Electronic weapon accessory and detachable mount with integrated control apparatus

An electronic weapon accessory system includes an electronic weapon accessory, such as a light, and a detachable mount with an integrated control switch. The electronic weapon accessory includes an electronic component, such as an LED, and a power source disposed within a housing. The electronic component and the battery are electrically connected with a circuit having electrical contacts exposed on an outer surface of the housing. The mount has a body with a clamp structure, a dome switch disposed on an outer surface of the mount body and a circuit having electrical contacts exposed on the outer surface of the mount body. Fasteners removably secure the mount body and accessory housing in assembled relation. When the electronic weapon accessory and mount are assembled, the accessory electrical contacts physically and electrically engaging the mount electrical contacts to complete an electronic control circuit and provide integrated control and operation of the electronic accessory.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

(1) Field of the Disclosure: The instant disclosure relates to electronic weapon accessories for commercial and combat weapons.

(2) Description of Related Art: As the field of commercial and combat weaponry expands, numerous add-on accessories have become available and are commonly mounted on various firearms. In order to mount these accessories, most weapons now include, or are modified to include, one or more MIL-STD 1913 dovetail attachment rails. Many of the semi-automatic rifle systems include rail systems having four separate rails surrounding the barrel for maximum mounting surface area. The accessories are typically mounted to the dovetail rails using interface mounts where one face of the mount secures to the accessory and the other face secures to the dovetail rail with a clamp. Many varieties of clamping arrangements are known in the art.

As is well known in this art, user configurable mounting arrangements are highly desirable as there are many different types of accessories and many different preferences for their mounting and operation. Sighting accessories are typically mounted on an upper rail. However, electronic accessories, such as flashlights, IR illuminators and lasers can be mounted in many different locations around the barrel. The ability of the user to mount an electronic accessory in a particular location on a weapon with a particular presentation of the controls is paramount to ease of use, user effectiveness and most importantly, user safety. Customization is critical to every soldier, law enforcement officer and civilian weapon owner.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an electronic weapon accessory, such as a flashlight, and a detachable mount for the accessory which both have mating electrical contacts at the mechanical interface between the two components. The detachable mount includes integrated control apparatus that is external to the accessory. The detachable mount can be removed, and/or reversed to provide a variety of mounting and control configurations or can be entirely replaced with a differently shaped or configured mount with a different control interface.

More specifically, an electronic weapon accessory system includes an electronic weapon accessory, such as a light, and a detachable mount with integrated controls. The electronic weapon accessory includes an electronic component, such as an LED, and a power source disposed within a housing. The accessory may comprise any electronic device mountable on a weapon platform, including LED lights, IR illuminators, lasers, range finders, etc. and in this regard, the accessory may further include a processor for control of the accessory. The electronic component, the processor and the battery are electrically connected with a circuit having electrical contacts exposed on an outer surface or raised platform surface of the housing. The contacts may comprise contact pads, pins, spring pins, pogo pins, etc. One exemplary embodiment includes concentric contact pads which are molded into the plastic housing of the electronic accessory. Other configurations are contemplated.

The mount has a body with a dovetail rail clamp, a switch disposed on an outer surface of the mount body and a circuit electrically connected with the switch having electrical contacts exposed on the outer surface of the mount body.

The exemplary embodiment of the dovetail rail clamp includes a fixed clamp edge on the mount body and a movable clamp element secured with a thumb screw. Other rail and clamping arrangements, such as the Magpul M-Lok system, are contemplated (Magpul and M-Lok are trademarks of Magpul Industries, Inc.).

In some embodiments, the mount body may include a first linear portion and a second angled portion, and the switch may be located on the angled portion. This configuration allows the mount body to closely conform to the outer shape of a conventional cylindrical or octagonal rifle handguard, and places the switch at an optimal ergonomic position for the thumb while gripping the handguard.

