WO2013028881A1

WO2013028881A1 - Firearm rail-type mounting assembly for rapid interchangeable positioning of accessories and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2013028881A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/052095
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shawn Johnson; Alex ATALA; Lenoir E. Zaiser
Original assignee: Tap Tap Tactical Inc.
Priority date: 2011-08-24
Filing date: 2012-08-23
Publication date: 2013-02-28

Abstract

An accessory mounting rail assembly for a firearm, the accessory mounting rail comprising a base assembly coupleable with a firearm to surround a portion of a barrel of the firearm and a rail assembly coupled with the base assembly. The rail assembly includes at least one rail section provided about a cylindrical body portion, the at least one rail section being circumferentially rotatable about the base assembly via the cylindrical body portion. The rail assembly further has at least one bearing member providing relative rotational motion between the base assembly and the cylindrical base member, a securing mechanism configured to selectively enable rotational movement of the cylindrical base member, and a barrel nut securing mechanism configured to secure the accessory mounting rail to the barrel nut of the firearm.

Description

FIREARM RAIL-TYPE MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR RAPID INTERCHANGEABLE POSITIONING OF ACCESSORIES AND METHOD OF USE

THEREOF

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.

13/590,664, filed on August 21 , 2012, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/526,872 filed on August 24, 201 1 , U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/585,497 filed on January 1 1 , 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/610,780 filed on March 14, 2012, of which the entirety of each are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[002] Aspects of the present invention relate to an accessory mounting rail assembly for use with AR-15 type and other suitable type firearms, and more particularly to a mounting assembly rail that allows multiple contemporaneous mountings and rapid interchange of accessories through rotation about a rotatable and lockable cylinder arrangement.

Background

[003] It is known in the related art to provide a rail or other bracket for use as a mounting platform for accessories for firearms, such as rifle scopes and telescopic sights, tactical lights, laser aiming modules, night vision devices, reflex sights, foregrips, bipods, and bayonets. One example such rail type platform for mounting about a firearm barrel is often referred to in the related art as a handguard with Picatinny rail type features. The handguard may be located on a firearm about the firearm barrel, and may, for example, replace an existing firearm component, such as a removable grip.

[004] For example, for the AR-15 and similar type model firearms, in the related art, a conventional grip may be removed and replaced with a handguard having Picatinny rail type features to hold a scope or other accessory. The accessory for a conventional handguard typically includes a series of ridges with T- shaped cross-sections interspaced with flat "spacing slots" that allow an accessory to be mounted, typically by sliding the accessory onto one of the T-shaped ridges, via grooves or pairs of L-shaped cross-sectional extensions on the accessory that mateably engage the T-shaped ridges of the handguard. In addition to slidably engaging the T-shaped ridges, the accessory typically is secured to the handguard via one or more Allen screws or similar securing mechanisms. Alternatively to slidably engaging the accessory with the T-shaped ridges, the accessory may be clamped or otherwise engaged with the ridges, such as by use of bolts, thumbscrews, or levers.

[005] One problem with related art accessory mounting systems such as the handguard is that interchange and/or replacement of accessories may not be easily and quickly performed, particularly if such interchange needs to be made frequently, and/or if interchange needs to be made under challenging conditions, such as during combat. For example, with a related art handguard, even when quick-release features are present, to change the accessory currently in use one must first remove the currently mounted accessory, then place a new accessory in the proper position. Further, specialized tools, such as Allan wrenches or other equipment may be needed.

[006] There remains a need in the art for apparatuses and methods for allowing rapid and simple interchangeable positioning of accessories used with firearms that does not require disconnecting and removing accessories.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] Aspects of the present invention provide, among other things, a rotationally variable rail-type mounting assembly that includes one or more rotatable and lockable cylindrical portions that may carry multiple accessory mountings and thereby allow eased interchangeable positioning of accessories.

[008] In one example variation, the mounting assembly is sized for and includes attachment features that allow the assembly to be easily installed in place of a conventional grip or handguard that typically encircles the barrel of a firearm (such hardware may include one or more securing rings that are biased to a securing position, such as via springs or other biasing features). The assembly of this variation may include one or more semi-circular end pieces that interconnect one or more semi-circular cylindrical base plate sections to form a base assembly, which may have, for example, vent openings to allow escape of heat emitted from an encompassed barrel. A series of rails may be circumferentially spaced and secured relative to each other in a rail assembly, such as in a cage arrangement, so as to allow the rail assembly to be operatively engaged with, and to rotate relative to, the base assembly. A selectively engageable securing feature, such as a thumb- actuated button, may allow the rail assembly to be secured in a fixed orientation relative to the base assembly, and also selectively to be released to allow temporary rotation of the rail assembly, thereby enabling accessories secured to the rails to be interchanged through rotation of the rail assembly.

[009] In one variation, multiple sequentially arranged rail assemblies are provided to increase the number of accessories that may be readily interchanged.

[0010] In some variations, the mounting assembly may be assembleable into two half sections that may in turn be assembled together, such as about a portion of a firearm (e.g., about the barrel), and retained by existing firearm retaining features (e.g., the retaining features typically used in a related art firearm to retain a grip or hand guard).

