MXPA06011283A - Barrel accessory rail system - Google Patents

Abstract

A barrel accessory rail system (10) includes a pair of cooperating clamping sections (55a, 55b), each including at least one pair of flanges (30) spaced by a transverse rail (35), and a fastener (75) for securing the pair of opposed clamping sections (55a, 55b) in clamping engagement with a barrel (20) and magazine extension (25) of a firearm. The flanges (30) are adapted to couple a barrel (30) and a magazine extension (25) to a firearm and permit attachment of accessories to the firearm.

Description

CANON ACCESSORY RAIL SYSTEM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUEST This application claims priority for the provisional patent application of E.U.A. Serial No. 60 / 557,987, filed March 31, 2004, which is incorporated in its entirety as a reference in the present description.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to firearms and, in particular, to a barrel fitting rail system for attaching a chamber extension to the barrel of a firearm, and for providing a junction point for mounting accessories to the firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A bar clamp can also be used with a firearm to maintain an extension of the tubular chamber or mount a fixture for the firearm in a secure, rigid alignment with the barrel. However, many fasteners currently available tend to compress the extension tube of the camera, potentially preventing the circular ability and proper operation of the weapon. Some barrel clips provide a means to attach an accessory to the firearm. However, the attachment means is often unique to the fastener manufacturer. Accordingly, the user is required to purchase multiple fasteners for use with various accessories, or purchase the fastener and all accessories from a limited number of suppliers that can offer compatible mounting characteristics. Additionally, many barrettes include mounting features on only one side of the firearm, thus limiting the user's ability to choose the site to place the fixture along the firearm. Accordingly, there is still a need for a simple and easy to use system to rigidly secure a camera extension or mount fixtures to the barrel of a firearm without adversely affecting the performance of the firearm. Additionally, there still remains a need for a fastening system that is included for the attachment or assembly of various types of additional accessories for the firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a barrel fitting rail system for a firearm. The barrel fitting rail system includes a pair of cooperating fastening sections and one or more fasteners to secure the pair of opposing fastening sections in clamping engagement with the barrel and extension of the chamber. Each of the composite fastening sections includes at least one pair of flanges separated by a transverse rail. The flanges are adapted to attach a barrel and a chamber extension for a firearm. Flanges can have a firearm or arched barrel that engages or a contact surface. The cross rail can be a Picatinney rail, an interlaced rail, or any other suitable rail system. The accessory barrel rail system of the present invention provides a simple and easy-to-use system for rigidly securing a camera extension or mounting an accessory to the barrel of a firearm without adversely affecting the performance of the firearm. fire. The barrel accessory rail system of the present invention also provides for the attachment of firearm accessories in various configurations or orientations on either side of the firearm. Other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various views, and in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rail system Example gun fitting according to the present invention mounted on a firearm; Figure 2 is a rear end view of the exemplary accessory rail system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front end view of the exemplary accessory rail system of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top plan view of a first exemplary fastening section of a pair of fastening sections of a barrel accessory rail system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5 is a top plan view of a second exemplary fastening section of a pair of fastening sections of a barrel accessory rail system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the example cannon accessory rail system of Figures 1 to 5 according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a rear end view of another exemplary barrel accessory rail system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 8 is a front end view of another exemplary barrel accessory rail system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 9 is a top plan view of another first exemplary fastening section of a pair of fastening sections of a barrel accessory rail system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 10 is a top plan view of another second exemplary fastening section of a pair of fastening sections of a barrel accessory rail system in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary barrel accessory rail system of Figures 7 to 10 according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is generally directed to a barrel accessory rail system (BARS) for use with a firearm. The BARS will normally be used with a shotgun, rifle or other long weapon, although other types of firearms can also be used, such as a long-barreled gun or other similar type of gun. The BARS of the present invention can be used to attach a tubular chamber extension to the barrel to maintain the barrel and chamber extension in a secure, rigid alignment. Additionally, the BARS can provide a firing strap attachment point for the firearm, and additionally may include features for mounting various firearm accessories, such as flashlights, white lights, laser sights or IR illuminators or other options or various tactical accessories. Figure 1, generally represents a BARS 10 attached to a firearm F, in an exemplary embodiment, a gun. The BARS 10 is mounted so that it can be removed in a front section 15 of the firearm F, and secures the barrel 20 and the chamber extension 25 in a rigid alignment. The BARS 10, generally comprises at least one pair of flanges 30 extending from a transverse or lateral rail 35. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the transverse rail 35 is generally aligned at least partially with the space between the barrel 20 and the chamber extension 25. The cross rail 35 may include one or more slots 40 for mounting a firearm accessory (not shown) to the firearm. The BARS 10 may optionally include a pull strap attachment point 45 (Figures 4 and 5) at a rear end 50 of the BARS 10. Returning to Figures 2 to 6, a more detailed view of the example BARS 10 is shown. shown generally in Figure 1. The BARS 10 comprises a pair of cooperating fasteners or body sections 55a, 55b. Each opposite clamping section 55a, 55b can be formed from a high strength, lightweight material that can also be resistant to corrosion. For example, the opposing fastening sections can be formed from a metal, such as aluminum, steel or other metal or metal alloy, various synthetic materials or compounds, for example, a polymer or any combination thereof. Each of the fastening sections 55a, 55b generally comprises at least one pair of flanges 30 extending from the transverse or lateral rail 35. The at least one pair of flanges 30 may be integral with, attached to or otherwise Each of the flanges 30 is additionally provided with a first flange, barrel 50 with the shape and dimensions for coupling the barrel to the firearm F, and a second flange of the barrel 35. As shown in FIG. extension of chamber 65 formed and dimensioned to be coupled to the extension of chamber 25. Various flanges were contemplated herein, provided that the shape, contours and dimensions are selected to provide a tight attachment coupling with the barrel and extension (s) from the camera of the firearm. In one aspect, the first flange 60 and the second flange 65, each have, a contact surface with the firearm 70 which is generally arcuate in shape. However, it should be understood that several different contours or shapes and / or radii of curvature for the contact surfaces with the firearm of each flange are contemplated by the present invention. The opposing clamping sections 55a, 55b, are generally secured along the barrel of the firearm using one or more fasteners 75. The fasteners 75 are engaged and tightened to pull the clamping sections 55a, 55b together to ensure the extension of the clamp. chamber 25 to barrel 20 in a rigid, narrow clamping coupling. It will be understood that any suitable type of fastener 75 can be used as desired, for example, a screw, bolt, brake pin, or other locking means. In another aspect, the fasteners 75 extend through the transverse rail 35 of the fastening sections 55a, 55b. In such aspects, the cross rail 35 is provided with one or more aligned openings or holes 80, or other features known to those skilled in the art, adapted to receive the fasteners 75. By configuring the BARS in this manner, the barrel and extension The camera can be held tightly to lock the BARS in a desired position without compressing either the barrel or the camera extension. Accordingly, the BARS of the present invention advantageously provides a secure coupling, which can be adjusted from the BARS at a desired location and orientation along a firearm without adversely affecting the performance of the firearm. According to an aspect of the present invention shown in Figures 2 to 6, each of the cooperating fastening sections 55a, 55b may include more than one pair of flanges 30. In this example, each of the fastening sections in cooperation 55a, 55b includes two pairs of flanges 30 in each fastening section in coordination 55a, 55b. In this aspect, the two pairs of flanges 30 are at opposite ends 85a, 85b of the cross rail 35. However, it should be understood that other configurations are contemplated in the present invention.

