ADJUSTMENT TOOL ASSEMBLY

An adjustment tool assembly for a firearm comprised of a double-sided adjuster tool and a housing having a handle. Each end of the double-sided adjuster tool can be comprised of a tool, each tool can have a shaft, and a middle portion can be positioned between the shaft of each tool end. The handle of the housing can have a receiving cavity for at least a portion of the double-sided adjuster tool, and the middle portion of the adjuster tool can engage with the receiving cavity to secure the adjuster tool to the handle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to a firearm adjustment tool. More specifically, it relates to an adjustment tool assembly for adjusting components of a firearm, such as a rifle, and providing self-storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To accurately use a firearm, it is important to ensure that its components, such as any sights on the firearm, are properly installed and calibrated. Some firearms have a front sight, such as an iron sight. An iron sight may be located on top of the firearm and may be calibrated using an A1 or an A2 sight adjuster. While these types of sights are well known in the industry, improvements are needed to make them easier to use and store.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an adjustment tool assembly for adjusting a firearm, such as a rifle. In an illustrative but non-limiting example, the disclosure provides an adjustment tool assembly for a firearm that can include a double-sided adjuster tool and a housing having a handle. Each end of the double-sided adjuster tool can be comprised of a tool, each tool end of the double-sided adjuster tool can have a shaft, and a middle portion of the double-sided adjuster tool can be positioned between the shaft of each tool end. The handle of the housing can have a receiving cavity for at least a portion of the double-sided adjuster tool, and the middle portion of the adjuster tool can engage with the receiving cavity to secure the adjuster tool to the handle.

In some cases, at least one tool end of the adjuster tool can be comprised of an A1 adjuster having five prongs. In some cases, at least one tool end of the adjuster tool can be comprised of an A2 adjuster having four prongs. In some cases, the middle portion of the double-sided adjuster tool can be comprised of a central, hexagonal shaft, a channel on each end of the central, hexagonal shaft, and a stopper between each shaft and each channel.

In some cases, the receiving cavity can have a distal, open end with two flexible tabs, wherein each tab has a dimple near the distal end of the tab, and the dimples can be configured to interact with a channel in the middle portion of the adjuster tool to secure the adjuster tool to the handle. The middle portion of the adjuster tool can have a channel near the shaft of each tool end, and the dimples can be configured to interact with the channel near the tool end that is protruding out of the handle. The tabs can be on opposing sides of the receiving cavity. Further, the tabs can be on a top and bottom of the receiving cavity. The middle portion of the adjuster tool can be comprised of a central, hexagonal shaft and the receiving cavity can be correspondingly hexagonal in shape.

In some cases, the housing can be further comprised of a cover, the cover can have a snap-fit connection to the handle, and the handle and cover can completely encase the double-sided adjuster tool when connected. Further the handle can have a side wall on each of its right and left sides that includes an opening. In addition, the cover can have flexible fingers that align inside the side walls of the handle. Each finger can have a notch on its outer edge. Additionally, the notches can be configured to fit through the opening of the side walls to secure the cover to the handle.

In another illustrative but non-limiting example, the disclosure provides an adjustment tool assembly that can include a double-sided adjuster tool and a housing having a handle, a receiving cavity for at least a portion of the double-sided adjuster tool, and a cover configured to connect to the handle, wherein the handle and cover completely encase the double-sided adjuster tool. Each end of the double-sided adjuster tool can be comprised of a tool, at least one tool end can have sight adjuster prongs, the first and second tool ends can both have an adjacent shaft, and a middle portion can be positioned between the shaft of each tool end. The middle portion can be comprised of a central shaft, a channel on each end of the central shaft, and a stopper between each adjuster shaft and each channel. The receiving cavity of the housing can have a distal, open end with two flexible tabs, a dimple can be located on each tab near the distal end of the tab, and the dimples can be configured to interact with a channel in the middle portion of the adjuster tool to secure the adjuster tool to the handle.

