SCOPE MOUNT FOR A FIREARM

Abstract

A scope mount for a firearm includes a base member configured to mount a scope to a firearm, at least one attachment bore extending at least partially through the base member, and an auxiliary device configured to be removably retained in the attachment bore. The auxiliary device can be configured to be retained in an attachment bore magnetically or via a locking taper mechanism.

Description

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/457,299, filed on Apr. 5, 2023 and entitled “SCOPE MOUNT FOR A FIREARM,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of firearms. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to scope mounts for firearms.

Marksmen commonly use auxiliary devices, such as level indicators (e.g., spirit levels) and data holders (e.g., a DOPE card holder), in conjunction with a telescopic sight or “scope,” to improve their accuracy when shooting long range. Level indicators help the shooter verify that a rifle is held in a proper upright position to avoid “cant” or rifle tilt, which can result in a projectile veering off target, while data holders are used to display historical ballistic information as near the scope as possible so as to minimize shooter movement when viewing the data in preparation for a shot. Some auxiliary devices can be clamped to the picatinny rail of the firearm while others can clamp to the scope mount or directly to the scope. It is generally desirable to remove such auxiliary devices from the weapon during transportation of the firearm to avoid damaging the firearm, the scope mount, the scope, or the auxiliary devices themselves. However, currently available auxiliary devices generally require the use of a tool and one or more fasteners to properly install. As can be appreciated, it can be time consuming and difficult, if not impossible, to detach and properly reattach an auxiliary device in the same position every time. This is especially disadvantageous for long range shooters because accuracy of shot placement can depend in part on the rigidity and repeatability of auxiliary device installation. It would therefore be desirable to provide a scope mount with auxiliary devices that are quick and easy to rigidly and repeatably install with few or no separate tools.

In addition, some shooters prefer to use a rail-mounted secondary mounts, such as a “diving board” mount, to mount a secondary optic, such as a laser sight, red dot sight, laser-range finder, or other auxiliary device(s), above the scope on their firearm. Some such auxiliary devices, particularly laser range finders, can be quite heavy compared to the scope and scope mount. The forwardly projecting “diving board” shape of such mounts places the weight of these devices very far forward relative to the connection to the scope mount, which is typically at the forward scope ring. This disadvantageously places a great deal of stress on the connection between the diving board and the scope mount, which can cause the diving board mount to become loose, move the auxiliary device off zero, and weaken the underlying scope ring securing the scope to the firearm. It would therefore also be desirable to provide an improved diving board or other secondary mount with increased strength and rigidity but which is also quick and easy to repeatably install.

Accordingly, what is needed are improvements in scope mounts and auxiliary attachments for scope mounts.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Brief Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Features of the presently disclosed invention overcome or minimize some or all of the identified deficiencies of the prior art, as will become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art after a study of the information presented in this document.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a scope mount configured to ambidextrously mount a quick detach auxiliary device such as a level indicator, a DOPE card, or a secondary optic mount. Auxiliary devices disclosed herein are configured to self-align and rigidly self-immobilize during attachment thereof due to the structural relationship between the auxiliary device and the base member of the scope mount. In one embodiment, an auxiliary device is configured to be magnetically retained in an attachment bore defined in the base member when the auxiliary device is received in the attachment bore. In another embodiment, an auxiliary attachment is configured to be retained in an attachment bore via a locking taper mechanism.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a scope mount with an integrated tool storage compartment in which a tool such as an Allen wrench can be safely and conveniently stored when not in use, and subsequently readily accessed by a user.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide scope mount with a quick detach secondary mount for mounting a secondary optic or other device. The secondary mount includes an angled locking fastener and at least one upwardly extending protrusion that augment the strength of the secondary mount by creating a significant mechanical advantage that reduces wear and improves the precision of repeatability in connecting and disconnecting the secondary mount.

Numerous other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon a review of the following drawings and description of a preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various drawings unless otherwise specified. In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing, for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 1 is an elevated rear left-side perspective view of a scope mount for a firearm constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view of the scope mount of FIG. 1. The rail clamping members for attaching the base member to a rail of the firearm are omitted for clarity.

FIG. 3 is an elevated front perspective view of the scope mount of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the level holder (i.e., housing) of the rear auxiliary device of FIG. 1 shown in isolation.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the card holder of the forward auxiliary device of FIG. 1 shown in isolation.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the stabilizer of the forward auxiliary device of FIG. 1 shown in isolation.

FIG. 9 is a magnified perspective detail view of location 9 of FIG. 1. The tool is omitted for clarity.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the scope mount of FIG. 1 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an elevated front left-side fragmentary perspective view of a scope mount for a firearm constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an elevated rear left-side perspective exploded view of the secondary mount and the corresponding upper scope clamping member of the scope mount of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the secondary mount and the upper scope clamping member of FIG. 12 taken along a longitudinal axis of the secondary mount.

FIG. 14 is an elevated left-side perspective view of the scope mount of FIG. 11 with an auxiliary device (depicted as a rectangular prism or cuboid) connected to the secondary mount. The tool is shown engaged with the fastener.

FIG. 15 is an elevated left-side fragmentary perspective view of the scope mount of FIG. 11 showing another embodiment of a secondary mount mounted to the upper scope clamping member.

FIG. 16 is a perspective sectional view of the secondary mount and the upper scope clamping member of FIG. 15 taken along a longitudinal axis of the secondary mount.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an upper scope clamping member for use with an alternative embodiment of the secondary mount of FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is a perspective sectional view of the secondary mount and the upper scope clamping member of FIG. 17 taken along exemplar line 18-18 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the upper scope clamping member and secondary mount of FIG. 17 taken along a longitudinal axis of the secondary mount.

