Recoil force mitigating device for firearms

A recoil force mitigating device for cooperating with a firearm to mitigate recoil forces imparting undesirable forces to mounted firearm accessories. The recoil force mitigating device includes a recoil rail assembly having a first rail for mounting to the firearm and a slideable second rail for mounting accessories. A recoil force mitigating means is positioned between the first and second rails to mitigate transfer of forces, such as recoil forces, from the first rail to the second rail.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to firearms, and more particularly to a shock mitigating device for cooperating with the firearm to mitigate recoil forces imparting undesirable forces to, for example, mounted firearm accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern firearms, including those employed in military and law enforcement applications, often include various accessories to assist the shooter. Such devices include costly and mechanically precise instruments including precision optics and electronics, hereinafter referred to as “electro-optic devices”. Electro-optic devices may be mounted directly to the firearm or indirectly on a mount associated with the firearm. Conventional mounting means include securing accessories to the firearm with a Picatinny rail system. Electro-optic devices include, but are not limited to, day scopes and night vision devices, infrared views, cameras and illuminators. While the shock mitigating devices as described herein are particularly beneficial for electro-optic devices, beneficial mitigation can be achieved for protecting any device, the firearm, and/or the shooter.

Under firing conditions, devices, particularly electro-optic devices, can sustain damage in many ways. One source of damage is from recoil forces (often called kickback or simply kick) which are the backward momentum of a gun when it is discharged. In most small arms, the momentum is transferred to the ground through the body of the shooter, while in heavier guns, such as mounted machine guns, the momentum is transferred to the ground through its mount. Under firing conditions, electro-optics can be damaged in a number of ways. Recoil forces can cause the body of a day scope to flex, resulting in shifting of optical lenses and reticles. With regard to night vision, laser and white light devices, the precision circuitry of electro-optics can be damaged by the shock of firing forces. The shock mitigating device according to the present invention is directed to mitigating such recoil forces on a firearm to prevent damage to electro-optic devices.

SUMMARY

Presented herein is a shock mitigating device for cooperating with a firearm in the form of a recoil rail assembly which mitigates the aforementioned recoil forces and protects firearm accessories and the firearm. The recoil forces are mitigated by the recoil rail assembly of the present invention which buffers and absorbs variable amounts of peak recoil forces, thereby reducing the forces transferred from the firearm firing, to any accessories, such as electro-optic devices. The recoil rail assembly as described herein contemplates use on all weapon types; from light, portable, infantry weapons to heavy infantry weapons, such as a .50 caliber machine gun. Even a fixedly mounted firearm would benefit from the present invention.

More specifically, the recoil rail assembly according to the present invention includes a novel method of buffering recoil forces within a recoil rail assembly so as to mitigate transferred forces to any accessories, a novel configuration for absorbing forces, and a novel mounting configuration for mounting the rail assembly to the firearm. Moreover, the recoil rail assembly is designed to provide custom mitigation properties to protect a wide range of electro-optic devices and for cooperating with a variety of firearm types. For example, less mitigation is needed for lighter firearms. Buffer configurations can be modified for different size, shape and mass requirements for multiple types of electro-optic devices and for various firearm characteristics.

The recoil rail assembly according to various embodiments includes a base, or first rail, for mounting to the firearm, a second rail slideable along a longitudinal axis of and relative to the base rail, a recoil force mitigating member housed within a cavity defined between the first and second rail, and mounting means for mounting the recoil rail assembly to the firearm. Various embodiments described herein differ with regard to the mounting means, the recoil force mitigating member, and configuration of the recoil rail assembly. According to various embodiments, the recoil rail assembly has a novel configuration for slideably securing the second rail with the first rail including providing a pair of relatively shorter sliding blocks having outwardly extending guide tabs or extensions, a pair of relatively shorter sliding blocks defining a guide shaft, a longitudinally extending single mating member with outwardly extending guide tabs, or a guide rod for slideably securing the first and second rails.

