Abstract:
A system for safely storing and/or transporting one or more weapons inside a container. The system includes an upper saddle and a lower saddle configured to be attached to a container having means for saddle attachment such as brackets. The upper saddle has an inset configured to receive any of a plurality of weapon parts including at least a barrel, a magazine well, and a “picatinney” rail, and the lower saddle has a concave surface configured to receive the stock or other weapon part. Preferably, the system includes flexible cords such as lanyards or shock cords for releasably binding a weapon to the saddle system. The saddle system may be configured in multiple ways to allow for storage of a single weapon inside a container, multiple weapons of the same type within a single container, or different types of weapons having different sizes and shapes within a single container.

Description:
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER APPLICATIONS AND PATENTS 
     The present application draws priority from a pending Provisional U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 61/437,462, filed Jan. 28, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to apparatus for storing and/or transporting firearms; more particularly to a system for storing and/or transporting long guns such as rifles, shotguns, machine guns, rocket launchers, and the like; and most particularly to a compact system for safely storing and transporting a plurality of disparate weapons in a single container. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As used herein, “weapon” refers to a hand-held gun, and generally to a long gun having a stock for generally gripping the weapon and a barrel for discharging a projectile. Such a weapon may be broken down into any of several component parts for storage and/or transport in a system in accordance with the present invention. 
     The military, police forces, and security companies use various types of weapons, including but not limited to handguns, shotguns, semi-automatic rifles, assault rifles, machine guns, and grenade launchers. Storage of these weapons may include placing the weapons within a container, such as a rack, cart, cabinet, or case, referred to herein generally as “containers”. Such containers may be transported from one location to another with the weapons contained therein. 
     In a static environment, stored weapons may shift in place due to weight and shape of the stored weapons. In a moving environment, such as during transport or when racks or cabinets are placed on a high density mobile aisle storage system, movement can cause the weapons to shift and become displaced. Therefore, it is desirable that weapons are safely secured within a container to prevent damage to the weapons, to their surroundings, and to humans; and to facilitate storage and transport of large numbers of disparate weapons. 
     Because the military, police forces, and security companies may have need for many different types of weapons at a single time, it is highly desirable that the various types of weapons be securely stored and easily available within a single container. 
     What is needed is a system for storage and transport of weapons wherein various types of weapons can be securely stored within a single container. 
     It is a primary object of the invention to safely and securely store and transport weapons. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a system for safely storing and/or transporting one or more weapons inside a container. The system includes an upper saddle and a lower saddle configured to be attached to a container having means for saddle attachment such as brackets, louvered panels, and/or slotted shelves. In at least one embodiment, an upper saddle has an inset configured to receive any one of a plurality of weapon parts including at least a barrel, a magazine well, and an attached rail such as a “picatinney” rail, and a lower saddle has a concave surface configured to receive the stock or other weapon part. Preferably, the system includes flexible elastic cords such as lanyards or shock cords for releasably binding a weapon to the saddle system. 
     The saddle system may be configured in multiple ways to allow for storage of a single weapon inside a container, multiple weapons of the same type within a container, or different types of weapons having different sizes and shapes within a container. Some of these multiple configurations may include a plurality of upper and/or lower saddles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an upper saddle in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational cross-sectional view the upper saddle shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2A  is an isometric view from below of the upper saddle shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a lower saddle in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational cross-sectional view of the lower saddle shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view showing a barrel of a weapon disposed within an inset in an upper saddle and secured thereto by a lanyard, the upper saddle being mounted to a side of a container, all in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the lanyard shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a portion of a weapon secured within an arrangement comprising three upper saddles; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view showing a plurality of lower saddles being mounted to the bottom side of a container in two different arrangement for receiving two different weapons, all in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view showing a portion of a weapon without a shoulder stock disposed and secured in an arrangement of two lower saddles, as shown in  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of an open container showing a plurality of different kinds of weapons all securely stored within the container in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate currently preferred embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices may be shown schematically to simplify the drawings. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 2A , an upper saddle  10  in accordance with the present comprises a saddle body  12  having an upper surface  14 , parallel side surfaces  16 , and a back surface  18 . Upper saddle  10  is preferably formed by injection molding of a thermosetting plastic such nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or polytetrafluoroethylene, but may be formed by known means of any convenient plastic, wood, or metal. In yet other embodiments, upper saddle  10  may be constructed from multiple pieces and joined together by methods known by those of skill in the art. 
