Universally adjustable firearm stock

A universally adjustable firearm stock is provided having adjustments for comb, cast, length of pull and butt pad height. The stock has an adapter (receiver model specific) to connect a frame to the receiver. An end of a mount passes through a slot through a frame seat. A cast piece is received within the seat and has a cast hole (center hole—no cast, offset hole—cast). The rearward extending end of the mount passes through the cast hole, wherein any offset in the cast hole results in an angular cast. The comb is vertically adjustable relative to the frame. Two rods are extendable relative to the frame to adjust the length of pull. A butt plate has two slots wherein the height of a butt pad relative to the rods is adjustable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a universally adjustable firearm stock having adjustments for comb, cast, length of pull and butt pad height.

2. Description of the Related Art

Firearms including shotguns have existed for many years. Many people use a shotgun in its original configuration without adjustment. Yet, for many others, making custom adjustments to the fit of the firearm results in a more accurate and a more comfortable shooting experience.

Several aspects of a shotgun stock can be adjusted.

For example, an adjustable comb can be used to adjust the height of the cheek rest in relation to the bore axis of the barrel. Adjusting the height of the cheek rest allows user to custom fit their face to the firearm and also provides sight clearance for the user to add optical or other components without obstruction to the user.

A user can also adjust the length of pull of the firearm. This is typically done by adjusting the length of the stock. This allows both smaller and larger individuals to use the same firearm. Further, it allows children to use the same firearm as they grow as the length of the stock could be adjusted to optimal length as the child grows.

A third adjustment that can be made is to cast. Cast adjustments allow the user to offset the stock center from the bore center axis. One example of cast is movement in a lateral manner (i.e. perpendicular to the bore axis). This allows the user to comfortably position their eyes to a more appropriate position in relation to the bore axis. Cast can be cast off or cast on depending upon the movement stock in relation to the bore axis. Alternatively, in the past, shims have been used between the receiver and the stock to pivot the stock axis in relation to the bore axis.

A fourth adjustment that can be made is to the butt cap. The cap can be moved higher or lower in relation to the stock for comfort.

While each of these adjustments are known generally in the industry, there still exists a need for a universally adjustable firearm stock that contains the novel features of inventions contained herein.

Thus, there exists a need for a universally adjustable firearm stock that solves these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A universally adjustable firearm stock is provided having adjustments for comb, cast, length of pull and butt pad height. The stock has an adapter (receiver model specific) to connect a frame to the receiver. An end of a mount passes through a slot through a frame seat. A cast piece is received within the seat and has a cast hole (center hole—no cast, offset hole—cast). The rearward extending end of the mount passes through the cast hole, wherein any offset in the cast hole results in an angular cast. The comb is vertically adjustable relative to the frame. Two rods are extendable relative to the frame to adjust the length of pull. A butt plate has two slots wherein the height of a butt pad relative to the rods is adjustable.

According to one advantage of the present invention, the stock offers a full range of motion adjustability within a single device, by having adjustments for comb height, angular cast, length of pull and butt pad height.

According to another advantage of the present invention, the four adjustments are made without the need for any additional parts such as spacers, shims or risers.

According to further advantage of the present invention, the adjustments are not permanent, and are made without making any permanent alterations to the aftermarket stock.

According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the adjustments for comb height, angular cast, length of pull and butt pad height are each independently adjustable.

According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, a firearm receiver specific adapter can be used to connect the frame of the stock to the receiver. In this regard, the frame can be used with receivers from many manufactures by using the correct adapter making the stock a universal aftermarket stock for many firearms.

According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the stock is secured to a mount. In one embodiment, the mount is a buffer tube with an end cap having a rearward projecting end. In another embodiment, the mount is a rod that is secured to the receiver. In this regard, the present invention is useful with many styles of firearms.

According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the stock has an angular cast adjustment. This is advantageous as the firearm can be adjusted so that a user can engage the stock, whereby he or she can look down the barrel longitudinal axis.