Novel recoil force mitigating means, according to one embodiment, are beneficial, for example, for long travel and include a central, longitudinally extending shaft and a pair of springs for absorbing recoil forces. This arrangement provides long, gradual curve to manage recoil forces and the spring rate may be altered to accommodate different firearm firing rates and enables the recoil reset rate to be matched with the weapon. A second recoil force mitigating means described herein is beneficial, for example, for a shorter travel. This embodiment includes at least one or more deformable, elastomeric members positioned in a predetermined location to mitigate recoil forces by deforming and absorbing the forces and provide protection to accessories mounted on the second rail. This embodiment utilizes a short moment curve to mitigate recoil forces. Another embodiment utilizes a combination of a spring or springs and an elastomeric member or members to mitigate recoil forces and minimize or prevent transference thereof to the second rail supporting the accessories.

As described herein, various mounting arrangements may be employed for mounting the recoil rail assembly to the firearm. In one aspect, the recoil rail assembly is mounted directly onto the weapon or recipient platform in which case a lower rail assembly profile results. According to another aspect, the base or first rail includes a mounting bracket having a screw pattern for cooperating with screw hole patterns on the firearm or recipient platform. Another aspect includes a novel bracket for cooperating with a conventional Picatinny rail or other attaching surface on the firearm or recipient platform.

While certain combinations of the various rail configurations, recoil force mitigating members, and mounting configurations are illustrated and described in detail below, it is to be understood that different permeations of these variables are within the scope of the present invention. That is, any of the various rail configurations may be used in combination with any one of the force mitigating means and any of these combinations may be mounted to the firearm utilizing any of the described mounting means. Additionally, the mitigating means can buffer or mitigate forces in both the aft and fore direction, or just one direction.

A shock mitigating device as described herein provides savings in life cycle costs such as in-service and a reduction of wear and tear on electro-optic devices' image intensifier tubes, optical lenses, battery housings and electronics. Moreover, the weight of the electro-optic device may be reduced because fewer recoil forces will be absorbed. Weight savings can also be achieved because less weight will be necessary to harden image intensifier tubes, optical lenses and electronics to manage shock. In addition to providing life cycle cost savings, the present invention also provides commonality of training and commonality of logistics. The shock mitigating device as described herein allows an electro-optic device to be used across greater variety of weapon systems, with different recoil characteristics. For example, the same electro-optic device may be used on different weapons such as a carbine and on a heavy machine gun. The recoil rail assembly, according to the present invention, enables weapon designers to create lighter weapon designs as less emphasis is needed on absorption of shock by devices mounted to the weapon platform. The recoil rail may be integrated with future powered rail systems whereby recoil rail designs will maintain circuit continuity between power sources and attached electro-optic/accessory devices. Additionally, the recoil rail assembly allows integration of items such as grenade launchers and shotguns to a parent weapon, with reduction of shock risk to electro-optic accessories. The recoil rail assembly also ensures there is little or no movement of the electro-optic accessory due to shock when the weapon or weapon sub-system is fired.

Cumulative effects of shock can also weaken retention springs in the battery housing, resulting in a failure of the power source. Firing forces can cause the battery to move within the battery housing causing loss of continuity and resulting in failures such as system shut down or reboot of electro-optic system. Electronic components can be affected by short and long term effects of weapon firing shock. Reticles and lenses can be shifted by cumulative effects of firing shock or by a significant impact event under field conditions. The result may be a loss of zero or a complete failure of the optical path. Forces acting on the electro-optic selector switches, controls and zeroing mechanisms may also be impacted by recoil forces. These risks are reduced and/or eliminated by the present invention.

