WO2023076416A2

WO2023076416A2 - Systems and methods for multi-accessory mount assembly for a firearm

Info

Publication number: WO2023076416A2
Application number: PCT/US2022/047923
Authority: WO
Inventors: Blair Cole Fackler; Donald Wayne Shipley
Original assignee: Gbrs Group Llc
Priority date: 2021-10-29
Filing date: 2022-10-26
Publication date: 2023-05-04
Also published as: WO2023076416A3; CA3234766A1

Abstract

A multi-accessory mount assembly for use with a firearm, and methods for coupling the assembly to the firearm are provided. The assembly may include a proximal portion having a lower surface configured to be removably coupled to the firearm and an upper surface configured to be removably coupled to a sub mount. The sub mount may be configured to be removably coupled to a first firearm accessory, e.g., an optic scope, a red dot sight, a reflex sight, a night vision monocular or scope, or a magnifier. The assembly further may include a distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion via a neck portion, such that the distal portion is elevated higher than the proximal portion. An upper surface of the distal portion may be configured to be removably coupled to a second firearm accessory, e.g., an infrared laser or a night vision monocular or scope.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTT- ACCESSORY MOUNT ASSEMBLY FOR A FIREARM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is an international application of, and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Application No. 17/898,301 filed August 29, 2022, U.S. Application No. 17/514,190 filed October 29, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to a firearm and more particularly relates to systems and methods for a multi-accessory mount assembly for a firearm.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional optic scopes, magnifiers, and laser scopes have been used with firearms to facilitate aiming and to improve shooting accuracy. It is with respect to these and other considerations that the disclosure made herein is presented.

SUMMARY

[0004] Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be addressed by certain embodiments of the enhanced, elevated multi-accessory mount assembly for a firearm disclosed herein. The firearm may include a barrel with a muzzle end and a breech end. On the firearm usually positioned above the barrel and between the muzzle end and breech end is a mounting surface to which an optic may be mounted. Such mounting surfaces may include a Picatinny rail or a Weaver rail. According to certain embodiments, the multi-accessory mount assembly may include a proximal portion having a lower surface configured to be removably coupled to the firearm, for example, by attaching to a Picatinny or Weaver rail, and an upper surface configured to be removably coupled to an interchangeable sub mount. The interchangeable sub mount is configured to be removably coupled to one or more first firearm accessory, e.g., an optic scope, red dot sight, reflex sight, night vision monocular/scope, or magnifier. The assembly further may include a distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion via a neck portion, e g., a goose neck, such that the distal portion is elevated higher than the proximal portion. An upper surface of the distal portion is configured to be removably coupled to a second firearm accessory, e.g., an infrared (IR) laser, night vision monocular/scope.

[0005] Other features and aspects of the multi-accessory mount assembly will be apparent or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and the detailed description. All other features and aspects, as well as other system, method, and assembly embodiments, are intended to be included within the description and are intended to be within the scope of the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.

[0007] FIG. 1A schematically depicts an upper perspective view of an exemplary multi-accessory mount assembly constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. IB illustrates a side perspective view of the multi-accessory mount assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0009] FIGS. 1C to IE illustrate the steps of coupling a sub mount to a proximal portion of the multi-accessory mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2A illustrates an upper perspective view of another exemplary multiaccessory mount assembly constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2B illustrates a side perspective view of the interchangeable sub mount of FIG. 2A.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of an exemplary multi-accessory mount assembly coupled to an exemplary optic in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. [0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a view of an exemplary multi -accessory mount assembly coupled to an exemplary optic in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a view of an exemplary one-piece multi-accessory mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of a multi-accessory mount assembly coupled to an optic and a laser in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6B illustrates a rear view of the multi-accessory mount assembly of FIG. 6A.

[0017] FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of a multi-accessory mount assembly coupled to an optic and a laser in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6D illustrates a rear view of the multi-accessory mount assembly of FIG. 6C.

[0019] FIGS. 7A to 7E illustrate various views of another exemplary multi-accessory mount assembly coupled to another exemplary optic in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 7F to 7H illustrate the coupling mechanism of the multi-accessory mount assembly of FIGS. 7A-7E.

[0021] FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate various views of another exemplary multi-accessory mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8D is a top view of the coupling mechanism of the multi-accessory mount assembly of FIGS. 8A to 8C.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of an exemplary method for coupling a multi-accessory mount assembly to a firearm in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 10A to 10E illustrate various views of another exemplary multiaccessory mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. [0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of another exemplary multi-accessory mount assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW

