CN113544460B

CN113544460B - Attachable weapon light

Info

Publication number: CN113544460B
Application number: CN201980089746.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: W·威尔斯; L·阮
Original assignee: Surefire LLC
Current assignee: Surefire LLC
Priority date: 2018-11-21
Filing date: 2019-11-20
Publication date: 2022-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2039-11-20
Also published as: CN113544460A; EP3884234B1; JP2022513619A; WO2020106899A1; EP3884234A1; JP7292391B2

Abstract

A rail mountable device may be provided that is configured to be securely fixed to a rail. In one example, a rail mountable device may include a rail clamp including a screw, a screw receptacle, a first ramp member coupled to the screw, and a second ramp member coupled to the screw receptacle and configured to move relative to the screw receptacle. Additionally, the rail mountable device may include a removable battery pack having a battery indicator. Further, the rail-mountable device may include a plurality of switches arranged on either side of the rail-mountable device. A switch may be coupled to the bracket and a mode of the rail mountable device may be operated by manipulating the switch. Additional embodiments and related methods are provided.

Description

Attachable weapon light

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This patent application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/770,560, filed 2018, 11, 21, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to accessories for firearms and more particularly to the installation, operation and charging of lighting devices for firearms.

Background

It is often useful to mount an accessory device, such as a lighting device, to a rail that is fixed to or integral with a firearm (e.g., a pistol). Such an auxiliary device should be firmly fixed to the rail, since the operation of the firearm normally subjects the firearm to great forces. In addition, firearms are often exposed to harsh environments. The components and/or mechanisms used to secure the attachment should be configured to withstand such harsh environments. Additionally, the accessory device is typically held fixed to the pistol. Thus, the accessory device should be serviceable when secured to the firearm.

Conventional equipment for mounting accessories is often complex and requires a large number of moving parts. As a result, the attachment may be difficult to install and remove, and may be prone to failure due to failure of one or more moving parts. This can be problematic, particularly in military or police operations, where failure to install, remove or repair the accessory device or where the time or effort required to install, remove or repair the accessory device is excessive, can be dangerous. Moreover, conventional equipment for mounting accessories can be bulky and heavy, thus may negatively impact the aiming of the firearm when installed, and may be difficult to mount on small firearms such as pistols. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved systems and methods for mounting accessories to rails and for servicing such accessories.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a rail mountable apparatus may be provided that is configured to be mounted on a rail associated with a weapon. The rail mountable device may include a housing and a rail clamp. The rail clamp may comprise: a screw receiving portion; a screw configured to be screwed into the screw receiving portion; a first ramp member coupled to the screw and configured to move relative to the screw; and a second ramp member coupled to the screw receiving portion and configured to move relative to the screw receiving portion. The screw and the screw receptacle may be configured to be drawn toward each other in response to rotation of the screw in a first direction about the axis. The first and second ramp members may be configured to be pulled toward each other in response to the screw and the screw receptacle being pulled together.

In another embodiment, a method may include providing an apparatus configured to be mounted on a rail associated with a weapon. The device may include a housing and a rail clamp. The rail clamp may include: a screw receiving portion; a screw configured to be screwed into the screw receiving portion; a first ramp member coupled to the screw and configured to move relative to the screw; and a second ramp member coupled to the screw receiving portion and configured to move relative to the screw receiving portion. The method may include coupling the housing to the rail. The method may further include rotating the screw. The screw and the screw receptacle may be configured to be drawn toward each other in response to rotation of the screw in a first direction about the axis. The first and second ramp members may be configured to be drawn toward each other in response to the screw and screw receptacle being drawn together to lock the device relative to the weapon.

In another embodiment, a removable battery pack may be provided that can be charged while the remainder of the rail-mountable device remains attached to the weapon. In another embodiment, a stand and a user operable switch may be provided.

The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. One skilled in the art will more fully appreciate the embodiments of the invention and realize additional advantages thereof by consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which will first be described briefly.

