WO2023235684A2

WO2023235684A2 - Electrical distribution system for a firearm including serial bus communication

Info

Publication number: WO2023235684A2
Application number: PCT/US2023/067574
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin F. FELDMAN; Tho N. NGUYEN; Tyler J. MILLER
Original assignee: T-Worx Holdings, LLC
Priority date: 2022-05-29
Filing date: 2023-05-26
Publication date: 2023-12-07
Also published as: WO2023235684A3

Abstract

Systems and methods for an intelligent rail system for a weapon include serial bus communication. Segments are provided along one or more mounting rails of a weapon, providing not only for the mounting of accessories but also power and data connectivity to the accessories and to the user of the weapon. Control of the accessories is provided with a laminated stackup that provides power and data connections with the accessories. Data from the accessories, the weapon, and the environment are captured and transmitted remote from the intelligent rail system through networking resources. The data can be transmitted to the user and external to both the weapon and the user, providing real-time information about the operation of the weapon and its accessories, the environment in which the weapon is located and operating, and the status of the weapon.

Description

ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR A FIREARM INCLUDING SERIAL BUS COMMUNICATION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is being filed on May 26, 2023, as a PCT International application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/346,891, filed on May 29, 2022, and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/346,890, filed May 29, 2022, and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/478,627 filed January 5, 2023, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Recent developments in hand-held firearms have seen the addition of various accessories to be attached to the firearm, some of which require electrical power to function. The earliest of these developments included a scope through which the user could see images more clearly through the magnifications provided by the scope. More recently, these accessories include flashlights, red dot sights, infrared sights, lasers, cameras, range finders, environmental sensors, and the like.

[0003] One difficulty with the addition of these accessories is that many of them require an electrical power source, often provided by batteries. These batteries add weight to the firearm and require the user of the firearm to carry multiple types, sizes, and voltages of batteries. Also, the user of the firearm has no information regarding the remaining life of the batteries or whether the accessories are functioning correctly. Similarly, under circumstances where a plurality of users are functioning as a group, with a senior staff responsible for the performance of the group, the senior staff has no data and little knowledge informing them of the performance of the firearms of the group.

SUMMARY

[0004] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts that are further described in greater detail below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify important or required features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to establish the scope of the claimed subject matter. [0005] In general terms this disclosure is related to power and signal distribution on a firearm. In some embodiments, and by non-limiting example, the system includes data communication over a serial bus.

[0006] One aspect is a system for distributing power and signals on a firearm, the system comprising: a firearm comprising: a stock; a rail; and networking circuitry for communicating data within, to, or from the firearm; one or more accessories attached to the firearm; a power module on the firearm providing electrical power to the one or more accessories; electrical contacts proximate to the rail providing electrical and data connections with the one or more accessories; seals securing the electrical contacts from each other and from environmental contamination; and a switch connected to each electrical contact controlling the delivery of electric power or the flow of data to or from the attached accessory.

[0007] Another aspect is a method of distributing power and signals on a firearm, the method comprising: directing electrical power on the firearm from a power module to one or more accessories attached to the firearm; providing electrical power to each attached accessory through two electrical contacts dedicated to the attached accessory, wherein each two dedicated power electrical contacts are paired with two dedicated data electrical contacts; providing data communication through the two dedicated data electrical contacts to and from the attached accessory; transmitting data from one or more of the attached accessories, the transmitted data comprising signals from one or more sensors of the one or more attached accessories; and receiving data by one or more of the attached accessories, the received data providing instructions to the one or more attached accessories.

[0008] A further aspect is a rail system comprising: a rail for physically mounting a USB-enabled accessory thereto; and a plurality of electrical contacts arranged on the rail providing electrical contact points for electrically connecting with the USB-enabled accessory.

[0009] Yet another aspect is a rail-mountable accessory comprising: a clamp for connecting the rail-mountable accessory to a rail; a contact module comprising a plurality of contact pins configured to electrically connect to electrical contacts on the rail; and a processing device configured to communicate data according to a serial bus data communication protocol. [0010] Another aspect is a rail system for a firearm comprising: a rail for physically mounting a serial bus-enabled accessory thereto; a plurality of contacts arranged on the rail providing electrical contact points for electrically connecting with the serial bus- enabled accessory; and a serial bus hub.

[0011] A further aspect is a system for distributing electrical signals on a firearm, the system comprising: the firearm with a rail; one or more accessories attached to the firearm; a power module on the firearm providing electrical power to the one or more accessories; an electrical board proximate to the rail, the electrical board including an upper layer and a lower layer; and an electrical contact formed within the upper layer of the electrical board; the electrical contact being configured to move between: a depressed state in which the upper layer deforms such that the electrical contact contacts the lower layer, and an undepressed state in which the electrical contact does not contact the lower layer; the electrical contact providing an electrical connection to the one or more accessories when the electrical contacts contact the lower layer.

[0012] Yet another aspect is an electrical rail assembly for distributing electrical signals to one or more accessories on a firearm, the electrical rail assembly comprising: an electrical rail comprising: an upper layer and a lower layer; and electrical contacts formed within the upper layer of the electrical rail; the electrical contacts being configured to move between: a depressed state in which the upper layer deforms such that the electrical contacts contact the lower layer, and an undepressed state in which the electrical contacts do not contact the lower layer; the electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the one or more accessories when the electrical contacts contact the lower layer.

[0013] Another aspect is a contact module for use in an electrical distribution assembly for a firearm, the contact module being configured to be attached to an accessory of the firearm, the contact module comprising: an array of three electrical pins linearly spaced apart from each other, the array of three electrical pins including a ground data signal pin, a high data signal pin, and a low data signal pin, the high data signal pin being positioned in between the ground data signal pin and the low data signal pin; a power electrical pin, the power electrical pin being offset from the array of three electrical pins, the power electrical pin being positioned between the ground data signal pin and the high data signal pin; and a first seal surrounding one or more of the electrical pins. [0014] A further aspect is an electrical rail assembly for distributing electrical signals to accessories on a firearm, the electrical rail assembly comprising: an electrical board configured to provide electrical signals to an accessory; and a switch formed within the electrical board, the switch including an upper surface, the upper surface being arranged below a top surface of the electrical board; the switch being configured to move between: an undepressed state in which the electrical board does not provide electrical signals to the accessory; and a depressed state in which the electrical board does provide electrical signals to the accessory.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, a system is provided for distributing power and signals on a firearm, the system including a firearm that comprises a stock; a rail; and networking circuitry for communicating data within, to, or from the firearm. The system also includes one or more accessories attached to the firearm; a power module on the firearm providing electrical power to the one or more accessories; and electrical contacts proximate to the rail providing electrical and data connections with the one or more accessories. The system further includes seals securing the electrical contacts from each other and from environmental contamination; and a switch connected to each electrical contact controlling the delivery of electric power or the flow of data to or from the connected accessory.

[0016] Additional embodiments are directed to a method for distributing power and signals on a firearm, the method including directing electrical power on the firearm from a power module to one or more accessories attached to the firearm; and providing electrical power to each attached accessory through two electrical contacts dedicated to the attached accessory, wherein each two dedicated power electrical contacts are paired with two dedicated data electrical contacts. The method also includes providing data communication through the two dedicated data electrical contacts to and from the attached accessory; transmitting data from one or more of the attached accessories, the transmitted data comprising signals from one or more sensors of the one or more attached accessories; and receiving data by one or more of the attached accessories, the received data providing instructions to the one or more attached accessories.

[0017] Embodiments of this technology provide significant benefits over existing technologies in that it can provide a uniform and robust electrical supply to the accessories attached to a weapon, relieving the user of the need to carry multiple types, sizes, and voltages of batteries. Further, data capture, receipt, and transmission are provided on the weapon itself, providing real-time information on the operation and status of not only the weapon but also of the user.

[0018] The weapon power and signal distribution system and method described in the various embodiments below addresses many of the limitations of existing weapon accessory systems, provides reliable electrical power to weapon accessories, and provides data detailing the performance, status, and condition of the weapon and its attached accessories.

[0019] The methods and apparatuses of the present invention have other features and advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and the following Detailed Description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention has other features and advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and the following Detailed Description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the embodiments disclosed herein. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0021] FIG. l is a front perspective view of an example firearm electrical distribution system.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a rear portion of the firearm electrical distribution system of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a side view of a middle portion of the firearm electrical distribution system of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a side view of a front portion of the firearm electrical distribution system of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an example firearm of the firearm electrical distribution system of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a top view of an example electrical rail assembly and an example handguard of the firearm electrical distribution system of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the electrical rail assembly and handguard of FIG. 6.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an example front connector ring of the firearm electrical distribution system of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the front connector ring of FIG. 8, shown without the cover.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an example electrical rail of the electrical rail assembly of FIG 6.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example electrical board of the electrical rail of FIG. 10.

[0032] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the electrical board of FIG 11.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an example flex layer of the electrical board of FIG. 12.

[0034] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the flex layer of FIG. 13.

[0035] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the flex layer of FIG. 13.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the flex layer of FIG. 13 shown with contacts in a depressed configuration.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of an example spacer core of the electrical board of FIG 12.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of an example top conductive core of the electrical board of FIG 12.

[0039] FIG. 19 is a top view of the top conductive core of FIG. 18 with overlaid contacts shown thereon.

[0040] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of an example middle conductive core of the electrical board of FIG 12.

[0041] FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the middle conductive core of FIG 20.

[0042] FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of an example bottom conductive core of the electrical board of FIG 12.

[0043] FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the electrical board of FIG. 12.

[0044] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an example firearm accessory mounted onto the electrical rail of FIG 10.

[0045] FIG. 25 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the firearm accessory and the electrical rail of FIG. 24, along with an example contact module. [0046] FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of the firearm accessory with the contact module of FIG. 25 attached thereto.

[0047] FIG. 27 is a detail bottom perspective view of the contact module of FIG.

26.

[0048] FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of an example electrical pin module of the contact module of FIG. 27.

[0049] FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of the electrical pin module of FIG. 28.

[0050] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of an example electrical rail with the electrical pin module of FIG. 28 mounted thereon.

[0051] FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the electrical rail and electrical pin module of FIG. 30.

[0052] FIG. 32 is a side view of the electrical rail and electrical pin module of FIG.

30 with the pins in an undepressed state.

[0053] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical rail and electrical pin module of FIG. 32, taken along line A.

[0054] FIG. 34 is a detail view of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 33, showing the contacts and pins.