[0026] Described below are embodiments of a multi-accessory mount assembly that can be attached to a firearm. Methods of installing the multi-accessory mount assembly on the firearm are also disclosed. The firearm may include a barrel with a breech end and a muzzle end. In some instances, the firearm may be a rifle (e.g., fully automatic, semiautomatic or bolt-action), pistol, shotgun, or the like. In some instances, the firearm may be a rifle, such as an M-16 style rifle, an AR-15 sty le rifle, an AR-10 style rifle, or an M-4 style rifle, among others that include a Picatmny or Weaver rail positioned above the barrel. Any firearm may be used in association with the firearm sight disclosed herein. [0027] The multi-accessory mount assembly of the present disclosure solves several problems that military', law enforcement, first responders and civilians have encountered when using an IR laser on a rifle. A multi-accessory mount assembly in accordance with the present disclosure includes a base with an elevated mount, and sub mounts that attach to the base. For example, the sub mounts may be interchangeable. The multi-accessory' mount assembly moves the position of the IR laser/illuminator to the approximate center of the rifle (e.g., approximately over the action), and elevates the IR laser/illuminator to avoid the IR emission from the IR laser/illuminator being blocked or obscured by the user’s hand should the user hold the rifle with their support (or off) hand gripping the handguard. The interchangeable sub mount removably attaches to an optic, such as one or more of a scope, red dot, reflex sight, magnifier or the like. The interchangeable sub mount positions the optic so that it sufficiently clears the IR laser so as not to impede the operability of the optic. Because the sub mount is interchangeable, it may be sized for different optics, and/or for multiple components, such as a red dot/reflex sight and a magnifier. The sub mount attaches to the base in a fitted fashion so that the optic returns to zero if the sub mount is removed from the base and then subsequently reattached. The multi-accessory mount assembly frees up rail space on the firearm platform, balances the weight to center mass over the firearm, and provides a near co-witnessed and unobstructed path for the laser/illuminator to be mounted rearward of the support arm of the shooter/operator.

[0028] Certain embodiments of the multi-accessory mount assembly are designed to be modular and perfectly complements superior shooting stances and body mechanics, while capitalizing on reduced fatigue (e.g., heads up versus hunched positions) while shooting, thus allowing proper body mechanics and positioning. The multi-accessory mount assembly further allows the operator to utilize modem and mission critical head- borne systems and personal protective equipment (PPE), e g., helmets, night vision, gasmasks, communications equipment, body armor, face wraps, etc., and aids in shoulder transitions for offhand shooting and cross eye dominant individuals. The multi-accessory mount assembly is designed to be modular and scalable, and may accept multiple optics system configurations. The assembly further may include a space to mount a magnifier behind the day optic.

[0029] These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be described in more detail through reference to the accompanying drawings in the detailed description of the disclosure that follows. This brief introduction, including section titles and corresponding summaries, is provided for the reader’s convenience and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims or the proceeding sections. Furthermore, the techniques described above and below may be implemented in a number of ways and in a number of contexts. Several example implementations and contexts are provided with reference to the following figures, as described below in more detail. However, the following implementations and contexts are but a few of many.

ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1 A to IE, an exemplary multi-accessory mount assembly is provided. Multi-accessory mount assembly 10 may include proximal portion 12, neck portion 14, and distal portion 16. Distal portion 16 extends from proximal portion 12 via neck portion 14. Moreover, neck portion 14 may be angled such distal portion 16 is elevated higher than proximal portion 12. As shown in FIG. 1 A, neck portion 14 may include cut outs 24 to reduce the weight of the multi-accessory mount assembly. In some embodiments, cut outs 24 may extend horizontally through neck portion 14.

[0031] Proximal portion 12 has lower surface 20 and upper surface 22. Lower surface 20 is configured to be removably coupled to a firearm. In some instances, the firearm may be a conventional and/or tactical, and may be a rifle, pistol, shotgun or the like. However, the firearm may be any number of firearms, such as, but not limited to, an M-16 style rifle, an AR- 15 style rifle, an AR- 10 style rifle, or an M-4 style rifle, or the like with a rail system, such as a Picatinny rail or a Weaver rail. The firearm may generally include a barrel and a muzzle end. Proximal portion 12 may include one or more screws/knobs 28 for facilitating attachment of proximal portion 12 to the rail system of the firearm, e.g., the Picatinny rail or the Weaver rail.

[0032] Distal portion 16 has an upper surface configured to be removably coupled to a firearm accessory, e.g., an IR laser/illuminator. The upper surface of distal portion 16 may include rail system 18 to facilitate coupling with the firearm accessory. For example, rail system 18 may include a Picatinny rail or a Weaver rail. Distal potion 16 may be elevated from the rail system of the firearm a predetermined height when proximal portion 12 is coupled to the rail system of the firearm, thereby creating a space sized and shaped to permit the support hand of the operator of the firearm to grip the handguard without interfering with the use of the firearm accessory.

