WO2025238564A1 - Adjustable stock, firearm, retrofit kit and method for modifying a stock - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable stock (1) for a firearm (100), comprising: - a base body (2) engageable with a shooting group of the firearm; at least one movable component (3), for example the cheekpiece or the bead, movably engaged with the base body (2) and configured to abut with a part of the body of a user who holds or shoulders the firearm; mechanical support and adjustment means (4) that support the at least one movable component (3) on the base body (2) and that are operable for adjusting the position of the at least one movable component (3) with respect to the base body (2); an electric motor (5) configured to operate the mechanical support and adjustment means (4); and an electronic command unit (6) configured to command the functioning of the electric motor (5).

Description

"ADJUSTABLE STOCK, FIREARM, RETROFIT KIT AND METHOD FOR

MODIFYING A STOCK"

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adj ustable stock for a ri f le . In addition, the present invention relates to a ri fle which comprises such an adj ustable stock .

[0002] The present invention finds application in the field of firearms that may be gripped or held by a user, for example hunting or firing ri fles , carbines , muskets or long firearms , the use of which involves arranging the stock of the firearm at the shoulder, arm or chest of the user and/or resting the face on the stock of the firearm . [0003] In order to adapt the firearm to the physical measurements of the user, adj ustable stocks are known in the sector comprising mechanisms for adj usting movable components of the stock that are integrated into said stock with which a high degree of customi zation of the si ze of the stock is achieved .

[0004] For example , adj ustable stocks are known that comprise a rear movable component intended to rest upon the shoulder of the user, known as "bead" or " stock" or "butt-pad" or " recoil pad, " that is supported in an adj ustable manner in terms of inclination and movement toward and away from the stock . The adj ustment of such rear movable component makes it possible to vary the pitch angle and the overall length of the stock, in particular with respect to the trigger, thus adapting to the user ' s arm . An example of such adj ustable stock is described in document DE102019111221A1 .

[0005] Also known are adj ustable stocks comprising an upper movable component intended for supporting the user ' s cheekbone , known as a " cheekrest" or " cheekpiece" , wherein the upper movable component is translatable in height in order to adapt itsel f to the si ze of the user ' s neck, or else adj ustable in the direction transverse to the stock to allow for ambidextrous usage . An example of an adj ustable stock of this type is described in document US2014 / 137456A1 .

[0006] Adj ustable stocks according to the prior art provide a combination of sliding guides and threaded bars inside the stock for moving said movable components . Also provided for are screws inside and outside the stock for connecting and locking such movable components . The initial release , positioning, and final locking of such movable components of the stock is performed manually, for example after loosening the locking threads .

[0007] One of the problems with such solutions that are known in the sector is the need to be able to perform stock adj ustment operations using a held or shouldered firearm . For example , before any adj ustments , the f irearm must necessarily rest upon a support plane .

[0008] A further problem relates to the need, to operate the stock adj ustment mechanisms , to provide speci fic tools such as screwdrivers and Allen wrenches .

[0009] A still further problem relates to the need to perform multiple operations , sometimes the removal of external components having a function of aesthetic covering and protection, before accessing the adj ustment mechanisms relating t*o the movable component to be adj usted .

[0010] Such drawbacks involve an increase in adj ustment time which, in contexts such as hunting, is one of the fundamental aspects .

[0011] Known adj ustable stocks have a high degree of structural complexity insofar as easy access to adj ustment mechanisms must be ensured during the design thereof . This forces manufacturers of adj ustable stocks to leave visible , at least in part , the adj ustment mechanisms , for example screws , or to provide special external covering components . All of this is undesirable from the point of view of implementation and design, but also from the point of view of aesthetics .

[0012] In addition, advanced customi zation of the measurements of the stock makes the same stock unusable for a di f ferent user or i f the user is ambidextrous . For an ambidextrous user, for example , a previously adj usted stock for one hand is unsuitable for use with the other hand . Sometimes , while not varying the adj ustments made it is preferable to replace the entire stock with another stock that has been previously adj usted for another user or for use with the other hand . Such expedient is clearly disadvantageous in terms of time and cost , as well as af fecting the convenience of use and portability of the firearm .

[0013] The obj ect of the present invention is to present technical solutions that meet the needs of the industry and to overcome the drawbacks discussed above with reference to the prior art .

[0014] This and other obj ects are achieved by an adj ustable firearm stock, a firearm, a firearm retrofit kit and a method for modi fying a firearm stock according to the independent claims . The claims dependent on these refer to preferred embodiments involving additional beneficial technical ef fects .