FIG. 20 is an elevated front perspective view of another embodiment of a scope mount for a firearm shown received on a Picatinny rail of the receiver of the firearm. The auxiliary device is shown in an exploded view. The rail clamping members are omitted for clarity.

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the scope mount of FIG. 20 showing the auxiliary device assembled and secured to the base member. The upper scope clamping member, receiver, and rail clamping members are omitted for clarity.

FIG. 22 is a left side elevational view of the base member and auxiliary device of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a front left-side perspective view of another embodiment of a scope mount for a firearm shown received on a Picatinny rail of the receiver of the firearm. The auxiliary device is shown in an exploded view. The rail clamping members are omitted for clarity.

FIG. 25 is a left side fragmentary elevational view of the scope mount of FIG. 24 showing the auxiliary device assembled on the base member.

FIG. 26 is a right side fragmentary perspective view of the scope mount of FIG. 24 showing the auxiliary device assembled on the base member.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The details of one or more embodiments of the present invention are set forth in this document. Modifications to embodiments described in this document, and other embodiments, will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art after a study of the information provided herein. The information provided in this document, and particularly the specific details of the described exemplary embodiment(s), is provided primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. In case of conflict, the specification of this document, including definitions, will control.

While the making and using of various embodiments are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that many applicable inventive concepts can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope thereof. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific apparatus and methods described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

While the terms used herein are believed to be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, a number of terms are defined below to facilitate the understanding of the embodiments described herein. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter disclosed herein belongs. The terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the disclosure. Terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but rather include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as set forth in the claims.

As described herein, an “upright” position is considered to be the position of apparatus components while in proper operation or in a natural resting position as described and shown herein, for example, in FIG. 1. As used herein, the “upright” position of a firearm is a generally level firing position (i.e., with the barrel bore level). As used herein, the terms “aft” and “rear” mean in a direction toward a rear end of a firearm (i.e., away from the muzzle of the firearm). The terms “front” and “forward” mean in a direction extending away from the rear end of the firearm toward the muzzle of the firearm. The term “forward” can also mean forward beyond the muzzle. “Vertical,” “horizontal,” “above,” “below,” “side,” “top,” “bottom” and other orientation terms are described with respect to this upright position during operation unless otherwise specified, and are used to provide an orientation of embodiments of the invention to allow for proper description of example embodiments. A person of skill in the art will recognize, however, that the apparatus can assume different orientations when in use.

The term “when” is used to specify orientation for relative positions of components, not as a temporal limitation of the claims or apparatus described and claimed herein unless otherwise specified.

The terms “above”, “below”, “over”, and “under” mean “having an elevation or vertical height greater or lesser than” and are not intended to imply that one object or component is directly over or under another object or component.

The phrase “in one embodiment,” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without operator input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

All measurements should be understood as being modified by the term “about” regardless of whether the word “about” precedes a given measurement. The terms “significantly”, “substantially”, “approximately”, “about”, “relatively,” or other such similar terms that may be used throughout this disclosure, including the claims, are used to describe and account for small fluctuations, such as due to variations in manufacturing or processing from a reference or parameter. Such small fluctuations include a zero fluctuation from the reference or parameter as well. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to +10%, such as less than or equal to +5%, such as less than or equal to +2%, such as less than or equal to +1%, such as less than or equal to +0.5%, such as less than or equal to +0.2%, such as less than or equal to +0.1%, such as less than or equal to +0.05%. In some cases, the term “substantially” means what is considered normal or possible within the limits of applicable industry-accepted manufacturing practices and tolerances.

All references to singular characteristics or limitations of the present disclosure shall include the corresponding plural characteristic(s) or limitation(s) and vice versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the reference is made.

All combinations of method or process steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made.

The methods and devices disclosed herein, including components thereof, can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the embodiments described herein, as well as any additional or optional components or limitations described herein or otherwise useful.

Magnetic Retention Mechanism

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, there is shown an embodiment of a scope mount 10 formed in accordance with the present invention. The scope mount 10 generally includes one or more auxiliary devices 12, 14 removably attached to a base member 16. The base member 16 includes a pair of end walls 17a, 17b, a main stem 18 extending between the end walls 17a, 17b, two pairs of rail clamping members 20a, 20b, two lower scope clamping members 22, and two upper scope clamping members 24 (i.e., scope ring caps). In the embodiment shown, the base member 16 includes the main stem 18 which defines a longitudinal axis 15. However, in some embodiments, the main stem 18 can be omitted. Rail clamping members 20a are integrally formed on a bottom of the end walls 17a, 17b. Rail clamping members 20b are removably connected to the bottom of the end walls 17a, 17b by fasteners (not shown). The lower scope clamping members 22 are integrally formed on a top of the end walls 17a, 17b of the base member 16. The upper scope clamping members 24 are removably connected to the lower scope clamping members 22 by fasteners (not shown). A scope (not shown) can be secured to the scope mount 10 in a manner known to skilled artisans and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,683,732, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The scope mount 10 itself can be secured to a rail (e.g., a Picatinny or Weaver rail) of a firearm via the rail clamping members 20a, 20b in a manner also known to skilled artisans and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,683,732. The base member 16 and clamping members 20a, 20b, 22, 24 can comprise any desired material, such as steel or aluminum.

