Patent Application
20250237485
The subject matter disclosed herein is generally directed to a shotgun optic cutout and a shotgun receiver accessory mounting point, and methods for making same and retrofitting shotguns to include same, that is configured to allow users to directly mount accessories and accessory mounts to a shotgun receiver without permanently modifying the shotgun.
In the current firearms market, industry leaders have made it so that firearms collectors and enthusiasts may customize and modify their firearms in a plethora of ways. These include, but are not limited to, optics, Picatinny rails, flashlights, heat shields, shell holders, etc. These customizations, however, are not always capable of being integrated into an existing shotgun body and “workarounds” such as Velcro®, tape, or using the receiver pin holes to attach side accessories are commonplace amongst users. Meanwhile, permanent attachments can be employed but require permanently modifying the shotgun body to accommodate and support the now permanent accessory.
What is needed is a robust mounting platform that does not require permanent modification to the shotgun but can support a wide variety of accessories and accessory mounts. Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a shotgun optic cutout that provides a shotgun receiver accessory mounting point.
Citation or identification of any document in this application is not an admission that such a document is available as prior art to the present disclosure.
The above objectives are accomplished according to the present disclosure by providing in one aspect a shotgun optic accessory mounting point. The mounting point may include at least one mounting affixment plane joined to at least one first mounting point slope; at least one second mounting point slope affixed to the at least one first mounting point slope; at least one mounting point mounting surface extending from the at least one second mounting point slope; the at least one mounting point mounting surface comprising; at least one mounting point plane positioned at an angle to the at least one mounting affixment plane; at least one mounting point proximal end; at least one mounting point distal end; at least one mounting point top ridge; and at least one mounting point bottom ridge. Further, the mounting point may include at least one mounted optic that may include at least one mounted optic upper surface defining at least one optic fixation point and at least one fixed site. Still, the at least one mounted optic may be releasably affixed to the at least one mounting affixment plane. Moreover, at least two optic fixation points may be defined in the at least one mounted optic upper surface and may be dimensioned to accommodate optic mounting footprints including RMSc, RMS, SMS, Noblex, Docter, Leupold, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Trijicon RMR Mounting Standard, C-More Mounting Standard, Shield RMSc Mounting Standard, Glock Modular Optic System, or Springfield Armory Variable Interface System. Still yet, the at least one mounting point plane may be positioned substantially vertically to the at least one mounting affixment plane. Yet further again, a topmost height of the at least one first mounting point slope may be equal in height to an upper surface of the least one mounted optic. Yet moreover, the at least one mounting point distal end may extend distally beyond a distal end of the at least one mounting affixment plane. Again further, the at least one mounting point may be configured to position adjacent a right side of a firearm.
In a further instance, the current disclosure may provide a method for making an optic accessory mounting point. The method may include forming at least one mounting affixment plane joined to at least one first mounting point slope, forming at least one second mounting point slope affixed to the at least one first mounting point slope, forming at least one mounting point mounting surface extending from the at least one second mounting point slope; forming the at least one mounting point mounting surface to comprise; positioning at least one mounting point plane at an angle to the at least one mounting affixment plane; at least one mounting point proximal end; at least one mounting point distal end; at least one mounting point top ridge; and at least one mounting point bottom ridge. Further, the method may include forming at least one mounted optic to include: at least one mounted optic upper surface defining at least one optic fixation point; and at least one fixed site. Still again, the method may include forming the at least one mounted optic as releasably affixed to the at least one mounting affixment plane. Yet further again, at least two optic fixation points may be formed and the at least two optic fixation points defined in the at least one mounted optic upper surface may be dimensioned to accommodate optic mounting footprints including RMSc, RMS, SMS, Noblex, Docter, Leupold, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Trijicon RMR Mounting Standard, C-More Mounting Standard, Shield RMSc Mounting Standard, Glock Modular Optic System, or Springfield Armory Variable Interface System. Still further, the at least one mounting point plane may be positioned substantially vertically to the at least one mounting affixment plane. Moreover, the method may include forming a topmost height of the at least one first mounting point slope equal in height to an upper surface of the least one mounted optic. Still yet, the at least one mounting point plane distal end may extend distally beyond a distal end of the at least one mounting affixment plane. Furthermore, the at least one mounting point plane may be configured to position adjacent a right side of a firearm.