[0015] The present invention is described below with the aid of the accompanying drawings , wherein :

- Figures 1 and 2 show a firearm comprising a stock that is adj ustable according to the present invention, according to an embodiment ; Figure 3 depicts a firearm comprising an adj ustable stock with disassembled parts in accordance with the present invention, according to one embodiment ;

Figures 4 and 4a are two orthogonal views of some components with disassembled parts of the adj ustable stock according to the present invention, according to one embodiment ;

Figures 5 and 6 are two orthogonal views of some components with mounted parts of the adj ustable stock according to the present invention, according to one embodiment ;

- Figures 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b are cross-sectional views along the section planes A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D of the components of Figures 5 and 6 .

[0016] In the figures , the reference numeral 1 generally indicates an adj ustable stock for a firearm 100 , preferably a ri f le or a carbine or a ri fle or a long firearm .

[0017] In the course of the description, reference is made to the positions of various parts , for example , "rear" and "top" , which are to be understood in the context of a firearm as normally shouldered by a user when shooting . For example , it is understood that the barrel of the firearm is positioned " at the front" . "Longitudinal" and " longitudinally" mean the direction defined by the barrel of the firearm, while " transverse direction" means the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction . The "vertical direction" is the direction substantially orthogonal to a ground plane whereon which the user lies . [0018] The adj ustable stock 1 comprises a base body 2 and at least one movable component 3 supported upon the base body 2 with the possibility of movement .

[0019] The base body 2 is configured to be engaged with a firing unit 150 o f the firearm 100 . The term firing group refers to the mechanism of the firearm which performs the kinematics of the firing action, typically comprising the firing or trigger lever 140 , levers , springs , striker and any hammers . For example , the shooting group of a tilting barrel firearm is indicated as a whole by the term " receiver" .

[0020] The base body 2 preferably comprises a handle 29 that is intended to be held or shouldered by a user .

[0021] The base body 2 is preferable a solid body, for example made of wood .

[0022] The term "movable component" refers to a component , part or element of the stock that is distinct from the base body 2 and supported on the base body 2 in a movable manner, for example translatable or rotatable or inclinable .

[0023] The movable component 3 is configured to come into contact with a part of the body of a user who holds or shoulders the firearm, for example with the cheek or with the shoulder . The user rests part of the body against the movable component in order to hold or shoulder the stock and/or take aim .

[0024] In one embodiment , the movable component is a rear movable component , also known as a "bead" or " stock" , which is longitudinally translatable with respect to the base body 2 . In particular, the rear movable component is engaged at the longitudinal end of the stock and, with the stock mounted to the firearm, is longitudinally opposite the firing or trigger lever 140 .

[0025] In one embodiment , the movable component is an upper movable component , also known as a " cheekrest" or " cheekpiece" , supported in a manner that is vertically translatable in height and/or translatable in a transverse direction in relation to the base body 2 . In particular, the upper movable component is engaged at the top with respect to the base body 2 and, with the stock mounted onto the firearm, is vertically opposite the firing or trigger lever 140 .

[0026] The adj ustable stock 1 comprises mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 that support the at least one movable component 3 on the base body 2 . The mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 are configured to move the at least one movable component 3 , preferably to move a plurality of movable components 3 .

[0027] In other words , by actuating the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 , movement is obtained of the at least one movable component 3 with respect to the base body 2 .

[0028] In one embodiment , the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 are configured to move the at least one movable component 3 between an initial end-of-travel position, proximal to the base body 2 or proximal to the containment box 41 , and a final end-of-travel position, distal from the base body 2 or the containment box 41 . In other words , the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 allow for the movement of the movable component 3 towards and away from the containment box 41 .

[0029] The initial end-of-travel position and the final end-of-travel position are shown for example in Figures 1 and 2 .

[0030] The adj ustable stock 1 comprises at least one electric motor 5 configured to operate the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 .

[0031] In other words , in operation the electric motor 5 configures the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 in a working configuration, wherein they move the at least one movable component 3 . [0032] In one embodiment , the electric motor 5 is a stepper motor .

[0033] The adj ustable stock 1 comprises an electronic command unit 6 configured to command the operation of the electric motor 5 .

[0034] The adj ustable stock 1 preferably comprises at least one battery arranged to electrically power the electronic command unit 6 .

[0035] The electronic command unit 6 is controllable by the user .

[0036] In one embodiment , the electronic command unit 6 may be controlled remotely, it is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly using a remote command device , for example a computer or a smartphone .

