MODULAR FOREND EXTENSION AND MOUNTING SYSTEM

Abstract

A modular forend extension and mounting system including a modular forend extension unit and a mounting block unit. The modular forend extension unit includes a modular forend extension, a barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin, two barrel side plates, and forend extension fasteners. The mounting block unit includes a cap sling swivel block, a modular sling swivel mounting base, and mounting block fasteners.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to firearms and, more specifically, to a rifle (pistol, machine gun, or firearm) system for a modular forend extension and mounting system.

BACKGROUND

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims herein and are not admitted as being prior art by inclusion in this section.

Modular rifle systems allow manufacturers to produce standard components of a rifle which allow military, dealers and or end users to customize a rifle system. Modular rifle systems may be fitted to a weapon system that discharges a projectile such as a rifle, pistol, machine gun, firearm, or other weapon system known by terminology common to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The major components of a modular rifle (*pistol, machinegun, or firearm) system include a modular accessory handguard and other attachment points for accessories. The modular accessory handguard is generally the central accessory interface component of a modular rifle system. The modular accessory handguard may be attached using common industry practices and may limit the accessibility of modular rifle components based upon the size and scope of the accessories and the preconfigured OEM assembly. End users of modular rifle systems may be right or left-handed and may require either right or left-handed attachments. Commercially available rail extensions mount to an area under the front sight post of the firearm and the design may create a cantilevering beam effect forward of the mounting point which may limit performance, introduce instability, and impact overall product longevity.

SUMMARY

Existing challenges associated with the foregoing, as well as other challenges, are overcome by the presently disclosed modular forend extension and mounting system. One embodiment of the present disclosure is a modular forend extension and mounting system. The modular forend extension and mounting system includes a modular forend extension unit and a mounting block unit. The modular forend extension unit includes a modular forend extension, a barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin, two barrel side plates, and forend extension fasteners. The mounting block unit includes a cap sling swivel block, a modular sling swivel mounting base, and mounting block fasteners.

In aspects, the forend extension fasteners or mounting block fasteners include screws or bolts.

In aspects, the forend extension fasteners or mounting block fasteners are conical in shape or hex type.

In aspects, the forend extension fasteners or mounting block fasteners include one at least one of conical set screws, dog point set screws, cup point set screws, non-marring set screws, extended tip set screws, high-hold cone point set screws, easy-adjust ball point set screws, swivel tip set screws, spring plungers, and hollow lock set screws.

In aspects, the barrel side plates are clam shell shaped and secure directly to a barrel of a firearm.

In aspects, the barrel side plates create a hardpoint for the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin to fit and seat over.

In aspects, the barrel side plates include a groove, and the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin includes indexing screws configured to mate with the groove and mechanically lock and bind the barrel side plates and the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin together while securing the barrel side plates and the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin to the barrel of a firearm.

In aspects, the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin, barrel side plates, cap sling swivel block, and modular sling swivel mounting base are constructed from one of aluminum blends or materials, alloys, steel, titanium, high temperature resistant materials, carbon fiber, composites, and/or combinations thereof.

In aspects, the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin, barrel side plates, cap sling swivel block, and modular sling swivel mounting base are constructed from aluminum or any other high temperature resistant material. In aspects, the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin, barrel side plates, cap sling swivel block, and modular sling swivel mounting base are constructed from aluminum 7075-T6.

In aspects, the modular sling swivel mounting base is configured to be pressed around a barrel of a firearm in a space between a front and rear section of a front sight post.

In aspects, the modular sling swivel mounting base includes grooves or teeth positioned to face towards the barrel.

