Movable firearm accessory support assembly

A mount assembly for securing accessories to an underlying firearm assembly. The mount assembly includes a base that is constructed to be secured to an underlying firearm and an accessory support that is moveable relative to the base. An interface arrangement is provided between the base and the accessory support such that the accessory support can be rotated relative to the base between a first orientation that is laterally inboard of the base and a second orientation that is laterally outboard of the base to accommodate break-action operation of an underlying firearm when the accessory mount assembly is secured to the firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to mounting arrangements associated with securing sighting accessories to an underlying firearm assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to an accessory mounting assembly wherein an accessory, such as a lighting or sighting accessory, can be moved between an in-use orientation wherein the accessory can be used for aiming of the firearm and a non-use position wherein the accessory is oriented generally laterally outboard of the line of sight during use of the firearm and such that the mounting arrangement does not interfere with any of the features of the underlying firearm.

Fire arm sight assemblies generally include an ocular or sight that is attached to the firearm to assist the shooter with aligning the bore of the firearm with an intended target. Commonly, the shooter adjusts either the sight relative to the firearm, or the orientation of the sight relative to the target, to accommodate different shooting conditions. For example, if a projectile will be subjected to a crossing wind during the travel of the projectile to the target, the shooter can laterally translate the sight relative to the bore of the firearm, or simply aim the firearm at a sight location that is offset from an intended projectile impact area. These variations in lateral alignment of the sight and/or the firearm with the intended target are commonly referred to as windage adjustments.

Another type of alignment adjustment the shooter must accommodate is an inclination of declination of the firearm relative to the target to accommodate the differences between the generally linear sighting path and the occasionally more curved projectile path. For targets at close range, this is generally a negligible consideration for most shooters as the projectile will follow a substantially linear path. Further still, at closer ranges, some shooters prefer sighting accessories that can be moved to locations that do not otherwise obstruct the line of sight to a target but can reintroduced to the shooting line of sight in a repeatable and expeditious manner to accommodate shooting at targets at various different ranges and without removal of the sighting device from the underlying firearm.

Regardless of the shooting/sighting technique, repeatable alignment of the sight with the firearm when moved between in-use and non-use positions is required for the shooter to be able to repeatedly hit an intended target. Still further, when provided in a movable rather than removable configuration, such sight mounting accessories preferably do not interfere with any of the operational features associated with an underlying firearm. For instance, some firearms, such as the SUB-2000™ rifle offered by Kel Tee Weapons, is provided with a break-action construction. As commonly understood, break-action firearms are constructed such that the barrel can be rotated out of alignment with action and/or stock associated with the remainder of the firearm, and provide a more compact configuration of the firearm when in a stored configuration. With respect to the SUB-2000™ rifle, the axis of rotation associated with the break-action is horizontally oriented such that the axis of rotation extends in a generally lateral direction and is oriented above an action or receiver portion of the rifle such that the barrel folds in an upward and rearward direction relative to the receiver when the firearm is collapsed from an elongated in-use orientation to a stowed or folded orientation.

When folded, the barrel portion of the firearm generally closely overlies the receiver and stock portion of the remainder of the firearm. Sighting or lighting accessories associated with the upper surface of the firearm commonly interfere with or wholly negate the foldable operation of the firearm. To be folded, any accessories associated with the upper surface of the firearm, whether associated with the barrel, receiver, or stock portions of the firearm, must be removed from the firearm prior to folding of the firearm. Understandably, such accessories must also be operationally associated with the firearm with each un-folding and subsequent use of the underlying firearm. Although many removable sighting accessories are available, accurate shooting with such sighting accessories is heavily dependent on the shooters ability to repeatedly orient the sight relative to the firearm. Therefore, there is a need for a moveable rather than removable accessory mounting assembly or system that does not interfere with other features associated with of the underlying firearm.

Although various moveable firearm accessory mounting arrangements that allow sighting accessories to be moved from an in-use orientation to an out of line of sight line orientation relative to the underlying firearm are known, such arrangements suffer from various drawbacks when associated with break-action weapons. A primary benefit of most break-action firearms is the reduced elongated footprint of the weapon when in the folded orientation. Although some known movable accessory mounting arrangements may accommodate folding of the underlying firearm, most such configurations leave the mounting arrangement, and any accessory associated therewith, at orientations that are laterally outboard of a vertical footprint of the folded firearm.