[0033] Upper surface 22 of proximal portion 12 may be configured to be removably coupled to an interchangeable sub mount, e.g., interchangeable sub mount 100. For example, upper surface 22 may include one or more apertures 26, e.g., threaded apertures, for receiving screws that pass through corresponding apertures in interchangeable sub mount 100 to tightly secure the interchangeable sub mount. For example, upper surface 22 may include a threaded aperture at a proximal region and another threaded aperture at a distal region. Accordingly, interchangeable sub mount 100 may include a corresponding number of apertures 106, e.g., threaded apertures, such that apertures 106 may be aligned with apertures 26 of proximal portion 12.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1C, proximal portion 12 may include position reference features that ensure exact repositioning of interchangeable sub mount 100 relative to the proximal portion 12. An example system of position reference features includes groove 32 sized and shaped to receive and mate with ridge 110 of interchangeable sub mount 100. In addition, as shown in FIG. ID, interchangeable sub mount 100 may include groove 108 sized and shaped to receive and mate with protrusion 34 of proximal portion 12. Accordingly, interchangeable sub mount 100 may be removably coupled to proximal portion 12 such that groove 32 mates with ridge 110, groove 108 mates with protrusion 34, and apertures 106 are aligned with apertures 26, as shown in FIG. IE. Upon alignment, a fastener, e.g., screws S, may be used to couple interchangeable sub mount 100 with proximal portion 12 via apertures 26 and 106, as shown in FIG. IF. Screws S may fit through cutouts in the Picatinny rail, if necessary, which function as extensions of apertures 106 and 26. With this mounting system for interchangeable sub mount 100, interchangeable sub mount 100 can be repeatedly removed and re-installed, and return to zero each time.

[0035] The upper surface of interchangeable sub mount 100 may be configured to be removably coupled to one or more firearm accessories, e.g., one or more of a red dot, reflex sight, scope, IR or thermal scope/monocular, or a magnifier. The term “optic” will be used herein to describe collectively an optic or an optic mount. The upper surface of interchangeable sub mount 100 may include a rail system 102 to facilitate coupling with the firearm accessory. For example, protrusions 102 may include a Picatinny rail or a Weaver rail. Moreover, interchangeable sub mount 100 may include opening 104 for weight reduction of interchangeable sub mount 100. As shown in FIG. IB, height H of the upper surface of interchangeable sub mount 100 may be predetermined based on, for example, the desired height of the optic for the shooter and/or the attached optic so that it is operable over the firearm accessory attached to distal portion 16. For example, some optics are shorter (e.g., distance from bottom surface of the optic to reticle) than other optics, and they may require a relatively taller interchangeable sub mount so the reticle of the optic is viewable on target over the firearm accessory.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 2 A and 2B, an alternative exemplary interchangeable sub mount for coupling with multi-accessory mount assembly 10 is provided.

Interchangeable sub mount 200, as shown in FIG. 2B, may be constructed and coupled to proximal portion 12 similar to interchangeable sub mount 100. For example, rail system 202 corresponds with rail system 102, opening 204 corresponds with opening 104, and one or more apertures 206 correspond with one or more apertures 106. Interchangeable sub mount 200 differs from interchangeable sub mount 100 in that interchangeable sub mount 200 may have a longer longitudinal length than interchangeable sub mount 100, and consequently can have two or more firearm accessories attached to it, such as a red dot/reflex sight and a magnifier or a thermal or IR scope or monocular. Accordingly, the operator of the firearm may select between interchangeable sub mounts 100 and 200 based on the desired firearm accessory(ies) to be coupled to the firearm.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 3, coupling multi-accessory mount assembly 10 to an optic is described. Optic 300 may be removably coupled to an upper surface of the interchangeable mount, e.g., interchangeable sub mount 200, such that optic 300 is positioned at a height H. Optic 300 may include base 302 and lens holder 306 for holding lens 308. Moreover, optic 300 may include knob 304, which may be actuated to fix optic 300 to the interchangeable sub mount 100.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 4, coupling multi-accessory mount assembly 10 to optic 450 via interchangeable sub mount 400, which is adjustable, is described. Interchangeable sub mount 400 may be constructed similar to interchangeable sub mounts 100 and 200 described above. For example, lower surface 404 of interchangeable sub mount 400 may be configured to be removably coupled to upper surface 22 of proximal portion 12, e.g., via screw S, and upper surface 406 of interchangeable sub mount 400 may be configured to be removably coupled to a firearm accessory', e.g., optic 450. Moreover, upper surface 406 may extend from lower surface 404 via middle portion 402, which may have opening 408. Unlike interchangeable sub mounts 100 and 200, as shown in FIG. 4, interchangeable sub mount 400 may have a parallelogram shape such that upper surface 406 is positioned distal to lower surface 404. Accordingly, middle portion 402 may be angled.

[0039] In addition, the lower portion of interchangeable sub mount 400 may include rail system 412, which may be fixed to proximal portion 12, such that middle portion 402 is slidably movable relative to rail system 410. Accordingly, rail system 410 may include threaded apertures for aligning with the threaded apertures of proximal portion 12, and for receiving screw S, such that rail system 410 may be fixed relative to proximal portion 12. As shown in FIG. 4, rail system 410 may include a plurality of openings 412 configured to engage with pins/knobs 414 (e.g., a screw), such that pins/knobs 414 may be disengaged with openings 412 to permit middle portion 402 to be moved along rail system 410 to a desired longitudinal position, and pins/knobs 414 may engage with openings 412 to lock middle portion 402 in the desired longitudinal position relative to rail system 410 and proximal portion 12.

