JP2022513619A - Attachable weapon lights - Google Patents

Abstract

A rail-mountable device is provided that is configured to be securely fastened to the rail. In one example, the rail-mountable device is a screw, a screw receiver, a first tilt member coupled to the screw, and a second tilt configured to be coupled to the screw holder and move relative to the screw holder. It comprises a member and a rail clamp having. In addition, the rail-mountable device comprises a removable battery pack with a battery indicator. Further, the rail-mountable device comprises a plurality of switches located on any side of the rail-mountable device. The switch is coupled to the bracket and the mode of the rail mountable device is controlled by operating the switch. Additional embodiments and related methods are provided. [Selection diagram] FIG. 1A

Description

(Cross-reference to related applications)
This patent application claims the interests and priorities of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 770,560 filed November 21, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to accessory devices for firearms, and more specifically to attachment, operation and charging of lighting devices for firearms.

In many cases, it is useful to attach accessory equipment such as luminaires to rails that are fixed or built into firearms (eg, pistols). Manipulation of firearms usually exerts a great deal of force on the firearms, so such accessory equipment needs to be securely fastened to the rails. In addition, firearms are often exposed to harsh environments. The components and / or mechanisms used to secure the accessory equipment need to be configured to withstand such harsh environments. In addition, accessory devices often remain fixed to the pistol. Therefore, the accessory device needs to be available when it is fixed to the firearm.

Traditional equipment for mounting accessory equipment is typically complex and requires a large number of moving parts. For this reason, accessory devices are difficult to install and remove, and can be prone to failure due to failure of one or more moving parts. This can be especially problematic in military or police activities where the installation, removal or use of accessory equipment can be unsuccessful, or it can be dangerous to take excessive time or energy. In addition, conventional equipment for mounting accessory equipment can be bulky and heavy, which can adversely affect the aiming of firearms when mounted and can be difficult to mount on small firearms such as pistols. Therefore, it is desirable to attach accessory equipment to the rails and provide improved systems and methods for using such accessory equipment.

In one embodiment, a rail-mountable device configured to be mounted on a rail associated with the weapon is provided. The rail-mountable device comprises a housing and a rail clamp. The rail clamp is coupled to the screw holder, a screw configured to be screwed into the screw holder, a first inclined member coupled to the screw and configured to move relative to the screw, and a screw holder. , A second tilted member configured to move relative to the screw receiver. The screw and the screw receiver are configured to be pulled toward each other in response to the rotation of the screw with respect to the axis in the first direction. The first tilting member and the second tilting member are configured to be pulled toward each other in response to pulling both the screw and the screw receiver.

In another embodiment, the method according to the present disclosure comprises providing a device configured to attach to a rail associated with a weapon. The device comprises a housing and a rail clamp. The rail clamp is coupled to the screw holder, a screw configured to be screwed into the screw holder, a first inclined member coupled to the screw and configured to move relative to the screw, and a screw holder. , A second tilted member configured to move relative to the screw receiver. The method comprises a joining step of joining the housing to the rail. The method also includes a rotation step of rotating the screw. The screw and the screw receiver are configured to be pulled toward each other in response to the rotation of the screw with respect to the axis in the first direction. The first tilting member and the second tilting member are pulled toward each other in response to pulling both the screw and the screw holder, whereby the device is configured to lock against the weapon.

Another embodiment provides a removable battery pack that can be recharged with the rest of the rail mountable device attached to the weapon. In another embodiment, brackets and user-operable switches may be provided.

