FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to weapon accessories and more particularly to weapon accessory mounts.
BACKGROUND
Weapon (e.g., firearm) accessories use various types of mounting systems for mounting the accessories on weapons. For example, some rifles include a handguard or other structure having one or more accessory rails thereon, and some handguns include a rail under the barrel extending forward of the trigger guard. There are different types of rails with different configurations. Firearm accessories have different types of mounts configured to interface with the different types of rails to mount the accessories on each rail.
In general, accessory weapon rails will typically have an elongate body with one or more accessory slots defined by the elongate body. The elongate body typically has a dovetail shape to facilitate mounting and securing of an accessory to the rail. The accessory slots facilitate the mounting and/or positioning of accessories along the weapon rail. One type of weapon rail (e.g., a first weapon rail or first type of weapon rail) is shown in FIG. 1. The weapon rail 1 of FIG. 1 is commonly referred to as a Picatinny rail and has accessory slots 2 (e.g., a first accessory slot). The accessory slots 2 are generally uniformly spaced along the rail 1 and have a width W1 (e.g., a first width). Typically, the first width W1 is about 0.206-0.214 inches (about 5.23-5.43 mm). Another type of weapon rail (e.g., a second weapon rail or second type of weapon rail) is shown in FIG. 2. As is readily apparent, the weapon rail 3 of FIG. 2 has a different configuration than the rail 1 of FIG. 1. The weapon rail 3 of FIG. 2 is commonly referred to as a Weaver rail and has accessory slots 4 (e.g., a second accessory slot). The accessory slots 4 of the rail 3 of FIG. 2 have a different configuration than the accessory slots 2 of the rail 1 of FIG. 1. The accessory slots 4 of the rail 3 of FIG. 3 are non-uniformly spaced along the rail and have a width W2 (e.g., a second width), different from the first width W1. The second width W2 is smaller than that first width W1. Typically, the second width W2 is about 0.148 inches (about 3.75 mm).
Weapon accessories for weapon rails 1, 3 will typically have a feature that is inserted into the slot 2, 4 to prevent the accessory from sliding along the rail. However, as different types of rails 1, 3 have different configurations of slots 2, 4, the feature of a firearm accessory configured to be inserted into the slot of one type of rail cannot be used with other types of rails. The feature will either be too large (e.g., wide) to fit into the slot 2, 4, or too narrow thereby allowing a small amount of movement within the slot.
SUMMARY
In one aspect, a weapon accessory mount assembly mountable on a first weapon rail and a second weapon rail, the first weapon rail having a first slot and the second weapon rail having a second slot, the first and second slots having at least one different dimension, comprises a rail mount defining a rail channel sized and shaped to receive the first and second weapon rails to mount the rail mount to one of the first or second weapon rails. A rail slot key is configured to be inserted into the first slot of the first weapon rail and the second slot of the second weapon rail to inhibit longitudinal movement of the weapon accessory mount assembly along the first or second weapon rail when the weapon accessory mount assembly is mounted on the respective first or second weapon rail. The rail slot key has a first key portion sized and shaped to be inserted into the first slot and a second key portion sized and shaped to be inserted into the second slot. A fastener is configured to releasably secure the rail slot key to the rail mount in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first key portion is arranged to be inserted into the first slot of the first weapon rail. In the second configuration, the second key portion is arranged to be inserted into the second slot of the second weapon rail.
In another aspect, a weapon accessory mount assembly mountable on a first weapon rail and a second weapon rail, the first weapon rail having a first slot and the second weapon rail having a second slot, the first and second slots having at least one different dimension, comprises a rail mount. The rail mount defines a rail channel sized and shaped to receive the first and second weapon rails to mount the rail mount to one of the first or second weapon rails. A rail slot key is configured to be inserted into the first slot of the first weapon rail and the second slot of the second weapon rail to inhibit longitudinal movement of the weapon accessory mount assembly along the first or second weapon rail when the weapon accessory mount assembly is mounted on the respective first or second weapon rail. The rail slot key has a first key portion sized and shaped to be inserted into the first slot and a second key portion sized and shaped to be inserted into the second slot. A threaded fastener is configured to threadably engage the rail slot key to releasably secure the rail slot key to the rail mount in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first key portion is arranged to be inserted into the first slot of the first weapon rail. In the second configuration, the second key portion is arranged to be inserted into the second slot of the second weapon rail.