[0040] Optic 450 may be removably coupled to upper surface 406 of interchangeable sub mount 400. Moreover, optic 450 may have one or more knobs for controlling operation of optic 450. When multi-accessory mount assembly 10 is coupled to both optic 450 via interchangeable sub mount 400 and IR laser/illuminator 350, optic 450 is raised by height H.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-accessory mount assembly where the sub mount is integrally formed with the proximal portion of the multi-accessory mount assembly , e.g., as a single piece. In such a configuration, sub mount 1000 portion is not interchangeable, but fixed with the rest of the multi -accessory mount assembly.

This configuration also may allow for an optic to be above a laser such that the laser does not block the firearm operator’s vision of the optic reticle on the target. Further, the one- piece design may provide stability and be configured to allow for mounting of a single type of optic. As shown in FIG. 5, upper portion 1006 of sub mount 1000 may extend from lower portion 1002 via middle portion 1004. Middle portion 1004 may contain serrations on the front or rear. Moreover, sub mount 1000 may have a tapered shape such that the width of middle portion 1004 decreases from lower portion 1002 toward upper portion 1006. For example, a proximal side of middle portion 1004 may extend vertically, whereas a distal side of middle portion 1004 may be angled.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, multi-accessory mount assembly 10" may be constructed similar to multi-accessory mount assembly 10, with similar components having like prime reference numerals. For example, proximal portion 12" corresponds with proximal portion 12, neck portion 14" corresponds with neck portion 14, and distal portion 16" corresponds with distal portion 16. Multi-accessory mount assembly 10' differs from multi-accessory mount assembly 10 in that multi-accessory mount assembly 10" is one-piece with the proximal portion 12", neck portion 14", and distal portion 16", as described in further detail above.

[0043] FIG. 6A is a side view of multi-accessory mount assembly 10 coupled to both optic 300 via interchangeable sub mount 100, and to laser 350. FIG. 6B is a rear view of multi-accessory mount assembly 10 coupled to optic 300 via interchangeable sub mount 100 and to laser 350. Height H allows for optic 300 to be visible above laser 350. As shown in FIG. 6B, lower surface 20 of proximal portion 12 may include channel 30 sized and shaped to engage with the rail mechanism of the firearm, e.g., at the middle region of the firearm (e.g., approximately over the action), via screws/knobs 28. The line of sight through optic 300 may be above IR laser 350, being raised by height H, such that IR laser 350 does not block the firearm operator’s vision of the optic reticle on the target.

[0044] FIG 6C is a side view of multi-accessory mount assembly 10 coupled to both optic 450 via interchangeable sub mount 400, and to laser 350. As will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art, any of the firearm accessories described above may be interchangeably coupled to multi-accessory mount assembly 10, and multi-accessory mount assembly 10 further may be removably coupled to other known firearm accessories. FIG. 6D is a rear view of multi-accessory mount assembly 10 coupled to optic 450 via interchangeable sub mount 400 and to laser 350. The height H allows for optic 450 to be visible above the laser 350. As shown in FIG. 6D, the reticle of optic 450 may be visible on target above IR laser/illuminator 350, such that laser 350 does not block the firearm operator’s vision of the optic reticle on the target.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 7A to 7E, an alternative exemplary interchangeable sub mount for coupling with an alternative exemplary multi-accessory mount assembly is provided. Multi-accessory mount assembly 10' may be constructed similar to multiaccessory mount assembly 10, with similar components having like-prime reference numerals. For example, proximal portion 12 corresponds with proximal portion 12, neck portion 14 corresponds with neck portion 14, and distal portion 16 corresponds with distal portion 16. Multi-accessory mount assembly 10' differs from multi-accessory mount assembly 10 in that multi-accessory mount assembly 10' includes groove 501 disposed between proximal portion 12 and neck portion 14 for releasably engaging with interchangeable sub mount 500, as described in further detail below. As shown in FIG. 7D, neck portion 14 may include cut outs 524 to reduce the weight of the multi-accessory mount assembly. In some embodiments, cut outs 524 may extend horizontally through neck portion 14.

[0046] Interchangeable sub mount 500 may be constructed similar to interchangeable sub mounts 100, 200, and 400 described above. For example, lower portion 502 of interchangeable sub mount 500 may be configured to be removably coupled to proximal portion 12, and upper portion 506 of interchangeable sub mount 500 may be configured to be removably coupled to a firearm accessory, e.g., optic 450. Moreover, upper portion 506 may extend from lower portion 502 via middle portion 504. Middle portion 504 may contain serrations on the front or rear. Unlike interchangeable sub mounts 100, 200, and 400, as shown in FIG. 7A, interchangeable sub mount 500 may have a tapered shape such that the width of middle portion 504 decreases from lower portion 502 toward upper portion 506. For example, a proximal side of middle portion 504 may extend vertically, whereas a distal side of middle portion 504 may be angled.

