Patent Publication Number: US-8991091-B2

Title: Universal launcher system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a launching device, or replica thereof, operative or otherwise, more particularly, to a launcher system, more particularly, to an in-field, no-tool, operator customizable launcher system characterized by a pistol/pistol grip frame or a pistol grip frame and a stock assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Adaptability and versatility remain advantageous device characteristics. In the context of hand held devices, adaptations for various use modalities are known and desirable. In the context of launching devices, there exists stand alone launching devices, e.g., hand held launching devices and/or shoulder supported launching devices, and launching devices which are a component or element of a primary device characterized by an enhanced functionality. 
     In a launching device context, a well known, and well documented example of enhanced functionality, namely, dual functionality, is the M203 40 mm grenade launcher. This single shot launcher was designed as a rifle attachment in order to increase the efficiency with which a soldier could alternate between bullet fire via the “host weapon,” and high energy grenade fire which was previously available via use of a dedicated, separate weapon, namely, the M79. Many interface approaches were developed in furtherance of equipping a host weapon with the M203 launcher, both minimally altered solutions (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,489 (Kurak), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,823 (Griffin)), and unaltered solutions (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,823 (Griffin)). 
     Modular designs, and systems so characterized, have been developed and are generally viewed as advantageous and desirable. For example, RM Equipment, Inc., Miami, Fla. (USA) provides, among other things, an M203PI Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module (EGLM). Unaltered and minimally altered interface solutions, advantageously but not necessarily via an interbar for non-rail interfaces, are provided. Moreover, in a “rail” context or environment (i.e., rails having their origins in military standard “MIL-STD-1913 (AR), 3 Feb. 1995” entitled “Dimensioning of Accessory Mounting Rail for Small Arms Weapon,” and an update thereto, namely, “MIL-STD-1913 Update Notice 1, 10 Jun. 1999”) a “universal” module is advantageously provided. As shown and described in Applicant&#39;s published international application WO 2012/099876 (Appl. No. PCT/US2012/021543), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, such universal modules are characterized by direct (see e.g., WO 2012/099876, FIG. 1 or 9) or indirect means (see e.g., WO 2012/099876, FIG. 12) to readily, reliably and robustly unite an EGLM or the like with/to, for instance, a host device or tactical mount (see e.g., the M203PI Tactical from RM Equipment; see also, either of U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,412 or 7,827,721, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties). 
     As is known and appreciated, virtually any rifle or sub-gun (i.e., a host weapon) can be equipped with a grenade launcher. Again, at least in the context of the M203PI, the EGLM may be added/removed in relation to a host weapon as a supplemental device as easily as changing magazines. Moreover, owing to structural features, a single EGLM may be readily shared by grenadiers carrying different host weapons, and exchanged as needed. Thus, cross-training and tactical operations are not hardware limited, with dedicated grenadiers no longer a necessity as any/all team member(s) may suitably and advantageously have at their ready disposal an easily adapted multifunction device. 
     Beyond provisions as a supplemental device, there remains a need for dedicated, stand alone functionality, more particularly, a need for improvements with regard to stand alone versatility, namely, versatility in the context of launcher platforms. Platforms, more often than not, generally comprise those characterized by a pistol grip or a pistol grip and a stock/butt stock assembly. 
     An innovative tactical mount from RM Equipment is characterized by a novel hinge mechanism which permits ready operator conversion between hand/pistol based support/operation and shoulder based support/operation (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,412). While widely viewed as a welcome improvement over a singular firing modality platform, it is believed that a truly universal approach remains outstanding and desirable. 
     Thus, and broadly, it is desirable to provide a launcher system, characterized by a launching device, operable or otherwise, wherein the launching device may be readily utilized in either of hand held or shoulder supported postures. Moreover, in the non-limiting context of grenade launching, it is believed advantageous to offer a grenade launcher system, advantageously but not necessarily in a kit form or format, generally characterized by a grenade launcher, or replica thereof, operable or otherwise, and a launcher platform readily convertible without tools between either of a hand/pistol based operation/firing, and/or a shoulder based operation/firing, more particularly, to enable a variety of launcher modalities, whether as a supplemental or primary device, via select, no-tool operator structural additions/removals. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A launcher system, advantageously in kit form, is broadly provided. The system generally includes a launching device, operable or otherwise, a pistol grip frame characterized by a frame body and a pistol grip extending therefrom, and a stock assembly. The frame body has a first frame body portion adapted for select operative union with the launching device, and a second frame body portion adapted for select operative union with a stock assembly. The stock assembly is adapted for select operative union with the second frame body portion of the frame body of the pistol grip frame. 