The scope mount 10 is configured to permit releasable attachment of each auxiliary device 12, 14 to either side of the base member 16. To this end, the base member 16 includes a plurality of cylindrical attachment bores 26 for receiving the auxiliary devices 12, 14 therein. The attachment bores 26 can be identical. The attachment bores 26 are defined in the left and the right sides of the base member 16. This allows a user to position the auxiliary devices 12, 14 on the left and/or right sides of the base member 16 to suit the user's handedness preference. Each attachment bore 26 extends at least partially through the base member 16. In some embodiments, such as that depicted in FIGS. 1-8, the attachment bores 26 can be configured as pairs of coaxially aligned attachment bores 26 defined in opposing sides of the base member 16. In other embodiments discussed in more detail below, the attachment bores 26 can extend through the entire width of the base member 16 from one side of the base member to the other. The attachment bores 26 are arranged so as to extend through the base member 16 transverse to the longitudinal axis 15. This can ensure that the certain auxiliary devices (such as level indicators) function correctly and communicate accurate information to the user. The attachment bores 26 can be disposed along the longitudinal axis 15 toward the forward and rear ends of the base member 16 such that the bores 26 pass through a portion of the base member 16 that is sufficiently thick to accommodate the desired auxiliary device 12, 14.

As best shown in FIGS. 4-5, the auxiliary devices 12, 14 are magnetically secured to the base member 16. Specifically, each auxiliary device 12, 14 includes a mounting portion 25 shaped and sized to be received in an attachment bore 26, a magnet recess 44 formed in the end 27 of the mounting portion 25, and a magnet 28 secured in the magnet recess 44. The mounting portion 25 can be a cylindrical stem 25. The magnets 28 can be formed from neodymium or another suitably strong magnetic material. Each attachment bore 26 includes a terminal end 30 and a ferrous element 32 secured at the terminal end 30. The magnet 28 in the recess 44 removably secures an auxiliary device 12, 14 to the ferrous element 32 and thereby releasably secures the auxiliary device 12, 14 to the base member 16 when the mounting portion 25 of an auxiliary device 12, 14 is received in one of the attachment bores 26.

In some embodiments, the terminal end 30 of each attachment bore 26 of a pair of coaxially aligned attachment bores 26 can be spaced from the terminal end 30 of the other attachment bore 26 of the pair and separated by a central wall or partition 31. A pin hole 34 can extend through the partition 31 between the terminal ends 30 of each pair of attachment bores 26. The ferrous element 32 can be a ferrous dowel pin 32 fixed in the pin hole 34 such that the dowel pin 32 extends from the terminal end 30 of one attachment bore 26 of a pair to the terminal end 30 of the other attachment bore 26 of the pair. The ferrous dowel pin 32 can also protrude out of the pin hole 34 into each of the coaxially aligned attachment bores 26 such that the magnet 28 of a given auxiliary device 12, 14 is prevented by the ferrous dowel pin 32 from contacting the terminal end 30 of either attachment bore 26 when the mating portion 25 of the auxiliary device 12, 14 is received in one of the attachment bores 26. This allows any dirt, dust, or other debris which may collect in the attachment bores 26 to gather in the spaces around the ferrous dowel pin 32 at the terminal ends 30 of the attachment bores 16. This in turn prevents such debris from collecting on an end surface of the dowel pin 32 and interfering with engagement of the dowel pin 32 by a magnet 28. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the magnets 28 and ferrous element 32 can be reversed such that the base member 16 includes one or more magnets 28 and the auxiliary devices 12, 14 include corresponding ferrous elements 32.

As explained above, the auxiliary devices 12, 14 are configured to be quickly and easily, rigidly and repeatably connected and disconnected from the base member 16 with no tools. This enables a user to readily remove each auxiliary device 12, 14 from the base member 16 to reduce the overall profile of the scope mount 10 and transport or reposition the firearm without snagging or otherwise damaging the auxiliary devices 12, 14 or the scope mount 10 on foreign objects, and then easily reattach the desired auxiliary device(s) 12, 14 on either side of the base member 16. In some embodiments, discussed in more detail below, certain auxiliary devices 12, 14 can even be stored in the scope mount 10 when not in use.

The auxiliary devices 12, 14 can be configured to mount any desired shooting accessory. For example, auxiliary device 12 is depicted as a level indicator (e.g., a spirit level), while auxiliary device 14 is depicted as a data card (e.g., a DOPE card) holder. The level indicator 12 is advantageously removably securable to a rear attachment bore 26 while the data card holder 14 is removably secured to a forward attachment bore 26 so that the level indicator 12 does not obscure a user's line of sight to a data card attached to the data card holder 14.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the level indicator 12 includes a level housing 36 with a level aperture 38 therein for receiving a spirit level vial 40, one or more window cutouts 42 for viewing the spirit level through the housing 36, and a magnet recess 44 in the end 27 of the cylindrical mounting stem 25. The magnet 28 can be retained in the magnet recess 44 by friction (e.g., a press-fit connection), an adhesive, or an end cap that covers the magnet recess 44 in which magnet 28 is received. As shown in FIG. 4, the magnet 28 is uncovered and substantially flush with the end 27 of the level housing 36. The magnet 28 can directly contact the ferrous element 32 in an attachment bore 26 when the mounting stem 25 is received in the attachment bore 26. The level housing 36 may comprise any desired material, such as plastic, aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, and the like.