[0011] In another variation, the mounting assembly may include a single base assembly mateable with two rotating assemblies. Each rotating assembly may include multiple rail portions. The mounting assembly may include a plurality of bearing members and/or other rotational enhancing features to provide relative rotational motion between the base assembly and the rotating members. The mounting assembly may include securing features configured to selectively enable rotational movement of the rotating base members and a barrel nut securing feature configured to secure the accessory mounting rail to the barrel nut of the firearm

[0012] Additional advantages and novel features of various aspects of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] In the drawings:

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an example AR-15 type firearm in conventional configuration, with a conventional grip or hand guard installed;

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a side view the firearm of FIG. 1 with the grip or hand guard removed;

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded perspective view of portions of an example mounting assembly in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 shows an unexploded perspective view of the separated base and rail assembly portions of the device of FIG. 3;

[0018] FIG. 5 shows a partially exploded perspective view of an example assembled mounting assembly in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the assembled mounting assembly of FIG. 5;

[0020] FIG. 7 shows an end view of the assembled mounting assembly of FIG. 5;

[0021] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of two assembled but unconnected half portions of an example mounting assembly in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the firearm of FIG. 2 with the example mounting assembly assembled with the firearm;

[0023] FIG. 10 shows a firearm barrel with a mounting assembly in accordance with another aspect of the present invention; [0024] FIG 1 1 shows an exploded view of the firearm barrel and the mounting assembly of FIG. 10;

[0025] FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 10;

[0026] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an example mounting assembly in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 14 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the example mounting assembly of FIG. 13;

[0028] FIG. 15 shows a partial exploded side cut view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 13;

[0029] FIG. 16 shows a partial exploded perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 13;

[0030] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view with omissions of an example mounting assembly in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 17;

[0032] FIG. 19 shows another perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 17;

[0033] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view with omissions of an example mounting assembly in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and

[0034] FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional end view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 20. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Aspects of the present invention include a mounting assembly for use with AR-15 type and other types of firearms that includes one or more rotatable and lockable cylindrical portions that carry multiple accessory mountings and thereby allow eased interchangeable positioning of accessories. In an aspect, the assembly may be pre-assembleable into two halves, which may then be assembled together on the firearm, such as in place of a conventional grip or hand guard, for example.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an example AR-15 type firearm 10 having a conventional configuration, including an installed grip or hand guard (and does not have an installed mounting assembly such as is described in accordance with aspects of the present invention). As shown in FIG. 1 , the firearm 10 includes a body 12, a stock 14, a handle 16, an installed grip or hand guard 18, a barrel 20, a firearm trigger 22, a magazine 24, and a sight 30, and other features known in the art.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a side view of an example AR-15 type firearm 50 having the grip or hand guard (see grip or hand guard 18 in FIG. 1 ) removed compared to the AR-15 type firearm 10 shown in FIG. 1 .

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded perspective view of portions of an example mounting assembly 100 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The mounting assembly 100 includes a base assembly 1 10 and a rail assembly 150. The base assembly 1 10 of this variation may include one or more ring-shaped end sections 1 1 1 , which may comprise assembled semi-circular or half- ring sections 1 1 1 a, 1 1 1 b. Optionally, the base assembly 1 10 may also include one or more intermediate ring-shaped sections 1 14, which may comprise assembled semi-circular or half-ring sections 1 14a, 144b. The base assembly 1 10 may further comprise one or more semi-circular cross-sectionally shaped cylindrical base plate sections 120. Optionally, the base assembly may have, for example, vent openings 170 to enable escape of heat emitted from an encompassed barrel. Optionally, the mounting assembly may comprise a base assembly and rail assemblies, where each of the assemblies are formed in a single body construction. Furthermore, the mounting assembly may comprise a split body construction including a first segment having a first base assembly attached to a first rail assembly and including a second segment having a second base assembly attached to a second rail assembly. The first and second segments may be attached together by any suitable mechanical means.

[0039] As also shown in FIG. 3 and further described below, the base assembly may also include a series of rail sections 155 circumferentially arrangeable and securable relative to each other in one or more rail assemblies 150, such as in a cage arrangement, so as to allow the rail assemblies 150 to be operatively engaged with, and to rotate relative to, the base assembly 150.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows a perspective unexploded view of the separated base and rail assembly portions of the device of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the assembled rail assembly 150 may include one or more cylindrically shaped portions 150a, 150b, each of which includes a plurality of extending rail portions 156 and cylindrical body portions 157. In some variations, the cylindrical body portions 157 may include one or more openings 170 for allowing heat to escape from the interior of the cylindrical body portions 157 and to reduce the overall weight of the mounting assembly. The cylindrical body portions 157 may also include one or more rotational stops 158, such as openings for receiving a stopping pin. [0041] Each cylindrical body portion 157 may also include end extensions 155a, 155b receivable, upon assembly of the mounting assembly 100 within curved slotted openings 1 12 in end sections 1 1 1 and/or in intermediate sections 1 14. These curved slotted openings 1 12 and/or 1 14 retain the cylindrically shaped portions 150a, 150b, while also allowing the cylindrically shaped portions 150a, 150b to slidably rotate within the curved slotted opening 1 12 and/or 1 14, relative to the end sections and/or intermediate sections 1 14, as described further below.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a partially exploded perspective view of an example assembled mounting assembly 100 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting assembly 100 may further include one or more selectively engageable securing features 180 (also interchangeably referred to herein as securing mechanisms), such as a user- actuated button, which may allow the rail assembly 150 to be secured in a fixed orientation relative to the base assembly 1 10, and also selectively to be released to allow temporary rotation of the rail assembly 150, thereby enabling accessories secured to the rails of the rail assembly 150 to be interchanged through rotation of the rail assembly 150.