These outboard orientations of the mounting arrangements and/or any accessories associated therewith, leave the mounting arrangement and any accessories associated therewith in a cantilevered orientation relative to the underlying firearm when the firearm is in a folded orientation. The outboard and/or cantilevered orientations leaves the accessory mounting arrangement, and any accessory associated therewith, exposed to vibrational and impact forces that can detrimentally affect operability of the mounting arrangement, the accessory, and/or the repeatability with which the accessory can be associated with the underlying firearm between uses. As such, there is a further need for a firearm accessory mounting arrangement or system wherein the mounting arrangement and/or an accessory associated therewith can be maintained in close proximity to the underlying firearm such that the more robust structure of underlying firearm preferably provides some degree of protection of the mounting arrangement and/or the accessory when the firearm is in a collapsed or folded configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a firearm accessory mounting assembly and method of forming a firearm mounting assembly that overcomes one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks. One aspect of the invention discloses an accessory mounting assembly that includes a base that is constructed to be secured to an underlying firearm and an accessory support that is moveable relative to the base. An interface arrangement is provided between the base and the accessory support such that the accessory support can be rotated relative to the base between a first orientation that is laterally inboard of the base and a second orientation that is laterally outboard of the base to accommodate break-action of an underlying firearm when the accessory mounting assembly is secured to the firearm. The accessory mounting assembly is constructed to achieve the first orientation when the firearm is in use and when the firearm is in folded orientation such that the accessory support, and an accessory associated therewith, is at least partially surrounded by structure of the adjacent fire arm.

Another aspect of the invention that includes or is combinable with one or more of the above features associated with the above aspect discloses a firearm accessory mount assembly that includes a base that is constructed to be secured to an underlying firearm. An accessory support is pivotably connected to the base such that the accessory support is moveable relative to the base and the underlying fire arm. An interface arrangement is formed between the base and the accessory support and allows the accessory support to be rotated about an axis of rotation between a first orientation that is laterally inboard of the base and a second orientation that is laterally outboard of the base and such that a plane associated with the first orientation and the second orientation is substantially normal to the axis of rotation.

A further aspect of the invention that is useable or combinable with one or more of the above aspects or features discloses a moveable gun sight mount assembly that includes a post having a first end that is constructed to be secured to a firearm and defines an axis of rotation that is oriented in a generally vertical direction. A sight mount is attached to the post such that the sight mount is rotatable about the axis of rotation between a first position wherein a portion of the sight mount overlies a barrel of the firearm and a second position in a generally common plane with the first position wherein the portion of the sight mount is laterally outboard of the barrel of the firearm.

Another aspect of the invention that is useable or combinable with one or more of the above features or aspects discloses a method of forming a movable firearm accessory mount. The method includes providing a base portion that is constructed to be secured to a firearm. An accessory mount portion is provided that movably cooperates with the base portion such that the accessory mount portion is rotatable relative to the base portion between a first position, associated with both use of an accessory during use of the firearm and interfering with unfolding of the firearm, and a second position wherein the accessory mount portion is oriented laterally outboard of a cross-section associated with motion of the barrel relative to a receiver during unfolding of the firearm.

These and various other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3show a firearm accessory mount or mounting assembly, referred to hereafter as mount assembly20, according to the present invention. Mount assembly20includes a post or base22and a sight or accessory mount or accessory mounting portion or accessory support24that is attached to base22so as to be moveable relative thereto. Base22is generally defined by an elongate body26that extends in a generally longitudinal direction, indicated by arrow28, between a first end portion30and a second end portion32of body26. First end portion30of base22include a laterally inboard or firearm facing side34and a laterally outboard facing side36that is generally opposite thereto. One or more openings38,40are formed through body26proximate first end portion30. As disclosed further below with respect toFIGS. 7-13, openings38,40are oriented and constructed to cooperate with respective fasteners associated with securing mount assembly20relative to an underlying firearm.

One or more projections42,44,46(FIG. 2) extend in an inboard lateral direction, indicated by arrow48(FIG. 1), relative to end portion30. As disclosed further below with respect toFIGS. 7-13, projections42,44,46are oriented and constructed to cooperate with a corresponding structure associated with the underlying firearm to achieve the desired orientation of base22relative to a firearm to which it is secured. It is appreciated that numbers and orientations of openings38,40and/or projections42,44,46, other than those shown can be provided to accommodate indexing and securing of mount assembly20relative to an underlying firearm when mount assembly20is secured thereto.