Each flange 60, 65 in the pair of flanges 30 is positioned along the length L of the transverse rail 35 in a substantially aligned relationship. Accordingly, for example, the flange making contact with the barrel 60 can be compensated from the flange in contact with the extension of the chamber 65 as necessary or desired. Additionally, the flanges 60, 65 can be compensated from the ends 85a, 85b of the rail 35 at any distances, as necessary to optimize the stability and strength of the BARS 10 when fastened to a firearm F. Similarly, when the BARS 10 is attached to the firearm F, the flanges of the two fastening sections 55a, 55b may be in alignment or may be compensated. According to another aspect of the present invention shown in Figures 7 to 11, each of the cooperating fastening sections 55a, 55b includes only one pair of flanges 30. In this aspect, the pair of flanges 30, can generally be extending a greater distance along the length L of the firearm F, with each flange 60, 65 in the pair of flanges 30 arranged substantially centrally along the length L of the cross rail 35. As shown, each of the flanges 60, 65 is disposed along the length L of the transverse rail 35 in a substantially aligned relationship. However, it will also be understood that various flange dimensions and configurations are contemplated herein.

In this and other aspects, each flange on a pair of flanges 30 is separated by the transverse or lateral rails 35. The cross rail 35 supports the pair of flanges 30 and serves as an accessory mounting element. The rail 35, therefore, can include at least one mounting groove 40 along an outward facing side surface 85 or portion thereof to join in a manner that various types of firearm accessories can be removed ( not shown) to the firearm F. In one aspect, the rail 35 includes a plurality of mounting slots 40a, 40b, ..., 40n. The slots 40a, 40b, ..., 40n, provide a plurality of attachment points for mounting various tactical accessories, such as white light illuminators, e.g., lamps, visible laser vision systems, infrared laser vision systems or other Accessories in different locations and in different configurations. In one aspect, the transverse or lateral rail is a standardized rail, for example, a Picatinney rail (MIL-STD-1913) or an interlaced rail. Using a standardized rail, the BARS of the present invention can be used with numerous firearm accessories adapted to be mounted on said standard rail. However, other types of mounting rails known to those skilled in the art can be used with the present invention and are contemplated herein. When the BARS is mounted on the firearm, the user can attach a firearm accessory to the cross rail on either side of the firearm. This provides a significant advantage over other currently available mounting systems that limit the user's ability to choose what type of accessories can be mounted (based on the mounting standard) and where to mount the accessory. In addition, the system of the present invention provides excellent mounting force, thus allowing the use of zero retention for vision systems. The cross rail 35 also includes an inwardly facing surface 90 that is at least partially seated between the barrel 20 and the extension of the chamber 25 when mounted on a firearm F. The inwardly facing surface 90 may include corners of hook, angled or beveled 95 that can optionally be arched in the correct way to follow the contours of the barrel 20 and the chamber extension 25. However, other shapes, configurations, dimensions and contours of rail 35 are also contemplated herein. Accordingly, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that, in view of the detailed description of the present invention above, the present invention is susceptible of utility and broad application. Many adaptations of the present invention and others other than those described herein, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent configurations will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing detailed description thereof, without move away from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Although the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to the specific aspects, it should be understood that this detailed description is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made solely for the purpose of providing a complete description and allowing the present invention. The detailed description set forth in the present invention is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent configurations of the present invention, the present invention being limited only by the Claims appended thereto and the equivalents thereof.