Other benefits are achieved to the weapon itself in that the weapon itself absorbs less force when recoil forces are mitigated by a recoil rail assembly. For example, electro-optic devices mounted on heavy weapons on a vehicle or aircraft are subject to vibration during operation of the vehicle/aircraft. The recoil rail provides a degree of mitigation from the frequency of vibrations from forces in addition to recoil forces. Moreover, under field conditions, impact forces during use can be enough to damage accessory mounting brackets, or cause shifting of reticle or lens. Forces can shake batteries to cause system shut down, reboot of electro-optics, or cause an electro-optic system to shut down. An electro-optic device using a recoil rail assembly has increased chance to survive such an impact event. These and other benefits and advantages are provided by the shock mitigating device as described in more detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, and claims, and their previous and following description. Before the present system, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific systems, devices, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “rail” includes aspects having two or more rails unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Presented herein is a recoil force mitigating device for cooperating with a firearm to mitigate recoil forces and protect any firearm accessories, such as electro-optic devices, from damage due to the transfer of recoil forces. This is accomplished according the various embodiments described herein by providing a recoil rail assembly including a base, or first rail, for mounting to a firearm, a second rail which is slideable along the longitudinal axis of and relative to the first rail, mitigating means for mitigating recoil forces housed within the rail assembly, and mounting means for mounting the recoil force mitigating device base to the firearm. While certain combinations of each are described herein, it is contemplated that other combinations can be made with respect to these features without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In a first embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the recoil rail assembly10includes a first, or base, rail11and a second rail12slideably mounted upon base rail11. The second rail12is configured with an upper surface14for supporting accessories thereon, and side walls15each having an inwardly extending flange16. The first rail11has a first, fore end18facing in the direction A of bullet discharge, and a second, aft end19facing in the direction B of the shooter. The base rail11is configured to receive a pair of blocks20which define at least one, and preferably a pair, of longitudinally and outwardly extending flanges21as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The flanges16of the second rail12are configured to mate with the block flanges21so as to secure the second rail12thereon in a slideable manner, and also to stabilize the second rail12and eliminate longitudinal rotation thereof. Accordingly, the first rail11and second rail12define a cavity there between for housing the recoil force mitigating means.

The recoil rail assembly10further includes a central shaft22and two supporting members or stops24on both ends of the shaft22. The central shaft22passes through blocks20. According to this exemplary embodiment, the recoil force mitigating means includes a pair of springs25; one positioned between a central support26and the respective block20adjacent the second rail fore end18and another between the other central support26and the second rail aft end19as shown inFIG. 1. The springs25are positioned upon the central shaft22. As shown, a pair of dampening coil springs are shown, however, other elastically deformable material capable of absorbing recoil forces as generated by the firearm may be employed. Also, any number of springs, or a single spring may be employed. Both blocks20are attached individually to the base rail11with two screws27. A bushing28is fixed at the center of the shaft22.

In operation, recoil forces generated by the firearm discharge is lessened or eliminated as the recoil force mitigating means absorbs the recoil forces and prevents its transfer from the first rail11to the second rail12supporting any structurally precise and/or fragile devices mounted thereon. Specifically, recoil forces directed in the aft direction19due to charging of the firearm causes aft movement of the firearm and the base rail11, compressing the aft spring25. The second rail11remains substantially in a neutral position thereby minimizing substantial movement and transfer of recoil forces to any accessories mounted thereon. When a shock occurs, the second rail12moves to the fore end18relative to the shaft22. The bushing28that is secured to the shaft22carries the central stopper or support26and compresses the aft spring25. When the force applied by the spring25is enough to absorb the recoil force, the spring releases, thereby returning the rail12substantially to a neutral position and the central stopper26abuts the bump or protrusion29on the middle of the first rail11to prevent over-correction. If the recoil force is not totally absorbed, the second rail12moves in the reverse or aft direction wherein the second fore spring25is compressed until forces are absorbed and mitigated with the same action as described above until the second rail12resumes a neutral position. Preferably, one spring25is compressed to absorb the recoil force; the other spring is not compressed and remains with the same force as in the neutral position.

To mount the recoil rail assembly to a weapon, according to the exemplary configuration depicted, two locking wedges30are positioned at both extremities of the assembly. They are attached with a positioning stud32and locked in place with a locking nut33. Other devices such a quick detach system can be used to mount the recoil rail assembly to a firearm. The recoil rail base11can be mounted directly to a firearm or a firearm accessory with the use of screws or it can be machined directly to the firearm or firearm accessory.