[0047] In addition, as shown in FIG. 7B, interchangeable sub mount 100 may include opening 512 extending from the proximal side of middle portion 504 to the distal side of middle portion 504 for weight reduction of interchangeable sub mount 500. An iron-sight system including bar 570 and ramp 580 may be disposed within opening 512. For example, the iron sight system may be configured such that ramp 580 is set within opening 512 and rear bar 570 is within cut out 24. As will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art, the iron-sight system may be any other iron sight system of one or two pieces, including but not limited to post systems, bead systems, ramp sy stems, ring systems, or combinations of these or other iron-sight systems.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7C, upper portion 506 may include one or more apertures 514, e.g., threaded apertures, for receiving screws that pass through corresponding apertures in the firearm accessory , e.g., optic 450, to tightly secure the firearm accessory to interchangeable sub mount 500. As shown in FIGS. 7 A and 7D, interchangeable sub mount 100 may include openings 508 and 509, each extending laterally into a side of middle portion 504 for additional weight reduction of interchangeable sub mount 500 Openings 508 and 509 may be separated by a support-providing wall, such that neither openings 508 nor 509 extend completely through middle portion 504.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 7E to 7H, coupling multi-accessory mount assembly 10' to optic 450 via interchangeable sub mount 500 is described. As shown in FIG. 7E, lower portion 502 may include screw bore 560 extending through a proximal portion of lower portion 502, and proximal portion 12 may have a corresponding screw bore 561 extending at least partially therethrough, which may be aligned with screw bore 560 to facilitate securement of interchangeable sub mount 500 to proximal portion 12, e.g., via a screw. As described above, multi-accessory mount assembly 10' includes groove 501 for releasably engaging with interchangeable sub mount 500. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 7G and 7H, lower portion 502 of interchangeable sub mount 500 includes ridge 510 sized and shaped to be securely received by groove 501. In addition, lower portion 502 of interchangeable sub mount 500 includes pin 516 extending outwardly from the bottom surface of lower portion 502, and multi-accessory mount assembly 10' includes receptacle 503, sized and shaped to securely and pivotally receive pin 516 therein.

[0050] First, as shown in FIGS. 7G, interchangeable sub mount 500 may be positioned above and perpendicular to multi-accessory mount assembly 10', such that pin 516 is aligned with receptacle 503, and so that lowering of interchangeable sub mount 500 toward multi-accessory mount assembly 10' can be achieved without colliding ridge 510 and neck portion 14. When interchangeable sub mount 500 is in contact with multiaccessory mount assembly 10' such that pin 516 is received within receptacle 503, interchangeable sub mount 500 may then be rotated relative to multi-accessory mount assembly 10' as shown in FIG. 7H so that ridge 510 enters groove 501. [0051] FIG. 7D illustrates when interchangeable sub mount 500 is properly aligned with multi-accessory mount assembly 10', e.g., when lower portion 502 is parallel with proximal portion 12, and screw bore 560 is aligned with screw bore 561. A screw may then be inserted to secure interchangeable sub mount 500 to proximal portion 12. The frictional forces between ridge 510 and groove 501, the frictional forces between pin 516 and receptacle 503, and the frictional forces between the bottom surface of lower portion 502 and the upper surface of proximal portion 12 may assist in securely maintaining interchangeable sub mount 500 in positioned relative to multi-accessory mount assembly 10'.

[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 8 A to 8D, an alternative exemplary interchangeable sub mount for coupling with an alternative exemplary multi-accessory mount assembly is provided. FIG. 8 A shows a side view of a proximal portion 12 onto which the interchangeable sub mount 600 will be mounted. FIG. 8B shows the bottom view of the proximal portion 12, including showing screw bores extending therethrough. FIG. 8C shows a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable sub mount 600.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 8 A, multi-accessory mount assembly 10' may be constructed similar to multi-accessory mount assembly 10, with similar components having like prime reference numerals. For example, proximal portion 12 corresponds with proximal portion 12, neck portion 14 corresponds with neck portion 14, and distal portion 16 corresponds with distal portion 16. Multi-accessory mount assembly 10' differs from multi-accessory mount assembly 10 in that multi-accessory mount assembly 10' includes groove 601 disposed between proximal portion 12 and neck portion 14 for releasably engaging with interchangeable sub mount 600, as described in further detail below.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8C, interchangeable sub mount 600 may be constructed similar to interchangeable sub mounts 100, 200, 400, and 500 described above. For example, lower portion 602 of interchangeable sub mount 600 may be configured to be removably coupled to proximal portion 12, and upper portion 606 of interchangeable sub mount 600 may be configured to be removably coupled to a firearm accessory, e.g., optic 450. Moreover, upper portion 606 may extend from lower portion 602 via middle portion 604. For example, a proximal side of middle portion 604 may extend vertically, whereas at least a portion of a distal side of middle portion 604 may be angled. Middle portion 604 may contain serrations on the front or rear. In addition, interchangeable sub mount 600 may include opening 612 extending from the proximal side of middle portion 604 to the distal side of middle portion 604 for weight reduction of interchangeable sub mount 600. [0055] Lower portion 602 may include one or more screw bores 660 extending through a proximal portion of lower portion 602, and proximal portion 12 may have a corresponding screw bore 661 extending at least partially therethrough, which may be aligned with screw bore 660 to facilitate securement of interchangeable sub mount 600 to proximal portion 12, e.g., via a screw. As shown in FIG. 8C, proximal portion 12 may include two separate screw bores 660 for mounting interchangeable sub mount 600 thereupon, which may be aligned with the two screw bores 661 of proximal portion 12, as shown in FIG 8B.