The scope of the invention is defined by the claims incorporated herein by reference. Those skilled in the art will gain a more complete understanding of embodiments of the invention, along with the realization of further advantages, by considering the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. With reference to the attached drawings, a brief explanation will be given first.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a device that can be attached to a rail attached to a weapon according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram of a device that can be attached to a rail attached to a weapon according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a rail-mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a rail-mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a rail-mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a rail-mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a rail-mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a rail-mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a rail-mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a rail-mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a rail-mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a view of a removable battery pack of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a view of a removable battery pack of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a view of a removable battery pack of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a partial transmission diagram of a device that can be attached to a rail according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The figure of the rail clamp of the apparatus which can be attached to the rail by embodiment of this disclosure. The figure of the rail clamp of the apparatus which can be attached to the rail by embodiment of this disclosure. The figure of the rail clamp of the apparatus which can be attached to the rail by embodiment of this disclosure. The figure of the apparatus which can be attached to the rail by one Embodiment of this disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a device that can be attached to a rail cut along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The block diagram of the apparatus which can be attached to the rail by one Embodiment of this disclosure. The flowchart which shows the operation of the apparatus which can be attached to a rail by one Embodiment of this disclosure in detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram of a firearm with a rail having a lateral groove according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by reference to the detailed description below. It should be understood that similar reference numbers are used to identify similar elements shown in one or more drawings.

According to the various embodiments provided herein, accessories can be easily mounted and used on rails of firearms by mounting rail-mountable devices. Devices that can be attached to such rails are used in any desired combination with the various features identified in this disclosure. In certain embodiments, rail-mountable devices are particularly suitable for use in tactical and combat environments (eg, for attaching lights to weapons or other devices).

In various embodiments, the rail-mountable device comprises a removable battery pack and rail clamp. The rail clamp has a plurality of tilting members, each tilting member being coupled to a threaded device. The tilting member may be configured to move independently of the other components of the rail clamp. Rail-mountable devices include a switch located on the opposite (opposite) side of the rail-mountable device and a bracket coupled to a switch that allows operation of the rail-mountable device. , May be further provided.

Although the drawings are referred to here, the drawings are intended only to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the invention. 1A-1B show a diagram of a device that can be attached to a rail attached to a weapon according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1A, the rail-mountable device 100 is mounted on the rail 103 of a firearm 101 (eg, a pistol or other type of weapon). The rail 103 may be, for example, a Picatinny rail of the firearm 101 running along the length of the barrel of the firearm 101, a custom sized rail, or a general rail. In fact, any desired rail size can be used, if desired. The rail-mountable device 100 comprises a housing (also referred to as a main housing 104). The main housing 104 has various features configured to mount the rail mountable device 100 to a rail such as the rail 103.

For example, the rail-mountable device 100 may be at least partially secured to the rail 103 by one or more rail engaging members 102. In certain embodiments, the rail engaging member 102 may be integrated within a portion of the main housing 104. The rail 103 may be integrated at various positions on the frame 105 of the firearm 101 or may be removably fixed. 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 further include a slide 111 coupled to the barrel 107. In some embodiments, the rail 103 has at least one groove or slot configured to receive and / or interfere with the rail engaging member 102.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the rail-mountable device 100 includes a switch 106, a screw 112, and a battery indicator 130. As shown, the screw 112 is placed in the tilting member 110 (eg, in the opening of the tilting member 110) and screwed into the thread receiver 118 (shown in FIG. 2A and other drawings). By manipulating the screw 112 by the user, it is possible to adjust how tightly the device 100, which can be attached to the rail, is attached to the rail 103.

The switch 106 places the user of the rail mountable device 100 within the main housing 104 and directs the firearm 101 from the rail mountable device 100 (eg, in a direction defined by the gun body 107). Mountable on rails, such as one or more light sources 117 configured to project light (eg, visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, laser light and / or light of any desired wavelength). The electronic components of the device 100 can be operated.

The battery indicator 130 provides information related to the charge level of the battery pack 114 of the rail-mountable device 100. The battery pack 114 is removable (eg, by operating the battery opening 136). When removed, the battery pack 114 is rechargeable and / or the battery indicator 130 may be operated to provide information about the charge level of the battery pack 114. The battery pack 114 may have features configured to be intended to couple or secure the battery pack 114 to the main housing 104.

FIG. 1B shows a state in which the battery pack 114 is removed from the main housing 104. As shown, the main housing 104 has an opening 115 configured to accommodate the battery pack 114. The battery pack 114 has a contact portion configured to be electrically coupled to a contact portion 132 provided in the main housing 104. When the battery pack 114 is fully engaged with the main housing 104, the contact portion 132 is electrically coupled to the contact portion of the battery pack 114 so that the battery pack 114 is one or more electrical components of the device 100 that can be mounted on the rail. For example, power is supplied to the light source 117).

