US20180164078A1

US20180164078A1 - Snap-on clamp

Info

Publication number: US20180164078A1
Application number: US15/657,570
Authority: US
Inventors: Jack Hancosky
Original assignee: Precision Accuracy Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2016-12-14
Filing date: 2017-07-24
Publication date: 2018-06-14

Abstract

A snap-on clamp adapted to be removably connected to a part, the clamp including a U-shaped housing encompassing a space, the housing including a peak at a first end, a pair of side walls, each side wall extending from the peak and terminating at an edge, the pair of side walls cooperatively form two edges which define a mouth disposed at a second end opposingly disposed from the first end, the pair of side walls configured to be resiliently securable to the part. The two edges includes engaging surfaces urged towards one another and are configured to be removably coupled to the part when the clamp is urged with the mouth towards the part; and further comprising at least one protrusion disposed on at least one of the engaging surfaces, the at least one protrusion is configured to be lodged in a slot of the part.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Continuation-In-Part application claims the benefit of priority from non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 15/378,417 filed on Dec. 14, 2016. Said application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a clamp for securing an equipment to a surface. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a camp for securing a scope, beam emitter, and the like to a projectile device and a tool to a wall, and the like.

2. Background Art

Numerous locking mechanisms have been made available to adaptors for securing various equipment to projectile devices, e.g., rifles, shotguns, pistols, etc. Many adaptors have been designed to require several additional interfacing hardware on projectile devices and equipment to be mounted to the projectile device to allow the adaptors to function as connectors connecting the equipment to the projectile devices. In addition to adding weight and part count to the projectile device, such configurations add additional costs, effort and time in attaching equipment and snagging potential to projectile devices. The interfaces or adaptors are also highly customized, often rendering one type of interface not useful for another make or model. This requires numerous models to be stocked by providers and users to enable mounting of various equipment on projectile devices. Further, no solitary snap-on clamps are available to be secured to objects with tapering cylindrical shapes to form secure connections of the clamps to the objects.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,247 to Haering (hereinafter Haering) discloses a clamping system for mounting accessory devices onto a rail type mount such as a Picatinny rail that is characterized in that the clamping system comprises at least one body which is passed through by a cross bolt or a cross screw and wherein the cross bolt or cross screw have a stop bar which engages in a cross slot when mounted to the rail of the rail type mount. In contrast to the present adaptor, Haering's clamping system requires many parts and that its clamp be first meticulously aligned with a Picatinny rail before it can be secured to the rail using, among other parts, a locking lever, a safety catch, a cross bolt, a cross screw and an adjustment screw.
There arises a need for a light-weight universally suitable clamp for securing an equipment to a projectile device that can be mounted or removed without requiring tools or at least a clamp for securing an equipment to a projectile device that can be mounted or removed with minimal amount of tools, effort and time. The ease with which a tool can be used is especially critical with field applications, e.g., in combat situations where tools may not be readily accessible or the users may not have the time and safe locations to perform installation or removal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a snap-on clamp adapted to be removably connected to a part selected from the group consisting of a scope, a Picatinny rail, a Weaver rail, a projectile device and a mixed-slot rail, the clamp including a U-shaped housing encompassing a space, the housing including a length, a height, a longitudinal axis disposed along the length, a peak at a first end along the height of the housing, a pair of side walls, each side wall extending from the peak and terminating at an edge, the pair of side walls cooperatively form two edges which define a mouth disposed at a second end that is opposingly disposed from the first end along the height of the housing, the pair of side walls configured to be resiliently securable to the part, wherein the two edges comprise engaging surfaces urged towards one another, the two edges are configured to be removably coupled to the part when the clamp is urged with the mouth towards the part.
In one embodiment, the clamp further includes at least one protrusion disposed on at least one of the engaging surfaces, the at least one protrusion is configured to be lodged in a slot of the part when the clamp is connected to the part.
In one embodiment, each of the side walls further includes at least one embedded leaf spring having a resilient engaging surface with respect to the housing, the embedded leaf springs of the pair of side walls cooperatively engage the part to which the clamp is coupled.
In one embodiment, each of the side walls includes more than one segment.
In one embodiment, the mixed-slot rail includes at least one keyed slot.
In one embodiment, the mixed-slot rail includes at least one threaded aperture.
In one embodiment, the clamp further includes a beam emitter.
In one embodiment, the beam emitter further includes a ball and socket mechanism configured to be removably coupled to the U-shaped housing, a beam emitting device attached to the ball and socket mechanism, wherein the direction of a beam from the beam emitting device is adjustable.
In one embodiment, the clamp further includes a visual indicator.
In one embodiment, the clamp further includes at least one ferromagnetic material configured to be coupled to a complementary ferromagnetic material of the part to further removably secure the clamp to the part.
In one embodiment, each of the side walls further includes at least one keyed slot adapted to receive a key that is disposed through a keyed slot in the mixed-slot rail to prevent the housing from moving in the longitudinal direction.
In one embodiment, the clamp further includes a first extension disposed on a first end along the length of the housing, wherein the first extension is adapted as a grasp point to facilitate removal of the clamp from the part.
In one embodiment, the clamp further includes a second extension disposed on a second end along the length of the housing, wherein the second extension is adapted as a contact point of the clamp with respect to the part in order to facilitate removal of the clamp from the part when the clamp is lifted away from the part at the first extension.
An object of the present invention is to provide a snap-on clamp for securing an equipment to a projectile device.
An object of the present invention is to provide a snap-on clamp for securing a second equipment to a first equipment of a projectile device.
An object of the present invention is to provide a snap-on clamp for securing an equipment to a projectile device where the clamp can be removed or deployed by hand and without a tool.
An object of the present invention is to provide a snap-on clamp for securing an equipment to a projectile device where the clamp can be removably attached to or removed from a cylindrical-shaped equipment or Picatinny or Weaver rail or a mixed-slot rail by hand and without a tool.
An object of the present invention is to provide a snap-on clamp that can be adapted to various equipment or rail.
Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarily meet each objective. Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additional features of the present invention that will be described herein and will form a part of the subject matter of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of adaptors and scopes depicting the use of two adaptors for securing one scope to another and one scope is being secured with an adaptor and the manner in which the two adaptors are connected together.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of adaptors and scopes depicting the use of two adaptors for securing one scope to another and both scopes have been secured each by an adaptor.

FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of adaptors and scopes depicting the use of four adaptors for securing one scope to another at two longitudinal locations along each of the two scopes.

FIG. 3 is a front view of two adaptors depicting a configuration in which two adaptors are connected together and the mouth of each adaptor is further secured with a fastener.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an adaptor depicting an adaptor in which the mouth of the adaptor is further secured with a fastener.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an adaptor depicting an adaptor that has been secured to a scope in which the mouth of the adaptor is further secured with a fastener.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an adaptor depicting an adaptor configured to be secured to a Picatinny or Weaver rail.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an adaptor depicting an adaptor having been secured to a Picatinny or Weaver rail.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an adaptor depicting an adaptor configured to be securable to scopes of various outer diameters and a Picatinny or Weaver rail.

FIG. 9 is a front view of adaptors depicting a configuration in which two adaptors are connected together and one adaptor is configured to be removably secured to a scope and the other to a Picatinny or Weaver rail.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an adaptor and a cross-sectional view of a beam emitter attached to the adaptor.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a beam emitter.

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a beam emitter.

FIG. 13 is a front view of an adaptor and a cross-sectional view of a beam emitter attached to the adaptor secured to a scope.

FIG. 14 is a front view of an adaptor and a cross-sectional view of a beam emitter attached to the adaptor secured to a scope of another diameter.

FIG. 15 is a front view of an adaptor and a cross-sectional view of a beam emitter attached to the adaptor secured to a Picatinny or Weaver rail.

FIG. 16 is a front view of various adaptors used for securing a scope to a Picatinny or Weaver rail.

FIG. 17 is a front view of an adaptor used for securing a beam emitter to a Picatinny or Weaver rail.

FIG. 18 is a front view of an adaptor used for securing a beam emitter to the forestock of a projectile device.

FIG. 19 is a front view of an adaptor used for securing a beam emitter to the forestock of a projectile device.

FIG. 20 is a front view of an adaptor used for securing a beam emitter to the barrel of a projectile device.

FIG. 21 is a front view of one embodiment of an adaptor at rest.

FIG. 22 is a front view of one embodiment of an adaptor with its prongs pulled apart.

FIG. 23 is a front view of an adaptor and a cross-sectional view of an indicating device attached to the adaptor.

FIG. 24 is a top side perspective view of one embodiment of a snap-on clamp configured to be attached to a part.

FIG. 25 is a front view of one embodiment of a snap-on clamp showing the profile of surfaces configured to mate with the sides of a Picatinny, Weaver or otherwise a rail having engagement edges similar to those of a Picatinny or Weaver rail.

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of a mixed-slot rail.

FIG. 27 is a side view of a mixed-slot rail depicting slots including those of trapezoidal shape.

FIG. 28 is a top side perspective view of one embodiment of a snap-on clamp configured to be attached to the sides of a Picatinny, Weaver or otherwise a rail having engagement edges similar to those of a Picatinny or Weaver rail.

FIG. 29 is a top side perspective view of a multi-segmented snap-on clamp and a structure having an outer cylindrical shape to which the snap-on clamp is configured to be attached.

FIG. 30 is a top side perspective view of a multi-segmented snap-on clamp removably attached to the structure of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of a multi-segmented snap-on clamp attached to the structure of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is a bottom view of a single segment snap-on clamp attached to the structure of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is a top side perspective view of another embodiment of a snap-on clamp in which protrusions integrally built with the engaging surfaces on the clamp are configured to mate with the slots in a rail to prevent longitudinal movement of the clamp with respect to the object to which the clamp is attached.

FIG. 34 is a top side perspective view of the snap-on clamp of FIG. 33 configured to be mounted on a rail.

FIG. 35 is a front view of the snap-on clamp of FIG. 33 with the protrusions integrally built with the engaging surfaces on the clamp mated with the slots in the rail.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the snap-on clamp of FIG. 33 mounted on an object.

FIG. 37 is a side view of the snap-on clamp similar to the one shown in FIG. 36 but it additionally includes an extension disposed on one longitudinal end of the clamp.

FIG. 38 is a side view of the snap-on clamp similar to the one shown in FIG. 36 but it additionally includes two extensions, each on one longitudinal end of the clamp.