In another aspect, a weapon accessory mount assembly mountable on a first weapon rail and a second weapon rail, the first weapon rail having a first slot and the second weapon rail having a second slot, the first and second slots having at least one different dimension, comprises a rail mount. The rail mount defines a rail channel sized and shaped to receive the first and second weapon rails to mount the rail mount to one of the first or second weapon rails. The rail mount defines a key recess. A rail slot key is configured to be inserted into the first slot of the first weapon rail and the second slot of the second weapon rail to inhibit longitudinal movement of the rail mount along the first or second weapon rail when the rail mount is mounted on the respective first or second weapon rail. The rail slot key has a first key portion sized and shaped to be inserted into the first slot and a second key portion sized and shaped to be inserted into the second slot. The rail slot key is receivable in the key recess in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first key portion is oriented to be inserted into the first slot of the first weapon rail. In the second configuration, the second key portion is oriented to be inserted into the second slot of the second weapon rail. The rail slot key has a longitudinal axis that extends generally parallel to the respective first or second slot when the weapon accessory mount assembly is mounted on the respective first or second weapon rail. The rail slot key is movable into the key recess in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis to position the rail slot key in the first or second configuration.
Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective of a conventional Picatinny rail;
FIG. 2 is a perspective of a conventional Weaver rail;
FIG. 3 is a perspective of a weapon accessory mount assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective of the weapon accessory mount assembly with a rail slot key in a first configuration;
FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective of the weapon accessory mount assembly with the rail slot key in a second configuration;
FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective of the weapon accessory mount assembly with the rail slot key removed to reveal interior details;
FIG. 7 is a perspective of the rail slot key;
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-section of the weapon accessory mount assembly mounted on the Picatinny rail of FIG. 1, with the rail slot key in the first configuration;
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-section of the weapon accessory mount assembly mounted on the Weaver rail of FIG. 2, with the rail slot key in the second configuration; and
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the weapon accessory mount assembly.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIGS. 3-5, one embodiment of a weapon (e.g., firearm) accessory mount assembly (e.g., a weapon accessory mount) of the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The weapon accessory mount assembly 10 is mountable on one or more weapon rails, such as the first weapon rail 1 of FIG. 1 and the second weapon rail 3 of FIG. 2. The rails 1, 3 each include slots, such as the first slot 2 and the second slot 4 respectively, having at least one different dimension, such as the widths W1, W2. The weapon accessory mount assembly 10 will be described herein as being mountable to the first weapon rail 1 of FIG. 1 and the second weapon rail 3 of FIG. 2, but it is understood the weapon accessory mount assembly can be mountable on other types of weapon rails without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The rails 1, 3 (or other types of rails on which the assembly 10 is mountable) can be an integral part of the weapon (not shown) or separate from and mounted on the weapon. The rail 1, 3 can be mounted at generally any position on the weapon, such as in front of a trigger guard, above a barrel of the weapon, below a barrel of the weapon, etc.
