Abstract:
Devices for connecting tubular bodies, such as rifle scopes and flashlights, to armament are disclosed herein. In a first preferred embodiment, the device has a screw and spring combination that is quickly detachable and is adjustable along scope axis. In a second preferred embodiment, the device has a riser portion that extends the cylindrical body out according to desires of a user. In yet another preferred embodiment, the device is modified to engage a sling swivel hole typically provided for a rifle shoulder strap. All embodiments further comprise aluminum alloy with black anodized coating.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This patent application contains subject matter claiming benefit of the priority date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/296,251 filed on Jan. 19, 2010 and entitled MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR CONNECTING TUBULAR BODIES, accordingly, the entire contents of this provisional patent application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention pertains generally to devices useful to connecting parallel cylindrical bodies. More particularly, the present invention relates to weaponry wherein a user desires to attach accessories thereto, such as tactical lights, rifle scopes, and laser sights. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is useful as a mounting bracket for coupling said accessories to a barrel of a firearm. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    A continuing desire to achieve tactical advantage in military and law enforcement operations has lead to the attachment of accessories to firearms like rifles and assault rifles. An example of such accessories is a tactical light to aid a user in low light target identification. A primary benefit of this configuration is that a marksman can simultaneously aim and illuminate a target. Another obvious benefit is that the user will not have to hold the illumination device. Initially, the tactical advantage calls for the flashlight to be light weight while maintaining high intensity characteristics. Next the flashlight or accessory should be properly mounted to the weapon. 
         [0006]    Typically in the industry, weapons are now manufactured with a fixed platform useable to mount accessories such as a Picatinny rail or Weaver rail. These rail systems employ a series of parallel rails or grooves aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. Since rifle scopes and other accessories come in various shapes and sizes, there have emerged several types of mounting brackets for attachment thereto. The present invention aims to provide a mounting solutions particular useful for relatively small elongated tubular bodies such as those of tactical flashlights but also to slightly larger cylindrical bodies. 
         [0007]    In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a firearm mounting device adaptable to the standardized Picatinny and Weaver rail systems. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket that will secure an accessory to a firearm in a fixed and rigid manner. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket that is quickly detachable and resistant to corrosion and extreme conditions. Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a design that is adjustable along scope (longitudinal) axis. It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a mounting device that is attachable to an underside of a rifle barrel. An additional object of the present invention is to provide a mounting bracket that can provide adjustment in the vertical plane. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention, in a first aspect is a quickly detachable mounting bracket for connecting tubular bodies comprising: a first half ring portion for engaging a first tubular body; a second half ring portion coupled to the first half ring portion for engaging the first tubular body the second half ring portion having a raised orifice on an upper portion thereof; a collar portion for engaging a second tubular body; and a pin between the collar portion and the second half ring portion for detachably engaging the raised orifice. 
         [0009]    In invention in this aspect is additionally characterized wherein the pin is threaded and is received by complementary threads of the raised orifice. Additionally, the invention has a circular member coupled to the collar portion, together with the pin for detachably engaging the second half ring portion, the circular member having openings to access an interior thereof, the pin having a flanged end on a distal end thereof, the flanged end for rotating the pin for detaching the collar portion from the second half ring portion. 
         [0010]    Further, the invention in a first aspect includes a spring surrounding the pin and within the circular member for providing a secure connection between the collar portion and the second half ring portion via the circular member. Also the invention in this embodiment is further characterized wherein the collar portion has three reliefs carved out thereof with the remaining bars resembling a squirrel cage. Yet still further the quickly detachable mounting bracket for connecting tubular bodies further comprises a black anodized coating at an exterior thereof. 
         [0011]    The present invention in a second aspect may be characterized as a mounting bracket for connecting tubular bodies comprising: a first half ring portion; a combination half ring portion and riser portion having a predetermined height, the combination half ring portion and riser portion being an integral unit and having a first notched half portion at an end thereof; a second notched half portion releasably connected to the combination half ring portion and riser portion opposite the first notched half portion, the first notched half portion together with the second notched half portion configured to engage a rail of a firearm, and wherein the first half ring portion together with the combination half ring portion and riser portion are configured to engage a tubular body. 