The accessory housing and the mount body include interfitting mating formations which are received together in interfitting mating relation for alignment of the mount with the accessory housing. The formations are preferably configured so that they are reversible or adjustable to provide alternate orientations. For example, paired formations along an axis of the mount allow the mount to be reversibly configured for left or right hand mounting, or upper and lower mounting depending on the desired mounting location on the dovetail rail. Other formations may provide additional mounting orientations. Fasteners removably secure the mount body and accessory housing in assembled relation. Preferably, the fasteners are adjacent the mating formations and may pass through the formations.

Another exemplary embodiment includes a mating platform raised off the outer surface of the housing to provide additional housing wall thickness for spring loaded contact pins (pogo pins).

The exemplary embodiments may further include a waterproofing gasket(s) surrounding the electrical contacts which is received in complementary gasket channels surrounding the contacts on both the accessory housing and the mount.

When the electronic weapon accessory and mount are secured in assembled relation, the accessory electrical contacts physically and electrically engage the mount electrical contacts to provide a completed electronic control circuit and provide integrated control and operation of the electronic accessory with the switch on the mount.

The mount may further include additional switches for more sophisticated electronic accessories requiring multiple controls, and may in some embodiments further include a separate processor to provides additional switching and control functionality using one or more switches. In some embodiments, the additional switch may be a slide switch on the body of the accessory or a lever switch on the mount body.

The novel concept surrounding the invention is the removal of the mounting and control aspects of an electronic weapon accessory from the main housing of the accessory and the ability to separately adapt and customize both the mounting configuration as well as the control interface for the accessory. As indicated above, the mount and accessory are configured for reversible mounting so that the accessory can be adapted and mounted on either of the side dovetail rails of a conventional rail system or on the top or bottom rail. The exemplary embodiment locates the switch on the major outward flat face of the mount body so that the switch is presented almost flush with the rail. This is a highly desirable location which is easily operated by the users' thumb while gripping the dovetail rail system on a rifle platform. However, as can be appreciated, the mount body can be contoured with other desirable shapes and the switch can be located anywhere on the body. Removing the switching and control functions from the electronic accessory allows the accessories to become smaller and more easily configured for closer mounting to the rail.

Moreover, separating the mount and control functions from the main accessory housing allows the user to potentially select from multiple different mounts having different mounting and control configurations. As indicated above, adaptability and customization is critical in this product category.

Accordingly, it can be seen that the present disclosure provides a unique and novel mounting and control solution for any electronic weapon accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, an exemplary embodiment of the invention is generally indicated at10inFIGS.1-7. The invention relates to an electronic weapon accessory system10including an electronic weapon accessory12, such as a flashlight, and a detachable mount14for the accessory, which both have mating electrical contacts at the mechanical interface between the two components. Generally, the detachable mount14includes integrated control apparatus that is external to the accessory12. The detachable mount14can be removed, and/or reversed to provide a variety of mounting and control configurations or can be entirely replaced with a differently shaped or configured mount with a different switching and/or control interface.

Referring toFIG.1, the mount14is configured for attachment to a MIL-STD 1913 dovetail attachment rail or rail system16. As noted above, many of the semi-automatic rifle systems include rail systems16having four separate rails16A,16B,16c,16D surrounding the barrel (not shown) to provide maximum mounting surface area. Each of these mounting rails16has a longitudinal axis A, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel of the weapon (not shown) to which it is attached.

More specifically, the electronic weapon accessory system10includes an electronic weapon accessory12, such as an LED light, and a detachable mount14with integrated controls. The electronic weapon accessory12includes an electronic component18, such as an LED, and a power source (battery)20disposed within an accessory housing22. The accessory12may comprise any electronic device mountable on a weapon platform, including LED lights, IR illuminators, lasers, range finders, etc. and in this regard, the accessory12may further include a processor24for control of the accessory12(FIGS.8-10).

Referring back toFIGS.2-6, the electronic component18, the processor24and the battery20are electrically connected with a circuit26having electrical contacts28exposed on an outer surface of the housing22. The contacts28may comprise contact pads, pins, spring pins, etc. The exemplary embodiment includes concentric contact pads28which are molded into the plastic housing22of the electronic accessory12. Other configurations are contemplated as illustrated in other exemplary embodiments described hereinbelow.