In some cases, a first end of the adjuster tool can be comprised of an A2 adjuster having four prongs, and a second end of the adjuster tool can be comprised of an A1 adjuster having five prongs. In some cases, the handle can have a side wall on each of its right and left sides that includes an opening, the cover can have flexible fingers that align inside the side walls of the handle, each finger can have a notch on its outer edge, and the notches can be configured to fit through the opening of the side walls to secure the cover to the handle.

In another illustrative, but non-limiting example, the disclosure provides a method of assembling an adjustment tool assembly that can include inserting a double-sided adjuster tool into a receiving cavity of a handle; and securing a cover to the handle using a snap-fit connection. In some cases, the handle can have a side wall on each of its right and left sides that includes an opening, the cover can have flexible fingers that align inside the side walls of the handle, each flexible finger can have a notch on its outer edge, and the notches can be configured to fit through the opening of the side walls to secure the cover to the handle. Further, steps of assembly can include pushing the notches inward toward receiving cavity of the handle, thereby causing the flexible fingers to flex; and removing the cover from the handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to an adjustment tool assembly that can be used to adjust portions of a firearm (such as the sight) and then stored within its own case. Various embodiments of the adjustment tool assembly will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the adjustment tool assembly disclosed herein. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the adjustment tool assembly. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover applications or embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Some embodiments of the adjustment tool assembly disclosed herein include features that allow a double-sided firearm adjustment tool to have a handle and be securely stored. More specifically, the adjustment tool assembly can include a double-sided adjuster tool and a housing having a handle. For storage, the housing can further include a cover that has a snap-fit connection to the handle so that the handle and cover can completely encase the double-sided adjuster tool when they are connected. Therefore, the adjustment tool assembly can have three main components: the handle, the adjustment tool, and the cover.

FIGS.1-8illustrate various views of an example of an adjustment tool assembly according to the present disclosure.FIG.1is a perspective view of a housing of an adjustment tool assembly.FIG.2is a cross-section view taken from line2-2ofFIG.1that illustrates how the double-sided adjuster tool can be stored inside the housing.FIG.3is an exploded, top, perspective view of the adjustment tool assembly.FIG.4is an exploded, bottom, perspective view of the adjustment tool assembly.FIG.5is an exploded, top view of the adjustment tool assembly.FIG.6is a perspective view of the handle and adjuster tool combined.FIG.7is perspective front view of the adjustment tool assembly with the cover removed.FIG.8is front view of the handle of the adjustment tool assembly.

As mentioned above, the adjustment tool assembly100can include a double-sided adjuster tool106. Generally, the double-sided adjuster tool106can have two tools118,120on its ends and a middle portion, and at least one of the tools118,120can include sight adjuster prongs. The double-sided adjuster tool106can be roughly cylindrical with a longer length compared to its diameter. It can be comprised of a rigid material such as, but not limited to, steel (for example, stainless steel or carbon steel), aluminum, titanium, various polymers, or combinations thereof, and can have a coating such as, but not limited to, a black oxide coating. One or more portions of the double-sided adjuster tool106can have a textured surface (such as knurling) to assist with non-slip leverage.

As illustrated inFIGS.3-5, the double-sided adjuster tool106can be comprised of a tool118,120at each of its ends and a middle portion positioned between each tool end. In some embodiments, at least one of the tools118,120can have sight adjuster prongs. For example, at least one tool of the adjuster tool can be comprised of an A1 adjuster having five prongs. Alternatively, at least one tool of the adjuster tool can be comprised of an A2 adjuster having four prongs. As illustrated herein, some embodiments of the double-sided adjuster tool106can include a first tool118comprising an A2 adjuster with four prongs118a, and a second tool120having an A1 adjuster with five prongs120a. Other tools can be present on the ends of the double-sided adjuster tool such as, but not limited to, bit holders, other bit tips (for example, a Phillips bit, a flat bit, a hex bit, and a torx bit), an AK front sight adjuster, an SKS front sight adjuster, an UZI front sight adjuster, a Glock front sight adjuster, various punch sizes, and combinations thereof.