     Upper saddle  10  is configured to receive and support alternately the barrel of a weapon, a rail attached to the weapon, and/or a magazine well of a weapon, as further described below. A general inset  20  interrupts the outer ends of top surface  14  and side walls  16 . General inset  20  preferably comprises at least a semi-cylindrical inner inset  22 , a first rectangular intermediate inset  24 , and a second rectangular outer inset  26 , each inset being intended to receive alternatively a different component of a weapon. Outer inset  26  has a molded first and second rail shoulder spaced to fit a picatinny rail of a weapon. Intermediate inset  24  has a molded first and second magazine shoulder spaced to fit a magazine well of a weapon. Inner inset  22  has a molded barrel shoulder formed to fit a barrel of a weapon. 
     Preferably, upper surface  14  supports at least one, and preferably three, upwardly-extending cleats  28 , each having one or more outwardly-extending tangs  30  for receiving a lanyard (not shown) used in securing a weapon (not shown) to upper saddle  10 . Back surface  18  includes a recess  32  for receiving a bracket of a container back wall  76  as described below with respect to  FIG. 5  to secure upper saddle  10  to wall  76 . Recess  32  includes a flange  33 , preferably sized to fit standard industry louvered walls of weapons containers, for attaching upper saddle  10  to a container. 
     In a further embodiment ( FIG. 2A ) a molded nut  25  may extend from the bottom surface of upper saddle  10  to allow for positive lock down of upper saddle  10  to a container wall  76  using a screw. In one embodiment, molded nut  25  is a “Pem” nut; in other embodiments, other types of molded nuts or fastener components may be used, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Other embodiments of upper saddle  10  may utilize different sizes and shapes so long as an insert permits secure placement of a weapon therein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a lower saddle  40  in accordance with the present invention is preferably formed by a process and of materials similar to those of upper saddle  10  as described above. Lower saddle  40  has a top side  42  and a bottom side  44 . In use, bottom side  44  rests on a surface of a container (not shown) used to store weapons. Weapons stocks or other features rest on lower saddle  40 , and the weapon preferably is secured to lower saddle  40  using known tie-down methods, as described below. 
     Lower saddle  40  comprises a raised shoulder  46  generally defined by a ridge  48  that creates a concave portion  50  facing first end  52 . Ridge  48  begins at or near first end  52 , elevates from bottom side  44  to top side  42 , extends toward second end  54  and curves inwardly toward the center of lower saddle  40 , and curves back toward first end  52  and decreases elevation toward bottom side  44 . 
     Raised shoulder  46  has an outer surface  56  and an inner surface  58 . Inner surface  58  extends from the ridge  48  toward the bottom side  44  and contacts bed  60  which is open at first end  52 . Inner surface  58  and bed  60  form a concave profile, shaped to fit the stock of military weapons, or alternatively other weapon parts, to securely store a weapon or weapon component within a container. 
     Other embodiments of lower saddle  40  may utilize different sizes and shapes so long as a concave profile permits secure placement of a weapon therein. Referring to  FIG. 8 , for example, bed  60  of lower saddle  40  may be configured as shown. The taper between inner surfaces  58  from dimension A to dimension C, where A=1.505 inches and C=1.874 inches, fits most rifle stocks, whereas dimension C alone specifically fits M249SAW machine guns and M2HB rifle barrels. 