[0043] The securing feature 180 may include, for example, an opening 181 for receipt of a pivot pin and/or other features for allowing pivotable or other selective engagement and disengagement of the securing feature relative to one or both of the rotating cylindrical portions 150a, 150b of rail assembly 150, as described further below. The securing feature 180 may also include an engagement mechanism 185 (also interchangeably referred to herein as a button), such as a finger actuable pivot extension. [0044] The securing feature 180 may be operably receivable within a securing feature receiving area 190, which may be located in one or more of the intermediate section 1 14 and/or the end sections 1 1 1 . For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a pivot pin may secure the securing feature 180 to the securing feature receiving area 190 via pin receiving opening 181 in the securing feature 180 and pin receiving openings 191 in the receiving area 190. A stop pin extension 182 of the securing feature 180 may be selectively engageable with the one or more rotational stops 158 of the rotating cylindrical portions 150a, 150b of the rail assembly 150. Engagement of the stop pin extension 182 with one of the rotational stops 158 may prevent rotation of one or both cylindrical portions 150a, 150b. In some variations, the securing feature 180 may be biased to a stopping position, such as via a spring located beneath the engagement mechanism 185 or that is interoperable with the pivot pin that is received in the opening 181 in the securing feature 180 and the openings 191 in the receiving area 190.

[0045] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the assembled mounting assembly of FIG. 5. Upon assembly and in operation, for example as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a user may engage the engagement mechanism 185 (e.g., by pressing the mechanism 185 to thereby pivotably release the stop pin extension 182 from a rotational stop 158, so as to enable rotation of one or more of the cylindrical portions 150a, 150b (e.g., to move an attached scope or laser sight to a selected position). Once the cylindrical portion(s) 150a and/or 150b is properly positioned, the engagement mechanism 185 may be disengaged to lock the cylindrical portion(s) 150a and/or 150b (e.g., by releasing the mechanism 185, such that the biasing element causes the stop pin extension 182 to engage a rotational stop 158). [0046] FIG. 7 shows an end view of the assembled mounting assembly of FIG. 5.

[0047] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of two assembled but unconnected half portions 100a, 100b of an example mounting assembly 100 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In some variations, the two half portions 100a, 100b are separately assembleable and then may be joined about a portion of a firearm, such as the barrel. For example, the two halves 100a, 100b may each include mating extensions and/or grooves or other mating features, by which the two halves 100a, 100b may be matably joined and secured relative to one another. In some variations, the two halves 100a, 100b may be so matably joined and then retained by retaining elements on the firearm that engage one or both the ends of the assembled mounting assembly 100. Such retaining elements, for example, may be the elements that typically are used in the related art to retain a grip or hand guard.

[0048] FIG. 9 shows a side view of an example firearm 200 having the example mounting assembly 100 assembled therewith within the retaining elements typically used to retain a grip or hand guard.

[0049] FIG. 10 shows a firearm barrel 20 with a mounting assembly 300 assembled therewith in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 1 1 shows an exploded view of the firearm barrel 20 and the mounting assembly 300. FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the mounting assembly 300. The mounting assembly 300 may include a cylindrical base member 310 mountable to the barrel 20. The cylindrical base member 310 may be mounted onto the barrel 20 by removing the sight 30 and sliding the cylindrical base member 310 over the barrel 20, for example. In some variations, the sight 30 may be reattached to the barrel 20, so as to secure a first end of the cylindrical base member 310. A slip ring 312 may be used to secure a second end of the cylindrical base member 310, for example. This arrangement maintains the position of the cylindrical base member 310 relative to the barrel 20, such that the cylindrical base member 310 is stationary and unable to rotate about the barrel 20. As best seen in FIGs 1 1 and 12, the cylindrical base member 310 further includes one or more circumferential channels or races 314a, 314b, 314c, and 314d formed on an outer surface of the cylindrical base member 310.

[0050] The mounting assembly 300 may further include a rail assembly 320 having one or more rotating base members 320a, 320b. The rotating base members 320a, 320b may each include cylindrical body portions 357 and may be sized to fit about the outer surface of the cylindrical base member 310, as shown in assembly in FIG. 10. As best seen in FIG. 12, each of the rotating base members 320a, 320b may include one or more circumferential channels or inner races 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d. The rotating base member channels 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d may be formed on an inner surface of the rotating base members 320a, 320b (e..g, the inner surface of the cylindrical body portions 357) so that the rotating base members 320a, 320b may be aligned with races 314a, 314b, 214c, and 314d of the rotating base members 320a, 320b. Once aligned, the aligned rotating base member races 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d (also interchangeably referred to herein as the cylindrical body portion channels), and cylindrical base member races 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d, form a passage capable of receiving one or more precision balls, for example, to form a ball-bearing type assembly (also interchangeably referred to herein as a bearing member). Once so assembled, due to the ball bearing configuration, for example, the rotating base members are independently rotatable about the stationary cylindrical base member. Among other things, with this configuration, the ball bearing arrangement having optimally selected precision balls (i.e., precision balls selected having an optimum diameter), there is negligible movement of the rotating base members in either axial or radial directions. That is, there is negligible wobble of the rotating base members, which is an often important concern when using firearm accessories. The ball bearing arrangement further reduces wear on the parts by reducing rotational friction between the parts, for example. In an aspect of the present invention, the precision balls within one of the ball bearing members may have a different diameter than the precision ball of another one of the ball bearing members. The ball bearing configuration may comprise shielded, packed or unpacked, sealed ball bearings, roller bearings, and may comprise metal or plastic, for example.