The angular cast adjustment of the present invention can be made without shims thereby eliminating components required in the past. In this regard, the frame can be positioned to an angle relative to the buffer tube with a cast piece that can be seated upon the frame. Different cast pieces can be interchangeably provided whereby cast adjustments can be made without altering the frame. In this regard, in this embodiment, the frame can have a slot through which end cap passes. The cast piece determines, based on the location of a cast hole, where within the slot the cap passes and hence the angular adjustment of the stock relative to the barrel axis.

According to a still further advantage of one embodiment of the present invention, the adapter can be slightly compressible. This results in a flush engagement, without gaps, between the adapter rear face and the frame riser front face regardless of cast adjustment.

The tabs of the present invention have a radiused or round front end that are received in pockets having radiused or round profiles. The geometric center of the round tab front end defines a pivot axis upon which the frame is rotatable relative to the adapter. Full radial contact between the tabs and pockets is maintained regardless of cast angle.

Similarly, in another embodiment of the present invention, the front face of the frame is rounded to be rotatably received within an adapter.

According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the butt plate, and hence the butt pad, is vertically adjustable relative to the rods and frame. This is advantageously accomplished as the butt pad is removable from the butt plate, and the butt plate has two slots formed therethrough. Screws or other fasteners can pass through the slots and through a rod anchor into two rods to lock the position of the butt plate relative to the rods.

According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the rod anchor has a front face with pockets that stationarily receive and anchor the rods relative to the rod anchor. Fastener holes extend through the rear face to the center of the pockets.

According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the rods are adjustably movable along their longitudinal axis relative to the frame. This is advantageously accomplished by moving the rods through passages in the frame and using pegs to lock the rods in selected positions.

According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the comb is vertically adjustable relative to the frame. This is advantageously accomplished with fasteners that pass though fastener passages in the frame. Each fastener advantageously comprises of two pieces that can be selectably twisted relative to each other to shorten or lengthen the fastener. When shortened, the fastener can compress and secure the comb in position relative to the frame.

Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now toFIGS.1-4, it is seen that an embodiment of a stock25of the present invention is illustrated with a firearm10having a receiver15. The receiver15has a first end16and a second end17. The second end17has a rear face18with rear face holes19and20. The receiver15has a center line21along its central axis.

The stock25has an adapter35, a frame70, a cast piece140, a first rod180, a second rod190, a rod anchor210, a butt plate240, a butt pad250, a comb260and a cheek riser280. It is understood that not all of these components are necessary to operate the different features of the present invention. The stock can be adjusted in at least four different ways and not all of these components are necessary to make each adjustment.

A cast system30can utilize the adapter35, the frame70, a cast piece140, and a mount120.

A preferred embodiment of the frame70is illustrated inFIGS.5-7. The frame is preferably an integrally formed piece. The frame70has a central opening71. A front riser80, a top90, a bottom100and a rear riser110surround the central opening71. The central opening is open to both sides of the frame70. The front riser80has a face81with an upper tab82and a lower tab83. Tabs82and83have round front ends. The round front ends each have a geometric center of the rounded portion. The geometric center of tab82defines a pivot axis117, discussed below. A mount or buffer tube passage84passes through the front riser80between front face81and central opening71. The buffer tube passage84is between the upper tab82and lower tab83. The top90has a front end and a rear end. Fastener passages91are supported by the top90and are oriented laterally across the frame70. While four passages are illustrated, it is appreciated that there may be more or less without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, there are two fastener passages. The top90has a peg hole92at the top rear end. The peg hole92is laterally oriented through the frame70. A rod passage93is longitudinally oriented through a portion of the top90and is open to the top rear end. The bottom100has a front end and a rear end. The bottom100has a peg hole102at the bottom rear end. The peg hole102is laterally oriented through the frame70. A rod passage103is longitudinally oriented through the frame70and is open to the bottom rear end and bottom surface of the bottom100. The top front and bottom front are integrally formed with the front riser. The rear riser110spans between the top90and bottom100. The top rear end and bottom rear end preferably extend rearward beyond the rear riser100. The rear riser110has a seat111with a top, a bottom, a first sidewall112and a second sidewall113. A lateral slot114passes between the seat111and the central opening71. The frame70has a centerline115along its longitudinal axis.