As best shown in FIGS. 5, and 7-8, the data card holder 14 includes a card holder mount 46 with a mounting head 48 having one or more mounting holes defined therein (unnumbered) for mounting a multi-axis rotatable armature or card holder, a mounting stem 25 extending from the mounting head 48, and a magnet recess 52 defined in an end 27 of the mounting stem 25. The magnet 28 can be retained in the magnet recess 52 by friction (e.g., a press-fit connection), an adhesive, or an end cap that covers the magnet recess 52 in which magnet 28 is received. As shown in FIG. 5, the magnet 28 is uncovered and substantially flush with the end 27 of the card holder mount 46. The data card holder 14 can include a stabilizer or collar 54 to substantially immobilize the card holder mount 46 when the mounting stem 25 is received in an attachment bore 26 of the base member 16. The stabilizer 54 includes a main body 50, a through hole 56 in the main body 50 through which the mounting stem 25 is receivable, a fastener recess 58 extending through the main body 50 transverse to the through hole 56 and in which a set screw or other fastener (not shown) is receivable, and a pair of opposing tabs 60 that extend outwardly from the main body 50 to define a space 51 in which a lower clamping member 22 is receivable. The set screw is receivable through the fastener recess 58 to engage a corresponding groove 62 in the mounting stem 25 of the card holder mount 46 and thereby prevent the card holder mount 46 from turning or spinning in the through hole 56 of the stabilizer main body 50.

When the data card holder 14 is assembled, a bottom surface of the stabilizer 54 rests on a ledge 64 of the base member 16, and the tabs 60 engage the front and back surfaces of the respective lower scope clamping member 22 (FIGS. 1 and 3). The stabilizer 54 matingly engages a lower scope clamping member 22 of the base member 16, allowing the mounting stem 25 of the card holder mount 46 to be easily manually inserted through the through hole 56 and into the respective underlying attachment bore 26 so that the magnet 28 engages the ferrous element 32 to secure the card holder mount 46 and the stabilizer 54 to the base member 16. The user may then adjust the set fastener to further immobilize the mounting stem 25 of the card holder mount 46 relative to the stabilizer 54. The card holder mount 46 and the stabilizer 54 may comprise any desired material, such as plastic, aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, etc.

Tool Storage Compartment

Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, an embodiment of a scope mount 10 of the present invention can include a tool storage compartment 66 for receiving and storing a tool 68, such as an Allen wrench 68, therein. One type of fastener suitable for use in securing the rail clamping members 20b to the base member 16 and the upper scope clamping members 24 to the lower scope clamping members 22 are screws with a hexagonal socket in the heads thereof that are designed to be used with an Allen wrench. Such “hex-head” or “Allen” screws are well known in the art and are often preferred by skilled artisans for connection of similarly small parts due to the stronger gripping force and lower chance of separation between tool and screw head as compared to other traditional screw heads like slotted- or Philips-head screws. Because misplacement of the Allen wrench would prevent a user from being able to install, readily tighten, or remove the scope mount 10 from a firearm at will, the base member 16 of the scope mount 10 is designed to completely and securely house the tool 68 therein when the tool is not in use.

As noted above, the base member 16 includes a main stem 18 extending between rearward and forward end walls 17a, 17b. Each end wall 17a, 17b defines an end surface 17s. The tool storage compartment 66 in defined in the base member 16. More specifically, the tool storage compartment 66 includes an elongated, shallow recess 70 and a bore 72 that extends longitudinally from the recess 70 at least partially into the middle stem 18. The recess 70 is defined in the rear end wall 17a and extends along the end surface 17s transverse to the longitudinal axis 15. The recess 70 is rearwardly open. The recess 70 extends a first depth D1 from the end surface 17s into the end wall 17a. The first depth D1 can be equal to or greater than the thickness 69 of the shorter portion of the wrench 68 such that no portion of the wrench 68 extends beyond a plane (unnumbered) defined by the end surface 17s. This protects the tool from becoming inadvertently dislodged and lost. The bore 72 is in fluid communication with and extends from the recess 70 a second depth D2 into the middle stem 18. The second depth D2 is greater than the first depth D1. The second depth D2 is sufficient to receive the longer portion of an Allen wrench 68.

The recess 70 can include one or more sections with differing widths and depths. For example, the open recess 70 can include a digit-receiving section 74 that is configured to receive a digit (i.e., finger) of the user so that the user may more easily grip the tool 68 during removal or insertion thereof. The digit-receiving section 74 can be wider than the portion of the recess 70 in which the shorter portion of the wrench 68 is received. The open recess 70 may further include one or more auxiliary bores (unnumbered) for storing additional or redundant fasteners 76 therein (FIG. 9).

The Allen wrench 68 can be press-fit into the tool storage compartment 66. Additionally, or in the alternative, the tool storage compartment 66 can include a resilient member 69 configured to retain the tool 68 in the tool storage compartment 66 until manually removed by a user. In the embodiment shown, the resilient member 69 is a rubber O-ring 69 disposed in the elongated bore 72. The O-ring 68 provides a friction fit to retain the wrench 68 in the tool storage compartment 66. Additionally, or in the alternative, the tool storage compartment 66 can include a magnet (not shown) which retains the tool 68 within the tool storage compartment 66.

Secondary Mount

Referring now to FIGS. 11-19, there are shown scope mounts 10 with three different embodiments of a secondary mount 100 (see FIGS. 11-14), 102 (see FIGS. 15-16), and 103 (see FIGS. 17-19) removably connected to an upper scope clamping member 24 of the respective scope mount 10. Each upper scope clamping member 24 includes at least one upwardly extending protrusion 101 and a first angled fastener hole 107. The at least one upwardly extending protrusion 101 can extend vertically upward from the upper scope clamping member 24. Each secondary mount 100, 102, 103 is configured to mount an auxiliary device 108 (exemplified by FIG. 14) such as a secondary optic, an illumination device, an infrared aiming laser, or other accessory attachment. The secondary mount 100, 102, 103 can take the form of a diving board-shaped picatinny rail mount 100 (FIGS. 11-15) and 103 (FIGS. 17-19), or a base plate 102 for a red dot optic such as a LEUPOLD® DeltaPoint® red dot optic (FIGS. 15-16). Each secondary mount 100, 102, 103 includes a main body 115 and an extension portion 119 extending from the main body 115. The extension portion 119 is configured to mount the auxiliary device 108. The main body 115 defines at least one aperture 109 in which the at least one upwardly extending protrusion 101 is receivable, and a second angled fastener hole 111. The extension portion 119 extends away from the main body 115 in a direction away from the second angled fastener hole 111. The second angled fastener hole 111 is configured to align with the first angled fastener hole 107 when the at least one upwardly extending protrusion 101 is received in the at least one aperture 109. A fastener 106 is receivable through the second angled fastener hole 111 and into the first angled fastener hole 107 to secure the secondary mount 100, 102, 103 to the respective upper scope clamping member 24.