A second embodiment is illustrated inFIGS. 4-6wherein the recoil rail assembly10embodies a different recoil force mitigating means and is differently configured. More specifically, the second rail12is mounted on the central shaft22with the use of two end caps35. The shaft22is received within two guides36. The material used for the guide36and the shaft22are selected in the way to produce the lowest friction possible. At least one, and preferably at least two, cushion members38are provided and may be adjusted with a screw39in a way that they stabilize the rail12and substantially eliminate longitudinal rotation. In this design, the cushions38bias against the bottom of the rail12but they can be positioned in another way to be able, for example, to bias against the side walls15of the rail. A bushing28is fixed at the center of the shaft22. When a shock occurs, the second rail12moves in the fore direction A relative to the shaft22of the first rail11. The bushing27that is fixed on the shaft22carries the central stopper26and compresses the aft spring25. When the force applied by the spring7is enough to absorb the recoil force, the spring pushes back the second rail12to the neutral position and the central stopper26abuts the protrusion29on the middle of the first rail11. If the recoil force is not totally absorbed, the second rail12continues to move in the fore direction with the same action as described above until the second rail12stops at the neutral position. According to this embodiment, the recoil energy is absorbed by the spring but other ways such as a rubber material or a fluid can be used to absorb the energy.

A third embodiment is illustrated inFIGS. 7-12. According to this embodiment, the first and second rail arrangement and the recoil force mitigating device are modified. Additionally, the recoil rail assembly10includes a first or base rail53, a second, slideable rail12, and an intermediate rail42. In contrast to previously described embodiments, there is not a central shaft.FIG. 9provides an exploded view of the rail assembly. The second rail12is attached to the intermediate rail42with two screws43which cooperate with a respective T-nut or mating member49. The intermediate rail42defines at least one, and preferably a pair of apertures41through which screws43extend. As apparent inFIG. 9, the aperture41is of sufficient dimensions to provide clearance for the screw43to move longitudinally to enable the second rail12to move relative to the intermediate rail42. The T mating member49cooperates with the screw43to secure the second rail12to the recoil rail assembly while enabling relative movement of the second rail12. Apertures46defined by membrane47and apertures52defined by the lower base member48provide sufficient clearances to enable movement of the second rail12in the longitudinal directions. As shown inFIG. 10, the screws50are countersunk so as not to preclude relative longitudinal movement of the second rail12and intermediate rail42. The rail42is configured to prevent rotational movement of the second rail12along the longitudinal axis and along the vertical axis. The rail42, as shown inFIG. 10is secured to the mount attachment53, lower base member48, and the membrane47with screws50.

Two urethane springs44are placed between the second rail12and the rail42. The springs44allow the rail12to move in the longitudinal axis with a predetermined restriction. The springs42are secured on the slide by a centrally positioned and upwardly extending support45and which is received in a correspondingly configured cavity on the bottom surface of the rail12. The springs44absorb the longitudinal peak load of a shock given by a firearm in both directions. The shape, dimensions and material of the springs44can be changed to be able to absorb different sizes of peak load.

A thin membrane, in the form of a soft rubber film42, is placed between the rail42and a lower base member48. The base member48and the film membrane47are configured to provide sufficient clearance between these members and the mating member49. Two screws50and two washers51are used to attach the rail42to the mount attachment53. The membrane47facilitates absorption of the peak load in the vertical axis. It also absorbs any rotational peak load along the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. The thickness, dimension and material of the membrane47may be altered to absorb different values of peak load. The mount attachment53is beneficial where the recoil rail assembly10is mounted to another firearm rail. The mount attachment53may be secured directly to the firearm receiver55as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. As shown, screws50are secured directly to the receiver55.