     In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the system generally includes a grenade launcher, a pistol grip frame, and stock assembly. The grenade launcher is characterized by a launcher body and a barrel assembly. The pistol grip frame is characterized by a frame body and a pistol grip extending therefrom, the frame body having a first frame body portion adapted for select operative union with the grenade launcher, and a second frame body portion adapted for select operative union with the stock assembly. The stock assembly is adapted for select operative union with the second frame body portion of the frame body of the pistol grip frame. No-tool select operator union of elements of the system is enabled. 
     Provisions are advantageously made for a universal grenade launcher, or facsimille thereof, which may be readily supported, without resort to tool use, to a host structure. In the context of a stand alone weapon platform, a universal, enhanced grenade launcher module is readily and robustly mateable to a tactical mount, more particularly, a tactical mount selectively convertible between primary hand held operation and primary shoulder supported operation. A pistol grip frame includes a portion for operative receipt of the launcher, and a portion for optional operative receipt of a stock assembly. Advantageously, but not necessarily, the stock assembly is characterized by either of or both of a telescoping and folding stock. The interface for, between and among the pistol grip frame and the stock assembly is characterized by reversible locking and tension aided disassociated. An actuator for mechanical means for establishing and maintaining an interference fit for, between and among the pistol grip frame and the stock assembly is provided in recessed condition to eliminate inadvertent/unintentional disassociation of the structures. More specific features and advantages obtained in view of those features will become apparent with reference to the drawing figures and DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The apparatus, kit, assemblies, subassemblies, structures and/or elements disclosed directly or implicitly herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated. Thus, the features described and depicted herein/herewith are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive with the following brief description of the drawings and their content provided: 
         FIG. 1  depicts, left side pictorial view, assembly elements disassociated, a universal launcher system characterized by a launching device, more particularly, a grenade launcher, a pistol grip frame, and a stock assembly; 
         FIG. 2  depicts, slightly from above and front (right) to (left) rear, a right side view of the grenade launcher of  FIG. 1 , more particularly and without limitation, an M203PI characterized by a universal mounting system; 
         FIG. 3  depicts, left side pictorial view, an assembled universal launcher system comprised of the disassociated elements of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  depicts, right side pictorial view, the universal launcher assembly of  FIG. 3 , the stock assembly thereof in a compacted/folded (i.e., hingedly “closed”) condition or arrangement; 
         FIG. 5  is a fragmentary exploded perspective as per area “5”  FIG. 1 , as seen from below, to the right, and to the front, more particularly, a depiction of an operative interface for, between and among the pistol grip frame and the stock assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a fragmentary perspective view of an end portion of the pistol grip frame showing an orifice cover plug exploded therefrom, seen from below, to the right and to the rear; 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary perspective view, similar to that of  FIG. 5  &amp;  FIG. 6 , with select subassemblies, namely the pistol grip frame and stock assembly, shown exploded on an angled axis; 
         FIG. 8  is a section taken alone line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 5  &amp;  FIG. 7 ; and, 
         FIG. 9  is a section similar to that of  FIG. 8  with subassemblies shown operatively united. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A versatile, operator configurable launcher system is generally provided. While characterized as a “launcher system,” notionally an apparatus is provided to permit a hand held device (e.g., and, without limitation, a “launcher”), having general utility on its own, or general utility on its own with minimal alteration, to be utilized in the context of a frame mounted hand held assembly characterized by an operative combination of the apparatus and the device, and/or to be utilized in the context of an altered operative combination of the apparatus and the device such that a shoulder supported posture/modality for such device may be utilized. 