As can be appreciated, an auxiliary device 108 such as a laser range finder 108 adds considerable additional weight forward of the connection between the secondary mount 100, 102, 103 and the upper scope clamping member 24, which applies a forward and upward force at the rear end of the secondary mount 100, 102, 103. This resulting force adds additional stress to the upper scope clamping member 24 which may loosen the fasteners 91 joining the upper and lower scope clamping members 24, 22 and otherwise damage the auxiliary device 108, scope mount 10, or scope. The fastener 106 combats and transmutes this force, bringing the resulting center of gravity of the auxiliary device 108 closer to the connection between the secondary mount 100, 102, 103 and the upper scope clamping member 24, thereby strengthening the connection between the secondary mount 100, 102, 103 and the upper scope clamping member 24.

In some embodiments (exemplified in FIGS. 11-16), the at least one upwardly extending protrusion 101 can be three dowel pins 104. The dowel pins 104 can be secured in respective blind holes 113 defined in the upper scope clamping member 24. In some embodiments, the dowel pins 104 can instead be studs integrally formed on the uppermost mating surface of the upper scope clamping member 24. The dowel pins 104 and fastener 106 are then receivable within respective and corresponding apertures 109 in secondary mounts 100, 102. The fastener 106 can be tilted at an angle 99 relative to the horizontal plane of the topmost surface of the upper scope clamping member 24. The fastener 106 is angled through the anchor portion 119 in a direction extending away from the main body 115 of the secondary mount 100, 102 and any attached auxiliary device 108 (as best shown in FIGS. 13 and 16) so as to better counterbalance the auxiliary device 108.

In some embodiments, the angle 99 between the fastener 106 and the horizontal plane of the topmost surface of the upper scope clamping member 24 can range from about 15 degrees to about 75 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 99 can range from about 15 degrees to about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 99 can range from about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 99 can range from about 25 degrees to about 35 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle 99 can be approximately 30 degrees. It is to be noted that while although any angle greater than zero and less than 90 degrees is theoretically capable of providing at least some improvement in the strength of connection between the secondary mount 100, 102, 103 and the upper scope clamping member 24, it has been surprisingly discovered by the present inventors that an angle between 15 and 75 degrees provides maximum strength while also placing the fastener 106 at an angle that is manually workable for a user.

As shown in FIGS. 17-19, in other embodiments, the at least one upwardly extending protrusion 101 can be a protruding boss 117 formed on the topmost surface of the upper scope clamping member 24. The boss 117 can define a footprint which tapers or narrows in a direction extending away from the first angled fastener hole 107. The first angled fastener hole 107 is disposed longitudinally rearward of the boss 117 on the upper scope clamping member 24. In some embodiments, the footprint of the boss 117 can form a triangular shape or an isosceles trapezoid. A boss 117 which tapers or narrows in a direction extending away from the first angled fastener hole 107, as exemplified by the isosceles trapezoidal boss depicted in FIGS. 17-19, can further simplify the process of connecting the secondary mount 103 to the upper scope clamping member 24 by making it easier for a user to secure the secondary mount 103 on the upper scope clamping member 24 with the boss 117 properly seated in the aperture 109 of the main body 115. Specifically, insertion and threading of the fastener 106 into the angled fastener holes 107, 111 once the boss 117 is received in the aperture 109 of the main body 115 can fully seat the secondary mount 103 onto the upper scope clamping member 24 by drawing the interior surfaces of aperture 109 in the main body 115 rearward into engagement with the forward tapered edges of the boss 117. As such, the aperture 109 can have a tapered shape which corresponds to the footprint of the boss 117 such that engagement of the fastener 106 with the first angled fastener hole 107 pulls the sides of the at least one aperture 109 tightly against the boss 117.

The angled fastener 106 in conjunction with at least one upwardly extending protrusion 101 creates a significant mechanical advantage that reduces wear and improves the precision of repeatability in connecting and disconnecting secondary mounts 100, 102, 103. This dramatically improved repeatability of reconnecting secondary mount 100, 102, 103 in the same position every time, which in turn means that a user need not detach an auxiliary device such as a secondary optic 108 from the secondary mount 100, 102, 103; rather, a user can simply detach the secondary mount 100, 102, 103 (along with an attached secondary optic 108) from the scope mount 10 and reattach the secondary mount 100, 102, 103 with attached secondary optic 108 without having to re-zero the secondary optic 108. Furthermore, the precision of repeatability provided by the arrangement of the angled fastener 106 and protrusion 101 means that a user can quickly and easily swap out different secondary mounts 100 or 102 having a different secondary optic or other device 108 attached to each secondary mount 100, 102, 103. This ability to leave an auxiliary device attached to a given secondary mount 100, 102, 103 eliminates mounting errors historically introduced by traditional secondary mounts which require the user to detach and then reattach each different auxiliary device from the same secondary mount. The margin for user error in installation is further reduced the fact that secondary mounts 100, 102, 103 of the present invention enable a user to swap between secondary mounts 100, 102, 103 pre-mounted with a user's chosen auxiliary device technology by removing and installing only a single fastener 106 at one point of fastening. Thus, by creating a stronger, more stable, quick-detach connection between the secondary mount 100, 102, 103 and the scope clamping member 24, the present invention enables users to quickly and easily install and remove one secondary mount 100, 102, 103 pre-mounted with a user's chosen auxiliary device technology, and accurately replace it with another secondary mount 100, 102, 103 pre-mounted with different auxiliary device technology in mere seconds.