Turning now toFIGS.8-10, it is seen that a preferred embodiment of an adapter35is provided. The adapter35has a first end40and a second end50. The first end40has a front face41with two protrusions42and43extending therefrom. The front face81is sized and shaped (including perimeter dimensions, size and number of protrusions, etc.) to mate with a receiver15. In this regard, the adapter used with the stock25is specific to the brand and model of the receiver and the adapter of the present invention is in no way limited to the specific geometry shown. The second end50has a rear face51. The rear face has a cavity52formed therein. The cavity52as a top pocket53and a bottom pocket54. The top and bottom pockets54and54are preferably round pockets. A passage60, allowing the buffer tube to pass therethrough, extends from the front face41to the rear face51. The passage60is between holes42and43, respectively. The adapter can be made of a slightly compressible and flexible material such as rubber in an embodiment where it is desired to eliminate a gap between the stock and the adapter, discussed below.

Looking now toFIGS.11and12a preferred embodiment of a mount120of a firearm is illustrated. In this embodiment, a buffer tube125of a firearm is used with an end cap130for the mount. The orientation attachments of the buffer tube125, end cap130and receiver15are illustrated in these two figures. The buffer tube125has a first end126and a second end127. The first end126is externally threaded. The second end127is internally threaded. The first end126is preferably threaded into the receiver15to rigidly secure the buffer tube125to the receiver15. An end cap130has a first end131and a second end132. A seal133, which extends in a plane perpendicular to an end cap longitudinal axis is between the ends131and132. End131is externally threaded and projects forward of the seal133. The end131threads into the rear end127of the buffer tube until the seal abuts the rear of the tube creating a sealed rear end. Threaded end132rearwardly extends from the seal133(and when the end cap130is attached to the buffer tube125, the buffer tube).

Orientation of the receiver15and adapter35is illustrated inFIGS.13and14. The protrusions42and43extending from the front face41of the adapter35are aligned with the holes19and20and are received therein upon assembly. The front adapter front face41remains stationary relative to the receiver rear face18upon assembly.

Orientation of the adapter35and frame50is illustrated inFIGS.15and16. The tabs82and83extending forward of the frame70mate with the pockets53and54of the adapter35when the components are pressed together. This mating engagement prevents lateral movement between the two components when they are assembled. The frame70is rotatable relative to the adapter35about the pivot axis117. The tabs82and83are fully received within and fully engage the pockets53and54(full radial contact) regardless of angular orientation between the adapter35and the frame70on account of cast. In the embodiment where the adapter35is slightly compressible, there is no gap between the adapter35and the frame70regardless of cast.

A rear view of the stock is shown inFIG.17.FIG.18is a partial exploded view of some components shown inFIG.17. A nut175and a bracket170are shown. Looking at these figures, and also atFIGS.11and12, it is seen that the nut twists onto the rearward end132of the end cap170. This holds the bracket170, cast piece140, frame70, adapter35and receiver15together.

The cast piece140sits within seat111of the frame when the stock25is assembled. The rear end132of the center cap130is shown inFIG.21. The cast piece140is shown contained by seat111between sidewalls112and113inFIG.20. The rear end132of the center cap130also passes through the cast hole147. In this regard, it is appreciated that the cast hole147overlaps with the seat slot114. The nut175is shown threaded onto the rear end132of the center cap130inFIG.19to hold the bracket (and hidden components) in place.

It is appreciated that while a cast piece140is shown to be seated in the seat111in the illustrated embodiment, that other structures can be provided to stationarily support the cast piece140with respect to the frame70without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.

The cast piece140is best seen inFIGS.18and22. The cast piece140has a first face141and a second face142. Cast piece140further has sides143and144, a top145and a bottom146. A hole147is between the sides143and144. The hole147in cast piece140is preferably centrally aligned between the sides143and144.