Second end portion32of base22defines an upwardly directed surface50that is configured to cooperate with a downwardly directed surface52defined by accessory support24. Surface50of base22generally defines a channel54that is disposed between a pair of ridges56,58associated with second end portion32of base22. An opening or passage60extends through base22in longitudinal direction28and is disposed in channel54associated with base22. Passage60is shaped to slideably cooperate with a shank portion62a fastener64that cooperates with passage60. Fastener64includes a threaded portion66and a head portion68that are disposed at generally opposite longitudinal ends of fastener64. As disclosed further below with respect toFIGS. 4-6, threaded portion66of fastener64is configured to operatively engage accessory support24such that accessory support24is attached to base22and rotational relative thereto.

A biasing device, such as a spring70, slideably cooperates with fastener64and is shaped to be disposed generally between head portion68and a transition72formed between shank portion62and threaded portion66of fastener64when mount assembly20, is assembled. As disclosed further below, biasing device70biases surfaces50,52associated with base22and adapter support24into engagement with one another. However, the force associated with biasing device70can be manually overcome such that a separation or gap can be formed between surfaces50,52and accessory support24can be rotated about an axis defined by fastener64relative to base22. As disclosed further below, the rotational operative relation between base22and accessory support24allows mount assembly20to provide various orientations of discrete accessories relative to the underlying firearm while mount assembly20is secured thereto and does not unduly interfere with the functionality of an underlying firearm assembly as disclosed further below.

Accessory support24is generally defined by a body76that includes a first portion78that generally overlies base22and a second portion80that extends in an outward lateral direction, indicated by arrow81, relative to first portion78. Surface52of accessory support24includes at least one projection82that is disposed between a pair of laterally outward directed contours or recesses84,86such that surface50of base22and surface52of accessory support24maintain the orientation of accessory support24relative to base22in at least two discrete positions or relative orientations when surfaces50,52are in contact with one another, as disclosed further below. It is appreciated that surfaces50,52could be provided in other shapes and/or configures that cooperate with one another to define other numbers of secure positional orientations of accessory support24relative to base22. Regardless of their specific construction, surfaces50,52associated with base22and accessory support24define an interface arrangement between base22and accessory support24that is operable to allow translation of accessory support24relative to base22and a secure positional interaction therebetween when engaged with one another.

Second portion80of accessory support24includes a firearm facing surface90and an accessory facing surface92that is disposed opposite thereof. Accessory facing surface92includes a channel94that is disposed between a pair of ridges96,98. Channel94and ridges96,98extend in a longitudinal direction, indicated by arrow100, that is generally aligned with the longitudinal direction (159;FIGS. 7-10) associated with an underlying firearm assembly when mount assembly20is secured thereto as disclosed further below. A projection102extends in a generally outward upward direction, indicated by arrow104, relative to a surface106or bed of channel94. One or more openings108,110,112,114extend through second portion80of accessory support24in direction28.

As shown inFIG. 2, a counter bore116is associated with each of openings108,110,112,114, and configured to seat a head portion of a fastener associated therewith. Channel94; ridges,96,98; projection102; and openings108,110,112,114, are constructed to accommodate securing of an accessory, such as a sighting or optics device, relative to mount assembly20and such that an axis of operation204associated with the respective optic or other accessory is generally aligned with axis100when a desired accessory is secured thereto. It is appreciated that accessory facing surface92associated with second portion80could be provided in a variety of shapes or contours and with any number of fastener openings configured to accommodate securing discrete accessories relative thereto. It is further appreciated that accessory mounts having different constructions could be provided wherein each accessory mount is configured to cooperate with a discrete accessory, or class of accessories, and base22. It is appreciated that when provided in such a modality, changing of an accessory associated with a respective firearm can be facilitated by replacing accessory support24with an alternate accessory support24while base22remains secured to the underlying firearm assembly.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, when assembled, threaded portion66of a fastener64cooperates with a threaded cavity120associated with first portion78of accessory support24. Passage60associated with base22is shaped to slideably cooperate with a shank portion62of fastener64and such that spring70is captured between a ledge122defined by body26of base22and head portion68of fastener64. Spring70is configured to bias surface52of accessory support24into engagement with surface50of base22. Head portion68of fastener64includes a drive arrangement, such as a hex shaped recess124, associated with securing fastener64with threaded cavity120of accessory support24during assembly.