Still referring toFIGS.2-6, the mount14has a body30with a dovetail rail clamp generally indicated at32, a switch34disposed on an outer surface of the mount body30and a circuit36electrically connected with the switch34having electrical contacts38exposed on the outer surface of the mount body30.

The exemplary embodiment of the dovetail rail clamp32includes a fixed clamp edge40on the mount body30and a movable clamp element42secured with a thumb screw44. Other clamping arrangements are contemplated including any one of the current lever actuated mounts.

The accessory housing22and the mount body30include interfitting mating formations46,48which are received together in interfitting mating relation for alignment of the mount body30with the accessory housing22. The formations46,48are preferably configured so that they are reversible or adjustable to provide alternate orientations. For example, paired formations, as illustrated, are formed on complementary mating surfaces which extend along a mating axis M which is parallel to the rail axis A. These complementary formations extending along parallel axes allow the mount12to be reversibly configured for left or right hand mounting, or upper and lower mounting depending on the desired mounting location on the dovetail rail16. Referring toFIG.1, it can be easily appreciated that the mount14and accessory12can be configured to be mounted on either side of any one of the four rails16A,16B,16C and16D so that the light12faces forward in all of the mounting configurations. Other formations may provide additional mounting orientations. Fasteners50removably secure the mount body30and accessory housing22in assembled relation. Preferably, the fasteners50are adjacent the mating formations46,48and may pass through the formations46,48.

The exemplary embodiment10may further include a waterproofing gasket (not shown) surrounding the electrical contacts28,38which is received in complementary gasket channels (not shown) surrounding the contacts28,38on both the accessory housing22and the mount30.

The exemplary embodiment of the mount14may be formed from metal for strength, durability and repeatable mounting with the clamp32. When integrating the electrical circuit36within a metal body30, insulating materials (not shown) may be used to isolate the electrical components from the metal body30. The mount14may further include a rubberized gasket or cover52, either molded with, or removably received over the external switch34on the outer surface.

When the electronic weapon accessory12and mount14are secured in assembled relation (FIG.1), the accessory electrical contacts28physically and electrically engage the mount electrical contacts38to provide a completed electronic control circuit and provide integrated control and operation of the electronic accessory12with the switch34on the mount14.

The mount14may further include additional switches34,34′ (FIG.10) for more sophisticated electronic accessories requiring multiple controls, and may also include a separate processor54(FIGS.8-10) to provides additional switching and control functionality using one or more switches34,34′.

Referring toFIG.8a second exemplary embodiment100is illustrated wherein the electronic accessory12′ has an internal processor24integrated into the control circuit. The processor24is then connected to the control switch34though the mated surface contacts28,38.

Referring toFIG.9a third exemplary embodiment200is illustrated where the mount14also includes an integrated processor54. The electronic accessory12may, or may not, include another processor.

Referring toFIG.10, a fourth exemplary embodiment300is illustrated where the mount14includes multiple switches34,34′ integrated with a control processor54for added control and functionality.

Turning now toFIGS.11-15, another exemplary embodiment400is illustrated. The electronic configuration of the accessory system400may be the same as any of the earlier embodiments10,100,200,300shown inFIGS.1-10. However, the mechanical configuration is slightly different.

Weapon accessory system400includes an electronic weapon accessory412, such as a flashlight, and a detachable mount414for the accessory, which both have mating electrical contacts428,438at the mechanical interface between the two components. Detachable mount414includes integrated control apparatus that is external to the accessory412. The detachable mount414can be removed, and/or reversed to provide a variety of mounting and control configurations or can be entirely replaced with a differently shaped or configured mount with a different switching and/or control interface.

Mount414is also configured for attachment to a MIL-STD 1913 dovetail attachment rail or rail system16, although other rail configurations are contemplated.

Weapon accessory412includes an electronic component418, such as an LED, and a power source (battery—not shown) disposed within an accessory housing422. As indicated above, the accessory412may comprise any electronic device mountable on a weapon platform, including LED lights, IR illuminators, lasers, range finders, etc. and in this regard, the accessory412may further include a processor (not shown) for control of the accessory412.