     As will be later detailed, the system ( FIG. 1  (unassembled) &amp;  FIG. 3  (assembled)) is advantageously, but not necessarily, characterized by a grenade launcher, or replica/facsimille thereof (operative or otherwise), a pistol or pistol grip frame, and a stock assembly. Select, no-tool operative unions are contemplated for, between and/or among the elements, i.e., those later described in relation to interfaces A &amp; B, each connoted by   ( FIG. 1 ), whereby, via provisions of a kit or the like, a universal launcher thereof ( FIG. 2 ) may be selectively combined, in the context of a stand-alone/solitary device, with a pistol grip frame, or a pistol grip frame in operative combination with a stock assembly, advantageously, but not necessarily, a “foldable” stock assembly characterized by an extendable butt stock. Select operative union for, between and among the stock assembly and pistol grip frame, which will be later detailed, are generally illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 5-9 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 1 , there is generally shown combinable elements of a grenade launcher system  10 , namely, a grenade launcher  20 , a stock assembly  50 , and a pistol grip frame  80  which essentially hosts at least the launcher, and optionally, the stock assembly. The subject elements are readily operator assembleable and/or configurable. 
     Generally, the pistol grip frame  80  includes a frame body  82  and a pistol grip  84 , characterized by a head  86  and handhold  88 , extending therefrom. The frame body  82  includes a first frame body portion  90  adapted for select operative union with the launcher  20 , and a second frame body portion  92  adapted for select operative union with stock assembly  50 . 
     The grenade launcher is advantageously, but not exclusively, characterized by an enhanced grenade launcher mount (EGLM). More particularly and preferably, provisions for an M203PI EGLM for weapons (or devices) having rails (i.e., an M203PI EGLM for operative, secure, no-tools union with a MIL-STD-1913 rail, a/k/a Picatinny or P-rail, of a weapon/device (WO 2012/099876)),  FIG. 2 , is provided, primary features thereof subsequently discussed. While the noted launcher structure and configuration is believed advantageous, the nature or character of the interface, as should be readily appreciated, need only be one of reversible affixation in relation to a host device. 
     As was earlier cited, the utility of Applicant&#39;s EGLM was improved via provisions of a tactical mount. The stand alone mount system improved upon the M79 functionality via elimination of, among other things, the bulkiness and cumbersome nature of that weapon system. The compact, light weight stand alone launcher system with a telescoping and folding stock assembly (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,412) provided a improved level of tactical flexibility. Presently, it is believed desirable and advantageous to provide an M203PI universal launcher system, advantageously in a kit format, that combines the rail mountable launcher with a tactical mounting system that can be readily converted to/from a pistol mount (i.e., the tactical mounting system is convertible between exclusive hand held operation, without forend support or with, via, e.g., an M203grip accessory (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,454,858), and shoulder supported hand held operation). 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1 ,  3  &amp;  4 , the contemplated launcher system, e.g., kit ( FIG. 1 ), generally includes a pistol grip frame  80  characterized by frame body  82  and pistol grip  84  extending therefrom, the frame body  82  having a first frame body portion  90  adapted for select operative union with grenade launcher  20  (i.e., interface A), and a second frame body portion  92  adapted for select operative union with stock assembly  50  (i.e., interface B). Both upper  94  and lower  96  portions of first frame body portion  90  include rail (i.e., P-rail) segments  98 , with the upper portion  94  of first frame body portions  94 ,  96  equipped with a sight assembly, more particularly, a centrally positioned forward leaf sight assembly  100 . A lug  102  depends from a free end of lower portion  96  of first frame body portion  90  for a mated, registered fit with an upper forward portion of a launcher body  22  of grenade launcher  20 . While particulars with regard to second frame body portion  92  of pistol grip frame  90  will be specifically discussed in connection to  FIGS. 5-9 , preliminary or threshold observations as to features and/or characteristics are generally warranted. 
