Tangent integrated tilt sight

A pivoting mount for a firearm used to attach a firearm accessory is provided. The pivot mount has a base configured to attach to the firearm, and a top pivotally connected to the base. The top of the pivoting mount is pivotable between an engaged and disengaged position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to firearm mounts. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pivoting firearm mount formed as a tangent integrated tilt sight.

2. Description of Related Art

Virtually all firearms are provided with mechanical sighting devices, many of which are selectively adjustable by the user to accomplish bullet strike as nearly as possible to a point of aim. Firearms, particularly rifles, have for a considerable period of time been provided with mechanical sights, typically referred to as “iron sights”, and with additional sighting devices, such as telescopes and other optical sighting devices. At times, if the mechanical sighting device cannot be readily used with an optical sighting device in place, it is desirable to remove the optical sighting device from the firearm. Typically, removal of an optical sighting device from a firearm requires the use of certain tools and equipment and the risk of losing sight mounting or adjusting parts if such an activity is carried out in a field environment. Moreover, removal of a sighting device from a firearm inevitably results in the loss of calibration, thus requiring the firearm to be again sighted in after the sighting device has been re-installed on the firearm. For these reasons, telescope sighting devices and sight mounts have been developed to permit hinged or pivotal movement of a telescope from an operative sighting position to a laterally off-set inoperative position. These improvements enable a telescope to be swung to and from a sighting position on a firearm without requiring re-adjustment of the sight.

More recently, especially in the tactical firearm environment various firearm sighting devices are often mounted on firearms in tandem so that the cumulative benefit of dual sighting devices enhances the character of firearm use. For example, an optical sighting device and a thermal or night vision sighting device can be used in tandem to provide the user with the capability for using optical sighting during conditions of poor light. Laser sighting devices are used in conjunction with telescope sights to provide the user with the benefits of a magnified image of a target and with laser sighting of the target. At times it is beneficial to eliminate a sighting device from the line of sight, but to do so ordinarily requires the use of tools or other equipment. In the tactical environment, military or law enforcement personnel do not ordinarily have sufficient available time for sight removal or installation, so the need for changes of sighting devices has largely remained unsatisfied.

Even more recently tactical personnel have been provided with the capability for efficient release and removal of an optical sighting device from a firearm having a mounting rail and re-installing the sighting device precisely to its previous calibrated condition.

There is a current need, especially in the field of tactical firearms, to provide a mounting device for optical sighting devices and other sight related devices that have a pivotal capability for movement of sighting devices between operative and inoperative positions without requiring the use of tools or equipment of any nature. Especially in the tactical environment it is desirable to provide a pivotal optical sight mount that secures an optical sight device against inadvertent movement even when the sighting device has been moved to its inoperative position. It is also desirable to provide a pivot mount that can be easily and quickly removed from a firearm together with its accessory, transported to a site for use, and then re-installed on the firearm in sight calibrated condition, so that the firearm can be used immediately for precision firing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a pivoting accessory mount for use with a firearm is provided. The pivoting mount comprises a base and a top, the top being pivotally attached to the base. The top is pivotally movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The top is further capable of limited linear movement relative to a length of the base. A protrusion extends from a side of the base. This protrusion is configured to be engaged with locking structures on a first side of the top. The locking structures, when engaged with the protrusion, hold the top in either an engaged or disengaged position.