         [0012]    The mounting bracket for connecting tubular bodies in this aspect additionally includes a first flanged end to the first half ring portion; and a second flanged end to the combination half ring portion and riser portion to complement the first flanged end for engaging the tubular body. Further in the preferred embodiment, the combination half ring portion and riser portion has a hollowed out body. Also, optionally a collar is configured to fit inside of the first half ring portion and the combination half ring portion and riser portion to stabilize and securely engage said tubular body. 
         [0013]    The invention in a second aspect is additionally characterized wherein the combination half ring portion and riser portion comprises a first riser portion and a second riser portion, the first and second riser portions each having a hollowed out body, and wherein the second riser portion hollowed out body tapers to the first riser portion hollowed out body. 
         [0014]    In a still a third aspect, the present invention is characterized as a sling swivel mount for configuring a rail mounting system to an underside of a gun barrel comprising: a first substrate forming an underside of the rail system; an aperture in the first substrate to receive a sling swivel hole; and a pin for engaging though the sling swivel hole when the sling swivel hole is brought down through the aperture. 
         [0015]    The sling swivel mount herein for configuring a rail mounting system to an underside of a gun barrel additionally comprises a second and a third substrate on opposing sides of the aperture, the second and third substrate both fixed on one end to the first substrate and both engaging the underside of the gun barrel on an opposite end providing stabilization to the sling swivel mount. Lastly, the sling swivel mount is characterized wherein the third substrate other end is secured to the underside of the gun barrel via an adjustment screw. 
         [0016]    These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0017]    While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective illustration of a first preferred quickly detachable mounting bracket; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an exemplary intended use of the quickly detachable mounting bracket of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a first exploded view thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 1D  is an additional perspective view of the first preferred embodiment ring and collar portions; 
           [0023]      FIG. 1E  is a cross sectional illustration of the first preferred device taken along line  1 E- 1 E in  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective illustration of another preferred mounting bracket of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2B  is a profile view of the invention embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2B ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a profile view a sling swivel mount embodiment of the present invention configured to a forward sling swivel hole of a rifle; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3B  is an enlarged view thereof; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of a sling swivel mount coupled to a flashlight via the mounting bracket embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3D  is a cross sectional illustration of the first preferred device taken along line  3 D- 3 D in  FIG. 3C ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3E  is a similar profile illustration; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 3F  is a top plan view thereof; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    With reference to  FIG. 1A , a perspective illustration of a first preferred mounting bracket  100  embodiment coupled to a tactical flashlight  992  is shown. Generally, the device  100  comprises a ring portion  120  coupled to a collar portion  140  having a circular member  130  therebetween (also as seen in  FIG. 1C  and  FIG. 1D ). Additionally, the ring  120  and collar  140  portions are easily detachable as further detailed herein. 
         [0033]    With regard to  FIG. 1B , an exemplary intended use of the first preferred embodiment  100  is illustrated. Therein, a tactical light  992  is detachably connected to a rifle scope  991 , the rifle scope  991  itself attached to a fixed rail mounting system.  FIG. 1C  illustrates a first exploded view this particular invention embodiment  100 . In this rendition  100 , the tactical light  992  has a tubular body flanked by its head lamp portion and its  992  end cap. As shown, the end cap may be easily removed to slide the collar portion  140  of the present invention  100  over the tubular body. Also as can be seen, the collar portion  140  has three reliefs  141 ,  142 ,  143  carved out thereof; and in this way, the collar portion  140  resembles a squirrel cage. As shown, the collar portion has three reliefs  141 ,  142 ,  143  carved out thereof. 
         [0034]    Further with regard to  FIG. 1C  and additionally  FIG. 1D , the quickly detachable mounting bracket  100  for connecting tubular bodies  991 ,  992  has a first half ring portion  110  for engaging a first tubular body  992 . A second half ring portion  120  is coupled to the first half ring portion  110  for engaging the first tubular body  992 ; and the second half ring portion  120  has a raised orifice  121  on an upper portion  122  thereof  120 . The raised orifice  121  is provided for engaging a pin  132  of the present invention ( FIG. 1E ). A pin  132  could alternatively be a screw or plunger  132  or the like. Circular member  130  is provided with openings  131  to access pin  132  further providing quick detachability as further detailed herein. 