The electronic component418is electrically connected with electrical contacts428exposed on an outer surface of the housing422. This exemplary embodiment includes spaced, spring-loaded contact pins428(pogo pins) which are molded into the side of the plastic housing422of the electronic accessory412.

The mount414has a body430with a dovetail rail clamp generally indicated at432, a switch434disposed on an outer surface of the mount body430and a circuit electrically connected with the switch434having fixed electrical contact pads438exposed on the outer surface of the mount body430.

The exemplary embodiment of the dovetail rail clamp432includes a fixed clamp edge440on the mount body430and a movable clamp element442secured with a screw444. Other clamping arrangements are contemplated including any one of the current lever actuated mounts, and/or any other rail connection system.

The mechanical configuration of the present embodiment400is slightly different than the previous embodiments to accommodate a side connection location rather than a top connection and added wall thickness required for travel of the pogo pins428. Accessory housing422includes a planar mating platform452raised above the outer surface of the housing422. Likewise, mount body414includes a complementary planar mating platform454. The mating platforms452,454are configured so that they are reversible or adjustable to provide alternate orientations, and like the earlier embodiments, the mating platforms452,454are aligned along a mating axis M which is parallel to the rail axis A. These mating platforms allow the accessory412to be reversibly configured for left or right hand mounting, or upper and lower mounting depending on the desired mounting location on the dovetail rail16. Referring toFIG.1, it can be easily appreciated that the mount414and accessory412can be configured to be mounted on either side of any one of the four rails16A,16B,16C and16D so that the light412faces forward in all of the mounting configurations.

Referring briefly toFIG.15, the exemplary embodiment400further includes waterproofing gaskets456surrounding the electrical contacts428which are received in complementary gasket channels surrounding the contacts428on the accessory housing422. Fasteners450removably secure the mount body430and accessory housing422in assembled relation. Preferably, the fasteners450are adjacent to the contacts428,438to insure a solid waterproof connection. The movable clamp element442includes through holes456which allow access to the heads of the fasteners450.

When the electronic weapon accessory412and mount414are secured in assembled relation (FIG.11), the accessory electrical contacts428physically and electrically engage the mount electrical contacts438to provide a completed electronic control circuit and provide integrated control and operation of the electronic accessory412with the switch434on the mount414.

Referring toFIGS.16-18another exemplary embodiment500is illustrated. The electronic configuration of the accessory system500may the same as any of the earlier embodiments10,100,200,300,400shown inFIGS.1-15. However, the mechanical configuration is slightly different.

Weapon accessory system500includes an electronic weapon accessory512which is useful for controlling a separate conventional weapon accessory, such as a standard flashlight502having a tail cap switch and further includes a detachable mount514for the accessory. Both the accessory512and mount514have mating electrical contacts (only528shown) at the mechanical interface between the two components as in the embodiment shown inFIGS.11-14. Detachable mount514includes integrated control apparatus that is external to the accessory512and to the flashlight502. The detachable mount514can be removed, and/or reversed to provide a variety of mounting and control configurations or can be entirely replaced with a differently shaped or configured mount with a different switching and/or control interface.

Mount514is configured for attachment to a MIL-STD 1913 dovetail attachment rail or rail system16, although other rail configurations are contemplated. Weapon accessory512includes a housing522including an electronic component518, which in this embodiment comprises a control circuit terminating in a mating adaptor tail cap560for control of the flashlight502. The adaptor tail cap560is mated with the flashlight502in the place of a standard tail cap switch to provide an alternate control arrangement.

The electronic component518is electrically connected with electrical pogo pin contacts528exposed on an outer surface of the housing522.

The mount514has a body530with a dovetail rail clamp generally indicated at532, a switch534disposed on an outer surface of the mount body530and a circuit electrically connected with the switch534having fixed electrical contact pads (not shown) exposed on the outer surface of the mount body530. Fastener544secures the mount to the accessory housing522.