[0055] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical rail and electrical pin module of FIG. 32, taken along line B.

[0056] FIG. 36 is a detail view of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 35, showing the contact and pin.

[0057] FIG. 37 is a side view of the electrical rail and electrical pin module of FIG.

30 with the pins in a depressed state.

[0058] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical rail and electrical pin module of FIG. 37, taken along line A.

[0059] FIG. 39 is a detail view of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 38, showing the contacts and pins.

[0060] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical rail and electrical pin module of FIG. 37, taken along line B.

[0061] FIG. 41 is a detail view of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 40, showing the contact and pin.

[0062] FIG. 42 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary network managing the flow of data on the weapon. [0063] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an example button pad secured at a first location on the electrical distribution system of FIG. 1.

[0064] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an example button pad secured at a second location on the electrical distribution system of FIG. 1.

[0065] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of an example button pad secured at a third location on the electrical distribution system of FIG. 1.

[0066] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of an example button pad secured at a fourth location on the electrical distribution system of FIG. 1.

[0067] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the electrical distribution system.

[0068] FIG. 48 is a side view of the electrical distribution system of FIG. 47.

[0069] FIG. 49 is a top view of the electrical distribution system of FIG. 47.

[0070] FIG. 50 is a bottom view of the electrical distribution system of FIG. 47.

[0071] It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes can be determined in part by persons of ordinary skill in the art for the particular intended application and use environments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] FIG. l is a front perspective view of an example firearm electrical distribution system 100. The example firearm electrical distribution system includes a firearm (also referred to as weapon) 110 and an electrical distribution assembly 120. [0073] The firearm 110 functions to fire a projectile. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the firearm 110 is shown as a rifle, however, in other embodiments, the firearm 110 could be one of a variety of different configurations, such as, for example, a handgun. In some examples, the firearm 110 includes a stock 103, a receiver, a barrel 106, and a handguard.

[0074] The electrical distribution assembly 120 functions to distribute electrical signals along the firearm. In some examples, the electrical distribution assembly 120 functions to route electrical signals from a power source to accessories that may be attached to the firearm 110. In some examples, the electrical distribution assembly 120 supplies electricity along the length of the firearm 110 such that electricity is transferred from a rear of the firearm 110 to a front end of the firearm 110. In some examples, as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2-4, the electrical distribution assembly 120 includes a common electrical power source 102, an electrical delivery assembly, and an electrical rail assembly.

[0075] In some examples, the electrical distribution assembly 120 functions to provide electricity in the form of a constant voltage, DC power supply along the firearm. In further examples, the electrical distribution assembly 120 functions to provide further forms of electricity along the firearm, such as, for example, an electrical communication signal along the length of the firearm. One example of the communication signal includes a modulated DC electrical signal. In some examples, the electrical distribution assembly 120 functions to provide one or more of the abovedescribed forms of electricity in conjunction with each other along the length of the firearm.

[0076] In some examples, a common electrical power source 102, such as a battery or battery pack, is provided to power various accessories and networking components on the weapon. In some examples, such as the example of FIG. 1, electrical distribution assembly 120 on the firearm 110 is 5 - 34VDC, at 1.5A per rail slot. However, the embodiments are not so limited, and a higher or lower voltage and amperage can be provided from the power source 102 in other embodiments. In some embodiments the power source 102 output can be adjusted based on the accessories being powered, with any voltage within its range being deliverable to particular accessories. Further, the condition and remaining life of the power source can be conveyed by data communication with the power source 102 through the networking system, including serial bus connectivity. In some examples, the power source 102 is a battery. The battery is serial bus device and is able to convey state of charge and health information. In an alternate embodiment, the power source can be located on the user and power is fed to the weapon through wired and/or wireless connections, such as an electrical cable. The top electrical rail 136a is provided for the mounting of accessories on the top of the firearm 110. However, accessory mounting points or rails can be located anywhere on the weapon, including at various orientations around the barrel 106, as represented by electrical rails 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d. The top, or 12 o’clock, electrical rail 136a is divided into 6 serial bus device segments. There are 8 positions within each serial bus segment, with one enabler (also referred as an accessory or electronic device) per segment. In some examples, the additional electrical rails 136b, 136c, 136d are provided at the 3 o’clock position, the six o’clock position, and the 9 o’clock position. In some examples, each of the electrical rails are an M-Lok rail segment. In some examples, each of the M-Lok rail segments is a serial bus device. In some examples, each of the M-Lok rail segments includes one enabler per M-Lok rail segment plus one end mounted enabler per segment. A network gateway I l l is connected to the weapon, providing data communication to and from various accessories attached to the firearm 110. In some examples the network gateway 111 is mounted to the rail section located at the 9 o’clock position. The data communication can be through various protocols, with signals being transferred through wired or wireless data communication protocols, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, intra-soldier wireless (ISW), and the like technologies. One or more serial bus hubs 112 can be incorporated into a front ring 138 on the weapon to provide for serial bus power and data transmissions to and from the weapon. In some embodiments a button pad 114 is provided on the side of the weapon at a location convenient for access by the user. As shown in FIGS. 43-46, the button pad 114 can be secured at various locations on the weapon, such as at various locations along the handguard or rails. The button pad 114 permits the user to signal and activate various functions and actions on the weapon and the attached accessories. More than one button pad 114 can be located on the weapon.

[0077] Although the described embodiments can be implemented on any appropriate type of weapon, particular embodiments can be implemented with a picatinny rail on a weapon such as shown in FIG. 1. However, weapons with Weaver and dovetail accessory rail mounting systems can also be used.

[0078] In some embodiments, power and networking are available at some or all rail slots on the weapon with this disclosed rail system. In some embodiments the number of contacts per slot is 4, or at least 4, which includes high and low data contacts in addition to power and ground contacts. Embedded switching is achieved directly under the power and data contacts, as shown in FIGS. 32-41. The lamination stackup provides the integrated switching, as shown in FIGS. 32 - 41. In representative embodiments, integrated switches are activated using contact pins, such as pogo contacts. In some embodiments a width of the stackup is less than ’A inch, such as about 0.45 inches, which allows to add additional comer material in the rail for increased rail strength. In some embodiments the rail is formed of metal, such as aluminum.

[0079] The networking of data and communication is accomplished with two or more separate data lines at each slot, versus a modulated signal on the DC bus (which would be another possible configuration). Data High and Data Low signaling are switched directly underneath the surface contact, as shown in FIGS. 33-34 and 38-39. Differential signals provided with the high and data low signaling provides improved electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Through this design, significantly higher data rates are available. In some embodiments data rates of greater than 240 megabits per second (Mbps), greater than 360 Mbps, or equal to or greater than 480 Mbps can be achieved.

[0080] Power is distributed from a single, common electrical power source 102 to each pair of power contacts (power and negative), as shown in FIGS. 32 - 41. In some embodiments, the rail ground is unswitched, and the rail positive contact is switched directly underneath the surface contact, as shown in FIGS. 32 - 41. The voltage range provided from the common electrical power source 102 can be in a range from 5 to 32VDC to allow for power provided by a serial bus without having to boost the power. [0081] In some examples, as referred to herein, a “serial bus” is a protocol for serial data transfer between devices, a communication protocol employing differential signaling, a standardized interface for data exchange between electronic devices, a hot- swappable plug-and-play communication protocol, a tiered star topology based data communication protocol, a protocol supporting various data transfer rates such as fullspeed, high-speed, SuperSpeed, and SuperSpeed+, and/or an interface that facilitates both data transfer and power supply between devices. In some examples, as referred to herein, “serial bus” refers to a Universal Serial Bus (USB).

[0082] In conjunction with the networking resources and the serial bus capabilities built into the intelligent rail system, data availability and communication are greatly enhanced. For example, a particular accessory can include sensors that detect certain conditions and can transmit through the data contacts those particular conditions. An environmental sensor can detect water, for example, signaling that it may be raining wherever the weapon and the user are located. A sensor on the magazine can detect and communicate how many shells remain in the magazine. A motion detector can determine that movement has occurred proximate to the weapon and the user. The user can be made aware of these indicators by data communication from the rail system to the user. For example, a heads-up display can notify the user of the various conditions or states that have been detected. Alternately, the raw data and/or the detected conditions or states can be transmitted to the user or to remote monitoring sites or personnel. The actual data or the detected conditions or states can be stored for later analysis, the storage residing on the weapon, the user, and/or at a remote location. The serial bus connectivity and the networking resources of the rail system thereby provide real-time information regarding the environment of the weapon and the user. Such information can guide decision making for the benefit of the user and the user’s colleagues or by other systems or devices. As discussed above, the data communications can be accomplished through a combination of serial bus protocols, wirelessly, other wired technologies, and the like.

[0083] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a rear portion of the firearm electrical distribution system 100. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows the stock 103 of the firearm 110 and the common electrical power source 102 of the electrical distribution assembly 120. The common electrical power source 102 functions to store the power that is supplied within the electrical distribution assembly 120. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, the common electrical power source 102 includes a battery 132. The battery 132 may be attached to the firearm 110, or in some examples, the battery 132 may be mounted within the firearm 110. FIG. 2 shows the battery 132 mounted within the stock 103 of the firearm 110.

[0084] FIG. 3 is a side view of a middle portion of the firearm electrical distribution system 100. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows the receiver 113 of the firearm 110 and the electrical delivery assembly 124 of the electrical distribution assembly 120. The receiver 113 of the firearm 110 that houses the firing mechanism of the firearm 110. The electrical delivery assembly 124 routes electricity away from common electrical power source 102. In some examples, the electrical delivery assembly 124 includes an electrical delivery line 134. In some examples, the electrical delivery line is comprised of a cable that is attached to the common electrical power source 102 and is routed around the receiver 113 of the firearm 110.

[0085] FIG. 4 is a side view of a front portion of the firearm electrical distribution system 100. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows the barrel 106 and handguard 118 of the firearm 110 and the electrical rail assembly 126 of the electrical distribution assembly 120. The barrel is the part of the firearm 110 through which a projectile is fired. The handguard 118 is attached to the barrel and provides a place for a user to grip the firearm 110 to steady the barrel 106.