In aspects, the mounting block fasteners are placed into holes of the cap sling swivel block and tightened to secure the cap sling swivel block to the modular sling swivel mounting base around the barrel.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a modular mounting system. The modular mounting system includes a mounting block unit. The mounting block unit includes a cap sling swivel block, a modular sling swivel mounting base, and fasteners.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of installing a modular forend extension and mounting system to a firearm. The method includes pressing a modular sling swivel mounting base between a front and rear section of a front sight post of the firearm, wherein grooves or teeth of the modular sling swivel mounting base are positioned towards a barrel of the firearm. The method includes sliding a cap sling swivel block within and between legs of the front sight post, wherein an angled section of the cap sling swivel block is positioned to a rear of front sight post. The method includes placing the first fasteners into holes of the cap sling swivel block. The method includes tightening the first fasteners in an “X” pattern to secure the cap sling swivel block to the modular sling swivel mounting base around the barrel. The method includes sliding a barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin over the barrel up to the front sight post. The method includes positioning two barrel side plates on the barrel. The method includes positioning the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin over the two barrel side plates with second fasteners attached to the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin aligned with a groove of the barrel side plates. The method includes tightening the second fasteners to secure the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin and the barrel side plates to the barrel. The method includes positioning a modular forend extension with a female grooved end towards the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin and the front sight post. The method includes sliding the modular forend extension over the barrel and towards the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin and front sight post. The method includes aligning the female grooved end of the modular forend extension with a male grooved end of the modular sling swivel mounting base. The method includes tightening third fasteners of the modular forend extension to the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a modular forend extension and mounting system in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an installation of a mounting block assembly unit between a front and rear section of a front sight post of a firearm in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates installation of a modular forend extension on a barrel of a firearm in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates installation of a modular forend extension on a barrel of a firearm in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side cross sectional view of a modular forend extension mounted on a firearm in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a rifle with a modular forend extension and mounting system interlocked and attached to a firearm in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a left side view of a modular forend extension and mounting system with a sling swivel in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a distal portion of a modular forend extension and mounting system mounted on a rifle in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 a bottom perspective view of a distal portion of a modular forend extension and mounting system mounted on a rifle in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a right-side view of a modular forend extension and mounting system interlocked on a host rifle in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a right-side bottom view of a modular forend extension system and mounting system interlocked and on a host rifle in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a left side bottom view of a modular forend extension system and mounting system interlocked and on a host rifle with a sling swivel in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

A modular forend extension and mounting system may include a modular forend extension unit and a mounting block unit. The modular forend extension unit may include a modular forend extension, a barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin, two barrel side plates, and fasteners. The mounting block unit may include a cap sling swivel block, a modular sling swivel mounting base, and fasteners.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a modular forend extension and mounting system, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. Modular forend extension and mounting system 100 may include a modular forend extension unit 10 and a mounting block unit 20. Modular forend extension unit 10 may include a modular forend extension 30, a barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40, two barrel side plates 50, and fasteners 55. Mounting block unit 20 may include a cap sling swivel block 60, a modular sling swivel mounting base 70, and fasteners 75. Fasteners 55 may include screws, bolts, or any other known fastener, and may not be limited to fasteners which are conical in shape or hex type. Fasteners 55 may be, but are not limited to, setting devices or locking devices such as conical set screws, dog point set screws, cup point set screws, non-marring set screws, extended tip set screws, high-hold cone point set screws, easy-adjust ball point set screws, swivel tip set screws, spring plungers, hollow lock set screws, or other locking devices. In an example, fasteners 55 may be 10-32 hex screws or ¼×28 conical hex screws. Modular forend extension 30 may include securement points 32. Barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 may include securement points 42. Securement points 32 and/or 42 may be configured to accept and secure modular forend extension 30 and barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 to fastener 55. Barrel side plates 50 may be “clam shell” or “C” shaped and may secure directly to a barrel of a firearm and may create a hardpoint for barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 to fit and seat over. Barrel side plates 50 may include a groove 52 when interlocked around a barrel of a firearm and barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 may include indexing screws configured to mate with groove 52 and mechanically lock and bind barrel side plates 50 and barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 together while securing barrel side plates 50 and barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 to the barrel of a firearm.