[0051] In an aspect of the present invention, the channels or races may have different size widths, such that, for each set of the two channels that correspond with one rotating base member, one of the channels has a width greater than the other. For example, the channels 314a, 314d may have approximately the same width as each other, and channels 314b, 314c may have approximately the same width as each other, but 314a, 314d may have a width that is greater than the width of channels 314b, 314c. In another aspect of the present invention, the channels 314a, 314d may have approximately the same width as each other, and channels 314b, 314c may have approximately the same width as each other, but 314a, 314d may have a width that is smaller than the width of channels 314b, 314c. Among other advantages, this width variation arrangement compensates for heat transfer into the cylindrical base member. Additionally, the depth of the races may be optimized to minimize axial and radial movement of the rail assemblies relative to the cylindrical base member. If the race is too shallow there is a potential for axial movement and if the bearing race is too deep there is a propensity for binding because of heat.

[0052] Each of the rotating base members 320a, 320b further comprise mating portions 326a, 326b, 326c, 326d, 326e, 326f, 326g, 326h configured to mate with corresponding receiving portions 336c, 336d, 336g, 336h of rail sections 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e, 330f, 330g, 330h. The mating portions 326a, 326b, 326c, 326d, 326e, 326f, 326g, 326h may include on more projections extending from a surface of the rotating base members 320a, 320b, while the receiving portions 336c, 336d, 336g, 336h may comprise corresponding receiving features (e.g., T-shaped cross sectional profile) sized and shaped to couplably receive the projections. Once coupled, the mating portions may be secured to the rail sections via screws or any other suitable securing feature.

[0053] Once the cylindrical base member 310 has been secured to the barrel 20, the rotating base members 320a, 320b have been coupled to the cylindrical base member 310, and the rail sections 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e, 330f, 330g, 330h have been secured to the rotating base members 320a, 320b, the rail sections 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e, 330f, 330g, 330h may be rotated about the barrel 20 via the ball bearing arrangement formed between the cylindrical base member 310 and the rotating base members 320a, 320b.

[0054] FIG. 13 shows a mounting assembly 400 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the mounting assembly 400. The mounting assembly 400 may include a cylindrical base member 410 mountable to a barrel, similar to the mounting assemblies discussed above. As best seen in FIG. 14, the cylindrical base member 410 may include one or more channels or races 414a, 414b, 414c, and 414d formed on an outer surface of the cylindrical base member 410. The cylindrical base member 410 may further include a plurality of slots 416 with which one or more stop mechanisms may be configured to operate, the function of which are further described below. Furthermore, the slots 416 may be positioned on a portion of the cylindrical base member 410 to which the sight is attached.

[0055] The mounting assembly 400 may further include a rail assembly 420 having one or more rotating base members 420a, 420b. The rotating base members 420a, 420b may each include cylindrical body portions 457 and may further comprise rail sections 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d, and 430e, 430f, 430g, 430h, respectively. The rotating base members 420a, 420b may be sized to fit about the outer surface of the cylindrical base member 410, as shown in assembly in FIG. 13. As best seen in FIG. 14, each of the rotating base members 420a, 420b may include one or more channels or inner races 424a, 424b, 424c, 424d. The rotating base member channels 424a, 424b, 424c, 424d (also interchangeably referred to herein as the cylindrical body portion channels) may be formed on an inner surface of the rotating base members 420a, 420b (e.g. an inner surface of the cylindrical body portions 157) so that the rotating base members 420a, 420b may be aligned with the cylindrical base member 410 and races 414a, 414b, 414c, and 414d of the cylindrical base member 410 matably aligned with the races 424a, 424b, 424c, 424d of the rotating base members 420a, 420b. Once aligned, the aligned rotating base member races 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d, and cylindrical base member races 424a, 424b, 424c, 424d, form a passage capable of receiving one or more precision balls, having approximately the same or variety of diameters, for example. [0056] Through holes 415a, 415b, 415c, 415d may be provided to allow insertion of the precision balls between the races 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d, 424a, 424b, 424c, 424d during assembly. As shown in FIG. 14, the through holes 415a, 415b, 415c, 415d pass through at least one of the rail sections 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d, and 430e, 430f, 430g, 430h and through the cylindrical body portion 457 such that each through hole 415a, 415b, 415c, 415d corresponds with one of the races 424a, 424b, 424c, 424d. The precision balls may be inserted between the races 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d, 424a, 424b, 424c, 424d by dropping the precision ball through the through holes 415a, 415b, 415c, 415d. After the precision balls are inserted, the through holes may be plugged with a plugging element. For example, the through holes 415a, 415b, 415c, 415d may be threaded to allow for a screw plug to be inserted.