[0086] The electrical rail assembly 126 includes a plurality of electrical rails 136 and a front connector ring 138. In some examples, the electrical rails 136 function to provide electricity to accessories that are mounted onto the electrical rails 136. In some examples, the front connector ring 138 connects the electrical rails 136 such that each of the electrical rails 136 are conductively attached to each other. In some examples, the front connector ring 138 connects the electrical rails 136 at the front end of the electrical rails 136. In some examples, the electrical rail assembly 126 includes between one and eight electrical rails 136. In other examples, the electrical rail assembly 126 includes more than eight electrical rails 136. In the example of FIG. 4, the electrical rail assembly 126 includes four electrical rails 136. As shown in FIG. 4, the electrical rail assembly 126 includes a top electrical rail 136a, a left electrical rail 136b, a bottom electrical rail 136c, and a right electrical rail 136d (not visible). In some examples, the electrical rails vary in length. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the top electrical rail 136a is longer than the left electrical rail 136b and the bottom electrical rail 136c. In some examples, as shown in the example of FIG. 4, the electrical rails are positioned on the handguard 118 of the firearm 110 and extend along a portion of the length of the firearm 110.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the firearm 110. In the example of FIG. 5 the electrical delivery assembly 124 and a portion of the electrical rail assembly 126 is shown. In the example of FIG. 5, the top electrical rail 136a is shown as extending rearwardly along the length of the barrel 106 and along the top of the receiver 113 such that a portion of the top electrical rail 136a extends over the electrical delivery assembly 124.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a top view of the electrical rail assembly 126 and the handguard 118, removed from the rest of the firearm electrical distribution system 100. FIG. 6 depicts the top electrical rail 136a the left electrical rail 136b, and the right electrical rail 136d. In some examples, as shown in the example of FIG. 6, the electrical rail assembly 126 is built into the handguard 118 of the firearm 110. In some examples, the front connector ring 138 is built into the front of the handguard.

[0089] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the electrical rail assembly 126 and handguard 118 of FIG. 6. As previously noted, the electrical rail assembly 126 includes a plurality of electrical rails 136. In some examples, the electrical rails 136 each include a rail 142 and an electrical board 144. In some examples, the rail 142 provides a mounting platform for firearm accessories. In some examples, the rail 142 may be a weaver rail, a picatinny rail, a dovetail rail, or a NATO accessory rail. In some examples, the rail 142 is formed integrally with the handguard 118, while in other examples, the rail 142 is removably attached to the handguard 118.

[0090] The electrical boards 144 fit within the rail 142 and provide the electricity to the electrical rail assembly 126. In some examples, the electrical boards 144 are multilayer printed circuit boards. In some examples, the electrical boards 144 are held within the rails 142 by an adhesive. In other examples, the electrical boards 144 slide into and are retained within a groove formed in the edges of the rails 142. In some examples, the electrical boards 144 are attached to the rails 142 using fasteners.

[0091] FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of the front connector ring 138. As shown in FIG. 8, the front connector ring 138 includes a cover 175 with a central hole 176. In some examples, the cover 175 that protects the internal components of the front connector ring from the elements, such as dirt, moisture, and physical perturbations. As shown in FIG. 8, the front connector ring 138 is connected to the front of the handguard 118. The central hole 176 provides a space that allows the barrel 106 of the firearm 110 extends through the front end of the handguard through the front connector ring 138.

[0092] FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of the front connector ring 138 with the cover 175 stripped away. As shown in FIG. 9, the front connector ring 138 also includes a conductive portion 178, and one or more ports 182. As shown in FIG. 9, the front connector ring 138 includes four ports 182, such that the front connector ring 138 includes a top port 182a, a left port 182b, a bottom port 182c, and a right port 182d. While the example of FIG. 9 shows the front connector ring 138 with four ports, it should be appreciated that in other examples, the front connector ring 138 includes fewer than, or more than four ports, such as, for example, eight ports. In some examples, the ports are configured to connect with the electrical boards 144 of the electrical rails 136, such that each electrical rail 136 is conductively connected to each other. In some examples, the electrical boards 144 are configured to plug into the ports 182 such that conductive contacts arranged on the front of the electrical boards 144 interface with pins within the ports 182. In some examples, the ports 182 are electrically connected to the conductive portion 178 of the front connector ring 138. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 9, the conductive portion 178 is comprised of a circuit board that is connected to each of the ports 182. In other examples, the conductive portion 178 is comprised of a plurality of wires that are connected to and extend between the ports 182. In the example of FIG. 9, the ports 182 are mounted to and electrically integrated with the circuit board of the conductive portion 178, such that electricity can flow to or from the electrical boards 144, through the ports 182 via the conductive portion 178 of the front connector ring 138.

[0093] FIG. 10 shows an example electrical rail 136 of the electrical rail assembly 126. As previously noted, the electrical rail 136 includes the rail 142 and the electrical board 144.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 10, the rail 142 is illustrated as a Picatinny rail, however, may take other forms as well. In the example of FIG. 10, the rail 142 includes undercut portions 184 that allow for accessories to be slid onto the rail 142 and locked in place. The rail 142 also includes upwardly extending protrusions 186 arranged on the sides of the top surface of the rail 142, and spaced apart from each other along the length of the rail 142. In the example of FIG. 10, the Picatinny rail also includes a central notch 188 that extends along the length of the rail 142. The protrusions 186 are arranged such that they extend over the central notch 188 and create an overhung edge. In the example of FIG. 10, the electrical board 144 is arranged within the central notch 188 and is retained within the central notch by the overhung edge.

[0095] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the electrical board 144. In the example of FIG. 11, the electrical board includes a plurality of contacts 192, 194, 196, 198. In some examples, the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 are arranged in a pattern along the length of the electrical board 144. In the example of FIG. 11, the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 are arranged such that a pattern of four contacts 192a, 194a, 196a, 198a is replicated along the length of the electrical board 144 such that a second pattern of four contacts 192b, 194b, 196b, 198b is also arranged on the electrical board 144. In some examples, greater than two patterns of contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 are arranged on the electrical board 144. In some examples, the four contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 include a ground data signal contact 192, a high data signal contact 194, a low data signal contact 196, and a power contact 198. In some examples, as shown in the example of FIG. 11, the pattern of contacts includes a row of three contacts 192, 194, 196 spaced across the electrical board 144 and a fourth contact 198 arranged in front of the row of three contacts 192, 194, 196. In some examples, the electrical board 144 is a multi-layer printed circuit board and the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 are exposed conductive pads formed on the surface of the printed circuit board.

[0096] In some examples, contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 on the electrical board 144 are conductively connected to each other via traces or planar layers on the printed circuit board. In these examples, the ground data signal contact 192a is conductively connected to the ground data signal contact 192b. This conductive pathway may extend along the length of the electrical board 144 such that all of the ground data signal contacts 192 along the electrical board 144 are conductively connected to each other. In the same manner, each of the high data signal contacts 194 may be conductively connected to each other, each of the low data signal contacts 196 may be conductively connected to each other, and each of the power contacts 198 may be conductively connected to each other. In some examples, the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 are conductively connected to each other by traces.

[0097] In some examples, the electrical board 144 also includes a trace termination pad array 202. In some examples, the trace termination pad array 202 provides an electrical interfacing surface where the electrical board 144 can be contacted. In some examples, the pads on the trace termination pad array 202 are conductively connected to the contacts 194, 196, 198 by traces. In some examples, the trace termination pad array 202 is placed in contact with the ports 182 of the front connector ring 138 such that the electrical board 144 is placed into connection with the rest of the electrical distribution assembly 120.

[0098] In some examples, the electrical board 144 also includes a front grounding via 212a and a rear grounding via 212b. In some examples, the front grounding via 212a and the rear grounding via 212b are conductively connected to each other and the ground data signal contact 192. In some examples, the grounding vias 212a, 212b extend through all of the layers of the electrical board 144.

[0099] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the example electrical board 144. In the example of FIG. 12, the electrical board 144 is comprised of a multi-layer printed circuit board, such that the electrical board includes a top soldermask layer 158, a flex layer 162, a spacer core 164, a top conductive core 166, a middle conductive core 168, a bottom conductive core 172, and a bottom soldermask layer 174.

[0100] The top soldermask layer 158 is formed from an insulating material, such as, for example, an epoxy or a photoimageable polymer. In some examples, the top soldermask layer 158 is applied over the entire flex layer 162 and portions of the top soldermask layer 158 are etched away to expose the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 or grounding vias 212a, 212b, underneath the top soldermask layer 158.

[0101] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the flex layer 162. The flex layer 162 is arranged below the top soldermask layer. In some examples, the flex layer 162 includes the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198, and the grounding vias 212a, 212b. In some examples, the flex layer comprises a top layer 204 and a bottom layer 206. The bottom layer 206 is an insulative layer that extends completely over the entire flex layer 162. In some examples, the bottom layer 206 is formed from a flexible plastic, such as, for example, Kapton plastic. The top layer 204 is a conductive layer such as, for example, copper. In some examples, the top layer 204 is applied on top of the bottom layer 206. In some examples, the top layer 204 extends over the bottom layer 206, with portions of the top layer 204 being etched away so that the top layer 204 does not completely cover the bottom layer 206.

[0102] In some examples, the contacts 194, 196, 198 include a top cap 195, 197, 199 such that the high data signal contact includes a high data signal top cap 195, the low data signal contact includes a low data signal top cap 197, and the power contact 198 includes a power top cap 199. In some examples, the top caps 195, 197, 199 are formed as portions of the top layer 204. In some examples, the top caps 195, 197, 199 are formed by etching annulus regions 208 of the top layer 204 away from the flex layer 162. Thus, top caps 195, 197, 199 are formed as the conductive circular portions of the top layer 204, within the annulus regions 208, that remain on the flex layer 162 after the annulus regions 208 of the top layer 204 are etched away. In these examples, the top caps 195, 197, 199 are electrically isolated from each other, because the etched away annulus regions 208 lack any conductive pathway, thereby separating the conductive circular portions of the top layer 204 from each other, and from the noncircular portion 210 of the top layer 204 that remains after the annulus regions 208 are etched away. In some examples, all of the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 are formed with top caps 195, 197, 199 as conductive circular centers of the etched away annulus regions 208 of the top layer 204. In other examples, only the high data signal contact 194, low data signal contact 196, and power contact 198 are formed with top caps 195, 197, 199 as the conductive circular centers of the etched away annulus regions 208 of the top layer 204. In these examples, the high data signal contact 194, low data signal contact 196, and power contact 198 are electrically isolated from each other, and are also electrically isolated from the non-circular portion 210 of the top layer 204. In these examples, the ground data signal contacts 192 are form from the non-circular portion 210 of the top layer 204, such that each of the ground data signal contacts 192 are formed from the same conductively integrated surface. In this example, the holes that are etched away from the top soldermask layer 158, which is applied over the flex layer 162, define the bounds of the ground data signal contacts 192.