The orientation of base22relative to accessory support24as shown inFIGS. 1,2, and 4is generally understood as an in-use or laterally inboard orientation of accessory support24of mount assembly20relative to base22and an underlying firearm assembly. When accessory support24is oriented in the laterally inboard orientation relative to base22and the underlying firearm assembly, second portion80of accessory support24generally overlies the barrel portion or operational axis associated with a line of sight associated with use of the underlying firearm.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, manual translation of accessory support24in direction104relative to base22and over the bias associated with spring70forms a gap128between surface50defined by base22and surface52defined by accessory support24. Rotation of accessory support24in a rotational direction, indicated by arrows130,132, about the axis of rotation104associated with fastener64allows second portion80of accessory support24to rotate relative to base22between a first or laterally inboard position or orientation134wherein the second portion80of accessory support24generally overlies a vertical cross-section footprint136defined by an underlying firearm assembly and a laterally outboard orientation138relative to footprint136of the underlying firearm assembly. Upon the respective laterally inboard or outboard rotation of accessory support24relative to base22, spring70biases accessory support24into engagement with base22until surfaces50,52creating a touching or contact engagement. The shape and/or contour associated with surfaces50,52allows accessory support24to index relative to base22such that the longitudinal axis100is generally aligned with the longitudinal or operational axis, indicated by line159(FIGS. 7-10), associated with the underlying firearm assembly whether accessory support24is oriented in the laterally inboard orientation134or the laterally outboard orientation138relative to base22. It should be appreciated that, although aligned when in either orientation, axis100is offset further from the axis of operation159defined by a barrel of an underlying firearm assembly when accessory support24of mount assembly20is oriented in the laterally outboard orientation138relative to base22as compared to laterally inboard orientation134. It should further be appreciated that accessory support24is oriented in a common plane, indicated by line139(FIG. 4), that is generally parallel to an axis defined by a bore of an underlying firearm assembly when in the first and second orientations134,138.

Whether oriented in the laterally inboard or laterally outboard orientations134,138, such a consideration allows utilization of mount assembly20, and an accessory associated therewith, in both line of sight operations associated with securely orienting optics or sites relative to a line of sight associated with use of an underlying firearm assembly as well as other uses. For instance, when the accessory is provided as light, some users may prefer use of such accessories when oriented in either of the inboard, and/or laterally outboard orientations134,138. Still further, mount assembly20provides an accessory mounting arrangement or configuration that accommodates and/or does not otherwise unduly interfere with the functionality associated with some classes or configurations of firearm assemblies.

FIGS. 7-13show various views of mount assembly20having an exemplary firearm accessory, in the form of a sighting optic150, associated with an exemplary underlying firearm or firearm assembly152. It is appreciated that accessory150and firearm assembly152could be provided in any number of modalities, constructions, and/or configurations aside from that which is described below. It is further appreciated that mount assembly20can be configured to cooperate with other accessories, such as flashlights or the like, usable when the mount assembly is oriented in either of the first orientation134or the second orientation138depending upon the preferences of discrete users.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, first and second connectors or fasteners154,156cooperate with the previously described openings38,40associated with first end portion30of base22to secure base22relative to firearm assembly152. As with many firearm assemblies, firearm assembly152includes a barrel158that extends between a rearward portion of the underlying firearm assembly152or a receiver assembly160and a muzzle162. A fore grip, such as a handguard or handguard assembly164, is generally disposed about a rearward portion of barrel158and is constructed to mitigate contact between the user and barrel158during use of firearm assembly152and provides a secure operator hand placement. Handguard assembly164includes one or more engagement interfaces166,168,170that extend in a generally longitudinal direction relative thereto.

Engagement interfaces,166,168,170are constructed to accommodate securing of accessories, such as mount assembly20, relative to the underlying firearm assembly152. Engagement interface170is defined by a number of generally elongated channels or grooves172, or other such structure, configured to allow secure interaction between the respective accessories and the underlying handguard assembly164. Referring briefly toFIGS. 2, 7, and 8, projections42,44,46associated with base22of mount assembly20are constructed to cooperate with a respective or respective portions of adjacent grooves172defined by engagement interface170such that mount assembly20can be secured thereto via fasteners154,156. Understandably, engagement interfaces166,168,170can be provided in a number of configurations. End portion30associated with base22can be readily configured to cooperate with many such configurations.

