Abstract:
Various detachable firearm mounting bracket device embodiments are provided. According to an embodiment, a detachable mounting bracket is adapted to allow users of various weapons platforms and support devices to rapidly and securely attach support devices, e.g., bipods and tripods, to a firearm in tandem. A detachable mounting bracket can comprise a housing to attach to a firearm forend, a clamping mechanism to secure the housing to a firearm, and a rail interface adapted to receive a plurality of adapters. The detachable mounting bracket device can be attached to a firearm with a clamp, screw closure, and a vertical interlock clamp. After the detachable mounting bracket is attached to a firearm, a user can easily and rapidly secure a support device to the rail interface using a plurality of adapters. Other aspects, features, and embodiments are also claimed and described.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION &amp; PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/221,592, filed 30 Jun. 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to firearms, and more particularly, to detachable mounting brackets that enable a plurality of accessories, including field stabilization systems, to be rapidly and securely attached to firearms, and in particular, long guns. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to detachable mounting brackets that enable bipods and tripods to be rapidly and securely attached in tandem to long guns. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many people have long utilized firearms to shoot projectiles of various sorts. For example, military personnel, law enforcement officers, hunters, and precision target shooters use different types of firearms (or weapons platforms) for different purposes. Commonly, people use firearms, including long guns, in conjunction with a bipod, to assist them in acquiring steadying their aim on a target and to prevent shooter fatigue in the field. There are many different types of tripods, bipods, and even monopods (“stabilizers”) appropriate to match shooting conditions and to provide helpful support and stabilization when acquiring a target. In many instances, stabilizers are mounted to a long gun and never removed. 
     Conventional stabilizers are typically not suited or designed for many different shooting applications and/or environments, e.g., some stabilizers may be designed for shooting from the prone position, while others are designed for shooting from the sitting, standing, or kneeling positions. It may be desirable, for example, to use a bipod when shooting from a prone position, but change to a taller tripod when shooting from a kneeling or standing position. Thus, some long gun users may wish to utilize different supports on the same firearm due to changes in the intended application, mission, or shooting environment. 
     Changing the support on a long gun can be a lengthy exercise and can pose equipment adjustment and tooling challenges. Installing bipods on a long gun, for example, may require tools and other special equipment and may require a gunsmith or armorer. 
     Some manufactures have devised various mounting bracket devices to provide a platform for mounting different shooting supports. Typically, these mounting brackets are rigidly and permanently attached to the forend of a firearm and supports can be attached or mounted to these brackets. Bipods are commonly attached to weapons using a screw-in stud. With advancing technologies these existing mounting brackets cannot accommodate supplemental or multiple supports. Because of the rigid attachments of the mounting bracket, there is no current capability to rapidly attach and detach a tandem mounting bracket to and from a weapon. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide an easily attachable and detachable mounting bracket that solves the above-discussed drawbacks. A detachable mounting bracket according to some embodiments of the present invention can be quickly installed and removed in the field by an end-user with or without simple hand tools. Also, a detachable mounting bracket according to some embodiments of the present invention enables users of various weapons platforms to rapidly and securely attach various monopods, bipods, and tripods (“supports”) in tandem via a 1913 Picatinny Rail according to some embodiments. In other contemplated embodiments, the mounting bracket may be attachable to the weapon using a variety of mounting methods including, but not limited to, mounting to one or more QD (quick detachable) studs, a Rail Interface System, a Rail Accessory System, Weaver rails, and the like. 
     Generally described, a mounting bracket according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a main fixture coupled to side members that define a housing for encapsulating a portion of a weapon. One or more mounting adapters can be coupled to the fixture so that one or more supports can be attached to the bracket in tandem. Two side members can be adapted to be coupled together with a connection device so that the bracket is affixed to and securely attached to a weapon. Preferably, a connection device can be operated without tools enabling users to quickly attach the bracket to and remove the bracket from a weapon and/or support. 