[0056] FIG. 8D shows the coupling mechanism of proximal portion 12 for securing interchangeable sub mount 600 to the proximal portion 12. As described above, multiaccessory mount assembly 10' includes groove 601 for releasably engaging with interchangeable sub mount 600. Accordingly, groove 601 is sized and shaped to securely receive ridge 610 of lower portion 602 of interchangeable sub mount 600, as shown in FIG. 8D. In addition, proximal portion 12 includes receptacle 603 sized and shaped to securely and pivotally receive pin 616 extending outwardly from the bottom surface of lower portion 602 of interchangeable sub mount 600 therein.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 9, exemplary method 500 for coupling multi-accessory mount assembly 10, 10' to a firearm is provided. At step 502, proximal portion 12, 12, 12 of multi-accessory mount assembly 10, 10' may be coupled to the rail mechanism of the firearm, e.g., a Picatinny rail or a Weaver rail, via screws/knobs 28. Multi-accessory mount assembly 10, 10', 10” should be coupled to the firearm such that distal portion 16, is distal to proximal portion 12, relative to the firearm. At step 504, an interchangeable sub mount, e.g., interchangeable sub mounts 100, 200, 400, 500, 600 may be selected by the firearm operator and coupled to proximal portion 12, 12’, 12” using a system of position reference features depending on which interchangeable sub mount is selected, e.g., such that groove 32 mates with ridge 110, groove 108 mates with protrusion 34, apertures 106 are aligned with apertures 26, pin 516 is received within receptacle 503, ridge 510 enters groove 501, screw bore 560 is aligned with screw bore 561, pin 616 is received within receptacle 603, ridge 610 enters groove 601, and/or screw bore 660 is aligned with screw bore 661, etc. [0058] Screws S may be used to fix the selected interchangeable sub mount to the proximal portion. For example, when interchangeable sub mount 500 is selected, interchangeable sub mount 500 may be coupled to proximal portion 12, e.g., by engaging pin 516 and receptacle 503, rotating interchangeable sub mount 500 until ridge 516 is engaged with groove 501, and inserting screw S through screw bores 560 and 561. When interchangeable sub mount 600 is selected, interchangeable sub mount 600 may be coupled to proximal portion 12, e.g., by engaging pin 616 and receptacle 603, rotating interchangeable sub mount 600 until ridge 616 is engaged with groove 601, and inserting screws S through both screw bores 660 and both screw bores 661. At step 506, a first firearm accessory, e g., laser 350, may be coupled to the upper surface of distal portion 16, 16’, 16”. At step 508, a second firearm, e.g., optic 450 or 300, may be coupled to the upper surface of the selected interchangeable sub mount.

[0059] Referring now to FIGs. 10A-10E, an embodiment in accordance to the present disclosure provides for an accessory mount 2000 comprising a multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 removably coupled to a sub mount assembly 2020. The sub mount assembly 2020 may be similar to the mount assemblies and interchangeable sub mounts described above. For example, the sub mount assembly 2020 may include a base 2004 that is configured to mount to a firearm, such as by a Picatinny rail or the Weaver rail associated with an upper receiver or handguard. The base 2004 is coupled to a fixed or interchangeable optic mount 2006. The optic mount may include an attachment surface 2007 that can be configured to securely receive and attach to any number of suitable accessories, such as optics (e.g., red dot sights, reflex sights, LVPO, scopes, magnifiers, etc.). In certain embodiments, where interchangeable the optic mount 2006 may be removable, the optic mount 2006 may be removed so that the base 2004 may remain attached to the firearm to ensure a return to zero when the optic mount 2006 is reattached, as discussed above.

[0060] To the distal and proximate sides of the optic mount 2006 (also referred to as the muzzle end and breach end of the firearm to which the accessory mount 2000 may be attached, respectively) may be mounting surfaces 2021 and 2022, respectfully. In the embodiment shown, the distal mounting surface 2021 is configured to receive the multiaccessory mount assembly 2010. However, the proximate surface 2022 may also be configured to receive a multi-accessory mount assembly, which may be sized and shaped to hold an accessory , for example, a magnifier, as described in connection with FIG. 11 below. The size and configuration of the multi-accessory mount assembly may be determined to align the magnifier and the optic attached to the optic mount 2006.