[0103] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the flex layer 162. As shown in FIG. 14, the flex layer also includes the bottom layer 206 and grounding vias 212a, 212b. In some examples, the bottom layer 206 also includes auxiliary grounding vias 228. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 14, the contacts 194, 196, 198 also include bottom caps 209, 211, 213 such that the high data signal contact 194 includes a high data signal bottom cap 209, the low data signal contact 196 includes a low data signal bottom cap 211, and the power contact 198 includes a power bottom cap 213. In some examples, the bottom caps 209, 211, 213, are arranged below the bottom layer 206. [0104] As noted above, in some examples, as shown in FIG. 14, the flex layer 162 also includes the front ground via 212a and a rear grounding via 212b. The front and rear grounding vias 212a, 212b are electrically coupled with the non-circular portion 210 of the top layer 204 such that the grounding vias 212a, 121b are also coupled with the ground data signal contacts 192. Likewise, in some examples, the auxiliary grounding vias 228 extend through the bottom layer 206 and are electrically connected to the non-circular portion 210 of the top layer 204.

[0105] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the flex layer 162, showing an example high data signal contact 194. The high data signal contact 194 includes the top cap 195 and the bottom cap 209. In some examples, the high data signal contact 194 also includes a high data signal connecting via 215. In some examples, the bottom layer 206 of the flex layer 162 includes holes arranged in between the top caps 195, 197, 199 and the bottom caps 209, 211, 213. The holes are filled with conductive material that forms the high data signal connecting via 215, which conductively connects the top cap 195 of the high data signal contact 194 with the respective bottom cap 209. In some examples, the low data signal contact 196 is formed in the same manner as the high data signal contact 194, such that the low data signal contact 196 includes a low data signal connecting via 217 that connects the top cap 197 and the bottom cap 211. Likewise, in some examples, the power contact 198 is formed in the same manner as the high data signal contact 194, such that the power contact 198 includes a power connecting via 219 that connects the top cap 199 and the bottom cap 213.

[0106] FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the flex layer 162 with the contacts 194, 196, 198 shown in a depressed configuration. As noted above, the bottom layer 206 may be formed from an insulating material, such as, for example, Kapton plastic. While the top layer may be relatively inflexible, the bottom layer 206 is generally flexible and elastic relative to the top layer 204. Because the annulus regions 208 of the top layer 204 are removed, the relative flexibility and elasticity of the bottom layer permits the contacts 194, 196, 198 to be moved between a depressed configuration (as shown in FIG. 16) when downward pressure is applied to the top surface of the contacts 194, 196, 198. Likewise, when the downward pressure is removed from the top surface of the contacts 194, 196, 198, the bottom layer returns back to its original shape, bringing the contacts 194, 196, 198 back to the undepressed configuration (as shown in FIG 13).

[0107] FIG. 17 shows an example spacer core 164. The spacer core 164 is formed from an insulating material. In some examples, the spacer core 164 is arranged immediately below the flex layer 162 and includes a plurality of holes 214. In some examples, the spacer core 164 also includes the auxiliary grounding vias 228 and the front and rear grounding vias 212a, 212b. The plurality of holes 214 are aligned with the contacts 194, 196, 198. In some examples, the auxiliary grounding vias 228 and the front and rear grounding vias 212a, 212b formed within the spacer core 164 are aligned with the auxiliary grounding vias 228 and the front and rear grounding vias 212a, 212b in the flex layer 162, such that the auxiliary grounding vias 228 and the front and rear grounding vias 212a, 212b are all conductively connected to each other and the ground data signal contacts 192.

[0108] FIG. 18 shows an example top conductive core 166. The top conductive core 166 includes a top layer 224, a bottom layer 226, and one or more vias. The bottom layer 226 is formed from an insulating material. The top layer 224 is deposited on top of the bottom layer 226 and is formed from a conductive material, such as, for example, copper. The top layer 224 includes a plurality of trace lines 218, 220, 222. In some examples, the trace lines 218, 220, 222 include a high data signal trace line 218, a low data signal trace line 220, and a power trace line 222. In some examples, the top layer 224 does not include any material connecting the trace lines 218, 220, 222, so the trace lines 218, 220, 222 are electrically isolated from each other. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 18, the bottom caps 209, 211, 213 of the contacts 194, 196, 198 are configured to contact the trace lines 218, 220, 222, so as to form a conductive connection with the trace lines 218, 220, 222. In some examples, the trace lines 218, 220, 222 terminate in a series of pads and vias at the end of the top conductive core 166 to form the trace termination pad array 202. As shown in FIG. 17, the power trace line 222 is wider than the high data signal trace line 218 or the low data signal trace line 220. In some examples, this configuration may be beneficial due to the fact that the power trace line 222 may be configured to carry larger electrical currents than the high data signal trace line 218 or the low data signal trace line 220. In other examples, all of the trace lines 218, 220, 222 may the same width.

[0109] In some examples, the top conductive core 166 also includes one or more of the front and rear grounding vias 212a, 212b, and auxiliary grounding vias 228. The auxiliary grounding vias 228 extend through both the top layer 224 and the bottom layer 226 of the top conductive core 166. In some examples, the front and rear grounding vias 212a, 212b, and auxiliary grounding vias 228 are electrically connected to the ground data signal contacts 192.

[0110] In some examples, the top conductive core 166 also includes one or more auxiliary power vias 229 formed within the power trace line 222. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 18 the auxiliary power vias 229 are formed along the length of the power trace line 222. The auxiliary power vias 229 extend through both the top layer 224 and the bottom layer 226 of the top conductive core 166.

[OHl] In some examples, the top conductive core 166 also includes one or more rear high data signal vias 233 and one or more rear low data signal vias 237 formed through the high data signal trace line 218 and the low data signal trace line 220, respectively. In some examples, the rear high data signal via 233 and rear low data signal via 237 are arranged only at a rear end of the high data signal trace line 218 and the low data signal trace lines 220. In some examples, the rear high data signal via 233 and the rear low data signal via 237 extend through both the top layer 224 and the bottom layer 226 of the top conductive core 166.

[0112] In some examples, the trace termination pad array 202 is arranged at a front end of the top conductive core 166 and includes an array of five vias. In some examples, the trace termination pad array 202 includes a front power via 262, a first front high data signal via 264, a second front high data signal via 266, a first front low data signal via 268, and a second front low data signal via 270. In some examples, each of the vias 262, 264, 266, 268, 270 in the trace termination pad array 202 extends through the top conductive core 166, middle conductive core 168, and the bottom conductive core 172. In some examples, the trace termination pad array 202 also includes the front ground via 212a. In some examples, the trace termination pad array 202 provides a region for making electrical contact with one or more of the ground data signal contacts 192, high data signal contacts 194, low data signal contacts 196, and power contacts 198.

[0113] FIG. 19 is a top view of the top conductive core 166 with overlaid high data signal contact 194, low data signal contact 196, and the power contact 198 shown as dashed lines. The power contact is positioned above the power trace line 222, the high data signal contact 194 is positioned above the high data signal trace line 218, and the low data signal contact 196 is positioned above the low data signal trace line 220, such that when any of the high data signal contact 194, low data signal contact 196, and the power contacts 198 are pushed into the depressed configuration, they make contact with their respective power trace line 222, high data signal trace line 218, and low data signal trace line 220. Once the contacts 194, 196, 198 make contact with the trace lines 218, 220, 222, the trace line 218, 220, 222 becomes electrically coupled with corresponding contact 194, 196, 198, such that the portions of the trace lines 218, 220, 222 arranged on the trace termination pad array 202 provide a surface through which electrical connections with the contacts 194, 196, 198 can be achieved.

[0114] In some examples, the flex layer 162 is referred to as an upper layer and the top conductive core 166 is referred to as a lower layer. In such examples, the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198, are formed within the upper layer of the electrical board 144. In some examples, the contacts 194, 196, 198 are configured to move between a depressed state in which the upper layer deforms such that the electrical contacts 194, 196, 198 contact the lower layer and an undepressed state in which the electrical contacts 194, 196, 198 do not contact the lower layer. In some examples, the electrical contacts 194, 196, 198 providing an electrical connection to the one or more accessories when the electrical contacts 194, 196, 198 contact the lower layer.

[0115] FIGS. 20-21 depict an example middle conductive core 168. FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the example middle conductive core 168. The middle conductive core includes a top layer 230 a middle layer 232, and a bottom layer 234. FIG. 20 depicts the top layer 230 and the middle layer 232. FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the example middle conductive core 168, depicting the middle layer 232 and the bottom layer 234. In some examples, the middle conductive core 168 includes the front and rear grounding vias 212a, 212b, auxiliary grounding vias 228, auxiliary power vias 229, rear high data signal via 233, rear low data signal via 237, front power via 262, a first front high data signal via 264, a second front high data signal via 266, a first front low data signal via 268, and a second front low data signal via 270.

[0116] The top layer 230 is a conductive layer such as, for example, copper. The top layer 230 extends substantially across the entire width of the middle conductive core 168, however, in some examples, the top layer 230 does not extend all the way along the length of the middle conductive core 168, and instead, terminates at the front edge of the region before the trace termination pad array 202. The top layer 230 is conductively connected to the grounding vias 232a, 232b, 228 such that the top layer 230 is conductively connected to the ground data signal contacts 192. In some examples, the grounding vias 212a, 212b, 228 are formed within the top layer 230 and extend through the entire thickness of the middle conductive core 168.

[0117] In some examples, the top layer 230 includes cutouts 236 around the area surrounding the auxiliary power vias 229, rear high data signal via 233, and rear low data signal via 237 such as to electrically isolate the auxiliary power vias 229, rear high data signal via 233, and rear low data signal vias 237 from the conductive material of the top layer 230 of the middle conductive core 168. In some examples, the auxiliary power vias 229, rear high data signal via 233, and rear low data signal via 237 extend through the entire middle conductive core 168.

[0118] The middle layer 232 is an insulative layer and is made from a nonconductive material. In some examples, the middle layer 232 extends completely across the middle conductive core 168 in both the length and width directions. In some examples, the middle layer includes the auxiliary power vias 229, rear high data signal via 233, and rear low data signal via 237. Likewise, in some examples, the middle layer 232 includes the grounding vias 212a, 212b, 228. Furthermore, in some examples, the middle layer 232 includes the front power via 262, a first front high data signal via 264, a second front high data signal via 266, a first front low data signal via 268, and a second front low data signal via 270 of the trace termination pad array 202.