In a still further embodiment, a method is provided for retrofitting an existing shotgun to include a shotgun optic accessory mounting point. The method may include forming a mounting point bed in an existing shotgun body comprising a mounting point bed front and a mounting point bed rear; and dimensioning the mounting point bed so at least one mounting point upper surface with an affixed at least one mounted optic thereon is substantially equal in height to an upper surface of the existing shotgun body. The method may also include inserting an optic accessory mounting point into the existing shotgun body and forming the optic accessory mounting by defining at least one mounting affixment plane joined to at least one first mounting point slope; forming at least one second mounting point slope affixed to the at least one first mounting point slope; forming at least one mounting point mounting surface extending from the at least one second mounting point slope; forming the at least one mounting point mounting surface to comprise: at least one mounting point proximal end; at least one mounting point distal end; at least one mounting point top ridge; and at least one mounting point bottom ridge. Further again, the method may include forming the at least one mounted optic to include: at least one mounted optic upper surface defining at least one optic fixation point; and at least one fixed site. Indeed, the method may include forming at least two optic fixation points wherein the at least two optic fixation points defined in the at least one mounted optic upper surface may be dimensioned to accommodate optic mounting footprints including RMSc, RMS, SMS, Noblex, Docter, Leupold, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Trijicon RMR Mounting Standard, C-More Mounting Standard, Shield RMSc Mounting Standard, Glock Modular Optic System, or Springfield Armory Variable Interface System.
These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the example embodiments will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of example embodiments.
An understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative Embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure may be utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
The figures herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Before the present disclosure is described in greater detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, and as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
Unless specifically stated, terms and phrases used in this document, and variations hereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise.
Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.
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 this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now described.
All publications and patents cited in this specification are cited to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. All such publications and patents are herein incorporated by references as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Such incorporation by reference is expressly limited to the methods and/or materials described in the cited publications and patents and does not extend to any lexicographical definitions from the cited publications and patents. Any lexicographical definition in the publications and patents cited that is not also expressly repeated in the instant application should not be treated as such and should not be read as defining any terms appearing in the accompanying claims. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided could be different from the actual publication dates that may need to be independently confirmed.
As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order that is logically possible.
Where a range is expressed, a further embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within the respective ranges, as well as the recited endpoints. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure. For example, where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure, e.g., the phrase “x toy” includes the range from ‘x’ to ‘y’ as well as the range greater than ‘x’ and less than ‘y’. The range can also be expressed as an upper limit, e.g., ‘about x, y, z, or less’ and should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of ‘about x’, ‘about y’, and ‘about z’ as well as the ranges of ‘less than x’, less than y′, and ‘less than z’. Likewise, the phrase ‘about x, y, z, or greater’ should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of ‘about x’, ‘about y’, and ‘about z’ as well as the ranges of ‘greater than x’, greater than y′, and greater than z′. In addition, the phrase “about ‘x’ to ‘y’”, where ‘x’ and ‘y’ are numerical values, includes “about ‘x’ to about ‘y’”.
It should be noted that ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data can be expressed herein in a range format. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “IO” is disclosed, then “about IO” is also disclosed. Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms a further aspect. For example, if the value “about 10” is disclosed, then “IO” is also disclosed.
It is to be understood that such a range format is used for convenience and brevity, and thus, should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. To illustrate, a numerical range of “about 0.1% to 5%” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 0.1% to about 5%, but also include individual values (e.g., about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, and about 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., about 0.5% to about 1.1%; about 5% to about 2.4%; about 0.5% to about 3.2%, and about 0.5% to about 4.4%, and other possible sub-ranges) within the indicated range.
As used herein, the singular fom 1 s “a”, “an”, and “the” include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein, “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and the like. when used in connection with a measurable variable such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, are meant to encompass variations of and from the specified value including those within experimental error (which can be determined by e.g., given data set, art accepted standard, and/or with e.g., a given confidence interval (e.g., 90%, 95%, or more confidence interval from the mean), such as variations of +1-10% or less, +1-5% or less, +1-1% or less, and +/−0.1% or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosure. As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximate,” “at or about,” and “substantially” can mean that the amount or value in question can be the exact value or a value that provides equivalent results or effects as recited in the claims or taught herein. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art such that equivalent results or effects are obtained. In some circumstances, the value that provides equivalent results or effects cannot be reasonably determined. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about,” “approximate,” or “at or about” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about,” “approximate,” or “at or about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.