Modular forend extension unit 10 and/or mounting block unit 20 may be installed or secured to a weapon system that discharges a projectile such as a rifle, pistol, machine gun, firearm, or other weapon system known in the art. Components of modular forend extension unit 10 and/or mounting block unit 20 may be constructed from, but not limited to, aluminum blends or materials, alloys, steel, titanium, high temperature resistant materials, carbon fiber, composites, and/or combinations thereof. In an example, components of modular forend extension unit 10 and/or mounting block unit 20 may be constructed from aluminum and may be coated with hardcoat. In aspects, components of modular forend extension unit 10 and/or mounting block unit 20 may be constructed from aluminum 7075-T6. Modular forend extension unit 10 and/or mounting block unit 20 may allow an operator of a firearm to attach accessories such as larger modern scopes, accessory mounts, night vision devices, thermal or infrared devices, flashlights, laser systems, distance or ranging systems and other ergonomic features that enhance the ability and capability of the rifle system. Modular forend extension unit 10 and/or mounting block unit 20 may be configured to be easily installed and engaged or removed from a firearm. Modular forend extension unit 10 and/or mounting block unit 20 may configured to be used with dexterity by either a right-handed shooter or a left-hand shooter and may allow for adjustments to sling positions for a shooter or equipment. Modular forend extension unit 10 and/or mounting block unit 20 may provide a forend extension with increased stability over other forend extensions. Modular forend extension unit 10 and/or mounting block unit 20 may provide stability when cantilevering forward and may not move from an intended setpoint. Modular forend extension unit 10 and/or mounting block unit 20 may use hardened attachment points connected to and over a barrel of a firearm so that the lasers or other electro/optical sensor accessories can remain in a specific position and do not lose zero or calibration to other optics or sensitive calibrated equipment. Mounting block unit 20 may include sling attachment point(s), or other accessory attachment point(s) and also serve as a hardened foundation within modular forend extension and mounting system 100. Modular forend extension unit 10 and/or mounting block unit 20 may be field installable by an end user and may provide ambidextrous stability when using either a right-handed shooter or a left-hand shooter of a weapon. Mounting block unit 20 may have 3 provisions for the use of Quick Disconnect (QD) sling swivel attachments orientated at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions of mounting block unit 20 which may provide an operator with the ability to use any one of these locations to customize the operator's sling position based upon the operator's preference or for equipment loadout for of mission profile.

FIG. 2 illustrates an installation of a mounting block assembly unit between a front and rear section of a front sight post of a firearm arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. Those components in FIG. 2 that are labeled identically to components of FIG. 1 will not be described again for the purposes of brevity.

At 210, modular sling swivel mounting base 70 may be pressed around a barrel 220 of the firearm in a space between a front and rear section of a front sight post 225. Modular sling swivel mounting base 70 may include grooves or teeth which may be positioned facing towards barrel 220. At 220, cap sling swivel block 60 may be slid within and between the legs of the “A” shape of front sight post 225 with angled section 250 positioned to the rear of front sight post 225. Fasteners 75 may be placed into holes of cap sling swivel block 60 and tightened to secured cap sling swivel block 60 to modular sling swivel mounting base 70 around barrel 220. Fasteners 75 may be tightened in a “crisscross” or “X” pattern until cap sling swivel block 60 is tightened evenly to modular sling swivel mounting base 70 and sides of cap sling swivel block 60 are equally flush to modular sling swivel mounting base 70 as shown at 240.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an installation of a modular forend extension on a barrel of a firearm arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. Those components in FIGS. 3 and 4 that are labeled identically to components of FIGS. 1-2 will not be described again for the purposes of brevity.

Installation of modular forend extension unit 10 may begin at 310 where barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 may be slid over barrel 220 of a firearm up to front sight post 225 of the firearm. At 320, two barrel side plates 50 may be positioned on barrel 220. For example, barrel side plates 50 may be positioned at 3 and 9 of a M4 barrel step. At 330, barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 may be positioned and fit over barrel side plates 50 with fasteners 55 aligned with groove 52. At 340, fasteners 55 may be tightened to secure barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 and barrel side plates 50 to barrel 220. Fasteners 55 may be tightened with fasteners 55 orientated at 3 and 9 o'clock positions around barrel 220.