Drawings

Fig. 1A-1B show views of a rail mountable device attached to a weapon, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A-I illustrate views of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A-C illustrate views of a removable battery pack of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a partially transparent view of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5A-C illustrate views of a rail clamp of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates a view of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rail mountable device taken along line 7-7 of fig. 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 shows a flowchart of the detailed operation of a rail-mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 illustrates a view of a firearm having a rail with a transverse groove according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that the same reference numerals are used to identify similar elements shown in one or more of the figures.

Detailed Description

In accordance with various embodiments provided herein, a rail mountable device can be implemented to easily mount accessories to rails of a firearm and to service the implemented accessories. Such rail mountable devices may be used in any desired combination with the various features identified in this disclosure. In certain embodiments, the rail mountable device may be particularly suitable for use in battlefield and combat environments (e.g., mounting a light source on a weapon or other device).

In various embodiments, the rail mountable device may include a removable battery pack and a rail clamp. The rail clamp may comprise a plurality of ramp members, each ramp member being coupled to a screw-type device. The ramp member may be configured to move independently of other components of the rail clamp. The rail-mountable device may further include a switch disposed on opposite sides of the rail-mountable device, and a bracket coupled to the switch to allow operation of the rail-mountable device.

Reference is now made to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same. Fig. 1A-1B show views of a rail mountable device attached to a weapon, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 1A, the rail mountable device 100 can be mounted to a rail 103 of a firearm 101 (e.g., a pistol or other type of weapon). The rail 103 may be, for example, a picatinny rail, a custom-sized rail, or a universal rail of the firearm 101 that extends along the length of the barrel of the firearm 101. In fact, any desired rail size may be used as appropriate. The rail mountable device 100 may include a housing 104 (sometimes referred to as a main housing). The housing 104 may include various features configured to mount the rail-mountable device 100 to a rail, such as rail 103.

For example, the rail mountable device 100 may be secured to the rail 103 at least in part by one or more rail engaging members 102. In certain embodiments, rail engaging member 102 may be integrated within a portion of housing 104. The rails 103 may be integrated with or removably secured to various locations of the frame 105 of the firearm 101. In the example of fig. 1A, the rail 103 is located below the barrel 107 of the firearm 101 and in front of the trigger guard 109 of the firearm 101. As shown, the firearm 101 may additionally include a slide 111 coupled to the barrel 107. In certain embodiments, rail 103 can have at least one groove or slot configured to receive rail-engaging member 102 and/or interface with rail-engaging member 102.

As shown in fig. 1A, the rail mountable device 100 may include a switch 106, a screw 112, and a battery indicator 130. As shown, the screw 112 may be disposed in the ramp member 110 (e.g., within an opening of the ramp member 110) and may be threaded into a screw receptacle 118 (shown in fig. 2A and elsewhere). Manipulation of the screw 112 by a user may allow adjustment of how tight the rail-mountable device 100 is coupled to the rail 103.

The switch 106 may provide a user of the rail-mountable device 100 with the ability to operate electronic components of the rail-mountable device 100, such as one or more light sources 117 disposed within the housing 104 and configured to project light (e.g., a beam of visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, laser light, and/or light of any desired wavelength) from the rail-mountable device 100 (e.g., in a direction in which the firearm 101 is aligned, such as a direction defined by the barrel 107).

The battery indicator 130 may provide information regarding the charge level of the battery pack 114 of the rail mountable device 100. Battery pack 114 may be removable (e.g., by manipulating battery release 136). Once removed, battery pack 114 may be recharged and/or may be manipulated to cause battery indicator 130 to provide information regarding the charge level of battery pack 114. Battery pack 114 may include features configured to facilitate coupling or securing battery pack 114 to main housing 104.

Fig. 1B shows battery pack 114 removed from main housing 104. As shown, main housing 104 may include an opening 115 configured to receive battery pack 114. Battery pack 114 includes contacts configured to electrically couple to contacts 132 disposed on main housing 104. When battery pack 114 is fully engaged with main housing 104, contacts 132 are electrically coupled to contacts of battery pack 114, and thus, battery pack 114 may power one or more electronic components (e.g., light source 117) of rail mountable device 100.