The angled fastener 106 also absorbs some of the weight of the auxiliary device 108 as a result of its angle and threads, accordingly reducing the resulting force on the scope clamping members 22, 24. Furthermore, the angled fastener 106 creates an offset vector that applies a rearward force against the upwardly extending protrusion(s) 101 which further reduces the resulting force on the upper scope clamping member 24 by dispersing the weight of the auxiliary device 108 amongst the upwardly extending protrusion(s) 101. Thereby, the arrangement of the angled fastener 106 and the upwardly extending protrusion(s) 101 significantly reduces the force transmuted onto the scope clamping member(s) 22, 24 and increases the pull out strength of the join. The arrangement of the angled fastener 106 and upwardly extending protrusion(s) 101 also provides a rigid and repeatable attachment, which also allows heavy auxiliary devices 108 to be fitted onto the respective scope clamping member(s) 22, 24 without causing excess wear or damage.

In embodiments involving diving board-type secondary mounts (e.g., secondary mounts 100, 103 shown in FIGS. 11-14 and 17-19, respectively), a rear surface 100B thereof can include a fastener-guiding recess 110. The fastener-guiding recess 110 can help guide the fastener 106 into the second angled fastener hole 111 within the main body 115 of the secondary mount 100. The fastener-guiding recess 110 can also help guide the tool 68 into the socket of the fastener 106 head so that the user may more easily engage the tool 68 with the fastener 106. The fastener-guiding recess 110 can be substantially triangular in shape. In preferred embodiments, the widest portion of the recess 110 is adjacent to the second angled fastener hole 111 which receives the fastener 106, as exemplified in FIGS. 12-13. This can aid a user with installing or uninstalling a given secondary mount 100, 103 in low light or no light conditions.

In some embodiments, a secondary mount 100, 103 can include an auxiliary device storage compartment 112 for receiving and storing an auxiliary device such as level indicator 12. The storage compartment 112 can be defined in a forward end of the extension portion 119 of the secondary mount 100, 103 opposite the main body 115. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, a forward end of the extension portion 119 of the secondary mount 100, 103 can have a bore 114 therein configured to receive the level indicator 12. The secondary mount 100, 103 can include a ferrous dowel pin (as previously described) in the storage compartment 112 for magnetically and releasably securing the level indicator 12 therein.

Tapered Locking Mechanism

Referring now to FIGS. 20-27, there is shown an additional embodiment of a scope mount 200 for mounting a scope and one or more auxiliary devices 202, 204 to a firearm. Scope mount 200 is identical in all respects to scope mount 10 except as specifically set forth below. Whereas scope mount 10 includes a magnetic system configured to releasably secure auxiliary devices 12, 14 to the base member 16 thereof, scope mount 200 is configured to releasably secure auxiliary devices 202, 204 to the base member 216 via a self-centering, tapered locking mechanism described in more detail below. The tapered locking mechanism provides another secure and repeatable method to removably and precisely attach one or more auxiliary devices 202, 204 to a scope mount base member 216.

Base member 216 includes at least one pair of coaxially aligned cylindrical attachment bores 206. The attachment bores 206 are defined in opposing sides of the base member 216. The attachment bores 206 of the base member 16 are at least partially tapered. That is, each attachment bore 206 has a first diameter 231 at its outer opening on the side of the base member 216, and a second diameter 233 that is smaller than the first diameter spaced along the bore 206 from the outer opening. The attachment bores 206 of each pair are fluidly communicated with one another by a narrow access hole 227. Each attachment bore 206 tapers toward the other attachment bore of a given pair such the coaxially aligned bores 206 can form a generally hour glass or diabolo shaped profile when sectioned along an axis of the bores 206 as exemplified in FIGS. 23 and 27. Base member 216 does not include a dowel pin 32 in the access hole 227 as the access hole 227 should be empty of obstructions in order to permit a threaded fastener to pass therethrough. The access hole 227 is sized to receive a threaded fastener 214 therethrough. Each auxiliary device 202, 204 includes a cylindrical mounting portion 225 configured to be received in either attachment bore 206 of each pair.

The scope mount 200 also includes a tapered stopper 212 configured to be received in either attachment bore 206 of the pair, and a threaded fastener 214. The tapered stopper 212 can have a shape like a conical frustrum. The fastener 214 is receivable through the stopper 212 and into the corresponding auxiliary device 202, 204 to releasably secure the auxiliary device 202, 204 to the base member 216 when the stopper 212 is received in one attachment bore 206 of the pair and the auxiliary device 202, 204 is received in the other attachment bore 206. The auxiliary devices 202, 204 can be any desired accessory, such as, but not limited to, a level indicator 202 (FIGS. 23-23) and a secondary optic mount 204 (FIGS. 24-27).