In addition to a tool118,120(such as an A1 or A2 sight adjuster), each of the tool ends can include a shaft118b,120bthat extends from the tools toward a middle portion of the double-sided adjuster tool106such that the first and second tools each have an adjacent shaft. Therefore, the shaft118b,120bof each tool end can be adjacent to the corresponding tools118,120, and the middle portion can be positioned between the two shafts. The shafts118b,120bcan be cylindrical (although other shapes such as, but not limited to, pentagonal, hexagonal, septagonal, octagonal, etc., are possible) and can be hollow, partially hollow (for example, the portion nearest the tool end can be hollow with the remaining portion solid), or completely solid. As explained further below, the double-sided adjuster tool106can be paired with a handle102of the housing. In cases where the shafts of the double-sided adjuster tool are what secure the double-sided adjuster tool to the handle, the shafts of the two tool ends can have the same diameters so that either end can be paired with the handle. In other cases, the middle portion of the double-sided adjuster tool can be what secures the double-sided adjuster tool106to the handle102, and, in those cases, the diameter of the shafts118b,120bis not important to the pairing mechanism, and they can, therefore, have different or similar diameters.

Between the two tool ends of the double-sided adjuster tool106can be a middle portion. In some embodiments, the middle portion of the double-sided adjuster tool106can include a central tool shaft122, two channels126,130(i.e., one near the shaft of each tool end), and two stoppers124,128. The stoppers124,128can be located between each corresponding tool shaft118b,120band each corresponding channel126,130. Therefore, the double-sided adjuster tool106can have a first tool118that includes a first tool end (for example, prongs118a) of the double-sided adjuster tool, a first tool shaft118badjacent to the first tool end, a first stopper124adjacent the first tool shaft, and a first channel126between the first stopper and the central tool shaft122. A second tool120of the double-sided adjuster tool106can mirror the first tool118such that the second tool includes a second tool end (for example, prongs120a) on a second end of the double-sided adjuster tool, a second tool shaft120badjacent to the second tool end, a second stopper128adjacent the second tool shaft, and a second channel130between the second stopper and the central tool shaft122.

As mentioned above, the central tool shaft122can pair with the handle102of the housing. In some embodiments, and as illustrated inFIGS.3-5, the central tool shaft122and, therefore, the receiving cavity132of the handle102can be similarly sized and can be hexagonal. The central tool shaft can be hollow or, as illustrated inFIG.2, the central tool shaft122can be solid. In embodiments where the central tool shaft122pairs with the handle102, the length of each tool118,120(including the tool end and the shaft) can be of a length that is approximately similar to the length of the handle, including the receiving cavity132. This can enable the central tool shaft122to align with the receiving cavity132of the handle102and leave the tool that is opposite the handle-side exposed for use.

As mentioned further below, the receiving cavity132of the handle102can have distally extending sides140with tabs136that have dimples138, wherein the dimples are on a distal end of the handle (for example, near an end of an exposed tab of the receiving cavity). In some embodiments, the handle-side tool118or120, stopper124or128, and channel126or130can, in combination with the central tool shaft122, have a length equal to the length of the handle102from its proximal end out to the dimples138on the distal end of the receiving cavity132(including any of its distally extended sides140). Therefore, the handle-side tool118or120, stopper124or128, and channel126or130can, in combination with the central tool shaft122all fit within the handle102(for example, in the receiving cavity132of the handle). This enables the dimples138to insert into the channel126or130of the double-sided adjuster tool end that is opposite the handle102and helps retain the double-sided adjuster tool106in the handle when the adjustment tool assembly100is in use.

To accommodate the dimples138and secure the double-sided adjuster tool106to the handle102, the channels126,130can have a smaller radius than the central tool shaft122and the stoppers124,128. Therefore, the dimples138can latch over an edge of the central tool shaft122and lodge within a channel126or130. As mentioned above, the channels126,130can be near the shafts118b,120bof each tool118,120and can also be near each end of the central, hexagonal tool shaft122. For example, the channels126,130can be located between the stoppers124,128and the central tool shaft122. As illustrated inFIG.5, the channels126,130may be cylindrical and may have a length smaller than some or all of the other components (ex: central tool shaft, stopper, tool shaft, tool). However, the channel(s) could take any other shape (ex: pentagonal, hexagonal, septagonal, octagonal, etc.).