[0119] FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the example middle conductive core 168. FIG. 21 shows the middle layer 232 and the bottom layer 234. The bottom layer 234 is formed from a conductive material such as, for example, copper. The bottom layer 234 includes a high data signal trace line 242, low data signal trace line 244, and a power trace line 246 formed in a substantially mirror image to the high data signal trace line 218, low data signal trace line 220, and power trace line 222 formed in the top layer 224 of the top conductive core 166.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 21, the front and rear grounding vias 212a, 212b, and auxiliary grounding vias 228 are formed within the middle layer 232 of the middle conductive core 168. In some examples, the front and rear grounding vias 212a, 212b, and auxiliary grounding vias 228 extend through the entire middle conductive core 168 into the bottom conductive core 172.

[0121] As further shown in FIG. 21, the auxiliary power vias 229, rear high data signal via 233, rear low data signal via 237, front power via 262, first front high data signal via 264, and first front low data signal via 268, are formed within one or more of the high data signal trace line 242, low data signal trace line 244, and a power trace line 246 of the bottom layer 234.

[0122] In some examples, each of the auxiliary power vias 229 and front power via 262 are formed within the power trace line 246 of the bottom layer 234 and extend through the middle conductive core 168 and the top conductive core 166 to electrically couple the power trace line 246 on the bottom layer 234 of the middle conductive core 168 with the power trace line 222 on the top layer 224 of the top conductive core 166. [0123] In some examples, the rear high data signal via 233 and rear low data signal via 237 are formed within the high data signal trace line 242 and low data signal trace line 244, respectively, and extend through the middle conductive core 168 and the top conductive core 166 to electrically couple the high data signal trace line 242 and low data signal trace line 244 on the bottom layer 234 to the high data signal trace line 218 and low data signal trace line 220 on the top layer 224 of the top conductive core 166. In some examples. [0124] In some examples, as depicted between FIGS. 18 and 21, while the first front high data signal via 264, second front high data signal via 266, first front low data signal via 268, and second front low data signal via 270 extend through both of the top conductive core 166 and middle conductive core 168, the first front high data signal via 264, second front high data signal via 266, first front low data signal via 268, and second front low data signal via 270 do not electrically connect the high data signal trace line 242 and low data signal trace line 244 on the bottom layer 234 to the high data signal trace line 218 and low data signal trace line 220 on the top layer 224 of the top conductive core 166. Rather, the first front high data signal via 264, second front high data signal via 266, first front low data signal via 268, and second front low data signal via 270 only provide electrical contact points for the high data signal trace line 242 and low data signal trace line 244 on the bottom layer 234 and the high data signal trace line 218 and low data signal trace line 220 on the top layer 224 of the top conductive core 166. In these examples, when the first front high data signal via 264, second front high data signal via 266, first front low data signal via 268, and second front low data signal via 270 are contacted, one or more electrical pathways may be formed. For example, a high data signal pathway is formed that allows current to flow from the first front high data signal via 264 through the high data signal trace line 218 on the top conductive core 166 though the rear high data signal via 233 through the high data signal trace line 242 and through the second front high data signal via 266. Likewise, a low data signal pathway is formed that allows current to flow from the first front low data signal via 268 through the low data signal trace line 220 on the top conductive core 166 though the rear low data signal via 237 through the low data signal trace line 244 and through the second front low data signal via 270.

[0125] FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the bottom conductive core 172. The bottom conductive core includes a top layer 248 and a bottom layer 250. In some examples, the bottom conductive core 172 also includes the auxiliary power vias 229, rear high data signal via 233, and rear low data signal via 237. Likewise, in some examples, the bottom conductive core 172 also includes the grounding vias 212a, 212b, 228. Furthermore, in some examples, the bottom conductive core 172 includes the front power via 262, the first front high data signal via 264, the second front high data signal via 266, the first front low data signal via 268, and the second front low data signal via 270 of the trace termination pad array 202. [0126] The top layer 248 is formed from an insulating material. In some examples, the grounding vias 228 and auxiliary power vias 229 extend through the top layer 248. [0127] The bottom layer 250 is formed from a conductive material, such as, for example, copper. In some examples, the bottom layer 250 is conductively connected to the ground vias 228 such that the bottom layer 250 is conductively connected to the ground data signal contacts 192. In some examples, the bottom layer 250 includes cutouts 256 around the area surrounding the auxiliary power vias 229, the rear high data signal via 233, and the rear low data signal via 237 of the bottom conductive core 172 such as to electrically isolate the auxiliary power vias 229, the rear high data signal via 233, and the rear low data signal via 237 from the conductive material of the bottom layer 250 of the bottom conductive core 172.

[0128] In some examples, the grounding vias 212a, 212b extend through all of the layers of the electrical board 144. In some examples, the auxiliary grounding vias 228 extend through the flex layer 162, the spacer core 164, the top conductive core 166, the middle conductive core 168, and the bottom conductive core 172. In some examples, the auxiliary power vias 229, the rear high data signal via 233, the rear low data signal via 237, the front power via 262, the first front high data signal via 264, the second front high data signal via 266, the first front low data signal via 268, and the second front low data signal via 270 all extend through the top conductive core 166, the middle conductive core 168, and the bottom conductive core. In some examples, each of the above referenced vias extend through greater or fewer layers of the electrical board 144.

[0129] FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the electrical board 144. FIG. 23 shows the bottom soldermask layer 174. The bottom soldermask layer 174 is formed from an insulating material, such as, for example, an epoxy or a photoimageable polymer. In some examples, the bottom soldermask layer 174 is applied over the entire bottom layer 250 of the bottom conductive core 172 and portions of the bottom soldermask layer 174 are etched away to expose the grounding via 228 or the vias that form the trace termination pad array 202. In some examples, the soldermask extends over and covers the auxiliary power vias 229, the rear high data signal via 233, and the rear low data signal via 237.

[0130] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a firearm accessory 300 mounted onto an example electrical rail 136. While the example of FIG. 24 depicts an optical scope firearm accessory 300, other types of firearm accessories 300 may be mounted onto the electrical rail 136 such as, for example, flashlights, reflex sights, or laser sights. As shown in FIG. 24, the firearm accessory 300 includes a mounting bracket 302 that is configured to secure the firearm accessory 300 to the rail 142 of the electrical rail 136. In some examples, the firearm accessory 300 is configured to receive electrical signals, such as power or data signals from the electrical rail 136. In such examples, the electrical board 144 is configured to carry the electrical signals along its length and output the electrical signals via the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 to the firearm accessory 300.

[0131] FIG. 25 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the firearm accessory 300 and the electrical rail 136 of FIG. 24, along with a contact module 400. The contact module 400 functions to contact the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 on the electrical board 144 in order to form an electrical connection, and transmits the electrical signals from the electrical board 144 to the firearm accessory 300.

[0132] In the example of FIG. 25, the contact module 400 is shown being removably fasted to the firearm accessory 300 with machine screw type fasteners, however, in other examples, the contact module 400 may be coupled to the firearm accessory 300 via other types of fasteners or a mating engagement, such as, for example, a sliding engagement or a press fit engagement. In other examples, the contact module 400 may be formed integrally with the firearm accessory 300. In some examples, the contact module 400 is arranged in between the top surface of the electrical board 144 and a bottom surface of the firearm accessory 300.

[0133] FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of the firearm accessory 300 with the contact module 400 attached thereto. As shown in the example of FIG. 26, the contact module 400 is arranged adjacent to, and rearward of, the mounting bracket 302 of the firearm accessory 300. In other examples, the contact module 400 can be arranged forward of, or within, the mounting bracket 302.

[0134] In some examples, a network interfacing card is included within the firearm accessory 300 or the contact module 400. In some examples, the network interfacing card is configured to modulate electrical signals received by the contact module 400 from the electrical board 144.

[0135] FIG. 27 is a detail bottom perspective view of the contact module 400 of FIG. 26. As shown in the example of FIG. 27, the contact module 400 includes a first electrical pin module 402a and a second electrical pin module 402b. In some examples, only one electrical pin module 402 need be placed within the contact module 400 for the contact module 400 to function. However, in some examples, the use of multiple electrical pin modules 402a, 402b, is advantageous, as it provides redundancy such that if the first electrical pin module 402a were to become damaged, the second electrical pin module 402b can continue to provide the electrical signals to the firearm accessory 300 (and vice versa).

[0136] FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of an electrical pin module 402, as used within the contact module 400 of FIG. 27. The electrical pin module 402 includes a body 404, a ground data signal pin 406, a high data signal pin 408, a low data signal pin 410, and a power pin 412. The example electrical pin module 402 also includes a first seal 415 that surrounds the ground data signal pin 406, the high data signal pin 408, and the low data signal pin 410, as well as a second seal 417 that surrounds the power pin 412. While the example of FIG. 27 includes two seals 415, 417, other numbers of seals may be used to surround the pins 406, 408, 410, and 412 in different arrangements. In some examples, the seal is formed from a deformable material that contacts the electrical board 144 to provide an environmental seal.

[0137] In the example of FIG. 28, the arrangement of the pins 406, 408, 410, 412, in the electrical pin module 402 mirrors the arrangement of contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 in the electrical board 144. In some examples, the arrangement of the pins 406, 408, 410, 412, in the electrical pin module 402 provides the benefit of a compact arrangement while still adequately separating the power pin 412 from the ground pin 406, the low data signal pin 410, and the high data signal pin 408, such that the power signal does not interfere with the ground, the low data signal, or the high data signal. In some examples, the pins 406, 408, 410, 412 and the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 could be arranged in a different configuration.

[0138] The pins 406, 408, 410, 412 are configured to contact the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 in such a manner that the ground data signal pin 406 contacts the ground data signal contact 192, the high data signal pin 408 contacts the high data signal contact 194, the low data signal pin 410 contacts the low data signal contact 196, and the power pin 412 contacts the power contact 198. In some examples, the seals 415, 417 are configured to make contact with the top soldermask layer 158 of the electrical board 144 as to form an environmental seal that isolates the pins 406, 408, 410, 412 and the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 from an external environment.

