.,
MOLLE system, standard belt, wall surface, vehicle door, security
locker, etc.).
[0082] In the embodiments described above, the apparatus is capable
of connecting one or more accessories to one or more locations,
surfaces, objects, and/or materials. The one or more accessories
may for example include one or more of the following: rail, firearm
(e.g., rifle or assault rifle), tool (e.g., mechanical tool), quick
detach pouch. The one or more locations, surfaces, objects, and/or
materials may for example include one or more of the following:
mounting plate, tactical equipment, other equipment piece, belt,
vehicle (e.g., a vehicle door), vest, location on a MOLLE system
(e.g., of a standard military tactical nylon vest), pocket, along
the waist line, wall surface, security locker. The one or more
accessories may be attached to the base element, while the one or
more locations, surfaces, objects, and/or materials may be attached
to the tactical gear mount. The base element and tactical gear
mount are then removably attachable to one another to attach the
one or more weapons/accessories to the one or more locations,
surfaces, objects, and/or materials via the interfaces.
[0083] A weapon or other accessory including a rail can then be
attached to the rail retention device as also described herein.
Other mounts are also possible, such as leg mounts, chest mounts,
etc.
[0084] In embodiments, the rail retention device acts as a fastener
of a firearm, tool, or other accessory to a user's belt, vehicle,
tactical gear, or other object, material, or surface.
[0085] The above-described connection devices may be further
secured with additional connection members, e.g., hardware such as
magnetic force, spring tensioning devices, or gravity locking.
[0086] Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be
combined with any feature of any other embodiment discussed herein
in some examples of implementation.
[0087] Certain additional elements that may be needed for operation
of certain embodiments have not been described or illustrated as
they are assumed to be within the purview of those of ordinary
skill in the art. Moreover, certain embodiments may be free of, may
lack and/or may function without any element that is not
specifically disclosed herein.
[0088] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and
the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
* * * * *