     The second frame body portion  92  includes a recess or cavity  104  (see e.g., any of  FIGS. 6-8 ) for reversible receipt of a free end portion of a body  52  of stock assembly  50 , more particularly, second frame body portion  92  of pistol grip frame  90  includes a free end/free end “face”  106  adjacent the pistol grip (e.g., adjacent head  86  of the pistol grip  84 ), the free end including recess or cavity  104  for receipt of the free end portion of body  52  of stock assembly  50 . Owing to the free end recess, a free end sidewall  108  is generally defined or delimited for second frame body portion  92  of pistol grip frame  90  (e.g.,  FIG. 8 ). A portion of free end sidewall  108 , more particularly a lateral portion thereof ( FIG. 1 ), is advantageously characterized by a through-hole  110  and a dimpled area  112  surrounding same (i.e., a localized, e.g., peripheral, surface indentation). A mouth or peripheral portion  114  of free end sidewall  108  includes, in the vicinity of through-hole  110 , an interior ramped surface  116  (e.g., see any of  FIGS. 6-8 ) which extends towards and to through-hole  110  from mouth or rim  114  of free end sidewall  108 . Moreover, second frame body portion  92  of frame body  82  is advantageously, but not necessarily equipped with an anchor, more particularly, a swivel anchor (i.e., 360° rotatable structure)  118  extends from a side of second frame body portion  92 , forwardly adjacent through-hole  110  of sidewall  108 , for receipt of a strap, cord etc.  120  ( FIG. 3 ) in furtherance of securing the structure about an operator. 
     The grenade launcher of the contemplated system, note especially the device of  FIG. 2 , is generally characterized by a launcher body  22 , a barrel assembly  24  operatively supported thereby, and a barrel latch  26  operatively interposed in relation to barrel assembly  24  and launcher body  22  to maintain the barrel assembly  24  in either of an open (not shown) or closed position in furtherance of cartridge ejection/loading. The barrel assembly  24  includes a barrel  28 , a ribbed barrel handguard  30 , and a barrel rail  32 . 
     With particular reference now to  FIG. 2  launcher receiver or body  22  may be fairly characterized by a trigger assembly  34 , a barrel rail track  36  for receipt of barrel rail  32 , a forward barrel stop  38 , and an upper body surface  40  equipped with spaced apart clamping assemblies  42  for reversibly uniting launcher  20  to/with the pistol grip frame  80 , more particularly, for clamping launcher  20  to pistol grip frame  80  at/to rail segments  98  of lower portion  96  of first frame body portion  90  thereof. Advantageously, but not exclusively, the clamping assemblies  42  are characterized by self-seating clamping blocks  44 , with the upper body surface of the launcher receiver adapted and/or configured so as to permit a supremely secure and robust reversible union for the launcher to/with the rail. Again, while particulars for the universal launcher are set forth herein and (e.g., WO 2012/099876), the launcher of the subject system is not so limited to the depicted structure and/or configuration. 
     With reference again generally to  FIGS. 1 ,  3  &amp;  4 , stock assembly  50 , generally adapted for select operative union with second frame body portion  92  of frame body  82  of pistol grip frame  80 , is characterized by a body  52  and a stock or butt stock  54 . Advantageously, but not necessarily, butt stock  54  is translatable with respect to body  52  so as to be selectively and fixedly positioned in relation to a free end of body  52  so as to suit the needs of an operator. The butt stock, advantageously but not necessarily in the form of a butt stock assembly as shown, also includes an actuator  56  which is selectively engageable with an aperture of spaced apart apertures of apertured keyway (not shown) in furtherance of axial adjustment ( ) of the butt stock by an operator. 
     Preferably, but not exclusively, as shown (see especially either of  FIG. 5  or  7 ) interposed between the free end of the body and the apertured keyway thereof is a locking hinge or joint assembly  58  about which a distal portion of the stock assembly is “foldable” ( FIG. 4 ), i.e., a distal body portion  60  carries/is equipped with a first hinge portion  59 , and a proximal body portion  62  carries/is equipped with a second hinge portion  61 , the proximal body portion being pivotable about hinge pin  63 . The free end of stock assembly body  52  is adapted so as to be receivable by/at the free end of second frame body portion  92  of frame body  82  of pistol grip frame  80  for reversible fixed union thereto. More particularly, the free end of stock assembly body  52 , which advantageously includes a detent  64 , is configured for reversible receipt and locked engagement with/within the free end sidewall  108 /cavity  104  of second frame body portion  92  of pistol grip frame  80 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 5-9 , particulars of a no-tools robust, interface for, between and among pistol grip frame  80  and stock assembly  50  is generally shown. Structural particulars with regard to the free ends of the second frame body portion of the frame of the pistol grip and the stock body are to be noted. 