[0057] Once assembled to form a ball-bearing type assembly (also interchangeably referred to herein as a bearing member), due to the ball bearing configuration, for example, the rotating base members are independently rotatable about the stationary cylindrical base member. Additionally, each of the rotating members 420a, 420b may include a plurality of slots 426. The slots 426 may be positioned intermittently along the circumference of each of the rotating member 420a, 420b. For example, eight slots may be provided, each corresponding with one of the rail sections 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d, 430e, 430f, 430g, 430h. Each of the slots 426 of the rotating members 420a, 420b may be sized similarly to that of the slots 416 of the cylindrical base member 410. The function of the slots 416 are described further below with reference FIGS. 15 and 16. Furthermore, the base member 410 and the cylindrical body portions 457 may be anodized to form a sufficiently hard surface within the races 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d, 424a, 424b, 424c, 424d to allow the combination of races 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d, 424a, 424b, 424c, 424d and precision balls to function as a bearing member. This anodizing of the races 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d, 424a, 424b, 424c, 424d allows the bearing member to be formed integrally within the surfaces of the base member 410 and the cylindrical body portions 457 without a separate ball bearing. Any other methods of forming a sufficiently hard surface are also suitable. Alternatively, instead of forming the bearing member integrally within the surfaces of the base member and the cylindrical body, a sufficiently thin ball bearing may be implemented between the surfaces. Furthermore, the bearing or bearing member may include any bearing attachment or bearing races; sealed or unsealed to the outer or inner surfaces, sections, or portions of a barrel nut and gas block components, as well as any free floating features of the cylindrical body portions of the rail assembly.

[0058] The mounting assembly 400 further includes one or more securing features 450, as further shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is a side cut view showing the internal structure of the assembly 400. FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view showing portions of the internal structure of the assembly 400. Each securing feature 450 may include a biasing member 452, for example, such as a leaf spring that may be secured on one end to the inside surface of the cylindrical base member 410. One end of the biasing member 452 may be secured to the cylindrical base member 410 via an anchor member 456, for example, that is integral with or secured to the cylindrical base member 410, and the biasing member 452 may bias the end opposite the secured end of the biasing member 452 toward the inner surface of the cylindrical bas member 410. The biasing member 452, the anchor member 456, and the cylindrical base member 410 may include a plurality of holes 454a, 454b, 454c, configured such that, when aligned, allow a securing member (not shown) such as a pin or screw to be inserted into the plurality of hole 454a, 454b, 454c, to secure the secured end of the biasing member 452. FIG. 16 shows the plurality of alignable holes 454a, 454b, 454c, where one of the securing features 450 is shown in an exploded view. A securing feature 450 may be provided for each of the rotating members 420a, 420b. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, two securing features may be provided, one corresponding to the rotating member 420a, and the other corresponding to the rotating member 420b.

[0059] Each securing feature 450 may further include a plunger 458 connected to the non-secured end of the biasing member 452. The plunger 458 may be integrally connected to the biasing member 452, for example, or as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the biasing member 452 may have a gripping portion that matably receives a receiving groove formed into the surface of the plunger 458. The plunger 458 may be configured to be aligned with the slots 416, 426 in a locked position, the operation of which is discussed in more detail below. Each securing feature 450 may also include a button 460 (also interchangeably referred to herein as an engagement mechanism) located so as to engage a biasing member 452 near a midpoint of the biasing member 452. The button 460 may pass through an opening formed through the cylindrical base member 410, for example, and may include a visual indicator 462. The visual indicator indicates which rotating member 420a, 420b will be rotatable once the button 460 is pushed. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the visual indicator 462 may include an arrow pointing toward the rotating member that will be rotatable once the button is pushed. The button 460 may also include a groove or notch 464 that allows a user to determine by feel which rotating member corresponds to the particular button. [0060] Example operation of the mounting assembly will now be described. Starting from a default locked position, the biasing member 452 of each securing feature 450 imparts an outward force on each corresponding plunger 458. As result of this biasing force, each plunger 458, being aligned with the through hole 416 of the cylindrical base member 410 and the through hole 426 of the rotating members 420a, 420b, extends into the slots 416, 426. Because each securing feature 450 corresponds with the one of the rotating members, 420a, 420b, one plunger 458 will pass through the through hole 426 of the rotating member 420a, and another plunger 458 will pass through the through hole 426 of the rotating member 420b. When the plunger 458 is extended into the through hole 426, the rotating member 420a, 420b cannot be rotated because the plunger 458 blocks relative rotational movement of the rotating member 420a, 420b. When the operator desires to rotate one of the rotating members 420a, 420b, the operator engages the corresponding button 460 for the selected rotating member 420a or 420b. The operator may know which of the rotating members 420a, 420b will become rotatable by observing the visual indicator 462. For example if the operator wishes to rotate the rotating member 420a, the operator push the button 460 that has an indicator 462 pointing toward rotating member 420a.