FIG. 39 is a side view of the snap-on clamp similar to the one shown in FIG. 36 but it additionally includes an extension disposed on one longitudinal end of the clamp.

FIG. 40 is a side view of the snap-on clamp similar to the one shown in FIG. 39, depicting the manner in which the clamp is removed from the object to which it is attached.

FIG. 41 is a top side perspective view of one embodiment of a clamp configured with an integral rail at its peak.

FIG. 42 is a front cross-sectional view of a clamp with resilient walls integrally formed with its side walls.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp configured to hold two cylindrically-shaped objects adjacent to one another.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 43, depicting the manner in which the clamp adjusts to accommodate two cylindrically-shaped objects.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 43, depicting the clamp having been adapted to two cylindrically-shaped objects.

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 43, depicting the manner in which the openings of the clamp are adjusted.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a clamp.

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a clamp.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a clamp.

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a clamp adapted to an object.

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a clamp adapted to an object.

PARTS LIST

2—adaptor
4—scope, telescope or cylindrically-shaped equipment
6—Picatinny or Weaver rail
8—housing
10—edge
12—inner engaging surface
14—threaded aperture
16—aperture
18—profile configured for cylinder
20—profile configured for cylinder
22—profile configured for Picatinny or Weaver rail
24—beam emitter
26—ball and socket mechanism
28—central axis
30—angle of adjustment
32—forestock
34—bridge
36—mouth
38—clamp
40—screw
42—nut
44—gap
46—barrel of projectile device
48—prong
50—slide base
52—projection plane
54—visual indicator
56—slide
58—locking pin
60—slot with canted sides
62—slot with vertical sides
64—protrusion
66—structure with cylindrical outer shape and tapering longitudinal end
68—gap
70—structure with cylindrical outer shape
72—equipment
74—ferromagnetic material
76—resilient wall
78—peak
80—edge
82—longitudinal direction of rail
84—through aperture
86—side wall
88—object to which a clamp is attached
90—extension
92—extension
94—point of contact