     Detachable mounting bracket embodiments of the present invention can be attached to various weapons platforms using different methods. These different methods include, but are not limited to, a quick clamp method, a screw closure method, and a vertical interlock clamp. The embodiments of the present invention are discussed in more detail below with reference to the attached figures. It should be understood that the principles of the embodiments of the present invention can be utilized with many different types of firearms, guns, and weapons, including long guns. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective, top view of a detachable tripod and bipod mounting bracket, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective, bottom view of a detachable tripod and bipod mounting bracket, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective, bottom view of a detachable tripod and bipod mounting bracket with an alternative mounting adapter, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the detachable tripod and bipod mounting bracket with a second alternative mounting adapter, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5   a - 5   c  illustrate a bottom, side, and top view, respectively, of the detachable tripod and bipod mounting bracket with a Harris-type bipod and a Manfrotto-type adapter installed, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a detachable firearm mounting bracket. The bracket can be easily attached to, and removed from, various weapons platforms, thus providing an easy to use mounting bracket for mounting monopods, bipods, tripods, and the like (collectively “supports”). The bracket also enables one or more supports to be attached to a weapon to aid a user in a wide range of environments. For example, the detachable mounting bracket device according to embodiments of the present invention enable users to rapidly attach supports to a shoulder-fired weapon (e.g., sniper rifle) so that the weapon can be used from virtually any position, e.g. prone, standing, kneeling, etc. In addition, users can quickly remove the support to adjust for a change in operational conditions using a detachable mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention. 
     Referring now to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a detachable mounting bracket  100  to mount one or more supports to a weapon in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the mounting bracket  100  can encapsulate or partially surround a portion of a forend of a weapon. Preferably, the mounting bracket  100  is attachable to a 1913 Picatinny Rail. In other contemplated embodiments, the mounting bracket may be attachable to the weapon using a variety of mounting methods including, but not limited to, mounting to one or more QD (quick detachable) studs, a Rail Interface System, a Rail Accessory System, and Weaver rails. In alternative arrangements or configurations, the mounting bracket  100  can be attached to other portions of the weapon. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the mounting bracket  100  can comprise several components. These components can include a main fixture  105 , one or more first side members  110 , a plurality of second side members  115 , a cam locking lever  120 , a cross axle hole  122 , a cross axle  125 , a fastener  130 , a tensioning beam  135 , a plurality of mounting holes  140 , and a plurality of connectors  145 . As shown, the first side members  110  and the second side members  115  are coupleable to the forend portion of the weapon. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first side members  110  and second side members  115  can be “grabbers” coupleable to a rail attachment surface on a firearm, such as for example and not limitation, a Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny rails mounted on the weapon. Those skilled in the art will understand that the 1913 Picatinny rail is a multi-purpose interface rail used on firearms to provide a standardized mounting platform for many accessories, such as sights, scopes, tactical lights, laser sighting modules, and now supports. In other contemplated embodiments, however, the mounting bracket may be attachable to the weapon using a variety of mounting methods including, but not limited to, mounting to one or more QD (quick detachable) studs, a Rail Interface System, a Rail Accessory System, Weaver rails, and the like. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket  100  further comprises a cam-locking lever  120  with a cross axle  125  disposed in a hole  122  in the cam-locking lever  120 . A fastener, or cross bar,  130  preferably passes through the tensioning beam  135 , the first side members  110 , the cam-locking lever  120 , and is attachable to the cross axle  125 , which can be threaded. The cross bar  130  can be an Allen bolt, Torx bolt, threaded rod, or similar, although other fastening methods are contemplated. 
     The mounting bracket  100  preferably additionally comprises a plurality of connectors  145 . The connectors  145  preferably connect the second side members  115  to the first side members  110  and the tensioning beam  135 . The connectors  145  can be disposed in grooves or channels  150  disposed in the main fixture  105 . The connectors  145  preferably provide axial alignment between the first side members  110  and the second side members  115 . In some embodiments, the second side members  115  can further comprise a tab, or other means, to slideably engage the grooves  150 . The tabs can provide additional axial alignment for the second side members  115 . The connectors  145  can transmit the tension provided by the cross bar  130  via the tensioning beam  135  to the second side members  115 . Finally, the connectors  145 , in concert with cross bar  130 , serve to locate the mounting bracket  100  longitudinally on the Picatinny rail of the weapon. 
     The cam-locking lever  120  preferably has a first position and a second position. In the first, or open, position the cam-locking lever  120  can be substantially perpendicular to the first side members  110  and in-line with the cross bar  130 . In the first position, tension can be substantially removed from the tensioning beam  135  and thus, the second side members  115 . This can allow the user to place the mounting bracket  100  into position on a Picatinny rail of the weapon. 
     In the second, or closed, position the cam-locking lever  120  can be substantially parallel to the first side members  110  and perpendicular to the cross bar  130 . In this position, the camming action of the cam-locking lever  120  creates tension on the cross bar  130 , and thus on the tensioning beam  135 . The tensioning beam  135 , in turn, exerts an inward force on the second side members  115  via the connectors  145 . This can allow the user to position and secure the mounting bracket  100  in a desired location on the Picatinny rail of a weapon quickly and securely. 