[0061] Engaging the button 460 causes the button 460 to contact the biasing member 452, which in turn imparts a downward force on the biasing member 452 in a direction opposite the biasing force imparted by the biasing member 452. Because the biasing member 452 is secured to the cylindrical base member 410 via the anchor member 456, and because the unsecured end is connected to the plunger 458, the downward motion of the button 460 causes the plunger 458 to retract inwardly toward the center of the cylindrical base member 410. When the button 460 is fully depressed, the plunger 458 is retracted out of the through hole 426 of one of the rotating members 420a, 420b. With the plunger 458 retracted, the rotating member 420a, 420b is free to rotate. The operator, while engaging the button 460 may rotate the rotating member 420a, 420b. Once the plunger 458 is no longer aligned with the through hole 426 due to rotation, the operator may release the button 460. The biasing member 452 will then bias the plunger 458 upward away from the center of the cylindrical base member 410. However, because no through hole 426 remains aligned with the plunger 458, the plunger 458 will simply abut an inner surface of the rotating member 420a, 420b. The operator can continue to rotate the rotating member 420a, 420b, without maintaining engagement pressure on the button 460.

[0062] The operator may continue to rotate the rotating member 420a, 420b until another through hole 426 is aligned with the plunger 458. Because the slots 426 are disposed intermittently along the circumference of the rotating member 420a, 420b, rotating the rotating member 420a, 420b will eventually realign the plunger 458 with another through hole 426. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the slots 426 may be disposed approximately 90° or 45° about the circular cross- sectional body of the cylindrical base member 410, corresponding with the four assembled rail sections 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d and/or four assembled rail sections 430e, 430f, 430g, 430h. Once the plunger 458 is aligned with the next through hole 426, if the button 460 is not releasably engaged, the plunger 458 will be biased to pass into the through hole 426 and lock the rotating member 420a, 420b in the new position. If the button 460 remains releasably engaged, the operator may continue to rotate the rotating member 420a, 420b, without locking the member 420a, 420b. The above steps may be repeated as necessary to align whichever two rail sections the operator desires to place in locked positions.

[0063] FIG. 17 shows a mounting assembly 500 having a barrel nut securing mechanism 550 (also interchangeably referred to herein as securing feature), for example, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 18 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the mounting assembly 500 of FIG. 17, having a barrel nut securing mechanism 550. FIG. 19 shows the mounting assembly 500 of FIG. 17 with an assembled barrel nut securing mechanism 550. The mounting assembly 500 may include a cylindrical base member 510 mountable to a barrel, for example, similar to the mounting assemblies discussed above. As seen in FIG. 17, the cylindrical base member 510 may include one or more channels or races 514a and 514b formed on an outer surface of the cylindrical base member 510. The one or more channels or races may include additional channels or races not shown in FIG 17, such as features similar to those of the cylindrical base member 410 of FIG 14. The cylindrical base member 510 may further include a plurality of slots 516 with which one or more stop mechanisms may be configured to operate, similar function to which is described above with respect to FIG. 14. Furthermore, the slots 516 may be positioned on a portion of the cylindrical base member 510 to which the sight is attached.

[0064] The mounting assembly 500 may further include a rail assembly having one or more rotating base members 520. The rail assembly may include an additional rotating base member not shown in FIG. 17, similar to the rotating base assembly of FIGS. 13-16. The rotating base members 520 may further comprise rail sections 530, and may include cylindrical body portions 357, which serve similar functions to those described above with respect to FIGS. 13-16. The rotating base members 520 may be sized to fit about the outer surface of the cylindrical base member 510, as shown in FIG. 17. While not shown in FIG. 17, each of the rotating base members 520 may include one or more channels or inner races, similar to as shown in FIG. 14. The arrangement of channels or races between each of the rotating base members 520 and the cylindrical base member 510 is similar to as discussed above with respect to the mounting assembly of FIGS. 13-16. Additionally, each of the rotating members 520 may include a plurality of slots 526 and one or more securing features, each of which function similar to as discussed above. The mounting assembly 500 may include a button 560 (also interchangeably referred to herein as an engagement mechanism) having similar function to as described above. A visual indicator 562 may include an arrow pointing toward the rotating member that will be rotatable once the button 560 is pushed. The button 560 may also include a groove or notch 564 that allows a user to determine by feel which rotating member corresponds to the particular button 560.

[0065] As seen in FIGS. 17-19, the mounting assembly 500 may further include a barrel nut securing mechanism 550, disposed on the portion of the mounting assembly 500 that connects with the barrel nut of a firearm. The barrel nut securing mechanism may comprise a plurality of clamping members 552a, 552b, a plurality of pins 560 (FIG. 19), and a plurality of pin receiving features 554a, 554b, for example. As best shown in FIG. 18, one of the pin receiving features 554a may be formed on an inner surface of each of the clamping members 552a, 552b, while another one of the pin receiving members 554b may be formed within the circumference of the cylindrical base member 510. Each of the pin receiving features 554a, 554b, may be sized to receive a portion of one of the pins 560. The clamping members 552a, 552b may include a through hole 556 for receiving a securing member (not shown), for example, a hexagon shaped bolt.

[0066] Example operation of securing the mounting assembly 500 to a barrel nut of a firearm will now be described. The mounting assembly 500 passes over the gun barrel in a similar manner to as described above. The mounting assembly 500 is then mated with the barrel nut of a firearm via the barrel nut securing mechanism 550, by mating the plurality of pins 560 with the outer circumferential grooves of the barrel nut, for example. Before mating the pins 560 with the grooves of the barrel nut, the clamping members 552a, 552b are not tightly clamped against the pins 560, thereby allowing the pins to move within the receiving features 554a, 554b. This movement of the pins 560 allows the operator to line the pins up with the grooves of the barrel nut, regardless of the particular position and/or spacing of the grooves on a given barrel nut (alternatively referred herein as the "tolerance"). Once the pins 560 are fit within the grooves of the barrel nut according to the tolerance of the barrel nut, the clamping members 552a, 552b are tightened against the pins 560 by actuating the securing members. Once tightened, the pins 560 are tightly secured within the receiving features 554a, 554b, and the grooves of the barrel nut. The tight securing prevents any unintentional rotation of the mounting assembly 500. The barrel nut securing mechanism 550 therefore allows for convenient securing of the mounting assembly 500 to a variety of barrel nuts, even though the tolerance of the barrel nuts may vary.