Progressing to FIG. 4, at 410, modular forend extension 30 may be positioned with female grooved end 440 towards barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 and front sight post 225. Modular forend extension 30 may be slid over barrel 220 toward secured barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 and front sight post 225. At 420, female grooved end 440 of modular forend extension 30 may be aligned with a male grooved end 450 of modular sling swivel mounting base 70. At 430, with mating surfaces of modular forend extension 30 aligned around a male grooved end 450 of modular sling swivel mounting base 70, fasteners 55 may be tightened to secure modular forend extension 30 to barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40. Fasteners 55 may be tightened equally to barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 to center modular forend extension 30 on barrel 220 and may be tightened in an alternating pattern. After fasteners 55 are tightened, modular forend extension 30 may not rotate.

FIG. 5 is a side cross sectional view of a modular forend extension mounted on a firearm arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. Those components in FIG. 5 that are labeled identically to components of FIGS. 1-4 will not be described again for the purposes of brevity.

As shown in FIG. 5, when modular forend extension unit 10 is mounted on barrel 220 of a firearm, fasteners 55 secure modular forend extension unit 10 to barrel 20. In profile, barrel side plates 50 are positioned around barrel 220, barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 is positioned around barrel side plates 50 and secured by fasteners 55, and modular forend extension 30 is secured to barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin 40 by fasteners 55.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a rifle with a modular forend extension and mounting system interlocked and attached to a firearm, for example a rifle. Modular forend extension and mounting system 100 may provide a rifle operator with a mounting system to utilize much larger accessories such as larger modern scopes, accessory mounts, night vision devices, thermal or infrared devices, flashlights, laser systems, distance or ranging systems and other ergonomic features that enhance the ability and capability of a rifle system. Modular forend extension and mounting system 100 may be installed and engaged or removed with ease. As shown in FIG. 7, a sling swivel 700 is attached to modular forend extension and mounting system 100 sling attachment point of mounting block unit 20. FIGS. 8 and 9 are top and bottom perspective views of modular forend extension 30 mounted on barrel 220 of a rifle. FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 are right-side, right side bottom, and left-side bottom views of a modular forend extension system and mounting system interlocked and on a host rifle. As shown in FIG. 12, sling swivel 700 is attached to a modular forend extension and mounting system 100 sling attachment point of mounting block unit 20.

Finally, the processes and techniques described herein are not inherently related to any apparatus and may be implemented by any suitable combination of components. Further, various types of general-purpose devices may be used in accordance with the teachings described herein. It may also prove advantageous to construct specialized apparatus to perform the method steps described herein. This disclosure has been described in relation to the examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

The foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variances. The embodiments described with reference to the attached drawing figures are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods, and techniques that are insubstantially different from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A modular forend extension and mounting system comprising: a modular forend extension unit including: a modular forend extension;a barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin;two barrel side plates; andforend extension fasteners; anda mounting block unit including: a cap sling swivel block;a modular sling swivel mounting base; andmounting block fasteners.

2. The modular forend extension and mounting system of claim 1, wherein the forend extension fasteners or mounting block fasteners include screws or bolts.

3. The modular forend extension and mounting system of claim 1, wherein the forend extension fasteners or mounting block fasteners are conical in shape or hex type.

4. The modular forend extension and mounting system of claim 1, wherein the forend extension fasteners or mounting block fasteners include at least one of conical set screws, dog point set screws, cup point set screws, non-marring set screws, extended tip set screws, high-hold cone point set screws, easy-adjust ball point set screws, swivel tip set screws, spring plungers, and hollow lock set screws.