PARTICULAR ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a present adaptor can be secured to or removed from a scope, a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical-shaped part or a Picatinny or Weaver rail without tools or with minimal amount of tools. In one embodiment, the position of the adaptor along the rail is easily adjusted. When used with a projectile device and as a present adaptor is easy to be removed or mounted, this encourages a user to remove an equipment to which the adaptor is attached when the equipment is not in use, removing the potential harmful effects of recoil if shots are taken. Without unnecessary equipment, the weight of the projectile device is also reduced. In one embodiment, a present adaptor includes more than one pair of engaging surfaces where each pair is configured for removable attachment to a structure type and/or dimension, thereby reducing the need for a dedicated adaptor for each part to which the adaptor is attached. A present adaptor can be mounted quickly to a barrel as the adaptor is mounted with its exposed mouth pushed against the barrel. In contrast, a ring-like conventional adaptor is required to be dismantled as it is made up of two similar parts secured at two ends via fasteners before it can be mounted to a barrel as the barrel comes equipped with an iron sight which presents itself as a barrier to an attempt to simply slide the ring-like conventional adaptor along the barrel. In practices where an equipment is preferably removed from a projectile device that has been sighted in or otherwise properly aimed, the present snap-on clamp allows such practices to be carried out without any negative impacts. In one embodiment, the present snap-on clamp further includes extensions that facilitate both removal and seating of the clamp with respect to the object it is adapted to be attached to.
In one embodiment, there is further provided a snap-on clamp having engaging surfaces including one or more protrusions adapted to secure the clamp on a part to prevent relative movement of the clamp with respect to the part in the longitudinal direction.
In one embodiment, there is further provided a snap-on clamp having multi-segmented side walls to allow the side walls to adapt to and be more securely attached to a tapered part.
In one embodiment, there is further provided a snap-on clamp having engaging surfaces which can be attached to a rail or a substantially cylindrically shaped part.
In one embodiment, there is further provided a snap-on clamp having an additional means of removable attachment that further secures an attachment already afforded by snap-on engaging surfaces.
In one embodiment, there is further provided a snap-on clamp having a grasp point which facilitates seating or removal a clamp on an object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of adaptors and scopes depicting the use of two adaptors 2 for securing one scope 4 to another and one scope is being secured with an adaptor 2 and the manner in which the two adaptors 2 are connected together. FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of adaptors and scopes depicting the use of two adaptors 2 for securing one scope 4 to another and both scopes 4 have been secured each by an adaptor 2. Each adaptor 2 includes a U-shaped housing 8 having a mouth 36 defined by two edges 10 at a first end of the housing 8, a second end disposed at an opposing end from the first end of the housing 8, an inner engaging surface 12 extending from each of the two edges 10 towards the second end within a space defined by an opening of the U-shaped housing 8. Each housing 8 provides a handhold for a user as the inner engaging surfaces 12 are disposed within the space within the housing 8 and come in direct contact with an equipment or part the adaptor 2 is attached to. In using each adaptor 2, an equipment or part to be secured to the adaptor is first aligned with the inner engaging surfaces 12 such that the exterior engaging surfaces of the equipment roughly align with the inner engaging surfaces 12. The equipment is then pushed against the adaptor 2 at the mouth 36 of adaptor 2. As each of the inner engaging surfaces 12 is resilient with respect to the housing 8, the pair of inner engaging surfaces “opens” up when they are forced against the equipment being inserted before being seated closing in to “hug” the equipment at their exterior surfaces as the shape of the exterior surfaces approximates that of the inner engaging surfaces 12. The mouth 36 is configured to be tapered to facilitate engagement of the mouth 36 and the equipment. The tapered mouth 36 aids in centering and guiding the equipment at its curved surfaces 12 where the equipment is eventually seated within the curved surfaces 12. The equipment can be a scope, beam emitter or any equipment having exterior surfaces constructed in a cylindrical shape. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two adaptors are simply connected together by using a fastener pair, e.g., screw and nut through a hole disposed on the second end of each adaptor 2. Other means of connecting the housing are possible. In one embodiment, connecting parts, e.g., snaps, slides, locks are integrally built with each housing at the second end. It can therefore be seen that if the bottom equipment 4 has already been secured to a projectile device, the top equipment 4 can be simply secured to the projectile device by being secured to the bottom equipment 4 using a pair of adaptors 2 connected at their respective second end.
In one embodiment, the inner engaging surfaces 12 include a diameter of from about 25 mm to about 30 mm. Most common scopes having an outer diameter of 26 mm and 25.4 mm can be used with inner engaging surfaces 12 of a diameter of closer to 25 mm while scopes having a larger outside diameter of 30 mm can be properly secured with inner engaging surfaces of 30 mm in diameter.
In one embodiment, the housing and the pair of engaging surfaces of an adaptor is constructed from metal. Blanks may be stamped from a metal sheet followed by various steps which bend and impact the blanks to form the final shape of the adaptors. Adaptors may also be extruded or molded from a plastic or another resilient material which when formed, allow relative yielding of the inner engaging surfaces with respect to the housing.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the embodiment shown, an additional securing mechanism is provided. In cases where a mounted adaptor is expected to be affected by violent recoils, it is imperative to further secure a seated equipment. In one embodiment, a seated equipment is further secured in an adaptor by tightening the mouth of the adaptor about the seated equipment. In one embodiment, a threaded aperture 14 is provided near each edge 10 of the housing 8 and an aperture 16 is provided on each portion of a mouth 36 at the first end to allow the penetration of a fastener. In use, upon seating an equipment in an adaptor, the mouth is secured and tightened by running a fastener, e.g., through a threaded aperture 14 near a first edge 10 of the housing 8, an aperture 16 of the portion of the mouth 36 associated with the first edge, an aperture 16 of the portion of the mouth 36 associated with a second edge 10 and finally a threaded aperture 14 near a second edge 10. In one embodiment, the threaded aperture 14 near the second edge 10 is further bolstered by incorporating a nut or a lengthened threaded portion. Other means for securing the mouth 36 are possible, e.g., via straps and snaps (e.g., a snap portion disposed on a strap secured near one edge of housing on the housing and a complementary snap portion disposed on the housing near the opposing edge of the housing), straps and hook and loop pieces, and the like.
FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of adaptors and scopes depicting the use of four adaptors 2 for securing one scope 4 to another at two longitudinal locations along each of the two scopes 4. In this configuration, in addition to the increased rigidity in the spatial relationship between the two scopes due to the additional support afforded by the second pair of adaptors, the parallel relationship between the scopes can be ascertained.
FIG. 3 is a front view of two adaptors depicting a configuration in which two adaptors are connected together and the mouth of each adaptor is further secured with a fastener. In this embodiment, the rigidity of the resulting unit of the combined adaptors is further increased by adding a wedge 38 to the second end of each housing. Also shown are screw 40 and nut 42 pairs used for tightening the mouths of the adaptors.
FIG. 4 is a front view of an adaptor depicting an adaptor in which the mouth of the adaptor is further secured with a fastener.
FIG. 5 is a front view of an adaptor depicting an adaptor that has been secured to a scope in which the mouth of the adaptor is further secured with a fastener. It shall be noted that the adjustments afforded the present adaptor comes in the form of gaps 44 between the inner engaging surfaces 12 and the housing 8. Although the size of the mouth of an adaptor may change after an equipment has been seated in an adaptor, the change is largely felt in the gaps 44. As such, the housing 8 is an excellent handhold for the adaptor.
FIG. 6 is a front view of an adaptor depicting an adaptor configured to be secured to a Picatinny or Weaver rail 6. FIG. 7 is a front view of an adaptor depicting an adaptor having been secured to a Picatinny or Weaver rail 6. In this embodiment, the pair of engaging surfaces 12 is configured in a profile 22 suitable for securing the adaptor 2 to the rail 6, e.g., a pair of brackets adapted to the longitudinal cross-sectional profile of Picatinny or Weaver. Again, it shall be understood that the mouth 36 aids in guiding and centering the space within the housing against the rail when the adaptor 2 is pushed against the rail 6.
FIG. 8 is a front view of an adaptor depicting an adaptor configured to be securable to scopes of various outer diameters and a Picatinny or Weaver rail. In this embodiment, the inner engaging surfaces of adaptor 2 includes three profiles 18, 20, 22. Surfaces of profile 18 are suitable for engagement with a first diameter. Surfaces of profile 20 are suitable for engagement with a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. Surfaces of profile 22 are suitable for engagement with a Picatinny or Weaver rail.
FIG. 9 is a front view of two adaptors depicting a configuration in which two adaptors are connected together and one adaptor is configured to be removably secured to a scope and the other to a Picatinny or Weaver rail. It can be seen that as the profiles suitable to be secured to both a rail and a cylinder are available, there is no need for a user to stock adaptors of a specific equipment. No customized adaptors are necessary. Further, no “converters,” or adaptors used for converting one securing interface to another is necessary.
FIG. 10 is a front view of an adaptor and a cross-sectional view of a beam emitter 24 attached to the adaptor. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a beam emitter. FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a beam emitter. Beam emitters are used in applications where beams, e.g., laser, are necessary to be projected to a target. An example application includes the zeroing of a projectile device. Prior beam emitters are either fixedly or removably secured to projectile devices and are not adjustable in their pointing direction. In the embodiment shown, the beam emitter further includes a ball and socket mechanism 26 configured to be removably coupled to the U-shaped housing 8, a beam emitting device 24 attached to the ball and socket mechanism 26, wherein the direction of a beam from the beam emitting device 24 is adjustable, e.g., as shown in the angle 30 made between the central axis 28 (or direction in which a beam is emitted) shown in FIG. 11 and the central axis 28 shown in FIG. 12. The ball and socket mechanism 26 is essentially a frame having a ball-shaped cavity adapted to hold a ball shaped sphere. The ball-shaped sphere includes a hole through which the cylindrically shaped beam emitting device 24 is inserted. Although the angle of adjustment is only limited by the outer dimensions of the beam emitting device 24 with respect to a frame of the ball and socket mechanism, the required adjustment is much more confined to only several degrees about the central axis 28 as shown in FIG. 11. In one embodiment, the beam emitting device is configured to emit a single beam. In another embodiment, the beam emitter is configured to emit more than one beam.
FIG. 13 is a front view of an adaptor and a cross-sectional view of a beam emitter attached to the adaptor secured to a scope. FIG. 14 is a front view of an adaptor and a cross-sectional view of a beam emitter attached to the adaptor secured to a scope of another diameter. Referring to FIGS. 8, 13 and 14, the beam emitter-equipped adaptor is secured to a scope having an outer diameter commensurate with profile 20 as shown in FIG. 13 and profile 18 as shown in FIG. 14. Threaded apertures and apertures as described in connection with FIG. 1 and as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 are advantageously positioned on the housing 8 such that fasteners may be used without interfering with the seated scopes 4.
FIG. 15 is a front view of an adaptor and a cross-sectional view of a beam emitter attached to the adaptor secured to a Picatinny or Weaver rail 6. It shall be noted that if desired, the adaptor 2 can be further secured to the rail by tightening the mouth of the adaptor and disposed the fastener within a groove of the rail 6.
FIG. 16 is a front view of various adaptors used for securing a scope to a Picatinny or Weaver rail. First, a scope 4 is secured to a Picatinny or Weaver rail 6 via a pair of adaptors joined at their respective second ends. A beam emitter-equipped adaptor as shown in FIG. 10 is then secured to the scope 4. As shown herein, various equipment may be mounted to rail 6 using a plurality of identical adaptors.
FIG. 17 is a front view of an adaptor used for securing a beam emitter to a Picatinny or Weaver rail 6. It shall be noted that the rail 6 is mounted to the bottom of a forestock 32 of a projectile device and the beam emitter-equipped adaptor is secured to the rail 6. FIG. 18 is a front view of an adaptor used for securing a beam emitter to the forestock 32 of a projectile device. It shall be noted that the beam emitter-equipped adaptor is secured directly to a forestock 32 of a projectile device.
FIG. 19 is a front view of an adaptor used for securing a beam emitter to the forestock of a projectile device. It shall be noted that the beam emitter-equipped adaptor is secured directly to yet another forestock 32 of yet another projectile device. Notice the different cross-sectional shape of this forestock from the forestock shown in FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 is a front view of an adaptor used for securing a beam emitter to the barrel 46 of a projectile device. It shall be noted that the beam emitter-equipped adaptor is secured directly to a barrel 46 of a projectile device.