Referring briefly toFIGS. 8 and 10, it can be appreciated that mount assembly20is shown attached to what is commonly referred to as a right hand facing lateral side, as indicated by arrow171, relative to firearm assembly152. It is appreciated that mount assembly20could be secured to a left hand facing lateral side, as indicated by arrow173, of firearm assembly152to accommodate different shooter preferences. Referring also toFIG. 7, it is further appreciated that mount assembly20could be secured to firearm assembly152at longitudinal positions along firearm assembly152other than that shown to further accommodate the preferences of discrete users with respect to the position of accessory150and/or the desired interaction with mount assembly20when secured to firearm to achieve the operability described further below.

Referring back toFIGS. 7-8, in many configurations, firearm assembly152includes a forward sight174that is commonly secured directly to barrel158and associated with operation of firearm assembly152. Receiver assembly160commonly includes an action176, a trigger assembly178, and is constructed to cooperate with a rearward oriented portion180of barrel158. In many configurations wherein firearm assembly152is configured for multi-round or semi-automatic operation, a magazine182is provided that cooperates with receiver assembly160to facilitate the repeatable operation firearm assembly152. In the configuration shown inFIG. 7-13, firearm assembly152is provided in a configuration commonly referred to as a breach or break-action. When provided in such configurations, barrel158and/or handguard assembly164associated with the underlying firearm assembly152are constructed to pivotably cooperate with receiver assembly160, via a pivot184, or other such structure, and a catch186, or other such structure, configured to allow the selective pivotable or rotational motion of the barrel158relative to the receiver assembly160.

Actuation of catch186allows relative rotation about an axis, indicated by line190, between a forward oriented portion, indicated by arrow188, of firearm assembly152, and a rearward oriented portion, indicated by arrow192, of firearm assembly152. In the configuration shown inFIGS. 7-13, forward oriented portion188of firearm assembly152is rotatable in a generally vertically oriented plane or direction, indicated by line194, relative to rearward oriented portion192of firearm assembly152to facilitate the folding and unfolding of firearm assembly152via rotation of the respective portions188,192relative to one another about axis190. Such a construction allows firearm assembly152to achieve an in-use orientation196, as shown inFIGS. 7-10, and a stowed or inoperable or folded orientation198, as shown inFIGS. 11-13. The ability of firearm assembly to be folded and unfolded is a substantial feature associated with the desirability of such firearm assemblies.

Even though foldable, many such firearm assemblies commonly include a rear sight200that is associated with receiver assembly160or a rearward oriented portion180of handguard assembly164. Rear sight200is oriented to cooperate with forward sight174for sighting of firearm assembly152. Rear sight200is commonly collapsible or otherwise movable so as to not interfere with the foldable and unfoldable operation of the underlying firearm assembly even through rear sight is commonly permanently affixed to firearm assembly. Although shown as what can be consider a vertically operable break-action firearm, it is appreciated that mount assembly20is constructed to cooperate with break-action firearm assemblies having other constructions such as lower or vertically oriented axis of rotation associated with the break-action operation of the respective firearm assemblies.

Still referring toFIGS. 7-8, when mount assembly20is oriented in the laterally inboard orientation134relative to a firearm assembly152, axis of operation, indicated by line204, associated with accessory150is generally aligned with the axis of operation159associated with use of the underlying firearm assembly152. It should be appreciated that when oriented in laterally inboard orientation134, accessory support24is oriented relative to base22in the configuration shown inFIG. 5aside from the absence of gap128via the bias action associated with spring70. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 8, when oriented in orientation134, a substantial portion of accessory support24generally overlies the vertical and horizontal footprint associated with underlying firearm assembly152.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, when it is desired that accessory150be oriented laterally outboard relative to the axis of operation159associated with firearm assembly152; either for unobstructed use of sights174,200; laterally outboard use of accessory150; or folding of firearm assembly152; accessory support24can be translated a generally vertical direction104to create gap128(FIGS. 5-6) between surfaces50,52such that accessory support24can be rotated relative to base22in either of a forward or rearward direction relative to base22and underlying firearm assembly152. Such manipulation achieves the laterally outboard orientation138of accessory150(FIG. 10), and thereby the laterally outboard orientation associated with operational axis204of accessory150, relative to the operational axis159defined by the underlying firearm assembly152.