[0037] In one embodiment , the adj ustable stock 1 comprises an electronic user interface 61 , with which the user may interact in order to command the operation of the electronic command unit 6 .

[0038] In other words , the user controls the electronic command unit 6 through the electronic user interface 61 .

[0039] In one embodiment , the electronic user interface 61 comprises an electronic circuit board .

[0040] The electronic user interface 61 is preferably accessible externally to the base body 2 .

[0041] In one embodiment , the electronic user interface 61 is comprised within a remote command device , for example a tablet or smartphone .

[0042] In one embodiment , the electronic user interface 61 comprises one or more interface elements , for example virtual keys on a screen or electromechanical press buttons 69 , which may be operated by the user in order to send command signals to the electronic command unit 6 .

[0043] In one embodiment , the electronic user interface 61 is supported on the base body 2 .

[0044] In one embodiment , the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 comprise a containment box 41 which contains therein the electric motor 5 and/or the electronic command unit 6 and/or at least partially the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 .

[0045] In one embodiment , the containment box 41 is buried, at least partial ly, in the base body 2 , preferably in a cavity or box seat 20 of the base body 2 , obtained for example by means of subtractive machining .

[0046] In one embodiment , the electronic user interface 61 is supported externally to the containment box 41 . The electronic user interface 61 preferably comprises a user interface support 62 engaged with, or integrated into , a peripheral wall of the containment box 41 , external to the electric motor 5 and/or the electronic command unit 6 . The user interface support 62 is preferably the planar support , typically made of a plastics material , of the electronic board of the electronic user interface 61 .

[0047] In one embodiment , the electric motor 5 comprises a threaded drive shaft 51 , for example externally threaded or hollow and internally threaded .

[0048] In one embodiment , the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 comprise an attachment body 45 arranged, with respect to a movement axis X of the movable component 3 , to be integral in movement with the movable component 3 .

[0049] In one embodiment , the movement axis X is substantially transverse to the barrel of the firearm 100 , in a substantially vertical plane .

[0050] In one embodiment , the movement axis X is substantially parallel to the barrel of the firearm 100 , in a substantially vertical plane .

[0051] In one embodiment , the attachment body 45 is configured to engage the movable component 3 , for example by means of a threaded coupling or a shape or force coupling or a snap coupling or by gluing or welding .

[0052] Preferably, the attachment body 45 is accessible externally to the containment box 41 , for example it comprises a connection surface externally facing the containment box 41 .

[0053] In one embodiment , the attachment body 45 is integrated into the movable component 3 or else it is a portion of the movable component 3 , for example it is comolded or made as a single piece with an outer portion of the movable component 3 that carries an outer surface that is in contact with the user .

[0054] In one embodiment , the attachment body 45 comprises a connection leg 46 , for example externally threaded or hollow and internally threaded .

[0055] In one embodiment , the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 comprise a transmission body 47 being hollow and threaded both internally and externally, screwed to the connection leg 46 and to the drive shaft 51 . The transmis sion body 47 is arranged in such a way that rotation of the drive shaft 51 corresponds to translation of the attachment body 45 , and therefore of the movable component 3 .

[0056] In one embodiment , the transmission body 47 is housed in the containment box 41 , preferably axially constrained and free to rotate with respect to the movement axis X of the attachment body 45 .

[0057] Preferably, when the drive shaft 51 is actuated, the transmission body 47 remains housed inside the containment box 41 .

[0058] In one embodiment , the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 comprise at least one guide pin 48 integrally engaged with the attachment body 45 to guide the movement thereof outside the containment box 41 . In particular, each guide pin 48 is at least partially housed in a guide hole or slot 480 of the containment box 41 with the possibility of translating outside the containment box 41 along and/or about the movement axis X of the attachment body 45 .

[0059] In one embodiment , the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 comprise two guide pins 48 and the transmission body 47 is arranged between them in such a way as to be substantially aligned and movable upon the same movement plane that contains the movement axis X or else movable upon movement planes that are parallel therebetween .

[0060] In one embodiment , the adj ustable stock 1 comprises a plurality of movable components 3 and mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 operable by the user in order to independently adj ust the position of each movable component 3 .

[0061] In one embodiment , all of the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 that are arranged to vary the position of two or more movable components 3 are housed inside the same containment box 41 .

[0062] In one embodiment , the adj ustable stock 1 comprises mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 for each movable component 3 , housed for example inside a respective containment box 41 .