The weapon accessory mount assembly 10 is configured to mount a weapon (e.g., firearm) accessory (not shown), such as a sight, scope, light, laser, light plus laser combination, etc. to the rail 1, 3. It will be understood that the weapon accessory mount assembly 10 can be used to mount generally any type of weapon accessory to the rail 1, 3 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the weapon accessory mount assembly 10 includes an accessory mount 12 configured to attach or be coupled to a weapon accessory. In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory mount 12 comprises a scope ring 14 configured to couple to a scope (not shown). The scope ring 14 includes a first ring portion 16 and a second ring portion 18 releasably secured together with one or more fasteners 20 (e.g., bolts). The first and second ring portions 16, 18 define a scope aperture 22 sized and shaped to receive and secure the scope therein to couple the scope to the scope ring 14. Other configurations of the accessory mount for attaching to other types and/or sizes of weapon accessories are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The weapon accessory mount assembly 10 includes a rail mount 24 configured to couple to the first and second rails 1, 3. The rail mount 24 defines a rail channel 26 sized and shaped to receive the first and second rails 1, 3 to mount the rail mount to one of the first or second rails. In other words, the rail channel 26 can receive the first rail 1 or the second rail 3 one at a time to mount the weapon accessory mount assembly 10 to either the first rail or the second rail. The rail channel 26 has a cross-sectional shape that generally corresponds to the identical or similar dovetail cross-sectional shapes of the first and second rails 1, 3. The rail channel 26 has a base 28, and opposite first and second sides 30, 32 defined by the rail mount 24. The rail channel 26 has an open mouth opposite the base 28 and a height H (FIG. 3) extending between the base and the open mouth. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail mount 24 includes a mounting base 34, a first rail guide 36, and a second rail guide 38. The mounting base 34 defines the base 28 of the rail channel 26. The first rail guide 36 defines the first side 30 of the rail channel 26 and the second rail guide 38 defines the second side 32 of the rail channel. The first rail guide 36 is configured to engage one (e.g., a first) side of the respective first or second rail 1, 3 to mount the rail mount 24 to the first or second rail. Likewise, the second rail guide 38 is configured to engage the opposite side (e.g., a second side) of the respective first or second rail 1, 3 to mount the rail mount 24 to the first or second rail. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail guides 36, 38 are configured to clamp the rail 1, 3 by tightening the fasteners 20 and may be referred to broadly as jaws. Each first and second rail guide 38 includes a groove that defines at least a portion of the respective first and second sides 30, 32 of the rail channel 26. Each groove is sized and shaped to receive a side edge portion (e.g., side edge) of the rail 1, 3 (e.g., dovetail shape) to secure the rail mount 24 to the rail. The first rail guide 36 is releasably secured to the mounting base 34. The weapon accessory mount assembly 10 includes one or more (e.g., two) fasteners 20 (e.g., bolts) that releasably secure the first rail guide 36 to the mounting base 34. Detaching the first rail guide 36 from the mounting base 34 permits the rail mount 24 to be mounted to the rail 1, 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the second rail guide 36 is fixed to (e.g., integrally formed with) the mounting base 34. Other configurations of the rail mount 24 are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The rail mount 24 of the weapon accessory mount assembly 10 is coupled (e.g., fixed) to the accessory mount 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail mount 24 is integrally formed with the accessory mount 12. Specifically, the mounting base 34 is integrally formed with the first ring portion 16. In other embodiments, the rail mount and the accessory mount 12 may be separate components joined together such as with fasteners, by welding or any other suitable means. In one embodiment, the weapon accessory mount assembly 10 may not include the accessory mount. In this embodiment, the weapon accessory mount assembly (e.g., the rail mount) may be part of the weapon accessory.
Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the weapon accessory mount assembly 10 includes a rail slot key 40. The rail slot key 40 is configured to be inserted into one of the slots 2, 4 of the rail 1, 3 to secure the weapon accessory mount assembly to the rail. Specifically, the rail slot key is configured to be inserted into the first slot 2 of the first rail 1 and the second slot 4 of the second rail 3 to inhibit movement (e.g., longitudinal movement) of the weapon accessory mount assembly 10 along the first or second rail when the weapon accessory mount assembly is mounted on either the first rail or the second rail. The rail slot key 40 has a first key portion 42 sized and shaped to be inserted into the first slot 2 of the first rail 1 and a second key portion 44 sized and shaped to be inserted into the second slot 4 of the second rail 3. As mentioned above, slots of different rails have different dimensions, such as the slots 2, 4 of the rails 1, 3 of FIGS. 1 and 2 having different widths W1, W2. The first and second key portions 42, 44 are each configured to be inserted into a particular slot of a rail and are each sized and shaped to fit that particular slot's unique dimensions (e.g., width). Accordingly, the first and second key portions 42, 44 of the rail slot key 40 enable the weapon accessory mount assembly 10 to be mounted on different types of rails, such as the rails 1, 3 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first key portion 42 is disposed on one side (e.g., an upper side as shown in FIG. 7) of the rail slot key 40 and the second key portion is disposed on an opposite side (e.g., a lower side as shown in FIG. 7) of the rail slot key. Other arrangements of the first and second key portions on the rail slot key can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The rail slot key 40 has a longitudinal axis LA. The longitudinal axis LA extends generally parallel to the slot (e.g., length of the slot) of a rail, such as the first and second slots 2, 4 of the respective first and second rails 1, 3 of FIGS. 1 and 2, when the weapon accessory mount assembly 10 is mounted on the rail.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second key portions 42, 44 have different widths to correspond to the different widths W1, W2 of the first and second slots 2, 4 of the respective first and second rails 1, 3. It is understood the first and second key portions can have other differences (size, shape, dimensions such a length) to correspond to other types of slots. The key portions can be configured to match the configuration of a slot the key portion is to be inserted into. In the illustrated embodiment, the first key portion 42 has a first key portion width KPW1 (FIG. 7) corresponding to (e.g., matching or being slightly less than) the first width W1 of the first slot 2 of the first rail 1. Likewise, the second key portion 44 has a second key portion width KPW2 (FIG. 7) corresponding to (e.g., matching or being slightly less than) the second width W2 of the second slot 4 of the second rail 3. Accordingly, the first and second key portions widths KPW1, KPW2 are different from each other. Specifically, the first key portion width KPW1 is larger than the second key portion width KPW2. As shown in FIG. 7, the first key portion 42 has a first key portion height KPH1 and the second key portion has a second key portion height KPH2. The rail slot key has an overall key height KH, which in the illustrated embodiment is the combination of the first key portion height KPH1 and the second key portion height KPH2.
The rail slot key 40 is configured to be secured to the rail mount in a first configuration or orientation (FIG. 4) and a second configuration or orientation (FIG. 5). In the first configuration, the first key portion 42 is arranged or oriented to be inserted into a slot of a rail (FIG. 8), such as the first slot 2 of the first rail 1 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, in the first configuration, the first key portion 42 is disposed (e.g., at least partially disposed) in the rail channel 26. In the second configuration, the second key portion 44 is arranged or oriented to be inserted into a slot of a rail (FIG. 9), such as the second slot 4 of the second rail 3 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 5, in the second configuration, the second key portion 44 is disposed (e.g., at least partially disposed) in the rail channel 26. As the first and second key portions 42, 44 are disposed on opposite sides of the rail slot key 40, the rail slot key is generally turned over or rotated about 180 degrees by a user to move the rail slot key between the first and second configurations.