The mechanical configuration of the present embodiment500includes an accessory housing522with a clamping ring523which is received around the body of any conventional flashlight502. Accessory housing522includes a planar mating platform552. Likewise, mount body514includes a complementary planar mating platform554. The mating platforms552,554are configured so that they are reversible or adjustable to provide alternate orientations, and like the earlier embodiments, the mating platforms552,554are also aligned along a mating axis M which is parallel to the rail axis A (seeFIGS.11-15). These mating platforms allow the accessory512to be reversibly configured for left or right hand mounting, or upper and lower mounting depending on the desired mounting location on the dovetail rail16.

Referring toFIG.18, the exemplary embodiment500further includes waterproofing gaskets556surrounding the electrical contacts528which are received in complementary gasket channels surrounding the contacts528on the accessory housing522. Fasteners (not shown) removably secure the mount body530and accessory housing522in assembled relation. Preferably, the fasteners are adjacent to the contacts (only528shown) to insure a solid waterproof connection.

When the electronic weapon accessory512and mount514are secured in assembled relation (FIG.16), the accessory electrical contacts528physically and electrically engage the mount electrical contacts (not shown) to provide a completed electronic control circuit and provide integrated control and operation of the electronic accessory512with the switch534on the mount514.

Turning toFIGS.19-34, a further exemplary embodiment is generally indicated at600.

The outer physical configuration of the accessory system600may be generally the same as the earlier embodiment400shown inFIGS.11-15. However, the internal electrical configuration is modified to accommodate metal body components.

Weapon accessory system600includes an electronic weapon accessory602, such as a flashlight as illustrated, and a detachable mount604for the accessory, which both still have mating electrical contacts606A,606B and608A,608B at the mechanical interface between the two components (SeeFIGS.21and22).

As described above, the detachable mount604includes integrated control apparatus that is external to the accessory602. The detachable mount604can be removed, and/or reversed to provide a variety of mounting and control configurations or can be entirely replaced with a differently shaped or configured mount with a different switching and/or control interface.

The mount604is configured as previously described for attachment to a MIL-STD 1913 dovetail attachment rail or rail system16, although other rail configurations are contemplated.

Turning to the schematic inFIG.21, the accessory602includes an electronic component610, such as an LED, and a battery power source612disposed within a metal accessory housing614. As indicated above, the accessory602may comprise any electronic device mountable on a weapon platform, including LED lights, IR illuminators, lasers, range finders, etc. and in this regard, the accessory602may further include an internal circuit assembly and processor components616for control of the electronic component (LED)610.

The electronic component (LED)610is electrically connected to the mount604with electrical contacts606A,606B exposed on an outer surface of the housing614. The exemplary embodiment of the contacts606A,606B comprise spaced, spring-loaded contact pins (pogo pins) which are inserted into the side of the metal housing614. In this regard, the contact pins606A,606B are insulated by plastic sleeves618which are press fit between the housing614and the pins606A,606B (best seen inFIG.22). A single gasket620extends around both contacts606A,606B.

Referring toFIGS.23and24, the mount604has a body622, and a dome switch624mounted on a circuit board626which is disposed within mount body622. An elastomeric cover628is retained in place by a press fit ring630. Contact wires632A,632B electrically connect contact pads634A,634B on the circuit board626with fixed electrical contact pads608A,608B press fit into the mating face of the mount body622. The contacts608A,608B are also insulated by plastic insulator sleeves636press fit therebetween. The route of the contact wires632A,632B is best illustrated in dashed lines inFIGS.23and25as they extend from the contacts through vias638in the mount body622, up through slots640A,640B in the circuit board626onto contact pads642A,642B on the upper surface of the circuit board626.

As described in the previous embodiments, fasteners644removably secure the mount body and accessory housing in assembled relation.