In various embodiments, battery pack 114 may be selectively coupled to or decoupled from rail-mountable device 100. For example, battery pack 114 may be configured to be removed and/or replaced when the remainder of rail-mountable device 100 (e.g., housing 104) is coupled to firearm 101. Thus, for example, battery pack 114 may be inserted into and removed from a portion of rail mountable device 100 facing a bottom surface (defined by normal operation of firearm 101). Such a configuration may allow battery pack 114 to be conveniently replaced without removing rail-mountable device 100 (e.g., if battery pack 114 is disposed at the rear of and removed from rail-mountable device 100, rail-mountable device 100 may need to be removed to replace battery pack 114).

To allow battery pack 114 to be removed from the bottom of rail mountable device 100, contacts may be disposed on the top of battery pack 114, and contacts 132 may be disposed on the bottom facing portion of main housing 104 accordingly. In other embodiments, the contacts 132 may be disposed on other portions of the main housing 104 (e.g., on the sides of the main housing 104). Battery pack 114 may position corresponding contacts 156 to interface with contacts 132. Accordingly, if battery pack 114 positions contacts 156 on one side (e.g., a front or rear side) of battery pack 114, main housing 104 may include contacts 132 disposed on a corresponding side (e.g., a corresponding front or rear side) of main housing 104. Contacts 132 and/or contacts of battery pack 114 may include contacts such as pogo pins to allow for effective engagement between the contacts.

Fig. 2A-I illustrate views of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2A shows a front view, fig. 2B shows a side view, fig. 2C shows a top view, fig. 2D shows a bottom view, fig. 2E shows a rear view, fig. 2F shows an isometric view, fig. 2G shows a top perspective view, and fig. 2H shows a bottom perspective view of the rail mountable device 100 disengaged from any firearm. Fig. 2I shows a side view of rail mountable device 100 with battery pack 114 separated.

As shown in fig. 2A-I, the main housing 104 includes

rail engaging members

102A and 102B on a portion of the main housing 104. Rail-engaging

members

102A and 102B can be configured to couple to either side of frame 105 and/or firearm 107 via rail 103 (e.g., rail-engaging

members

102A and 102B can be configured to couple to the left and right sides of rail 103). The rail-engaging

members

102A and 102B may include one or more features, such as angled surfaces, that are configured to complement the rail 103 and couple to the rail 103.

The

ramp members

110 and 120 may be coupled to the main housing 104 and may be adapted to receive the screw 112 and the screw receiving portion 118, respectively. The screw 112 can be screwed into the screw receptacle 118. The screw 112 may be disposed within an opening of the ramp member 110, and one or more portions of the screw 112 (e.g., a rear portion of a screw head of the screw 112) may be configured to contact a portion of the ramp member 110 and exert a force on the ramp member 110 when the screw 112 and the screw receptacle 118 are tightened. Likewise, the screw receiving portion 118 may be disposed within an opening of the ramp member 120, and tightening of the screw 112 and the screw receiving portion 118 may cause the screw receiving portion 118 to contact a portion of the ramp member 120 to apply a force to the ramp member 120.

As such, the screw 112 may be rotated about an axis to draw the screw 112 and the screw receptacle 118 together (e.g., to reduce a distance between a portion of the screw 112 relative to a portion of the screw receptacle 118). Such tightening may cause the screw 112 to exert a force on the ramp member 110 and the screw receptacle 118 to exert a force on the ramp member 120 to draw the

rail engaging members

102A and 102B together, and may also cause the

rail engaging members

102A and 102B to be tightened on the rail 103.

Fig. 10 shows a view of a firearm having a rail with a transverse groove according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, fig. 10 shows a transverse groove 900 (e.g., slot) on the rail 103 of the firearm 101. The transverse groove 900 may extend perpendicular to the elongated dimension of the rail 103 and/or the elongated dimension of the barrel 107. Screw receptacle 118 and/or another portion of rail clamp 500 of rail mountable device 100 may be configured to be positioned such that when rail mountable device 100 is coupled to rail 103, screw receptacle 118 and/or another portion of rail clamp 500 is disposed within groove 900 to help prevent rail mountable device 100 from moving forward and backward along rail 103. In certain embodiments, the screw receptacle 118 and/or another portion of the rail clamp 500 may be configured to contact a surface 902 of the groove 900 or another portion of the rail 103, thereby further preventing movement of the rail mountable device 100.