Referring to FIG. 6, the rail mount 24 (e.g., the mounting base 34) defines a key channel or recess 46. The key channel 46 is sized and shaped to receive the rail slot key 40. Specifically, the rail slot key 40 is receivable in the key channel 46 in the first configuration and the second configuration. The rail slot key 40 is disposed in the key channel 46 when the rail slot key is in the first configuration and when the rail slot key is in the second configuration. The key channel 46 extends generally perpendicular (e.g., laterally or transversely relative) to the rail channel 26. The key channel 46 has an open mouth 48 opposite a base 50. The key channel 46 extends inward into the mounting base 34 from the open mouth 48. The key channel 56 has a key channel height KCH (FIG. 9) extending between the open mouth 48 and base 50. The key height KH of the rail slot key 40 is greater than the key channel height KCH. Accordingly, when the rail slot key 40 is attached to the rail mount 24, the rail slot key 40 extends through the mouth 48 of the key channel 46 into the rail channel 26. Desirably, the key channel height KCH is greater than at least one of the first key portion height KPH1 and the second key portion height KPH2. This ensures that the rail slot key 40 (e.g., the first and second key portions 42, 44) will be able to be inserted into a slot in a rail, such as the slots 2, 4 of the rails 1, 3 in FIGS. 1 and 2, regardless of whether the rail slot key is secured to the rail mount 24 in the first configuration or the second configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, first key portion height KPH1 generally corresponds to the key channel height KCH and the second key portion height KPH2 is about half of the key channel height. Other configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The rail slot key 40 is movable into and out of the key channel 46 through the open mouth 48. Generally, the rail slot key 40 is movable into the key channel 46 in a direction transverse (e.g., generally perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis LA of the rail slot key to position the rail slot key in the first or second configuration. Specifically, the rail slot key 40 can be moved into and out of the key channel 46 through the mouth 48 of the key channel in a direction that is generally parallel to the key channel height KCH. The key channel 46 also includes an open end 52 sized and shaped to permit the rail slot key 40 to slide into and out of the key channel through the open end. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rail guide 36 blocks the open end 52 of the key channel 46 when the first rail guide is secured to the mounting base 34 of the rail mount 24. The rail slot key 40 can be moved between the first and second configurations regardless of whether or not the first rail guide 36 is attached to the mounting base 34.
Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 8-10, the weapon accessory mount assembly 10 includes a fastener 54 for releasably securing the rail slot key 40 to the rail mount 24. The fastener 54 secures the rail slot key 40 to the rail mount 24 in the first configuration and in the second configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 54 is a threaded fastener configured to threadably engage the rail slot key 40 to releasably secure the rail slot key to the rail mount 24. The rail slot key 40 includes a threaded hole 56 (FIG. 7) that receives the threaded shaft of the threaded fastener 54. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fastener 54 extends through the base 28 of the rail channel 26 when securing the rail slot key 40 to the rail mount 24. Furthermore, the fastener 54 extends generally through the mounting base 34 to secure the rail slot key 40 to the mounting base. Accordingly, the fastener 54 (e.g., the shaft) extends generally parallel to the key channel height KCH when securing the rail slot key 40 to the rail mount 24. Likewise, the fastener 54 extends generally parallel to the rail channel height H when securing the rail slot key 40 to the rail mount 24. The mounting base 34 of the rail mount 24 defines a fastener head receiving space 60 sized and shaped to receive a head 58 of the fastener 54 when the fastener 54 secures the rail slot key 40 to the rail mount. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener head receiving space 60 has an open end in communication with the scope aperture 22. The fastener head receiving space 60 extends from the open end toward the key channel 46. When the fastener 54 is installed, the head of the fastener abuts a shoulder defined by the base 34 to locate the fastener with respect to the base and secure the key 40. A user can access the head 48 of the fastener 54 through the open end of the fastener receiving space 60 to secure or release the rail slot key 40 to the rail mount 24 by rotating the fastener.
In a method of using the weapon accessory mount assembly 10, the user selects a weapon to which they would like to mount the weapon accessory mount. The user then configures the key 40 to have the appropriate portion 42, 44 oriented for interfacing with the type of slot on the rail of the weapon. The key 40 may have the appropriate portion 42, 44 already oriented to be received in the slot of the rail. Otherwise, the fastener 54 can be removed, the key 40 flipped over, and the fastener reinstalled. The weapon accessory mount is then mounted on the rail using the jaws 36, 38 and fasteners 20.
When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope defined in the appended claims.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Patent Application
20210333068