In addition to simple on/off functionality, the present circuit configuration includes a plurality of magneto resistive sensors646, which are circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis A of the housing614within the rearward or tail end thereof. The details of these magnetic sensors646will be described further below. A tail cap assembly648includes a body650which is hinge mounted to the housing614at the tail end and a dial652which is axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The dial652is secured with a press pin654extending axially through the dial652into a hub656in the body650. The dial652includes a radially offset internal magnet658operable to selectively activate a respective one of the plurality of magneto resistive sensors646when rotatably aligned therewith. The dial652further comprises a spring-loaded detent660cooperative with respective indents662in the body650to selectively locate the magnet658in alignment with each of the magneto resistive sensors646within the housing614. Gaskets664are provided for waterproofing the tail cap assembly648. As seen inFIG.27, the internal surface of the body650is provided with a positive battery contact666and a spreader bar668to transfer battery power to the metal housing614. Turning briefly toFIG.29, the rear opening of the housing614includes a contact ring670which is press fit into a shoulder around the battery opening. The spreader bar668contacts the contact ring670which in turn energizes the metal housing body614.

Referring now toFIGS.30-34, the exemplary embodiment employs a unique cage system with several independent circuit boards to provide both control signal and power to a main circuit board and the LED610. InFIGS.30-34, a cylindrical polymer cage672having forward and rearward ends can be seen, along with all three circuit boards and a reflector cup assembly674which is press fit into the front of the housing614(or retained by a threaded cap ring).

The LED610is concentrically mounted on a forward surface of a first circuit board676which secured to the reflector cup assembly674by two fasteners678(SeeFIG.34). The rearward surface of the first circuit board has only two contact pads680,682for positive and negative power (seeFIG.32). The center pad680is axially located and the outer ring pad682is concentric. This simplifies alignment during assembly.

A second, or main processor circuit board684, has a rearward surface secured to housing614with two fasteners686. The two fasteners686pass through contact pads (not shown) on the board684picking up power from the metal housing614and feeding it to the circuit board684to complete a power circuit from the positive end of the battery612to the board684. The main board684also includes a spring-loaded negative battery terminal contact688which is axially guided by the forward end of the cage672. When the battery612is installed, the negative battery terminal makes contact and completes the negative circuit from the battery612to the board684. Power is passed from the main board684to the first board676by concentrically spaced spring-loaded pins690extending from a forward surface of the main board684which engage the concentric contact pads680,682on the first circuit board676.

The apparatus further includes an L-shaped flex circuit692having a main portion692A extending along the length of the cage672from the tail end to the head end of the housing614and a leg portion692B which wraps around the cage672at the tail end thereof. The magneto resistive sensors646are mounted to the leg portion692B of flex circuit692where they are circumferentially spaced about the cage672each separated by about 90 degrees of rotation. As noted above, the dial652includes an internal magnet658operable to selectively activate a respective one of the sensors646when rotatably aligned therewith. Accessory electrical contacts606A,606B described above engage contact pads (not shown) on the main body692A of the flex circuit. At the head or forward end of the main portion of the flex circuit692there are six (6) pogo pin connectors694(best seen inFIG.34) which connect the flex circuit692to corresponding contact pads696on the rear surface of the main circuit board684. Circuit traces (not shown) connect the4sensors646and the2switch contacts606with the pogo pins694to provide input signals to the circuit as generated from magneto resistive sensors646and the dome switch624.

When the electronic weapon accessory602and mount604are secured in assembled relation (FIGS.19-20), the accessory electrical contacts606physically and electrically engage the mount electrical contacts608to provide a completed electronic control circuit and provide integrated control and operation of the electronic accessory602with the switch624on the mount604and cooperating with the magneto resistive sensors646controlled by the dial652at the rear of the housing614.

Turning toFIGS.35-51, a still further exemplary embodiment is generally indicated at700.

The outer physical configuration of the present accessory system700may be generally the same as the earlier embodiment600shown inFIGS.19-35. However, the mount body is modified to provide an angled configuration which positions the switch at an ideal location for actuation by the user.

Weapon accessory system700includes an electronic weapon accessory702, such as a flashlight as illustrated, and a detachable mount704for the accessory, which both still have mating electrical contacts706A,706B and708A,708B at the mechanical interface between the two components (SeeFIGS.44and48).

As described above, the detachable mount704includes integrated control apparatus that is external to the accessory702. The detachable mount704can be removed, and/or reversed to provide a variety of mounting and control configurations or can be entirely replaced with a differently shaped or configured mount with a different switching and/or control interface (seeFIG.42for reversed mounting configuration).