As mentioned above, the stoppers124,128can be used to assist with proper retention of the double-sided adjuster tool106within the receiving cavity132of the handle102. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.2, the channels126,130can be placed between the central tool shaft122and the stoppers124,128such that when the double-sided adjuster tool106is inserted into the receiving cavity132, the dimples138lodge into the distal channel126or130and the stopper124or128is positioned more distally than that channel. This positioning of the stopper124,128can prevent the double-sided adjuster tool106from sliding further into the receiving cavity132and can ensure that the appropriate amount of shaft118b,120band tool118a,120aremain exposed for use, as illustrated inFIG.6.

Since the double-sided adjuster tool106is reversible when combined with the handle102, both stoppers124,128may, at any time, be located within the handle. Therefore, if the receiving cavity132and central tool shaft122share a similar shape for compatibility purposes (for example, if they are hexagonal as illustrated herein), the stoppers124,128can also share that same shape (i.e., both stoppers can also be hexagonal). As illustrated inFIG.5, the stoppers124,128can be sloped, beveled or otherwise angled from one end to the other. More specifically, the end of the stopper124,128that is nearest the tool shaft118b,120bcan have a smaller circumference compared to an end of the stopper that is nearest the channel126,130, and the portion between those two ends can be curved or linear. Further, in some embodiments, the side of the stoppers124,128closer to the central tool shaft122can have a similar diameter compared to the central tool shaft, and the side of the stoppers closer to their corresponding tool shafts118b,120bcan have a similar diameter compared to the tool shafts. Additionally, the channel-side faces of the stoppers124,128can be flat. In some cases, the channel-side faces of the central tool shaft122can also be flat.

As illustrated inFIG.2, and mentioned throughout this disclosure, the double-sided adjuster tool106can be stored inside a housing102. Therefore, in addition to a double-sided adjuster tool106, the adjustment tool assembly100can include a housing. The housing can further be comprised of a handle102and a cover104. The handle102can have relatively broad top and bottom faces that are wider than the handle is tall, as illustrated inFIGS.3-4. In some embodiments, the handle102has a similar length compared to its width, and its top and bottom faces can be approximately octagonal, as illustrated inFIG.5. However, this is not limiting, and the handle may be hexagonal, pentagonal, square, round, etc. The handle102can have a receiving cavity132on a distal end that is structured and configured to receive the middle portion of the double-sided adjuster tool106. The cover104can be approximately rectangular such that it has a longer length than its width, as illustrated inFIG.5. It can have a similar width and height compared to the handle102, as illustrated inFIG.1. The handle102and cover104can be comprised of the same material (or combination of materials) such as, but not limited to, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), and combinations thereof. In some cases, portions of the handle102and cover104may be made from a first material whereas other portions made be made from a second material. For example, the flexible tabs136of the handle102could be made from a polymer while the remainder of the handle could be comprised of a metal. Similarly, the fingers112of the cover104could be made from a polymer while the main body of the cover104could be comprised of a metal. The material can allow for some flexibility of the various components of the housing. For example, the flexible tabs136of the handle102and the flexible fingers112of the cover104can include living hinges.