Cast pieces can also have offset cast holes.

One example is cast piece150, which is shown inFIGS.23and25. The cast piece150has a first face151and a second face152. Face151is shown inFIG.23and face152is shown inFIG.25. Cast piece150further has sides153and154, a top155and a bottom156. A hole157is between the sides153and154. The hole157in cast piece150is preferably off center (not equidistantly aligned between the sides153and144). Cast piece150can be selectably reversibly seated in seat111of the frame70.

Another example is cast piece160, which is shown inFIGS.24and26. The cast piece160has a first face161and a second face162. Face161is shown inFIG.24and face162is shown inFIG.26. Cast piece160further has sides163and164, a top165and a bottom166. A hole167is between the sides163and164. The hole167in cast piece160is preferably located adjacent side153. Cast piece160can be selectably reversibly seated in seat111of the frame70.

A rod180is illustrated inFIGS.27and28. The rod180has ends181and182. An end hole183is formed into the end182of the rod180. Several cross holes185are through the rod180. While seven holes are shown, it is appreciated that the rod can have more or fewer holes without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The holes185are in a preferred embodiment separated by a distance of ½ inch on center. The hole spacing could be greater or smaller without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.

A second rod, rod190, is also provided. The rod190has ends191and192. An end hole193is formed into the end192of the rod190. Several cross holes195are through the rod190. While seven holes are shown, it is appreciated that the rod can have more or fewer holes without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The holes195are in a preferred embodiment separated by a distance of ½ inch on center. Rods180and190are preferably identical to each other. The hole spacing could be greater or smaller without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.

Keeping withFIGS.27and28, it is seen that an embodiment of a rod anchor210is provided. The rod anchor210has face220with two pockets221and222formed therein. The rod anchor210also has a rear face230with two holes231and232. Hole231is preferably concentric with pocket221. Hole232is preferably concentric with pocket222.

Still keeping withFIGS.27and28, it is seen that an embodiment of a butt plate240is illustrated. The butt plate240has opposed faces241and242. Two vertically aligned slots243and244, respectively, pass through the butt plate. A fastener, such as a screw with a head, can be inserted through the slot243, through hole231, and into end hole183of rod180to secure the rod180to the rod anchor210. A fastener, such as a screw with a head, can be inserted through slot244, through hole232, and into end hole193of rod190so secure the rod190to the rod anchor210.

Still keeping withFIGS.27and28, it is seen that an embodiment of a butt pad250is provided. The butt pad250has a rear surface251and a rim252. The rim is shaped to snap onto the periphery of the butt plate240.

Now, turning toFIGS.29-31, it is seen that embodiments of the comb260, cheek riser280and fastener290are provided.

The comb260has a first side261with vertical slots262formed therethrough. The comb260also has a second side265with vertical slots266formed therethrough. Sides261and265are preferably parallel to each other. It is appreciated that while four slots are illustrated on each side, that more or fewer could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The comb260has a top270with an opening271formed therethrough. A cheek riser280can be held within the opening271.

A preferred embodiment of fastener290has a first piece291and a second piece293. The first piece293has a threaded hole292and the second piece293has a threaded end294. The threaded end294can be selectably turned into or out of the hole292to shorten or elongate (ultimately disassemble) the fastener290. Fasteners290can be held in position within fastener passages91of the frame. The fastener has heads with diameters larger than comb slot widths such that they do not pass through the slots262and266.

A preferred embodiment of a peg200is illustrated inFIGS.34and35. The peg200has a first piece201and a second piece203. The first piece201has a threaded hole202and the second piece203has a threaded end204. The threaded end204can be selectably turned into or out of the hole202to shorten or elongate (ultimately disassemble) the peg200. Pegs200can be held in position within the peg holes92and102of the frame70.

The front end181of rod180is received within rod passage93of the frame70and locked in place with a peg200. The front end191of rod190is received within rod passage103of the frame70and locked in position with a peg200.