The mount704is also configured as previously described for attachment to a MIL-STD 1913 dovetail attachment rail or rail system16, although other rail configurations are contemplated. The mount704in the present configuration is angled for an improved operational location of the switch.

The mount704generally includes a mount body710, a clamping mechanism712and a switch714disposed within the mount body710. The mount body710comprises a first portion716having an accessory mating surface718on one side thereof and a second portion720which extends outwardly and downwardly at an angle from the opposing side of the first portion716. Similar to the earlier embodiments, the first portion716extends perpendicular from the mating surface718. In order to provide a more optimal switch location generally between dovetail rails on a conventional rifle rail (seeFIG.1), the second portion720is angled at 45 degrees from the first portion. While other angles are within the scope of the invention, this 45 degree angle allows the second portion720to follow the exterior contour of a conventional 4-sided handguard rail structure as commonly seen in the industry. The mount704further includes a fixed dovetail rail clamp edge722on a lower surface of the first portion adjacent the accessory mating surface718. A movable clamp element724is located on the lower surface of the second portion720of the mount body710. The switch714is disposed on the upper surface of the mount body710and may preferably be located on the upper surface of the second angled portion720. Referring toFIGS.46-47, the switch714may be a dome switch726mounted on a circuit board728which is disposed within mount body710. An elastomeric cover730is retained in place by a press fit ring732. The switch assembly714is similar to that described above and the electrical contacts708exposed on the mating surface718of the mount body710are connected to the switch714through the circuit board728as generally described hereinabove. The routes of the connecting wires (not shown) extend from the contacts708through vias734in the mount body710to the circuit board728.

As described in the previous embodiments, fasteners (not shown here) extend through the accessory mating surface718and removably secure the mount body710and accessory housing736in assembled relation.

As best illustrated inFIGS.37-38and48-52, the movable clamp element724includes clamp body738and a rotatable threaded actuator740for movement of the clamp body738between an unclamped position (FIGS.49and50) and a clamped position (FIGS.37-38and51). The rotatable threaded actuator740is rotatably captured within the second portion720of the mount body710adjacent a terminal end thereof and has a head portion742exposed on a terminal end surface thereof (seeFIGS.46-48). The rotatable threaded actuator740further has a threaded shank portion744threadedly received within the clamp body738. As seen inFIGS.50-51, rotation of the actuator740moves the clamp body738into engagement with the dovetail rail16for mounting. Because of the angled configuration of the second portion720of the mount body710the exposed head742of the actuator740is fully accessible on the terminal end surface when assembled with any one of the dovetail rails on a conventional cylindrical or octagonal handguard. The rotatable threaded actuator740and clamp body738may be reverse threaded so that clockwise rotation of the actuator head742(commonly associated with tightening of a screw), moves the clamp body738away from the mount and tightens the clamp body738against the dovetail rail.

To provide captivated rotation of the actuator740, the rotatable threaded actuator740includes a circumferential groove746adjacent to the head portion742and the actuator740is rotatably captured by opposing pins748received in the mount body710and extending through the groove746transverse to the actuator axis.

As described above, the accessory702may include an electronic component, such as an LED, and a battery power source disposed within a metal housing736. Also as indicated above, the accessory702may comprise any electronic device mountable on a weapon platform, including LED lights, IR illuminators, lasers, range finders, etc. and in this regard, the accessory702may further include an internal circuit assembly and processor components for control of the electronic component (LED).

The electronic component (LED) is electrically connected to the mount704with electrical contacts706A,706B exposed on an outer surface of the housing714(SeeFIGS.43-45). The exemplary embodiments of the contacts706A,706B comprise spaced, spring-loaded contact pins (pogo pins) as previously described hereinabove.

Referring toFIGS.36and43, the accessory housing736may have a tail cap assembly750including a hinge body752which is hinge mounted to the housing736at the tail end. In some cases, the end surface of the tail cap752may further include a hinged or tethered elastomeric plug754which seals a cavity containing additional input contacts756, such as for example, to receive a snap fit or magnetic plug contact from a remote switch (now shown).