[0061] The distal surface 2021 may include a protrusion 2030 that may be received within a corresponding recess 2031 on the underside of the base 2032 of the multiaccessory mount assembly 2010, wherein the protrusion 2030 and recess 2038 secure and align the multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 to the base 2004, as further discussed below.

[0062] The multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 may be configures in size and shape to receive an accessory, such as a laser sight. Other accessories that may be mounted to the multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 include thermal and IR optics, range finder, flashlight, IR illuminator, etc. The multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 may include a base portion 2032, a neck portion 2034, and an attachment arm 2036. The base portion 2032 includes a groove or recession 2038 (see, e.g., Fig. 10E) that mates with the protrusion 2030 to ensure repeatable alignment of the multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 with the base 2004 as the multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 is taken off and reinstalled. The neck 2034 may extend away from the base 2004 in the distal direction, at an angle 2050 (see, e.g., fig. 10 C), raising the attachment arm 2036 above the rail to which the accessory mount 2000 is attached, creating a gap 2052. The angle, in some embodiments, is preferably an acute angle between 10 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0063] This configuration reduces the footprint of the accessory mount 2000 on the rail of the firearm to which it is attached, and avoids having to mount an accessories used for sighting and/or aiming (e.g., laser) to the handguard. This also positions the accessories closer to the user and the center of balance of the firearm, reducing weight at the distal end of the barrel, and providing for a more balanced operation and secure hold on the firearm. The size of the neck (e.g., length and/or angle) determined the height of the attachment arm 2036 above the rail, which may vary from application to application, not to mention form accessory to accessory. Of note, placing accessories, such as a laser sight, on the attachment arm 2036 rather than at the distal end of the handguard, as is common, frees up space that may allow a better grip on the handguard by the user, and by having the attachment arm 2036 separated from the rail by the gap 2052 prevents the user’s hand that is gripping the handguard from blocking the light or laser light from the laser sight.

[0064] The multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 may be secured to the base 2004 using any suitable fasteners, such as screw 2040 and corresponding press pins 2042. While the screws 2040 and press pins 2042 are shown in the orientation of being screwed together from the underneath side of the base 2004, which may prevent the accessory mount 2000 from separating from the firearm as the screw 2040 are not able to back out a sufficient distance to release the mount as they will contact the rail to which the accessor}' mount 2000 is attached before they disengage from one another, they may also be positioned in a reverse configuration. By reversing the fastener configuration may allow for removal of the multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 without removing the accessory mount 2000 from the firearm. This may be desirable in certain applications where it is desirable for the base to remains attached to the firearm.

[0065] The optic mount 2006 and the multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 may include passages 2046, as described above, and as shown in FIG. 10E.

[0066] In some embodiments, the optic mount 2006 and the multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 are aligned in the same longitudinal plane such that they are vertically displace with one looking over the other. For instance, an optic mounted to the attachment surface 2007 is aligned with and positioned over an accessory mounted to the attachment arm 2036. In addition, the mounting surfaces (or planes) of the mounting arm 2036 and attachment surface 2007 are parallel to one another, and vertically displaced. Further, the attachment surface 2007 and the attachment arm 2036 may be axially displaced along the longitudinal axis of the firearm to which the accessory mount 2000 is attached by a gap 2050. This gap 2050 enables the user to have the space to perform certain actions related to the operation of the accessory attached to the attachment arm 2036, such as replace batteries.

[0067] In some embodiments, the optic mount 2006 and multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 may be axially aligned, relative to the direction of the firearm barrel to which the accessory mount 2000 is attached, wherein the accessory attached to the attachment arm 2036 is positioned for use in conjunction with the optic attached to the optic mount. For instance, the optic mount 2006 may have a red dot or reflect optic attached thereto, and the multi-accessory mount assembly 2010 may have a thermal or IR device attached thereto, and the two accessories should be configured relative to one another so their optical paths are aligned, and one does not disrupt the other.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, an accessory mount 3000 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure may include an optic mount 3006, a first multi-accessory mount assembly 3011 and a second multi-accessory mount assembly 3036. Tn certain embodiments, the accessory mount 3000 may have one or both of the multi-accessory mount assemblies 3011 and 3036, each of which may be removable from the base 3004.

[0069] The second multi-accessory mount assembly 3036 may be configured to receive an accessory that can be removably attached thereto, such as a magnifier 3050. The second multi-accessory mount assembly 3036 may be configured and sized so that an accessory attached thereto is aligned with the optic 450 mounted to the optic mount 3006. Thus, a user looking through the magnifier 3050 is able to see through the optic 450.

[0070] The optic 450 mounted and magnifier 3050 may be aligned in the same vertical plane with an accessory, such as a laser 350, mounted to the first multi-accessory mount assembly 3011. A neck portion 3034 of the second multi-accessory mount assembly 3036 may be at an acute angle relative to the base 3004 or substantially perpendicular to the base 3004.