Battery pack 114 may be coupled to main housing 104. The battery release 136 may be, for example, a switch, latch, or other mechanism that holds the battery pack 114 to the main housing 104 and may allow the battery pack 114 to be separated from the main housing 104 upon user manipulation (e.g., by pressing down or pressing the battery release 136 in one direction). The battery pack 114 may be a battery pack having any electrical characteristic, such as any voltage (e.g., about 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 volts), to power the light source 117 and/or other portions of the track mountable device 100.

Battery pack 114 may also include a battery indicator 130. Battery indicator 130 may include one or more indicators (e.g., light emitting diode "LED" lights) that communicate the charge level of battery pack 114. Some embodiments may include multiple lights and the charge level of battery pack 114 may be indicated by the number of lights shown. Other embodiments may include one or more lights that change color, and the charge level may be indicated at least in part by the color of the one or more lights.

Battery pack 114 may include one or more features configured to allow battery pack 114 and/or rail mountable device 100 to operate in environments and conditions typically associated with firearms. For example, the battery pack 114 may include raised ribs 134 configured to be inserted into the opening 138 of the main housing 104 and/or to interface with the opening 138 of the main housing 104. Ribs 134 may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with one or more side walls of opening 138 when battery pack 114 is coupled to main housing 104. Such a configuration allows for greater support of battery pack 114. For example, if battery pack 114 and/or main housing 104 are subjected to lateral forces, ribs 134 may contact the sidewalls of opening 138 and the forces may be transferred from battery pack 114 to main housing 104, thereby reducing the amount of stress to which battery pack 114 is subjected and reducing the likelihood of damage to battery pack 114.

In addition, the rail mountable device 100 can include

switches

106A and 106B located on the sides of the main housing 104 (e.g., left and right sides of the main housing 104). Switches 106A and/or 106B may be configured to allow a user to change the operational configuration of one or more components of rail-mountable device 100. For example, a user may manipulate switches 106A and/or 106B to change the mode of operation (e.g., on, off, and/or medium brightness level) of light source 117.

Switches

106A and 106B may be located on different sides of the main housing 104 to allow a user to change the mode of operation of the light source 117 with multiple hand positions. Such a configuration allows a user to change the mode of operation of the light source 117 while holding the firearm 101 regardless of hand position preference.

In various embodiments, the light source 117 may be a Light Emitting Diode (LED), an incandescent bulb, or another type of component that emits light at any desired wavelength in question. Light emitted from the light source 117 may be emitted through optics 116 (e.g., one or more lenses, such as a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens and/or other implementations). Optics 116 may at least partially cover light source 117 and may focus, color, and/or otherwise direct light from light source 117.

Switches

106A and 106B may be coupled to bracket 122. The bracket 122 may be, for example, a component that is at least partially composed of metal (e.g., sheet metal), composite material, plastic, or other material. The bracket 122 may be configured to translate and/or rotate (e.g., pivot about the pin 124) when the switches 106A and/or 106B are manipulated. The bracket 122 may be shaped so that the motion of the

switches

106A and 106B may be transferred to different planes. For example, the bracket 122 may be operated by being pushed down or in another direction, and the bracket 122 may be shaped such that such operation may cause a button 126 on the top of the main housing 104 to be pressed, which is typically hidden on the top of the main housing 104 when the rail mountable device 100 is coupled to the firearm 100. Thus, the button 128 may be disposed on top of the rail-mountable device 100, or may be disposed in another area that is exposed to less dust.

The pin 124 can be coupled to the bracket 122 and to the main housing 104 (e.g., can be inserted into the opening 140). The cradle 122 may include a recess (divot) 128 or other such feature formed in the cradle 122 or coupled as a separate part. Certain embodiments of the bracket 122 may not include the recess 128. Movement of the switches 106A and/or 106B may cause the bracket 122 to pivot about the pin 124 and cause the recess 128 to press the switch 126 downward. The switch 126 may be located on the main housing 104 and/or another portion of the rail mountable device 100. Pressing switch 126 may cause the mode of operation of light source 117 to change.