[0063] In one embodiment , the adj ustable stock 1 comprises one or more electric motors 5 that are operatively connected to the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 and associated with each movable component 3 or else a single electric motor 5 for the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 and associated with all the movable components 3 .

[0064] In one embodiment , the electronic command unit 6 is programmed to receive command instructions as input and to obtain as output , depending upon said command instructions , one or more command signals for one or more electric motors 5 to position one or more movable components 3 in respective axial and angular positions .

[0065] In one embodiment , the command instructions are stored in advance and contained within a memory unit operatively connected to the electronic command unit 6 , for example housed inside the containment box 41 or comprised within a remote command device , such as a smartphone .

[0066] In one embodiment , the electronic command unit 6 and the memory unit are configured to process and exchange one or more command signals for one or more electric motors 5 to position one or more movable components 3 in predefined axial and angular positions , previously stored in the memory unit and searchable when des ired .

[0067] In this way, the user may select the positioning of the at least one movable component 3 , without having to adj ust each individual position or angle from zero , for example by means of a single simple and short interaction with the electronic user interface 61 .

[0068] In one embodiment , the electronic command unit 6 and the memory unit are configured to process and exchange a plurality of di stinct sets of command instructions , wherein each set of command instructions corresponds to a set of positions of one or more movable components 3 .

[0069] The user may select , for example by means of a smartphone or by means of the electronic user interface 61 , a desired set of command instructions , for example for use with the left hand, in order to automatically position one or more movable components 3 in predefined axial and angular positions in such a way as to adapt the adj ustable stock to the physical dimensions of the user .

[0070] A di f ferent user or the same user who wishes to use their right hand may select a di f ferent set of command instructions in order to automatically position one or more movable components 3 in di f ferent axial and angular positions than the previous ones .

[0071] The subj ect of the invention is a firearm, preferably a ri f le or a carbine or a ri fle or a long firearm, comprising an adj ustable stock 1 having the features as described .

[0072] The invention relates to a retrofit kit for a firearm stock, the retrofit* kit comprising :

- mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 comprising a connection body 45 integrated into , or removably engaged with, the movable component 3 of the stock to support the at least one movable component 3 on the base body 2 , wherein the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 are operable to adj ust the position of the at least one movable component 3 with respect to the base body 2 , an electric motor 5 configured to operate the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 ,

- an electronic command unit 6 configured to command the operation of the electric motor 5 ,

- a hollow containment box 41 , intended to be buried, at least partially, in the base body 2 of the stock, wherein the electric motor 5 , the electronic command unit 6 and at least partially the mechanical support and adj ustment means 4 are accommodated in the containment box 41 .

[0073] The invention relates to a method for modi fying a stock 1 of a firearm 100 , comprising the steps of : providing a movable component 3 intended to be supported on a base body 2 of the stock 1 with possibility of movement with respect to the base body 2 ;

- providing a retrofit kit as described; preferably, i f necessary, securing the movable component 3 to the attachment body 45 ;

- making a cavity or box seat 20 in the base body 2 , for example by means of subtractive machining;

- securing the containment box 41 in the cavity or box seat 20 .

[0074] Innovatively, the firearm, the adj ustable firearm stock, the firearm stock retrofit kit and the method for modi fying a firearm stock ful fill the intended obj ects and overcome the problems of the prior art .

[0075] Advantageously, the stock is adj ustable when using a held or shouldered firearm . Advantageously, the need to support the stock or firearm for adj ustment purposes is resolved .

[0076] Advantageously, the need for speci fic tools , such as screwdrivers and Allen wrenches , in order to operate stock adj ustment mechanisms is resolved .

[0077] Advantageously, the adj ustment i s extremely simple and intuitive .

[0078] Advantageously, the need is resolved to have to perform multiple operations , for example the removal of external components having an aesthetic and protective function, before reaching the movable component to be adj usted .

[0079] Advantageously, the amount of time required in order to adjust a stock is optimized.

[0080] Advantageously, the adjustable stock is extremely compact and structurally simple.

[0081] Advantageously, the stock adjustment mechanisms are easily accessible by the user.

[0082] Advantageously, the stock adjustment mechanisms are mostly concealed; for example, the number of visible locking screws is minimized, thereby conferring an enhanced aesthetic appeal to the stock and firearm.

[0083] Advantageously, the adjustable stock is easily adjustable for different users or for use with the opposite hand of the same user.

[0084] Advantageously, the user may select their own adjustable stock adjustment profile thereby automatically obtaining all desired adjustments.

[0085] Advantageously, in the case of a stock that is devoid of adjustments it is possible to integrate stock adjustment mechanisms therein in creating appropriate housings by means of the subtractive machining of material from said stock.