[0071] In some embodiments, the optic mount 3006 and both first and second multiaccessory mount assemblies 3011, 3036 may be axially aligned, relative to the direction of the firearm barrel to which the accessory mount 3000 is attached. For instance, in one embodiment, the optic mount 3006 may have a red dot or reflex optic attached thereto, and the multi-accessory mount assembly 3011 may have a thermal or IR device 350 attached thereto, and the red dot/reflex optic 450 and laser should be configured relative to one another so their optical paths are vertically separated, while the second multi-accessory mount assembly 3036 may have a magnifier 3050 attached thereto that is optically aligned with the red dot/reflex optic 450 mounted to the optic mount 3006.

[0072] Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An accessory mount system for use with a firearm, the accessory mount system comprising: a distal mounting surface; a proximal mounting surface; a first multi-accessory mount assembly configured to be removably attached to the distal mounting surface or the proximal mounting surface and further configured to be removably attached to a first accessory, the first multi-accessory mount assembly comprising a first mount, the first mount comprising a first atachment arm coupled to a first base portion by a first neck extending from the first base portion, the first atachment arm configured to be removably atached to the first accessory at a first height relative to the first base portion; and a sub mount assembly configured to be removably atached to a second accessory, the first multi-accessory mount assembly configured to be removably coupled to the sub mount assembly , the sub mount assembly comprising: a second base portion configured to be removably coupled to a firearm rail of the firearm; and a second mount coupled to the second base portion, the second mount comprising an atachment surface configured to be removably atached to the second accessory at a second height relative to the second base portion, wherein the first multi-accessory mount assembly and the sub mount assembly are further configured to be aligned about a longitudinal plane such that the first height is vertically displaced from the second height, while a first mounting surface or plane of the first attachment arm and the atachment surface are substantially parallel to one another.

2. The accessory mount system of claim 1, wherein the distal mounting surface is configured to be located about a muzzle end of the firearm with which the accessory mount system is used and the proximal mounting surface is configured to be located about a breach end of the same firearm.

3. The accessory mount system of claim 1 , wherein the first accessory is a sighting or aiming accessory, the sighting or aiming accessory comprising one of a laser sight, a thermal optic or device, an infrared (IR) optic or device, a rangefinder, a flashlight, or an IR illuminator.

4. The accessory mount system of claim 1, wherein the second accessory is a first optic, the first optic comprising one of a red dot sight, a reflex sight, a low-power variable optic (LPVO), a scope, or a magnifier.

5. The accessory mount system of claim 1, wherein the first mount and the second mount are configured to be axially aligned relative to a longitudinal axis of the firearm rail and vertically displaced relative to one another such that the first accessory and the second accessory may be used in conjunction with one another when attached.

6. The accessory mount system of claim 1, wherein the first neck is configured to extend for a length at an acute angle relative to the first base portion such that the first attachment arm and the firearm rail of the firearm with which the accessory mount system is used defines a gap, a height of the first attachment arm above the firearm rail defined by at least one of the length and angle of the first neck.

7. The accessory mount system of claim 1, wherein the distal mounting surface comprises a protrusion configured to be received within a corresponding recess on an underside of the first base portion, the protrusion and the recess configured to secure and align the first mount with respect to the first base portion.

8. The accessory mount system of claim 7, wherein the first multi-accessory mount assembly is configured to be secured to the first base portion by one or more fasteners.

9. The accessory mount system of claim 1, wherein the first mount is configured to be removably attached to the first base portion.

10. The accessory mount system of claim 1, wherein the second mount is configured to be removably attached to the second base portion.

1 1 . The accessory mount system of claim 1 , further comprising a second multiaccessory mount assembly configured to be removably attached to the proximal mounting surface or the distal mounting surface and further configured to be removably attached to a third accessory, the second multi-accessory mount assembly comprising a third mount, the third mount comprising a second attachment arm coupled to a third base portion by a second neck extending from the third base portion, the second attachment arm configured to be removably attached to the third accessory at a third height relative to the third base portion, wherein the second multi-accessory mount assembly and the sub mount assembly are further configured to be aligned about a longitudinal plane such that the second height is vertically aligned with the third height, while the first mounting surface or plane, the attachment surface, and a second mounting surface or plane of the second attachment arm are substantially parallel to one another.

12. The accessory mount system of claim 11, wherein the first mount, the second mount, and the third mount are configured to be axially aligned relative to a longitudinal axis of the firearm rail and vertically displaced relative to one another such that the first accessory, the second accessory', and the third accessory may be used in conjunction with one another when attached.

13. The accessory mount system of claim 11, wherein the second neck is configured to extend at an acute or substantially perpendicular angle relative to the third base portion.

14. The accessory mount system of claim 11, wherein the second attachment arm is configured to be located closer to the firearm rail than the first attachment arm when the accessory mount system is used with the firearm.