Various embodiments of the rail-mountable device 100 may include one or more seals. For example, battery pack 114 may include a seal on one or more surfaces, and the top of main housing 104 may additionally include a seal. Such seals may further prevent dust or other debris from entering sensitive locations of the track-mountable device 100 (e.g., may protect ports or buttons of the track-mountable device 100).

Fig. 2I shows a side view of rail mountable device 100 with battery pack 114 disengaged from main housing 104. The dashed lines may illustrate possible orientations for battery pack 114 to engage main housing 104. As shown in fig. 2I, one or more contacts of battery pack 114 (e.g., contacts 156 as shown in fig. 3A and 3B) may be arranged such that when battery pack 114 is coupled to main housing 132, contacts 156 are electrically coupled to contacts 132 of main housing 104. Thus, light source 117 may be powered by the battery charge of battery pack 114. One or both of the contacts 132 and/or 156 may be pogo pins and/or other types of contacts.

Fig. 3A-C illustrate views of a removable battery pack of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Battery pack 114 may include contacts 156, switch 160, battery indicator 130, charging port 162, guides 158A and 158B, ribs 134, and receptacle 164. Contacts 156 may be configured to electrically couple to (e.g., contact) contacts 132 when battery pack 114 is coupled to main housing 104. Switch 160 may be coupled to one or more components of battery pack 114 such that a user depressing switch 160 causes battery indicator 130 to indicate the remaining charge of battery pack 114. When battery pack 114 is coupled to main housing 104, switch 160 may be disposed within a portion of battery pack 114 that is hidden (e.g., covered) from the environment. The receiving portion 164 may engage a portion of the battery release 136 to retain and/or release the battery pack 114 relative to the main housing 104.

Charging port 162 may be configured to receive a connector of a charging cable to charge battery pack 114. Charging port 162 may include any type of connector capable of receiving a battery charge, such as any type of Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector,

Or other type of connector. In certain embodiments, the charging port 162 may be arranged such that the charging port 162 is hidden when the battery pack 114 is coupled to the main housing 104. Such a configuration may prevent debris from entering the charging port 162 during operation of the rail mountable device 100. Battery pack 114 may also include one or more seals to prevent the entry of such debris.

Guides

158A and 158B may be configured to contact guides 154 of main housing 104 when battery pack 114 is inserted into main housing 104.

Guides

158A and 158B may be tapered to help position contacts 156 relative to contacts 132 when battery pack 114 is inserted into main housing 104 (e.g., to help guide the positioning of battery pack 114 relative to a portion of main housing 104, such as opening 115, when battery pack 114 is inserted into opening 115).

Fig. 4 illustrates a partially transparent view of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the pin 124 may be inserted into an opening 140 of the main housing 104. Additionally, the switch 126 may be coupled to the electronic circuit 170. The electronic circuitry 170 may be, for example, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or other electronic circuitry that may include a processor, memory, and/or other circuitry configured to detect when the switch 126 is pressed (e.g., downward through the recess 128 to manipulate the switches 106A and/or 106B). For example, in certain embodiments, electronic circuitry 170 may detect that switch 126 has been pressed and may then switch or cycle between operating modes of optics 116 (e.g., optics 116 may be turned on or off or cycled between various illumination settings of optics 116). .

Fig. 5A-C illustrate views of a rail clamp of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5A and 5B show components of rail clamp 500, while fig. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of rail mountable device 100 with rail clamp 500. As described herein, the rail clamp 500 may include the screw 112, the screw receptacle 118, and the

ramp members

110 and 120.

The screw 112 may include threads 202 that may be threaded into receiver threads 204 of the screw receiver 118. In this way, the screw 112 may be rotated to draw the screw 112 and the screw receiving portion 118 together or apart. The screw 112 may be coupled to and contact a portion of the ramp member 110 (e.g., disposed within an opening of the ramp member 110). The ramp member 110 may include an angled surface, such as a rail engaging surface 206A, configured to contact a portion or surface of a corresponding other member of the main housing 104 (e.g., a corresponding rail engaging member 102 of the main housing 104).