In various embodiments, the battery pack 114 can be selectively coupled and detached to and from the rail mountable device 100. For example, the battery pack 114 is configured to be removed and / or replaced when the rest of the rail-mountable device 100 (eg, the main housing 104) is coupled to the firearm 101. Thus, for example, the battery pack 114 may be inserted into or removed from the downward portion of the rail mountable device 100 (defined by normal operation of the firearm 101). With such a configuration, the battery pack 114 can be conveniently replaced without removing the rail mountable device 100 (eg, the battery pack 114 is located at the rear of the rail mountable device 100 and said to be said. If removed from the rear, it is necessary to remove the rail-mountable device 100 to replace the battery pack 114).

To allow the removal of the battery pack 114 from the bottom of the rail-mountable device 100, the contacts are located on top of the battery pack 114 and the contacts 132 correspond to the downward portion of the main housing 104. Be placed. In other embodiments, the contact portion 132 may be located in another portion of the main housing 104 (eg, a side portion of the main housing 104). The battery pack 114 arranges the corresponding contact portion 156 so as to interfere with the contact portion 132. Thus, if the contact portion 156 is located on the side (eg, front or rear) of the battery pack 114, the main housing 104 may be on the corresponding side (eg, corresponding front or rear) of the main housing 104. Includes the arranged contact portion 132. The contacts of the contacts 132 and / or the battery pack 114 may include contacts such as pogo pins that allow for secure engagement between the contacts.

FIG. 2A-2I is a diagram of a rail-mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 2A is a front view of the device 100 that can be attached to a rail removed from any firearm, FIG. 2B is a side view, FIG. 2C is a top view, FIG. 2D is a bottom view, and FIG. 2E. 2F is a rear view, FIG. 2F is an isometric view, FIG. 2G is a top perspective view, and FIG. 2H is a bottom perspective view. FIG. 2I is a side view of the device 100 that can be attached to the rail from which the battery pack 114 has been removed.

As shown in FIG. 2A-2I, the main housing 104 has rail engaging members 102A and 102B in a part of the main housing 104. The rail engaging members 102A, 102B may be configured to be coupled to either side of the frame 105 and / or the barrel 107 via the rail 103 (eg, the rail engaging members 102A, 102B are rails. It may be configured to join to the left and right sides of 103). The rail engaging members 102A, 102B may include one or more features, such as an inclined surface, that are complementary to the rail 103 and configured to couple to the rail 103.

The tilting members 110, 120 are coupled to the main housing 104 and adapted to receive the screw 112 and the screw receiver 118, respectively. The screw 112 is screwed into the screw receiver 118. The screw 112 is disposed within the opening of the tilting member 110 so that one or more portions of the screw 112 (eg, the rear of the screw head of the screw 112) come into contact with a portion of the tilting member 110 and the screw 112 and the screw receiver 118. Is configured to apply a force to the tilting member 110 when tightened. Similarly, the screw receiver 118 is arranged in the opening of the inclined member 120, and when the screw 112 and the screw receiver 118 are tightened, the screw receiver 118 comes into contact with a part of the inclined member 120 and applies a force to the inclined member 120. ..

Therefore, the screw 112 pulls the screw 112 and the screw receiver 118 together by rotating about the axis (for example, reducing the distance between the parts of the screw 112 with respect to the part of the screw receiver 118). By such tightening, the screw 112 applies a force to the inclined member 110, and the screw receiver 118 applies a force to the inclined member 110 to pull the rail engaging members 102A and 102B together, and further, the rail engaging member 102A, 102B is fastened onto the rail 103.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a firearm with rails having lateral grooves according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 10 shows a lateral groove 900 (eg, a slot) on the rail 103 of the firearm 101. The lateral groove 900 extends perpendicular to the elongated dimension of the rail 103 and / or the elongated dimension of the barrel 107. When the rail-mountable device 100 is coupled to the rail 103, another portion of the screw receiver 118 and / or the rail clamp 500 is placed inside the groove 900 so that the rail of the rail-mountable device 100 can be mounted on the rail. Another part of the rail-mountable device 100 screw receiver 118 and / or rail clamp 500 is configured to prevent back-and-forth movement along 103. In certain embodiments, another portion of the screw receiver 118 and / or the rail clamp 500 further moves the rail-mountable device 100 by contacting the surface 902 of the groove 900 or another portion of the rail 103. Can be configured to interfere.