     Located proximate second end  54  is a mount  62  comprising a molded hook  64  and molded pass-through hole  66 . Hook  64  and hole  66  permit a shock cord to be affixed to lower saddle  40 . Mount  62  also comprises a mount hole  68  extending from top side  42  to the bottom side  44 , permitting a bolt (not shown) to be inserted to attach lower saddle  40  to a container (not shown) as described below. Preferably, a flange  70  extends from bottom surface  44  of lower saddle  40 . Flange  70  is sized to be inserted into a slot of a slotted shelf, as described below, to restrict lateral movement of lower saddle  40 . Of course, flange  70  is not restricted to a particular size and shape, and may be sized and shaped to be inserted into varying slots, detents, or other retaining devices of shelves to restrict movement of lower saddle  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a barrel  72  of a weapon (not shown) is disposed in an inner inlet  22  of upper saddle  10  mounted on a bracket (not visible but identical to visible brackets  74 ) formed in a louvered back  76  of a weapons container  78 . Louvered back  76  may be formed, for example, by stamping of sheet metal stock to form brackets  74  integral with back  76 . Preferably, barrel  72  is secured and restrained in inner inlet  22  by placement of an elastic lanyard  80  stretched around cleats  28  and barrel  72 . Preferably, lanyard  80  includes a graspable bead  82  to facilitate placement and removal of lanyard  80 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a weapon storage system in accordance with the present invention may employ a plurality of individual upper saddles  10  to support and restrain various parts of a single weapon. For example, a first upper saddle  10   a  may be employed to support a weapon barrel  72  as just described above with respect to  FIG. 5 ; a second upper saddle  10   b  may be employed with or without upper saddle  10   a  to support the same weapon&#39;s picatinny rail  84 ; and a third upper saddle  10   c  may be employed with or without upper saddles  10   a , 10   b  to support the same weapon&#39;s magazine well  86 . A lanyard  80  is generally not required for upper saddles  10   b , 10   c , as the weapon is restrained by lanyard  80  at upper saddle  10   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , embodiments of a weapon storage system in accordance with the present invention may comprise a plurality of lower saddles  40  in various combinations. This flexibility is afforded by an arrangement wherein a bottom shelf  88  of a weapon storage and transport container  90  is provided with at least one, and preferably a plurality, of parallel slots  92  for receiving and aligning flange  70  ( FIG. 4 ) of one or more lower saddles  40  in pairs. In each pair, the lower saddles  40  are oriented in opposition so that first ends  52  face each other. Preferably, each lower saddle  70  is secured by means of a carriage bolt  94  disposed in through-hole  68  ( FIG. 4 ). Each slot  92  preferably is provided with an enlargement  96  that allows each carriage bolt head (not visible) to be inserted through shelf  88 . Carriage bolts are then secured by wing nuts  98 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , it will be seen that an important practical advantage of the arrangements shown in  FIG. 8  is the capability of the system to accommodate a variety of widths of weapon stocks or other components simply by quickly and easily adjusting the distance between the lower saddles  40  in each pair. In operation, a lower saddle pair is preliminarily positioned at approximately the correct spacing apart from each other, the weapon stock or other component  100  is placed in the pair, and then either or both of the lower saddles  40  is moved toward the stock and secured by tightening wing nuts  98  to snugly constrain the stock in the pair. Further security may be provided by stretching one or more lanyards  80  around convenient elements of the weapon  102  and respective hooks  64  of the lower saddles  40 . One of skill in the art will understand the amount of spacing needed between saddles in order to create a configuration necessary to affix a weapon or weapon system to the saddle system. 
     In a further embodiment (not shown), the contour of each member of a pair of lower saddles  40  may be formed to receive a specific weapon stock or other component. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , it will be seen that a further important practical advantage of a weapon storage system in accordance with the present invention is the capability of the system to accommodate a variety of different weapons in a single storage and transport container. For example, a container  104  comprises a louvered back  76  having an array of brackets  74 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , and a bottom shelf  88  as shown in  FIG. 8 . Container  104  may further comprise one or more hinged and lockable doors  106 . By appropriate use of a plurality of upper saddles and lower saddles as described above, a plurality of different types of weapons, for example, weapons  110 , 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 , may be stored together in a single storage and transport container. Additional combinations of upper and lower saddles may be utilized to create configurations of the saddle system to securely store other types of weapons within a single container  104 . 
     Container  104  preferably comprises a horizontal slotted shelf  88  and a vertical louvered back  76  as just described, although other configurations of shelves and backs may be provided in accordance with the present invention. 
     While the invention has been described by reference to various specific embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but will have full scope defined by the language of the following claims.