In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the distal end of the handle102can receive at least a portion of the double-sided adjuster tool106in a receiving cavity132such that at least one end of the adjuster tool can extend out from the receiving cavity. To retain the two components together, the receiving cavity132may include a distal, open end134and flexible tabs136that have dimples138. The dimples138may be configured to interact with a channel126,130(of which there may be two) in a middle portion of the adjuster tool106. Additionally, the cover104can connect to the handle102. More specifically, to retain the handle102and the cover104together, the handle may include opening(s)110in its outer wall(s)108that can receive notch(es)114of the flexible finger(s)112of the cover104. The notch(es)114can penetrate through at least a portion of the opening(s)110in outer wall(s)108such that opposing pulling forces that are applied between the handle102and the cover104do not result in separation of the handle and the cover. Separation can occur when the flexible finger(s)112are pushed inward toward a central axis of the cover104and the notch(es)114are no longer partially within the opening(s)110. At that point in time, the handle102and the cover104can be pulled apart, leaving the double-sided adjuster tool106ready for use in the handle. Further details of the handle and cover are provided below.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the housing can include a handle102and a receiving cavity132. The receiving cavity132can be in the handle102(for example, it can be located along a central axis that runs from the proximal end of the handle to the distal end of the handle) and can receive at least a portion of the double-sided adjuster tool106. More specifically, the middle portion of the double-sided adjuster tool106can engage with the receiving cavity132to secure the adjuster tool to the handle102. For example, as described in detail above, both the receiving cavity132and the middle portion (for example, the central tool shaft122) can be hexagonal in shape to enable the double-sided adjuster tool106to slide into the receiving cavity and prevent the double-sided adjuster tool from spinning and/or rotating while in use. Additional structure for retaining the adjuster tool in the receiving cavity, such as flexible tabs having inwardly facing dimples, can also be present.

More specifically, as illustrated inFIG.3, a distal, open end134of the receiving cavity132can include two flexible tabs136and a dimple138located on each tab near the distal end of the tab. The tabs136can be on opposing sides of the receiving cavity132. For example, in embodiments where the receiving cavity132is hexagonal, two of the sides can be positioned on a top and a bottom of the receiving cavity such that the top and bottom of the receiving cavity are flat surfaces. The tabs136can be located on these two sides that are positioned on the top and bottom. Therefore, the tabs136can also be on a top and bottom of the receiving cavity132. As illustrated herein, the tabs136may be defined by slots or openings in the top and bottom sides of the receiving cavity132. For example, the distal end of the top side of the receiving cavity132can have a first slot near one of its edges and a second slot near its opposite edge. The material between those two slots can define the tab136and can function as a living hinge. Similarly, the distal end of the bottom side of the receiving cavity132can have a first slot near one of its edges and a second slot near its opposite edge. The material between those two slots can define the second tab136and can function as a living hinge.

On an interior surface of those tabs136can be the dimples138, and the dimples can face each other, as illustrated inFIG.8. The dimples138can be located near a distal end of the tabs136, as illustrated inFIG.3, and can be rounded mounds that protrude into the hollow, open end134of the receiving cavity132. As illustrated inFIG.3, they can take the shape of an approximate half-cylinder. However, they may also take different shapes such as, but not limited to, a half-circle. As mentioned above, the dimples138are configured to interact with the double-sided adjuster tool106(for example, a channel126,130of the middle portion of the adjuster tool) to secure the adjuster tool to the handle102. The channel126or130that interacts with the dimples138can be nearer to the tool118or120that is protruding out of the handle102than to the tool118or120that is paired with the receiving cavity132. Therefore, when the double-sided adjuster tool106is inserted into the receiving cavity132of the handle102, the dimples138can make contact with the proximal tool118aor120aand tool shaft118bor120band, due to the structure and configuration of the tabs136, can cause the tabs to flex outward. As the adjuster tool106continues to slide into the receiving cavity132, the dimples138can continue to slide over the proximal channel126or130and stopper124or128as well as the central tool shaft122. Once the dimples138reach the distal channel126or130, they can insert into that channel and the distal stopper124or128can prevent the double-sided adjuster tool106from sliding any further into the receiving cavity132of the handle102. In this form, a user now has a much more manageable grip on the adjustment tool assembly and can manipulate the tool with more control and comfort.

As mentioned above, in addition to the handle102, the housing can also include a cover104configured to connect to the handle. The handle102and the cover104can completely encase the double-sided adjuster tool106, as illustrated inFIGS.1and2. In some embodiments, the handle102can have a side wall on each of its right and left sides that includes an opening110. More specifically, the side walls can be approximately rectangular and can include an outer wall108and an opening110within a rectangular frame. The outer wall108can protrude out from the frame and can include additional texture such as, but not limited to, ribbing, knurling, etc. The opening110can be positioned distally from the outer wall108and can simply be a pass-through into a hollow portion of the handle102that flanks the receiving cavity. More specifically, the handle102can include additional openings on its distal end that flank the receiving cavity132, as illustrated inFIGS.3and6-8. These openings can be shaped to receive a portion of the cover104.