     The free end of second frame body portion  92  of frame body  82  of the pistol grip frame  80 , as previously noted, is characterized by recess or cavity  104  which delimits free end sidewall  108 . As shown, a cap  122  generally covers cavity entry or mouth  114 . Upon removal for operative union with the stock assembly, cap  122  may be readily, handily and securely retained withing an aperture  66  of butt stock  54  ( FIGS. 1 &amp; 3 ). Within cavity  104  of second frame body portion  92 , a resilient element, e.g., a spring  124  as shown, is generally housed to tensioningly receive the free end of stock body  52 . Although not shown, it should be appreciated that the resilient element is fixedly positioned within the cavity, as by anchoring via mechanical means, e.g., a threaded fastener or the like. 
     The free end of stock body  52  is generally configured and dimensioned for receipt and retention within cavity  104  of second frame body portion  92 . As previously noted, detent  64  tensioningly extends from a surface of the free end of stock body  52  ( FIG. 8 ), via the cooperative interface of a resilient element, e.g., a spring  68  as shown, and a set screw  70  or the like. With sufficient manipulation, detent  64  may be urged toward set screw  70  in furtherance of an operative engagement with through-hole  110  of sidewall  108  of the free end of second frame body portion  92  of frame body  82  of the pistol grip frame  90  ( FIG. 9 ). Advantageously as indicated, the free end of stock body  52  is likewise characterized by a recess  72  for receipt of the free end of spring  124  of cavity  104  of second frame body portion  92  of frame body  82  of pistol grip  80 . 
     To the extent an operator wishes to transition from a hand/pistol based operation/firing to a shoulder based operation/firing, two options are available. First, owing to the folding character of the stock assembly, an operator may readily and easily transition the  FIG. 3  system to the system configuration of  FIG. 4 . Second, in the context of a system configuration characterized by only the launcher and the pistol grip frame, the stock assembly may be readily, reliably and robustly united to such assembly. Subsequent to cap removal ( FIG. 6 ) and hosting by the butt stock, stock assembly  50  is axially aligned for registration with the free end of second frame body portion  92  of frame body  82  of the pistol grip frame  80  ( FIGS. 5 &amp; 8 ), and the ends cooperatively unite ( FIG. 9 ). As is appreciated in connection to  FIGS. 8 &amp; 9 , as the free ends commence engagement, tensioningly extending detent  64  of the free end of stock body  52  is received by/upon a ramp  117  of interior ramped surface  116  of peripheral portion  114  of free end sidewall  108  so as to load  68  spring underlaying same, and spring  124  of cavity  104  commencing compression. As the engagement proceeds, detent  64  registers with through-hole  110  and is urgingly received thereby, with the relationship for, between and among the elements of the pistol grip frame and the stock assembly as generally indicated in  FIG. 9 . To reverse the process, an operator need only locate detent  64 , which is otherwise protected from inadvertent or unintentional engagement, via what is essentially a recessed condition owing to dimpled area  112  surrounding through-hole  110 , and depress same, overcoming the biased condition, such that spring  124  of cavity  104  decompresses (i.e., axially extends) so as to release the stock assembly from the pistol grip frame and urge the former from the latter. 
     Finally, since the assemblies, subassemblies, devices, structures and/or elements disclosed directly or implicitly herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the features described and depicted herein/herewith are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. For instance, while a grenade launcher  20  is illustrated, e.g.,  FIG. 1 , the nature of the device for integration with pistol grip frame  80  need hardly be so limited, nor need the device be limited to a launching device. Suffice it to say, applicant contemplates a “black box” device which possesses a general or specific utility for integration to with at least structure  80 , and advantageously, for integration with the combination of structures  80  &amp;  50 , or equivalents thereof, as per  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, the scope of the subject invention is as defined in the language of the appended claims, and includes not insubstantial equivalents thereto.