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 20-23, an auxiliary device in the form of a level indicator 202 can include a level housing 208 in which a spirit level vial 210 is secured, a tapered stopper 212 defining a clearance hole 228, and a threaded fastener 214 receivable through the clearance hole 228. The level housing 208 has a tapered cylindrical mounting portion 225 in the form of a tapered stem 225. The tapers of the tapered stem 225 and the taper of the tapered stopper 212 correspond to the taper of each attachment bore 206 such that the level housing 208 and stopper 212 fit snugly within each attachment bore 206 when received therein. The fastener 214 is receivable through the stopper clearance hole 228 (and the access hole 227) and engageable with the aperture 229 to releasably secure the level indicator 202 to the base member 216 when the stopper 212 is received in one attachment bore 206 and the tapered stem 225 is received in the other corresponding attachment bore 206 of a pair. More specifically, with the tapered stem 225 of the level housing 208 received in one attachment bore 206 of a pair, the tapered stopper 212 can be fitted in the other attachment bore 206 of the pair. The threaded fastener 214 can be extended through the clearance hole 228 in the tapered stopper 212, then the access hole 227, and subsequently threaded into a threaded aperture 229 defined in the end of the tapered stem 225. Upon tightening the fastener 214 into the threaded aperture 229, the tapered stopper 212 and the tapered stem 225 are drawn toward one another inside, and compressed against, the pair of tapered attachment bores 206. This in turn centers and tightly fixes the tapered stopper 212 and the tapered stem 225 in the tapered attachment bores 206, thereby rigidly securing the level indicator 202 to the base member 216. In this way, scope mounts 200 of the present invention eliminate the traditional need for a user to manually adjust or otherwise center a level indicator on a scope mount 202 upon every installation.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 24-27, an auxiliary device in the form of a secondary optic mount 204 can include a base plate 218 for a secondary optic, an armature 220 configured to mount the base plate 218 (e.g., via a screw), a tapered stopper 212, a cylindrical sleeve 222, and a threaded fastener 214. The armature 220 defines a recess 234 and a threaded aperture 235 in the recess 234. The sleeve 222 includes a first end 230, a second end 232, and a clearance hole 255 extending from the first end 230 to the second end 232. The first end 230 is received in one of the attachment bores 206 of a pair. The second end 232 is received in the recess 234 in the armature 220. In some embodiments, the first end, second end, or both the first end and second end can be tapered to correspond to the tapered attachment bores 206. The fastener 214 is receivable through the clearance hole 228 of the tapered stopper 212, the access hole 227, and the clearance hole 232 of the sleeve 222, and is engageable with the threaded aperture 235 of the armature 220 to releasably secure the armature 220 to the base member 216 when the stopper 212 is received in one attachment bore 206 of a pair, the first end 230 of the sleeve 222 is received in the other corresponding attachment bore 206 of the pair, and the second end 232 of the sleeve 222 is received in the recess 234 of the armature 220. As with level indicator 202, threading the fastener 214 into the aperture 235 of the armature 220 draws the stopper 212 and sleeve 222 into their respective tapered bores 206 to secure the secondary optic mount 204 to the base member 216. A surface 238 of the armature 220 is contoured to be complimentary to an exterior surface 240 of the base member 216 such that the surface 238 of the armature 220 tightly engages the exterior surface 240 of the base member 216 when the secondary optic mount 204 is secured to the base member 216. A secondary optic (not shown) is mountable to the base plate 218 in a manner known to skilled artisans.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

It will be understood that the particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention may be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

For example, in some embodiments, a scope mount including one or more selectively removable auxiliary devices 12, 14 or other accessories described above with respect to either scope mount 10 or 200 can be incorporated into a scope mount in the form of scope rings (not shown). That is, in some embodiments, a scope mount that lacks middle stem 18 can be formed by a pair of scope mount rings and include one or more individual or pairs of attachment bores 26, 206 disclosed herein. In such embodiments, the scope mount rings should have a base portion that is wide or tall enough to accommodate the components disclosed above. In other embodiments, the components disclosed above could be scaled down to accommodate what is a typically smaller and/or lower profile of scope rings.

It is also to be understood that in some embodiments, scopes mounts constructed in accordance with the present invention can include both the magnetic system and the locking taper mechanism disclosed herein. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the mating portions of components disclosed herein, including attachment bores, holes, apertures, stems, and mounting portions can have shapes other than circular or cylindrical. All such variations are specifically encompassed by the claims unless specifically excluded.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein may be made and/or executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of the embodiments included herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the invention, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope thereof except as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A scope mount, comprising: a base member configured to mount a scope to a firearm;at least one attachment bore extending at least partially through the base member; andan auxiliary device configured to be removably received in the attachment bore.

2. The scope mount of claim 1, wherein: the base member extends along a longitudinal axis; andthe attachment bore extends transverse to the longitudinal axis.

3. The scope mount of claim 1, wherein: the auxiliary device is configured to be magnetically retained in the attachment bore when the auxiliary device is received in the attachment bore.

4. The scope mount of claim 1, wherein: the base member includes a ferrous element in the attachment bore, and the auxiliary device includes a magnet configured to removably secure the auxiliary device to the ferrous element when the auxiliary device is received in the attachment bore; orthe auxiliary device includes a ferrous element, and the base member includes a magnet in the attachment bore configured to removably secure the auxiliary device to the magnet when the auxiliary device is received in the attachment bore.

5. The scope mount of claim 1, wherein: the base member includes a ferrous element at a terminal end of the attachment bore;the auxiliary device includes: a mounting portion configured to be received in the attachment bore; anda magnet on the mounting portion configured to removably secure the auxiliary device to the ferrous element when the mounting portion is received in the attachment bore.

6. The scope mount of claim 1, wherein: the at least one attachment bore is a pair of coaxially aligned attachment bores defined in opposing sides of the base member;each attachment bore has a terminal end spaced from the terminal end of the other attachment bore;the base member includes a ferrous element extending from the terminal end of one attachment bore to the terminal end of the other attachment bore; andthe auxiliary device includes: a stem configured to be received in either of the attachment bores;a recess defined in an end of the stem; anda magnet in the recess configured to removably secure the auxiliary device to the ferrous element when the cylindrical stem is received in one of the attachment bores.