In another aspect, a pivoting accessory mount for use with a firearm is provided. The pivoting mount comprises a base and a top, the top being pivotally attached to the base. The top is pivotally movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position via a shaft extending through an aperture of the base. The shaft ends extend from opposite edges of the base. The top is attachable to the shaft ends by openings on either side which are sized to receive the shaft. The top is further capable of limited linear movement along a length of the base by the openings on either side of the top being capable of sliding along the shaft. A protrusion extends from a side of the base. This protrusion is configured to be engaged with locking structures on a first side of the top. The locking structures of the top, when engaged with the protrusion, hold the top in either an engaged or disengaged position. A spring is positioned along the connection between the top and the shaft. This spring urges a second side of the top away from the base, so that the locking structures of the first side may be engaged with the protrusion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, the present invention concerns pivoting mount for a firearm. In particular, the present invention provides an accessory mounting system that allows easy engagement and disengagement of various accessory devices in a rapid manner that further eliminates the need for realigning the accessory after each deployment. The pivoting mount has a base configured to be attached to the firearm, and a top portion pivotally attached to the base. The top portion is configured to receive a firearm accessory, and is capable of being pivoted between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The top is also capable of linear movement along a length of the base.

For the purpose of illustration, a typical military combat firearm300is depicted inFIG. 1A. A conventional combat firearm300generally includes a conventional stock306, an upper receiver304with a flattop305, a lower receiver307and a barrel301. The barrel301is joined to the upper receiver304. The barrel301defines the forward portion of the firearm300and the stock306defines the rearward portion of the firearm. An accessory rail302is installed to the receiver304over the barrel301. Further an accessory rail assembly303is shown installed in front of the upper receiver304and around the barrel301.

Generally, the axis around which the top pivots is aligned with and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the firearm300. Additionally, the top is configured such that when positioned in the engaged position, an accessory is in a position positioned above the rail302of the firearm. The disengaged position allows the top to pivot to one side (preferably the side opposite the shell discharge port) thereby positioning the top out of line of sight along the top of the firearm300. This allows a clear line of sight for a user who desires to use the open sights of the firearm300or a primary sighting device, should the pivoting mount be holding a secondary sighting device.

Now referring to the figures, the pivoting mount is shown in varying embodiments. The pivoting mount may be attached to any firearm, particularly any firearm having an accessory rail302. Firearm accessories that may be attached to the pivoting mount include, but are not limited to: sights, scopes, flash lights, lasers, range finders, infrared emitters, cameras, and the like. In this regard, the present invention provides a unique mount allowing these firearm accessories to be positioned in line with the barrel of the firearm, or pivoted to an offset position.

The pivoting mount may be formed of any material capable of attaching to a firearm and supporting an accessory. For example, materials of which the pivoting mount may be made include, but are not limited to: plastics, metals, composites such as carbon fiber, and the like.

FIGS. 7 and 8provide perspective views of an embodiment of the pivoting mount in a disengaged position. The base10has the top portion11mounted to it at a top receiving section10a. The top11is mounted to the base such that it is capable of both rotational and linear movement. The base10has a number of portions, including the top receiving section10a, a clamp section10cand a pivot stopper10b. The top receiving section10ais configured to receive the top11in pivoting attachment. The clamp section10cfacilitates action of a swing arm18which moves from an open to engaged position, locking the base10to the firearm in an engaged position, and releasing the base10from the firearm in a disengaged position. The base10forms apertures22through its surface. These apertures are sized and configured to mate with protrusions from the firearm, such as protrusions on a standard rifle accessory rail302. The base10also forms clamping region19. Clamping region19is configured to hook around the rifle accessory rail302. Once the base10is in position, the swing arm18may be moved to an engaged position, locking the base to the rail302.

The top11has a first side11athat attaches to the base and forms the locking structure to hold the top11in the disengaged position and engaged position and a second side12that attaches to the base10. The top11is configured and structured to receive a firearm accessory. In this embodiment, the top11is configured with apertures110, and111which facilitate attachment of the firearm accessory.

The second side12of the top11is configured to pivotally receive a shaft13. A spring (not shown) is in communication with the top11, either on the second side12or first side11a. The top11is linearly displaceable along the shaft13and limited in this displacement by the second side12and first side11aof the shaft and the top receiving section10aof the base10. The spring is disposed to urge the first side11aagainst a side of the base10, thereby engaging locking structures of the first side11a. Linear movement of the top11is caused by application of manual force against the force of the spring.