The battery pack 114 is coupled to the main housing 104. The battery release unit 136 may be, for example, a switch, a latch, or another mechanism that holds the battery pack 114 with respect to the main housing 104, and when operated by the user (eg, or the battery release unit 136). The battery pack 114 can be removed from the main housing 104 (by pushing down or pushing in one direction). The battery pack 114 has any electrical characteristics (eg, about 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6) to power any electrical property (light source 117 and / or other components of the rail-mountable device 100). It may be a battery pack (bolt), etc.).

The battery pack 114 further includes a battery indicator 130. The battery indicator 130 includes one or more indicators (eg, light emitting diode (LED) lights) that convey the charge level of the battery pack 114. A particular embodiment comprises a plurality of lights, the charge level of the battery pack 114 is indicated by the amount of lights lit. Other embodiments include one or more lights that change color, and the charge level is at least partially indicated by the color of the one or more lights.

The battery pack 114 may include one or more features configured to allow the battery pack 114 and / or the rail mountable device 100 to operate in the environment and conditions typically associated with firearms. .. For example, the battery pack 114 may have a raised rib 134 configured to insert and / or interfere with the opening 138 of the main housing 104. When the battery pack 114 is coupled to the main housing 104, the ribs 134 may be located close to or in contact with one or more side walls of the opening 138. Such a configuration provides great support for the battery pack 114. For example, if the battery pack 114 and / or the main housing 104 receives a lateral force, the rib 134 contacts the side wall of the opening 138 and the force is transmitted from the battery pack 114 to the main housing 104, thereby the battery pack. The amount of stress applied to the 114 is reduced, reducing the possibility of damage to the battery pack 114.

Further, the rail-mountable device 100 may include switches 106A, 106B on the sides of the main housing 104 (eg, left and right sides of the main housing 104). The switch 106A and / or the switch 106B may be configured such that the user can change the operational configuration of one or more components of the rail-mountable device 100. For example, the user may change the operating mode of the light source 117 (eg, on, off, and / or intermediate lighting levels) by operating switch 106A and / or switch 106B. The switches 106A, 106B may be located on different sides of the main housing 104 so that the user can change the operating mode of the light source 117 at multiple hand positions. With such a configuration, the user can change the operation mode of the light source 117 regardless of the preference of the position of the hand when holding the firearm 101.

In various embodiments, the light source 117 can be a light emitting diode (LED), an incandescent bulb, and, as discussed, another type of component that emits light at any desired wavelength. The light emitted from the light source 117 may be emitted through an optical element 116 (eg, one or more lenses such as a total internal reflection (TIR) lens and / or other implementations). The optical element 116 covers the light source 117 at least partially, and focuses, colors, and / or otherwise guides the light from the light source 117.

The switches 106A and 106B are coupled to the bracket 122. Bracket 122 can be, for example, a component that is at least partially composed of metal (eg, sheet metal), composites, plastics or other materials. The bracket 122 may be configured to translate and / or rotate (eg, rotate around a dowel 124) when switch 106A and / or switch 106B is operated. The bracket 122 may be shaped such that the movement of switches 106A, 106B is transmitted to different planes. For example, the bracket 122 may be operated by being pushed downwards or in another direction, and the bracket 122 may be operated by such an operation when the rail mountable device 100 is attached to the firearm 101. It may be shaped so that a button (switch 126) on the top of the main housing 104, which is normally hidden on top of the housing 104, is pressed. Therefore, the button (divot 128) may be located on top of the rail mountable device 100 or may be located in another area where the amount of dust exposed is less.

The dowel 124 is coupled to the bracket 122 and to the main housing 104 (eg, inserted into the opening 140). The bracket 122 has a dibot 128, or other such feature formed on the bracket 122 or coupled as a separate component. Certain embodiments of the bracket 122 may not include the dibot 128. The movement of the switch 106A and / or the switch 106B may cause the bracket 122 to rotate around the dowel 124 and the debot 128 to push down the switch 126. The switch 126 is located in the main housing 104 and / or other parts of the device 100 that can be mounted on rails. When the switch 126 is pressed, the operation mode of the light source 117 changes.