Adjustment of cast is illustrated inFIGS.36-40. It is appreciated that the adapter can be slightly compressible to prevent a gap from forming between the adapter35and the frame70when angular cast adjustments are made. InFIG.36, the frame70is cast left approximately 1.5 degrees about the pivot axis117. This is accomplished when cast piece160is used and face161is positioned away from the seat111. InFIG.37, the frame70is cast left approximately 0.75 degrees about the pivot axis117. This is accomplished when cast piece150is used and face151is positioned away from the seat111. InFIG.38, there is no cast about the pivot axis117. This is accomplished when cast piece140is used. InFIG.39, the frame70is cast right approximately 0.75 degrees about the pivot axis117. This is accomplished when cast piece150is used and face152is positioned away from the seat111. InFIG.40, the frame70is cast right approximately 1.5 degrees about the pivot axis117. This is accomplished when cast piece160is used and face162is positioned away from the seat111. It is appreciated that different cast amounts could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. Specifically, the slot could be wider if larger angular adjustability is desired and used with cast pieces with greater amounts of hole offsets. Further, the hole offsets can be made to any desired distance to achieve a desired cast amount.

Vertical adjustment of the butt plate240and butt pad250are shown inFIGS.41-43. The butt plate240is at the highest position inFIG.41. This is accomplished by having fasteners pass through the top of slots243and244in the butt plate240. The butt plate240is at an intermediate position inFIG.42. This is accomplished by having fasteners be pass through the slots243and244in the butt plate240at locations between the slot tops and bottoms. The butt plate240is at the lowest position inFIG.43. This is accomplished by having fasteners pass through the bottom of slots243and244in the butt plate240.

Vertical adjustment of the comb260is illustrated inFIGS.44-46. The comb260is shown in the highest position inFIG.44. This is accomplished when fasteners290are tightened at the bottom of the slots262and266. The comb260is shown in an intermediate position inFIG.45. This is accomplished when fasteners290are tightened in intermediate positions relative to the slots262and266. The comb260is shown in the lowest position inFIG.46. This is accomplished when fasteners290are tightened at the top of the slots262and266.

Longitudinal length of pull adjustments are illustrated inFIGS.47-49. The length of pull is the longest inFIG.47, is intermediate inFIG.48, and is shortest inFIG.49. Pegs200are used to lock the rods180and190in selected positions within rod passages93and103, respectively. It is appreciated that while rods with seven holes will allow the user to select from seven different lengths of pull. More or fewer holes, different spacing and different rod lengths would allow for different amounts of adjustment.

Turning now toFIGS.50-57, it is seen that an alternative embodiment of a frame370and mount440(of the firearm) of a cast system330are illustrated. An adapter similar to the adapter described above is used to mate to the rear face of a receiver.

The frame370has a front375with a face376. The front face376has a rounded portion. The geometric center of the rounded portion defines a pivot axis377(pivot between frame370and an adapter. The frame370also has a rear380, a top385, a bottom390, a first side395and an opposed second side400. There is a central opening410open to sides395and400, and surrounded by the front375, rear380, top385and bottom390. The central opening410has a front, a rear, a top and a bottom. The front of the opening410has a seat411. The seat411has sidewalls412and413, respectively. A mount passage420passes through the front375of the frame370. The passage420has an end421with an opening422open through the center of the front face376of the front370, preferably equally spaced between sides395and400of the frame370. The mount passage420also has a second end423open with a slot424to the seat411. The passage420has a centerline425along the longitudinal axis of the passage. The passage is preferably a tapered passage, with an increasing width dimension from end to end. Peg holes430and comb support passages435are also provided.

An embodiment of mount440of a firearm is a rod445threaded at ends446and447. A cast piece450, having sides451and452with a cast hole453therebetween is also illustrated. It is appreciated that while a central hole453is illustrated (for an embodiment without cast), that cast pieces similar to or the same as the cast pieces described above could be used to provide cast to the frame370relative to the mount440about pivot axis377.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, a universally adjustable firearm stock that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.