The receiver threads 204 may be an internally threaded portion of the screw receiver 118. The screw receptacle 118 may be disposed within a surface 504 and include a surface 504, the surface 504 configured to contact a surface 506 of the ramp member 120. Thus, forces from tightening the screw 112 relative to the screw receptacle 118 may be transferred to the ramp member 120, in certain embodiments, the surface 504 may be a flat or curved surface, and the surface 506 may be shaped to correspondingly receive the surface 504 and allow for effective engagement between the screw receptacle 118 and the ramp member 120 while accommodating misalignment.

In some embodiments, surface 504 may be a curved surface. Such curved surfaces may allow for greater misalignment of the components of rail clamp 500. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the corresponding surface 506 may be a curved or flat surface. Thus, for example, the surface 206A of the ramp member 110 may contact the rail-engaging surface 208A and the surface 206B of the ramp member 120 may contact the rail-engaging surface 208B, and these surfaces may slide relative to each other (e.g., in response to tightening of the screw 112). As shown in fig. 5C, the rail-engaging

surfaces

208A and 208B may be disposed on opposite sides of the rail-mountable device 100, and may be opposing inwardly-directed wedge-shaped surfaces (in cross-section) that extend longitudinally (e.g., parallel to the length of the device 100 from front to back in the direction in which the intended rail is to be mounted).

Because each of the

surfaces

206A, 206B, 208A, and 208B is an angled surface, there may be misalignment between these surfaces. The combination of screw receptacle 118 and ramp member 120 may allow for accommodation of misalignment between portions of rail clamp 500 and/or between portions of rail clamp 500 and main housing 104 (e.g., surfaces 206A and 206B may be allowed to change their angle relative to each other based on the angle of

surfaces

208A and 208B), for example, by allowing movement of screw receptacle 118 relative to ramp member 120. Thus, for example, the surface 504 may be a curved surface that allows the screw receptacle 118 to rotate relative to the ramp member 120. This configuration of the screw receivers 118 and ramp members 120 may allow the rail clamp 500 to operate even if debris is present within portions of the rail clamp 500. The screw 112 may likewise move relative to the ramp member 1.

Fig. 6 illustrates a view of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 shows main housing 104 with battery pack 114 unattached. As shown in fig. 6, the bracket 122 may be a partially H-shaped bracket that is coupled to the

switches

106A and 106B. Additionally, fig. 6 shows contact guide 154 configured to interface with guide 158 of battery pack 114.

Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rail-mountable apparatus taken along line 7-7 of fig. 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the bracket 122 may be stamped and formed sheet metal, and the switch 106 may be friction fit, fastened, or glued to the bracket 122. The cross-sectional view of fig. 7 shows that the recess 128 is configured to contact the switch 126 when the switch 106 is pulled or depressed downward. In certain embodiments, the bracket 122 may be welded, mechanically coupled, or adhesively coupled to the pin 124. In other embodiments, the cradle 122 may include a form corresponding to the pin 124 (e.g., a cup-shaped form to receive the pin 124 as shown in fig. 7). One or more additional features of the main housing 104 (e.g., an overhanging ledge as shown in fig. 7) may prevent the support frame 122 and/or the switch 106 from moving in a particular direction, and thus prevent the support frame 122 from separating from the main housing 104. .

Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of a rail mountable apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 may illustrate components of the rail mountable device 100. Fig. 8 includes a controller 802, user controls 804, a light source 806, a battery 808, and an indicator 810. The components shown in fig. 8 may be disposed within the rail mountable device 100 or coupled to the rail mountable device 100.

The controller 802 may include one or more processors, processing circuits, memories, other logic devices, and/or other associated components. The controller 802 may be configured to provide control signals to the light source 806 (e.g., the optics 116) in response to operation of one or more user controls 804. Such control signals may include signals for turning the light source 806 on or off or signals for adjusting the brightness level of the light source 806. The rail-mountable device 100 may include a plurality of user controls 804-1 through 804-N. Each such user control may be configured to operate an aspect of the rail mountable apparatus 100. For example, a first user control 804-1 may turn a light source 806 on and off, a second user control 804-2 may adjust a brightness level of the light source 806, and a third user control 804-3 may operate an indicator 810 (e.g., battery indicator 130). In various embodiments, any desired number of user controls 804 may be provided.