Various embodiments of the device 100 that can be mounted on rails include one or more seals. For example, the battery pack 114 may include a seal on one or more surfaces, and the top of the main housing 104 may additionally include a seal. Such seals further prevent dust or other debris from entering the vulnerable areas of the rail mountable device 100 (eg, protect the rail mountable device 100 ports or buttons).

FIG. 2I shows a side view of the rail-mountable device 100 with the battery pack 114 removed from the main housing 104. The dashed line indicates the direction in which the battery pack 114 can be engaged with the main housing 104. As shown in FIG. 2I, one or more contacts of the battery pack 114 (eg, contacts 156 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) are in contact when the battery pack 114 is coupled to the main housing 104. The portion 156 is arranged so as to be electrically coupled to the contact portion 132 of the main housing 104. Therefore, the light source 117 is powered by the rechargeable battery of the battery pack 114. One or both of the contacts 132 and / or the contacts 156 may be pogo pins and / or other types of contacts.

FIG. 3A-3C shows a removable battery pack of a rail mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery pack 114 includes a contact portion 156, a switch 160, a battery indicator 130, a charging port 162, a guide 158A and a guide 158B, a rib 134, and a receiving portion 164. The contact portion 156 is configured to be electrically coupled (eg, adjacent) to the contact portion 132 when the battery pack 114 is coupled to the main housing 104. The switch 160 is coupled to one or more components of the battery pack 114, and when the user presses the switch 160, the battery indicator 130 displays the remaining charge of the battery pack 114. The switch 160 is located within a portion of the battery pack 114 that is hidden (eg, obscured) from the surroundings when the battery pack 114 is coupled to the main housing 104. The receiving portion 164 holds and / or releases the battery pack 114 with respect to the main housing 104 by engaging with a part of the battery opening portion 136.

The charging port 162 is configured to receive a connector for a charging cable for charging the battery pack 114. Charging port 162 includes any type of connector that can receive battery charging, such as any type of universal serial bus (USB) connector, lightning cable or other type of connector. In certain embodiments, the charging port 162 is arranged such that the charging port 162 is hidden when the battery pack 114 is coupled to the main housing 104. Such a configuration prevents debris from entering the charging port 162 when the rail mountable device 100 is operating. The battery pack 114 may further include one or more seals to prevent such debris from entering.

The guides 158A and 158B are configured to come into contact with the guide 154 of the main housing 104 when the battery pack 114 is inserted into the main housing 104. The guides 158A and 158B have a tapered shape, which helps position the contact portion 156 with respect to the contact portion 132 when the battery pack 114 is inserted into the main housing 104 (eg, the battery pack 114 in the opening 115). Helps position the battery pack 114 with respect to a portion of the main housing 104, such as the opening 115, when inserted).

FIG. 4 is a partial transmission diagram of a device that can be attached to a rail according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the dowel 124 is inserted into the opening 140 of the main housing 104. Further, the switch 126 is coupled to the electronic circuit 170. The electronic circuit 170 is configured to detect, for example, when the switch 126 is pressed (eg, by pressing the dibot 128 and operating the switch 106A and / or the switch 106B). Alternatively, it may be a printed circuit board (PCB) containing other circuits or other electronic circuits. For example, in certain embodiments, the electronic circuit 170 may toggle or cycle the operating mode of the optical element 116 after detecting that the switch 126 has been pressed (eg, the optical element 116). It may be turned on or off, or the various lighting settings of the optics 116 may be cycled).

5A-5C show a rail clamp of a rail-mountable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 5A and 5B show the components of the rail clamp 500, and FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of a device 100 that can be attached to a rail with the rail clamp 500. As described herein, the rail clamp 500 has a screw 112, a screw receiver 118, and tilting members 110, 120.