As disclosed above, depending on upon the modality associated with operation or use of accessory150, users may prefer the laterally inboard or laterally outboard orientation of accessory support24relative to firearm assembly152to achieve a desired use or non-use of accessory150and/or the underlying firearm assembly152. That is, when accessory150is provided as a flashlight, some users may prefer use of such an accessory when accessory support24is oriented in either or both of orientations134,138as a function of user preferences and/or shooting situations. It is further be noted that, when oriented in the laterally inboard orientation134as shown inFIGS. 7-8, mount assembly20at least partial interferes with the foldable functionality associated with the underlying firearm assembly152. That is, firearm assembly152would be rendered only partly foldable toward the stowed orientation as described below due to impingement of accessory150upon the rearward oriented structures associated with firearm assembly152. Comparatively, when oriented in the laterally outboard orientation138shown inFIGS. 9-10, mount assembly20, and any respective accessory150associated therewith, is oriented laterally outboard relative to firearm assembly152such that the portions188,192of firearm assembly152can achieve the fully folded orientation as disclosed further below. When in the folded orientation, forward portion188of firearm assembly152are oriented in generally close and overlying proximity to the rearward oriented portions192of firearm assembly152.

Referring toFIGS. 11-13, when folded, forward portion188of firearm assembly152generally overlies the rearward portions192thereof. The laterally outboard orientation of mount assembly20, accessory support24, and an accessory150associated therewith, provide full functionality associated with the foldability of firearm assembly152. It should further be appreciated that when the firearm assembly152is oriented in the folded orientation as shown inFIG. 11, mount assembly20is oriented in the laterally outboard orientation as shown inFIG. 6such that accessory support24and the accessory150associated therewith remain in a substantially laterally outboard orientation relative to the underlying folded firearm assembly152. Such an orientation leaves mount assembly20, and any accessory150associated therewith, exposed to incidental contact and/or impact associated with transport and/or storage associated with the accessory equipped firearm assembly152.

Referring toFIGS. 12-13, when firearm assembly152is oriented in the folded orientation as shown, accessory support24can be rotated relative to base22such that a substantial portion or majority of accessory support24, and an accessory150associated therewith, generally overlie the vertical footprint defined by firearm assembly152. Referring toFIG. 13, receiver assembly160commonly includes a pistol grip or grip210disposed proximate trigger assembly178. A stock assembly or simply a stock206commonly includes a rearward or butt portion212. Grip210and butt portion212extend in a generally downward vertical direction relative to the axis of operation159associated with firearm assembly152.

In many firearm configurations, grip210and butt portion212of stock206commonly define a cavity214formed therebetween. When firearm assembly152is oriented in the folded orientation198and mount assembly20is oriented in the laterally inboard orientation134, accessory150and a substantial portion of accessory support24are oriented in cavity214such that, when considered from the forward and rearward directions associated with longitudinal direction159, accessory150is substantially surrounded by the lower projecting portions associated with the more robust structures of firearm assembly152. Such considerations improve protection of accessory150and mount assembly20from incidental contact and/or impacts associated with storage and/or transport a firearm assembly152. Such considerations enhance the repeatability with which firearm assembly152can be folded and unfolded and accessory support24and an accessory150associated therewith can be positioned relative to the firearm assembly to achieve one or more of the previously established inboard or outboard oriented desired operational positions. Further, disposing a portion of stock206between accessory support24and an accessory150associated therewith and barrel158and/or handguard assembly164, within a vertical perimeter defined by structures of the firearm assembly, mitigates incidental and/or unintentional unfolding of firearm assembly152from the folded orientation198.