         [0035]    Now turning to  FIG. 1E , a cross sectional illustration is provided taken along line  1 E- 1 E in  FIG. 1B . As stated, circular member  130  couples collar portion  140  to ring portion  110  when pin  132  is engaged. In a preferred embodiment, pin  132  is threaded and is received by complementary threads of the raised orifice  121 . The pin  132  further has a flanged end  134  on a distal end thereof  132 , the flanged end  134  for rotating the pin  132  for detaching the collar portion  140  from the second half ring portion  110 . Spring  135  surrounds the pin  132  within the circular member  130  for providing a secure connection between the collar portion  140  and the second half ring portion  120 . More specifically, pin  132  has a mid-portion  133  that is wider than the portion of the pin  132  that engages the raised orifice  121  for complementing the spring  135 . Further to the spring  135 , reliefs  136 ,  137  are provided as an abutment  136 ,  137  to the spring  135 . The first relief  136  is in the circular member  130  and the second relief  137  is in the flanged end  134  of pin  132 , as shown. 
         [0036]    Further to the connection of circular member  130  to second half ring portion  120 , an underside of the circular ring portion has a U-channel configuration to better receive the upper portion  122  of second half ring portion  120 . This feature further provides easy detachment in the event that an accessory is desired to be changed, or if the flashlight  992  is desired to be employed by a user separate from any weapon  990 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  introduce another mounting bracket embodiment  200  of the present invention. In this example  200 , a first half ring portion  210  coupled with a combination half ring portion and riser portion  220  will be secured to a tactical flashlight  992  (see e.g.  FIG. 3B ) instead of a more elongated collar  140 . The ring portions  210 ,  220  herein  200  contain two semi-circular halves with flanged ends. Theses flanges may be secured and tightened with screws as shown. Further, a sleeve  250  is optionally configured inside of the ring portion  210 ,  220 , as is shown in  FIG. 3B . The second half ring portion  220  additionally extends to a riser portion  220 ,  223 ,  224  that gives the device a desired height. More specifically, the device has a first riser portion  223  and a second riser portion  224  providing the desired height. A hollowed out interior  220  further tapers from the second riser portion  224  to the first riser portion  223  providing height  223 ,  224 . The tapering  222  further allow the device to have a substantially constant width as shown. In preferred embodiments, the height  223 ,  224  is selectable to 2.5 mm, 5.0 mm and 10 mm in height. 
         [0038]    Further to this embodiment  200 , the combination half ring portion and riser portion  220  is an integral unit and also has a first notched half portion  221  at an end thereof  220 ; and a second notched half portion  230  is provided releasably connected to the combination half ring portion and riser portion  220  opposite the first notched half portion  220 . The first notched half portion  221  together with the second notched half portion  231  are configured to engage a rail of a firearm (or a sling swivel rail system  300 ,  FIG. 3B ). Optionally, a collar/sleeve  250  is configured inside ring portions  210 ,  220  as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0039]    With regard to  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B , an additional embodiment  300  of the present invention  100 ,  200 ,  300  is illustrated in profile views. This mounting bracket  300  of the present invention configured to a novel sling swivel rail  319  to mount accessories thereto  300 . More specifically, the rail provided  300 ,  319  connects to an underside of a gun  990  barrel where a sling swivel hole  980  typically is located for connection to a shoulder strap  981 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 3C  through  FIG. 3F  show various views of this embodiment  300 . As best seen in  FIG. 3C  and  FIG. 3E , the rail  319  is mounted on a substrate first layer  310  wherein a pair of second layers  320 ,  330  provide vertical adjustment and stabilization to a tactical flashlight  992  as shown in  FIG. 3B . The second and third layers  320 ,  330  are fastened  321 ,  331  only on one end as shown and the adjustment screw provides adjustment  332  in the vertical plane. Additionally, adjustment screw  332  secures the device to the underside of the gun barrel. Similarly, screw  313  is provided for the same purpose. 
         [0041]    Also according to  FIG. 3C  through  FIG. 3F , wings  325 ,  335  are optionally provided to facilitate the mating of the device  300  to the underside of the gun  990  barrel. The wings  325 ,  335  could however be omitted within the scope of the present preferred embodiment  300 . 
         [0042]    The sling swivel mount  300  for configuring a rail mounting system  319  to an underside of a gun barrel  990  further has an aperture  311  in the first substrate  310  to receive a sling swivel hole  980 . Also a pin  312  for engaging though the sling swivel  980  hole when the sling swivel hole  980  is brought down through the aperture  311 . 
         [0043]    Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. 
         [0044]    While the particular Mounting Brackets for Connecting Tubular Bodies as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 
         [0045]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.