Claims (20)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A barrel accessory rail system, characterized in that it comprises: a series of cooperating fastening sections, each comprising at least one pair of flanges spaced by a transverse rail, said flanges adapted to be coupled to a barrel of a firearm. fire; and a fastener for securing said pair of opposite clamping sections in clamping engagement with said barrel.

2. The barrel accessory rail system according to claim 1, further characterized in that said flanges have a contact surface with the arched firearm.

3. The barrel accessory rail system according to claim 1, further characterized in that said transverse rail is a Picatinney rail.

4. The barrel accessory rail system according to claim 1, further characterized in that said transverse rail is adapted to receive said fastener.

5.- The system of accessory rail of barrel in accordance with the Claim 1, further characterized in that each of said cooperating fastening sections comprises only one pair of flanges.

6. - The barrel accessory rail system according to claim 5, further characterized in that each of said flanges is arranged substantially centrally along the length of said transverse rail.

7.- The system of accessory rail of barrel in accordance with the Claim 5, further characterized in that each of said flanges is disposed along the length of said transverse rail in a substantially aligned relationship with each other.

8. The barrel accessory rail system according to claim 1, further characterized in that each of said cooperating holding sections comprises pairs of spaced flanges.

9. The barrel accessory rail system according to claim 8, further characterized in that said pairs of flanges are placed at the opposite ends of said transverse rail.

10.- The system of accessory rail of barrel in accordance with the Claim 8, further characterized in that each pair of flanges is disposed along the length of said transverse rail in a substantially aligned relationship.

11. A barrel accessory rail system, characterized in that it comprises: a series of opposed clamping sections, each including: a laterally extending accessory mounting element having a plurality of mounting slots along a surface side of it; a barrel flange extending from said lateral mounting element, said barrel flange sized to couple a barrel to a firearm; and a camera extension flange extending from said lateral mounting element, said extension flange of the chamber sized to couple a firearm camera extension; and a fastener for securing said pair of opposite clamping sections in clamping engagement with said barrel and said chamber extension.

12. The barrel accessory rail system according to claim 11, further characterized in that said barrel flange has a contact surface with the arcuate barrel and said chamber extension flange has a contact surface with the extension of the barrel. arched camera.

13. The barrel accessory rail system according to claim 11, further characterized in that said accessory mounting element that is laterally ex- hausted is a Picatinney rail.

14.- The system of accessory rail of barrel in accordance with the Claim 11, further characterized in that said barrel flange and said chamber extension flange are disposed substantially centrally along the length of said lateral accessory mounting element.

15.- The system of accessory rail of barrel in accordance with the Claim 11, further characterized in that said barrel flange and said chamber extension flange are aligned substantially along the length of said side by the extending accessory mounting element.

16. A barrel accessory rail system for a firearm, characterized in that said barrel accessory rail system comprises a pair of opposed body sections coupled in a form that can be released by a fastener, each body section including by at least one pair of substantially aligned flanges having a contact surface with the arched firearm, and an accessory mounting element disposed between said flanges, said accessory mounting element having a plurality of mounting slots along a surface side of it to join in a way that you can release a firearm accessory to it.

17.- The barrel accessory rail system in accordance with the Claim 16, further characterized in that each of said opposed body sections comprises a pair of flanges arranged substantially centrally along the length of said accessory mounting element.

18.- The system of accessory rail of barrel in accordance with the Claim 16, further characterized in that each of said opposing body sections comprises two pairs of flanges disposed substantially at opposite ends of said accessory mounting element.

19. - The barrel accessory rail system according to claim 16, further characterized in that a first flange of said at least one pair of substantially aligned flanges is a contact flange with the barrel and a second flange of said at least one pair of substantially aligned flanges is a contact flange with the extension of the chamber.

20. The barrel accessory rail system according to claim 16, further characterized in that said accessory mounting element is a Picatinney rail.