A fourth embodiment is illustrated inFIGS. 14-19. This embodiment includes a novel configuration of cooperating rails, a novel mounting configuration, and a novel recoil force mitigating means. More specifically, the recoil rail assembly10includes a first, base rail11and a cooperating second rail12for supporting accessories thereon. Recoil force mitigating means includes, preferably, a single coil spring56positioned within a cavity define by said first11and second rails12and remote from the shaft57for holding the rails together. One exemplary variation is shown inFIGS. 14-16, the first, base rail11according to this embodiment has securing member67extending upwardly from its upper surface and the securing member67include an outwardly extending mating member68. The second rail12includes a longitudinally extending mating member69correspondingly configured as to the first rail mating member68so that the two form a secure fit as shown inFIG. 14. The second rail12also includes a pair of side tabs58including central bores for receiving the externally positioned shaft57.

The second rail12is attached to the base rail11with the shaft57. A side tab58links the rail12with corresponding side tabs62of the first rail11and allows the second rail12to be stabilized and eliminates or minimizes longitudinal rotation. As shown inFIG. 16, the spring56is positioned within a cavity defined by the first11and second12rails which also houses a stop60. When recoil forces occur, the second rail12moves in the aft direction B and compresses the spring56against stop60. When the force applied by the spring is enough to absorb the recoil energy, the spring56urges the rail12to its initial position. At least one soft rubber, cylindrical stopper61is used to absorb the shock at both ends of the stroke of the first rail11.

Another variation of this embodiment is shown inFIGS. 17-19. According to this embodiment, the first rail is uniquely configured so as to define a cavity70. A pair of shafts57is provided in the illustrated embodiment. It is within the scope of the present invention to utilize a single or a plurality of shafts. The cavity70is configured so as receive the spring56and the pair of shafts57. The shafts57are received by a respective one of a pair or second rail side tabs58and this configuration limits or prevents relative rotational movement of the second rail12relative to the first rail11. The first rail11, which is mounted to the firearm, defines two pairs of apertures71for receipt of the respective shaft57. A stop73cooperates with the spring56under compressive forces resulting from recoil forces. Cushions59are also provided to absorb residual forces resulting from recoil or other forces exerted upon the firearm.

According to this embodiment, the main recoil energy is absorbed by the spring but other ways such as a rubber material can be used to absorb the energy. The recoil rail base1can be mounted directly to a firearm or a firearm accessory with the use of screws or it can be machined directly to the firearm or firearm accessory. Or, it can be attached with a quick release system.

A fifth embodiment is illustrated inFIG. 11.FIG. 11presents an exploded view of the rail assembly10. The upper rail12is attached to an intermediate rail42with two screws43and mating members49. Sufficient tolerances are provided between the mating member49, the rail12and the rail42to enable rail12to move longitudinally along the rail42. The slide is configured so as to prevent rotation of the rail12along the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis.

A urethane spring63and a coil spring64are positioned between the rail12and the rail42. These springs allow the rail12to move in the longitudinal axis with a predetermined restriction. The springs63and64are positioned by a centrally positioned and vertically extending support65positioned on the rail42and received within a correspondingly configured cavity defined by the bottom said of the rail12. Hybrid use of a urethane spring63and coil spring64is employed to absorb different loads and control the length of rail12travel. These springs are used to absorb the longitudinal peak load of shock resulting from the firearm discharge, in both directions. The shape, dimensions and material of these springs can be changed to be able to absorb different sizes of peak load.

A soft rubber film47is positioned between the rail42and the lower base48. The base48and the film47are configured with appropriate clearances to accommodate the mating member49. Two screws50and two washers51are used to secure the rail42to the mount attachment58. The rubber film47is used to absorb the peak load in the vertical axis. It can also absorb the rotational peak load along the transverse axis and along the longitudinal axis. The thickness, dimension and material of the film47can be changed to be able to absorb different values of peak load.

A sixth embodiment is illustrated inFIG. 20. The recoil rail assembly10is directly attached to a clamp system or a bracket66to attach or clamp the rail to the body of the recipient device. The recoil rail assembly10may be used in conjunction with any of the recoil rail assemblies and/or recoil force mitigating means described herein.