From the stowed or storage orientation associated with the configuration of firearm assembly152and mount assembly20as shown inFIG. 13, rotation of accessory support24relative to base22from the laterally inboard orientation134to the laterally outboard orientation138relative to the underlying firearm assembly152facilitates unfolding a firearm assembly152such that the forward portion188of firearm assembly152can be rotated in direction220relative to rearward oriented portion192of firearm assembly152for subsequent use of firearm assembly152with accessory150in the orientation shown inFIGS. 9-10. From the orientation of accessory support24relative to base22shown inFIGS. 9-10, accessory support24can be subsequently rotated from the laterally outboard orientation138shown inFIG. 6to the laterally inboard orientation shown inFIG. 5. Such manipulation achieves the relative orientation of firearm assembly and accessory support orientation shown inFIGS. 7-8wherein axis204associated with accessory150is generally aligned with, albeit above, axis159associated with operation of firearm assembly152.

Mount assembly20according to the present invention provides firearm accessory mounting arrangement that allows a shooter to quickly and repeatably configure a firearm assembly for shooting with the assistance of an accessory or displacement of the accessory in a generally lateral direction relative to a line of sight associated with use of the firearm assembly. Mount assembly20is further configured to generally seamlessly integrate into any of a number of firearm constructions. Mount assembly20can also be integrated or augmented and/or supplemented with the use of other sighting accessories such as scopes, lasers, target magnifiers, or the like. The robust construction of mount assembly20ensures product longevity and the ability to withstand the inhospitable conditions frequently associated with use of such firearms. Mount assembly20is further constructed to be simple to operate such that novice shooters can quickly become accurate marksman across at least a substantial portion of a tactical range of any firearm equipped with such a system and does so in a manner that does not interfere with or negate functionality associated with an underlying firearm assembly.

Therefore, one embodiment includes a mount assembly for securing accessories to an underlying firearm assembly. The mount assembly includes a base that is constructed to be secured to an underlying firearm and an accessory support that is moveable relative to the base. An interface arrangement is provided between the base and the accessory support such that the accessory support can be rotated relative to the base between a first orientation that is laterally inboard of the base and a second orientation that is laterally outboard of the base to accommodate movability of a respective accessory without obstructing break-action operation of an underlying firearm when the accessory mount assembly is secured to the firearm assembly.

Another embodiment that is useable or combinable with one or more of the above features, aspects, or embodiments includes an accessory mounting assembly that includes a base that is constructed to be secured to an underlying firearm and an accessory support that is moveable relative to the base. An interface arrangement is provided between the base and the accessory support such that the accessory support can be rotated relative to the base between a first orientation that is laterally inboard of the base and a second orientation that is laterally outboard of the base. The accessory mounting assembly is constructed to achieve the first orientation when the firearm assembly is in use and when the firearm is in folded orientation such that the accessory support, and an accessory associated therewith, is at least partially surrounded by structure of the adjacent firearm assembly.

Another embodiment that is useable or combinable with one or more of the above features, aspects, or embodiments includes a firearm accessory mount assembly having a base that is constructed to be secured to an underlying firearm. An accessory support is pivotably connected to the base such that the accessory support is moveable relative to the base and the underlying fire arm. An interface arrangement is formed between the base and the accessory support and allows the accessory support to be rotated about an axis of rotation between a first orientation that is laterally inboard of the base and a second orientation that is laterally outboard of the base and such that a plane associated with the first orientation and the second orientation is substantially normal to the axis of rotation.

A further embodiment that is useable or combinable with one or more of the above aspects, features, or embodiments includes a moveable gun sight mount assembly that includes a post having a first end that is constructed to be secured to a firearm and defines an axis of rotation that is oriented in a generally vertical direction. A sight mount is attached to the post such that the sight mount is rotatable about the axis of rotation between a first position wherein a portion of the sight mount overlies a barrel of the firearm and a second position in a generally common plane with the first position wherein the portion of the sight mount is laterally outboard of the barrel of the firearm.

Another embodiment that is useable or combinable with one or more of the above features, aspects, or embodiments includes a method of forming a movable firearm accessory mount. A base portion is provided that is constructed to be secured to a firearm. An accessory mount portion is provided that movably cooperates with the base portion such that the accessory mount portion is rotatable relative to the base portion between a first position, associated with both use of an accessory during use of the firearm and interfering with unfolding of the firearm, and a second position wherein the accessory mount portion is oriented laterally outboard of a cross-section associated with motion of the barrel relative to a receiver during unfolding of the firearm.

The present invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment directed to an assembly as generally shown in the drawings. It is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, the summarized embodiments, or the embodiment shown in the drawings, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims. The appending claims cover all such alternatives and equivalents.