     The mounting bracket  100  can be manufactured with various materials. For example, the mounting bracket  100  can be manufactured from a lightweight, high-tensile-strength aluminum. Alternative materials such as, for example and not limitation, titanium, steel, and polymer resin plastic may also be utilized. In addition, one or more materials can be used to manufacture the mounting bracket  100 . Different materials can be used to provide a weight savings, increase mounting bracket  100  strength, and/or to vary mounting bracket  100  costs. In addition, the mounting bracket  100  can have an anodized or hard-anodized finish. In some embodiments, the connectors  145 , cross bar  130 , cam-locking lever  120  and/or cross axle  125  may be replaced by standard machine bolts and nuts. This can reduce cost, though some functionality may be lost (e.g., toolless removal). 
     In the field, it may be desirable for a user to be able to quickly transition from a prone to a standing shooting position. This, in turn, can require the user to transition from a prone-style bipod to a taller tripod, preferable for shooting from the standing position. Conventionally, this would have taken a considerable amount of time. For example, a Harris bipod is commonly used for shooting from the prone or sitting position. The Harris bipod is typically mounted to a weapon using a factory installed sling stud. On the other hand, a tripod can be mounted using a commercial Manfrotto-style or other quick release adapter. While both solutions offer quick attachment/detachment of their respective supports, they require individual mounting solutions. 
     Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket  100  can allow the user to install a variety of supports and other accessories by simply using the correct adapter on a common bracket  100 . The mounting bracket  100  can preferably comprise an adapter mounting groove  205  and a plurality of mounting holes  140 . See  FIG. 2 . Mounting bracket adapters are preferably mounted using a plurality of fasteners  220  and aligned using the adapter mounting groove  205 . A close tolerance between the adapter mounting groove  205  and the accessory mounting adapters  210 ,  215 , can provide precise alignment for a variety of accessory mounting adapters. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket  100  can simultaneously mount a Manfrotto-type tripod and a Harris style bipod. Other types of bipods and tripods, for example, can also be mounted using appropriate adapters  210  and  215 . In an alternative embodiment, the mounting bracket  100  can mount the commercial Manfrotto-type tripod and an M14 style bipod, simply by changing to the appropriate adapter  305 . See  FIG. 3 . Therefore, if the shooter needs to transition from one shooting position to another, he can quickly remove one support and attach another because necessary adapters for both supports were previously installed in tandem. In an alternative embodiment, many combinations of accessory mounting adapters are envisioned to suit specific operational needs. 
     In some embodiments, it may be desirable to mount various mounting adapters in different orientations based on user preference or space requirements. Mounting a Harris-type bipod adapter  405  with the attachment lug  410  facing the user, for example, can place the controls for the bipod closer to the user. In this configuration, the user can adjust the level of the bipod, for example, more easily because the controls are facing the user and are not obscured by the mounting adapter  405 . The modularity of the mounting bracket  100  enables accessory mounting adapters to be mounted to the main fixture  105  in a variety of orientations. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5   a - 5   c , the mounting bracket  100  can enable a Harris-type bipod  505  to be mounted on a first end and a Manfrotto-type adapter to be mounted on a second end. The bipod  505  is shown in the folded position, enabling the user to use a different support on an additional adapter  210  without removing the bipod  505 . In use, if the user wishes to convert from, for example, a prone position using the bipod  505  to a standing position using a tripod, the user has only to fold the bipod  505  and attach the firearm to, for example, a tripod using the quick release Manfrotto-type adapter  210 . This can enable the user to convert from one support to the other and back in a matter of second in response to changing tactical conditions. 
     Mounting bracket embodiments of the present invention can allow a variety of supports to be attachable to the forend of a long gun, preferably using a 1913 Picatinny rail. The bracket embodiments of the present invention can also be attached to a broad range of other weapons platforms. These include, but are not limited, handguns, air rifles, sporting rifles, shotguns, handguns, less-than-lethal weapons (e.g., physical projectile, chemical agent, baton, sound, light, laser, net, etc.), military combat rifles, individual shoulder fired weapons, crew served weapons, anti-armor weapons, water cannons, and high intensity visible and IR Light Sources. 
     The bracket embodiments of the present invention can also be used to attach a broad range of additional accessories to a weapons platform including, but not limited to, field optical devices. The range of these devices includes electro-optic devices and sensor and visual augmentation devices. These optic field devices can include, but are not limited to, thermal imagers, night vision, cameras, visible light illuminators, infrared illuminators, aiming devices, and laser target pointers and designators. Still yet other field optical devices include binoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes, rifle scopes, laser range finders, video cameras, and closed circuit television cameras (CCTV). 
     While the various embodiments of this invention have been described in detail with particular reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention should not be limited to the above discussed embodiments, and should only be defined by the following claims and all equivalents.