[0067] While the barrel nut securing mechanism 550 is illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 17-19, the barrel nut securing mechanism 550 may be applied to any suitable mounting assembly, including any of the mounting assemblies described above with reference to FIGS. 1 -16 and the mounting assembly discussed below with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21 .

[0068] FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view showing portions of the internal structure of a securing feature 650 (also interchangeably referred to herein as securing mechanism) in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional end view showing portions of the securing feature 650. While one securing feature 650 is shown in FIG. 20, a second securing feature may be included in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 16. As discussing above, each securing feature would correspond to one of the rotating members. Each securing feature 650 may include a biasing member 652, for example, such as a leaf spring that may be secured on one end to the inside surface of the cylindrical base member 610. One end of the biasing member 652 may be secured to the cylindrical base member 610 via an anchor member 656, for example, that is integral with or secured to the cylindrical base member 610, and the biasing member 652 may bias the end opposite the secured end of the biasing member 652 toward the inner surface of the cylindrical bas member 610. The biasing member 652 may be secured to the anchor member 656 at an angle relative to the central axis of the base member. By being arranged at an angle, (e.g., such that the bias member is angled from the anchor member toward or away from the direction of the central axis to vary the relative amount of bias) the biasing member may be predisposed to bias toward the locked position by a selected amount of bias. The angle may be any value greater than 0 degrees relative to the central axis of the base member, for example. The biasing member 652, the anchor member 656, and the cylindrical base member 610 may include a plurality of holes 654 configured such that, when aligned, allow a securing member (not shown) such as a pin or screw to be inserted into one of the plurality of holes 654, to secure the secured end of the biasing member 652 in that location.

[0069] Each securing feature 650 may further include a plunger 658 or similarly operating feature coupled to the non-secured end of the biasing member 652. The plunger 658 may be integrally connected to the biasing member 652, for example, or as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the biasing member 652 may have a gripping portion 664 that matably receives a receiving groove formed into the surface of the plunger 658. The plunger 658 may be configured to be aligned with slots 616 in a locked position, the operation of which is similar to as discussed above. The plunger 658 may be disposed within a bushing 668 (e.g., a bronze or other suitably propertied material bushing). As best shown in FIG. 21 , the bushing 668 may surround the plunger 658 and have an edge 670 that mates with a surface of the base member 610. The bushing 668 may function to minimize axial and radial movement of the rotating assembly, which ensures stability when the rotating assembly is in the locked position. Additionally, the bushing prevents debris, for example as small as 5 microns, from depositing between components. The plunger 658 may further include a radiused taper portion 672 along the sides of an upper portion of the plunger 658. A slot 622 of the rotating member 620 may be aligned with the plunger 658. The slot 622 may include a taper portion 624 (e.g., having a constant slop) on one or more sides that receives the radiused tapered portion 672 of the plunger 658. The contact of the radiused taper portion 672 of the plunger 658 with constant-slope taper portion 624 of the slot 622 of the rotating member 620 further prevents debris from depositing between components. The arrangement, e.g., a radiused surface contacting a constant-slope surface, also provides a minimal point of contact between the surfaces, which becomes more secure (be becoming larger with wear) as the components wear over time after repeated use.

[0070] Each securing feature 650 may also include a button 660 (alternatively referred herein as an engagement mechanism) having similar functionality to as described above. The button 660 may be located so as to engage the biasing member 652 near a midpoint of the biasing member 652. The button 660 may pass through openings formed through the cylindrical base member 610, for example, and may include a visual indicator. The visual indicator indicates which rotating member will be rotatable once the button 660 is pushed. For example, as with the example implementation illustrated in FIG. 13, the visual indicator may include an arrow pointing toward the rotating member that will be rotatable once the button is pushed. The button 660 may also include a groove or notch that allows a user to determine by feel which rotating member corresponds to the particular button.

[0071] Each securing feature 650 may further include a spring stop 657 for limiting the movement of the biasing member 652 and plunger 658 when the button 660 is depressed. The spring stop 657 may be secured to or integral with an inner surface of the base member 610 adjacent to the plunger 658. The spring stop 657 may include a lip 661 extending from the body of the spring stop 657 such that the lip 661 is positioned directly underneath a portion of the biasing member 652. When the button 660 is depressed and the biasing member 652 and the plunger 658 move toward the center of the base member 610, the biasing member 652 will eventually contact the lip 661 . Once the biasing member 652 contacts the lip 661 , further movement of the biasing member 652 and plunger 658 toward the center of the base member 610 will be prevented. The spring stop 657 may include a radiused bottom surface 659 to fit along the barrel of firearm, when necessary.

[0072] In an aspect of the present invention, the surfaces of the mounting assemblies may be anodized to provide hard surfaces. The anodized surfaces may be approximately one half mil thick.