The term “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequent described event, circumstance or substituent may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
As used interchangeably herein, the terms “sufficient” and “effective,” can refer to an amount (e.g., mass, volume, dosage, concentration, and/or time period) needed to achieve one or more desired and/or stated result(s). For example, a therapeutically effective amount refers to an amount needed to achieve one or more therapeutic effects.
As used herein, “tangible medium of expression” refers to a medium that is physically tangible or accessible and is not a mere abstract thought or an unrecorded spoken word. “Tangible medium of expression” includes, but is not limited to, words on a cellulosic or plastic material, or data stored in a suitable computer readable memory form. The data can be stored on a unit device, such as a flash memory or CD-ROM or on a server that can be accessed by a user via, e.g., a web interface.
Various embodiments are described hereinafter. It should be noted that the specific embodiments are not intended as an exhaustive description or as a limitation to the broader aspects discussed herein. One aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced with any other embodiment(s). Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “an example embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the disclosure. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
All patents, patent applications, published applications, and publications, databases, websites and other published materials cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as though each individual publication, published patent document, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference.
Any of the shotgun optic cutout and shotgun receiver accessory mounting points, methods for making or methods for retrofitting an existing shotgun described herein may be presented as a combination kit. As used herein, the terms “combination kit” or “kit of parts” refers to the parts, tools, accessories and any additional components that are used to package, sell, market, deliver, and/or provide the combination of elements or a single element, such as the optic plate cover with an integrated rear sight. Such additional components include, but are not limited to packaging, blister packages, tools, and the like. When one or more of the parts, tools, accessories and any additional components described herein or a combination thereof (e.g., parts in the kit are provided simultaneously), the combination kit can contain the shotgun optic cutout and a shotgun receiver accessory mounting point singularly or in separate embodiments. When the parts, tools, accessories and any additional components described herein or a combination thereof and/or kit components are not provided simultaneously, the combination kit can contain the parts, tools, accessories and any additional components in separate embodiments. The separate kit components can be contained in a single package or in separate packages within the kit.
In some embodiments, the combination kit also includes instructions printed on or otherwise contained in a tangible medium of expression. The instructions can provide information regarding the parts, tools, accessories and any additional components, safety information regarding the contents, information regarding use, and/or recommended maintenance regimen(s) for the parts, tools, accessories and any additional components contained therein. In some embodiments, the instructions can provide directions and protocols for assembling or installing the parts, tools, accessories and any additional components described herein. In some embodiments, the instructions can provide one or more embodiments of the shotgun optic cutout and shotgun receiver accessory mounting point or methods for making or retrofitting an existing shotgun to include the optic plate cover with integrated rear sight such as any of the methods described in greater detail elsewhere herein.
Optics, not shown, may engage with mounting point 100 via optics fixation points 102. While two optics fixation points 102 are shown, the current disclosure is not so limited and one, three, four, five, six, etc., optics fixation points 102 may be employed to affix optics to mounting point 100. These optics may be releasably fastened via optics fixation points 102 and the associated fasteners used with the optics such that optics may be added to or removed from the shotgun quickly and efficiently without marring, damaging, or further altering the shotgun itself. Further, while optics fixation points 102 are shown as round, they may be any shape including polygonal, oval, circular, irregular shaped, etc., and are not limited to the shapes shown.
Mounting point 100 may be made from metal, plastics, synthetics, or other materials known to those of skill in the art. Preferably, mounting point 100 is made from aluminum, steel or hard polymers.
Mounting point 100 may rest on mounting point bed 202, see
Further, optics fixation points 102 may be the same or different sizes with respect to one another. This allows a user to have the option of employing only a single screw, bolt, or other affixing means to secure a first type of optic with a particularly sized screw, bolt, or other affixing means, while providing a second, differently sized hole, to accommodate another optic having a differently sized screw, bolt, or other affixing means to secure a first type of optic.
Further, differently sized “pairs” of optics fixation points 102 may be provided in mounted optics 101 to accommodate optics with different frames or distances between their respective affixing members and to allow a user to affix an optic using two or more of the optics fixation points 102 rather than using a single opening. For purposes of example only and not intended to be limiting, two pairs of optics fixation points 102 with the first pair of optics fixation points 102 being sized differently with respect to width, depth, screw/bolt thread taper, etc., from the second pair of optics fixation points 102 to accommodate optics with different frames, affixing means, etc. Further, the differently sized “pairs” of optics fixation points 102 may also vary in spacing from another to accommodate optics having screws, bolts, or other affixing means, such as a first pair of optics fixation points 102 being spaced from 10 to 70 mm apart and the second pair of optics fixation points 102 being spaced from 10 to 60 mm apart. This example should not be considered limiting at the distance between a single pair, or multiple pairs, of optics fixation points 102 may range from 10 to 70 mm, including measurements within this range such as 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and ranges of these values such as 15 to 70, 20 to 60, 25 to 45, 40 to 60, etc. This also includes values not specifically stated as one of the above measurements or ranges that fall between the above values/range and are hereby considered disclosed by the current disclosure, such as, and not intended to be limiting, 14 mm, 22 mm, from 10 mm to 20 mm, from 11 to 15 mm, etc.