The light source 806 may be powered by a battery 808. Additionally, the charge level of the battery 808 may be displayed by the indicator 810 through illumination of the indicator 810. In some embodiments, indicator 810 may be operated, for example, as follows: one of the user controls 804 is operated to cause the controller 802 to provide a control signal to the indicator 810 to display the charge level of the battery 808. Other embodiments may utilize an indicator 810 to continuously display the charge level of the battery 808.

Fig. 9 shows a flowchart of the detailed operation of the rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In block 902, the rail-mountable device 100 may be attached or coupled to the firearm 101 according to various techniques discussed herein. For example, the rail mountable device 100 may include a rail clamp 500, and the screw 112 of the rail clamp 500 may be tightened to secure the rail mountable device 100 to the firearm 101.

In block 904, the rail mountable device 100 may be operated. For example, the first switch 106 of the rail-mountable apparatus 100 may be switched to turn on or off the optics 116 of the rail-mountable apparatus 100 or to change the settings of the optics 116.

In block 906, the removable battery pack 114 of the rail mountable device 100 may be replaced and/or charged. The second switch 136 can be operated to release the removable battery pack 114 from the main housing 104 of the rail-mountable device 100 while the main housing 104 remains attached or coupled to the firearm 101. The removable battery pack 114 may then be removed from the main housing 104 and the removable battery pack 114 recharged, and/or another removable battery pack 114 may be inserted into the main housing 104 to power the track mountable device 100. In certain embodiments, the removable battery pack 114 may include a third switch 160, which, when switched, allows the remaining charge of the removable battery pack 114 to be displayed by the third switch 160.

U.S. patent No. 9,551,550, filed on 16/2015 and 16/2017 and 24/1, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. U.S. design patent application No. 29/670,906, filed on 2018, 11, 20, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Any of the features set forth in U.S. patent No. 9,551,550 and/or U.S. design patent application No. 29/670,906 may be used with the features of the present disclosure as appropriate.

The disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. It is contemplated that various alternative embodiments and/or modifications of the present invention are possible in the rail clamps of the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein. For example, it is contemplated that the various embodiments set forth herein may be combined together and/or separated into additional embodiments where appropriate.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rail mountable apparatus configured to be mounted on a rail associated with a weapon, the rail mountable apparatus comprising:

a housing; and

a rail clamp, the rail clamp comprising:

a screw receiving portion for receiving a screw,

a screw configured to be screwed into the screw receiving portion,

a first ramp member coupled to the screw and configured to move relative to the screw, an

A second ramp member coupled to the screw receptacle and configured to move relative to the screw receptacle,

wherein the screw and the screw receiving portion are configured to be drawn toward each other in response to rotation of the screw in a first direction about an axis,

wherein the first and second ramp members are configured to be pulled toward each other in response to the screw and the screw receptacle being pulled together,

wherein the first and second ramp members include surfaces that are substantially inclined relative to the axis, and

wherein the ramped surface is configured to slide against a complementary ramped surface of the housing in response to the rotation.

2. The rail mountable device of claim 1, wherein rotation causes the screw to apply a first force to the first ramp member and the screw receptacle to apply a second force to the second ramp member.

3. The rail mountable device of claim 1, wherein the screw receptacle comprises a curved surface, wherein the curved surface contacts the second ramp member, wherein the curved surface contacts a flat surface of the second ramp member, and wherein the second ramp member is configured to move relative to the screw receptacle by at least rotating relative to the screw receptacle.

4. The rail-mountable device of claim 1, wherein the complementary angled surfaces of the housing are opposing inwardly-directed wedge surfaces extending parallel to a length of the housing in the direction of the rail.

5. The rail-mountable device of claim 1, further comprising a removable battery pack configured to be selectively coupled to and decoupled from the housing, wherein the removable battery pack includes a charging port configured to be covered when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing.

6. The rail-mountable device of claim 5, wherein the housing comprises:

a housing contact configured to electrically couple to a battery contact when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing; and

a battery release configured to retain the removable battery pack to the housing when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing and configured to decouple the removable battery pack from the housing when the battery release is moved.