Turning toFIGS.44and45, the electronic accessory may further still have an ambidextrous slide switch758which extends around several of the octagonal surfaces of the accessory housing736. The switch body758generally has a central portion758A which is received on a dovetail shoulder760formed on the outer surface of the housing736. A complementary dovetail slot762on the rear surface of the switch body758allows the switch body to slide longitudinally relative to the outside surface of the housing736. The switch758may have various mechanical and electrical configurations to permit movement between at least two switch positions (i.e. an off position inFIG.44and an on (forward) position inFIG.45). In the exemplary embodiment, the switch758includes a spring-loaded ball detent configuration to positively identify the switch positions, a magnet in the switch body and a hall effect sensor received on the inner flex circuit which is part of the cage assembly described hereabove. As noted, there may be alternate mechanical and electrical configurations which underlie the operation of the switch body758. The notable feature of the switch758is that it is ambidextrous and includes upper and lower wing portions758B,758C which extend from the central body758A. In a right-handed configuration as shown inFIG.35andFIGS.44-45, the upper wing portion758B of the slide switch758would be exposed and accessible adjacent to the main push button switch714on the mount704. In a left-handed configuration (SeeFIG.42), the lower wing portion758C is exposed and accessible adjacent to the switch714on the mount702.

FIGS.52-56illustrate yet another exemplary embodiment800of the angled mount configuration804with an accessory device802. The mount804has generally the same construction and configuration as described above for mount704with the exception of an additional, or second switch on the first portion805of the mount body806.

The mount804generally includes a mount body806, a clamping mechanism808and a switch810disposed within the mount body806as described above. The primary push button switch810is disposed on the upper surface of the mount body806and may preferably be located on the upper surface of the second angled portion814. The switch button assembly810is similar to that described above and the electrical contacts814A,B exposed on the mating surface816of the mount body806are connected to the switch810through a circuit board also as generally described hereinabove. A second selector switch or lever switch818may be any desired configuration to provide an additional input for operation of the associated accessory802. In this regard, the mount804includes at least one additional contact pad814C on the accessory mating surface816.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the secondary switch assembly818is a three-position lever switch which is rotatable between 3 different positions, i.e. a central position (SeeFIGS.52-53) and two opposing positions left and right of center.FIGS.55and56are exploded views of the lever assembly818showing the actuator lever or handle portion820, an underlying circuit board822, an arcuate contact pad824and a rotatable contact arm826. The contact arm826is keyed to the body of the lever handle820for rotation therewith (See square key shoulder inFIG.56). The terminal end of the contact arm826includes a spherical cup or ball structure828which is selectively seated in a one of three detents830formed in the contact pad824. The contact arm826is fashioned from a spring metal material to provide a spring-loaded snap detent action when moving the lever handle820from one position to another. The position of the arm820may provide an additional selector input to the internal circuit within the assembled accessory802.

The routes of the connecting wires for both the lever switch818and the switch810extend from the contacts814through vias (not shown) in the mount body806to the lever circuit board822and the push button circuit board (not shown).

As described in the previous embodiments, fasteners (not shown) removably secure the mount804and accessory802in assembled relation.

The novel concept surrounding all embodiments of the invention is the removal of the mounting and control aspects of an electronic weapon accessory from the main housing of the accessory and the ability to separately adapt and customize both the mounting configuration as well as the control interface for the accessory. As indicated above, the mount and accessory are configured for reversible mounting so that the accessory can be adapted and mounted on either of the side dovetail rails of a conventional rail system or on the top or bottom rail, or on any other location of any other rail system. The exemplary embodiment locates the switch on a major outward flat face of the mount body so that the switch is presented almost flush with the rail or a space between the rails. Both of these locations are highly desirable locations which is easily operated by the users thumb while gripping the dovetail rail system on a rifle platform. However, as can be appreciated, the mount body can be contoured with other desirable shapes and the switch can be located anywhere on the body. Removing the switching and control functions from the electronic accessory allows the accessories to become smaller and more easily configured for closer mounting to the rail.

It can therefore be seen that the exemplary embodiments provide a unique and novel mounting and control solution for electronic weapon accessory.