In some embodiments, a spring retainer60may be attached to the second side12. This spring retainer60may be hollow, and allow the shaft13to pass through. In this embodiment, a spring (not shown) may be in communication with the spring retainer60. This spring is disposed to urge the second side12of the top11away from the base, thereby engaging the locking structure formed by the first side11a.

The first side11aof the top11forms locking structures15,16, that engage a protrusion17, holding the top in either the disengaged position or the engaged position. These locking structures may be formed in any way capable of receiving the protrusion17. For example, the locking structure may be formed as an aperture defined by the first side11asuch as locking structure15, or a detent such as structure16. In alternative embodiments, recessions may form both locking structures, or apertures may form both locking structures. It should be understood that other similar locking structures capable of receiving the protrusion are also within the scope of the contemplated invention.

Further, the first side11aforms an aperture through which shaft14protrudes. Shaft14is rotatable within the aperture, and remains stationary when the top11is pivoted. Shaft14may pass through the top receiving section10aand be a single piece with shaft13. Alternatively, shaft14may be a protrusion from a face of the top receiving section10a. Alternatively still, the shaft14may extend partially into the top receiving section10a, but not all the way through to join to shaft13. In the particular embodiment shown, the shaft14extends at least partially into the top receiving section10aand is held in place by a screw70.

In an alternative embodiment, the shaft may be replaced by projections extending inwardly from the top, these projections may mate with slot openings defined by the base10at, for example, the top receiving section10a. In this embodiment, the projections may be rotatable within the slots, and allow the top to pivot similarly to how it would pivot with the shaft structure. As such, the projections may replace a shaft in this embodiment.

FIGS. 1-6provide various views of another embodiment of the pivoting mount. The pivot mount shown here has the top11in an engaged position, partially covering the base10. In operation, the engaged position would position an accessory (not shown) in line with the firearm barrel301. The second side12and first side11aof the top11are attached to the base10by spring retainer60and shaft14. The shafts13,14and spring retainer60are attached to the top receiving section10aof the base10. Further, the base10forms a protruding pivot stopper10bwhich prevents over-rotation of the top11when moving to the disengaged position. Apertures110and111allow attachment of the firearm accessory to the top11. The clamp section10cfacilitates action of the swing arm18which moves from an open to engaged position, locking the base10to the firearm300in the engaged position, and releasing the base10from the firearm in a disengaged position.

In one embodiment, the swing arm18may be in communication with a locking structure such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,988, incorporated herein by reference. However, it should be understood that any locking structure capable of attaching the pivot mount to a firearm is sufficient. Further, a swing arm18may be replaced with another structure capable of locking and releasing the base to the firearm, such as a ratcheting mechanism, a snap connection, and the like.

As seen inFIG. 2, the bottom of the pivoting mount comprises apertures22and a protrusion23to secure to a mounting rail302of a firearm. Further, plate20is attached to swing arm18by a shaft (not shown) passing through the clamp section10cof the base10. The shape of the plate20is such that when the swing arm18is in an engaged position, an edge of the plate20extends over the clamping region19formed by the base10. As such, the plate20clamps the base10onto a rail302of the firearm. A screw21is used in this embodiment to secure the shaft14to the top receiving section10aof the base10.

FIGS. 9 and 10provide front and rear perspective views of the pivoting mount1in the engaged position. As noted above, the engaged position is the position of the pivoting mount1when an accessory would be in-line with a barrel301of the firearm. Moreover,FIGS. 12 and 13provide individual component views of the base10and top11, respectively.

FIG. 11provides an exploded view of an embodiment of the pivoting mount1. The top11is shown positioned over the base10but not connected to it. A shaft118is positionable within an aperture121defined by the top receiving section10a. The shaft118is sized such that its ends protrude from both sides of the top receiving section10a, allowing the top11to be connected to the base10by the shaft118at both its ends. The shaft118defines an transverse bore118athrough its center. A screw117passes through this bore118awhen the shaft118is positioned properly within the aperture121defined by the base10. The screw117, when properly positioned, ensures that the shaft118remain in place.