FIG. 21 is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an adaptor at rest. FIG. 22 is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an adaptor with its prongs 48 pulled apart to demonstrate the manner in which the adaptor adjusts if pushed against an equipment at its mouth. The adaptor includes a U-shaped plate including two prongs 48 forming a mouth 36 at a first end of the plate and a resilient bridge 34 connecting the two prongs 48 at a second end of the plate. The resilient bridge 34 is configured to allow positional adjustment of the two prongs 48. Each prong 48 includes an inner engaging surface having at least one profile such that when coupled together, the inner engaging surfaces form a pair of engaging surfaces to secure the adaptor to an equipment. Again an aperture 16 may be disposed on the second end to enable the use of a fastener through such aperture.
FIG. 23 is a front view of an adaptor and a cross-sectional view of an indicating device attached to the adaptor. Coupled with a projectile device, an indicating device can be used for superposing a distant target, marking or object. In the embodiment shown, the indicating device essentially includes a projection plane 52 upon which a visual indicator 54 is projected. The position of the visual indicator 54 relative to a projectile device to which the indicating device is mounted or relative to another equipment, e.g., a scope, can be adjusted via adjustment in the position of the visual indicator 54 on the projection plane 52 and a height-adjusting mechanism, e.g., a slide 56. The slide 56 is moveable with respect to a base 50 mounted to the adaptor 8 by a fastener.
FIG. 24 is a top side perspective view of one embodiment of a snap-on clamp 38 configured to be attached to a part. It shall be noted that an aperture 14 is provided on each side wall. FIG. 25 is a front view of one embodiment of a snap-on clamp showing the profile of surfaces configured to mate with the sides of a Picatinny, Weaver or otherwise a rail having engagement edges similar to those of a Picatinny or Weaver rail. The snap-on clamp is adapted to be removably connected to a part, e.g., a scope, a Picatinny rail, a Weaver rail, a projectile device and a mixed-slot rail. The clamp includes essentially a U-shaped housing encompassing a space, the housing including a length, a height, a longitudinal axis disposed along the length, a peak 78 at a first end along the height of the housing, a pair of side walls 86, each side wall extending from the peak and terminating at an edge 80. The pair of side walls cooperatively form two edges 80 which define a mouth disposed at a second end that is opposingly disposed from the first end along the height of the housing. The pair of side walls is configured to be resiliently securable to the part, wherein the two edges include engaging surfaces 22 urged towards one another. The two edges 80 are configured to be removably coupled to the part when the clamp is urged with the mouth towards the part.
FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of a mixed-slot rail 6. FIG. 27 is a side view of a mixed-slot rail 6 depicting slots including those of trapezoidal shape. FIG. 28 is a top side perspective view of one embodiment of a snap-on clamp configured to be attached to the sides of a Picatinny, Weaver or otherwise a rail having engagement edges similar to those of a Picatinny or Weaver rail. It shall be noted that the mixed-slot rail includes not only slots having sides that are perpendicular to the bottom of the respective slots 62, but also those having sides that are canted with respect to the bottom of the slots 60. Conventional rails, e.g., Picatinny and Weaver rails include only slots 62. Slots 60 are keyed slots as only a locking pin with a specific cross-sectional profile can be used with these slots. As viewed from the side of the rail 6, slots 60 are trapezoidally-shaped. In use, a locking pin 58 that is similarly shaped to a slot 60 is seated to prevent the clamp 38 from being displaced in the longitudinal direction 82, e.g., due to recoil of a firearm upon which the clamp 38 is attached. In another embodiment, the locking pin 58 includes another cross-sectional shape, e.g., circular, rectangular, etc. However, for secure attachment, a locking pin with trapezoidal shape is preferable as such shape secures the clamp 38 not only in the longitudinal direction 82 but also in the direction perpendicular to it. In one embodiment and referring to FIG. 28, an aperture 16 is provided as a means for attaching an equipment, e.g., a sight alignment indicator, target superposition device, etc., to the clamp 38. Referring back to FIG. 27, in addition to a through aperture 84 which enables the use a fastener for securing the rail to another equipment or substrate, there is further provided a threaded aperture 14 for receiving a fastener, e.g., screw such that another equipment may be secured directly to it instead of the substrate to which the rail 6 is attached. Equipment disclosed elsewhere herein as suitable to be mounted on adaptors may also be used with snap-on clamps.
In some cases, one or more clamps may be required to be attached to a tapered cylinder, i.e., the diameter of the cylinder decreases from one end to another. The application of a suitable clamp on the outer surface of such an object is especially important if the clamp is long compared to the taper angle of the cylinder. Applicant discovered that by segmenting a clamp, i.e., by providing a break in a long side wall, suitable clamping pressure can be obtained of such a clamp on a tapered cylinder 66. FIG. 29 is a top side perspective view of a multi-segmented snap-on clamp and a structure having an outer cylindrical shape to which the snap-on clamp is configured to be attached. FIG. 30 is a top side perspective view of a multi-segmented snap-on clamp removably attached to the structure of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a bottom view of a multi-segmented snap-on clamp attached to the structure of FIG. 29. FIG. 32 is a bottom view of a single segment snap-on clamp attached to the structure of FIG. 29. It shall be noted that the side walls generally fit snugly around the tapered cylinder both at the first set of side walls and the second set of side walls. In contrast, if there lacks a break in the set of side walls as shown in FIG. 32, the side walls will leave gaps 68 at one longitudinal end of the clamp, i.e., the end with diminishing diameter.
FIG. 33 is a top side perspective view of another embodiment of a snap-on clamp in which protrusions 64 integrally built with the engaging surfaces on the clamp are configured to mate with the slots in a rail to prevent longitudinal movement of the clamp with respect to the object to which the clamp is attached. FIG. 34 is a top side perspective view of the snap-on clamp of FIG. 33 configured to be mounted on a rail. FIG. 35 is a front view of the snap-on clamp of FIG. 33 with the protrusions 64 integrally built with the engaging surfaces on the clamp mated with the slots in the rail. In this embodiment, a clamp further includes at least one protrusion 64 integrally built with each engaging surface 22 of the clamp. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 33-35, two protrusions 64 are disposed on each engaging surface 22 for a more secure engagement of the clamp on which the protrusions 64 are disposed with a rail 6 to which the clamp is attached. In one embodiment, a protrusion 64 is configured in a semi-spherical shape capable to be lodged in a slot of a rail. These protrusions 64 eliminate the need for a locking pin to prevent the displacement of a clamp in the longitudinal direction with respect to a rail to which the clamp is attached.