The dimensions of a firearm optics frame, specifically for a red dot sight, typically include a lens width ranging from 40 mm to 60 mm, with the key measurement being the “footprint” which determines compatibility with the slide or receiver of the firearm and varies depending on the specific optic and gun model. Various optic footprints exist in the firearms industry with popular footprints commonly used on compact handguns, and larger footprints for full-size handguns and rifles (and now shotguns as disclosed herein). The mounted optics 101 may be dimensioned and designed to cooperate with these various optic footprints via placement of the optics fixation points 102 on mounted optics 101. For example, the mounted optics 101 may have optics fixation points 102 placed, defined, and/or dimensioned to accommodate RMSc, RMS, SMS, Noblex, Docter, Leupold, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Trijicon RMR Mounting Standard, C-More Mounting Standard, Shield RMSc Mounting Standard, Glock Modular Optic System, Springfield Armory Variable Interface System, etc. optics footprints. This versatility allows the current disclosure to accommodate not only the footprint of the optic to be employed, but the optics mounting height and length as well as accommodate the style of shooting the optic will be employed to achieve such as close range or long-range shooting. Indeed, the current disclosure allows users to have many options with respect to personal preference when “dressing out” a shotgun firearm with optics.
By “dimensioned,” with respect to forming and placing the optics fixation points 102 into mounted optics 101, this means forming the optics fixation points 102 in depth, width, threading measurements, threading style, etc., to accommodate the means for affixing the optics provided by the original equipment manufacturer, with the depth, width, threading measurements, threading style, etc., required to accommodate the means for affixing the optics known to those of skill in the art and will not require undo experimentation to practice the disclosure herein. Additionally, physical placement and spacing of the optics fixation points 102 atop mounted optics 101 is included within the definition of “dimensioned.” Those of skill in the art will know and understand, or be able to easily discover with minimal effort, the physical placing/spacing of the optics fixation points 102 required in order to form same into the mounted optics 101 to accommodate the OEM affixing means provided with the optics to be affixed to a shotgun by the manufacturer of the optics. Thus, dimensioning the optics fixation points 102 to accommodate various optic manufacturer footprints is clearly enabled and easily understood by those of skill in the art with respect to the present disclosure.
Mounting affixment plane 400 may be shaped with angular or rounded corners 117. Further, mounting affixment plane 400 may vary in width on outer facing surface 119 from 0.5 inches or 3.5 inches (or the closest metric approximate), including variations within these measurements such as 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, etc., including ranges based on these measurements or measurements falling within or between the above-described measurements such as 0.80, from 1.10 to 2.60, etc. Outer facing surface 119 may also range in length from 0.5 inches to 7.0 inches (or the closest metric approximate) including variations within these measurements such as 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, up to or exceeding 7.0, etc., including ranges based on these measurements or measurements falling within or between the above-described measurements, such as for purposes of example only and not intended to be limiting, 3.5 inches, 6.25 inches, from 4.0 to 6.0 inches, etc. In one embodiment, outer facing surface 119 extends beyond, or is longer than, mounting affixment plane distal end 121 so that mounting point distal end 114 is longer than or extends further along the body of the shotgun than mounting affixment plane distal end 121.
Mounting affixment plane 400 joins to mounting point slope 108 at mounting point slope first ridge 109, sloping upward and above the plane of mounting affixment plane 400 and mounting affixment plane upper surface 404, which may be considered substantially horizontal, mounting point first ridge 109 joins mounting point slope second ridge 111 at steeped angle 113, and mounting point slope second ridge 111 slopes downward with respect to mounting affixment plane 400 to join mounting point vertical mounting plane 110. As explained supra, an uppermost or topmost height 107 of mounting point slope 108 may be flush to, or equal in height to, mounted optics upper surface 106 (or the height of any fixed sites, if desired), when mounted. Mounting point slope second ridge 113 may terminate substantially equal to the horizontal plane formed by mounting affixment plane 400 and mounting affixment plane upper surface 404, or may delve below the substantially horizontal plane formed by mounting affixment plan 400 and mounting affixment plane upper surface 404, to join mounting point plane top ridge 116.