The screw 112 has a thread 202 screwed into the screw receiving portion 204 of the screw receiving 118. Therefore, by rotating the screw 112, both the screw 112 and the screw receiver 118 are pulled or pushed apart. The screw 112 is coupled to and contacts a portion of the tilting member 110 (eg, placed in the opening of the tilting member 110). The tilted member 110 is a rail engaging surface (surface 206A) configured to contact a portion or surface of another corresponding member of the main housing 104 (eg, the corresponding rail engaging member 102 of the main housing 104). Including inclined surfaces such as.

The screw receiving portion 204 is a female screw portion of the screw receiving portion 118. The screw receiver 118 is arranged in a surface 504 configured to be in contact with the surface 506 of the inclined member 120, and includes the surface 504. Therefore, the force due to the tightening of the screw 112 with respect to the screw receiver 118 can be transmitted to the inclined member 120. In certain embodiments, the surface 504 is a flat surface or a curved surface, and the surface 506 has a shape corresponding to the surface 504, so that the screw receiver 118 and the inclined member 120 are securely engaged while dealing with the deviation.

In certain embodiments, the surface 504 may be a curved surface. Such a curved surface allows for greater displacement of the components of the rail clamp 500. Therefore, in various embodiments, the corresponding surface 506 can be a curved surface or a flat surface. Thus, for example, the surface 206A of the inclined member 110 contacts the rail engaging surface (surface 208A), the surface 206B of the inclined member 120 contacts the rail engaging surface (surface 208B), and the surfaces slide against each other. Move (eg, depending on the tightening of the screw 112). As shown in FIG. 5C, the rail engagement surfaces (faces 208A, 208B) are located on the opposite side of the rail mountable device 100 and are intended to be mounted longitudinally (eg, mounted). Opposing inward (in cross section) wedge planes extending in the direction of the rail (parallel to the length from the front to the back of the device 100).

Since each of the surfaces 206A, 206B, 208A, and 208B is an inclined surface, there may be a deviation between the surfaces. The combination of the thread receiver 118 and the tilt member 120 allows movement of the screw receiver 118 with respect to the tilt member 120, for example, for each portion of the rail clamp 500 and / or between the portion of the rail clamp 500 and the main housing 104. Adaptation to deviations is possible (eg, surfaces 206A, 206B can change their angles with respect to each other based on the angles of surfaces 208A, 208B). Therefore, for example, the surface 504 may be a curved surface that makes the screw receiver 118 rotatable with respect to the inclined member 120. Due to such a configuration of the screw receiver 118 and the inclined member 120, the rail clamp 500 can operate even when dust is present in a part of the rail clamp 500. The screw 112 may move with respect to the tilting member 110 as well.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a device that can be attached to a rail according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows the main housing 104 to which the battery pack 114 is not attached. As shown in FIG. 6, the bracket 122 may be a partially H-shaped bracket connected to both switches 106A, 106B. Further, FIG. 6 shows a contact guide (guide 154) configured to interfere with the guide 158 of the battery pack 114.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a device that can be attached to the rail cut along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the bracket 122 is a punched sheet metal component, and the switch 106 is friction-fitted, fastened, or glued to the bracket 122. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 shows that the dibot 128 is configured to contact the switch 126 when the switch 106 is pulled down or pushed. In certain embodiments, the bracket 122 is welded, mechanically bonded, or glued to the dowel 124. In another embodiment, the bracket 122 has a form corresponding to the dowel 124 (eg, a cup-shaped form that accepts the dowel 124 as shown in FIG. 7). One or more additional features of the main housing 104 (eg, the overhang ledge shown in FIG. 7) prevent the bracket 122 and / or the switch 106 from moving in a particular direction, thus preventing the bracket 122 from moving from the main housing 104. Prevent it from being separated.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a device that can be attached to a rail according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 shows the components of the device 100 that can be mounted on rails. FIG. 8 includes a controller 802, a user control unit 804, a light source 806, a battery 808, and a display 810. The components shown in FIG. 8 may be located inside a rail-mountable device 100 or may be coupled to a rail-mountable device 100.