7. The rail mountable apparatus of claim 5, wherein the removable battery pack further comprises:

a battery life indicator; and

an indicator button configured to illuminate the battery life indicator to display a remaining charge of the battery pack, wherein the indicator button is configured to be covered when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing.

8. The rail-mountable device of claim 5, wherein the removable battery pack comprises a rib and the housing comprises an opening, and wherein the rib is configured to contact or be disposed adjacent to the opening when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing, and wherein the rib is configured to transfer a force received by the battery pack to the housing by contacting the housing.

9. A rail-mountable device configured to be mounted to a rail associated with a weapon, the rail-mountable device further comprising:

a housing; and

a rail clamp, the rail clamp comprising:

a screw receiving portion for receiving a screw,

a screw configured to be screwed into the screw receiving portion,

A second ramp member coupled to the screw receptacle and configured to move relative to the screw receptacle, wherein the screw and the screw receptacle are configured to be drawn toward each other in response to rotation of the screw in a first direction about an axis, and wherein the first and second ramp members are configured to be drawn toward each other in response to the screw and the screw receptacle being drawn together;

a bracket coupled to the housing;

a first switch;

a second switch, wherein the first switch and the second switch are disposed on opposite sides of the housing; and

a button configured to be actuated by the bracket by manipulation of at least one of the first switch or the second switch.

10. The rail-mountable device of claim 9, further comprising a light source, wherein the button is configured to switch an operational mode of the light source when the first switch and/or the second switch is manipulated.

11. The rail mountable device of claim 9, further comprising a dowel, wherein the bracket is coupled to the housing by the dowel.

12. A method, comprising:

there is provided an apparatus configured to be mounted on a rail associated with a weapon, the apparatus comprising:

a housing, and

a rail clamp, the rail clamp comprising:

a screw receiving portion for receiving a screw,

a screw configured to be screwed into the screw receiving portion,

A second ramp member coupled to the screw receptacle and configured to move relative to the screw receptacle;

coupling the housing to the rail; and

rotating the screw, wherein the screw and the screw receptacle are configured to be drawn toward each other in response to rotation of the screw in a first direction about an axis, wherein the first ramp member and the second ramp member are configured to be drawn toward each other in response to the screw and the screw receptacle being drawn together to lock the device relative to the weapon, wherein the first ramp member and the second ramp member include surfaces that are substantially inclined relative to the axis, and wherein the inclined surfaces are configured to slide against complementary inclined surfaces of the housing in response to the rotation.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the rotating causes the screw to apply a first force to the first ramp member and the screw receptacle to apply a second force to the second ramp member.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the screw receptacle includes a curved surface, wherein the curved surface contacts the second ramp member, wherein the curved surface contacts a flat surface of the second ramp member, and wherein the second ramp member is configured to move relative to the screw receptacle by at least rotating relative to the screw receptacle.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the complementary inclined surfaces of the housing are opposing inwardly directed wedge surfaces extending parallel to the length of the housing in the direction of the guide rail.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising detaching a removable battery pack from the housing, wherein the removable battery pack includes a charging port configured to be covered when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the housing comprises:

a battery release configured to retain the removable battery pack to the housing when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing and configured to detach the removable battery pack from the housing when the battery release is moved.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the removable battery pack further comprises:

a battery life indicator; and

19. A method, the method comprising:

a housing, and

a rail clamp, the rail clamp comprising:

a screw receiving portion for receiving a screw,

a screw configured to be screwed into the screw receiving portion,

a bracket coupled to the housing;

a first switch;

a button;

coupling the housing to the rail;

rotating the screw, wherein the screw and the screw receptacle are configured to be drawn toward each other in response to rotation of the screw in a first direction about an axis, and wherein the first ramp member and the second ramp member are configured to be drawn toward each other in response to the screw and the screw receptacle being drawn together to lock the apparatus relative to the weapon; and

receiving manipulation of at least one of the first switch or the second switch to actuate the button through the bracket.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the device further comprises a light source, the method further comprising switching an operational mode of the light source in response to the manipulating.