FIG. 36 is a side view of the snap-on clamp of FIG. 33 mounted on an object 88, e.g., a cylindrically-shaped object. FIG. 37 is a side view of the snap-on clamp similar to the one shown in FIG. 36 but it additionally includes an extension 90 disposed on one longitudinal end of the clamp 38. In this embodiment, the extension 90 is terminated with a loop suitable for receiving a finger of a user. Applicant discovered that extension 90 serves as a grasp point to dislodge one longitudinal end of clamp 38 from object 88 and that dislodgement of a single end greatly facilitates the eventual and completely disengagement of the clamp 38 from object 88. FIG. 38 is a side view of the snap-on clamp similar to the one shown in FIG. 36 but it additionally includes two extensions 90, 92, each on one longitudinal end of the clamp 38. In some clamp-object combinations, extension 92 further facilitates dislodgement of the clamp by displacing the contact point of the second longitudinal end of clamp 38 with object 88. FIG. 39 is a side view of the snap-on clamp similar to the one shown in FIG. 36 but it additionally includes an extension disposed on one longitudinal end of the clamp. Although not configured as a loop, extension 90 is also suitable as a finger hold. FIG. 40 is a side view of the snap-on clamp similar to the one shown in FIG. 39, depicting the manner in which the clamp 38 is removed from the object to which it is attached. It shall be noted that, as a force is applied at extension 90, the longitudinal end from which extension 90 extends, is disengaged from object 88 first while the second longitudinal end of the clamp 38 maintains contact with object 88 at contact point 94. If a lifting force continues to be applied, the clamp 38 will disengage completely from object 88. These same extensions may also be used as grasp points for seating the clamp 38 onto object 88.
FIG. 41 is a top side perspective view of one embodiment of a clamp 38 configured with an integral rail 6 at its peak. In this embodiment, the clamp 38 serves as an extension to the rail to which the clamp 38 is attached to.
FIG. 42 is a front cross-sectional view of a clamp with resilient walls or leaf springs integrally formed or embedded with its side walls. Each side wall includes at least one portion 76 that extends from the other portions of the wall and the at least one portion 76 is resiliently configured with respect to other portions of the wall. The at least one portion 76 extends into the space encompassed by the side walls. When the clamp is mounted to an object within this space, the at least one portion 76 aids in applying pressure to the object, thereby ensuring that the object is properly secured at at least one surface on each side wall.
Each of FIGS. 43-49 shows a clamp having one or two mouths. Each set of side walls forming a mouth is essentially a semi-circular structure. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp configured to hold two cylindrically-shaped objects substantially adjacent to one another. The extent of each set of side walls must be configured such that Length L1 is greater than the radius R of each set of side walls where L2 indicates the diameter of the circumference which the side walls lie. FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 43, depicting the manner in which the clamp adjusts to accommodate two cylindrically-shaped objects. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 43, depicting the clamp having been adapted to two cylindrically-shaped objects. Note that while getting seated, a structure 70 forces each mouth to extend outwardly and when the structure 70 is properly seated, the side walls resiliently conform to the outer shape of the structure 70 to secure the structure 70. FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 43, depicting the manner in which the openings of the clamp are adjusted. There is provided a bridge between the two sets of side walls which is configured to adjust the size of mouths formed by the sets of side walls. In the embodiment shown, the bridge is essentially a pair of walls with one having a through aperture and the other, a threaded aperture. The size of the mouths is adjusted by means of a fastener, e.g., a screw. A screw is inserted to the through aperture and engaged at the threaded aperture. As the screw is tightened, it compresses the pair of walls forming the bridge, widening the mouths, therefore making their engagement with objects they are attached to looser. As the screw is relaxed, the mouths spring back to their relaxed settings.
FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a clamp. In this embodiment, there is provided only one mouth for attachment of the clamp onto a cylindrically-shaped object and a rail for attachment with an equipment, e.g., a sight alignment indicator.
FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a clamp. In this embodiment, the bridge connecting the sets of side walls does not include a mechanism for adjusting the prominence of the mouths.
FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a clamp. In this embodiment, an equipment 72 is simply equipped with a built-in set of side walls adapted for attachment to a cylindrically-shaped object, eliminating the need for a second pair of side walls to be attached to the equipment 72.
FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a clamp adapted to an object. Note that, in this embodiment, the clamp 38 is adapted to be removably attached to an object that is substantially cylindrical in its cross-section and a Picatinny and Weaver rail or any rail having cross-sectional profile similar to those of a Picatinny or Weaver rail.
FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a clamp adapted to an object. In this embodiment, a ferromagnetic material 74 is embedded in a clamp for further securing the clamp to an object 88 containing ferromagnetic material.
A clamp may be extruded, molded or otherwise formed, e.g., by means of three-dimensional printing from a plastic or another resilient material. The resilience of a clamp allows relative yielding of its side walls that contain engaging surfaces with respect to the object to which the clamp is attached.
The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the present disclosed embodiments may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice aspects of the present invention. Other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The various embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, with the full scope of equivalents to which they may be entitled. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon studying the above description. The scope of the present disclosed embodiments includes any other applications in which embodiments of the above structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of the embodiments should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A snap-on clamp adapted to be removably connected to a part, said clamp comprising a U-shaped housing encompassing a space, said housing comprising a length, a height, a longitudinal axis disposed along the length, a peak at a first end along the height of said housing, a pair of resilient side walls, each resilient side wall extending from the peak and terminating at an edge, said pair of resilient side walls cooperatively form two edges which define a mouth disposed at a second end that is opposingly disposed from said first end along the height of said housing, said two edges comprise engaging surfaces urged towards one another, each of said engaging surfaces comprises a profile shaped according to the longitudinal cross-sectional profile of a rail style selected from the group consisting of Picatinny and Weaver and when said mouth is urged towards the part, said mouth opens before closing to hug the part to secure the part within said engaging surfaces.