[0139] FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of the electrical pin module 402. As shown in FIG. 29, the electrical pin module 402 also includes a plurality of pin connectors 414, 416, 418, 420. The pin connectors 414, 416, 418, 420 are conductively connected to the pins 406, 408, 410, 412 such that the pin connectors 414, 416, 418, 420 are able to carry electrical signals from the pins 406, 408, 410, 412. In some examples, the ground data signal pin connector 414 is conductively connected to the ground data signal pin 406, the high data signal pin connector 416 is conductively connected to the high data signal pin 408, the low data signal pin connector 418 is conductively connected to the low data signal pin 410, and the power pin connector 420 is conductively connected to the power pin 412. In some examples, the pin connectors 414, 416, 418, 420 are conductively connected to an electrical system of the firearm accessory 300 such that electrical signals can be provided by the pins 414, 416, 418, 420 to the firearm accessory 300.

[0140] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the electrical rail 136 with the electrical pin module 402 mounted thereon. In the example of FIG. 30, the electrical pin module is mounted on the electrical board 144 of the electrical rail 136, in between the protrusions 186 of the rail 142. In the example of FIG. 30, the pins 406, 408, 410, 412 are conductively connected to the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 on the electrical board 144 such that electrical signals can be transmitted to the pins 406, 408, 410, 412 by the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198. The electrical signals are then transmitted by the pins 406, 408, 410, 412 to the pin connectors 414, 416, 418, 420, which transmit the electrical signals to the firearm accessory 300.

[0141] FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the electrical rail 136 and electrical pin module 402 of FIG. 30. As shown in FIG. 31, the electrical pin module 402 is oriented on the electrical rail 136 such that the pins 406, 408, 410, 412 are aligned with the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 on the electrical board 144.

[0142] FIG. 32 is a side view of the electrical rail 136 and electrical pin module 402, as shown in FIG. 30, shown with the pins 406, 408, 410, 412 in an undepressed state.

[0143] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical rail 136 and electrical pin module 402, taken along line A of FIG. 32. As shown in FIG. 33, the electrical pin module 402 further includes a plurality of springs 422. In general, the springs 422 function to push the pins 406, 408, 410, downward such that the pins 406, 408, 410 are biased in a fully extended position (as shown in FIG 31). As the electrical pin module 402 is placed into contact with the electrical board 144, the pins 406, 408, 410 are configured to contact the contacts 192, 194, 196. As pressure is applied to the electrical pin module 402 to push the electrical pin module 402 towards the electrical board 144, the pins 406, 408, 410 are forced into a compressed position (as shown in FIGS. 37- 41). As the pins 406, 408, 410 are pushed into the compressed position, the springs 422 are compressed bias the pins 406, 408, 410 towards the extended position. This biasing helps to ensure that the pins 406, 408, 410 are all making a reliable connection to the contacts 192, 194, 196.

[0144] FIG. 34 is a detail view of the contacts 192, 194, 196 and pins 406, 408, 410, shown in FIG. 33. As shown in FIG. 34, pins 406, 408, 410 are placed into contact with the contacts 192, 194, 196, however, because no pressure is applied to the electrical pin module 402, the pins remain in the fully extended state. As shown in FIG. 34, the seal 415 of the electrical pin module 402 is suspended over the top soldermask layer 158 of the electrical board 144, but does not make contact with the electrical board 144 while the pins 406, 408, 410 contact the contacts 192, 194, 196 in the fully extended state. In other examples, the seal 415 is configured to contact the top soldermask layer 158 of the electrical board 144 while the pins 406, 408, 410 contact the contacts 192, 194, 196 in the fully extended state. In such examples, the seal 415 may be made from a deformable material.

[0145] In the example of FIG. 34, the contacts 192, 194, 196 are shown in an undepressed configuration. When in the undepressed configuration, the flex layer 162 extends over the spacer core 164 such that there is a gap between the underside of the contacts 194, 196 and the top conductive core 166, which is defined by the holes within the spacer core 164. Because of the gap between the contacts 194, 196 and the top conductive core 166, there is no conductive connection formed between the contacts 194, 196 and the trace lines 218, 220 of the top conductive core 166 when the contacts 194, 196 are in the undepressed configuration. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 34, there is no gap between the underside of the ground data signal contact 192 and the top conductive core 166 because the spacer core 164 does not include a hole underneath the ground data signal contact 192. In such examples, there is a conductive connection formed between the ground data signal contact 192 and the grounding via 212a, 212b, even though the spacer core does not permit the ground data signal contact 192 to be placed into the depressed configuration. Thus, as shown in FIG. 34, when the pins 408, 410 are placed in contact with the contacts 194, 196 but the contacts 194, 196 are not placed into the depressed configuration, the pins 408, 410 do not form a conductive connection with the trace lines 218, 220 of the top conductive core 166. However, the ground data signal pin 406 does form a conductive connection with the grounding vias 212a, 212b, 228, due to the fact that the ground vias remain conductively connected to the non-circular portion 210 of the flex layer 162 in which the ground data signal contacts 192 are formed.

[0146] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical rail 136 and electrical pin module 402, taken along line B of FIG. 32. As shown in the example of FIG. 35, the electrical pin module 402 also includes a spring 422 coupled to the power pin 412. The spring 422 and power pin 412 interaction functions the same as the spring 422 and pin 406, 408, 410 interaction described with reference to FIG. 33.

[0147] FIG. 36 is a detail view of the contact 198 and pins 412, shown in FIG. 35. The pin 412 and contact 198 function the same as the pins 408, 410 and contacts 194, 196 described with reference to FIG. 34. Like the contacts 192, 194, 196 described in FIG. 34, in FIG. 35, the power contact 198 is shown in an undepressed configuration. [0148] FIG. 37 is a side view of the electrical rail 136 and electrical pin module 402, as shown in FIG. 30, with the contacts 194, 196, 198 in a depressed configuration. [0149] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical rail 136 and electrical pin module 402, taken along line A of FIG. 37. As shown in FIG. 38, the electrical pin module 402 is pushed downwards such that the seal 415 contacts the top soldermask layer of the electrical board 144. As the electrical pin module 402 is pushed into the top surface of the electrical board 144, the pins 410, 408, 406 recede into the body 404 of the electrical pin module 402. As the pins 410, 408, 406 recede into the body 404 of the electrical pin module 402, the springs 422 are compressed, causing the springs to exert a downward force on the pins 410, 408, 406. The downward force causes the pins 410, 408, 406 to press against, and deliver a downward force to, the contacts 192, 194, 196. [0150] FIG. 39 is a detail view of the contacts 192, 194, 196 and pins 410, 408, 406, shown in FIG. 38. As shown in FIG. 39, in some examples, the downward force applied by the pins 410, 408, 406 against the contacts 192, 194, 196 causes the contacts 194, 196 to be moved into the depressed configuration. In the example of FIG. 39, the high data signal contact 194 and the low data signal contact 196 are shown in the depressed configuration. In this example, the downward force applied by the high data signal pin 408 and low data signal pin 410 to the surface of the high data signal contact 194 and the low data signal contact 196 causes the flexible bottom layer 206 within the annulus regions 208 of the flex layer 162 to bend and deform such that the contacts 194, 196 can be placed into the depressed configuration such that the contacts 194, 196 become conductively connect with the top conductive core 166.

[0151] In some examples, the ground data signal contact 192 is not moved into the depressed state, despite the downward force that is applied to the ground data signal contact 192 by the ground pin 406. This is because the spacer core 164 does not include a hole 214 underneath the ground data signal contact 192 into which the ground data signal contact 192 can be depressed. Because the ground data signal contact 192 is formed within the non-circular portion 210 of the top layer 204 of the flex layer 162, the ground data signal contact 192 is conductively connected to the grounding via 212a, 212b of the flex layer 162 and the ground vias 28 of the top conductive core 166 even though the ground data signal contact 192 does not move into the depressed configuration.

[0152] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical rail 136 and electrical pin module 402, taken along line B of FIG. 37. As shown in the example of FIG. 40, the power pin 412 is recedes into the body 404 of the electrical pin module 402 and the spring 422 exhibits a downward force on the power pin 412. This causes the power pin 412 to press against and deliver a downward force to the power contact 198. The spring 422 and power pin 412 interaction with the power contact 198 functions the same as the spring 422 and pin 408, 410 interaction with the contacts 194, 196, described with reference to FIG. 38.

[0153] FIG. 41 is a detail view of the contact 198 and pins 412, shown in FIG. 38. The pin 412 and contact 198 function the same as the pins 408, 410 and contacts 194, 196 described with reference to FIG. 38. The spring 422 and power pin 412 interaction with the power pin contact 198 functions the same as the spring 422 and pin 408, 410 interaction with the contacts 194, 196, described with reference to FIG. 39.

[0154] The ability of the contacts 194, 196, 198 to be moved between the depressed configuration and the undepressed configuration allows for the contacts 194, 196, 198 to function as switches and to only deliver electrical signals when the contacts are placed into the depressed configuration. This may be beneficial for numerous reasons, such as, for example, conserving battery life, preventing electrical shocks, or preventing short circuits if an object or water contacts the contacts 194, 196, 198 of the electrical rails 136. In some examples, the ground data signal contact 192 may also be formed in accordance with the contacts 194, 196, 198 such that it can alternate between the depressed and undepressed configuration. In these examples, the ground signal connection is only formed when the ground data signal contact 192 is placed into the depressed configuration. In the presently described example, however, the conductive connection of the ground data signal need not be selectively adjusted. This is because the ground data signal generally does cause the same complications previously described with the power contact 198, low data signal contact 196, and high data signal contact 194. In some examples, it is beneficial for the ground signal connect

[0155] One additional benefit provided by the present disclosure is that by using the depressible power contact 198, low data signal contact 196, and high data signal contact 194, the electrical signals provided by the contacts 194, 196, 198 can easily be switched on and off without the need for soldering switches onto the electrical board 144. Rather, in some examples, the electrical board and the contacts 194, 196, 198 can be formed within the electrical board 144 using lower cost and more efficient PCB manufacturing techniques such as etching, drilling, material plating, material deposition, and/or soldermask application without introducing any additional postprocessing soldering operations.

[0156] FIG. 42 shows an exemplary network structure associated with the electrical distribution system 100. A network gateway 111 controls the receipt and transmission of data to and from the electrical distribution system 100. As discussed above with reference to FIG. 1, various serial bus segments provide for multiple serial bus hub levels, 203 and 205, for dividing the electrical rail 136 into segments and providing directed control of data flowing to and from the electrical rail 136 and the attached accessories.