5. The modular forend extension and mounting system of claim 1, wherein the barrel side plates are clam shell shaped and secure directly to a barrel of a firearm.

6. The modular forend extension and mounting system of claim 5, wherein the barrel side plates create a hardpoint for the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin to fit and seat over.

7. The modular forend extension and mounting system of claim 6, wherein the barrel side plates include a groove, and the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin includes indexing screws configured to mate with the groove and mechanically lock and bind the barrel side plates and the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin together while securing the barrel side plates and the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin to the barrel of a firearm.

8. The modular forend extension and mounting system of claim 1, wherein the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin, barrel side plates, cap sling swivel block, and modular sling swivel mounting base are constructed from one of aluminum blends or materials, alloys, steel, titanium, high temperature resistant materials, carbon fiber, composites, and/or combinations thereof.

9. The modular forend extension and mounting system of claim 1, wherein the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin, barrel side plates, cap sling swivel block, and modular sling swivel mounting base are constructed from aluminum or a high temperature resistant material.

10. The modular forend extension and mounting system of claim 1, wherein the modular sling swivel mounting base is configured to be pressed around a barrel of a firearm in a space between a front and rear section of a front sight post.

11. The modular forend extension and mounting system of claim 10, wherein the modular sling swivel mounting base includes grooves or teeth positioned to face towards the barrel.

12. The modular forend extension and mounting system of claim 11, wherein the mounting block fasteners are placed into holes of the cap sling swivel block and tightened to secure the cap sling swivel block to the modular sling swivel mounting base around the barrel.

13. A modular mounting system comprising: a mounting block unit including: a cap sling swivel block;a modular sling swivel mounting base; andfasteners.

14. The modular mounting system of claim 13, wherein the fasteners include at least one of conical set screws, dog point set screws, cup point set screws, non-marring set screws, extended tip set screws, high-hold cone point set screws, easy-adjust ball point set screws, swivel tip set screws, spring plungers, and hollow lock set screws.

15. The modular mounting system of claim 13, wherein the modular sling swivel mounting base is configured to be pressed around a barrel of a firearm in a space between a front and rear section of a front sight post.

16. The modular mounting system of claim 13, wherein the modular sling swivel mounting base includes grooves or teeth positioned to face towards the barrel.

17. The modular mounting system of claim 16, wherein the mounting block fasteners are placed into holes of the cap sling swivel block and tightened to secure the cap sling swivel block to the modular sling swivel mounting base around the barrel.

18. The modular mounting system of claim 13, wherein the cap sling swivel block and modular sling swivel mounting base are constructed from aluminum or a high temperature resistant material.

19. A method of installing a modular forend extension and mounting system to a firearm comprising: pressing a modular sling swivel mounting base between a front and rear section of a front sight post of the firearm, wherein grooves or teeth of the modular sling swivel mounting base are positioned towards a barrel of the firearm;sliding a cap sling swivel block within and between legs of the front sight post, wherein an angled section of the cap sling swivel block is positioned to a rear of the front sight post;placing first fasteners into holes of the cap sling swivel block;tightening the first fasteners in an “X” pattern to secure the cap sling swivel block to the modular sling swivel mounting base around the barrel;sliding a barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin over the barrel up to the front sight post;positioning two barrel side plates on the barrel;positioning the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin over the two barrel side plates with second fasteners attached to the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin aligned with a groove of the barrel side plates;tightening the second fasteners to secure the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin and the barrel side plates to the barrel;positioning a modular forend extension with a female grooved end towards the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin and the front sight post;sliding the modular forend extension over the barrel and towards the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin and front sight post;aligning the female grooved end of the modular forend extension with a male grooved end of the modular sling swivel mounting base; andtightening third fasteners of the modular forend extension to the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the barrel reverse tapper mount bobbin, barrel side plates, cap sling swivel block, and modular sling swivel mounting base are constructed from one of aluminum blends or materials, alloys, steel, titanium, high temperature resistant materials, carbon fiber, composites, and/or combinations thereof.