While mounting point slope first ridge 109 and mounting point slope second ridge 111 are shown forming steeped angle 113, the current disclosure is not so limited. Mounting point slope first ridge 109 and mounting point slope second ridge 111 may join one another in a curve or smooth slope. Further, mounting point slope first ridge 109 and mounting point slope second ridge 111 may join one another to form angles ranging from 10 to 180, 20 to 170, 30 to 160, 40 to 150, 50 to 140, 60 to 130, 70 to 120, 80 to 110, 90 to 100, or specific angles within these ranges such as 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, etc.
Mounting point vertical mounting plane 110 is shown positioned substantially vertically or at a right or 90-degree angle to mounting affixment plane 400 and mounting affixment plane upper surface 404. However, the current disclosure is not so limited and mounting point vertical mounting plane 110 and mounting affixment plane 400/mounting affixment plane upper surface 404 may form a host of angles ranging from 80 to 260 degrees with respect to mounting affixment plane 400/mounting affixment plane upper surface 404. Ranges of angles include from 90 to 135 degrees, 90 to 180 degrees, 90 to 235 degrees as well as single point angles within these ranges of degrees such as 95, 105, 115 degrees, etc. For purposes of example only and not intended to be limiting, an 80 degree angle would form an acute angle with respect to bottom surface 115 of mounting affixment plane 400 and mounting point vertical mounting plane 110, while a 260 degree angle would show mounting point vertical mounting plane 110 positioned above mounting affixment plane 400, and the shotgun body, not shown, forming an acute angle with mounting affixment plane top surface 117/mounting affixment plane upper surface 404. This range of angles allows a user to position attachments along the side, perpendicular to, or above and out of plane with any shotgun having the mounting point vertical mounting plane 110 attached.
The current disclosure also provides methods for installing and retrofitting a pre-existing shotgun to accommodate mounting point 100. For instance, one may take a pre-existing shotgun and form mounting point bed 202, mounting point bed front 120, and mounting point bed rear 122 into the body of the pre-existing shotgun, which may or may not have rear sights, via milling, drilling, woodworking, etc., in order to define a space sized to hold mounting point 100 in the pre-existing shotgun body. Further, the space may be dimensioned so that mounting point upper surface 106 is substantially equal in height to or substantially in line with the level of the upper surface of the pre-existing shotgun body extending distally from mounting point top surface 126.
While mounting point 100 is shown as approximately ‘L’ shaped with mounting point upper surface 106 positioned at substantially ninety degrees or perpendicular to mounting point vertical mounting plane 110, the current disclosure is not so limited and mounting point vertical mounting plane 110 may be positioned at a wide range of angles extending over a range of angles, such as substantially 225 degrees with respect to mounting point upper surface 106. Thus, mounting point vertical mounting plane 110 may be positioned at 45 degrees “below” mounting point upper surface 106, 0 degrees or extending laterally from mounting point upper surface 106, extending 45 degrees “above” mounting point upper surface 106, or forming an acute or obtuse angle with respect to mounting point upper surface 106. Further, the ‘L’ shape allows mounting point 100 to rest on a shotgun without necessarily coming into contact with the side of the shotgun body as mounting point 100 may be distanced from and positioned away from the shotgun body by extending out from the shotgun body and “hanging over and away” from same. Further, while the orientation of the mounting point vertical mounting plane 110 is shown on the left side of the shotgun, the current disclosure is not so limited and mounting point vertical mounting plane 110 may be formed to sit on the right side of a firearm for left-handed or ambidextrous users preferring the mounting point vertical mounting plane 110 be on the right side of the firearm.
The current disclosure provides additional “real estate” or space on a firearm platform to integrate and/or provide mounting options for accessories. Example accessories may include shell carriers, Picatinny rails, MLOK mountings, side storage, back up sights, laser sights, and more.
Various modifications and variations of the described methods, devices, and kits of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Although the disclosure has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications and that the disclosure as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the disclosure that are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure following, in general, the principles of the disclosure and including such departures from the present disclosure come within known customary practice within the art to which the disclosure pertains and may be applied to the essential features herein before set forth.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/622,772, filed Jan. 19, 2024, the disclosure of this application is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63622772 | Jan 2024 | US |