[0073] The various components of an example mounting assembly in accordance with aspects of the present invention may comprise any material suitable for use with a firearm. Of limited concern may be the heat produced within the barrel of a gun during firing. Thus, the material selected for some portions of the mounting assembly may need to retain form and properties under high heat. In some variations, some portions of the mounting assembly may comprise a hard plastic having a high melting point. Optionally, other portions of the mounting assembly (particularly those located closer to the barrel of the firearm upon assembly) may comprise one or more metal elements, such as firearm grade aluminum, such that these portions are capable of withstanding higher temperatures and shedding heat quickly. Additionally, the various components may comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) coated silicone metal or plastic.

[0074] Example aspects have been described in accordance with the above advantages. It will be appreciated that these examples are merely illustrative of aspects of the invention. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, it should appreciated that while aspects of the present invention are illustrated as different variations, all non-mutually exclusive features may be freely implemented in any of the other illustrated aspects. Additionally, it is within the scope of the invention that the above-described assemblies may be sized as necessary for the particular circumstance in which the assemblies are implemented.

Claims

Claims:

1 . An accessory mounting rail assembly for a firearm, the accessory mounting rail comprising:

a base assembly coupleable with a firearm to surround a portion of a barrel of the firearm; and

a rail assembly coupled with the base assembly, wherein the rail assembly includes at least one rail section provided about a cylindrical body portion, the at least one rail section being circumferential ly rotatable about the base assembly via the cylindrical body portion.

2. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one rail section is coupled to or integral with the cylindrical body portion.

3. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:

at least one bearing member providing relative rotational motion between the base assembly and the cylindrical body portion.

4. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one bearing member comprises:

a first circumferential channel disposed on an outer surface of the cylindrical body portion;

a second circumferential channel disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical body portion; and

a first plurality of precision balls,

wherein, upon assembly, the first circumferential channel is aligned with the second circumferential channel, and the first plurality of precision balls are disposed between the first circumferential channel and the second circumferential channel.

5. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one bearing member comprises:

a third circumferential channel disposed on an outer surface of the base assembly;

a fourth circumferential channel disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical body portion; and

a second plurality of precision balls,

wherein, upon assembly, the third circumferential channel is aligned with the fourth circumferential channel, and the second plurality of precision balls are disposed between the third circumferential channel and the fourth circumferential channel.

6. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 5, wherein the first circumferential channel has a greater width than the width of the second circumferential channel.

7. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 5, wherein a diameter of the first plurality of precision balls has a different diameter than the diameter of second plurality of precision balls.

8. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:

a securing mechanism configured to selectively enable rotational movement of the cylindrical body portion.

9. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 8, wherein the securing mechanism comprises:

a biasing member having a first end and a second end;

a plunger coupled to the first end of the biasing member;

an anchor coupled to the second end of the biasing member; and

an engagement mechanism coupled to biasing member between the first and end the second end of the biasing member.

10. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 9, wherein the biasing member comprises a leaf spring angled with respect to a central axis of the base assembly.

1 1 . The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 9, wherein the securing mechanism further comprises a bushing surrounding a portion of the plunger and extending through a slot formed through the base assembly.

12. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 1 1 ,

wherein the plunger comprises a first end coupled to the biasing member and a second end having a radiused tapered portion aligned with the base assembly slot.

13. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 12, wherein the cylindrical body portion comprises a slot aligned with the base assembly slot and with the plunger, the cylindrical body portion slot having a tapered portion that contacts the radiused tapered portion of the plunger when the cylindrical body portion is in a locked position.

14. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base assembly is coupleable with a barrel nut of a firearm or the barrel of the firearm.

15. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 14, further comprising:

a barrel nut securing mechanism configured to secure the accessory mounting rail to the barrel nut of the firearm.

16. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 15, wherein the barrel nut securing mechanism comprises:

at least one clamping member;

at least one pin receiving feature; and

at least one pin mateable with the at least one pin receiving feature and with an outer circumferential groove of the barrel nut.

17. The accessory mounting rail of claim 16, wherein the at least one pin receiving feature comprises:

a first groove formed on an inner surface of the at least one clamping member; and

a second groove formed within a circumference of the cylindrical base member,

wherein the first and second grooves are configured to receive a portion of the at least one pin.

18. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 17, wherein the at least one clamping member comprises a through hole for receiving a securing member.

19. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 9, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises an indicator that indicates which cylindrical body portion becomes free to rotate when the engagement mechanism is actuated.

20. The accessory mounting rail assembly of claim 19, wherein the indicator is one of a visual indicator or a groove.

21 . A method of interchangeably positioning accessories of a firearm, the method comprising:

coupling an accessory mounting rail assembly to a firearm, the accessory mounting rail assembly comprising:

a rail assembly coupled with the base assembly, wherein the rail assembly includes at least one rail section provided about a cylindrical body portion; coupling an accessory to the at least one rail section; and

circumferentially rotating the at least one rail section about the base assembly via the cylindrical body portion.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the accessory mounting rail assembly further comprises a securing mechanism, and wherein rotating the at least one rail section comprises actuating an engagement mechanism coupled to a biasing member of the securing mechanism.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

terminating rotation of the at least one rail section after the accessory has been rotated from a first position to a second position.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the terminating rotation comprises releasing actuation of the engagement mechanism.