[0086] Advantageously, the adjustable stock may be used with different types of moving components, offering further customization possibilities. [0087] Advantageously, in performing a reduced number of operations it is possible to install the retrof it kit into pre-existing stocks .

[0088] It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the invention described above in order to meet contingent needs , which changes all fall within the scope of protection as defined in the following claims .

Claims

1. An adjustable stock (1) for a firearm (100) , preferably a rifle, comprising:

- a base body (2) engageable with a shooting group of the firearm, preferably comprising a grip;

- at least one movable component (3) , for example the cheekpiece or the bead, movably engaged with the base body (2) and configured to abut with a part of the body of a user who holds or shoulders the firearm; mechanical support and adjustment means (4) which support the at least one movable component (3) on the base body (2) and operable for adjusting the position of the at least one movable component (3) with respect to the base body (2) ; an electric motor (5) configured to operate the mechanical support and adjustment means (4) ; and

- an electronic command unit (6) configured to command the functioning of the electric motor (5) .

2. An adjustable stock (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical support and adjustment means (4) comprise a hollow containment box (41) internally enclosing the electric motor (5) , the electronic command unit (6) and at least partially the mechanical support and adjustment means (4) , wherein the containment box (41) is partially or completely buried in the base body (2) .

3. An adjustable stock (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the adjustable stock (1) comprises an electronic user interface (61) accessible externally to the base body (2) and configured to interact with the user to command the operation of the electronic command unit ( 6 ) .

4. An adjustable stock (1) according to claim 2 and claim 3, wherein the electronic user interface (61) comprises a user interface support (62) externally engaged with a peripheral wall of the containment box (41) .

5. An adjustable stock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (5) comprises a threaded drive shaft (51) , wherein the mechanical support and adjustment means (4) comprise:

- an attachment body (45) integrated with or configured to engage the movable component (3) , comprising a threaded connection leg (46) and

- a transmission body (47) being hollow and threaded both internally and externally, screwed to the connection leg (46) and the drive shaft (51) , and configured so that a translation of the attachment body (45) corresponds to the rotation of the drive shaft (51) .

6. An adjustable stock (1) according to claim 5 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the transmission body (47) is housed in the containment box (41) , axially constrained and free to rotate with respect to a movement axis (X) of the attachment body (45) .

7. An adjustable stock (1) according to claim 6, wherein the mechanical support and adjustment means (4) comprise at least one guide pin (48) engaged with the attachment body (45) , at least partially housed in a guide hole or slot (480) of the containment box (41) and translatable outside the containment box (41) together with the attachment body (45) .

8. An adjustable stock (1) according to claim 7, comprising two guide pins (48) , wherein the transmission body (47) is arranged between two guide pins (48) .

9. An adjustable stock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of movable components (3) and mechanical support and adjustment means (4) operable by the user to independently adjust the position of each movable component (3) .

10. An adjustable stock (1) according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the mechanical support and adjustment means (4) are configured to move the at least one movable component (3) between an initial end-of-stroke position, proximal to the containment box (41) , and a final end-of- stroke position, distal from the containment box (41) .

11. A f irearm (100) , preferably a rifle, comprising an adjustable stock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. A retrofit kit for a stock of a firearm, wherein the stock comprises a base body (2) and at least one movable component (3) intended to be supported on the base body (2) with possibility of movement with respect to the base body (2) and configured to abut with a part of the body of the user who holds or shoulders the firearm, the retrofit kit comprising:

- mechanical support and adjustment means (4) comprising an attachment body (45) integrated with or configured to engage the movable component (3) of the stock to support the at least one movable component (3) on the base body (2) , wherein the mechanical support and adjustment means (4) are operable to adjust the position of the at least one movable component (3) with respect to the base body

(2) ; an electric motor (5) configured to operate the mechanical support and adjustment means (4) ;

- an electronic command unit (6) configured to command the operation of the electric motor (5) ;

- a hollow containment box (41) intended to be buried at least partially in the base body (2) of the stock, wherein the electric motor (5) , the electronic command unit (6) and at least partially the mechanical support and adjustment means (4) are accommodated in the containment box (41) .

13. A method for modifying a stock (1) of a firearm (100) , comprising the steps:

- providing a retrofit kit according to claim 12; preferably, if necessary, securing the movable component (3) to the attachment body (45) ;

- making a cavity or box seat (20) in the base body (2) ;

- securing the containment box (41) in the cavity or box seat (20) .