7. The scope mount of claim 6, wherein: the terminal ends of the attachment bores are spaced by a partition;a pin hole extends through the partition from the terminal end of one attachment bore to the terminal end of the other attachment bore; andthe ferrous element is a dowel pin fixed in the pin hole.

8. The scope mount of claim 7, wherein: the dowel pin protrudes out of the pin hole into each of the attachment bores such that the magnet is prevented by the dowel pin from contacting the terminal end of either attachment bore when the cylindrical stem of the auxiliary device is received in one of the attachment bores.

9. The scope mount of claim 1, wherein: the at least one attachment bore is a pair of at least partially tapered, coaxially aligned attachment bores defined in opposing sides of the base member;the auxiliary device is configured to be received in either attachment bore of the pair; andthe scope mount further comprises: a tapered stopper configured to be received in either attachment bore of the pair; anda fastener receivable through the stopper and into the auxiliary device to releasably secure the auxiliary device to the base member when the stopper is received in one attachment bore and the auxiliary device is received in the other attachment bore.

10. A scope mount, comprising: a base member configured to mount a scope to a firearm, the base member including a pair of at least partially tapered, coaxially aligned attachment bores defined in opposing sides thereof;an auxiliary device configured to be received in either attachment bore of the pair;a tapered stopper configured to be received in either attachment bore of the pair; anda fastener receivable through the stopper and into the auxiliary device to releasably secure the auxiliary device to the base member when the stopper is received in one attachment bore and the auxiliary device is received in the other attachment bore.

11. The scope mount of claim 10, wherein: the auxiliary device includes: a tapered end configured to be received in one of the attachment bores, andan aperture defined in the tapered end;the stopper defines a clearance hole configured to receive the fastener; andthe fastener is receivable through the clearance hole and engageable with the aperture to releasably secure the auxiliary device to the base member.

12. The scope mount of claim 10, wherein: the auxiliary device includes: a sleeve defining a first end configured to be received in one of the attachment bores, a second end opposite the first end, and a clearance hole extending from the first end to the second end, anda secondary optic mount defining a recess in which the second end of the sleeve is receivable, and an aperture in the recess;the stopper defines a clearance hole configured to receive the fastener; andthe fastener is receivable through the clearance hole and engageable with the aperture to releasably secure the auxiliary device to the base member when the stopper is received in one attachment bore, the first end of the sleeve is received in the other attachment bore, the second end of the sleeve is received in the recess.

13. The scope mount of claim 12, wherein: the secondary optic mount comprises an armature configured to releasably mount a base plate for a secondary optic;the aperture and the recess are formed in the armature; andengaging the fastener with the aperture draws the stopper and sleeve into their respective tapered bores to secure the auxiliary device to the base member.

14. The scope mount of claim 13, wherein: a surface of the armature is contoured to be complimentary to an exterior surface of the base member such that the surface of the armature contacts the exterior surface of the base member when the fastener is received through the clearance hole and engaged with the aperture.

15. The scope mount of claim 10, wherein: the base member includes a longitudinal axis; andthe attachment bores extend transverse to the longitudinal axis.

16. A scope mount, comprising: a base member configured to mount a scope to a firearm, the base member including a longitudinal axis, a pair of end walls, a main stem extending along the axis between the end walls, and a tool storage compartment configured to receive a tool therein extending from an end surface of one end wall at least partially through the stem.

17. The scope mount of claim 16, wherein: the tool storage compartment is configured to receive an Allen wrench.

18. The scope mount of claim 16, wherein the tool storage compartment includes: a recess defined in the end wall; anda bore extending from the recess at least partially through the stem.

19. The scope mount of claim 18, wherein: the recess is elongated and extends transverse to the longitudinal axis; andthe bore extends longitudinally from the recess at least partially through the stem.

20. The scope mount of claim 18, wherein: the recess has a first depth;the bore has a second depth;the second depth is greater than the first depth; andthe bore is in fluid communication with the recess.

21. The scope mount of claim 18, further comprising: a resilient member disposed in the tool storage compartment configured to retain the tool therein until manually removed by a user.

22. A scope mount, comprising: a scope clamping member including at least one upwardly extending protrusion and a first angled fastener hole;a secondary mount configured to mount an auxiliary device, the secondary mount defining at least one aperture in which the at least one upwardly extending protrusion is receivable, and a second angled fastener hole configured to align with the first angled fastener hole when the at least one upwardly extending protrusion is received in the at least one aperture; anda fastener receivable through the second angled fastener hole and into the first angled fastener hole to secure the secondary mount to the scope clamping member.

23. The scope mount of claim 22, wherein: the at least one upwardly extending protrusion is a plurality of dowel pins; andthe at least one aperture is a plurality of apertures corresponding to the plurality of dowel pins.

24. The scope mount of claim 22, wherein: the at least one upwardly extending protrusion is a boss;the first angled fastener hole is disposed rearwardly of the boss; andthe boss defines a footprint which tapers in a direction extending away from the first angled fastener hole.

25. The scope mount of claim 24, wherein the footprint of the boss is triangular or isosceles trapezoidal.

26. The scope mount of claim 22, wherein the secondary mount comprises: a main body in which is defined the at least one aperture and the second angled fastener hole;an elongated extension portion configured to mount the auxiliary device extending from the main body in a direction away from the second angled fastener hole; anda storage compartment defined in an end of the extension portion opposite the main body, the storage compartment configured to receive a level indicator.