2. The snap-on clamp of claim 1, further comprising at least one protrusion disposed on at least one of said engaging surfaces, said at least one protrusion is configured to be lodged in a slot of the part, each said at least one protrusion consisting of a semi-spherical-shaped structure.

3. The snap-on clamp of claim 1, wherein each said resilient side wall further comprises at least one embedded leaf spring extending into said space, said at least one embedded leaf spring having a resilient engaging surface with respect to said housing, said embedded leaf springs of said pair of resilient side walls cooperatively engage the part to which the clamp is coupled.

4. The snap-on clamp of claim 1, wherein each of said resilient side walls comprises more than one segment.

5. The snap-on clamp of claim 1, further comprising a mixed-slot rail having a longitudinal axis, the mixed-slot rail comprises at least one keyed slot having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis and at least one slot having a rectangular cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis.

6. The snap-on clamp of claim 5, wherein the mixed-slot rail comprises at least one threaded aperture.

7. The snap-on clamp of claim 1, further comprising a laser beam emitter.

8. The snap-on clamp of claim 7, said laser beam emitter further comprises a ball and socket mechanism configured to be removably coupled to said U-shaped housing, a beam emitting device attached to said ball and socket mechanism, wherein the direction of a beam from said beam emitting device is adjustable.

9. The snap-on clamp of claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator.

10. The snap-on clamp of claim 1, further comprising at least one ferromagnetic material configured to be coupled to a complementary ferromagnetic material of the part to further removably secure the clamp to the part.

11. The snap-on clamp of claim 1, wherein each of said resilient side walls further comprises at least one keyed slot adapted to receive a key that is disposed through a keyed slot in the mixed-slot rail to prevent said housing from moving in the longitudinal direction.

12. The snap-on clamp of claim 1, further comprising a first extension disposed on a first end along the length of said housing, wherein said first extension is adapted as a grasp point to facilitate removal of said clamp from the part.

13. The snap-on clamp of claim 12, further comprising a second extension disposed on a second end along the length of said housing, wherein said second extension is adapted as a contact point of said clamp with respect to the part in order to facilitate removal of said clamp from the part.

14. A snap-on clamp adapted to be removably connected to a part, said clamp comprising a U-shaped housing encompassing a space, said housing comprising a length, a height, a longitudinal axis disposed along the length, a peak at a first end along the height of said housing, a pair of resilient side walls, each resilient side wall extending from said peak and terminating at an edge, said pair of resilient side walls cooperatively form two edges which define a mouth disposed at a second end that is opposingly disposed from said first end along the height of said housing, said two edges comprise engaging surfaces urged towards one another, each of said engaging surfaces comprises a profile shaped according to the longitudinal cross-sectional profile of a rail style selected from the group consisting of Picatinny and Weaver and when said mouth is urged towards the part, said mouth opens before closing to hug the part to secure the part within said engaging surfaces; and at least one protrusion disposed on at least one of said engaging surfaces, said at least one protrusion is configured to be lodged in a slot of the part, each said at least one protrusion consisting of a semi-spherical-shaped structure.

15. The snap-on clamp of claim 14, wherein each said resilient side wall further comprises at least one embedded leaf spring extending into said space, said at least one embedded leaf spring having a resilient engaging surface with respect to said housing, said embedded leaf springs of said pair of resilient side walls cooperatively engage the part to which the clamp is disposed.

16. The snap-on clamp of claim 14, wherein each of said resilient side walls comprises more than one segment.

17. The snap-on clamp of claim 14, further comprising a mixed-slot rail having a longitudinal axis, the mixed-slot rail comprises at least one keyed slot having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis and at least one slot having a rectangular cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis.

18. The snap-on clamp of claim 14, further comprising at least one ferromagnetic material configured to be coupled to a complementary ferromagnetic material of the part to further removably secure the clamp to the part.

19. The snap-on clamp of claim 14, further comprising a first extension disposed on a first end along the length of said housing, wherein said first extension is adapted as a grasp point.

20. The snap-on clamp of claim 19, further comprising a second extension disposed on a second end along the length of said housing, wherein said second extension is adapted as a contact point of said clamp with respect to the part in order to facilitate removal of said clamp from the part.