Controller 802 includes one or more processors, processing circuits, memory, other logic devices and / or other related components. The controller 802 may be configured to provide a control signal to the light source 806 (eg, the optical element 116) in response to an operation of one or more user control units 804. Such control signals include signals that turn light source 806 on or off, or signal that adjusts the luminance level of light source 806. The device 100 that can be attached to the rail includes a plurality of user control units (user control units 804-1 to user control units 804-N). Each such user control unit may be configured to operate a device 100 that can be mounted on a rail of some aspect. For example, the first user control unit 804-1 toggles the light source 806 on and off, the second user control unit 804-2 adjusts the brightness of the light source 806, and the third user control unit 804-3. May operate the display 810 (eg, battery display 130). In various embodiments, any desired number of user control units 804 may be provided.

The light source 806 is powered by the battery 808. Further, the charge level of the battery 808 is indicated by the indicator 810 through the lighting of the indicator 810. In a particular embodiment, for example, the display 810 is operated by one of the user control units 804, and the controller 802 provides a control signal to the display 810 to indicate the charge level of the battery 808. In another embodiment, the charge level of the battery 808 is continuously indicated by the indicator 810.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation of the device that can be attached to the rail according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. At block 902, the rail-mountable device 100 is attached to or coupled to the firearm 101 by the various techniques discussed herein. For example, the rail-mountable device 100 includes a rail clamp 500, and the rail-mountable device 100 is fixed to the firearm 101 by tightening the screw 112 of the rail clamp 500.

At block 904, a rail-mountable device 100 is operated. For example, a rail-mountable device 100 switch 106 (first switch) may be used to turn the rail-mountable device 100 optical element 116 on or off, or to change the settings of the optical element 116. , Toggle to switch.

At block 906, the removable battery pack 114 of the rail mountable device 100 is replaced and / or recharged. By operating the battery release unit 136 (second switch), the removable battery pack 114 can be attached to the rail of the device 100 while the main housing 104 is attached to the firearm 101 or is connected to the firearm 101. It is released from the main housing 104. The removable battery pack 114 is then removed from the main housing 104 and recharged, and / or another removable battery pack 114 is inserted into the main housing 104 and mounted on the rail-mountable device 100. Power is supplied. In certain embodiments, the removable battery pack 114 includes a third switch (switch 160) that displays the remaining charge of the removable battery pack 114 when toggled.

US Pat. No. 9,551,550, filed January 16, 2015 and registered January 24, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. US Design Patent Application No. 29 / 670,906, filed November 20, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Any of the features described in US Pat. No. 9,551,550 and / or US Design Patent Application No. 29 / 670,906 will be used in conjunction with the features of the present disclosure as appropriate.

The present disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the exact form disclosed or the particular field of use. It is contemplated that various alternative embodiments and / or modifications of the invention, whether expressly or implied herein, are applicable in the rail clamps of the present disclosure. For example, it is contemplated that the various embodiments described herein may be combined together and / or separated into additional embodiments where appropriate.