The top11defines a socket119through which a protruding end of the shaft118can be rotatably received. Similarly, in this embodiment, spring retainer60forms a hollow section sized to receive a second protruding end of the shaft118on the opposite side of the base. The spring retainer60attaches to the second side12of the top (not shown). Threads112are formed on an end of the spring retainer60which allow it to be securely attached to the second side12of the top11.

A spring115is positioned either over an outer face of the spring retainer60, or in line with its leading edge. When the parts are attached in position, the spring112abuts a face (not shown) defined by the base10. This spring112urges the second side12of the top11away from the base10, thereby urging the first side11atowards the base10. In an alternative embodiment, the spring112may be biased to pull a side of the top11towards the protrusion17. In this embodiment, the spring112would be positioned on the same side of the base10as the protrusion, and be attached to the first side11aof the top11.

The base10further defines a socket120for attachment of a protrusion17. The protrusion17is shown here as a removable screw with a substantial head. In alternative embodiments, the protrusion17may be a pin, an integral protrusion extending from the base, and the like. As noted, the protrusion17is sized and configured to mate with the locking structures15,16to hold the top in either the engaged or disengaged position.

FIG. 11further provides an exploded view of the clamp section10cand components. In this embodiment, the swing arm18connects to a ratchet device114which is seated in the clamp section10c. The plate20comprises a shaft which extends through a passage122of the clamp section10cand attaches to the swing arm18. A pin113connects the swing arm18and plate20together. A clamp116attached to the base10may be utilized to aid in the clamping of the pivot mount to the firearm rail302. The clamp116is specifically shaped to clamp around a surface of the firearm rail302, and is configured to be urged into position by the plate20.

FIGS. 14 through 17provide views of the pivot mount1having an accessory140attached to the top11. These figures show the pivot mount with the accessory attached in both an engaged and disengaged position. In this embodiment, the accessory140is a firearm sight.

FIGS. 18 through 21provide views of the pivot mount1having an accessory180attached to the top11. A spacer181is used to facilitate attachment of the accessory180to the top11. The spacer181may be used to attach an accessory180to the top11if the attachment configuration of the accessory180does not match that of the top11, or to properly position the accessory180, or both. These figures show the pivot mount with the accessory attached in both an engaged and disengaged position. In this embodiment, the accessory180is a firearm sight.

In particular,FIG. 21shows a front perspective view of the pivoting mount in a disengaged position, such that the underside of the spacer181may be seen. In this embodiment, the spacer forms attachment holes211,222which are specifically configured to connect with an attaching structure of accessory180. The spacer181is further configured to connect to the top11through attachment holes210.

In operation, the pivoting mount may be attached to the firearm. Before or after attachment to the firearm, an accessory is mounted to the top11of the pivoting mount. When the top is in an engaged position, the accessory is in-line with a barrel of the firearm. For example, if the accessory is a scope, when the top is in an engaged position, the scope would be in use, allowing a user to look through the scope. If the scope was undesired in a particular situation, a user may draw the accessory (which is attached to the top) linearly in a direction to disengage the protrusion from the locking structure. Once disengaged the top may pivot freely, against the force exerted by the spring. The accessory may then be pivoted away from the engaged position to the disengaged position. Once the disengaged position is reached, the user may release the accessory, and the spring will draw the protrusion into the disengaged position locking structure. As such, the accessory will be out of the way of the firearm user. A similar action in reverse allows the top and accessory to move back to the engaged position.

It can therefore be seen that the present invention provides a reliable, easy to use pivoting mount for a firearm that allows a firearm accessory to be quickly and reliably pivoted between a disengaged position and an engaged position while eliminating the need for recalibration and alignment. The present invention can be modified to accommodate a number of different types of firearm accessories as well as being suited for mounting onto any type of known firearm configurations.