More specifically, the cover104can include flexible fingers112that protrude outward (for example, proximally and from the side, as illustrated inFIGS.5and7) from a main body and align inside the side walls of the handle102, as illustrated inFIG.1. Each finger112can have a proximal portion that extends away from the main body of the cover and a distal portion that is more substantially supported by the main body. This configuration allows the proximal portion of the fingers112to flex inward toward a central axis of the cover104.

The proximal portion of each finger112can also have a notch114on the outer edge that protrudes even further out from the side, and the notches can be configured to fit through the openings110of the side walls to secure the cover104to the handle102. More specifically, the notches114can be sloped by having a proximal end with a similar width as the distal portion of the fingers112and a distal end that protrudes out further from the outer face of the distal portions of the fingers and is, therefore, wider than the distal portions of the fingers. The distal end of the notches114can then have flat faces that are perpendicular to the relatively flat face of the distal portion of the fingers112. The distal, flat face of the notch114is what can hook onto the opening110in the handle102and prevent the handle and cover104from spontaneously separating.

While the distal portion of the fingers112are relatively flat, they can have a textured surface such as, but not limited to, ribbing, knurling, etc., that corresponds to the texture on the outer wall108of the handle102. Therefore, when the cover104and the handle102are attached to one another, the distal portion of the fingers112can act as a base for the proximal, flexible portion of the fingers as well as a gripping point for the user, and the proximal, flexible portion of the fingers can insert into the distal opening110of the handle102and can secure the cover104to the handle by allowing the notches114to move from the flanking cavities inside the handle out through the openings in the sides of the handle.

In addition to the fingers112, the cover104can also include a central chamber in the main body of the cover that is shaped to fit the extended sides140of the receiving cavity132and double-sided adjuster tool106. Therefore, if the receiving cavity132and double-sided adjuster tool106are hexagonally shaped, the central chamber of the cover104can also be hexagonally shaped, as illustrated inFIG.4. Lastly, in some embodiments, the cover104may include a hole116in its distal end. The hole116can simply be used for securing or hanging the adjustment tool assembly100to another surface or object.

Therefore, as mentioned herein, the adjustment tool assembly100can be comprised of a housing and a double-sided adjuster tool106. The housing can further be comprised of a handle102and a cover104. In some embodiments, the handle102can receive at least a portion of the adjuster tool106in the receiving cavity132such that at least one end of the adjuster tool106extends out from the receiving cavity132. To retain the two components together, the receiving cavity132may include a distal, open end134and flexible tabs136having dimples138, and the dimples138may be configured to interact with a channel126or130in a middle portion of the adjuster tool106. Further, the cover104can connect to the handle102, as illustrated inFIG.1. More specifically, to retain the handle102and the cover104together, the handle may include opening(s)110near its outer wall(s)108that can receive notch(es)114of flexible finger(s)112of the cover104. the notch(es)114can penetrate through at least a portion of the opening(s)110such that opposing pulling forces applied between the handle102and the cover104does not result in separation of the handle102and the cover104. Separation can occur when the flexible finger(s)112are pushed inward toward a central axis of the cover104and the notch(es)114are no longer partially within the opening(s)110.

In use, to assemble the disclosed adjustment tool assembly100, a user can insert a double-sided adjuster tool106into a receiving cavity132of a handle102and secure a cover104to the handle102using a snap-fit connection. The handle102can have a side wall on each of its right and left sides that includes an opening110, the cover102can have flexible fingers112that align inside the side walls of the handle102, each flexible finger112can have a notch114on its outer edge, and the notches114can be configured to fit through the opening110of the side walls to secure the cover104to the handle102. To disassemble the disclosed adjustment tool assembly100, the user can take the assembled adjustment tool assembly100, push the notches114inward toward the receiving cavity132of the handle102, thereby causing the flexible fingers112to flex, and remove the cover104from the handle102.