Although the invention has been described in detail in relation to only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention, which has not been described so far, can be modified to incorporate any number of changes, modifications, substitutions or equivalent arrangements that are relevant to the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered as limited by the above description, but only by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A rail-mountable device configured to be mounted on the rail associated with the weapon.
With the housing
It ’s a rail clamp,
With screw holder,
A screw configured to be screwed into the screw receiver,
A first tilting member coupled to the screw and configured to move relative to the screw.
A rail clamp comprising a second tilting member coupled to the screw receiver and configured to move relative to the screw receiver.
The screw and the screw receiver are configured to be pulled toward each other in response to the rotation of the screw with respect to the axis in the first direction.
A device that can be attached to a rail, wherein the first inclined member and the second inclined member are configured to be pulled toward each other in response to pulling both the screw and the screw receiver. The rail according to claim 1, wherein the screw applies a first force to the first inclined member and the screw receiver applies a second force to the second inclined member by the rotation. Possible device. The screw receiver has a curved surface and
The curved surface comes into contact with the second inclined member,
The curved surface comes into contact with the plane of the second inclined member,
The rail according to claim 1, wherein the second inclined member is configured to move with respect to the screw holder by rotating at least with respect to the screw holder. Device. The first inclined member and the second inclined member have a surface substantially inclined with respect to the axis.
The rail-mountable device according to claim 1, wherein the inclined surface is configured to slide with respect to a complementaryly inclined surface of the housing in response to the rotation. .. Further equipped with a removable battery pack configured to be selectively coupled and detached to the housing.
The rail according to claim 1, wherein the removable battery pack has a charging port configured to be obscured when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing. Possible device. The housing
A housing-side contact that is configured to electrically couple to the battery-side contact when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing.
A battery opening that is configured to hold the removable battery pack against the housing when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing, and the battery opening has moved. The rail-mountable device according to claim 5, wherein the battery opening portion is configured to remove the removable battery pack from the housing. The removable battery pack
Battery life indicator and
It further comprises an indicator button configured to display the remaining amount of the battery pack by turning on the battery life indicator.
The rail-mountable device of claim 5, wherein the indicator button is configured to be obscured when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing. The removable battery pack has ribs and the housing has openings.
When the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing, the ribs are configured to contact or be placed in close proximity to the opening.
The rail according to claim 5, wherein the rib is configured to transmit the force received by the removable battery pack to the housing by contacting the housing. Device. With the bracket attached to the housing,
With the first switch
The second switch, the first switch and the second switch, are the second switch and the second switch arranged on the opposite side of the housing.
The rail-mountable device of claim 1, further comprising a button configured to be actuated by the bracket by at least one operation of the first switch or the second switch. .. With more light sources
The rail can be attached to the rail according to claim 9, wherein the button is configured to switch the operating mode of the light source when the first switch and / or the second switch is operated. Device. With more dowels
The rail-mountable device of claim 9, wherein the bracket is coupled to the housing by the dowel. A provision step that provides a device configured to attach to a rail associated with a weapon.
The device is
With the housing
It ’s a rail clamp,
With screw holder,
A screw configured to be screwed into the screw receiver,
A first tilting member coupled to the screw and configured to move relative to the screw.
The providing step comprising the rail clamp having a second tilting member coupled to the screw receiver and configured to move relative to the screw receiver.
With the joining step of joining the housing to the rail,
A rotation step for rotating the screw, wherein the screw and the screw receiver are configured to be pulled toward each other in response to the rotation of the screw with respect to the axis in the first direction, and the first inclined member and the screw receiver. The rotation step is configured such that the second tilting member is pulled towards each other in response to pulling both the screw and the screw receiver, thereby locking the device to the weapon. And, a method characterized by including. 12. The method of claim 12, wherein the screw exerts a first force on the first tilted member and the screw receiver exerts a second force on the second tilted member by the rotation. The screw receiver has a curved surface and
The curved surface comes into contact with the second inclined member,
The curved surface comes into contact with the plane of the second inclined member,
The method according to claim 12, wherein the second inclined member is configured to move with respect to the screw receiver by rotating at least with respect to the screw receiver. The first inclined member and the second inclined member have a surface substantially inclined with respect to the axis.
12. The method of claim 12, wherein the tilted surface is configured to slide with respect to a complementaryly tilted surface of the housing in response to the rotation. Further including a removal step to remove the removable battery pack from the housing,
12. The method of claim 12, wherein the removable battery pack has a charging port configured to be obscured when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing. The housing
A housing-side contact that is configured to electrically couple to the battery-side contact when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing.
A battery opening that is configured to hold the removable battery pack against the housing when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing, and the battery opening has moved. 16. The method of claim 16, further comprising the battery opening, which is configured to remove the removable battery pack from the housing. The removable battery pack
Battery life indicator and
It further comprises an indicator button configured to display the remaining amount of the battery pack by turning on the battery life indicator.
16. The method of claim 16, wherein the indicator button is configured to be obscured when the removable battery pack is coupled to the housing. The device is
With the bracket attached to the housing,
With the first switch
The second switch, the first switch and the second switch, are the second switch and the second switch arranged on the opposite side of the housing.
With more buttons,
12. The method of claim 12, further comprising a receiving step of receiving at least one operation of the first switch or the second switch to activate the button by the bracket. The device further comprises a light source
19. The method of claim 19, further comprising a switching step of switching the operating mode of the light source in response to the operation.

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