[0157] Referring back to FIGS. 4-11, there is shown an example electrical rail 136 with an example laminated stackup (also referred to as electrical board 144). In some examples, the electrical rail 136 includes a picatinny rail, with an exemplary laminated stackup (also referred to as a rail board) within the electrical rail 136. In some examples, the top electrical rail 136a is formed substantially the same as the electrical rails 136b, 136c, 136d.

[0158] Referring back to FIG. 11, there is shown an example layout of power and data contacts incorporated into an electrical board 144 of circuitry and switches for providing switched power and data to the accessory positions along the electrical rail 136. As shown in FIG. 11, the example layout is a 4 pin layout of power and data contacts , with a switched power contact (also referred to as power contact 198), a negative ground contact (also referred to as ground data signal contact 192), a data high contact (also referred to as high data signal contact 194), and a data low contact (also referred to as low data signal contact 196). With the high and low data contacts 194, 196, meaningful data can be transmitted from the weapon, detailing the operation of various accessories and the status or condition of those accessories. Additionally, variable data can be received at the weapon to provide control for the accessories and information to the user.

[0159] Referring back to FIGS. 25-29, an exemplary electrical pin module 402 is shown. The electrical pin module 402 can be connected to or integrated with an accessory device, to allow the accessory device to connect to and activate the contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 on the electrical rail 136. In some embodiments, the electrical pin module 402 includes contact pins 406, 408, 410, 412 arranged in a four (or more) pin arrangement that matches the arrangement of contact points on the rail. In some examples, the electrical pin module 402 includes a power pin 412, a negative ground pin 406, a data high pin 408, and a data low pin 410. The contact pins 406, 408, 410, 412 can be configured as pogo contacts, with an integrated spring feature to provide appropriate contact forces to activate the integrated switches of the electrical board 144. In some embodiments the electrical pin module 402 further includes one or more environmental seals 417, 415 surrounding the contact pins 406, 408, 410, 412 to shield the contact pins 406, 408, 410, 412 and corresponding contacts 192, 194, 196, 198 (when the electrical pin module 402 is secured to the electrical rail 136 and electrical board 144) from the environment (e.g., water and debris). In some embodiments the power contact 198 and power contact pin 412 includes a separate seal 417, 415 to more fully isolate the power connections from electrical contact with any of the other (data or ground) contacts 192, 194, 196. Such a dual (or more) seal configuration prevents shorts between the power contacts 198 and between the ground and data contacts 192, 194, 196. Thereby, power and networking are provided at a plurality of, or each, slot along the rail 308.

[0160] Referring back to FIGS. 32-41 the electrical pin module 402 is shown mounted on the electrical rail 136 and the stackup/rail board (electrical board 144). In some examples, the electrical pin module 402 can include pogo pins 406, 408, 410, 412 to provide the switching function. Thereby, embedded switching that is integrated with power and data contact is provided. Under this configuration, data is separated from power with the two data contacts and connected data lines, thereby providing increased data rates with improved electromagnetic characteristics. In particular, the differential signals routed through the high and low data contacts and lines provide significantly improved EMC performance and data speeds. In some embodiments the differential signals utilize positive and negative signals about a centerline (e.g., ground), which allows for cancellation of, or reduction of, electromagnetic signals being emitted from the firearm and system. Referring back to FIGS. 32-41, there is shown additional detail regarding the electrical board 144 and the switching structure on the electrical rail 136 of the weapon. In this example, the electrical board 144 includes a flex layer 162, a spacer layer 164, and one or more rigid layers 166, 168, 172.. The pogo contacts are shown in FIGS. 33-36 in an unswitched position. The pogo contacts are shown in FIGS. 38-41 in a switched, or contact-enabled position. FIG.

[0161] FIG. 12 is a fully exploded view of the laminated stackup (electrical board 144). In this example, the electrical board 144 includes the flex layer 162, spacer layer 164, and one or more rigid layers (166, 168, 172. This example further illustrates additional layers including the top soldermask layer 158 that can be applied on an exterior surface of the flex layer 162 (which is also an exterior surface of the stackup / electrical board 144). In this example, the one or more rigid layers further include a top conductive core 166, a middle conductive core 168, a bottom conductive core 172, and a bottom soldermask layer 174. The terms top and bottom are relative terms that depend on the positioning of the rail, but in typical implementations the bottom layers would be arranged toward the interior side of the rail (closer to the barrel 106) and the top layers would be arranged toward the exterior side of the rail.

[0162] The elements 158, 162, 164, 166, 168, 172, 174 are laminated or otherwise secured together to create the switching stackup (electrical board 144) for controlling operation of the accessories attached to the rails and for controlling the flow of data to and from these accessories. The stackup (electrical board 144) also provides power and data transmission lines, such as conductive traces, that are used to deliver power and data signals to and from each of the rail positions. More or fewer layers are envisioned in alternate embodiments.

[0163] Referring now to FIGS. 43-46, there is shown placement of one or more button pads 114 attached to the firearm 110. These button pads 114 provide switching functions for the user to control various features on the firearm 110, such as activation or deactivation of particular accessories and the flow of data to and from the weapon. [0164] FIGS. 47-50 depict various views of an alternative embodiment of the electrical distribution system 500. In some examples, the electrical distribution system 500 includes the firearm 510 with the above described electrical distribution assembly 520 incorporated thereon. FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the firearm 510. FIG. 48 is a side view of the firearm 510. FIG. 49 is a top view of the firearm 510. FIG. 50 is a bottom view of the firearm 510. As shown in FIGS. 47-50, the firearm 510 includes a muzzle 509 and a stock 503.

[0165] In the example of FIGS. 25-28, the firearm 510 further includes one or more serial bus hubs 512, a barrel 506, and electrical rails 536a, 536b, 536c, 536d. In some examples, as described with respect to the top rail 136a, the top electrical rail 536a includes six serial bus device segments. In some examples, the top rail 536a includes a first segment 542, a second segment 544, a third segment 546, a fourth segment 548, a fifth segment 550, and a sixth segment 552.

[0166] In some examples, the first segment 542 is arranged adjacent the muzzle

509, the sixth segment is arranged adjacent the stock 503, the second segment 544 is arranged between the first segment 542 and the sixth segment 552, the third segment 546 is arranged between the second segment 544 and the sixth segment 552, the fourth segment 548 is arranged between the third segment 546 and the sixth segment 552, and a fifth segment 550 is arranged between the fourth segment 548 and the sixth segment 552.

[0167] In some examples, the serial bus hubs 512 are incorporated into a ring 538 on the firearm 510 to provide for serial bus power and data transmissions to and from the firearm 510. In some examples, the ring 538 encircles the barrel 506 of the firearm

510. In some examples, the ring 538 is arranged between the muzzle 509 and a stock 503 of the firearm 510 In some examples, the ring 538 is arranged between the muzzle 509 and a trigger 507 of the firearm 510. For example, in some examples, the ring 538 is arranged between the first segment 542 and the sixth segment 552. In some examples, the ring 538 is arranged between the second segment 544 and the fifth segment 550. third segment 546 and the fourth segment 548.

[0168] In some examples, it may be beneficial to arrange the ring 538 along the electrical rail 536a away from the first segment 542. In some examples, by arranging the ring 538 away from the first segment 542, the ring 538 is kept away from portions of the barrel 506 that tend to heat up when firing the firearm 510. This allows the ring 538 to be kept away from portions of the firearm 510 with high temperatures to reduce the likelihood of damage to electrical components housed within the ring 538.

[0169] In other examples, arranging the ring 538 away from the first segment 542 reduces the length of the conductors needed within the electrical rails 536. In some examples, by reducing the length of the conductors within the electrical rails 536, the electrical performance of the electrical distribution assembly 520 and electrical distribution system 500 is improved.

[0170] Although the present disclosure refers to example embodiments involving a firearm or other weapon, other embodiments of the systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein can be implemented in other applications. For example, rails can be mounted on any system, machine, or device, such as a robot, drone, helicopter, or other vehicle (motorized or non-motorized). Such other implementations may include a firearm or other weapon, or may not include any firearms or weapons.

[0171] The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the invention and their practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for distributing power and signals on a firearm, the system comprising: a firearm comprising: a stock; a rail; and networking circuitry for communicating data within, to, or from the firearm; one or more accessories attached to the firearm; a power module on the firearm providing electrical power to the one or more accessories; electrical contacts proximate to the rail providing electrical and data connections with the one or more accessories; seals securing the electrical contacts from each other and from environmental contamination; and a switch connected to each electrical contact controlling the delivery of electric power or the flow of data to or from the attached accessory.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the networking circuitry includes at least one serial bus connection for providing communication within, to, or from the firearm.

3. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the serial bus connection is a USB connection that provides delivery of power within the firearm.

4. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a set of four of the electrical contacts is connected to each of the one or more accessories, wherein two of each set of the four electrical contacts is connected to the power module, and wherein the other two of each set of the four electric contacts provides for: reception of data by the attached accessory; and transmission of data from the attached accessory.

5. The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a data connection to a user of the firearm.

6. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data connection is one of wired or wireless data communication.

7. A method of distributing power and signals on a firearm, the method comprising: directing electrical power on the firearm from a power module to one or more accessories attached to the firearm; providing electrical power to each attached accessory through two electrical contacts dedicated to the attached accessory, wherein each two dedicated power electrical contacts are paired with two dedicated data electrical contacts; providing data communication through the two dedicated data electrical contacts to and from the attached accessory; transmitting data from one or more of the attached accessories, the transmitted data comprising signals from one or more sensors of the one or more attached accessories; and receiving data by one or more of the attached accessories, the received data providing instructions to the one or more attached accessories.

8. A firearm system comprising a universal serial bus.

9. The firearm system of claim 8, further comprising a USB network gateway.

10. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-9, wherein the USB network gateway communicates with at least one accessory mounted on a firearm using a USB data communication protocol.

11. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-10, wherein the USB network gateway includes a USB receptacle configured to receive a USB plug of a USB cable for communicating with a computing device located off of the firearm through the USB cable.

12. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-11, wherein the USB network gateway includes a wireless communication device, capable of communicating using a wireless communication protocol.

13. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-12, wherein the wireless communication protocol is WiFi or Intra-Soldier Wireless (ISW).

14. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-13, further comprising a top rail divided into a plurality of segments, each segment configured to connect with one electrical accessory.

15. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-14, wherein the top rail is divided into six segments.

16. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-15, further comprising a USB hub.

17. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-16, wherein the USB hub is electrically connected to a plurality of rail segments in a range from 1 to 8 segments.

18. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-17, wherein each of the plurality of rail segments are configured as a separate USB device.

19. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-18, wherein each of the plurality of rail segments, when connected to an electronic accessory, operate as a separate USB device.

20. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-19, further comprising a second USB hub, and wherein the USB hub is further electrically connected to the second USB hub.

21. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-20, wherein the second USB hub is electrically connected to a second plurality of rail segments in a range from 1 to 8 segments.

22. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-21, further comprising a front ring, wherein the USB hub and the second USB hub are arranged in the front ring.

23. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-22, wherein the front ring is arranged at a front end of a handguard.

24. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-23, wherein the front ring is arranged at a forward end of one or more rails.

25. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-24, further comprising a ring, wherein the USB hub and the second USB hub are arranged in the ring, and wherein the ring is arranged between a muzzle and a stock of a firearm.

26. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-25, further comprising a top rail divided into a plurality of segments, each segment configured to connect with one electrical accessory.

27. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-26, wherein the top rail is divided into six segments.

28. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-27, wherein the top rail includes a first segment arranged at an end of the top rail adjacent the muzzle of the firearm, and a sixth segment arranged adjacent the stock of the firearm.

29. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-28, wherein the top rail further includes a second segment arranged between the first segment and the sixth segment, a third segment arranged between the second segment and the sixth segment, a fourth segment arranged between the third segment and the sixth segment, and a fifth segment arranged between the fourth segment and the sixth segment.

30. The firearm system of any one of claims 8-29, wherein the ring is arranged between the third segment and the fourth segment.

31. A rail system comprising: a rail for physically mounting a USB-enabled accessory thereto; and a plurality of electrical contacts arranged on the rail providing electrical contact points for electrically connecting with the USB-enabled accessory.

32. The rail system of claim 31, wherein electrical power and data communication through the electrical contacts conforms with one or more USB protocols.

33. The rail system of any one of claims 31-32, wherein the one or more USB protocols is USB 2.0 as released April 2000.

34. The rail system of any one of claims 31-33, wherein the rail system has a maximum bit rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps).

35. The rail system of any one of claims 31-34, further comprising a battery, wherein the battery is a USB device.

36. A rail-mountable accessory comprising: a clamp for connecting the rail-mountable accessory to a rail; a contact module comprising a plurality of contact pins configured to electrically connect to electrical contacts on the rail; and a processing device configured to communicate data according to a serial bus data communication protocol.

37. The rail-mountable accessory of claim 36, wherein the serial bus data communication protocol is a USB data communication protocol.

38. A rail system for a firearm comprising: a rail for physically mounting a serial bus-enabled accessory thereto; a plurality of contacts arranged on the rail providing electrical contact points for electrically connecting with the serial bus-enabled accessory; and a serial bus hub.

39. The rail system of claim 38, further comprising a ring, wherein the serial bus hub is arranged in the ring.

40. The rail system of any one of claims 38-39, wherein the serial bus hub is a USB hub, and wherein the serial bus-enabled accessory is a USB enabled accessory.

41. The rail system of any one of claims 38-40, wherein the rail is divided into six segments.

42. The rail system of any one of claims 38-41, wherein the rail includes a first segment arranged at an end of the rail adjacent a muzzle of the firearm, and a sixth segment arranged adjacent a stock of the firearm.

43. The rail system of any one of claims 38-42, wherein the rail further includes a second segment arranged between the first segment and the sixth segment, a third segment arranged between the second segment and the sixth segment, a fourth segment arranged between the third segment and the sixth segment, and a fifth segment arranged between the fourth segment and the sixth segment.

44. The rail system of any one of claims 38-43, wherein the ring is arranged between the third segment and the fourth segment.

45. A system for distributing electrical signals on a firearm, the system comprising: the firearm with a rail; one or more accessories attached to the firearm; a power module on the firearm providing electrical power to the one or more accessories; an electrical board proximate to the rail, the electrical board including an upper layer and a lower layer; and an electrical contact formed within the upper layer of the electrical board; the electrical contact being configured to move between: a depressed state in which the upper layer deforms such that the electrical contact contacts the lower layer, and an undepressed state in which the electrical contact does not contact the lower layer; the electrical contact providing an electrical connection to the one or more accessories when the electrical contacts contact the lower layer.

46. The system of claim 45, further comprising a set of four electrical contacts formed within the upper layer of the electrical board, wherein the set of four electrical contacts is connected to each of the one or more accessories, wherein two of the set of four electrical contacts is connected to the power module, and wherein the other two of the set of four electrical contacts provides for: reception of data by the connected accessory; and transmission of data from the connected accessory.

47. The system of any one of claims 45-46, further comprising a data connection to a user of the firearm.

48. The system of any one of claims 45-47, wherein the data connection is one of wired or wireless data communication.

49. The system of any one of claims 45-48, wherein the electrical contact is arranged on a multi-layer printed circuit board, wherein the upper layer and the lower layer are layers of the multi-layer printed circuit board.

50. The system of any one of claims 45-49, further comprising a top soldermask layer arranged on top of the upper layer of the multi-layer printed circuit board.

51. The system of any one of claims 45-50, wherein the set of four electrical contacts is arranged on a multi-layer printed circuit board.

52. The system of any one of claims 45-51, further comprising a second set of four of the electrical contacts arranged on the multi-layer printed circuit board.

53. The system of any one of claims 45-52, further comprising an intermediate spacer layer positioned between the upper layer and the lower layer, wherein the electrical contact extends through holes in the intermediate spacer layer when the electrical contact is moved into the depressed state.

54. The system of any one of claims 45-53, wherein when placed in the undepressed state, the electrical contact is separated from the lower layer by an insulating air gap within the holes of the intermediate spacer layer.

55. The system of any one of claims 45-54, wherein the upper layer is comprised of a flexible polymide material.

56. An electrical rail assembly for distributing electrical signals to one or more accessories on a firearm, the electrical rail assembly comprising: an electrical rail comprising: an upper layer and a lower layer; and electrical contacts formed within the upper layer of the electrical rail; the electrical contacts being configured to move between: a depressed state in which the upper layer deforms such that the electrical contacts contact the lower layer, and an undepressed state in which the electrical contacts do not contact the lower layer; the electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the one or more accessories when the electrical contacts contact the lower layer.

57. The electrical rail assembly of claim 56, wherein the electrical contacts are not deformed when placed into the depressed state.

58. The electrical rail assembly of any one of claims 56-57, wherein the electrical contacts extend through the upper layer of the electrical rail in both of the depressed state and the undepressed state.

59. The electrical rail assembly of any one of claims 56-58, wherein a portion of the electrical contacts extend below the upper layer of the electrical rail in both of the depressed state and the undepressed state.

60. The electrical rail assembly of any one of claims 56-59, further comprising an intermediate spacer layer positioned between the upper layer and the lower layer.

61. The electrical rail assembly of any one of claims 56-60, wherein the intermediate spacer layer includes a plurality of holes, wherein the electrical contacts extend through the holes of the intermediate spacer layer when the electrical contacts are moved into the depressed state.

62. The electrical rail assembly of any one of claims 56-61, wherein a portion of the upper layer extends through the holes of the intermediate spacer layer when the electrical contacts are moved into the depressed state.

63. The electrical rail assembly of any one of claims 56-62, wherein the electrical contacts provide the electrical connection to the lower layer when moved into the depressed state.

64. The electrical rail assembly of any one of claims 56-63, wherein the electrical contacts are spaced apart from the lower layer by a gap when in the undepressed state.

65. A contact module for use in an electrical distribution assembly for a firearm, the contact module being configured to be attached to an accessory of the firearm, the contact module comprising: an array of three electrical pins linearly spaced apart from each other, the array of three electrical pins including a ground data signal pin, a high data signal pin, and a low data signal pin, the high data signal pin being positioned in between the ground data signal pin and the low data signal pin; a power electrical pin, the power electrical pin being offset from the array of three electrical pins, the power electrical pin being positioned between the ground data signal pin and the high data signal pin; and a first seal surrounding one or more of the electrical pins.

66. The contact module of claim 65, wherein at least one of the electrical pins is a spring loaded pin.

67. The contact module of any one of claims 65-66, wherein at least one of the electrical pins is connected to a pin connector, the pin connector being configured to be electrically connected to the accessory of the firearm.

68. The contact module of any one of claims 65-67, wherein the first seal is configured to surround the array of three electrical pins.

69. The contact module of any one of claims 65-68, further comprising a second seal that is configured to surround the power electrical pin.

70. The contact module of any one of claims 65-69, wherein the first and second seals are environmental seals configured to contact a surface of an electrical rail assembly of the firearm.

71. The contact module of any one of claims 65-70, wherein at least one of the electrical pins is configured to contact an electrical contact on an electrical rail assembly of the firearm, wherein the electrical rail assembly includes an electrical board having an upper layer and a lower layer, the electrical contact being formed within the upper layer, the electrical contact being configured to move between: a depressed state in which the upper layer deforms such that the electrical contact contacts the lower layer, and an undepressed state in which the electrical contact does not contact the lower layer.

72. The contact module of any one of claims 65-71, wherein at least one electrical pin provides a force that moves the electrical contact into the depressed state.

73. The contact module of any one of claims 65-72, wherein the force is provided by a spring within the at least one electrical pin.

74. The contact module of any one of claims 65-73, wherein the at least one electrical pin is electrically coupled to the lower layer when the electrical contact is moved into the depressed state.

75. An electrical rail assembly for distributing electrical signals to accessories on a firearm, the electrical rail assembly comprising: an electrical board configured to provide electrical signals to an accessory; and a switch formed within the electrical board, the switch including an upper surface, the upper surface being arranged below a top surface of the electrical board; the switch being configured to move between: an undepressed state in which the electrical board does not provide electrical signals to the accessory; and a depressed state in which the electrical board does provide electrical signals to the accessory.

76. The electrical rail assembly of claim 75, wherein the upper surface is arranged in a lower position when the switch is in the depressed state than when the switch is in the undepressed state.

77. The electrical rail assembly of any one of claims 75-76, wherein the switch is not soldered onto the electrical board.

78. The electrical rail assembly of any one of claims 75-77, wherein the top surface of the electrical board is a soldermask layer.

79. The electrical rail assembly of any one of claims 75-78, wherein the upper surface of the switch is an electrical contact.